I’m so thrilled to hear of Doreen being recognized as a 2008 Washingtonian of the Year! This is so well-deserved.
I recall first meeting Doreen in an early round of the Rainmakers Giving Circle, and was so impressed by how thoughtful and engaged she was in the circle’s work, which was fairly demanding, time-wise. Knowing how complicated her schedule was, her example motivated me to strengthen my commitment to The Women’s Foundation.
If she could make that meeting downtown, I had better get there!
Through the years, it has been delightful to witness her effect on others as well.
I remember how moved I was to see Grantee Partners beaming as they had picture after picture taken with her at a house event.
At a Washington 100 breakfast at her home, a Grantee Partner told our group how, after meeting Doreen at a previous event, she stopped watching her regular Spanish newscast and started watching Doreen’s. Not only did her English improve, but now her sons also watch Doreen.
And just last month at the board meeting, Covenant House’s Executive Director, Judith Dobbins, broke out with a huge smile as she recognized Doreen during our otherwise routine, round-the-table introductions. We all had to laugh.
Because of Doreen’s personal graciousness and the respect she garners throughout our region, The Women’s Foundation’s good work is amplified every time she represents us.
But Doreen also has a tremendous fun side that I’ve had the pleasure to get to know as we’ve worked together as co-chairs of Washington 100. Given how organized and poised she is, you probably would be surprised that half the time I feel like we’re Lucy and Ethel. We spend a lot of time laughing, just scrambling to keep up and improvise with our latest version of a "plan", which is often a work in progress.
Thank goodness Doreen is a rare combination of extremely dependable and organized, mixed with go-with-the-flow and a really wry sense of humor.
I’m so proud of her earning this prestigious award.
Doreen, you make us all proud! Congrats on this dazzling accomplishment.
Barb Strom Thompson is co-chair of The Women’s Foundation’s Washington 100 network and a board member. In her professional life, she is a child development specialist.
