Women Who Mean Business special awards.

Courage Award

Rachel Robinson 

Rachel Robinson's recently published book, "Without My Mother's Love," is an autobiographical account of what one woman endured and overcame to become an inspiration to everyone whose life she touches today. By writing her autobiography detailing the horrific abuses and injustices she overcame in her young life, she has given hope and strength to others to overcome difficulties in their own lives.

Rachel works two jobs. One at Curves, where she motivates other women to use their inner strength to work out and eat healthier to feel better about themselves. She herself has lost more than 80 lbs. and continues on her quest to help other women help themselves.

She also works for SEEDS, a nonprofit organization that assists the mentally and physically disabled to become better educated about sex abuse prevention. And she mentors foster children as well in the Foster Mentor Youth Program in San Diego.

As difficult as it was for Rachel to write her life story of years of physical and mental cruelty and abuses, she wrote her story of strength and endurance to empower others.

Public Service Award

Mary Ann Oberle

Mary Ann has significantly impacted the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter's response capabilities by her continued involvement and dedication.

Mary Ann is a disaster action team leader and chairperson of the direct services committee. She mentors new volunteers and shares her vast knowledge, teaching often and playing an instrumental role in planning drills and exercises.

Mary Ann is well respected and admired by fellow volunteers and the paid staff. Perhaps the best illustration of Mary Ann's dedication during her eight years with the Red Cross comes from the recent Southern California Wildfires.

While Mary Ann focused on providing Mass Care in the first chaotic hours of the fires, she watched the fire head for her own neighborhood, first seeing the homes of friends burn down, and finally her own home. She remained focused and calm, continuing her critical work.

When recovery efforts began, Mary Ann requested an assignment in her own Scripps Ranch community so she could specifically help her neighbors. Most never knew she was a fellow disaster victim herself.

Public Service Award

Sue Mayberry

They teach others how to save lives as Health & Community Education Instructors, so it was fitting that one of the first people to the rescue during the recent wildfires would be an instructor who also volunteers in disaster services.

Sue Mayberry received one of the first calls to assist the first Ramona residents evacuated from their homes on October 26. About 1:45 a.m. Sue drove an Emergency Response Vehicle to the Olive Peirce Middle School with food and drinks for the shelter. "I was told to expect 50 to 200 evacuees. How surprised I was to see all of the parking lots (middle and high schools) full," said Sue. She opened Ramona High School next door. Together with Laura Stremler, Sue ran the schools as one large shelter.

As a result of her leadership, Mayberry was selected as a representative of all Red Cross volunteers to meet President George Bush during a visit to San Diego during the fires.

Sue encourages other instructors to get involved in disaster relief. "When I teach first aid or CPR classes, the students like to hear stories from the field, and that seems to help them remember important topics from class materials," she said.

Despite the long days, Sue was glad to help. "I went home exhausted each night, and with a sense of satisfaction that I was able to make a difference by volunteering with an organization made up of some really fantastic people. My heart swells with pride for being part of the Red Cross disaster response," said Sue.