Many of my most treasured relationships are the ones I have made at the West Valley Women Networking Association. The organization is in its 19th year of fostering business connections, networking opportunities and friendships for women in the community. As the owner and Chief Connections Officer, I am proud of our members’ contribution to the West Valley Community. Under our coaching umbrella, I help sensitive introverted professionals connect with confidence. Come join us. West Valley Women, where one can experience the Art of Networking. We make networking fun!

Joanne has worked in the non profit sector for over twenty five years, with a break in between, working for large (and small) businesses for several years, as well. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Child Development & Family Relations from Illinois State University, has 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Originally from the Chicago area, Joanne re-located to Phoenix in 2004, being the first telecommuter of her company, at that time.

After volunteering for Helping Hands for Single Moms, in 2005 and 2006, she asked for a position with the organization (which was a staff of ONE, at that time). She worked there for almost 8 years as Program Director and Interim Exec. Dir, until 2015.

After working for other non-profits for 6 years, doing Volunteer Coordination and Community Outreach, she was lured back into a newly created position of Business Development Director at Helping Hands for Single Moms ~ a place that has always held an important place in her heart. She works closely with the Exec Dir of this 20 yr (and going strong) organization, bringing awareness to the community for the support needed by low-income single mom families while the mom attains her college degree. Having been a single mom herself, she has a passion to encourage this special group of hard-working moms to achieve success through continuing education, and enjoys being behind the scenes of offering a helping hand to others.

Lorraine Zomok is the owner of two businesses in Historic Downtown Glendale. Memory Lane Trinkets & Treasures which features more than 170 local artisans and makers, and The Spicery Tearoom – Glendale’s original tearoom. Lorraine is the current President of the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association (HDGMA). HDGMA is a non-profit organization working with the local business community to stimulate, enhance and sustain the economic vitality and customer experience of the Historic Downtown Glendale Shopping and Dining District. Lorraine’s previous roles included Administrator for the Glendale Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). Lorraine helped create the operation of the Glendale CVB, the first in the West Valley, which also represented 14 West Valley cities.

Zomok is currently active with several community organizations including the Blue Star Moms, Glendale Ambassadors, West Valley Women, and the What’s Happening Art Movement (WHAM).

Lorraine’s connections to Glendale aren’t just professional; she’s been a resident since 1972. She and her husband, Bud Zomok, live in one of Glendale’s oldest homes located in the Catlin Court Historic District. The home, built in 1918, is listed on the National Register and the Zomok regularly conduct tours of their house while promoting the rich history and culture of Glendale.