August 19, 2003

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today appointed Maria Ladas Hoopes, Brenda Jones Quick, Judith Rosenberg, Karen Patricia Williams, and Gloria Woods to the Women’s Commission.  Woods has been designated to serve as vice chair of the commission.

“These extraordinary women will work together to move the commission forward on issues that are important to the women and the people of Michigan,” Granholm said.  “I have a tremendous amount of respect for all of these women.  They have a record of being advocates for the issues that are significant to women and their families.” Granholm hopes the commission will continue its focus on important women’s issues such as preventing teenage pregnancy, infant mortality, pay equity for women, and improving the way women and girls are portrayed through mass media outlets.

Maria Ladas Hoopes, of North Muskegon, is currently a partner and attorney with Ladas, Hoopes, and Associates Law Offices.  She succeeds Lynda Cosgrove whose term has expired.

Brenda Jones Quick, of Traverse City, is currently an attorney with Smith, Haughey, Rice & Roegge.  She succeeds Tamara McDonough whose term has expired.

Judith Rosenberg, of Birmingham, is currently a property manager at Dunitz Management Company.  She succeeds Kamar Amanullah whose term has expired.

Karen Patricia Williams, of East Lansing, is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology in the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University.  She succeeds Mandeep Grewal whose term has expired.

Gloria Woods, of Bay City, is currently the program director for Underground Railroad Inc.  She has been designated vice chair of the commission and succeeds Julie Stevens whose term has expired.

All are appointed for terms expiring July 15, 2006, and are subject to advice and consent of the Senate.  In April, the Governor designated Emma Bell as chair of the commission and also named Judy Karandjeff as the executive director. 

The Women’s Commission focuses on improving quality of life by studying and reviewing the status of Michigan women; directing attention to critical issues that women face; recommending methods to overcome discrimination; promoting methods for women to develop their skills; conducting surveys and establishing advisory committees on vital issues;  and recognizing the accomplishments of women in Michigan.