LAS DISTINGUIDAS CELEBRATES AMAZING THREE
Our Las Distinguidas Honorees were presented at our April 2021 Branch meeting. We are expanding the bios that appeared in the April GWA-AAUW newsletter and including a picture of each honoree.
CONGRATULATIONS to Linda Eagan, Judi Henderson, and Petra Schmischke, three truly amazing women who have contributed so much to our community.
Linda Eagan was nominated by The Assistance League of Whittier. She has served numerous positions including President during her tenure. Through her technological expertise, Linda created and managed ALW’s Facebook page, served as webmaster, newsletter editor, and implemented the Work Ability1Program, helping youth with disabilities receive work experience at ALW’s Thrift Store. Linda’s sorority, Alpha Xi Delta in Vermillion, SD stated Linda was the catalyst to start a fundraising drive to tear down and build a new $1,800,000 sorority house, which was completed and opened in 2017. While living in Japan for over six years with her husband, Linda joined College Women’s Association of Japan and headed a public relations committee that was responsible for raising money for scholarships to help educate women and girls. The nominations stated that Linda’s exceptional abilities and personal qualities make everyone around her want to become involved in whatever cause she supports.
Judith Henderson was nominated by the Whittier Historical Society. She served on numerous committees and has been an active member for over 20 years, helping to streamline hiring policies, job descriptions, and led the hiring selection committee with her experience at Rio Hondo College. Judi’s education is definitely broad in its focus and surely commendable. A.S. Rio Hondo, B.A. in Psychology (CSULA), M.A. and PhD in Experimental Psychology (USC), and a JD from Western State School of Law. Judi served as a Professor of Psychology at Rio Hondo Community College from 1974-1999. Judy has been involved in the Whittier community as a member of League of Women Voters, board member of First Day, Whittier Historical Society & Museum, Whittier City School District Educational Foundation, and Soroptimist International of Whittier. Her work with Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. has seen Judy and her beloved dog visiting at the Whittier Library, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, and at Oakmont of Whittier, Luxurious Retirement Living.
Petra Schmischke was nominated by Studio Danza with additional letters of support from Soroptimist International of Whittier and the Women’s & Children’s Crisis Shelter. She has been instrumental in Studio Danza’s incorporation into a 501 (c) (3). Teaching over 2,400 Zumba classes, Petra has generated $50,000 to support Studio Danza programs, including dance lessons for children who otherwise may not have been able to afford lessons. Additionally, Petra is a 13 year board member of Soroptimist International of Whittier and a 6 year board member of the Women’s & Children’s Crisis Shelter. Soroptimist stated Petra’s expertise with budget, insurance, and financials, in addition to her cheerful presence and enthusiasm has definitely helped keep SIW functioning well. Women’s & Children’s Shelter invited Petra to participate on their board where she now serves as Treasurer and chairs the Finance Committee. Jeff Ball, CEO/President of Friendly Hills Bank, related a story about how calm Petra remained when a boy decided to use the bank’s temporary building as target practice. He knew then he could count on her to keep her cool during any stressful time the bank might experience.
