My father came to this country as an immigrant over 50 years ago with only twenty dollars in his pocket.  My grandfather was a police officer and when my father was 2 years old he lost his dad in the line of duty.  His mother was left a widow with a young child to raise.  They had a small coffee shop which did not make much money and so they struggled for most of his childhood.

My grandmother remarried and had 4 children from her second husband.  Unfortunately, he passed away from a heart attack leaving 4 young children no older than 7 years old when my father was 16.  At that time my father’s country of origin would sponsor one student who scored the highest on their high school exit exam the opportunity to study in the United States, that year it was my father.  He came with barely any money and struggled with my mother for many years while studying and trying to support his mother and 4 children back home.  The local church provided furniture for their home, they were supported by organizations that donated food, and basically lived on the kindness of others in the community.

My father was able to change his life and our families but could not have done it without the generosity of others along the way from his country sponsoring him to all the donations they received in order to live.  I joined this organization because the compassion my father taught me.  Till this day he donates his time, money, anything he can to help another person.  The San Clemente Junior Woman’s Club allows me to be a part of an organized group of women that achieve so many great deeds throughout the year.  I am honored to be among some of these beautiful people.

Barbara joined the San Clemente Junior Woman’s Club in 2014 when she moved to Southern California from Northern California. From a young age volunteerism has been part of Barbara’s life and she is most happy and content when she can contribute to meaningful work that helps make her community a better place.  Junior’s gives her that opportunity-helping the local community, supporting other local nonprofits and organizations, and stepping-up as an organization when there is a direct need in San Clemente. Barbara’s favorite part of the Junior’s pledge is “By living each day trying to accomplish something, not merely to exist.” Barbara is a New York native and is an attorney and business owner. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and daughter.

Jenny joined the club in 2015 and is looking forward to her position this year. Having grown up in San Clemente and now settled down with a family her own, Jenny was on the search of local volunteer opportunities and a way to meet new people. As a previous member of another woman’s club, she was excited to learn of SCJWC and the opportunity to give back right here in her own backyard. Jenny has a heart for non-profits, and is passionate about the ins and outs of making them successful. She currently works as a Project Operations Manager for a small educational non-profit and is excited to bring her non-profit experience to the club and her position on the board. In her free time Jenny loves to travel abroad with her forever travel buddies Kevin and Isabel, visiting every swing-set this amazing city has to offer with her rambunctious toddler, and enjoy a nice Netflix binge when said toddler is off to bed.

Erika has been with the San Clemente Junior Woman’s Club since June 2014, shortly after moving to San Clemente from San Diego.  Since San Clemente was going to be her new home, she wanted to set the family's roots down and continue the philanthropic work she had done since childhood in Mexico and San Diego.  At the San Clemente Junior Woman's Club, she found an amazing group of kind-hearted and strong women that find the time and energy to balance their jobs, kids, sports and relationships, in order to help their community.  Through this club, Erika is enjoying using her social work background and Sociology Degree to do the work she is most passionate about. During her free time, you will find Erika spending time with her husband and two kids and enjoying the local antique shops and restaurants with friends.  

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Katie joined the club in 2014 when she moved to San Clemente from Northern California. She was looking for a way to give back to the community and make some great friends along the way. This will be her fourth year on the board, she has served as Treasurer and website chair in the past and is excited to lead as President. She brings positivity and enthusiasm for any project she gets behind. Her favorite thing about Juniors is seeing what a difference this diverse group of women can make when they work together and deliver results for those in need! Katie is an Controller in the Software industry and she loves all things business and numbers. For fun, you'll find her shopping on Del mar or relaxing at the beach with friends. 

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Emily was introduced to the San Clemente Junior Woman's Club in November 2012 by several members. She joined the club because she appreciates the philanthropic work, focus on the local and extended community, as well as friendship that SCJWC incorporates.  She is a Southern California native, is married and has four children who keep her pretty busy.  Emily values being a part of an organization that is committed to making a positive difference in the greater San Clemente community.  "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Helen Keller

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Jessica joined San Clemente Junior Woman’s Club in the summer of 2015 after being introduced to the club by her friend Jenny Hostert. She initiated into the club in December of 2015. Jessica has volunteered in the past for organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, The San Juan Historical Society and many local theater organizations. She joined the SCJWC to both give back to the community, and to bond and create friendships with likeminded women.  Jessica is originally from the UK, and has lived in Southern Orange County for the past 20+ years. She is a local realtor a mother and a partner; when she’s not working you can find her at home with her family, acting in and/or directing community theater projects, taking a hot yoga or barre class, or enjoying a glass of wine with friends.

Amber Holcomb has been with the San Clemente Junior Woman's Club since 2008 and has held every imaginable position including President.  Her time and commitment to our community have earned her honorary lifetime membership in the club.  She currently manages the Ball Park Pizza in San Clemente which is a great place for sports teams, families, and fundraising dinners.  

Candice Middleton joined the San Clemente Junior Woman's Club in 2015 after attending their annual fundraising gala. She was very impressed with the work this small group of ladies was able to accomplish and wanted to be a part of something bigger than herself.  Candice is married and has four children.  She works full time for a local insurance agency, Kappauf Insurance.  Candice is also an active member of the San Clemente High School PTSA and has been their Treasurer since 2015.  In her spare time, Candice likes to spend time with her family, hike, snowboard, paddle board and snuggle up with her two doggies, Yogi and Bacon.

Anna was introduced to the SCJWC through good friends and members of the club. Her first meeting was the Philanthropy meeting in March 2016 where she witnessed the many San Clemente non-profits and charities talk about their organizations and receive checks from the funds the Juniors had raised at the big annual charity event the year before. She became a full member in December 2016 after deciding that this was something she wanted to be apart of.  Anna has greatly enjoyed participating in events and volunteering in many ways around the community. When she is not volunteering, she is working as a loan processor for a residential mortgage company in Orange County.

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