I asked our community to nominate outstanding women in Orange County who are civically engaged and committed to improving our communities. I got promoted within my office from there and I ended up spending seven years with the congressman. Michelle and Melissa clicked, and the two developed a bond of friendship throughout Obamas campaign. And kids do crazy, unpredictable, funny things. Michelle Eunjoo Park Steel, State Assemblymember Jeff Miller (Feb. 2009-May 2009), Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) Office: In the film, we get a backstage view of Michelles promotional book tour, along with some bonus insights on the drastic life changes, since moving out of the White House. She doesnt have to do that stuff anymore.. taken in 2022 Town Halls. He first served as a student intern when Supervisor Foley was the Mayor of Costa Mesa and now attends California State University, Fullerton where he majors in Political Science. To this day, I dont know what came over me. [I got hired] to work in [California Rep.] Norman Minetas office. After we won [the election in 2008], we got in this sort of surreal motorcade down to Grant Park. Every single night on his drive home, Id connect him on the phone to his mother, who each and every night sounded like it was like the greatest thing in the world that she was on the phone with Joey. It was a tough time. GOP takes control of the House with party's future still uncertain, Midterm elections roundup: Seven House races still uncalled, Most members of Congress seeking another office fell short this cycle, Bowser: Effort to overturn D.C. crime law is 'indignity' facing city. She is a cancer survivor, volunteer and advocate for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. New York-01: Nicholas LaLota, Suffolk County Legislature chief of staff. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh looks to his staff after giving his weekly COVID-19 update, March 19, 2021, in Boston, while chief of Health and Human Services Marty Martinez speaks. Kalvin is the Constituent Services Manager representing the cities of Anaheim, Orange, and Tustin. Along with her career accomplishments, Lisa has invested much of her time and attention into selflessly serving the local community through several recognized organizations and philanthropic endeavors through Orange County United Way and OCAPICA. His duties include assisting residents who contact the office, attending community events and ribbon cuttings, event planning, updating cities and elected officials in the district about the priorities and initiatives of Supervisor Foley and the County of Orange. @WaysandMeansGOP. For nearly 3 decades, she worked as a business process analyst, policy analyst, and operations manager. A handful of House races have still not been called, but the 2024 House battleground is already taking shape. Talking about how life has changed for Michelle post-White House, Melissa told Chicago Tribune, Shes earned this phase in her life where she can make more of her own decisions. My mother said to me, I've already paid for this program. From veterans service work to youth champions, to public safety and community partnerships, these 18 women work every day to make our communities better. Foreign Affairs Steel, Panetta Introduce Legislation to Support Taiwan Defense Against CCP Invasion March 1, 2023 I began to realize what I loved was running things. FitzSimmons worked tirelessly to craft the strategy behind our campaign so we were able to flip the district into Republican hands for the first time in three decades. A globe trotter, Melissa is a huge fan of Mc Donalds and Diet Coke, and if youre lucky enough to travel with her, youre getting Diet Coke for breakfast, no joke! During COVID they worked as a community with legislators such as Michelle Steel to help small business survive and continue to work to ensure we thrive. Additionally, she also helps business owners plan for their retirements using tax-advantage programs that are available to them, but most are not aware of. Sue has been married for 36 years to her husband Rick and they have three grown sons who are well accomplished and four grandchildren who bring them so much joy. Bridget Bowman is a deputy editor for NBC's Political Unit. She is a retired engineer with over 30 years of medical device and manufacture experience, thus her passion for encouraging students to pursue engineering in college and career. My role [basically] stays the same, in that I am vigilant about making sure she has a personal life and private time and family time and all the stuff with the kids. There were plenty of times where I felt like I was driving or flying around this country with a girlfriend, as opposed to a boss. You're going to Washington.. How do we use these unbelievable opportunities that we have, and, frankly, with less constraints than we did in the White House, make them work for Mrs. Obama in this next phase of her life? She persisted. Main Office, 1 trip Crissy started her career in the fire service working as a volunteer Fire Prevention Officer in the City of Garden Grove, as a wildland firefighter with the US Forest Service and California Department of Forestry (currently known as CalFire), then getting hired as a firefighter/paramedic with the Laguna Beach Fire Department in 2000. They did real things that really affected people's lives. Jackie Norris will become a senior adviser to the Corporation for National and Community Service. Melissa Winter never intended to go into politics, but one summer internship completely changed her life. For the past fourteen months, I have worked continuously with supporters around the Seventh Congressional District to build a strong team, said Fischbach. She has served as an active member of the COVID-19 Vaccine planning efforts across the state and locally where MemorialCare has given over 191,000 vaccine shots in arms, with a focus on providing education and pop-up vaccination stations to help protect our communities. Korean-American wife, mother & tax fighter serving #CA45 in Congress. Shannon is a longtime resident of Orange County. It's non-refundable. Our first trip to Africa, we went to Ghana. Michelle Steel (Republican Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing California's 45th Congressional District.She assumed office on January 3, 2023. Manuel is a lifelong resident of Costa Mesa, graduate of Estancia High School and was elected to the Costa Mesa City Council, District 4 in 2018 as the youngest elected councilmember in Orange County. California-45: Rep. Michelle Steel. Steel (Republican Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent California's 45th Congressional District.She won in the general election on November 8, 2022. She was blessed with many good opportunities and smooth transactions but, there were bumps in the road. The first African-American president had just won and I had had an excruciatingly small part in making that happen by, hopefully, doing everything I could for his wife. Netflixs documentary film Becoming provides the viewers with an in-depth look at the life of the first African American First Lady of the United States. IE 11 is not supported. In 2007, with her partner, Ms. Cao established the Queen Maha Maya Foundation in Westminster. Read More: Who is Michelle Obamas Brother? She loves kids. Jenet Kreitner Is the Founder and CEO of Grandmas House of Hope, a non profit charitable organization that Empowers the Invisible in Orange County. Antoinette Balta is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Veterans Legal Institute (VLI), a nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services to low income and homeless veterans. Melissa has worked for John Bryant, Norman Mineta, Anna Eshoo, Joe Lieberman, before landing a job that would change her life a close confidant of Michelle Obama for Obamas Presidential campaign. One day, at Mile Square Park she prayed and promised that if her business worked out, she would be committed into taking 30% for family, 30% to put back in the business, 30% to put toward charities, and the last 10% to put toward an emergency fund. WASHINGTON (AP) First lady Michelle Obama is replacing her chief of staff with a longtime friend and adviser from Chicago. FitzSimmons served as Congressman Tom Emmers first Chief of Staff for three years, and I am honored to have him bring his vast knowledge and experience to my office and continue to lead our team in Washington and Minnesota.. Memo: Emmers son has new job in Congress, As the pandemic ebbs, Minnesota lawmakers and their staff resume taking free trips. Also, aides for any relevant committees, leadership offices, campaign committees and leadership PACs will not be included here, nor do we have data for unpaid staff such as interns or people who are "detailed" from the GAO, executive branch or private sector. The next year, I wrote the office and said, I want to come back, I want to be your intern coordinator. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, the theater, and attending concerts. What we were seeing and feeling on the road was tangible, and people were responding to Michelle Obama. Carol Singleton is the Supervisor of Heroes Hall Museum and Education Center at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, California. In 2000, she started investing in Real Estate, one small project at a time. A lot of what I do is making sure that she has the opportunities to continue to do the work that is so important to her. So its much broader than it was before. The core of her business focus is to financially empower families across America with modern retirement planning solutions that will protect clients in the event of untimely deaths, critical illnesses and living too long. When Melissa Winter was growing up, she wasnt exactly sure what went on in Washington, D.C. His duties include assisting residents who contact the office, attending community events and ribbon cuttings, updating cities and elected officials in the district about the priorities and initiatives of Supervisor Foley and the County of Orange. I oversaw and worked very closely with the scheduling office to make sure that the schedule made sense to her. Sher joined the . He treated me as much like a staffer as like a daughter. In an email addressed to Mr. Kamras and the RPS School Board less than a week ago, Ms. Hudacsko announced her last day of employment with the school division would be Feb. 28. She reviews and responds to all incoming meeting requests for our office, scheduling, setting up and organizing multiple monthly reoccurring meetings. Nine days after his December 2020 wedding to a woman he met at the University of Southern California Chabad house on Rosh Hashanah, Dana moved to Washington D.C. to serve as the chief of staff for newly elected freshman Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA), for whom he has worked since graduating college more than a decade ago. I wasnt going to leave Washington. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. She assists with special events planning and helps to connect different organizations, nonprofits, and schools through the Supervisors office. Prior to working for the County of Orange, Kimberlee worked for 14 years as Supervisor Foleys Paralegal in her private law practice. He is fluent in Spanish. Three programs: Rescued and Restored Housing, Nanas Kidz and HopeWorks! Claim this page to update your photo and bio info. She was a CERT volunteer for over 23 years prior to becoming the CERT Coordinator. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of that. Rep. Michelle Steel of Seal Beach emphasized standing up to the Chinese Communist Party as her top priority during the first hearing of a new House committee created to focus on threats China could pose to the United States. Jackie Norris will become a senior adviser to the Corporation for National and Community Service. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. It was very important to me that it sounded like it was Michelle Obama, and it was authentic to her, and it used language and was warm like she was as a person. But I am now sort of the go-between, the intermediator between people in general and Mrs. Obama. She took me out for a fancy dinner. Dana thanked him. Jun 26, 2017. House passes Rep. Steel's legislation to protect taxpayers, rein in an unaccountable federal agency, and reverse course from the dangerous path of growing bureaucracy and heavy-handed federal government. I oversaw all the correspondence that came out of the East Wing. We get a glimpse of it in the film as she ensures Michelle is on schedule for every meeting, conference, and book-signing event they go to. Chief is a private network built to drive more women into positions of power and keep them there. June 4, 2009. How I Became Michelle Obamas Chief of Staff, Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson, Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton, Turns Out, We're All Really Pissed About Money, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Womens History Month gives us even more opportunity to recognize the trailblazers that came before us. She spent her childhood in Chicago and also in La Jolla, California, after her family opted to move from Chicago. serve vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness and hunger and touch over 3,500 lives annually. Additionally, FitzSimmons previously served in the Minnesota House of Representatives, managed other successful Congressional campaigns, and was involved with his family's agricultural business. Growing up in Chicago, and then in La Jolla, California, politics didn't enter into my thought process at all. Lisa's profound knowledge, experience, and passion for Garden Grove has led to a number of successful commercial developments, community revitalization efforts, affordable housing initiatives, homeless outreach resources, and active transportation projects in which the collective outcomes strive to enhance the community's long-term quality of life. I always was working for Michelle Obama the person, and then after that, I was working for Michelle Obama the first lady, because I didnt do any policy. Stephanie Wade is a Policy advisor to Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley related to Veterans and homelessness. Alyssa what do they say? I was his executive assistant too. So much of our conversation could veer off into reality television, or what movies we've seen, or what books we were reading. They each have their own sort of chief of staff, their own little hierarchy. I love waking up every morning and feeling that each day is new and different. Academics were challenging for me. New. Chani Mintz is the President and CEO of Friendship Circle and its Center for Special Needs, which provides assistance and life-changing support to over 1,000 individuals with special needs and their families by offering much needed recreational, social, educational, vocational and therapeutic programming for them. Im the chief of staff, and we have gone from a staff of 25 people to a staff of four. When Melissa Winter was growing up, she wasn't exactly sure what went on in Washington, D.C. He previously served in the offices of State Senator Thomas J. Umberg, Congressmember Mike Levin, and has extensive advocacy experience in both the public and private sector. She also manages adjournment in memoriam requests. In 2019, Jenet published her first novel, entitled Resurrecting Hope: Overcoming the Invisible Violence of Child Abuse, documenting her professional and personal journey. "It has been a privilege . Holly Rodriguez | 3/2/2023, 6 p.m. Michelle Hudacsko, chief of staff for Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, has resigned. Out of all the interesting people in Michelles arsenal, Melissa Winter stands out because of her warm-hearted nature and tender eyes. She earned her undergraduate degree and teaching credential from University of California, a Irvine and her doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Fullerton. Decades later, she met Michelle Obama and the two hit it off. I wasn't exceptional in any particular way. VLI has served over 9,000 veterans pro bono to date. She started to wage this not-so-subtle campaign, saying, I think my boss might run for president. Winter became Michelle Obamas first hire of her husbands campaign, and Winters worked for her on two campaigns, in the White House, and now ever since. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., on the House steps of the Capitol in 2020. I am a community volunteer for various events in Aliso Viejo, am on the Board of Directors for the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce, on the executive Board of Directors for the Memorial Care Saddleback Medical Center foundation, and have numerous local charities that are close to my heart that I support. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. She bought me a plane ticket to Chicago one weekend [and] put me up in a lovely hotel. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. But after taking over her brothers politics internship before her sophomore year of college, she got a crash course in how government works and found she loved it. I was watching what was happening on TV, and I looked at my host and I said to her, Im not sure you all understand whats happening but I cant be here anymore. I left and I put the Dixie Chicks on in the car because I just couldnt listen to the news. Get information and resources for education. Washington-03: Auto repair shop co-owner Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. It was a pretty bad night. Two or three weeks before my brother was to head to Washington, he found out he got another job, and that job was going to pay him. Orange County (Calif.) Board of Supervisors. At Amazon, the parent company of Zappos, the CoS role is formally known as a "Technical Advisor . It was the people side of it, the public service side. Sue demonstrates her belief daily that we can make a difference in someones life with a little kindness, care and compassion at a time that they feel least worthy of it. Tina Tchen Getty Images. When her children were in elementary school their media center faced budget cuts, but she stood up and chaired Project LEAP, a foundation to cover position costs that would have been otherwise lost. As told to Rebecca Nelson. Its unbelievable to see how people the whole world was affected by this presidency. Promise. I couldn't have told you any of the fundamental differences between a Republican and a Democrat. University of Southern California - BA, religion Stephanie currently serves as Vice Chair of the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council, on Orange County District Attorneys LGBT Advisory Committee, and the Governing Board of the Equality California Institute. LegiStorm is constantly adding new information on the people, places and reports in our database. Stephanie likes cats, surfing and equity. While her kids were in high school, she chaired the Seal Beach Summer Concert Series for five years, keeping live music in Seal Beach. Jul 2021 - Present1 year 8 months. And their top targets will be Republicans in so-called crossover districts seats that would have backed President Joe Biden in 2020 had the new congressional lines been in place. President Obama visits the first lady and East Wing staff on March 9, 2009. Tchen, co-founder of the . Theres endless possibilities and I dont know how many people can say that about their work. In the past week, LegiStorm added: PowerBrief gives you all the information you need about members of Congress and their staff in one printable PDF document. Melissa Winter was born on November 16, 1967. Today, I think a lot of young people would say, I'm not starting out as a receptionist. But it was a great way for me to start out. She was a rock star. Led research strategy, talent mapping, and account management for executive recruiting (Director+) in software . Steel Introduces Repeal to $600 IRS Reporting Minimum, Delivered: Funding for the Sand Replenishment Project, House Passes Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act, Congress eyes rapidly arming Taiwan to counter Chinese aggression, Rep. Michelle Steel speaks in House panel on U.S.-China relations, calling it personal, Steel, Panetta Introduce Legislation to Support Taiwan Defense Against CCP Invasion. Two of her significant activities are leading Sunshine Club, providing informational speakers to the community, and being President of Golden Age Foundation, a charitable group meeting the needs of residents for the last 12 years. He also serves as Supervisor Foleys Orange County Transportation Authority staff advisor. One of the members of my foursome was a woman named .css-tjvzc4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;border-bottom:thin solid #6F6F6F;}.css-tjvzc4:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Alyssa Mastromonaco, who worked for then-Sen. Barack Obama. Norris will continue to work with the first ladys office and the administration as it implements a new law to expand national community service programs. Phuong Cao tried many ways to provide a better future for her family. She worked tirelessly to make her life and that of her children better and more meaningful. I loved his family. Helen Macfie is the Chief Transformation Officer for MemorialCare health system headquartered in Fountain Valley. "For the past fourteen months, I have worked continuously with supporters around the Seventh Congressional District to build a strong team," said Fischbach. New York-22: Businessman Brandon Williams. Without proper financial literacy education and solutions planning, over 60% of Americans will immediately feel the impact of financial devastation if one or more of the occurrences take place. I loved watching Congress. Robyne Wood, resident of Huntington Beach since 2008, started Robyne's Nest in April of 2015. (2004-2008), Activities and notes: Minor in architecture, Orange County (Calif.) Board of Supervisors (Sept. 2016-Dec. 2020) You have to make choices every week: Am I going to pick up my dry cleaning or am I going to get gas in my car? I was very lucky I had a mom who was very generous and picked up my health insurance the first few years. Michelle Eunjoo Park Steel, California Board of Equalization (May 2009-Jan. 2015) For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Kori is a mom, and a business owner that truly loves her community. Sources tell 8News Hudacsko has been working in the school system for at least a week . She has been Michelles support system throughout her book tour. Her job includes disaster preparedness for the community through CERT classes, various presentations, public education events and various activities throughout the year. This is the official Facebook page for Rep. Michelle Steel of California's 45th District. Therefore, Melissa continues to work as Michelles personal chief of staff and works diligently to make sure Michelle is able to strike a balance between her work schedule and spending time with her family and kids. After leaving the White House, Michelle didnt want to part ways with Melissa, as she now thinks of her as a sister and close friend. It wasn't so much the policy side of it. That means Democrats will likely need a single-digit net gain in 2024 to retake the House. regional She is a retired engineer with over 30 years of medical device and manufacture experience, thus her passion for encouraging students to pursue engineering in college and career. Those were the two criteria by which I completely altered my existence. Her work has appeared in theWashington Post magazine, GQ, and many other publications. We worked incredibly hard in South Carolina. Michele is a Northwestern University Dental School Graduate with a Degree in Dental Hygiene. U.S. Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) Communications Director Apr 2019 - Jan 20211 year 10 months The Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress Lead on all committee communications efforts,. Her passion is working to improve the care and safety for every patient and family needing healthcare. I had a very close relationship with Congressman Mineta. She has worked for the State of California as a public information officer and outreach specialist for more than 16 years. Their races have not yet been called. Alex Rounaghi serves as a Policy Advisor for Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley. Alex is a 2020 graduate of Dartmouth College, with double majors in Government & History. In 1998, Ms. Cao opened a Beauty Salon and used that income her provide for family but also have a small savings. He is a graduate of UC Santa Barbara. Because of which, Melissa was chosen as deputy chief of staff of the then First Lady of the U.S., Michelle Obama, throughout Barack Obamas presidency. This was after my freshman year [at Skidmore College], in 1986. I love her, I love her children, I love her family, and after staying with her for 10 years and seeing her through so many different phases of life, from hospital executive to first lady of the United States, it made absolute sense to me that I would stay in this job and try and navigate this next chapter. We will not allow the Biden Administration to weaponize government to target hardworking American taxpayers. New Jersey-07: Former state Sen. Tom Keane. I moved to Washington the day after I graduated college because ultimately I wanted to work in the White House. Three programs: Rescued and Restored Housing, Nanas Kidz and HopeWorks! Two weeks later, I moved to Chicago and was working for Michelle Obama by February 2007. Wherever she would go, I think people would forget about politics, whether someone liked her husband or not. Melissa Winter was born on November 16, 1967. I cannot imagine working for someone you don't like or don't respect. To see him. Registration is free and we respect your privacy. Registered LegiStorm users get access to more free content and are the first to know about exciting new products and services. You may cancel or unsubscribe at any time. Formerly unhoused herself, Kreitner was named Founder of the Year for the Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Day and recognized as one of Orange Countys 100 Most Influential People in 2014. Subscribe to our newsletter. Also, aides for any relevant committees, leadership offices, campaign committees . The one thing I did know about Washington was that the drinking age was 18. Executive Field Chairwoman, First Financial Security, Inc. Director, Friendship Circle Orange County. We spent about two hours talking and something clicked. .css-4xjy6g{display:block;font-family:RundDisplay,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:0.01em;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-4xjy6g:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-4xjy6g{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.9375rem;margin-top:1.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-4xjy6g{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:1.25rem;margin-top:0.9375rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-4xjy6g{font-size:1.625rem;line-height:1.2;}}Turns Out, We're All Really Pissed About Money, 4 Black Women Fighting for an Inclusive Economy, Gen Z's Mindset on Work Gives Us Hope for 2023, Meet the Drift Racer Dominating the Auto Scene, Now Introducing: The 2022 C-Suite Honorees, Meet the Women Behind the IndyCar Series Race, We Wanna Feature You and Your Business in the Mag, How This Wellness Pro Saves $$$ on Self-Care, Lowkey Smart Ways to Get Out of Working Today. Rebecca Nelson is a magazine writer in New York. With decades of operations and management experience and a heart for helping those in need, it was with ease she started Robynes Nest to provide support and resources to local students who have little to no parental support. In case you want to know more about her, read on! In the past week, LegiStorm added: To see staff salaries for aides in the personal office of Rep. Michelle Steel, select a time period below. It's very orderly. She spent most of her life in Newport Beach and, more recently, moved to Costa Mesa. We spent an enormous amount of time figuring out: how does she continue her work with children, and Let Girls Learn, and education, and making sure kids eat right, and mentoring, and all the things she did that were so important to her in the White House? Memo: Emmers son has new job in Congress, As the pandemic ebbs, Minnesota lawmakers and their staff resume taking free trips. Chief. Norris worked on the presidents campaign in Iowa. They helped veterans who had lost their Purple Heart get it back. Winter aboard Bright Star, Michelle Obama's plane when she was first lady, during a flight to Iowa on May 7, 2011.