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"I specifically didn't do anything great...

but I participated in something that was great."

Rosie Marian Sousa

Draftsman | Kaiser Shipyard #3

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Michelle Fadelli

President

Michelle’s mother was a “Rosie” during World War II, working for the Department of Agriculture in Kansas while her father went to war in Europe. Her mother-in-law was also a Rosie who worked in a parachute factory and her father-in-law worked on the home front in poultry production during the war. Michelle joined the Board of Directors for the Rosie the Riveter Trust in 2019 and became President in 2024. She is a member of the Development & Communications Committee and the Gala Committee. She is committed to using her background in public education and outreach to support the Trust and further the goals of the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park. Michelle is a graduate of the University of California Santa Barbara and is a lifelong student of American history.

 

You can reach Michelle at:

michelle@rosietheriveter.org

Ebony Lewis

Vice President

When learning about the Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park, Ebony was fascinated by the rich history and its connection with the healthcare company she has worked for since graduating college, Kaiser Permanente. Ebony believes it is important to keep the dynamic stories of the women, the integration of Black workers and their overall contributions to the WWII Home Front alive. Professionally, Ebony is a Principal Consultant in Leadership Development and an active member in her community. She is currently serving as a Governor Appointed Public Board Member for the California Architect Board and a leader with the Junior League of Oakland East Bay. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University, and a Masters of Health Administration from the University of Southern California, Sol Price School of Public Policy.

Warren Harber

Treasurer

Being involved with the Rosie the Riveter Trust allows Warren a small part of preserving the rich and important history of the Richmond community and the monumental effort made by all during World War II. Most important to Warren is honoring the legacy of those who took chances, challenged the cultural norms, and made the history that affects each of our lives today. 

 

Warren is currently the VP of Enterprise Business Systems at Sutter Health, a leading and innovative healthcare provider in Northern California serving 3.5 million patients.

 

Warren holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Southern California. He is the Executive Advisor to HIUG, a healthcare technology advocacy organization.

Laura Klieves

 

Laura Wall Klieves is the granddaughter of a Rosie. Hazel Sanders Wall Bennett joined International Harvester in Indianapolis, Indiana, working

there from approximately 1942 until 1946. At IH, she fitted and inspected pistons for US Army half-tracks. She earned a promotion to Supervisor of Women at the plant and was the first-ever female supervisor. Hazel passed on her work ethic and independence to her granddaughter.

 

Since early 2022, Laura has volunteered for the Trust’s Development Committee, working to hone communications strategy and grow our Gala participation. Laura brings her diverse background to the Trust, including several decades of both marketing/advertising and learning & development/HR experience. Over her career, Laura has developed and driven strategy at the highest level, sat at the executive table, mentored clients and colleagues, facilitated workshops and webinars, spoken at conferences and events, and earned several industry awards.

 

Laura is committed to leveraging her knowledge and experience in storytelling to elevate the Rosie the Riveter Trust’s visibility, grow financial support for the Trust, and deliver on the mission and goals of the Rosie the Riveter / WWII Home Front National Historical Park.

 

At home, Laura and her husband, Bill, parent two adult children, who have left the nest, and two rescue dogs. Laura graduated from San Francisco State University and is a third-generation San Franciscan.

Thomas K. Butt

 

Tom helped bring Rosie the Riveter/ WWII Home Front National Historical Park to life. He led the effort in lobbying Congress and authored much of the local legislation related to Richmond’s partnership position. Tom then served as the Trust’s founding Board president. He has served as mayor of Richmond since 2015 and on the Richmond City Council since 1995, including a year as vice-mayor in 2002. Tom is an architect and president of Interactive Resources, a Richmond, California, architecture, engineering and planning firm. In addition to providing a wide range of consulting services, Interactive Resources is a developer of urban infill real estate projects. Tom is active in many organizations including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

Sean T. Harris

 

Contributing towards the future financial success of the Rosie the Riveter Trust is exciting work for Sean. The deep history with Henry Kaiser and Rosie the Riveters during World War II is important to embrace and continue the traditions that the Rosies have built for future generations. Sean currently works for the Kaiser Permanente Health Plan as a Financial Consultant managing budgets for Medicare, Medicaid and Shared Services with experience in Facilities Admin, Real Estate and Clinical Technology. He is a member of the KP Historical Society. Sean holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Admin, Finance from San Diego State University and Master’s in Business Admin – Healthcare Finance from Point Loma Nazarene University. He is a licensed CA Real Estate broker and holds accreditations as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from the Juran Institute.

Ricka Lucia

 

Ricka’s interest in Rosie the Riveter / WWII Home Front National Historical Park began with a simple Rosie the Riveter – “We can do it” tee shirt that was given to her by a female labor leader years ago. At that time, there were very few females in Labor leadership roles and the ever-changing landscape is inspiring to current and future generations building amazing momentum for years to come.

 

Since 2004, as a proud member of United Business Bank’s Labor Relations Team, Ricka continues to enjoy working for a company that recognizes the vision, influence, and countless contributions that Organized Labor provides to our diverse communities. While developing a deeper understanding of the importance of analyzing competitive financial landscapes, Ricka continues to foster a genuine appreciation for the significant differences between oversight and management. Sharing guidance, being present and understanding true motivations inspires dedication to explore new horizons.

 

Ricka is the daughter of a Service Employees International Union Retiree, a 32-year retired Banker, the sister of a California Teachers Association Retiree, California Nurses Association Union member, International Federation of Professional & Technical Workers Union member, and the proud Wife of her amazing United Food & Commercial Workers Union Retiree. Ricka is a product of her experiences and embraces the purpose of throwing kindness around like confetti. Ricka joined the Rosie the Riveter Trust Finance and Gala committees in 2023 and proudly joined the Board of Directors in 2024. 

Other community leadership includes serving as a member of the Sprinkler Fitters Local 483 Scholarship & Community Fund and previously serving in leadership positions at the Cypress Mandela Training Center as a former Board and Committee member. Ricka is committed to broadening community support for the Rosie the Riveter Trust by leveraging longtime business relationships.

Osvaldo Troche Jr

 

Ruthie Abelson-Olivas

 

Nicholette “Nicki” Phelps

Nicki Phelps is a longtime leader in public lands stewardship, visitor experience, and historic preservation. Her 37-year career with California State Parks, the National Park Service, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy includes developing the first docent and living history programs at San Francisco Maritime State Historic Park and overseeing the award-winning Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour and Evening Program. As Vice President of Visitor Programs and Services at the Conservancy, she led a team of 125 and managed a $23 million annual budget, guiding major visitor operations, food and beverage programs, and conference services.

A respected voice in the national public lands community, Nicki has served as a trainer, mentor, and advisor through the Public Lands Alliance and is widely recognized for her innovative and collaborative leadership. Today, through Phelps Consulting, she supports nonprofit and public agencies with customer service, vision-raising, and strategic planning. A passionate explorer of public lands, she has visited more than 140 national and state parks.

Nicki’s commitment to Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park is deeply personal. Hearing original “Rosies” speak about their experiences sparked a lasting desire to help preserve their stories and strengthen public understanding of America’s can-do spirit. She supports the Trust because she believes safeguarding these histories—and elevating the voices of women whose work shaped our nation—can inspire future generations to value resilience, innovation, and civic pride.

Gorgina Hala'ufia

Gorgina Hala'ufia is an electrician by trade, a dedicated labor leader, and advocate for women in the trades. She serves as a Business Representative for IBEW Local 595, where she supports union electricians through workforce development, jobsite representation, and mentorship. In addition, she is the newly elected president of the San Joaquin Building and Construction Trades Council, leading efforts to strengthen collaboration across unions, expand apprenticeship opportunities, and advance equitable access to high-quality careers in the skilled trades. A strong supporter of women in the workforce, Gorgina champions initiatives that connect today’s tradeswomen with the legacy of the Rosie the Riveters, helping to build a more inclusive and resilient industry. Gorgina has been a longstanding member of the Communications and Development Committee and joined the Rosie Gala Committee this year.

Jan Brown

Jan Brown is a designer (semi-retired) who grew up steeped in Richmond history and culture. A product of Richmond public schools, Jan graduated from the College of Environmental Design, UC Berkeley, with a degree in design. Her career spans from being a VISTA volunteer in Pasco, Washington, to an interior designer with various firms, including HKIT Architects in San Francisco, to founding Spokewise, a graphic design practice specializing in identity and outreach communications for educational nonprofits and institutions. In 2016, Jan received the National Park Service Home Front Award for "design work that has created an inspiring and inviting visual identity for Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, for the Rosie the Riveter Trust, and for many of our Richmond community partners."

Jan's parents, Don and Betty Hardison, worked at Kaiser Richmond Shipyards during WWII. Both were dedicated to keeping that history alive and relevant for future generations during the early formation of the Rosie the Riveter/WW II Home Front National Historical Park.

 

STAFF

Sarah Pritchard

Executive Director

Sarah is committed to safeguarding the history of unsung heroes and believes that giving opportunities to learn the stories of the home front is a positive and powerful way to teach lessons of resiliency, equality and the tremendous benefits of unified efforts.

 


Sarah holds a master’s degree in planning from Cornell University and a bachelor of fine arts in photography and cultural anthropology from Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Liberia and Guatemala and has dedicated her career to working with local and international non-profit organizations.
 

You can reach Sarah at:

Sarah@rosietheriveter.org

Pam Kruse-Buckingham

Communications & Marketing Manager

Pam is dedicated to sharing the powerful stories of the WWII Home Front, preserving this pivotal history, and inspiring the next generation to pursue opportunities in trades and civic engagement. 

 

With expertise in storytelling, strategic outreach, and community engagement, Pam ensures the Trust’s mission resonates across audiences, celebrating the legacy of resilience and equity while encouraging youth to shape a more inclusive future.

 

Pam holds a Certificate in Museum Studies from the University of Washington, and has served as a Museum Director in Washington and California.

 

Her life's work has been dedicated to non-profit organizations that work for the betterment of all.

 

You can reach Pam at:

Pam@rosietheriveter.org

Ashley Carollo

Development Manager

Ashley is inspired to share and honor the history of how communities came together to help during WWII. She hopes to use her experience in cultivating community partnerships and developing common cause to inspire tomorrow's youth in spreading the mission of equity and resilience through the trades.She holds diverse fundraising experience with youth and community groups; but her passion has always been with museums and a desire to breathe life and relevancy into history for the next generation. 

 

Ashley holds a master's degree in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver and an undergraduate in history from Gustavus Adolphus College.
 

You can reach Ashley at:

Ashley@rosietheriveter.org

Ivonne Malave

RSC Youth Mentor