For over two decades, Myel Thelen has woven her passion for equity and community well-being into the fabric of her career. She is a seasoned professional with a passion for equity and community well-being. She most recently joined California Women Lead as the Executive Director. Prior to joining California Women Lead, she was a Senior Program Officer at The Center at Sierra Health Foundation where she oversaw COVID-19 related grant portfolios and fostered relationships with community partners and state agencies. As the Director, Conferences at the California School Boards Association, she led the pivot to transform the annual conference from an in-person event to a dynamic virtual experience in 2020 for school board trustees across the state.

Myel’s commitment to community initiatives extends into her volunteer time. She has volunteered with organizations focused on community wellbeing and served on the board of directors of Women’s Empowerment and the San Juan Education Foundation. As Chair of the Curriculum, Standards, Instructional, and Student Services Committee, she championed education. And as a parent of two sons, she felt the call to run for School Board Trustee in 2018. Now, as Executive Director of California Women Lead, she’s poised to lead with purpose, weaving together her professional, volunteer, and campaign experiences.