Erlina’s initiation into the TIAW family occurred in 2000 when she accepted an invitation to participate in the International Trip to Panama, which incidentally is the birth place of both her parents. The Trip was her second time to Panama. According to Erlina, “It was an incredible experience. I met the most amazing women, many who remain very valuable business connections today.”
The Human Resources Director and Site Leaders for Intuit Inc., a leading finance software provider, Erlina also owns and manages Galeria Mistica, an art gallery with her husband Gene. Like many other TIAW members, this busy executive and Ordained Interfaith Minister has benefited both personally and professionally from her involvement in the organization. For instance, Erlina honed her public speaking skills as a result of speaking publicly on behalf of TIAW. Additionally, as VP of Programs for four years and Conference Chair for three years, she stretched her current skills and expanded her worldwide contacts, “You learn a lot when you run a conference... I also now have contacts in many parts of the world. When I travel I call them.”
A socially conscious person, Erlina studies the science of Human Development and world religions with the intention of advocating inclusion and acceptance of each other lives and interests. With the depth and breadth of her life and work experiences, she offers this advice for people who are just starting out in their careers, “Look at activities you've spent time in thus far that you really enjoyed or felt good about, could be school, outside organizations etc... Examine what drew you to them, did you work on a project you enjoyed? What was happening? What work did you do that made a difference? What skills did you use? Which skill did you enjoy using? Examinations like these tend to give you insights into what you might enjoy doing professionally. When you locate a few ideas about the work you like, try and find people who are doing that work, go and do an informational meeting with them. You'll learn so much!”
And five key life lessons that she would like to share with us are:
1. We're completely dependent on the life force - Water-Air- Fire- Earth - we need to learn to honor and respect it
2. Never stop learning because it brings a broader perspective on how life works and makes life so much easier
3. Don't put off experiences you crave to do, especially with those you love. If you wait, it may not happen and regret follows instead
4. There is no greater joy than GIVING
5. Wear life like a loose garment - it is so much more enjoyable that way
Congratulations Erlina on winning the 2007 Marian Goetze 21st Century Award. | 
