The following WOVA members were the inspiration, energy and spirit behind the original Gather the Women Initiative. Many of them have been carrying the vision of Gathering the Women to help heal the planet for many years. Most of us did not know each other personally when we first began in June, 2002 as an email list to share our visions and co-create a plan. We met in person for the first time in September, 2002 in a 3 day retreat. Our second retreat was held November 9-11. In nine short months we clarified our visions, created a website, drafted a strategic plan and budget, formed working subcommittees, and implemented an extensive outreach program that culminated in thousands of global events held the week of March 3-9, 2003.

The continuation of the Gather the Women Initiative is currently being guided by a subcommittee within the WOVA Board of Directors.


Joanne Cronin has held the vision of planetary healing through the gathering of women in stadiums and arenas around the world for the past 12 years. Her vision is now becoming manifest.

She works for the United States Post Office and makes her home in Mercer Island, Washington.
Lisa Alfaro Dollar is the creator of The Lysistrata Project (www.lysistrataproject.org) whose mission is bridging the spiritual and activist communities and raising the visibility and impact of women’s peace actions. Her passion for intercultural understanding has taken her to Africa, India, Latin America and the then-Soviet Union, including the nuclear testing ground at Semipalatinsk. She teaches English as a Second Language at City College of San Francisco.
Carolyn Douglas has over 30 years of work experience with various government and private clients. An environmental manager, she is adept at looking at the big picture, strategic planning, and communications. Her educational discipline integrates science, management, and spirituality. Professional development includes an MS in Environmental Management, leadership development programs, a Master of Divinity degree, and a license as a professional practitioner of Religious Science. She is a past co-president of Women of Vision and Action
Maclyn Erickson, after receiving a BA in Sociology, worked for Los Angeles County Social Services for many years. Recognizing the depth of family problems following her retirement, Maclyn obtained a Masters Degree in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling and a Doctor of Ministry from the University of Cration Spirituality. She was also a host of a weekly radio program “The RadioActive Women’s Group.”
Christine Gregory is a consultant for navigating systems in both the private and public sectors. She is experienced in project coordination and conflict resolution and is proficient in planning, architecture, civil engineering, and construction management. She is passionate about engaging rich dialog to resolve questions that are stifling positive movement.
Carol Hansen Grey, the Executive Director of Women of Vision and Action, is a nationally recognized motivational speaker, author and publisher.Since 1996, she has been spearheading the Only Love Prevails World Peace Experiment and with her husband Victor Grey, she manages their publishing company, Open Heart Press (www.openheart.com) and her design company, Collage Keepsakes (collagekeepsakes.com).
Bonnie Kelley Kaback is a published author. Her current book, Harmony’s Way, A Grandmother’s Message of Hope for Uncertain Times, offers easily understood steps to take us out of “harm’s way” into “harmony’s way.” (beginlivingharmonysway.com) She is a trained Christian Science Practitioner and a teacher-guide for the Foundation for Conscious Evolution. Her greatest delight is facilitating resonant circles.
Marilyn Nyborg, president of Nyborg-Dow Associates, Inc., has been a Silicon Valley high tech recruiter since 1981 specializing in placing technical engineers with small startups and managing and training recruiters. She and her partner also have a coaching practice called “TouchStone Coaching.” Marilyn, who publishes a newsletter called “Seeing the World Through Women’s Eyes,” has led workshops, retreats and participated in women’s spiritual circles for over 30 years. Marilyn currently serves on the WOVA Board of Directors.
Kathlyn Schaaf is a Marriage and Family therapist and founder of Wise Woman Workshops, a vehicle through which she provides workshops and seminars to empower women. She has served as the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Positive Youth Development Initiative, the Wisconsin Child Welfare Advisory Committee and convened numerous state and national conferences. Currently she serves on the WOVA Board of Directors and is the coordinator of the First Annual Gather the Women Congress: Weaving a World that Works taking place in San Franciso in October 2003.
CarolAnn Shereck is founder and President of Matrix Generations, a start-up developmental and consulting company which develops projects that benefit society. Current projects include: 1) Wellness in American Health Care: a nursing transformation program providing nurses with linguistic technology to create workable environments that resolve the issues driving nurses out of nursing; 2) Nursing in Action: a non-profit media campaign to transform the negative perceptions associated with nursing; 3) The Right Phyt: a meta-analysis and consulting firm currently preparing to publish data and conclusions for possible causes and interventions regarding autism.
Veronica Wolfe is a business consultant with over 20 years of experience in accounting, finance and human resources. She has extensive technical expertise in accounting and business information systems, and is a skilled project manager, change agent and group facilitator. She combines highly effective communication skills with an innovative, creative and results-oriented approach to business and is known for her “magical ability to get things done.” Veronica is currently serving on the WOVA Board of Directors.

Several other WOVA members contributed their time and talents to helping develop this initiative at the outset. They included: Lynda Ellis, Jan St. John, Austin Therber, Lili Fournier, Kate  Dean and Lynn Finegan.  We thank each of these women for their contributions.

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