former classmates could have had their lives take an entirely different path.
When I was younger, we lived on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation in Humboldt County. It was my late father's life-long career in tribal work that took us there; he was a member of the Hupa tribe and also part Karuk Indian.
Returning home one night in 1979, we found that our home and vehicles were riddled with bullets. My dad had apparently upset someone, and this was how we found out. We moved, almost immediately, to Auburn.
By the time my brother and I were in college, many of our classmates from Hoopa were dead from murder, drunk driving, drug overdose, mental illness, or even seemingly innocuous illnesses that became fatal without proper medical care.
All politics aside, the simple fact is that had these children had what my brother and I did -- that is, adults making an investment in children's education and physical and mental well-being -- they would likely still be taking advantage of their God-given talents today.
I lucked out. I was raised by parents whose messages were distinct: Be honest. Work hard. Get an education. Lend your talents to others. Be yourself. Be self-sufficient so you never have to depend on anyone else. These basic tenets, balanced with plenty of support and empathy from my family, have long been my foundation.
My parents also led by example by giving back, as much of our free time was spent working on church projects or other community activities. Also, while we didn't have much, it seemed that my mom was always writing a check to our church or the local animal shelter.
When I joined the Junior League of Sacramento in 2000, I knew that I was joining an organization where my talents would be put to use, that I would learn from similarly driven women, and that my role -- no matter how big or small -- would make a lasting impact because I had become part of an effective and respected organization.
I ask that you take some time to learn about our projects, both past and present. You might be surprised to know that the Junior League is behind some of our region's most valued resources.
You can be part of our legacy by joining us or supporting us. By doing so, you'll help us to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and train our volunteers to be effective community leaders.
Thank you,
Becky Johnson Sabin
2008-2009 President
Photo courtesy of Quintessence Photographic Art
Biography:
Becky is an award-winning writer and communications strategist who has worked in corporate communications and public affairs for almost 15 years. She joined the Junior League of Sacramento in 2000 and has served in a leadership position throughout her league career, including four previous terms on the board of directors.
Becky recently rejoined Siemens and is the director of communications for Siemens Mobility, overseeing corporate communications for Siemens Transportation Systems and recently acquired operating companies formerly held by Siemens Energy & Automation -- namely the operating companies that engineer and manufacture the US Postal Service mail sorting systems, baggage handling and other airport efficiency products, and intelligent transportation systems. From 2003-2008, she managed corporate communications for Teichert Construction-Teichert Materials in Sacramento. Prior to joining Teichert, she held similar positions with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and Siemens Transportation Systems. She also previously worked as a political consultant to SBC-Pacific Bell with the firm Public Strategies, Inc.
She is the recipient of numerous Crystal and Merit awards from the International Association of Business Communicators.
Becky earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from U.C. Berkeley, and her continuing education includes:
- Leadership Sacramento, Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce -- 2006 participant; 2008 day chair; 2010-2011 program co-chair; member of advisory committee
- FBI Citizens' Academy
- City Management Academy, City of Sacramento
- Ragan Fellowship, Ragan Communications
- Competent Toastmaster, Toastmasters International
- The Practice of Local Government Planning, International City Management Association
- Public Involvement in Transportation Decision Making
- Metropolitan Transportation Planning, National Transit Institute
- Crisis Communications, Rockford Gray
Previous boards on which Becky has served include:
- Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- Point West Area Transportation Management Association
- Friends of Light Rail
- Buffalo Chips Running Club (named "Best Running Club in the U.S." by Runners World magazine)
She was also a Royal Court member in the 1990 Sacramento Camellia Festival.
Personally, Becky spends her time running on the trails, having expanded her running hobby to the ultra-marathon distance a few years ago. Since then, she has completed about 20 ultras, ranging from the 50K (31 miles) to 100K (62 miles) distance, mostly on mountainous terrain -- in addition to four standard-distance marathons and about 75 shorter distance races. She attempted the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run in 2006 but dropped due to severe weather conditions. She recently attempted the Rio Del Lago 100 miler in September of 2008 and made it 62 miles before dropping from an injury. Becky is a proud member of the Brooks I.D. Team.
Our mission statement:
The Junior League of Sacramento (JLS) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
