Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley welcomed three new members at its June business meeting, the first meeting of the club’s fiscal year and the first month in which new members receive a full year’s value for their dues. The meeting also honored the club’s Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship and Zontian of the Year winners, who were not able to attend the May awards program where their awards were announced.

Honorees at the June meeting included new members Fran Jessee, Kristan Cicero and Debra Blakely; JMK scholarship recipient Deborah Green; and Zontian of the Year Michelle Woodfork.

Valencia resident Fran Jessee is an entrepreneur and owner of the recent start-up business, Wonderful World of Spices. Born in Glendale, Calif., she has a background in sales, graphics, advertising, printing, marketing, book publishing and promotional materials. She has a daughter in La Crescenta and son, daughter-in-law and five grandchildren on Whidbey Island in Washington state.

Kristan Cicero has a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and is the owner of KVS Consulting Services, a private case management and vocational expert witness company. She is also the co-director of Over 40 Females-Los Angeles Chapter, and is an independent consultant for Rodan + Fields. She lives in Valencia with her husband, Joe, and son, Matthew.

Debra Blakely is retired after a 35-year career in the insurance industry, where she served most recently as a fire claims manager. Her interests include baking, party events, sewing, swimming, home décor and reading. Her major interests in Zonta are fundraisers, scholarships and awards. She is a widow with an adult son and currently lives in Valencia.

The local club has several prospective members who also plan to join the club at its next business meeting in August, according to Sue Hayward, Membership Committee co-chair. Although the club will be dark for its regular business meeting in July, members will gather for Zonta’s annual Summer Social at Reyes Winery on July 26. Club members also will gather at the Elks Lodge in Canyon Country for a Celebration of Life and Friendship (Before We Die) party on Aug. 22. Both events are open to prospective members, who can contact Hayward at (661) 297-0655 for event details.

The Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley is a member of Zonta International, a global organization of executive and professional women, working together to improve the lives of women through, service, advocacy and awareness.  Our mission encompasses a broad range of both local service projects and international service projects.  The Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley, founded in 1974, is a dynamic organization of more than 70 members, who represent the core of community volunteers in the Santa Clarita Valley.