Shelley Berkley, JD
Chief Executive Office and Senior Provost for Touro University Western Division

While in congress, she earned the title of “hardest working woman in politics” for her tireless work on job creation, education, healthcare, renewable energy, and veterans issues. 

At TUC, she initiated Bagels with Berkley to meet with students each month. Along with Dr. Lisa Waits, she established a mandatory prevention and education program about sexual assault for all incoming students.

CEO and Senior Provost Berkley has pushed for diversity at TUC by supporting scholarship fundraisers, including the annual Mosaic Celebration: Diversity Scholarship Fundraiser and last year’s 20^th Anniversary Gala. She has also advocated for a closer relationship with the community with the launch last March of the Mobile Diabetes Education Center (MOBEC), which provides free health screenings and education throughout Solano County.

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

Women’s Month is the ideal time to look back and evaluate the progress and impact women have made in so many areas and look forward and determine what else needs to be done. During my 14 years in congress, I worked with countless women from all walks of life to advocate for issues that improve the lives of others. In the face of resistance and doubt, these women persisted.

At Touro, I see the same energy and commitment in so many remarkable women on campus. They reach out to the underserved and inspire so many others to be the best they can possibly be. Whether in the lab, the classroom, or the community, Touro women are making an impact on healthcare, public health, and education that will be felt for years to come.

Sarah Sweitzer, PhD
Provost and Chief Academic Officer

Dr. Sweitzer, a Vallejo native, brings more than 13 years of successful and innovative higher education experience to the Mare Island campus. She began her academic career at the University of South Carolina, School of Medicine and quickly became a National Institute of Health funded biomedical researcher where she collaborated with colleagues at Johns Hopkins, Albany Medical School, UC Davis Medical School, and biotechnology companies in the Bay Area.

What Does Women’s History Month Mean to Me?

Women’s history month is about celebrating the women who came before us and challenged societal norms so that women can become professors, scientists, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and healthcare leaders. These heroic women include: Laura Bassi - first female professor in Europe, Marie Curie - first female Nobel Prize winner, Florence Nightingale - founder of modern nursing, The Edinburgh Seven - advocates for legislation that allowed women to study medicine, Elizabeth Blackwell - first woman to receive a medical degree in the USA, and Mary Corrina Putnam Jacobi – the first woman pharmacist.  This month is about thanking the many women who have been mentors in your own career journey.  It is about serving as a mentor to the next generation of women leaders in healthcare.

Lisa Norton, EdD
Interim Dean & Associate Dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences

Dr. Norton's recent accomplishments at Touro University California include:

• Leading the college of education and health sciences in a time of much transition
• Advocating for students, faculty and staff on issues of social justice, equity, and diversity
• Connecting CEHS/TUC to the city and regional community by expanding continued partnerships and initiating new ones
• Collaborating with CEHS staff and faculty to initiate new ideas to help with CEHS continued growth and expansion

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

As a feminist researcher I think we need to focus on women’s issues throughout the year. While women have made much progress over the centuries, this progression is place and time bound and occurs in fits and waves, as the last few years have demonstrated. Patriarchy is still very much alive and well in my experience and observations. It is also very important to examine the intersections of women’s experiences based on points of power privilege including that of class, race, sexuality, education level, et. Al. Honoring Women’s Month is of extreme value to me as it does shine a light on the accomplishments of those identifying as Women as well as the continued struggles around the world for women’s rights.

Rae Matsumoto, PhD
Dean of the College of Pharmacy

Dr. Matsumoto is a multidisciplinary-trained scientist, educator, and administrator. She joined Touro University California as the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, where she continues to cultivate future leaders for the pharmacy profession by promoting innovation, excellence, and service.

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of women who have inspired and influenced us. For me, these women have included pioneering doctors and researchers, as well as unsung heroes, like my aunt, who supported my college education. I am grateful for the legacy of strong women who preceded me, as well as the men who have mentored and supported their female colleagues. As the first woman in my family to earn a doctorate degree, I am committed to empowering others to create their own stories of success.

Tina C. Mason, MD, MPH, FACOG
Associate Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine

Dr. Mason teaches first and second year medical students in the Primary Care Department at the College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is also a preceptor for third and fourth year medical students while she provides gynecological services at a Federally Qualified Health Clinic in Vallejo, CA. TUC is the 4^th medical school in which she has served as Assistant or Associate Professor.

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

As a female physician of color, every day is ‘Women’s Month’. I focus on the needs of women and children. By empowering women to seek healthier lifestyles, we will have healthy families. With healthy families, we have healthier communities.  With healthy communities, we can change the world!

I am a partner with my patients, and throughout the years, I’ve found that most women already ‘know what to do’ to make their lives better. We’ve never encouraged each other to ‘step out and reach for that star’. Women will share not only their health concerns, but the concerns regarding their children, family members, careers, etc. I listen and encourage them to ‘do what they think is best’. Most women have never been allowed to picture a future that is different from the present.

Selene Jamall, MS
College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2020, Executive Director (Emeritus), Touro Student-Run Free Clinic

For the past year, Student Doctor Jamall has been the Executive Director of the Student-Run Free Clinic. She has been deeply inspired by the opportunity to better connect Touro students with the health needs of the greater Vallejo community, and she hopes to continue to build on the clinic to reach the populations who cannot come to us.

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

Women’s month is a reminder that I have been granted a very special privilege. Physicians hold incredible authority in representing the people they serve, and as a medical student, I have already been humbled by my power in being able to represent current issues relevant to my generation. I am ever aware of the tireless, unseen sacrifices women make every day for their families and their communities. Knowing that as a physician, that I will be able to further these efforts and elevate these voices, is what it means to me to be a woman in medicine.

Grace Landel, PA-C, MEd
Program Director of the Joint MSPAS/MPH Program

Professor Landel has been in PA education since 1990 and the Program Director for the Joint MSPAS/MPH Program since 2010. After her arrival at TUC, she has brought in $3.8M in grant funding, 85% for student scholarships and stipends. She is professionally active on the state, regional and national levels, most recently completing a 7-year term on the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant.

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

Women’s Month reminds me to take time to reflect on the women who have served as my mentors and role models. Some of them, like my mom, know they made an impact. Some don’t, like my high school English teacher. All have held themselves and others to high standards. All have believed that women can and do make a difference. This year it is especially important to recognize the contributions women have made. We need to continue to push forward for change, but not in the backward direction of our misogynist political environment. This is the month to acknowledge the power of women and for women to embrace that power for positive change. Then, we need to work for this change over the following 11 months.

Barbara M Kriz, PhD
Professor Emeritus, former Associate Dean for Preclinical Education, College of Osteopathic Medicine

Dr. Kriz's history with Touro begins in San Francisco, where the College of Osteopathic Medicine was founded in 1997, and officially ended when she retired in 2010. But she says that she will always follow her progress. Dr. Kriz considers it her greatest accomplishment that she was able to hire great faculty and staff and then let them exercise their creativity, i.e., “do their thing”. She proudly states that they have never disappointed.

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

The worldwide participation in Women’s Month events is very impressive. I am also particularly encouraged that more women are running for public office at all levels, as this can bring lasting change.

I do hope that all these activities are a stepping stone to the day when we can celebrate everyone equally. I guess I am still an idealist. I am sure that my perspective was influenced by my 1960’s UC Berkeley experience, whether I was aware of it or not.  I have always felt that I had a voice and that, if I worked hard and did my job to the best of my ability (I do think that is important!) I would be treated fairly. I have been fortunate to have had exceptional male and female mentors throughout my career - in this, I recognize that I have been very lucky. In my experience, TUC has generally been a supportive and encouraging environment for women - and the result is that you have had some amazing women contribute significantly to her development. My best wishes for all women and men of Touro for the future!

Golnoush Golshan, MA
Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate, Class of 2018

Student Doctor Golshan has served as the President of the Student Government Association from 2015-2016. Along with her colleagues from College of Pharmacy, Medicine, and Public Health, Ms. Golshan established TUC’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and has helped numerous professional clubs host healthcare events in the Vallejo community. Ms. Golshan is an advocate for research and strongly believes in the advancement of the healthcare profession through clinical publications.

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

Women’s month is a time to honor the contributions of extraordinary women in our lives and throughout history. It was through the sacrifices and courageousness of our mothers and the generations before them that we have been able to break down barriers and achieve the impossible. This month is a reminder that as females we must continue moving forward with the impact we have made in our respective fields and to help empower other women along the path to success.

Gayle Cummings, PsyDc, MPH
Program Director of the Public Health Program

Professor Cummings co-founded the Center for the Analysis of Multicultural Issues (CAMI), a program planning and evaluation firm, responsible for conducting program and research evaluation, strategic planning and analysis for disease prevention, and health promotion programs. For the last 15 years, as co-principal and consultant for CAMI, she helped develop, implement, and evaluate programs primarily focused on assisting under-served communities throughout California and in and around the Bay Area.

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

Current research shows that when women make up more than 50 percent of an  organization, the unit’s collective intelligence rises above average. Therefore, more gender diverse groups make for smarter, more impactful organizations, particularly in leadership and management. I’m a firm believer that mentorship is key to the increasing the numbers of women in leadership positions and I encourage men and women to take the time to mentor women in their workplace as one way to honor National Women’s month.

Lisa Gottfried, MEd
Adjunct Professor, Graduate School of Education, Alumna of the Class of 2016

Professor Gottfried is in her fifth year of teaching Digital Design, Game Design, and Video Storytelling for the flagship New Technology High School in Napa. She is currently an adjunct professor for Touro University California in the Innovative Education Masters program. She has taught other educators through the Napa Learns Digital Innovators program on how to use and teach project management by stealing from the tech start-up company playbook. 

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

As we celebrate National Women's Month, I am both looking backward and forward to commemorate the month. My mother and mother-in-law have served as trail blazers and role models for me as they became professionals in the fields of business and biotech, at a time when they were among a handful of women doing so. All of the choices I have made in life are possible through the hard work and determination of the women who came before me.

Teenage girls are coming into their own and looking at traditionally male dominated fields, and I love having an active role in supporting them in participating in all levels of the job force. We have GOT to continue to open doors for women, work with men to create equitable and supportive work relationships, and change the way we do business in our country. Political leaders must reflect the true makeup our populous. More women are needed to take up leadership roles in business as well. It's appropriate that we celebrate this March. I can't wait to see how the world will be changed for the good for my teenage daughter and all her friends as she comes into her own.

Meiling Tang, PhD
Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness, WASC Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO)

Dr. Tang, who's earned the nickname “Dr. WASC”, is currently preparing the campus for the April WASC team visit. The Office of Institutional Effectiveness integrates multiple functions in institutional research, assessment, program review, strategic planning, and accreditation to promote and support evidence-based planning and improvement. 

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

Women’s month is about celebrating women’s accomplishments and also recognizing the challenges we face. We are at a time when we can take inspiration from those women who came generations before us and fought for women’s rights, and we can see the difference we can make when women come together today. Growing up in a family with a sister and no brothers in a rural area in China, I witnessed prejudice, and it is still part of my childhood memories. This month is a reminder that women have to continue to fight to celebrate and follow our dreams.

Annabelle Prasad, MPH
2018 Public Health Hero Award Recipient, Alumna of the Class of 2016

Since graduating from TUC, Ms. Prasad has served as the Prevention Coordinator at Fighting Back Partnership. She works on tobacco prevention efforts in Vallejo and the rest of Solano County. Ms. Prasad has been a member of the Tobacco Education Coalition from 2016 and served as co-chair in 2017. Due to her active participation in tobacco prevention efforts, she received the 2017 Les Ross Volunteer of the Year award and is set to receive the 2018 Public Health Alumni Hero Award on April 3rd.

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

Women’s Month is an opportunity to acknowledge the progress the world and this country has made and to celebrate the continued success of women and their equal seat at the table. It is also an opportunity to recognize the gaps we have with gender equality and the steps we need to take in order to overcome this. Women have made contributions to this nation that many people look up to today. To me, women’s month is a reminder that there is more work that needs to be done and not to disappoint those who laid the trail before us.

Alesia J. Wagner, DO, FACOFP distinguished
Associate Professor, Vice Chair Primary Care Department, College of Osteopathic Medicine

Vice-Chair of the primary care department and chair of the COM admissions committee, Dr. Wagner’s passion for osteopathic medicine and mentoring future DOs, has been recognized through her service in leadership to multiple osteopathic organizations.  The American Osteopathic Foundation honored Dr. Wagner with the W. Douglas Ward, PhD Educator of the Year award in 2016.

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

In 1892, Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, made history accepting men and women equally to the first Osteopathic Medical school.  Women’s month gives me pause to remember those, who came before me and helped pave the road to success.  Today, women make up 50% of the medical profession; but that was not always the case.  Most of my mentors were male. I am thankful they recognized me as a DO and as a woman.  This dedicated month allows me to celebrate the pioneers and reinforces for me the importance of being a mentor and leader, as a DO and a woman in medicine.

Michelle Wolfe, MD
Medical Director of the Joint MSPAS/MPH Program

Dr. Wolfe is a family physician who has been the Medical Director of the Joint MSPAS/MPH Program for the last 8 years. In addition to her work at Touro, she is a physician at Planned Parenthood where she trains family medicine residents. Dr. Wolfe teaches many topics related to women’s health at Touro, including contraception and IUD placement, miscarriage, abortion, and reproductive health emergencies.

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

During Women’s Month, I particularly remember the importance of activism and community engagement. One hundred years ago, suffragettes fought for and won the right for women to vote. Rosa Parks stood against segregation by sitting, helping to ignite the Civil Rights Movement sixty-five years ago. Forty-five years ago, Gloria Steinem was integral to the passing of the Equal Rights Amendment. Malala Yousafzai recently battled for her right to an education and was the youngest person to ever be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Today, activists like Emma Gonzalez lead us in the March for our Lives. These are just a few of the women who have challenged an unjust system and helped to make the world a better place. Women’s Month reminds me of them, and the easily forgotten lesson that it only takes a single person to make a world-altering difference. Let’s get to work!

Lucinda Chan, PharmD
Assistant Professor & Director of Experiential Education, College of Pharmacy

Dr. Chan started her career as a Clinical Pharmacist in 1983. Her roles have since gone on to include critical care, creating nutrition support, pediatrics clinical pharmacy services, informatics, managed care, and now serving as an academic at Touro University California. Her primary responsibilities at Touro are to build and promote the COP’s Pharmacy Practice Program by developing rotation ready students and enhancing the relationships between Touro University California and our partners in Pharmacy.

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

As a young pharmacist starting her career, I was extremely fortunate to have strong female pharmacy mentors. I listened to their stories of being the first female pharmacy student in their class and dealing with the choice of career or family. The women before me have paved a road of incredible strength and courage. They have encouraged me to work fearlessly and to reach for goals in areas that have not been developed. I was given the courage to push forward and persist when the odds were difficult.  When I was feeling tired and weak, reaching out to my mentors for words of encouragement gave me the momentum to create a legacy for women pharmacist that will follow me. I am excited to be a mentor now and encourage the new generation of women that will continue this road of accomplishments.

Ann Stoltz, PhD, RN, CNL
Director of the School of Nursing

Dr. Stoltz is the founding Director of the School of Nursing at TUC. Prior to coming to the university, she was a Professor at California State University Sacramento and Chair of the School of Nursing from 2006-2010. She calls Solano County home and is proud to contribute to advancing the education of nurses to meet the needs of the local region.  

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

Women’s History Month brings to mind the strong female role models whom I was privileged to have in my life and who provided guidance and support during my most formative years. My mother and aunt catapulted me into a career and life of inquiry and independence that I would otherwise not have had. I strive to influence and encourage my three daughters (and granddaughter) to use their talents and opportunities to advance women’s roles and to make a difference in the world. If each of us would mentor at least one young girl, we can continue to advance gender equity.

Pamela Redmond, EdD
Professor and Chair of Graduate Studies, Graduate School of Education

Dr. Pamela Redmond has chaired the Graduate Studies programs in the School of Education for 10 years. Two of the newest Master’s degrees that she developed were specifically designed to meet the school district needs for teacher leaders. The Innovative Learning Master of Education program explores 21st century learning and digital media in the context of closing opportunity gaps for students and workforce readiness. The Equity Diversity and Inclusive Education Master of Arts program dives into school-based issues of equity, social justice, cultural competency, and school-community relationships in the context of teacher’s classroom practice and school policy.

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

Nearly 100 years ago women gained the right to vote, yet the Equal Rights Amendment has languished for 95 years. Without it men and women who are subjected to abuse, discrimination and sexual assault have no constitutional right to bring cases to Federal court for adjudication. AAUW 2016 statistics show that women still earn .80 on the dollar as compared to men and that discrimination for women based on disability status, sexual orientation, and gender identity exist in higher education.  While many believe that the gender gap has been closed, the Equal Rights Amendment needs to be passed to ensure that all Americans have a fundamental and constitutional right to equality. 

Andrea Garcia, MBA
Associate Vice President, University Advancement

Prior to her role at Touro, Mrs. Garcia was a reporter at the Daily Republic newspaper in Fairfield where she garnered several prestigious writing awards. She is Immediate Past President of the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; former Honorary Commander at Travis Air Force Base; and serves on the Travis Credit Union Hispanic Advisory Committee.

What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?

Thirty-five years ago, when I first ventured into the work world from high school, I felt success tingling on the tips of my fingers. I was packaged with two years of typing classes followed by a year of stenography. I was ready! That is, until reality crept in.

I recall being asked at my first job, “Do you really think you can make it in this world?” followed later by a neighbor calmly saying, “I can’t see you ever getting a degree.”  Although cruel and demeaning, these words actually propelled me to do more. They instilled inner strength and determination, and taught me to rotate the negative to a positive. More importantly, they helped create a woman who understands the value of being supportive so that hurtful words aren’t said to our next generation of young women. And that’s what Women’s Month means to me.

Terrye Moore-Harper, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CNL
Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, MSN and DNP Programs

Dr. Moore-Harper has been a Registered Nurse for 30 years and an Advance Practice Nurse for over 20 years. After receiving an Army ROTC scholarship, she entered the US Army Nurse Corps and served for nearly 8 years as a Burn/Trauma Nurse. Dr. Moore-Harper has been passionate about improving health outcomes in African-Americans with diabetes for nearly 20 years. In 2017, she completed her doctoral degree at Duke University where her research incorporated elements of faith, culturally sensitive education, and support groups to improving participant's health beliefs around diabetes self-care behaviors

What does Women's Month Mean to Me?

Women are the givers of life and the sustainers of culture. We bring the fibers of strength to the family and are the heartbeat for our communities. It is befitting at this time that we celebrate the "voice" and the progress of women. While we envision the tough road ahead, we do so with every attempt to equalize the tables for all women everywhere. I am fortunate to have had two very strong grandmothers and an awesome mom who modeled for me the beauty, power and independence of womanhood. As the first woman in my family to obtain a doctorate, I am committed to my role of modeling personal goal setting, sustaining through the difficult times, and celebrating every great and small success!