Manna Board President and Executive Director spent a wonderful day with fellow non-profit professionals at the AFP awards luncheon yesterday, honoring caring and giving philanthropists from around Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. It was especially exciting because our very own Capital Campaign Task Force member, Joanie Young, was among the worthy recipients.
For the past five-decades the story of Joanie Young has been one of entrepreneurial vision coupled with a commitment towards improving her community. Raised in Brooklyn, NY Joanie’s professional career began at the Janss Corporation followed by a partnership with Joe Brown at Brown Realtors. From there she ventured out to open Young Realtors in Westlake Village which soon became the premier, locally-owned real estate brokerage firm. When Sotheby’s International Realty acquired Young Realtors Joanie stayed on to serve as a Vice President and regional manager. Joanie served as the first woman Chair of the Chamber of Commerce; Director and Capital Campaign Co-Chair for Senior Concerns; served on the City of Thousand Oaks Affordable Housing Task Force; Chaired the RPD Committee and served on the Blue Ribbon Committee; was a Director and Executive Committee member and County Representative of United Way of Ventura County; and was a founding member of the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Women’s Legacy Fund.
In 2001 Joanie began serving as 12 year term on the Board of Regents of CLU. During that time she chaired the Advancement Committee, North Campus Fundraising Committee, the Housing Task Force, and was a member of the Executive Committee. As a result of her efforts Joanie received CLU’s highest honor, Doctor of Laws Degree, honoris causa, in recognition of her distinguished career as a business woman, civic leader, model employer, social entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Manna is honored to have such a wonderful, civic minded person as part of our Capital Campaign. Her involvement will surely lead Manna to the next level.
