Founded in 1949, the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) spans the nation as the world’s most diverse professional organization for women. Tens of thousands of members gather throughout the country, united by a common goal: to support each other in professional development and career advancement.

ABWA’s Wine Country Chapter, founded in 2000, embraces the national mission and goals with our own unique flair. The heart of our chapter is the warmth, friendliness and fun we have together as we work to further our careers, our businesses, our communities and our personal lives.

Board of Directors 2007–2008

Rachael Erickson, President

Rachael Erickson is a trial attorney with the Santa Rosa law firm of Hinton, Cochran, Borba & Beckwith, LLP, practicing civil litigation and specializing in auto collisions, insurance law and habitability claims. Rachael joined ABWA in 2003 and has served three terms on the board. She was Vice President of Hospitality in 2004–05, and is currently serving her second term as President.

Anna Smith, Vice President, Hospitality

Anna and her husband, Stan, have owned The Shelford House Bed & Breakfast Inn in Cloverdale for 6 years. Anna worked in retail management for 17 years before buying the Inn, and was a hairstylist for many years prior to that. Anna has one daughter and three sons who have blessed her with eight grandchildren. Anna has enjoyed being an active member of ABWA for 3 years.

Alicia Mutch, Vice President, Membership

Alicia owns Healdsburg Healing Arts, a company that focuses on wellness of body, mind, spirit, and home. She’s a nationally certified massage therapist, a hypnotherapist, a HypnoBirthing® childbirth educator and labor assistant, and a certified wellness home consultant. She has a deep passion for the work she does, and has a large local clientele.

Barbara Zimmerman, Treasurer

Barbara is a sole practitioner attorney in Santa Rosa providing legal counsel to individuals and businesses in real estate law, business counsel, commercial transactions and banking law. She represents clients in real estate transactions, provides business general counsel advice, assistance in establishing businesses, and in negotiating and documenting contracts and transactions.

Melina Sansi, Secretary

Melina Sansi is a registered financial assistant with Addison Avenue Investment Services, providing comprehensive financial planning services including retirement planning, education planning, and retirement planning for small business. Melina has been working in the financial services industry for 11 years, the last 9 years with Addison Avenue.