After graduating from Chapman, I began my career with Security Pacific Bank in their management training program. I stayed with them for 22 years through their merger with Bank of America.  I became smitten with financial planning and investment management and got my MBA and Certificate in Financial Planning.  I still work as a partner in a Registered Investment Advisory Firm called Ocean Heights Advisers, a company my husband, Kevin O’Grady founded nearly 20 years ago.

I have stayed connected to Chapman in many ways.  I was first introduced to Town & Gown in the 70s by two dear friends, Sue Lamoureux ’71 and Pam Bennett ’71, who are former T&G Presidents.  Today, our Class of 1971 fills a table at the T&G Lunch at the Forum series which I try to attend, work permitting.  Last year I became a Lifetime Member as a way of showing my support.

Chapman was life-changing for me.  I was born in Panama and grew up in Guam, and my parents worked in Guam until after I graduated.  Having small classes and living on campus made me feel part of a family which was important given how far away my parents were.  During the years since Chapman, I’ve stayed involved.  I first joined the Board of Counselors for the Argyros School of Business and Economics and for which I was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019.  I’m also a lifetime member with the Women of Chapman.  Three years ago, I was asked to join the Board of Trustees, where I am thrilled to serve on the Investment Committee which is responsible for managing our endowment. My greatest honor occurred a few years ago when I was named Orange County’s “Philanthropist of the Year” at National Philanthropy Day in 2020, with President Struppa presenting the award.

Being involved with Chapman and with Town and Gown has been a most fulfilling experience for me.