2025 - 2026
Executive Board of Directors
Officer Bio Summaries
Barbara Howell
President
Barbara Howell is a retired faculty member from the University of Central Florida (UCF) School of Public Administration, where she spent twenty years teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Nonprofit Management and working as a full-time Research Coordinator for the College of Health and Public Affairs. With a master’s degree in education from UCF, Ms. Howell has collaborated with hundreds of community nonprofit agencies over the years, lending her expertise and passion to the field. In addition, she led SanBar Enterprises, Inc. as President for over two decades, managing The Abbey: Catholic Books and Gifts at three Orlando-area locations.
Actively engaged in community service, Barb currently serves as President of the Board for Children’s Global Alliance, Inc., an international nonprofit operating in Colorado and Nicaragua, and as Secretary of the Legacy of Leesburg Homeowners Association in Leesburg, FL. A dedicated member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) for more than ten years, she has contributed to both the Clermont and Leesburg Florida clubs in various leadership roles and now serves as President of the Woman’s Club of Leesburg. Beyond her professional and volunteer commitments, Barb enjoys traveling, dining out, and relaxing with Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.
Lucille DiSanto
1st Vice President
Fundraising
Lucille DiSanto is a dedicated educator with twenty-eight years of teaching experience and a Master’s in Education Administration. Throughout her career, she has championed student development both in and out of the classroom, notably founding and advising the Z-Club, a service organization for teenagers affiliated with Zonta International. For twelve years, she guided the club in carrying out impactful service projects at local, state, and international levels, earning numerous awards and commendations for their collective achievements.
​
Lucille is known for her exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, her ability to motivate and support others, and her unwavering work ethic. Recently honored as the 2023-2024 Volunteer of the Year for the Woman’s Club of Leesburg, she continues to work closely with her fellow members to better their community, fostering relationships built on trust, honesty, and respect. Her leadership style is collaborative and inclusive, and she remains committed to making a meaningful difference through service and partnership.
Arlene Golden
2nd Vice President
Community Service Programs
With a lifelong career as an Executive Administrator at major corporations and now as Office Manager at Forward Paths Foundation, Arlene Golden has dedicated herself to supporting others and continually learning through experience. Her journey is enriched by her devotion to two daughters and granddaughters, and by her love for activities like visiting with friends, reading, sewing, and jigsaw puzzles. Staying healthy and socially engaged is important to Arlene, and her involvement with the Women's Club offers the perfect opportunity to connect with inspiring women while helping those in need—a deeply fulfilling part of her life.
​
Arlene believes in the power of service and community, whether at work, with family, or through volunteering. Each step of her path has taught her the value of learning from life, and she strives to make a meaningful difference wherever she can. Surrounded by supportive relationships and opportunities to give back, she looks forward to continuing her journey with gratitude and purpose.
Laura Hannam
3rd Vice President
Communications
Laura Hannam is a seasoned leader with over thirty years of experience spanning roles from IT to consulting to senior leadership. For the past decade, she has worked at ServiceNow, where she is currently a director overseeing the architecture and development of training and enablement content. Laura’s depth of technical expertise is matched by her ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and guide organizations through digital transformation and change management.
​
Beyond her professional career, Laura is actively involved in community service, notably as Club Secretary and now 3rd Vice President over Communication at the GFWC Woman’s Club of Leesburg. She is passionate about streamlining internal communications and enhancing social media engagement for the club. Laura’s personal interests include traveling to experience new cultures, baking for loved ones, and spending time with her family, including two Labrador Retrievers.
Becky Fadik
Treasurer
Becky Fadik moved to Florida in 2019 with her husband after leaving Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She holds a business administration degree from Robert Morris University and remains committed to lifelong learning, having completed several certifications at Lake Sumter State College. Becky’s nearly fifty-year career at SAE International included roles in membership development, event management, industry standards, and content management. She pioneered the Process Resource Center to boost operational efficiency and digitized a century’s worth of technical content, driving innovation and growth. Becky retired in 2017 as Director of Content Management.
​
Since retiring, she has consulted for small non-profits, focusing on increasing their efficiency and productivity. As a facilitation trainer and regular conference speaker, Becky shares her expertise in process and content management. She is highly engaged in her community: serving as Treasurer of GFWC Woman’s Club of Leesburg, Newsletter Editor and Corresponding Secretary for LWCA, Treasurer for the Legacy Boggy Bear Club, and participating in organizations like the Soaring Solos Planning Committee and Camp Boggy Creek fundraising. Her work with various clubs and theaters highlights a lasting commitment to professional excellence and community service.
Pat Blaschka
Investment Treasurer
Pat Blaschka is a dedicated professional with a strong background in both military service and entrepreneurship. Pat served ten years in the Wisconsin Air National Guard, gaining valuable experience and an enduring commitment to service. After completing military service, Pat co-operated a home building business with her spouse, overseeing all financial operations, and later managed a nail care business, taking charge of every financial aspect.
Currently, Pat runs two direct selling businesses, demonstrating ongoing entrepreneurial spirit and financial expertise. Outside of business endeavors, Pat enjoys cooking healthy foods, quilting, and uplifting others—helping people look and feel their best while promoting wellness.
Deeply devoted to giving back, Pat actively supports veteran organizations and creates quilts for veterans receiving hospice care, blending a love of craft with a passion for community service. Pat’s diverse experiences and compassionate approach highlight a life centered on hard work, caring for others, and supporting those who have served.