Andrea is a social entrepreneur who enjoys empowering others, having fun, and giving back. Andrea survived the Loma Prieta earthquake and is a long-time member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and founding member of the Neighborhood Emergency Awareness Team (NEAT). This has taught her the importance of preparedness. She would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!
Andrea was born in Pennsylvania and has over 35 years of leadership, consulting, and innovation experience and has held executive positions in Finance, Business Development, Operations, Marketing, Manufacturing and Sales for a variety of companies including Eli Lilly and Guidant (Boston Scientific and Abbott Labs).
She funded her undergraduate education through grants, loans, and working full-time while going to college full-time. She received her MBA from Golden Gate University and a BS degree from Youngstown State University. Due to her successful life planning, she was able to retire from the medical industry in her 30s. She enjoys educating others, giving back, hiking, traveling, and the three cats that rescued her.
WOMAN OF THE YEAR was awarded to Andrea for her generous contributions to the success of over 100 for-profits and non-profits. This award was recognized by the US Congress, California State Assembly, National Association of Commissions for Women, California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and the San Luis Obispo County Commission on the Status of Women.