Women who mean business--2006 honorees.
Susan Basler
Director of Marketing and Development
Valley Village
Not for Profit Leadership Award
Susan Basler did not know that when she first started out as the Manager of Domestic and International Sales for Universal Studios twenty years ago, she would leave the company and enter the world of not for profit. A "stellar professional" in her field, Susan Basler is now the Director of Marketing and Development for Valley Village, a non-profit organization helping those with developmental disabilities. Basler turned Valley Village into a $13 million dollar organization, improving the quality of life for those with developmental disabilities by opening a new house for residents with-severe disabilities and new day programs. Before working with Valley Village, Basler was responsible for business development for Central-City Association--a business advocacy group, representing 250 of the Fortune 500 companies. Basler received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart in Purchase, NY.
Selena B. Birk
General Manager
Van Nuys Airport
Woman of Distinction Award
Selena Birk is the first female to be appointed airport manager of a City of Los Angeles owned and operated airport. Birk, as General Manager for Van Nuys Airport, oversees all operations and administration and has worked for Van Nuys for 6 years. Her other responsibilities during her 16 years with Los Angeles World Airports included system development for ID badges and access control, risk management. budgeting, and contract management at LAX. Birk holds a bachelor's degree in behavioral science from California Polytechnic University in Pomona and is completing an MBA in aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She is on the Boards of the San Fernando Valley Economic Alliance and the Mid-Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Jane Boeckmann
President
World of Communications Inc.
Philanthropist of the Year Award
A businesswoman, philanthropist, humanitarian, religious and civic leader, wife and mother--Jane Boeckmann is a woman of diverse accomplishments. Boeckmann is the President of World of Communications, Inc., Publisher and Editor in Chief of Valley Magazine, and is the Corporate Treasurer for Galpin Motors. Boeckmann had an award named in her honor, the Jane Boeckmann Humanitarian Award, by the Cultural Foundation and the Cultural Society, recognizing those who exemplified her dedication, leadership and commitment to the community. Boeckmann has been involved with countless businesses and community organizations. She is on the Board of Directors for the Economic Alliance, San Fernando Valley and the Valley Industry and Commerce Association. She is also the National Co-Chair for the Parents Television Council and on the Board of Governors for the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. Boeckmann is devoted to her husband Herbert F. Boeckmann II and five children.