Spotlight on Women Leading County Departments
Introduction
March is Women’s History Month and to celebrate, Board of Supervisors Chairman Mark Ridley-Thomas asked women who head various County departments to share their thoughts on success, inspiration and what skills their positions required them to master.
These dynamic women collectively manage thousands of employees and lead agencies that include the following departments: Human Resources, Community and Senior Services, Public Works, Military and Veterans Affairs and the office of the Alternate Public Defender, all of which provide vital services to the county’s more than 10-million residents.
See the short Q & A ‘ s below, where they discuss their core values, their management style, and answer the age-old question of whether women can truly have it all ‒ a working balance between career and family.
Please note that additional profiles will be added throughout the month, so check back soon.
Cynthia Banks, Community and Senior Services
Cynthia Banks is the director of the county’s Community and Senior Services Department. In her role, she is charged with creating a vision and direction for the county’s relationship with seniors and the community at large. Many women have inspired her, but mostly she has taken valuable lessons from women who allow themselves to make mistakes and who have the insight to learn from those mistakes.
How would you describe your management style?
Directional collaboration. There must be an exchange of ideas, team building and mutual trust.
Who have been your role models with regard to your profession?
Mary Jean Neault, a former boss many years ago and now dear friend, taught me always to do my homework to prepare for what comes next, to enhance my writing skills and to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Can women have it all? A working balance between career and family?
The answer is yes…but not always at the same time. I believe that there will be times when you must favor either your family or career. This mandates building a strong team in the workplace and at home.
What are your core values?
Good ethics, trust, truth and very hard work.
What skill have you had to learn that you never anticipated mastering when you began your career?
Public speaking. As director, you must be the department’s internal and external communicator.
What is your favorite sport, either to play or to watch?
Basketball.
What is the last movie you saw?
Lincoln.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self about life and success?
Remember to live life to the fullest! Don’t dwell on disappointments and listen more than talk. Most importantly, make the decision every day to give your best.
Gail Farber, Public Works
Gail Farber is the director of the Department of Public Works. Previously, she worked as the director of public works for the city of Orange and for the City of Pico Rivera. In these positions Farber has learned that understanding a city’s history, culture, character and sense of order are important to give it a sense of place and to create great cities. Her experience prepared her for the challenges of a greater leadership role in Los Angeles County, which includes 140 unincorporated communities, 88 cities and 10 million people.
How would you describe your management style?
Assertive, collaborative and caffeine-dependent.
What woman has most inspired you?
My Mom- the naval aviator, mathematician, public servant, friend to all strangers and unfortunately, stray animals too.
Can women have it all? A working balance between career and family?
I think “having it all” isn’t possible until women achieve parity with men in society. And even then “all” would equate to “half” or equality. Until then, the definition of “having it all” would involve some sort of loss or sacrifice—pay, family, career, education, etc…I believe women can (and do) make choices to create a balance between her career and family, but typically, something is sacrificed.
What are your core values?
Integrity. Always do your best, make an impact, love everyone, have fun.
What skill have you had to learn that you never anticipated mastering when you began your career?
The skill of combining niceness with insistence…
What is your favorite sport, either to play or to watch?
Football – the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Andrew Luck (Colts).
What is the last movie you saw?
I haven’t been to the movies in a while – but I recently finished reading Sonia Sotomayor’s inspirational autobiography “ My Beloved World.” A must read!
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self about life and success?
Show up, Speak up, and lift others up:
- “80% of success is showing up” -Woody Allen
- Don’t be shy about striving for leadership – embrace success, “Lean In” – Sheryl Sandberg
- Help others along the way
Jane Pisano, Museum of Natural History
Jane Pisano, the Museum of Natural History’s president, came to the institution after many years at the University of Southern California. At the university, she was in charge of external relations where, among other skills, she learned how to communicate effectively ; how to work in partnership with community institutions and organizations and how to partner with government agencies.
How would you describe your management style?
Collegial and collaborative. I hire excellent people, and I expect creativity, innovation and excellent performance. I like to push responsibility down through the museum so that all staff owns the challenges and opportunities we face.
What woman has most inspired you?
My mother. My whole life she told me I could be anything I wanted to be. She encouraged and supported me. She also inspired me with her savvy and her wisdom.
Who have been your role models with regard to your profession?
Warren Bennis has been a wonderful mentor. He is smart, empathetic, sharing and extremely accomplished. Roy Anderson, former chairman of Lockheed, was also a mentor. He taught me an important public policy lesson: follow the money.
Can women have it all? A working balance between career and family?
It’s very difficult to have it all. I was lucky to be a faculty member at a large University when my children were little. It was a demanding but flexible job. I have always tried to stay close to my children despite long hours. For example, we always cooked, ate, and cleaned up after dinner together as a family. We had many good conversations during that time.
What are your core values?
Integrity; Open Minded; Respect for others; Responsibility; and Commitment to goals.
What skill have you had to learn that you never anticipated mastering when you began your career?
Computers.
What is your favorite sport, either to play or to watch?
Baseball.
What is the last movie you saw?
Lincoln.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self about life and success?
Be totally committed to what you do and enjoy the ride.
Janice Y Fukai, Alternate Public Defender
Janice Y. Fukai, is Los Angeles County’s Alternate Public Defender ; her office provides legal representation to indigent persons charged with a crime that the public defender is unable to represent— due to a conflict of interest or unavailability—in court proceedings in the Superior Courts and in appeals to higher courts. Fukai previously served as a chief deputy in the alternate public defender’s office for nine years before being named to her current position.
How would you describe your management style?
“From the bottom up”: Recognizing that line staff, who day in and day out, perform the department’s core mission, are priority Number ONE. My job is to provide them what they need to perform their jobs in a supportive working environment.
What woman has most inspired you?
Since childhood: Eleanor Roosevelt. In adulthood: Retired Appellate Court Justice Kathryn Doi Todd. Most recently, our victorious District Attorney, Jackie Lacey!
Who have been your role models with regard to your profession?
I was honored to serve as a judicial law clerk for the late Federal District Court Judge Robert M. Takasugi, whose unwavering commitment to the poor, underserved and most vulnerable in our society influenced my decision to become a public defender, and continues to inspire me every day.
Can women have it all? A working balance between career and family?
Of course! It often requires planning and, and even then, a lot of juggling, but of course!
What are your core values?
Honesty, humility and hard work.
What skill have you had to learn that you never anticipated mastering when you began your career?
The art of negotiation, both as a trial lawyer and as a department head.
What is your favorite sport?
I love all sports!
What is the last movie you saw?
Lincoln.
What advice would you give to your 20 year old self about life and success?
About Life: Don’t sweat the small stuff. About Success: Don’t worry about it. You can if you think you can.
Lisa Garrett, Human Resources
Lisa Garrett is the director of personnel for Los Angeles County’s Human Resources department . Appointed by Chief Executive Officer William T. Fujioka, she was formerly the executive assistant in the county’s Child Support Services Department. There she learned about the county’s services and programs, the budget process and how to interact with board members, legislators and the courts.
How would you describe your management style?
My primary management style is democratic, although circumstances may warrant a different response at times. Studies of organizational dynamics have proven that team IQ is higher than individual IQ. As John Wooden so articulately stated,“ The star of the team is the team….We always exceeds me.”
What woman has most inspired you?
My mother. As a divorcee, armed with a high school education and no job skills, she worked her way through the county ranks from a clerk to an acting division chief in the Department of Social Services. Also, she singlehandedly raised four daughters, with little or no child support or alimony. When her family would be made homeless, she worked with a friend to find shelter; she and my sisters became the first family to move into one of the Jordan Downs project buildings. We always had food on our table and a roof over our heads. She instilled in me a sense of independence, the importance of property ownership, a thirst for knowledge and a love of family.
Who have been your role models with regard to your profession?
I have many role models, most of whom either overcame great odds or were given little and achieved much including, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Sonia Sotomayor, Marian Wright Edelman, Tom Bradley, Bill Fujioka and the members of our Board of Supervisors. They embody a passion for the law, policy, advocacy, public service and the people.
Can women have it all? A working balance between career and family?
One of my favorite commercial jingles was “I can bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan…” Women can have it all, but it takes much work and persistence to achieve it. I am still trying to achieve work-life balance. My saving grace is the “village” that has helped me to raise my children. My husband is “Mr. Mom” and my mother, sisters and close friends have often stood in the gap. However, I always took time to manage the school’s gift wrap and magazine drives, attend school rallies, games, plays, parent-teacher conferences, practices, recitals and to do homework. I believe the next generation of workers will master this balance as they come with a different perspective on work.
What are your core values?
Education, collaboration, innovation, hard work, honesty, generosity and servant-leadership.
What skill have you had to learn that you never anticipated mastering when you began your career?
I am an eternal optimist. I have had to learn the art of saying no and the skill of delivering bad news with diplomacy.
What is your favorite sport, either to play or to watch?
My favorite sport is basketball. Football is a close second.
What is the last movie you saw?
Silver Linings Playbook—It was great movie, with excellent actors. I saw some of my family members in the characters.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self about life and success?
Pursue your career and personal aspirations, but remember that success is fleeting and should not be your end goal. What really counts is your family, your health, and your character—these are yours by birthright or adoption.
Margaret Donnellan Todd, LA County Public Library
Margaret Donnellan Todd is the director of the Los Angeles County Public Library. After working as a library manager at several institutions, she became the assistant director at the City of Orange’s Public Library and then the Whittier Public Library. At these libraries she learned about working for cities, the structure of municipalities and how to design services for diverse populations. The Los Angeles County Library serves 50 cities , and her background has been vital in preparing her to understand and work well in this extensive network of communities.
How would you describe your management style?
You would have to ask my staff. I believe that I encourage discussion and participation by a broad range of people. I also value innovation. However, my staff will tell you that I have high standards. I am passionate about the work we do and I expect my staff to be passionate as well.
What woman has most inspired you?
There have been so many amazing women in my life. My mother. Historical figures like Eleanor Roosevelt , community members who I have worked with over the years.
Who have been your role models with regard to your profession?
There are quite a few- for example, the former county librarian, Linda Crismond, former city librarian, Susan Kent and Bonnie Weber of the Whittier Public Library.
Can women have it all? A working balance between career and family?
No one can have it all but I believe families can find the right balance. I think sometimes it is an issue of timing. We need to ensure that if our employees chose to pass on promotions for a few years while their children are young, they will be given an opportunity for promotion when they are ready to resume career advancement. That is not always the reality in today’s work place.
Also, people sometimes forget that in the course of history, women have always worked hard and had many obligations. In 1900, farm life, a family business or working in a factory did not create a lot of discretionary time for quality child care.
What are your core values?
Do the right thing. Treat everyone with respect. Treat staff and community members fairly. Remember the library’s focus should always be on serving the community- we need to put the community first.
What skill have you had to learn that you never anticipated mastering when you began your career?
Understanding politics and the political process. You cannot be successful in government if you don’t understand how it works. Oh- since coming to LA County I have also gained an amazing understanding of how septic systems work. Something I never imagined I would need to know.
What is your favorite sport, either to play or to watch?
I like watching baseball and football.
What is the last movie you saw?
Silver Linings Playbook.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self about life and success?
I think I would repeat advice I received and sometimes actually followed when I was young:
Be open to opportunities- do not say no without a good reason.
Be willing to do what needs to be done without complaint.
Tackle the hard stuff- problems do not disappear by ignoring them.
Find people you respect and listen to their advice.
In difficult situations, act like a grown-up; not like an adolescent (Thanks Mom!)
Ruth A. Wong, Military and Veterans Affairs
Ruth A. Wong, is the acting director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. A veteran of the United States Air Force, she previously worked in Los Angeles County’s Chief Executive Office where she became familiar with budget and personnel processes . Since the executive office works with all departments, Wong used her time there to gain a better understanding of “the big picture” and how to lead by example.
How would you describe your management style?
Leading by example is one element that is absolutely necessary — don’t ask your people to do something you would not do yourself. The whole team approach is a key element in making the organization strong. Asking for input at all levels, facilitating meetings, developing staff, and using resources efficiently are tools that help create a resilient effective staff.
What woman has most inspired you?
I’ve been lucky enough to have more than one person inspire me, men and women included. Major Fay Parker, charge nurse, at my first military assignment was an inspiration. She led by example and always gave me feedback on how I was doing. We all respected her and could go to her with problems but she expected us to have the solutions in the end.
Colonel Pat Porter was the best. She was gracious, professional, funny, physically fit and best of all shared everything she knew that would help get the job done. I was lucky to have known her because she was one of those people that you get to meet once in a lifetime and her life lessons continue with me today.
Later on, Major General Roberta Mills became my champion. I worked with her for several years and grew to admire her professionalism and leadership. She was approachable and always willing to share her views and advice.
Can women have it all? A working balance between career and family?
Women can have it all. Some of my best nurses were those that had a career, marriage, family and advanced their education. They knew how to balance and prioritize their family and work and could adapt to any environment. They were quick studies and could focus on the goal but didn’t get distracted.
You are your core values?
Integrity
Service above Self
Excellence
What skill have you had to learn that you never anticipated mastering when you began your career?
Shooting a gun and hitting the target.
What is your favorite sport, either to pay or to watch?
Dancing.
What is the last movie you saw?
Victor Hugo’s classic tale, Les Miserables.
What advice would you give to your 20 year old self about life and success?
Set your goals. Work hard. Surround yourself with positive hard working people. Nurture long-lasting friendships. Keep physically fit. Laugh a lot. And tell yourself………..YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL!
Sachi Hamai, Board of Supervisors Executive Office
Sachi Hamai, is the executive officer of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Executive Office. In that role, she and her staff support the board of supervisors with the weekly agenda, maintain its official records and help with technology, accounting, payroll and other administrative services.
How would you describe your management style?
I believe that I have a visionary management style. I like to plan and set goals for myself and for the organization. I think this has been instrumental in striving to meet our department’s vision of “Acclaimed Business Driven Technology Services.”
What woman has most inspired you?
My mother.
Who have been your role models with regard to your profession?
I have had several role models throughout my career, many who are still working in the county and some that have retired.
Can women have it all? A working balance between career and family?
I believe so, but I think that it is a very delicate balance and I applaud all women who have both.
What are your core values?
Respect, Integrity, Commitment
What skill have you had to learn that you never anticipated mastering when you began your career?
Public speaking.
What is your favorite sport, either to play or to watch?
I personally like to run, but I like watching football.
What is the last movie you saw?
Argo.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self about life and success?
Be patient…set goals, and don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy time with your family and friends.
Sandra Levin, Law Library
Sandra Levin is the executive director of the LA Law Library, where she had previously served as general counsel. As a founder, owner and co-manager of her law firm, Colantuono & Levin, she is responsible for approximately 20 employees and a vibrant, successful law practice. In addition, as a former mayor and councilmember of Culver City she had firsthand experience overseeing a budget of over $80,000,000, hundreds of employees and diverse municipal operations.
How would you describe your management style?
Forthright, but compassionate. My team knows they can count on me to tell the truth, openly and plainly, whether it is good news or bad news.
What woman has most inspired you?
All the women I have been fortunate enough to know who have managed to juggle a family and a career. Although I have met many inspiring women who have done one or the other thing exceedingly well, there is a special place in my heart and admiration for those who have successfully done both.
Who have been your role models with regard to your profession?
There have been many: The senior litigators at Riordan & McKinzie who taught me that a litigator can be polite and courteous and still be a successful and vigorous advocate;
My business partner at Colantuono & Levin, who taught me that if a question is worth answering, it is worth putting intellectual effort and thought into the answer; and
The city managers and executive directors with whom I have worked over the years who have taught me that transparency breeds trust and loyalty breeds dedication.
Can women have it all? A working balance between career and family?
Absolutely! But the key word in that question was balance.
What are your core values?
Family, public service, education and equity. I believe in putting family first, but giving back to the community. I also believe that the best thing a person can do for themselves is to learn; and the best thing you can do for [others] is to educate.
What skill have you had to learn that you never anticipated mastering when you began your career?
Public speaking. In my youth I was terrified of standing up in front of a crowd and I never dreamed that each field I would go into would require more and more public speaking. If you had told me that someday I would argue before the California Supreme Court or speak at public meeting on television, I would have thought you were crazy!
What is your favorite sport, either to play or to watch?
I like to watch soccer – when my teenage sons are playing!
What is the last movie you saw?
Argo
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self about life and success?
Choose to do what you love. When you are doing something you truly enjoy, you do your best work, create a positive environment for those around you and have the potential to inspire others.
Wendy L. Watanabe, Auditor-Controller
Wendy L. Watanabe is the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller for Los Angeles County—the first female Auditor-Controller in the county’s 150 year history. As part of her job, she is responsible for establishing the county’s fiscal and internal control policies and procedures, administering the County payroll and conducting audits and fraud investigations.
How would you describe your management style?
Open, direct, fair and team-building.
What woman has most inspired you?
That would be my mother. My parents were divorced when I was three and life was extremely difficult for my mother. From the tough life my mother had, she became strong and independent but continued to maintain her gentle and kind spirit. She was cordial and thoughtful to everyone and always appreciative of everything. I have learned so much from her.
Who have been your role models with regard to your profession?
A combination of several people including my father and a few great bosses in my career. I learned strong work ethics and honesty from my father. I learned to deal with challenging issues through hard work, fairness, integrity, sensitivity, and caring from my prior bosses. I saw wonderful characteristics they possessed and it was truly inspirational. Many times when dealing with issues that I am faced with, I think of their problem solving techniques, their diplomacy and their practicality. I am so fortunate that I have these role models in my life to guide me in every way.
Can women have it all? A working balance between career and family?
That is extremely difficult. It involves certain degrees of sacrifice to achieve the overall balance and harmony.
What are your core values?
Integrity, humility, and honesty.
What skill have you had to learn that you never anticipated mastering when you began your career?
Drawing a variety of talents and formulating a team with applicable expertise in tackling problems and issues. It often involves coaching and bringing out the best in people, and seeing the positive in others more than the negative. It also involves planning ahead, such as developing succession planning to groom the next generation of managers and staff.
What is your favorite sport, either to play or to watch?
Golf. I am not very good at it yet, but I am learning. I wish I had more time to practice and play; it is the best stress relief for me when I am on the golf course.
What is the last Movie you saw?
Life of Pi. I had to mull it over a while after the movie and discuss with friends to figure out some of the hidden meanings. Great movie; it makes you think deeper.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self about life and success?
Be honest and be humble. Always be curious in things around you, never stop learning. Always seek constructive criticism and act upon it. Always be grounded and resilient when things do not go as planned.