2025/26 Board of Directors

Bonnie Resendes

Co-President 

With 18 years of experience in foster care, I have dedicated my life to helping others. I founded my own event planning business, which I unfortunately had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I then pivoted to real estate, earning my license alongside my daughter, and we now work together in this field. My true passion lies in nonprofit work, and I hold a certificate in Nonprofit Management as well as an AA in Business Management. As a committed Soroptimist, I am passionate about serving women and look forward to continuing this work for many more years.  

Debbi Sutton

Co-President

Debbi has been a Nevada County resident for 30 years, has raised her 5 children here and now has 12 grandchildren. Debbi was active as a Soroptimist member in 2008, however illness prevented her from continuing until 2023. She is back as a Soroptimist member and currently works for Child Advocates of Nevada County, Healthy Babies Program. Coming back to Soroptimist International of Grass Valley was a no brainer and supports her passion for helping women and children.

Debbi loves to garden, grow her own food, raise chickens for eggs in an effort to become more self reliant. In her spare time she enjoys camping and family gatherings.

Candice Nutting

Secretary

Candice is a 41-year resident of Nevada County with a strong dedication to community and service. She spent ten years working at a family-owned bookkeeping business before joining Eskaton Village Grass Valley in 2006. In addition to caring for residents, she coordinates the Employee Wellness program and recently launched the Santa for Seniors project, a holiday outreach benefitting low-income seniors throughout Northern California.

She holds a Master’s degree in Biblical Theology and leads the Nevada County Servants of Christ ministry. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, crafting, traveling throughout California, and participating in charity 5K events. She is also in the process of publishing her first Christian education book.

Fran Freedle

Treasurer

Fran Freedle has been a Soroptimist for 48 years. She was invited to join a few months after opening her business, The Trophy Shoppe, that she operated for 21 years, but sold when she was a Nevada County Supervisor. She has served in almost every position, is a Past President and has been Treasurer
several times including the current Treasurer.

In 1999, as an active member of the Women and Children Committee, she helped co-found the KARE(Kids Assistance and Respite in Emergencies) Crisis Nursery, working 7 years to bring the idea to fruition, purchase a facility and serve the first child, and establish the only stable Court-Ordered Family Visitation program in the county. She raised over $2 million in grants and continued as the Accountant for another 6 years.

She has been Chairman of many committees including the Vocational Scholarship that she has led for 12 years. She has chaired the Grants Committee since its inception 10 years ago – a program that has
helped local non-profits in our community with over $70,000. She loves the international mission of Soroptimist to support and empower women throughout the world.

Kimberly Jones

Board Member - Social Media & Tech

Kimberly's roots run deep in Nevada County, where she was born and raised. After spending twelve years in the Bay Area, she returned to Penn Valley in 2020. Her enduring passion for championing the needs of disadvantaged women and children has been a driving force throughout her life. Upon joining SIGV in 2022, Kimberly found a fulfilling avenue to further support and advocate for these deserving groups.

When she's not dedicating her time to volunteering, Kimberly leads a bustling career as a Senior Director of Operations with Signet Jewelers. Despite her demanding professional life, she finds joy in the adventures she shares with her spirited 8-year-old daughter, Charlotte, and their beloved golden retriever.

Tessa Marmorstein

Board Member - Member Recruitment 

Tessa is a board member of SIGV and works as a Financial Advisor in Grass Valley. She knew from a young age her calling was to help people, especially as they faced life’s most important financial transitions. Professionally she focuses on helping clients who are preparing for orcurrently retired — helping them plan for a comfortable, stress-free future. In addition to her role as a financial advisor & SIGV board member, she proudly serves as a board member of Gold Country Senior Services as well as the president of a local Business Network International group.

Outside the office, she is an avid reader and enjoys spending time with her large family. She is married to her husband Micah, an engineer and trumpet player. Together they enjoy exploring the outdoors, seeing live music and cooking.

Patty Rogers

Board Member - Member Retention

Patty was born and raised in California and has called Nevada County home for the past 24 years. She dedicated 36 years to her career as an OB nurse, care for countless families during life's most meaningful momnets. Patty has also given her time as a Girl Scout Leader and Little League team organizer. She joined Soroptimist to continue her passion for giving back and making a difference in her community.

Marlene Sharon

Delegate

Marlene Sharon has lived and worked in Grass Valley for 35 years. Her two children matriculated through the Grass Valley schools and are now a Phd. Astrophysicist and an RN. Marlene is an active retiree, she swims, hikes and bikes and loves to travel. But her real passion is volunteering! She volunteers for and belongs to seven clubs and organizations. Soroptimist of Grass Valley is her favorite organization. The SIGV projects are rewarding for the community and for the SIGV members. The club has many opportunities to realize ones’ passion to help local women and children. The camaraderie of the club and the opportunity to serve on the board in so many different ways is fulfilling. Marlene’s only answer to any query for help is yes. At home on the Sun Moon ranch, she cooks, cleans and bakes vegetarian/vegan style for her husband and herself and always with an audible book plugged in her ear, no time to sit and read anymore!

Judy East

Past President

Judy East has been a member of SIGV for 40 years, serving as President 4 times.  All of her professional career has been dedicated to helping women and children as counselor and adminstrator of Lyman Gilmore School and in various non profit organizations.  She has served as chair of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Commission and Mental Health Advisory Committe for Nevada County.  Additionally, she and her husband Monty were instrumental in creating the first Teen Center in Nevada County.  Judy enjoys living in Nevada County, where she can make a differrence in this amazing community.