CHICKS IN CRISIS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Inez Whitlow – FOUNDER & VISIONARY
Inez Whitlow founded Chicks in Crisis, Inc. in 1997 out of her garage. Her intent was to help pregnant women and teens in crisis situations to find alternative safe choices regarding their pregnancy. In this pursuit, Inez discovered two of her greatest passions—finding good homes for unborn, unplanned and unwanted babies and helping women in crisis learn what it is to be a new mother or improve their parenting of existing children.
Inez knows firsthand what it’s like to be a “Chick in Crisis.” She’d been a young mother in a loveless marriage and struggled with many of the same issues that face the women she helps. After having three children, Inez finally gathered the courage to leave her situation and start over. Without a college education or any means of support, she was forced to go on welfare. Though the experience humiliated her, it motivated her to work three jobs to make ends meet. She now uses her own personal struggle to help women reclaim their lives and dreams. Currently, Inez assists between 80 and 100 women per month who need emergency services. She continues to facilitate over 20 open adoptions per year in an effort to save babies from foster care.
Inez is a graduate of Humphreys College where she earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Paralegal Studies. She also is a licensed adoption facilitator. She currently resides in Elk Grove, parenting her four children and continuing her work of making a difference, one family at a time.
Ana Bertolucci
Ana Bertolucci is the Regional Manager of Public Affairs for NuStar Energy’s, West Region. A graduate from California State University, Sacramento, Ana is a corporate communications professional and has worked in the area of public relations in western Canada for over 15 years in a variety of sectors including private, non-profit, and local government. Ana moved back to her native northern California in 2008 and began looking for a place to volunteer while job searching. As the result of a teenage pregnancy herself and adoptee, Ana felt an immediate connection to the Chicks in Crisis organization and quickly signed onto becoming a board member and volunteer coordinator. In her spare time, Ana enjoys spending time with her family and friends, listening to live music, being active outdoors, and the occasional craft project. Ana is an accredited member of IABC, the International Association of Business Communications, a member of the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club of Elk Grove.
Gloria Benavides
Gloria Benavides is the Program Coordinator for Chicks in Crisis. Gloria has worked for Chicks in Crisis for a year and a half and enjoys working for an organization that is dedicated to saving babies. Her job duties include: Provide field support to the Executive Director & Founder, handles appointment scheduling (clients, process all insurance ,including Medi-Cal forms, process intake forms, transport clients to medical appointments, Translation when needed (fluent in Spanish), networking with area OB/GYN offices. Before working for Chicks in Crisis Gloria worked for a OB/GYN based in the Sacramento area for eight years as a Medical Assistant and was able to relate her medical and office skills to the needs of Chicks in Crisis. Although, she does not have children and may not relate to the labor pains, she can dedicate her time to others that are in a crisis. Her hobbies are swimming, reading and spending time with her two nephews and niece. She currently is enrolled in College to become an RN.
Lori Martin
Lori Martin is currently the Director of Educational Services for Chicks in Crisis. Lori came to Chicks in Crisis with extensive experience as a Senior Sales Management professional and has worked in the High Tech Software sector for more than 20 years. Lori has held positions as Director of World Wide Channel Sales at SUN Microsystems Inc., and has held positions as Director of North American Sales for NextPoint Networks, Sigma Solutions, Segue Software and Intersect Software. Lori and her family moved to the Elk Grove area in 1999 from the Bay Area. In her spare time, Lori loves to cook, golf, ride her bike and spend time with her family. Lori is an accredited member of the of eWomen Network Elk Grove, Ca Chapter since 2007, a member and contributing partner of the S.F. Aids Foundation since 1993.
Lisa Sweet
Lisa Sweet comes to Chicks in Crisis with 18 years experience in being involved with all levels of adoptions. Lisa and her husband are parents of four adopted children. Lisa has worked in the foster care system providing education and support for foster and adoptive parents. She is a registered nurse of 22 years specializing in maternal/child health, labor and delivery, and is an advocate for persons with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The Sweet’s were awarded “The Congressional Angels in Adoption Award” in 2008, nominated by Diane Feinstein. Lisa is a member at large on the Drug and Alcohol Advisory Committee in Contra Costa County. She has lived in Contra Costa County for 20 years and is very involved in her community providing resources and support wherever it is needed, including prison ministry with her church. Lisa has a great understanding of the adoption triad and is passionate about helping families grow and most of all, making sure that all children grow up in a warm, loving home.
Sally Claffey
Sally Claffey is an adoptive Mom of two boys. Prior to the birth of her children, Sally spent 10 years at Quest Diagnostics, eight of those as a sales manager. Before coming to Quest, she was in sales with Xerox Corporation. Sally has served on the Advisory Board of the North Avenue Day Nursery, serving Chicago’s low income families with quality early childhood development programs. Sally is on the board of Glenview Methodist Preschool and in the Women’s Association of Glenview Community Church.