2025 Inspirational Women
Paula Boland
Paula Boland has been a long-term stakeholder for over 50 years in the San Fernando Valley. Paula was first elected to the 38th Assembly District and served the maximum under California term limits.
Paula made history as the first women and non-lawyer to chair the State Assembly Public Safety Committee. Paula and her staff were active in crafting the “Three Strikes Law of California,” as well as Megan’s Law, that pioneered the registration of sex offenders nationwide. She also created laws that remove the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse and many others to protect victims’ rights, including “One Strike and You’re Out” sentencing for child molesters.
Paula earned the respect of law enforcement officials and victims’ groups throughout the State and among her many awards was “Legislative Award of the Year from the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.
Paula is a strong supporter of local police who serves the Los Angeles Police Department as a member of its Oral Review Board. She helped create its business watch, which served as the model for the successful “Neighborhood Watch” program that was formed later.
Paula was a champion for small business and the concepts of the free enterprise system. She served on the Board of Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce. She also helped, found and served as Vice President of the United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley.
Paula’s achievements have earned her numerous citations for her tireless civic efforts from the San Fernando Valley Business & Professional Association, California America Mothers Inc, San Fernando Valley Bar Association, the Los Angeles City Council District, and the Granada hills Chamber of Commerce. She was honored to be the first California Legislator to receive the Armand Arabian “Leaders in Public Service Award!
Paula’s story continues as she is currently an active member and Founding Director of the LAPD VALLEY BUREAU FOUNDATION!
Paula made history as the first women and non-lawyer to chair the State Assembly Public Safety Committee. Paula and her staff were active in crafting the “Three Strikes Law of California,” as well as Megan’s Law, that pioneered the registration of sex offenders nationwide. She also created laws that remove the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse and many others to protect victims’ rights, including “One Strike and You’re Out” sentencing for child molesters.
Paula earned the respect of law enforcement officials and victims’ groups throughout the State and among her many awards was “Legislative Award of the Year from the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.
Paula is a strong supporter of local police who serves the Los Angeles Police Department as a member of its Oral Review Board. She helped create its business watch, which served as the model for the successful “Neighborhood Watch” program that was formed later.
Paula was a champion for small business and the concepts of the free enterprise system. She served on the Board of Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce. She also helped, found and served as Vice President of the United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley.
Paula’s achievements have earned her numerous citations for her tireless civic efforts from the San Fernando Valley Business & Professional Association, California America Mothers Inc, San Fernando Valley Bar Association, the Los Angeles City Council District, and the Granada hills Chamber of Commerce. She was honored to be the first California Legislator to receive the Armand Arabian “Leaders in Public Service Award!
Paula’s story continues as she is currently an active member and Founding Director of the LAPD VALLEY BUREAU FOUNDATION!
Jill Mather
Approximately 4 years ago, during the Pandemic, as a way to do something positive, Jill Mather began a solo project of cleaning up trash during her daily walks through Chatsworth. From this came what today is VCC, Volunteers Cleaning Communities, with Jill as the President and Founder.
VCC is a group of citizens, neighbors and organizations committed to restoring our neighborhoods to a pride of ownership 5-7 days a week. She has organized group cleanup days with many local schools, teaching young people the power of volunteerism and the value of taking ownership and pride of their neighborhoods.
Jill created a 501C3, a website, bi-weekly newsletter, purchased supplies for the volunteers and is a liaison with her local Councilmember’s office. The challenge of accomplishing this during that stressful time was great, but her organizational talents and professional expertise enabled her to turn it into a successful and effective organization, which continues today.
The West San Fernando Valley is the primary community benefiting from VCC’s cleanup efforts. Jill has inspired the creation of the Westside/South San Fernando Valley VCC group, so the range of communities being served continues to grow through VCC Leaders. There are also regular North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Encino and Tarzana Cleanup events!
Jill’s inspiration comes from her work ethic, energy, and can-do attitude. No job is too big or too small for her. She treats her volunteers with warmth and respect and has their respect as well! Jill stays busy by also serving on the board of Chatsworth Kiwanis, Chatsworth Neighborhood Council, Keep LA Beautiful, Diamondhead Homeowners Association and Chatsworth Women’s Club.
VCC created by Jill helps to ameliorate the visible effects of the issues many of our communities are experiencing, while also creating and inspiring an army of caring volunteers. Jill is out there working side by side, for our community, and right along with her volunteers!
VCC is a group of citizens, neighbors and organizations committed to restoring our neighborhoods to a pride of ownership 5-7 days a week. She has organized group cleanup days with many local schools, teaching young people the power of volunteerism and the value of taking ownership and pride of their neighborhoods.
Jill created a 501C3, a website, bi-weekly newsletter, purchased supplies for the volunteers and is a liaison with her local Councilmember’s office. The challenge of accomplishing this during that stressful time was great, but her organizational talents and professional expertise enabled her to turn it into a successful and effective organization, which continues today.
The West San Fernando Valley is the primary community benefiting from VCC’s cleanup efforts. Jill has inspired the creation of the Westside/South San Fernando Valley VCC group, so the range of communities being served continues to grow through VCC Leaders. There are also regular North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Encino and Tarzana Cleanup events!
Jill’s inspiration comes from her work ethic, energy, and can-do attitude. No job is too big or too small for her. She treats her volunteers with warmth and respect and has their respect as well! Jill stays busy by also serving on the board of Chatsworth Kiwanis, Chatsworth Neighborhood Council, Keep LA Beautiful, Diamondhead Homeowners Association and Chatsworth Women’s Club.
VCC created by Jill helps to ameliorate the visible effects of the issues many of our communities are experiencing, while also creating and inspiring an army of caring volunteers. Jill is out there working side by side, for our community, and right along with her volunteers!
Susan Pomerantz
Prior to her role as Director of Volunteer Services at the Jewish home for the Aging, Sue began as a volunteer herself. Since her start she has created an intergenerational program between high school students and the residents, that was beloved by all.
Sue then went on to pioneer the field of assisting families to find options for seniors needing residential care.
As a founding Board Member of MAPS Charities, Susan spent the next 15 years dedicated to the Mission of Assisting Vulnerable Seniors in Los Angeles County. She served first as Secretary and is now serving as Vice President of the Board. She recently created an Advisory Council to further enhance the presence of the charity throughout the community.
In her role as CEO of “Concepts for Living”, she inaugurated and ran “NAG”, a Networking Organization for Professionals in field of Geriatric Services. The services that she and her team created provided a security blanket for families and their seniors as their circumstances change.
“Concepts for Living” offers guidance and consultation for the seniors of LA and Ventura Counties with a primary focus on the San Fernando Valley.
As a former member of the Board of OPICA, as well as a current member of their advisory council, Sue has fostered and developed community interest and service in many individuals. With the help of the creation of the Advisory Council with MAPS Charities, Sue continues spreading the good word as to the purpose of these organizations
Sue then went on to pioneer the field of assisting families to find options for seniors needing residential care.
As a founding Board Member of MAPS Charities, Susan spent the next 15 years dedicated to the Mission of Assisting Vulnerable Seniors in Los Angeles County. She served first as Secretary and is now serving as Vice President of the Board. She recently created an Advisory Council to further enhance the presence of the charity throughout the community.
In her role as CEO of “Concepts for Living”, she inaugurated and ran “NAG”, a Networking Organization for Professionals in field of Geriatric Services. The services that she and her team created provided a security blanket for families and their seniors as their circumstances change.
“Concepts for Living” offers guidance and consultation for the seniors of LA and Ventura Counties with a primary focus on the San Fernando Valley.
As a former member of the Board of OPICA, as well as a current member of their advisory council, Sue has fostered and developed community interest and service in many individuals. With the help of the creation of the Advisory Council with MAPS Charities, Sue continues spreading the good word as to the purpose of these organizations
Dr. Iris Stone
Dr. Stone shifted her career path to Audiology once she found herself as a single parent, wanting to prioritize being present, while raising her two young children, while continuing to offer healthcare to pediatrics and patients of all ages.
She earned her master’s degrees from New York University and St. John’s University in Education, Health Administration and Audiology. She earned her Doctorate in Audiology from A.T. Still University in Arizona. She is a Fellow of The American Academy of Audiology, The Academy of Doctors of Audiology and the California Academy of Audiology.
Iris Stone, AUD.FAAA, holds licenses in Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing in the states of New York and California.
Dr. Stone has a unique style of listening to the concerns of each individual patient and helps to find solutions based on their acoustic and cosmetic needs while also considering their budget. Her focus is on her patient’s lifestyle, always delivering professional, unhurried care with a complete
follow-up.
She provides the deeply rewarding experience of a child hearing for the first time with cochlear implant.
Dr. Stone is also an active member with the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce. She hosts educational seminars and offers complimentary hearing screenings for the community members. She is a consistent volunteer, promoting local businesses as well as making financial contributions to non-profits organizations along with support.
Dr. Stone was recently awarded the prestigious 2025 Chairman’s Award by the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce. This distinguished honor recognizes her outstanding contributions to the community and Chamber alike while highlighting her role as a key figure in shaping our local landscape!
She earned her master’s degrees from New York University and St. John’s University in Education, Health Administration and Audiology. She earned her Doctorate in Audiology from A.T. Still University in Arizona. She is a Fellow of The American Academy of Audiology, The Academy of Doctors of Audiology and the California Academy of Audiology.
Iris Stone, AUD.FAAA, holds licenses in Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing in the states of New York and California.
Dr. Stone has a unique style of listening to the concerns of each individual patient and helps to find solutions based on their acoustic and cosmetic needs while also considering their budget. Her focus is on her patient’s lifestyle, always delivering professional, unhurried care with a complete
follow-up.
She provides the deeply rewarding experience of a child hearing for the first time with cochlear implant.
Dr. Stone is also an active member with the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce. She hosts educational seminars and offers complimentary hearing screenings for the community members. She is a consistent volunteer, promoting local businesses as well as making financial contributions to non-profits organizations along with support.
Dr. Stone was recently awarded the prestigious 2025 Chairman’s Award by the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce. This distinguished honor recognizes her outstanding contributions to the community and Chamber alike while highlighting her role as a key figure in shaping our local landscape!
Judith Verduzco
Judith Verduzco, LCSW, MPA is a compassionate mental health therapist, advocate, and community leader dedicated to helping individuals heal, grow, and thrive. As the founder of Monarchs Therapy, a virtual mental health practice in California, Judith specializes in supporting adults navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and more. Her warm, integrative, and culturally inclusive approach honors each client’s unique story, empowering them to reconnect with their inner strength and resilience. Judith’s own lived experience with anxiety and trauma deeply informs her empathy, insight, and commitment to walking alongside clients on their healing journey.
Outside the therapy room, Judith is also the co-founder of Palomas Ink, a creative space where she co-authored the children’s book Maral & Lupita: A Celebration of Friendship, exploring themes of kindness, belonging, and acceptance. Her passion for storytelling reflects her belief in the power of connection and healing through shared experiences and creative arts modalities.
A lifelong learner with a Master of Social Work from USC and a Master of Public Administration from CSUN, Judith’s impact extends far beyond individual sessions. She is a founding member of the Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness, part of Rotary District 5280, which spans across LA County including the San Fernando Valley and surrounding cities. Through her leadership, the club has launched numerous community-based projects that promote mental health awareness and support underserved populations.
Judith has played a key role in developing and implementing mental health initiatives in schools, mentoring emerging social workers, and distributing coping kits to pediatric burn survivors and elderly residents in nursing home facilities. She also led efforts to revamp a local American Legion post—transforming it into a welcoming, inclusive space for community gatherings and creating a designated room focused on emotional wellness for veterans. While the club does not provide direct mental health services, Judith ensures that each project thoughtfully incorporates mental health principles and advocacy into its design and impact.
Her commitment to social change, cultural humility, and equity in care continues to foster sustainable systems of support for individuals and families across diverse communities.
In her free time, Judith enjoys nature walks, traveling, reading, writing, gardening, and spending time with her beloved senior pets, Pinot and Geo. At the heart of everything she does is a belief in the ‘butterfly effect’—that even the smallest acts of compassion can create ripples of lasting change.
Outside the therapy room, Judith is also the co-founder of Palomas Ink, a creative space where she co-authored the children’s book Maral & Lupita: A Celebration of Friendship, exploring themes of kindness, belonging, and acceptance. Her passion for storytelling reflects her belief in the power of connection and healing through shared experiences and creative arts modalities.
A lifelong learner with a Master of Social Work from USC and a Master of Public Administration from CSUN, Judith’s impact extends far beyond individual sessions. She is a founding member of the Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness, part of Rotary District 5280, which spans across LA County including the San Fernando Valley and surrounding cities. Through her leadership, the club has launched numerous community-based projects that promote mental health awareness and support underserved populations.
Judith has played a key role in developing and implementing mental health initiatives in schools, mentoring emerging social workers, and distributing coping kits to pediatric burn survivors and elderly residents in nursing home facilities. She also led efforts to revamp a local American Legion post—transforming it into a welcoming, inclusive space for community gatherings and creating a designated room focused on emotional wellness for veterans. While the club does not provide direct mental health services, Judith ensures that each project thoughtfully incorporates mental health principles and advocacy into its design and impact.
Her commitment to social change, cultural humility, and equity in care continues to foster sustainable systems of support for individuals and families across diverse communities.
In her free time, Judith enjoys nature walks, traveling, reading, writing, gardening, and spending time with her beloved senior pets, Pinot and Geo. At the heart of everything she does is a belief in the ‘butterfly effect’—that even the smallest acts of compassion can create ripples of lasting change.
The United Chambers Inspirational Women Awards annually recognize women of outstanding achievement who have inspired others with their individual stories and accomplishments.
Established by the United Chambers in 2015, it has become a cherished Valley tradition. In particular, the United Chambers seeks nominees who have not always been in the spotlight or who have not been previously acknowledged - women who could be described as low profile or behind the scenes workers who have overcome unique challenges in finding ways to serve their communities.
The Inspirational Women awards recognize women not only for their successes but for how they have inspired others, served as mentors and, through their contributions, made the San Fernando Valley a better place. Organizations and businesses across the San Fernando Valley are invited to submit their nominations for candidates in the spring. The recipients are honored at the Inspirational Women of the San Fernando Valley Awards luncheon, attended by the San Fernando Valley’s community, business and elected leaders as well as previous honorees.
Honorees are selected from a wide array of industries including, but not limited to, business, social services, health care and medicine, education, community advocacy, arts, government and non-profit. The honorees are chosen by a United Chambers committee composed of previous award winners and community leaders.
Established by the United Chambers in 2015, it has become a cherished Valley tradition. In particular, the United Chambers seeks nominees who have not always been in the spotlight or who have not been previously acknowledged - women who could be described as low profile or behind the scenes workers who have overcome unique challenges in finding ways to serve their communities.
The Inspirational Women awards recognize women not only for their successes but for how they have inspired others, served as mentors and, through their contributions, made the San Fernando Valley a better place. Organizations and businesses across the San Fernando Valley are invited to submit their nominations for candidates in the spring. The recipients are honored at the Inspirational Women of the San Fernando Valley Awards luncheon, attended by the San Fernando Valley’s community, business and elected leaders as well as previous honorees.
Honorees are selected from a wide array of industries including, but not limited to, business, social services, health care and medicine, education, community advocacy, arts, government and non-profit. The honorees are chosen by a United Chambers committee composed of previous award winners and community leaders.