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BOARD OF DIRECTORS


Lisa Lesniak, President 

A DWBC member for virtually eight years, Lisa is inspired by knowing that through DWBC she can contribute directly to our mission to educate, engage and elect in our community and across the state. No stranger to volunteering, Lisa began her community service activities in high school and says that she has done almost every volunteer job imaginable.  A retired attorney, property manager, and co-owner of an auto repair shop, Lisa says she maintains her strength and optimism by participating in our community to keep democracy alive. 


David M. Gross, PhD MBA, Treasurer

Originally from New York City, Dave moved to Boulder in 1995 and is a Teaching Professor of Finance at CU Boulder. Dave served as a board member and treasurer of a local women's clinic, board president and treasurer of a local arts center and has provided financial consulting services to many local nonprofits. Dave is deeply committed to Democratic principles and Democratic values and believes grassroots organizations like DWBC are the best way to create change. Dave enjoys skiing, cycling, hiking and attending music and theater performances - particularly with his wife and college and high-school aged children.



 Tina Marquis, Programming 

Involved with DWBC off and on for 10 years, Tina served on the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) board for 8 years.  As board president, Tina followed her passion for the public education system advocating for increased funding and inclusive policies to support all students. She hopes that her engagement with DWBC will further her goal to elect candidates who will help our students succeed with support around community-related issues like gun violence prevention, housing, and health care. When Tina wants to chill from managing a busy home and political advocacy, you’ll find her wielding a paintbrush or hiking in the great outdoors.


Carol Callicotte-Belmon, Member at Large

If you want a window in Carol's commitment to making the world a better place, just visit her blog, AFrenchAmericanLife.com.  You'll find her articulate, impassioned prose about issues that concern her greatly: gun violence, immigration, and parenting with compassion and love. As a physical therapist at medical clinics for the uninsured and a volunteer for Moms Demand Action, Carol is no stranger to community organization. She credits her success as an activist to her prowess in communicating, mobilizing, and motivating people from all walks of life. A dual US/French citizen, she likes traveling to Bretagne, hiking the Rockies, and playing basketball. Watch her elbows, she knows how to block out!

Dita Hutchinson, Member at Large

Dita’s experience in the financial and non-profit sectors make her especially qualified to serve as a board member.  A self-described globalist, she has lived in many places around the world and is fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese.  Her international perspective translates to a deep concern about the climate crisis. A first-generation American of Chilean descent, Dita appreciates the opportunity she is afforded through DWBC to work with other committed progressives to keep Colorado trending blue and increase her impact through local activism.


Jenn Dempsey, Meeting Hospitality Chair

Persistent. That’s how Jenn describes her greatest strength. When it comes to persistence, Jenn’s track record is solid. As a social policy analyst in New York City, she authored the first reform plan indicators report for the NYC child welfare system. Her perseverance helped raise millions of dollars for the United Way. Today, she is transitioning from social policy research to entrepreneurship, setting her sights on launching a study abroad program for neuro diverse college students. Jenn has a clear understanding of our organization’s role in the democratic process. “DWBC promotes the opportunity to hear what our elected officials are doing. Less apparent is how eager they are to hear what WE are thinking.” Jenn’s political activism is complemented by her passion for dance, cooking and impromptu travel.


Cathy Carlson, Small Donor Committee Treasurer

As a national, state and local consultant, Cathy has substantial expertise in climate and energy policy, federal lands/water resources management, mining policy, and land use policies.  She also runs a Colorado initiative called Blueflower Action, raising funds to support pro-choice women candidates running for political office up and down the ballot.  Cathy’s superpower is putting people and money and ideas together.  As a new DWBC board member, Cathy wants to engage with an amazing group of women leaders (and a few good men and gender nonconforming individuals) and share her knowledge of how to raise women’s voices in politics. 


Cathy James, Communications

Cathy believes that the challenges we face around climate crisis, voting rights, racism, gun violence and reproductive rights require her to step up to protect democracy.  DWBC offers Cathy an opportunity to make a difference at the grass roots level. She finds that cycling on rail trails helps her maintain a balanced perspective during these tumultuous times.


Lisa Wade, Membership

A self-described life-long Democrat and social liberal, Lisa brings diverse volunteer and professional expertise to her DWBC board role. A powerhouse agent in the local real estate market, Lisa lends her sizable talents and energy to 100+ Women Who Care and Together Women Rise. She also serves as Federal Political Coordinator for the National Association of Realtors in Senator John Hickenlooper’s office. Lisa looks forward to continuing the hard work of making important changes to our political landscape with the DWBC. She works hard to enrich our lives today while protecting the future we all hand off to our children and grandchildren.



Barb Knapp, Communications


Passionate. Creative. Calm and Deliberate. When this dynamic board member was asked to share her aspirations around DWBC membership, Barb says, “I believe in the power of volunteerism, community organizing and advocacy.” She certainly knows how to translate those lofty goals into action as she directs programs that serve the mental health needs of children and families in under-served schools across Colorado. Barb is most happy when she can tackle big issues by bringing like-minded folks together to develop targeted action and communications plans. Her laser focus, unflagging energy and ability to optimize limited resources represent a huge contribution to DWBC. When Barb has free time, she seeks out live music, kicks back with family and friends and yes, finds additional opportunities for volunteering.


Joanna Clark, Member at Large

Joanna has been campaigning to elect Democrats since handing out balloons for her dad’s election to the Ohio State Senate in 1978.  While a student at Vassar College, Joanna became passionate about recycling and protecting our environment.  Going door-to-door is second nature, whether for worthy candidates or as an EcoCycle volunteer in Louisville.  Joining DWBC in 2004, Joanna loves how much she learns from the monthly meetings, values the friends and connections she makes, and appreciates executing on action items, including the 2020 US Census. Joanna enjoys cycling, hiking and skiing with her husband when not being political or delivering Meals on Wheels. 


Kim Matthews, Member at Large

Kim says her greatest strength is “never taking no for an answer,” which translates to being committed and determined in helping the DWBC to elect progressive candidates locally. Passionate about defending democracy, environmental protection, women’s rights and gun violence prevention, Kim recently retired from an intellectual property law practice. Although she just joined our board in 2023, Kim has already made a huge impact by bringing in new members, spear-heading some program activities, and pouring her creative energy into making our meeting venue comfortable and welcoming. Volunteering, gardening, skiing, hiking and travel keep her energized and engaged in our community.

Helen Moshak, Member at Large

Helen, retired from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) since 2019, hasn’t slowed down yet.  In 2023, she poured her energies into helping to pass the Louisville 2C Ballot issue to renew the sales tax for ten more years to protect open space and and mitigate wildfires.  In addition to keeping her eye on open spaces, Helen leverages her law degree and interjects her passion for social justice into causes such as restorative justice and diversity, equity and inclusion education.  Describing key attributes she brings to the board, Helen loves to work with passionate people to make work fun and productive.  In these perilous times as we focus on strengthening democracy, Helen’s optimism provides an impactful perspective.


Lisa Darby, Member At Large

When it comes to volunteering, Lisa kills it! An avid reader of mystery stories, Lisa adroitly juggles professional responsibilities with a demonstrated commitment to her community. As a meteorologist, she served a stint at Boulder’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. At the same time, she volunteered as a county mediator for landlord/tenant cases. If that’s not enough, she provided leadership for the Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (SPAN) for nine years. Today Lisa flexes her scientific sleuthing muscles by working to monitor Front Range oil and gas emissions. Now she’s exercising her talents with DWBC. And should she have free time, you’ll find her hiking and traveling with husband Bob. 

WE NEED YOU!

DWBC is looking for volunteers to join the board of directors. Be a part of the group who makes our meetings successful, determine where the funding is applied to achieve our mission, and grow our organization.

Apply here: Join the DWBC Board of Directors! (google.com)

Questions? Contact us at info@DemWomenBoco.org

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