Featured Member
Shirley Roberson
Senior Associate Attorney, DLHA Law Group
Shirley Roberson is a business attorney with the DLHA Law Group, a firm based in Walnut Creek that is committed to serving its clients’ legal needs with empathy, experience, and expertise. Shirley assists clients with business formation, employment, operations, contracts, investor financing, and other legal matters so business owners can focus on their business, not legal issues.
What Shirley likes best about her profession is the variety of businesses she serves and the friendships she develops with her clients. From musicians to scientists and bankers to cosmetic companies, she has worked with them all. Her clients benefit because Shirley proactively does what is needed to prevent future litigation and costly lawsuits. That means ensuring that her clients have well-written employee handbooks, that their legal documents are in place, and that their intellectual property is protected from infringement.
A good referral for Shirley is any business that needs legal support. Privacy laws, AI, and similar issues can cause a lot of unexpected liability for business owners. It is her job to know the issues that are changing every day so that her clients stay compliant with legal matters.
As an MDBW member, Shirley most enjoys the friendships. She says, “The women in this group are an amazing collection of talents, personalities, and generosity. I've met the best in this community right here at MDBW.” She inspires other women in the legal field by being a mentor and role model. When she attends galas and fundraising events, she often takes young lawyers with her. She wants to show them how to participate in a community when you have the privilege of education, respect, and money that come with being an attorney.
Shirley gives back to her community by “showing up.” She notes, “Whether it is with my time, participation, or checkbook, I pick my battles and then dig in.”
In her free time, Shirley enjoys visiting with friends, traveling, scuba diving, reading, and yarn art.
You can learn more about the DLHA Law Group by visiting its website at. You can also connect with Shirley via Facebook and LinkedIn.
Past Featured Members
Maureen Wright
Executive Director, The Respite Inn
Maureen Wright serves as executive director of The Respite Inn, a nonprofit organization that provides short-term respite stays to adults with developmental disabilities. Maureen says, “These adults are guests at our bed-and-breakfast-style location in Concord, where they enjoy a wide range of fun activities, interact with other guests, and explore life away from home.” These respites also give their caretakers periodic breaks from their caretaking responsibilities.
Maureen has been with The Respite Inn, which opened in 1990, for over 33 years. What she likes most is seeing the sense of relief in family members as they get a chance to have long-awaited breaks for themselves. She also enjoys seeing their guests grow and express their unique abilities while being supported by specially trained staff. Guests at The Respite Inn benefit by having new experiences, forming friendships, and preparing for a more independent future. Their families, meanwhile, gain the gift of time away from caretaking to rest, rejuvenate, and attend to their own needs. Good referrals for Maureen are families who are providing care for loved ones who have developmental disabilities such as autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, or Down syndrome.
Maureen enjoys being a member of MDBW, where she has “met incredible women who have many talents and have become long-lasting friends to myself and The Respite Inn.” Maureen is able to inspire other women through the passion and love she has for the work she does. Her ultimate goal is to inspire others to see the gifts and abilities people who have developmental disabilities possess.
Every day Maureen gives back to her community through her work with The Respite Inn, which has been able to keep its doors open for more than three decades due to the strong collaboration with agencies and social service groups in the community.
In her free time, Maureen and her husband enjoy spending time with their two dogs, going on long walks, going to Bay Area music venues, and spending time with their adult daughters as they carry out their passions of working with horses.
You can learn more about The Respite Inn by visiting its website.
Maggie Clark
Life Coach and Owner, Maggie Clark Consulting
As a life coach, Maggie Clark works with people who want to change and grow into who they are ultimately designed to be. Maggie describes it as a forward-thinking process: “Every growth spurt we explore opens doors to new wins, new joys, and new celebrations. There’s no end to this process. It’s exhilarating to learn about and ultimately discover who we are.” The discovery tool she uses the most is DISC, which stands for “Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness.” She loves sharing DISC’s full impact with clients, individually and in groups.
What Maggie likes most about her business is seeing people seek out and find transformation. In addition, she loves helping people change their lives by letting go of the old, embracing new visions, and stepping boldly into new ways of living. She observes her clients living with more freedom, as a result of forming better boundaries, exercising clearer thinking, learning how to effectively eliminate old ways, and moving forward with renewed perspectives. Good referrals for Maggie are individuals who recognize that it’s time for a change or time to grow.
Maggie enjoys being a member of MDBW because she loves meeting new people who welcome learning and growing. She says that she inspires other women by being a great encourager. She leads, facilitates, and mentors constantly. She says, “My superpower is recognizing gifts and potential in others and celebrating the process with them of gaining greater authority in the use of these gifts.”
Maggie believes that we are designed to serve others, and she does this by leading at her church and by giving generously to her church, to missions that serve children in impoverished areas, and to missions that work to end human slavery.
In her free time, Maggie loves to read and learn. Her current passion is listening to Pete Greig on Audible as she wanders about the Martinez Marina. She also loves having deep conversations with her friends and taking classes to learn more about specific areas.
You can learn more about Maggie Clark by connecting with her on Instagram.
Diane Wilcox
Project Manager, Executive & Personal Assistant
As a project manager and executive assistant, Diane Wilcox works with executives, teams, and households in the technical, financial, hospitality, and agricultural industry sectors. She serves clients on both an ongoing and seasonal basis, providing project, administrative, and personal support. Her focus is on assisting clients needing organization, research, process development, and customer care. Diane strives to imbue her work with efficiency, commitment, and a collaborative and supportive spirit. Her guiding principle is that no job is too small, too big, or too messy.
The customized solutions Diane provides to clients are based on over 30 years of experience in tech, event, and residential settings in the roles of production manager, project manager, and operations manager. Clients benefit from Diane’s extensive experience, her contacts across many industries, and her ability to set projects on a sound course regardless of scope. What Diane enjoys most about her business is the opportunity to listen, learn, and connect emotionally and practically with people from all walks of life. She also enjoys the daily challenges to create solutions.
As a member of MDBW, Diane says she relishes learning the stories and challenges of local businesswomen, and she highly values the advice, contacts, and resources she has gained from the group.
Diane gives back to the Contra Costa County community as a docent at John Muir Medical Center and as chair of The Wig Source, a free resource for women and girls facing hair loss due to illness or injury.
When not working, Diane’s favorite things to do are reading news and autobiographies, whale watching on Monterey Bay, collecting fountain pens, writing, and cooking. Diane is also an avid touring motorist—over 1 million miles driven!—and a member of the Mt. Diablo Porsche Club.
You can learn more about Diane by connecting with her on LinkedIn and by reading testimonials from her clients.
Zehra Murthy
Owner and Lead Scientist, Belfiore Herbal LLC
Zehra Murthy has a PhD in molecular biology and genetics. At the age of 70, after a 40-year
career as a research scientist, she turned her passion for science into a thriving business.
Belfiore Herbal LLC produces skincare products for the face, body, and hair. These products
contain vegan and botanical based ingredients derived from botanical sources, including
lavender, aloe vera, turmeric, sunflower and grapeseed oil, rosemary, marigold, oranges, and
carrots. Zehra’s products are purposefully designed with high amounts of vitamins and
antioxidants. She blends the right botanicals with science-backed formulas to create all-natural
ingredients that help the body synthesize healthy skin cells, reducing discoloration and wrinkles
for beautiful results.
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Zehra is proud that she is using her knowledge of science to create products that benefit
society. She loves to formulate and make personal care products that are free of synthetic
chemicals because she knows how harmful these chemicals can be. Good referrals for Zehra are
spas, salons, businesses that sell health products, and anyone who would like to have healthy
skin at the cellular level.
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Zehra enjoyed being a member of MDBW. Through our organization, she has learned marketing
skills, secured new clients, gotten more involved in the community, and made many excellent
friends. She is able to inspire other women by demonstrating that hard work, deep knowledge
about one’s business, and honesty can lead to success. And Zehra is proof that age is not factor;
women can follow their dreams at any age.
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One way that Zehra gives back is through her company’s Ghanian shea butter product. Belfiore
Herbal imports authentic Ghanaian shea butter directly from the markets of Accra, Ghana, from a collective of female farmers who harvest and process the product. Belfiore Herbal then
donates 20 percent of the profit back to the female farm collective. This income funds
educational opportunities in the farming village.
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In her free time, Zehra enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, and connecting with friends and
family.
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You can learn more about Zehra’s company by visiting its website. You can also connect with Zehra on Instagram and Facebook.
Gwen Holtan
Health and Nutrition Coach, Beyond the Box Nutrition
Gwen Holtan is a health and nutrition coach with Beyond the Box Nutrition, a health and
wellness coaching business that offers weight loss, health, and nutrition support for those who
want to improve their health.
Gwen loves helping people achieve their health goals, whether it's losing weight, navigating
hormonal changes, increasing one’s energy, managing high cholesterol or pre-diabetes, or
improving one's overall health and well-being. Her clients are located all over the world, from
Paris to Panama, and right here in the Bay Area. These clients get the comprehensive support,
education, and encouragement they need to develop sustainable habits so that they feel
empowered, confident, and healthy. Good referrals for Gwen are therapists, personal trainers,
healthcare providers, and med spas that are not specifically trained in nutrition.
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Soon after moving from Chicago to the Bay Area, Gwen joined MDBW. Through MDBW, Gwen
says, “I have met some interesting, smart, and inspiring women who have taught me things I
may have never learned, made me laugh when I was feeling down, referred people to work
with me, and shared job opportunities with me. I feel a deep sense of community and
camaraderie with the members of MDBW.” Other women are inspired by the fact that Gwen
started her own company at 53, proving that it's never too late to start something new or begin
again. She has shown other women that even when things get tough, there is always a solution
and a way to navigate the situation. As she says, “The power lies in how we react to a
situation.”
To give back to her community, Gwen volunteers for a senior service agency, A New Wrinkle,
located in Danville, where she helps seniors with their nutrition, exercise, and building healthy
habits for longevity.
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In her free time, Gwen is an avid CrossFit athlete, she loves cooking, and she is excited that she
will be taking an oil painting class this winter.
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You can learn more about Gwen’s company by visiting its website. You can also connect with Gwen on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Diane Salmon
Owner, Diane Salmon Writing & Consulting
Just months before the pandemic began, Diane retired from a corporate career that included product innovation, business line management, and advertising. She then founded her current business, Diane Salmon Writing & Consulting, which combines her strategic business experience with her love of writing. Her current work includes supporting nonprofits with their grant-writing and website content needs.
Diane helps her clients form a strategy and clearly communicate their ideas and information to their customers, business partners, grantors, or other decision-makers. Delivering results is what motivates Diane. She enjoys using words to organize, craft, and deliver projects, and feels especially rewarded when her work delivers top results for clients.
A good referral for Diane is someone who has a specific writing need, whether a one-time project or routine needs such as an email newsletter, an annual business plan, a grant application, or an RFP proposal.
Since joining MDBW in 2015, Diane has enjoyed the diversity, abundance of new ideas, positive spirit, and friendships gained from being a member. She serves on the MDBW board as its publicity chair, a role in which she is responsible for writing email messages and MDBW’s monthly newsletter. Diane believes every woman has a great story to tell. By helping women discover that story, and identifying and supporting their unique strengths and workstyles, she has inspired women to leverage the terrific things they have to offer in the workplace and in the community.
Diane also gives back to her community by serving on the advisory board of Yours Humanly, an education nonprofit, where one of her recent grants enabled funding of a two-year early literacy project in ten Title 1 schools.
In her free time, Diane can be found outdoors walking, running, hiking, and backpacking. She also loves reading and doing “just for fun” writing, which she sometimes pairs with her husband’s great photos.
Learn more about Diane by connecting with her on LinkedIn.​
Diane Kaplowitz
Producer/Broker, R.C. Fischer & Co. Insurance Brokers
Diane Kaplowitz is a producer and broker at R.C. Fischer & Co., a company that provides a
variety of insurance solutions to its clients. Diane and her team at R.C. Fischer have combined
experience of over 100 years in the insurance industry. Diane is a licensed broker in property,
casualty, life, and health insurance and is a subject matter expert in the insurance industry.
Diane’s favorite thing about her business is getting to know her clients on a personal level and
providing them with solutions to protect their assets. Unlike captive market insurance agents,
Diane has multiple carriers through which she can find the best options for excellent coverage
and competitive premiums for home, auto, and excess liability insurance. A good referral for
Diane is someone who is getting a nonrenewal notice from their current homeowners
insurance company or someone who would like a personal broker.
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Diane works in an industry that has been dominated by men. In fact, she is the first successful
female broker that RC Fischer & Co has had since its inception in 1939. Other women in the
insurance industry have told Diane that she has helped them become more confident when
speaking with clients and sharing their knowledge.
Diane is an active member of MDBW and has served as its hospitality chair and president and is
currently president elect. She finds the organization to be made up of friendly and encouraging
women and finds the meetings to be both informative and social.
As a way to give back to her community, this fall Diane and her husband will be opening their
home young children so that their parents can enjoy an evening out. Many of their young
friends do not have family members who live nearby, so on Friday evenings their children can
drop by for nutritious food and fun activities.
In her free time, you will find Diane in her garden, on a local trail, or on the golf course. She also
enjoys indoor activities such reading and crafting with mosaics.
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You can learn more about Diane’s company by visiting its website.
Amy Golan
Owner and Founder, Planet Renu
Amy Golan is the owner of Planet Renu, a zero-waste refill shop that offers reusable, eco-friendly alternatives to plastic products. Amy manages a physical retail space in Walnut Creek and an online store. Amy also works with farmers’ markets, schools, colleges, and corporations doing pop-ups, sustainability workshops, and green consulting. Education is an important part of Planet Renu’s mission, providing the WHY in why everyone needs to live more sustainably.
Amy is proud that her business provides eco solutions and actionable tasks to people, schools, and businesses that are concerned about their carbon footprint and the global plastic crisis. By attending her workshops and events, and by chatting with her at her shop, they learn how to reduce their carbon impact in all aspects of their lives. Anyone can be a customer who purchases cleaning products and personal care products, but on a larger scale, Amy would love to connect with anyone who works for or has contacts with larger retailers, universities, or large apartment management companies.
Amy loves the camaraderie and support that MDBW provides, as well as the great speakers and events. Amy was recently elected president of MDBW, a role in which she is excelling. She is committed to being a good role model to other women and enjoys showing them that small steps can make a difference in all aspects of one’s life.
One way that Amy gives back to her community is to mentor between two and ten students at Northgate High each year. She also hires student interns at Planet Renu. In addition, Planet Renu supports local charities. Planet Renu’s biggest fundraiser takes place every November at Boundary Oak Golf Course. This fun event, called The Phoenix Boutique Fundraiser, benefits the Child Life Program at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. It features local artisans, a 50/50 raffle, musicians, and free appetizers massages.
In her free time, Amy loves to hike, dance, paddleboard, travel and spend time with her family and friends.
To learn more about Amy Golan and Planet Renu, visit her website. You can also connect with Amy through Facebook, Instagram , and LinkedIn.
Rebekah Dani
Holistic Mindset Coach and Business Strategist, Rebekah Dani Coaching
Rebekah Dani is a coach and business strategist for a multimedia personal development company called Rebekah Dani Coaching. Through one-on-one coaching, a podcast, a blog, video content, and speaking engagements, she helps entrepreneurs and professionals create success through alignment in all areas of their lives: health and wellness, business and career, money and finances, relationships, faith and spirituality, and overall well-being. What Rebekah loves about her business is that it allows her to inspire and motivate people and show them what’s possible so that they can design the life they truly desire. Rebekah’s clients benefit from her services by learning skills that lead to long-lasting transformations and growth. Good referrals for Rebekah would be ambitious entrepreneurs, professionals, and executives.
Through her membership with MDBW, Rebekah has developed amazing friendships and connections. She finds that MDBW provides a like-minded community, and she enjoys the opportunity to hear from her peers about their passions. Rebekah has inspired other women to dream bigger, knowing that they do not have to settle and that they can have what they desire, as well as an aligned, balanced life. She has also inspired women to keep going despite challenges and setbacks.
Rebekah gives back to her community in her role as a pastor at her church, which gives her the opportunity to spiritually mentor and guide young women and men to help them grow, expand, and experience the truth of who they are. In her free time, Rebekah enjoys spending quality time with her partner and family. They enjoy picnics, wine tasting, trying new restaurants, taking day trips, and exploring museums. She also loves her alone time, which she spends journaling, reading, drawing, crafting, and going on walks.
Finally, Rebekah is excited to announce that her first book, The Aligned Life: How to Release What’s Holding You Back and Start Creating the Life You Desire, will be available for preorder during August on her website.
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To learn more about Rebekah Dani and her company, visit her website and connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Judy Vared
Outreach and Education, Connected Horse
Judy Vared is involved in outreach and education with Connected Horse, a nonprofit organization that offers equine-assisted memory support programs, workshops, and training designed for individuals living with dementia and memory loss, as well as their care partners. Connected Horse was founded in 2017 based on the founders’ theory that “guided interactions with horses could strengthen primary social bonds and activate social engagement for people with dementia and their care partners.”
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Connected Horse offers in-person workshops that allow interactions between horses and participants; sensory engagement activities that spark memories; a training institute for those who would like to become certified Connected Horse facilitators; and barn certification that allows barns to become approved Connected Horse workshop facilities. This innovative programming is based on research conducted at Stanford University and UC Davis and takes place in local barns and in private homes, senior communities, and senior day programs.
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Judy says of her work with Connected Horse, “I love seeing the smiles emanated by the participants. My job is filled with joy.” She says that the programs offered by Connected Horse help to alleviate anxiety and depression in both those with dementia and their family and care partners. Good referrals for Judy are any services that work with people or families dealing with dementia including realtors, bankers, and fiduciaries.
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Judy is an active member of Mt. Diablo Business Women, saying, “It has been great getting to know women who are working with a variety of clients. Many of the members or their clients may be dealing with dementia in their families.” Judy inspires other women in her field by educating them about positive possibilities when dealing with the challenges of dementia.
One way Judy gives back to her community is by coordinating the outreach for Connected Horse’s annual fundraiser, Lassos with Love. This annual event is a unique opportunity to support the program, meet the horses, and have a fun evening.
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In her free time, Judy enjoys walking, going to the gym, being with friends and family, traveling, and being in nature.
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To learn more about Judy and Connected Horse, please visit https://connectedhorse.org
Monica Stein
Ayurvedic Lifestyle Engineer and Energy Healer, Omthentic You Wellness Center
Monica Stein is an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Engineer and Energy Healer and owner of Omthentic You Wellness Center, which Monica describes as “A safe space to pause from life and reconnect to your wisest self.” Omthentic You Wellness Center offers coaching and healing services that help clients balance and align their lives so that they can soar.
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Monica offers clients the opportunity to settle their nervous systems and get clarity on their next steps. Clients report feeling better in their mind, body, and spirit. Monica abides by the Ayurveda six pillars of health: sleep, hygiene, movement, meditation, nutrition, and self-awareness and reflection. Good referrals for Monica are women who have experienced loss or change in status that is causing distress.
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Monica also gives back to her community. She has been a foster dog mom for over 20 years. She is also Community Outreach Coordinator for the Walnut Creek Area Neighbors and Newcomers Club, as well as their meditation group leader. In addition, she financially supports The Sparkle Foundation, Meals on Wheels, CASA, Monument Crisis Center, BACN, Hope Solutions, Muttville Rescue, and Tails of Gray.
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In her free time, Monica loves learning new things and diving deeper into what she has already studied. Currently she is digging deep into Human Design for Business. She also enjoys having gatherings at her house and having lunch with friends. She just joined a gym and enjoys being a part of that community. Above all, she loves her life and where it is taking her.
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To learn more about Monica, please visit her website, and check her out on Facebook and Linkedin.
Sandra Bolton
Owner and Head Instructor, Mind Your Heart
Sandra Bolton is the owner of and head instructor at Mind Your Heart, a business based in Pleasanton that provides training in CPR/AED, first-aid, bloodborne pathogens, babysitting safety, and the use of EpiPens and Narcan. Sandra’s mission is to provide high-quality, fun, hands-on, low-stress training for all ages in both individual and group settings. The training she provides can be tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals and businesses. In her training sessions, participants gain the knowledge and confidence needed to help save a life, something that Sandra believes we all have the power to do. The experience Sandra has gained in her work as an EMT has been instrumental in helping her design her training sessions.
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Sandra is passionate about what she does, saying, “I absolutely love to conduct trainings!” Her training sessions are enthusiastic, fun, interactive, and low stress, as any of us who attended her CPR training at a recent MDBW meeting can attest to. During these sessions, Sandra enjoys meeting the participants, and she is proud that her business allows her to empower individuals to respond effectively in emergencies. Her clients benefit because they are able attain the knowledge and skills need to help save a life. A good referral for Sandra is any individual or company that is interested in training that leads to CPR certification.
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Sandra is proud to be a member of MDBW and says it allows her to meet incredible women. She also loves that she had the opportunity to introduce her business and to provide CPR training to MDBW members. She loves to inspire other women through her actions and behavior.
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Giving back to her community is also important to Sandra. She has done this by providing CPR training in underprivileged areas and at local schools. In addition, Sandra is a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member.
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In her free time, Sandra enjoys going on walks, swimming, and taking indoor cycle classes. She also truly enjoys the company of her son, her daughter, and her friends.
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To learn more about Sandra, please e-mail her at sanfransan@sbcglobal.net or follow her on Instagram.