Women's Empowerment Series - Leading Women of Marin

The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Women of Industry Committee will be hosting another Women's Empowerment Series event, Leading Women of Marin, featuring San Rafael's first female Mayor - Mayor Elect Kate Colin and Helen Russell - CEO, Equator Coffee and  moderated by Pam Cook, KTVU News Anchor.

Kate Colin
Kate loves San Rafael for its diversity of people, wonderful neighborhoods and beautiful open space.  Kate joined the San Rafael City Council in January 2013 and is recognized for her ability to listen and connect with the community; whether the conversation is with a few folks or an entire neighborhood association, she wants to be talking about the issues that are important to San Rafael. Kate has a MBA from Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a BA from Dartmouth College.

Helen Russell
Helen is the co-founder and CEO of Equator Coffees, a specialty roaster based in Marin County, CA. Helen led Equator to become California?s first Certified B Corporation coffee roaster.  In 2016 Equator became the first LGBT Certified business to win the SBA Small Business of the Year for the State of California. In addition to Helen?s focus on Equator?s success, she has volunteered her time and business experience to local and international organizations supporting women and the environment. Helen holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University in Boston.

Pamela Cook
Pam anchors the KTVU Channel 2 Morning News, and is in charge of the business stories. She learned about Wall Street, finance, and investing, while working on the trading floor of Montgomery Securities, formerly a top West Coast brokerage firm. Proud to be a third generation Californian, Pam was born and raised in San Diego where most of her family still lives. She graduated from UCLA with a major in economics and credits that degree and business experience with getting her job at KTVU.  

Lenice Smith
Lenice has been the Executive Director at BloomMarin.org for the past 2 years. Bloom is a volunteer based nonprofit organization that provides free clothing to all (here in Marin County).  Lenice is a 17 year resident of Novato. While working full time she received her MBA from across the bridge at Golden Gate University.  She enjoys spending time with her family but playing music and chocolate covered gummy bears are a close 2nd and 3rd.