Lily Anne Hillis

Deb Kiger

Mae O'Malley

Heather Walker

Lily Anne Hillis
SPW Member Since 2001

Stanford B.A. 1959
Philosophy

'Yoga Lily" strikes a pose

Professional Bio: "I first did the "1950s thing" of getting married, having 2 children and getting divorced. I then went into residential real estate. My yoga teaching career was a late in life change. I took my first yoga class well into my 50th year, became a teacher a few years later and have been doing it for over 13 years. I teach public classes, private lessons and hold two yoga retreats a year at Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma."

SPW Involvement: Lily learned about SPW in the spring of 2001 through an email from the [Stanford] alumni association and volunteered to host an SPW regional dinner in her home as her first activity with SPW! Since then Lily has attended the Executive Speaker events at the Frances C. Arrillage Alumni Center and participated in a focus group.

What do you see as a benefit to your involvement with SPW? "I have just joined SPW and look forward to participating in activities and developing new friendships. The regional dinners are special as they give us the opportunity to get to know one another in depth."

Interests Outside of Career: "I have been an avid horseback rider until 2 years ago. I have been active as a volunteer in emergency preparedness and disaster communications and hold 3 federal radio licenses. I can be seen early in the mornings either walking or riding my bicycle."

Professional Bio: Deb started her career in R&D at AT&T Bell Labs in NJ, before moving into Sales and Marketing in AT&T's core business. After 12 years, she joined Aspect Telecommunications to manage worldwide field marketing. From there, she took a 14-month sabbatical before going back to work at Aurum Software. She joined start-up Saba Software in mid-1999, building the Marketing team before creating a new position focused on employee communication and programs. Her formal career in high technology was halted abruptly by the economic uncertainties in the Fall of 2001.

SPW Involvement: Deb has been involved with SPW since 1994, including serving on the Board from 1997-2002. She most enjoys the potluck dinners at members' homes.

What do you see as a benefit to your involvement with SPW? "Meeting smart and interesting women, and learning new things from them."

Interests Outside of Career: "I am an avid bicyclist, yogi, and downhill skier. All that exercise gives me the chance to indulge in my other passions: food and wine. Volunteering is a wonderful complement in my life: I spend a day a week in our local junior high school helping in the math department, I mentor at-risk high school students, and am active with the Leukemia Society's Team in Training program."

Professional Bio: After graduating from Stanford with a B.A. in 1994, Mae spent a year doing international relations work for the Osaka City Government in Japan. After graduating with a J.D. from Boalt Hall School of Law (U.C. Berkeley) in 1998, Mae worked for several years as an IP litigation attorney at Morrison & Foerster (San Francisco and Tokyo offices), and then as corporate counsel at an east bay software company. She is now a "freelance" attorney for bay area technology companies. Mae has also recently ventured into the world of catering, specializing in Asian fusion treats for mid-size events. Her freelance career allows her to devote plenty of time to her new baby boy Max, just born in July.

SPW Involvement: Mae has been to every kick-off dinner and Christmas High Tea since 1997. "I love all of the events, but I especially enjoy the events that have an educational aspect to them." Mae joined the board in 2001 as Events Chair.

What do you see as a benefit to your involvement with SPW? "The biggest benefit is meeting women from such diverse, interesting backgrounds. SPW has provided me with a community and a family that I sincerely treasure!"

Interests Outside of Career: "I love playing golf and tennis, and gourmet cooking and eating. Along with serving on the SPW board, I am active with the San Francisco Osaka Sister City Association, and have also assisted with fundraising for my undergraduate class through the Stanford Fund."

Professional Bio: After earning a Master's in Urban and Regional Planning at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., Heather worked as a Physical Planner for the country of Antigua. Then, at the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in Geneva, Switzerland, she gained a wider view of urban planning, the world, art, and architecture. "It was one of the greatest learning experiences of my life. It moved my focus from urban planning to working with architects and artists, wanting to promote the arts, and becoming an Arts Administrator." In 2001, Heather returned to the Stanford area and served as the Art Administrator Xerox PARC's Artist in Residency Program (PAIR). When the PAIR program was cut, Heather made a career transition into PARC's new Intellectual Property (IP) Department where she works with a different type of creative person.

SPW Involvement: "I went to the kickoff on September 17 and the whole fall line up looks great!"

What do you see as a benefit to your involvement with SPW? "I joined SPW because I think it will be a great place to learn and share experiences."

Interests Outside of Career: "I am a Board Member of the Community School of Music and Arts, and am a graduate of the Leadership Midpeninsula Program (Class of 2001). I volunteer with the Girl's Club of the Midpensinula and the American Red Cross, Palo Alto Area Chapter. My hobbies include quilting, knitting, and travel."