One-Day Plug-In
"We don't accomplish anything in this world alone ... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something."
— Sandra Day O'Connor
The One-Day Plug-In is an opportunity for women to:
Meet someone new.
Visit someplace they haven't been.
Learn something interesting.
It's low-commitment but high-impact.
It was created because we realize that people care about our community, they want to get involved and give back, but often don't know where to start.
The One-Day Plug-In is our answer to that …
WHAT DOES A DAY LOOK LIKE
Usually between 12 and 15 women attend the One-Day Plug-In. The day starts between 8:30-9 a.m. with warm coffee and fresh snacks. We start the program promptly at 9 a.m. with introductions, followed by a conversation with one of our speakers, who shares her journey, insights and wisdom.
After our morning session, we often get to see a new place – be it touring City Hall, walking through downtown San Jose, visiting a museum or strolling through beautiful gardens. Next up is lunch where we enjoy a relaxing break and get a chance to mix and mingle with the other incredible attendees.
After lunch, we hear from our afternoon speaker. Our speakers come from all walks of life and talk about their professional and personal journeys. The official program ends promptly at 2 p.m., but hopefully the warm feelings, interesting insights and glow of being surrounded by wonderful women lasts throughout the day and beyond.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
"As always, I found myself leaving this latest Plug-In with a full heart and a mind percolating on many different things. There's just something about being in a safe and stimulating space with incredible women that creates ... magic."
"Not gonna lie, I was a little anxious about stepping away from my regularly scheduled work week to attend today! But my anxiety level dropped as soon as I got there and I realized how silly it is to feel guilty about taking time for myself! I feel so refreshed, happy and excited. Thank you for yet another wonderful day. There was just so much that spoke to me."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you for today! I love every single thing about today. My heart is full and I'm feeling grateful for the community we live in."
"Thank you for all the thought that went into a day of memorable sharing and learning. So nice that women of all ages and backgrounds are able to come together with an attitude of acceptance and a willingness to give and receive openly from one another."
"Love what you both are doing, loved each piece of the day! I too truly believe in the power of connection and connecting."
"Your plug-ins have been such an ongoing part of my journey! The experiences I collected there each time gave me immense hope somewhere in the back of my consciousness!"
"Thank you for another amazing day ladies! The positive energy is exactly what I needed."
"What an amazing group of women! I walked away with some great information, lots of inspiration and a wonderful sense of community."
"Thank you so much for the meaningful day! I will be thinking of this for a long time."
"Thank you so much for another fantastic Plug‐In! What a special day. It's such a meaningful experience. As I talk to friends about it, I often find myself uncharacteristically tongue-tied because it's hard to put words to it!"
"It was clear from the energy and support in the room that this is a great group of intelligent, motivated, funny, and warm women there to encourage and support each other. I love that.”
"I love visiting local, cool places to hear from other women (and some men) about their path, experiencing something different, connecting and feeling plugged in … I promise, it won't be boring!"
”This opportunity really feels like a miracle and I really do partly attribute you two for helping me in creating a positive mindset that made it possible for me to move forward. Please know that you are making a huge difference through your plug-ins.”
“Thank you so much for planning such an enriching and rejuvenating day. It was such a safe and supportive environment for everyone to share their fears, hopes, joys, loss, and vulnerability. I am grateful to have been part of the fellowship that took place today, and am going into the weekend feeling completely uplifted.”
"Thank you again for a wonderful day … so much of a what I heard and saw on Friday really helped me re‐focus back onto what I need to do to feed my soul and to figure out what I ‘must’ do."
"It was an inspiring, dynamic day with a great group of women and it was very helpful to me ... in many aspects."
"I had such a great time today and felt fortunate to be surrounded by a group of women who are inspired, intelligent and motivated all the while being scared, conflicted or confused! I look forward to the next adventure … whatever that is!!"
"It was a lovely day. Time well spent in the company of other smart, fascinating women."
“It was such a treat — once again — that you gave us Friday! I had a really, really, really good time!"
"I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the day again. Cannot wait for the next one!!! You both do such fabulous outings."
"You gals rock! Thank you for facilitating another inspirational day. I can't wait for the next event."
PAST SPEAKERS
Kerry Adams Hapner, Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs for City of San Jose
Honorable Julia Alloggiamento, Judge for the Superior Court of Santa Clara County
Tamara Alvarado, Executive Director for the School of Arts & Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza
Jennifer Andaluz, Co-founder and Executive Director of Downtown College Prep
Christina Bellantoni, Professor of Professional Practice, Director of the Annenberg Media Center at USC
Gay Crawford, Founding Director of Cancer CAREpoint
Carmel Jud, Founder and president, Rising International
Cherri Lakey, Owner of Anno Domini Gallery + Two Fish Design
Kim Le, CEO and Founder of A2Q2
Heather Lerner, Executive Director of Happy Hollow Foundation
Susan Lucas Taylor, Chief Development Officer at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
Lisa Mallette, Executive Artistic Director, City Lights Theater Co.
Rani Mani, Director of Customer Success, Social Strategy and Engagement, Adobe Systems Inc.
Connie Martinez, CEO of Silicon Valley Creates
Stephanie Metz, Sculptor, Artist Laureate
Dolores Miller, retired senior engineer/scientist IBM Research and textile artist
Pat Mitchell, Executive Director of Silicon Valley FACES
Sandra Moll, Certified Financial Planner, community activist and art collector
Carol Novello, President of the Humane Society Silicon Valley
Amy Pizarro, Founder of The Pad Party, executive director of Happy Hollow Foundation
Julie Riera Matsushima, Entrepreneur, Author, Community Activist and driving force behind Rotary PlayGarden
Vanessa Rogier, Conservation/ Communications Director at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
Suzanne St. John-Crane, Executive Director of CreaTV
Purvi Shah, Founder and Board Chair of Kids & Art Foundation
Leah Toeniskoetter, Director of SPUR San Jose
Alison van Diggelen, host of Fresh Dialogues, journalist, moderator and commentator
Kim Walesh, Director of Economic Development, Chief Strategist for the City of San Jose
Aaron West, Deputy District Attorney, County of Santa Clara Office of the District Attorney
Dr. Colleen Wilcox, former Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools, Founder of Silicon Valley Reads and Artist
Note: Job titles are accurate for when they participated in the ODPI.