Member Profile
We are singers, consultants, lawyers, stay-at-home moms, social workers, administrators, investment managers and teachers. We work in the entertainment industry, law firms, the non-profit sector, corporations and universities. We live in places like Hollywood, Venice, Los Angeles, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, Beverly Hills and some come as far as Orange County. We are men and women. Some are in their 20’s and others are approaching their 40’s. While some are married folk others are still looking! Despite the diversity of professions, places we call home and personal interests we are brought together by one common goal; to help support the mission of Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women through the activities of the Young Professionals Group (YPG).
Launched earlier this year, the YPG is still in its infancy but is gaining more and more momentum. Helping to lead its expansion is Josie Sirineo, who is one of the YPG’s founding members. It was Josie’s motivation and perseverance, together with her fellow founding members, that helped catapult the YPG from a mere vision on paper to today’s reality.
Hailing from Venice, CA, Josie is Acting Director for Institutional Research and Assessment at Mount St. Mary’s College. Between her many hobbies including reading, working out, surfing the web and traveling (did we mention Josie’s traveled throughout the United States, London, Paris, Italy, Austria, Germany, Holland and the Philippines?), Josie also finds time to volunteer with the YPG.
Josie was introduced to the YPG idea when she met Board members Judy McDonald and Judy Call as an intern in the Riordan Volunteer Leadership Development Program, a 10-month program offered through the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce. Josie remembers, “Judy McDonald asked if I was interested in establishing the YPG for Good Shepherd Center. I agreed and the rest is history!”
It is Josie’s strong belief in the mission of Good Shepherd Center that attracted her and reminds her to stay. She explains, “The mission of Good Shepherd Center values women and empowers them to actualize their potential. The manifestations of the mission are not only evident in the organization but in the residents as well. In an impromptu conversation with residents of Hawkes, the women spoke so lovingly about the family and facilities that compose the Center.”
When asked what she envisions for her future, this 1998 graduate of UCLA, hopes to advance within her current profession and graduate with a master’s degree in Education. In the long term, Josie looks forward to efficiently managing the demands of family, career and life long learning. As for the YPG, Josie says, “I see the YPG growing exponentially in the upcoming years. Recruiting and retaining active members are issues I like to keep on the front burner. As membership for the YPG grows, so will the group's contribution to Good Shepherd Center.”
Josie likes “learning new things and pleasant surprises.” Clearly she has found both in the YPG and Good Shepherd Center. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more and/or joining the YPG please contact Jennifer Gibbons at funkyjenn@aol.com or (323) 661-5509. Happy holidays!