Joan Busick
President and Co-Founder

Joan is a Certified Public Accountant with her own accounting firm in Palm Desert, California specializing in working with women. She is the author of Surviving Beyond Happily Ever After, a guide for women who are not prepared to handle life on their own, and a public speaker on the relationship between women, finances and power.

“Ever since I returned to school years ago, faced with raising two little boys and very few financial resources, I have been fascinated with the common threads that run through all women’s lives. We have so much to offer each other and we have so much potential to tap into. It’s simply time to give back and assist other women in reaching their dreams.” Contact Joan

Diana Herrington

Diana has worked with families in various settings over the last twenty-eight years. She has a Master's Degree in Counseling, Parent Community Work, and Administration of Programs for Young Children. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Palm Desert, CA.

Diana has taught child development at graduate and undergraduate levels for Chapman University, College of the Desert, and Pasadena City College. She was also a founding Board member of the local chapter of California Marriage and Family Therapists. Contact Diana

Thalia Kelley Owings
Vice President

Thalia has been involved in education at every level. She has an AA and BA from Harvard University Extension School and a teacher's credential from CAL State, San Bernardino. Thalia is an active member of WOW, whose mission is to provide education and activities supporting the health and welfare of women.

She's been a tutor for elementary school children as well as an adult educator. Contact Thalia

Paula Paris

Born and raised in Southern California, Paula is retired from careers as a Labor Relations Mediator and Director of Human Resources in Oregon and Massachusetts. She has developed and given seminars in working collaboratively within corporations and between management and labor unions.

"As a single working mother, I returned to college and received my degree without any assistance. I know what it would have meant to have had the financial support that we provide our deserving recipients. Women helping women reach their potential is one of the most positive ways of giving back to help other women fulfill their goals and dreams." Contact Paula

Maggie Nugent Schmidt
Secretary

Maggie is a Realtor with Windermere Real Estate in Coachella Valley. Prior to moving to the desert in 2004 she owned her own business in San Francisco, which designed and imported tableware and home accessories from several countries. Since moving to the desert Maggie has been looking for a sense of community and a way of giving back; the Girlfriend Factor has provided those opportunities for both things to happen. Her high energy and passion for "getting things done" have been valuable resources for helping to expand and grow the Girl Friend Factor. Contact Maggie

Cathy Serif

Cathy Serif, Nutritionist, Personal Fitness Coach, and Founder of Fitness In Balance, is the creator of the Balanced Training Boot Camp Experience. She is a nationally known expert in the fitness industry with more than twenty-eight years of experience working with a multi-level client base. As a health and fitness writer, Cathy has published more than 400 articles and columns

As a wife, mother, and working professional, Cathy understands the barriers women face when searching for the time to exercise. She remains dedicated to career development and has been a member of IDEA Health and Fitness Association since 1996. Contact Cathy

Katie Sween
Treasurer

Katie has recently moved to La Quinta from Northern Calif where she retired from Agilent Technologies/Hewlett Packard after a 30-year career as a Human Resources Executive. She served 6 years on the Board of Directors for the YWCA of Santa Clara County and 2 terms as the president. Her experience, knowledge and abilities bring value to the board and the organization.

Katie received her degree while working full-time and raising her two sons. This contributes to her passion for the mission of the GFF.Contact Katie