2025/2026 Board of Directors

As specified in the Bylaws, the San Jose Woman’s Club (SJWC) is governed by a Board consisting of 14 Directors. Eight of these Directors serve as Officers.

Lynda Sereno - President  Lynda has been involved with the San Jose Woman’s Club since 2009. She is serving her second term as President and has served on the Board in many roles.  Lynda was first attracted to San Jose Woman’s Club because of the beautiful building but quickly discovered a group of like-minded women and a history of women making a change in themselves and their community that has kept her wanting to see the Club grow and prosper. Lynda is retired from a career in software development focusing on technical writing and user interface design. She has previously served as President of Silicon Valley Webgirls from 1997 to 2000, and Publicity Chair for Bay Area Computer Human Interface (BAYCHI) from 2002 to 2004. She lives in downtown San Jose.

Darlene Tenes - First Vice President. Darlene joined San Jose Woman's Club in 2017 and is serving her first term as First Vice President. Darlene was the founder of Marketing Maniacs, Inc., a Silicon Valley event marketing and management firm. Founded in 1998, the firm specialized in working with direct to consumer-based businesses and nonprofits with a special emphasis in Hispanic marketing. In 2005 she founded CasaQ, a Hispanic Lifestyle Company that provides products, services and products to people who embrace the Latino culture. She teaches event and meeting planning courses to industry professionals through San Francisco State University College Extended Learning certificate program, Silicon Valley Concierge Association, and other professional associations.  She is the founder of Farmworker Caravan, which provides support to California agricultural workers and serves on the board of History San Jose.

Janis Gemignani - Second Vice President. Janis joined SJWC in 2006 and is serving her first term as Second Vice President. She began serving on the board in 2007 and has filled many roles, including Treasurer and President. Janis is a financial professional with wide experience in corporate governance and building shareholder value. When she is not working or volunteering, she loves spending time with her family and traveling.

Karla Moreno – Treasurer.  Karla joined SJWC in 2025 and is serving her first term as Treasurer. She is a community driven professional based in Santa Clara County with a background in sociology and public health. Karla is an alumna of San José State University and brings experience in research, event coordination, and community engagement. Karla is actively involved in cultural and youth development through her leadership in a folklórico group and her work with local nonprofits. She is passionate about wellness, education, and sustainability. Karla’s connection to the San Jose Women’s Club began two years ago when she participated in a Día de los Muertos event. Inspired by the experience, she chose to volunteer and later became a member, seeking to contribute to a community of like-minded women. She is excited to share her knowledge and celebrate her culture through her involvement with the club.

Meena Sequeira-Tapsall– Assistant Treasurer. Meena joined SJWC in 2025 and is serving her first term as Assistant Treasurer. Her career is in technology sales and she is a Limited Partner with the venture firm Stage 2 Capital. Meena is inspired by the mission of the San Jose Women’s Club and its long-standing dedication to civic engagement, philanthropy, and the empowerment of women. Giving has always been a core part of who she is — she has consistently supported friends, family, her community, and those less fortunate, and believes deeply in the power of generosity to create meaningful impact. Meena is excited about the opportunity to serve as Assistant Treasurer, using her deep experience in sales leadership, financial oversight, and strategic planning, along with a strong commitment to community-centered organizations, to help ensure strong financial stewardship and transparency while supporting the organization’s continued growth and impact. She looks forward to collaborating with fellow board members to uphold the Club’s legacy and expand its contributions to the San Jose community.

April Halberstadt– House Manager April joined SJWC in 1997, and is serving her second term as House President. She has served on the board in many roles, including President, and she is the SJWC Historian. She is an acclaimed historian who holds a Master's Degree in American History from San Jose State with a specialization in California and Woman's history and Bachelor's Degree in Urban Geography and History. April  is the author of 14 books on local history and historical topics. She is very active in the community and also serves on the board of the Sourisseau Academy at San Jose State University and the San Jose Fire Museum. She She and her husband live in downtown San Jose.

Guadalupe Moreno - Recording Secretary. Guadalupe joined SJWC in 2025 and is serving her first term as Recording Secretary. She is a nonprofit leader and organizer with a BA in Sociology from San Jose State University and an AA in Psychology. Guadalupe co-founded and served as the President of the SJSU Women Wellness Club. A student-led space for women and allies. As Director of Operations at DREAMers Roadmap, she supports migrant and first-generation students through a scholarship and resource app and the Supplies4Farmworker campaign. She also volunteers widely and leads local workshops and events for various groups and non-profits. Guadalupe joined SJWC for its historic legacy, its local impact through scholarships and nonprofit funding, its role as a gathering place for engagement and social connection, and the opportunity to help welcome people who haven't always seen themselves in spaces like this. When she's not working or volunteering, Guadalupe cherishes time with her family.

Lydia Patino - Corresponding Secretary. Lydia joined the San Jose Woman’s Club in 2016 and is serving her first term as Corresponding Secretary. Since joining the Club she has been an active volunteer, and has held various Board positions, including President. She currently works in the High-Tech arena offering Managed Service Engagements to a book of clients. She has a BA degree in Music Performance from San Jose State University, an MBA from University of Phoenix, and is also a certified PMP Project Manager. She lives in the San Jose Rose Garden area where she owns a 97-year-old home that takes lots of loving care. When she’s not working on her home, she loves to travel, bake, listen to live music, or help out at a friend’s winery.

Rev. Deacon Kathleen Crowe - Director of Academic Outreach - term ends 2029.  Kathey joined San Jose Woman's Club in 2019 and is serving her second term as Director of Academic Outreach. She is a member of the Besse Book Group. Kathey is the Episcopal Chaplain at San Jose State University and serves on the board of the Canterbury Bridge Episcopal Campus Ministry, which serves all students- regardless of religious affiliation. Kathey is active with San Jose State University's programs that serve students, including SJSU Cares, Spartan Pantry and the SJSU Emergency Community Response Team. 

Charity M. Burton - Director of Community - term ends 2028. Charity Burton, a member of the San Jose Women's Club since 2022, is now proudly in her second term as Director of Community. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, she has embraced California as home, primarily rooted in the South Bay. As a dedicated mother of five and a grandmother, she is passionate about uplifting the community. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in Justice Studies at San Jose State University, which further fuels her mission to inspire others. She aims to share her testimony with those facing challenges, proving that resilience and faith can indeed move mountains. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, inspiring others to overcome their own challenges. As an African American woman in today’s world, she stands firm in her belief that we can be victorious over adversity, transforming our struggles into powerful triumphs.

Eileen Hunter- Director of Community Engagement- term ends 2027.  Eileen joined San Jose Woman's Club in 2013 and is serving her first term as Director of Community Engagement.  She came to the Club when the organization she founded, Be a Dear and Donate a Brassiere became a part of the San Jose Woman's Club. As Chair of the Be a Dear and Donate a Brassiere Group, Eileen spearheaded services to underserved women, including providing more than 50,000 bras, organizing events and fundraisers including the annual Communi-TEA and OktoBRAfest. She helped found Women's Gathering Place, which offered daytime respite for women and co-founded OnRoute22, a non-profit that encourages supportive community, empowerment, accountability and advocacy for homeless and at-risk women through workshops and volunteerism.  When Eileen is not busy volunteering she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her new granddaughter. 

Claudia Corino - Director of Events - term ends 2029. Claudia joined SJWC in 2022 and is serving her first term as Director of Events. She has previously served as First Vice President and Director. As a Project Executive at IBM, she has a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry with Global teams. Skilled in Service Delivery, Strategic Leadership, Customer Relationship Manager Project Management Methodologies, and Business Process Improvement, in addition to strong account management and operations, she helps organizations personalize and improve customers and employee experiences.

Lisa Buchanan – Director of Grants and Charitable Giving – term ends 2028. Lisa joined the San Jose Woman's Club in 2015 and is serving her first term as Director of Grants and Charitable Giving. She has volunteered with the Club since joining, serving on the Board, most recently as President, and Co-Chairing our Best Furry Friends Group. She is a lover of art, music, cooking and animals. As a highly accomplished, dedicated operations and technology leader with business expertise in mergers and acquisitions and program and project management, she is a Director of Operations and Program Management with eBay. A long time resident of downtown San Jose, Lisa has served on other local boards including CityLights Theater and Paseo Plaza Homeowners Association, and is excited to once again serve the Club. As a board member of the the San Jose Woman's Club for many years, she counts Club members as some of her closest friends.

Cici Green - Director of Membership and Mentoring - term ends 2027.  Cici joined San Jose Woman's Club in 2011 and is serving her first term as Director of Membership and Mentoring. She Co-Chairs SJWC's annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party and is a member of the Besse Book Group.  Cici is an active member of the community and has served on the board of Preservation Action Council San Jose and is a member of the Victorian Preservation Society

1894 Miss Frances M. Estabrook first chairman
1895 Mrs. S. E. McNeil first president
1898–1900 Mrs. Louise C. Jones
1900–1902 Mrs. E. O. Smith
1902–1904 Mrs. W. C. Kennedy
1904–1906 Mrs. Alex P. Murgotten
1906–1908 Mrs. W. B. Hill
1908–1909 Mrs.Viola Price Franklin
1909–1911 Mrs. A. A. Fowler
1911–1912 Mrs. J. V. Haley
1912–1913 Mrs. C. E. Randall
1913–1914 Mrs. O. P. Shrout
1914–1915 Mrs. J. E. Hancock
1915–1916 Mrs. Gyp Schumaker-Swain
1916–1917 Mrs. Paul Clark
1917–1918 Mrs. Elizabeth Grey
1918 Mrs. Sheldon Wills
1918–1919 Mrs. A. D. Grant
1919–1920 Mrs. F. H. Eastey
1920–1921 Mrs. Eva Stahl
1921–1922 Mrs.John G. Jury
1922–1923 Miss Jessie Williamson
1923–1924 Mrs. J.W. Nixon
1924–1925 Mrs.Carol Kapp Vorsanger
1925–1927 Mrs. Gertrude S. Hurff
1927–1929 Mrs. A. D. Grant
1929–1930 Miss May B. Barker
1930–1931 Mrs. George H. Ballantyne

1931–1932 Mrs. Fred Doerr
1932–1934 Mrs. Arthur H. Gossling
1934–1936 Mrs. H. Spencer Lewis
1936–1939 Mrs. George L. Sullivan
1939–1941 Mrs. Etta Waddington Smith
1941–1942 Mrs. W. F. Curry
1942–1943 Mrs. George Hampsch
1943–1944 Mrs. J. E.Witherspoon
1944–1945 Mrs. Herbert F. Fisher
1945–1946 Mrs. Charles J. Archambeault
1946–1947 Mrs. Arthur C. Heisen
1947–1949 Mrs. Ernest P. Hockenbeamer
1949–1950 Mrs. Charles Hillis
1950–1951 Mrs. Roland F. Everhart
1951–1953 Mrs. Bert Gale
1953–1955 Mrs. Virgil E.Curtis
1955–1956 Mrs. Ray Souden
1956–1957 Mrs. John D. Robertson
1957–1958 Mrs. Chase Stevens
1958–1959 Mrs. Byron Moore
1959–1960 Mrs. John B. Prolo
1961–1962 Mrs. Peter Mancuso
1962–1963 Mrs. John Cangiamila
1963–1965 Mrs. J.J.Jenkinson
1965–1966 Mrs. Edward O. Johnson
1966–1967 Mrs. Edward B.Campbell
1967–1968 Mrs. Edward R.Terra
1968–1970 Mrs.John P. Benevento

1970–1972 Mrs.C. S. Nebecker
1972–1974 Mrs.Henri Lecat
1974–1976 Mrs. Edward V. Rawlinson
1976–1978 Mrs. Sylvan Rosenzweig
1978–1980 Mrs. Fritz Hargesheimer
1980–1982 Mrs. Peter Hansen
1982–1984 Mrs. Jack McCann
1984–1986 Mrs. Joseph Owens
1986–1987 Mrs. Richard Wheaton
1987–1989 Mrs. Earl Dailey
1989–1991 Mrs. Peter Hansen
1991–1992 Evelyn Ucovich
1992–1993 Mildred Moyer
1993–1996 Jeanne McCann
1996–1999 Mary Elizabeth Nichols
1999– 2001 Alma Taylor
2001–2002 Diana Wirt
2002–2004 Penny Donovan
2004–2006 Rosalie Eisen
2006–2008 Sally Beste
2008–2009 Sally Beste, protem
2009–2011 April Halberstadt
2011–2013 Patricia Curia
2013–2015 Janis Gemignani
2015–2016 Betty Sleeth
2016–2018 Lisa Buchanan
2018–2020 Lydia Patino
2020–2022 Christine Kraft
2022–2024 Lydia Patino
2024–2025 Lisa Buchanan