Speakers

Over the past 18 months, the state of California and county governments have been called on to fill in massive budget gaps -- ones that were intentionally legislated by Congress to grow in the coming years, shifting the burden to communities. Specifically, we must provide health care where the federal government has pulled back, supply food as it squeezes federal nutrition programs and protect public health amid federal claw-backs of prevention programs.  Collaboration has become necessary between all sectors of society – local government, business, nonprofits and citizens.

Margaret Abe-Koga was elected to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors in November 2024, making history as one of the first two Asian American women on the Board in its 175-year history. Her journey—from translating for her immigrant parents as a child to becoming a Harvard graduate and now shaping policy at the local, regional, and state levels—reflects her deep commitment to service.

Margaret has held several leadership roles: She was Mountain View’s first Asian American female mayor, she chaired key regional transportation and environmental boards, and she served under California Governor Jerry Brown on water quality oversight. She has been a fierce advocate for affordable housing, public safety, and sustainability.

In July 2026, the Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute honored her with the 2026 Drs. Kenneth Fong and Michael Chang Civic Leader of the Year Award. She's also been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Working Partnerships USA Champion for Change, and the California Assembly’s Woman of the Year. She was once singled out as one of Silicon Valley Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40.”

Early in her career, Margaret worked for U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, who became a lifelong mentor and helped shape Margaret's approach to leadership. She created Eshoo’s High School Student Advisory Board, which provided opportunities for students and shaped career aspirations for decades. Supervisor Abe-Koga’s summer intern program is modeled on that life-changing experience.

Stanford Women’s tennis is the most successful program on the Stanford campus. Frankie will share his thoughts on the many factors that have contributed to its success and his outlook for the upcoming tennis season.  He will also comment on the state of college athletics today, especially in relation to how it pertains to non-revenue sports on the Stanford campus. 

Frankie Brennan completed his 31st year on The Farm in 2026 and second as the Paul A. Violich Director of Women’s Tennis after being elevated to the position on September 11, 2024. Brennan had spent the previous 14 seasons as associate head coach following 15 as an assistant coach.

Since joining the staff in 1996, Brennan has enhanced Stanford's reputation as the country's top program by helping guide the Cardinals to a 731-91 overall record, 12 NCAA championships, 21 conference regular-season titles and six conference tournament crowns. During his tenure, Brennan has mentored 39 All-Americans.

Brennan is an eight-time ITA Northwest Region Assistant Coach of the Year (2003, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2019, 2023, 2024) and his efforts were recognized on an even higher level in 2003 as the ITA National Assistant Coach of the Year.

A third generation coach, Brennan and his family have been involved with coaching tennis for years. His grandfather was Billie Jean King's coach for 18 years, as well as the personal instructor to former president Jimmy Carter and his family while he was in the White House.  His father, Frank Jr., was Stanford Womens Head Coach for 21 years and won 10 NCAA titles.In May of 2002, Inside Tennis named the "Brennan Clan," Frank Sr., Jr. and III, to their top-10 list of "Guys Who Have Lent A Hand" to women's tennis.

 

 

Today, 1 in 5 people live with mental illness. This represents 340,000 adults and 68,000 youths in Santa Clara County. On average, it takes 11 years from onset to receive care. It is often stigma that prevents people from seeking care. This presentation will cover mental health, stigma, and resources. Practical guidance on how to interact respectfully and effectively with people living with mental illness will be shared.

For over 15 years, Barb St. Clair has worn many hats at the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) in Santa Clara County. She has facilitated education classes, coordinated multiple programs, and worked on the NAMI HelpLine. Retired in 2022 after 45 years in technical sales, she is excited to be working in an outreach role expanding the NAMI programs within Santa Clara County. Barb is a family member of NAMI whose son, John, lived with schizophrenia for 25 years.

Dr. Lanman, is a retired physician and biotech company executive who specialized in cancer genomics.  In addition to being a physician scientist, he is also a historical ecologist with over 130 peer-reviewed scientific publications in medicine and historical ecology. His research has rewritten the historical range of several native California species – beaver, Chinook salmon, elk and coast redwoods – and aims to guide rewilding northern California.