“Caring for Yourself and for One Another”

Nontombi Naomi Tutu, our Keynote Speaker, will talk about the need for women to incoporate self-care and care for one another into their community and civic lives. Ms. Tutu is a passionate advocate for both peace and human rights. She has an extensive background in addressing the human rights of women and the global problem of intimate violence. Being the daughter of acclaimed South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu has helped open many doors throughout the world for Ms. Tutu, but it is the life experiences of growing up black and female in her racially oppressed homeland that have made her an internationally recognized speaker, author, and consultant on gender, race and human relations. Those experiences have taught her how much we all lose when any of us is judged purely on physical attributes. In her speeches, Ms. Tutu blends a passion for human dignity with humor and personal stories. She is a single mother of three and currently lives in Tennessee.

“Power Partnerships”

Kim Schultz, an Executive Leadership Coach, will take you on a journey to explore the possibilities of creating a power partnership and determine your destiny in the community. She will give you the tools you need to look at the two aspects of a partnership—personal and purpose—that will help you attract that perfect partner. Ms. Schultz has been empowering individuals, small-business owners, and entrepreneurs for over 10 years through powerful system development and self-exploration. She helps her clients renew their lives and leadership roles; refocus their personal resourcefulness; limit their negative behavior patterns; and increase their resilience and flexibility. 

“Find Your Voice—Find Your Strength”

Joelle Gomez has been Executive Director of the Women’s Center of San Joaquin County since 1997. She will speak about the services offered by the Women’s Center in an inspirational light, focusing on empowering women to find their own strength. From 1992 to 1995, Ms. Gomez served as the Development Director of the Women’s Center, raising over one million dollars from both private and public resources, enabling the Center to maintain and grow critical services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Most recently, she was selected as a member of the Attorney General Bill Lockyer’s Task Force on the Criminal Justice Response to Domestic Violence. Ms. Gomez is passionate about her work, empowering women and children, as well as using her fundraising and grant-writing skills to benefit others. She is a graduate of the University of San Francisco and attended Oxford University in England. 

“Keeping You Safe”

Irene Rose is a Crime Prevention Specialist for the Tracy Police Department. She earned an A.A. in Administration of Justice in Delta College’s first-ever Police Academy. Ms. Rose began her career with the Tracy P.D. in 1988 as a Reserve Officer. In 1993, she became Tracy’s first Community Service Officer. Today, as a Crime Prevention Specialist, she has revamped and revitalized the Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch Programs and has organized the Volunteers in Police Service Program. Last year, Ms. Rose received an award from Senator Barbara Boxer for Community Enrichment. Her overriding goal is to make a noticeable difference in the ever-changing and growing community of Tracy. Ms. Rose has been married for 41 years to her husband George. They have three children and ten grandchildren.