Meet the Board

The Women’s Leadership Connection (formerly called the Women’s Leadership Conference) has a core mission of connecting women not only to each other, but also to opportunities for professional advancement. WLC’s offerings include an annual conference, mentorship program, workshops, and a webinar series—all designed to help women advance in their careers and in the community.

Libby Gill, President

Libby Gill is an executive coach, leadership expert, and award-winning author of six books, including You Unstuck, Traveling Hopefully, Capture the Mindshare, The Hope-Driven Leader, and Leadership Reckoning (with co-authors Dr. Thomas Kolditz and Dr. Ryan P. Brown). Libby’s debut novel, Malibu Summer, will be published in June 2024 by Penguin Random House.

A former columnist for the Dallas Morning News, she was the head of public relations and communications for Sony, Universal, and Turner Broadcasting, and the “branding brain” behind the launch of the Dr. Phil Show. An international speaker who has delivered keynotes on four continents and in 41 US states, Libby’s clients include ADP, Disney, Ernst & Young, Google, Honda, Intel, Kellogg’s, Microsoft, Rogue Credit Union, Safety Professionals of Southern Oregon, The Human Bean, United Healthcare, Warner Bros. and many more.

Libby has been featured on the CBS Early Show, CNN, NPR, the Today Show and in the New York Times, Time Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal. After many years living in Los Angeles, she and her husband relocated to the Rogue Valley in 2021. Libby serves on the board of the OHRA Center and, in her spare time, travels, hikes, gardens, and attempts to learn golf.

Renatta Tellez, Executive Committee VP and Mentorship Program Director

Renatta Tellez is a professional coach and mentor for women executives and entrepreneurs who want to unlock their full potential and become leaders in work, life, and community. Renatta has more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning and management, having successfully led teams in marketing, event production, program and partnership development, and strategic growth in both start-up and mature business environments.

Renatta’s coaching practice is tailored to professional women seeking to advance their careers and lives. She integrates the latest research and practices in leadership, mindfulness, and positive behavioral psychology into her coaching approach and is committed to empowering and inspiring other women. Her expertise and experience allow her to provide valuable insights and guidance to professional women seeking to advance their careers, particularly in leadership roles.

Her overarching goal is to close the gender gap by empowering and inspiring women to achieve their full potential in leadership and self-development. She believes that even though she helps one woman at a time through her coaching practice, the collective efforts of these individuals can contribute to greater progress toward equity. Her aim in everything she does is to create a ripple effect that inspires and empowers more women to do the same, ultimately leading to a more equitable and inclusive society.

Renatta Tellez, Executive Committee VP and Mentorship Program Director

Renatta Tellez is a professional coach and mentor for women executives and entrepreneurs who want to unlock their full potential and become leaders in work, life, and community. Renatta has more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning and management, having successfully led teams in marketing, event production, program and partnership development, and strategic growth in both start-up and mature business environments.

Renatta’s coaching practice is tailored to professional women seeking to advance their careers and lives. She integrates the latest research and practices in leadership, mindfulness, and positive behavioral psychology into her coaching approach and is committed to empowering and inspiring other women. Her expertise and experience allow her to provide valuable insights and guidance to professional women seeking to advance their careers, particularly in leadership roles.

Her overarching goal is to close the gender gap by empowering and inspiring women to achieve their full potential in leadership and self-development. She believes that even though she helps one woman at a time through her coaching practice, the collective efforts of these individuals can contribute to greater progress toward equity. Her aim in everything she does is to create a ripple effect that inspires and empowers more women to do the same, ultimately leading to a more equitable and inclusive society.

Theresa Morris, Executive Committee and Treasurer

Theresa has called Southern Oregon home for over 30 years. Throughout her long career, she has served in leadership roles for multiple businesses before finding her true passion in adult learning and development. Theresa holds a BS in Innovation and Leadership from SOU and a Master of Education degree with a focus on Adult Education and Lifelong Learning from UARK.

Community service and volunteerism have always been important to her, as she has demonstrated by being involved in youth programs such as Girl Scouts, SMART Reading, and Junior Achievement. She serves on the RVSHRM board of directors, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and the Bear Creek Greenway Joint Powers Committee. 2023 is Theresa’s first year serving on the WLC Board as Treasurer and a member of the Executive Committee.

Theresa enjoys traveling with her husband and has a hobby business specializing in her favorite form of travel—cruises. She has three grandchildren and enjoys spending as much time as possible with each of them.

Miranda Stiles, Executive Committee and Administrator

Miranda Stiles has worked at Southern Oregon University since 2017. In her current position as Assistant Director of Admissions Communication, she oversees all departmental strategic marketing and communications.

Miranda received a BS in Business Administration, a certificate of Applied Finance and Economics (CAFE), and a MBA from SOU. She also studied abroad at a technical university in Saarbrücken, Germany. Miranda was named Management Student of the Year in 2017. 

In her spare time, you will find Miranda hiking local trails, sketching, and jet-setting to new locations. 

Miranda Stiles, Executive Committee and Administrator

Miranda Stiles has worked at Southern Oregon University since 2017. In her current position as Assistant Director of Admissions Communication, she oversees all departmental strategic marketing and communications.

Miranda received a BS in Business Administration, a certificate of Applied Finance and Economics (CAFE), and a MBA from SOU. She also studied abroad at a technical university in Saarbrücken, Germany. Miranda was named Management Student of the Year in 2017.

In her spare time, you will find Miranda hiking local trails, sketching, and jet-setting to new locations.

Julie Gillis, Executive Committee and Programs Director

Julie Gillis is a non-profit development professional who specializes in transformational storytelling and philanthropic events. She holds and co-builds space for creative people to build great things. Julie uses human systems processes, storytelling, improvisational theater forms, change management, and good old-fashioned relationship building in all of her work to allow staff and volunteers to thrive while also resourcing organizations to achieve their missions.

Julie currently serves as the Chief Development Officer at Britt Music and Arts Festival and recently worked at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival as their Director of Individual Giving and Major Gifts. Other roles include Rogue Workforce Partnership in Medford and Director of Development at Southern Oregon PBS. She also developed and led a student philanthropy program at The University of Texas at Austin.

As a dedicated board member and volunteer committed to the arts and social justice, Julie has supported many diverse organizations in several US cities. In addition, she is an artist with over three decades of experience in film, theater, public speaking, and improvisational comedy performing in hundreds of events that merge artistic expression and cultural change.

To relax and play, Julie loves hiking with her dog, watching documentaries and scary movies with her cats, listening to podcasts, cooking with her family, and enjoying Oregon wineries with her husband.

Tammy Ryan, Executive Committee and Conference Director

With more than 35 years in the corporate and private sector arenas, Tammy brings a plethora of expertise in marketing project management. A seasoned professional in print production, and creative services/process, Tammy has produced it all! Her understanding of the creative lifecycle of a project from beginning to end, as well as her tireless energy and optimism, have served her well. She brings to the WLC board the ability to devise effective strategies and mobilize the right resources to achieve mission-critical initiatives. She has worked with various design firms, advertising agencies, and corporations in the Bay Area, before settling in her current position with Wells Fargo for the last ten years, as a Marketing Production Consultant. She currently produces all marketing materials for the 4,000 branch offices nationwide, manages direct mail programs, and supports four third-party vendors.

Tammy and her wife moved to the Rogue Valley in 2018, and she immediately discovered the Women’s Leadership Conference. She has volunteered for the Logistics and Content Committees prior to becoming a board director. She has a long history of standing up for underserved communities, women, and the LGBTQIA community is near and dear to her heart. She currently is a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at Wells Fargo, and participates in various networks within the bank, including the Women’s Resource Network and the LGBTQIA Network. She is passionate about clearing the path for the next generation, hoping to guide and mentor them into crafting their careers.

When she isn’t working or volunteering, Tammy enjoys exploring her artistic side with painting/crafts/jewelry making. She loves hiking Roxy Ann with her wife and two dogs, playing ‘fetch’ with her two cats (yes, they taught them to play!) reading, travelling, or just enjoying the beautiful Oregon countryside. Always the sporty kind, she enjoys remaining active by walking at least five miles daily. She loves soccer, and while she doesn’t play anymore, she fervently watches as much soccer as she can find!

A photograph of Tammy, Ryan, a member of the women's leadership connection board
A photograph of Tammy, Ryan, a member of the women's leadership connection board

Tammy Ryan, Executive Committee and Conference Director

With more than 35 years in the corporate and private sector arenas, Tammy brings a plethora of expertise in marketing project management. A seasoned professional in print production, creative services/process, Tammy has produced it all! Her understanding of the creative lifecycle of a project from beginning to end, as well as her tireless energy and optimism have served her well. She brings to the WLC board the ability to devise effective strategies, mobilizing the right resources to achieve mission-critical initiatives. She has worked with various design firms, advertising agencies, and corporations in the Bay Area, before settling in her current position with Wells Fargo for the last ten years, as a Marketing Production Consultant.  She currently produces all marketing materials for the 4,000 branch offices nationwide, manages direct mail programs and supports four third party vendors.

Tammy and her wife moved to the Rogue Valley in 2018, and she immediately discovered the Women’s Leadership Conference. She has volunteered for the Logistics and Content Committees prior to becoming a board director. She has a long history of standing up for underserved communities, women, and the LGBTQIA community is near and dear to her heart. She currently is a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at Wells Fargo, and participates in various networks within the bank, including the Women’s Resource Network and the LGBTQIA Network. She is passionate about clearing the path for the next generation, hoping to guide and mentor them into crafting their careers.

When she isn’t working or volunteering, Tammy enjoys exploring her artistic side with painting/crafts/jewelry making. She loves hiking Roxy Ann with her wife and two dogs, playing ‘fetch’ with her two cats (yes, they taught them to play!) reading, travelling, or just enjoying the beautiful Oregon countryside.  Always the sporty kind, she enjoys remaining active by walking at least five miles daily. She loves soccer, and while she doesn’t play anymore, she fervently watches as much soccer as she can find!

Bonnie Glidewell, Scholarships and Awards Director

Bonnie Glidewell is a Southern Oregon native and has served our community in a variety of ways throughout her professional career. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Southern Oregon University and a master’s in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University.

Bonnie is a Talent Acquisition Consultant for EXPR, the fashion retailer umbrella for EXPRESS & BONOBOS. She is passionate about connecting people to resources, which she has applied throughout her career path in her different roles such as a Recruiter at Rogue Credit Union, Financial Education Coordinator at Rogue, Grant Management and Student Services at Rogue Community College, blogging for Travel Southern Oregon and as a Recruiter for Express Employment Professionals. While working at RCC, she served as the Event Coordinator for the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) for nearly a decade and various scholarship and hiring committees to assist in student success. Bonnie continually supports our youth by volunteering for over a decade with Junior Achievement for both elementary and young adult levels.

Bonnie loves spending her free time with her family and friends while enjoying Southern Oregon’s many offerings, such as rafting, camping, wine and craft beer tasting, concerts, and more!

Jillian Marks, Director at Large and Marketing Liaison

Jillian has lived most of her life in Southern Oregon and is an Instructional Designer and Culture Trainer for Rogue Credit Union. Her instructional design work allows her to embrace her creative side by creating colorful and engaging virtual training courses. In addition to volunteering as the marketing liaison for the Women’s Leadership Conference, Jillian volunteers as the Marketing/Design Coordinator for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show of Central Oregon. You can find her spending time with her husband and son, painting, or watching movies in her free time. 

Jillian Marks, Director at Large and Marketing Liaison

Jillian has lived most of her life in Southern Oregon and is an Instructional Designer and Culture Trainer for Rogue Credit Union. Her instructional design work allows her to embrace her creative side by creating colorful and engaging virtual training courses. In addition to volunteering as the marketing liaison for the Women’s Leadership Conference, Jillian volunteers as the Marketing/Design Coordinator for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show of Central Oregon. You can find her spending time with her husband and son, painting, or watching movies in her free time.

Michele Mitzel, Director at Large

Michele Mitzel has over 32 years of leadership experience in non-profit and corporate administration, marketing, public relations, event management, and board relations. Her background includes employee payroll and benefits management, travel planning, fundraising, branding and content design, social media, and website management.

After an 18-year career at the Ashland Family YMCA, Michele retired as the Community Relations Director and Executive Assistant, a role in which she directly supported the CEO and board of directors while also managing all marketing and annual campaign efforts.

Michele fills her time planning, decorating, and executing events around the Northwest. Whether it is helping couples celebrate their marriage or families celebrating the lives of their loved ones, she enjoys organized chaos and is available by referral only.

Having launched her career in the non-profit world, she loves to give back and volunteer with local organizations. She currently serves on the board of directors for HOPE Equestrian Center and the Women’s Leadership Conference of Southern Oregon. She also enjoys being a lunch buddy through the Soroptimist Strong Girls Strong Women program.

Pamela Tomac, Sponsorship Director

Pam holds a BS in Finance from San Jose State University. Before joining SOU, Pam worked as a West Valley Mission Community College District project analyst and as the Office Manager/Executive Assistant for Lucid Motors. Pam joined the WLC board in 2021, bringing her strong volunteer ethics and many volunteer experiences, ranging from assisting with a successful judgeship campaign to various church and school positions, Boy Scout leadership, and past athletic board and support functions.

Pam enjoys reading, crafts, and gardening during her free time and looks forward to any activities involving her two sons or pets.

Pamela Tomac, Sponsorship Director

Pam holds a BS in Finance from San Jose State University. Prior to joining SOU, Pam worked as a project analyst for West Valley Mission Community College District and as the Office Manager/Executive Assistant for Lucid Motors. Pam joined the WLC board in 2021, bringing her strong volunteer ethics and a multitude of volunteer experience ranging from assisting with a successful judgeship campaign, various church and school positions, Boy Scout leadership, plus past athletic board and support functions.

During her free time, Pam enjoys reading, crafts, gardening, and looks forward to any activities involving her two sons or pets.