CASA of Orange County is thrilled to make the public announcement of our three chairs for the Friends of CASA Holiday Luncheon happening on Wednesday, December 11th, at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point -- Sandi Marino, Debbie Masek, and Jennifer Gonzales Oxen.
Learn more about Sandi Marino, Debbie Masek, and Jennifer Gonzales Oxen below:
Sandi Marino’s years of volunteerism for Orange County non-profits began when she was a member of the PFO board at her children’s elementary school where she was inspired to take on the role of leading community outreach initiatives. These experiences gave her a first-hand view of children living on the streets and living in foster care, which sparked her desire to enhance her philanthropic efforts, specifically her involvement with an organization in which her contributions would help to improve the lives of others, especially children. It was at this time that she was introduced to CASA.
Sandi has been a volunteer for the Friends of CASA Holiday Luncheon (FOCASA) for over 12 years, and has served as a chairperson on many committees, specifically as Chair for Entertainment for the last five years. Sandi is the Community Outreach Director on the FOCASA Executive Board of Directors which spearheads all volunteer opportunities for the seventy plus members of the auxiliary group.
Sandi is currently completing her degree in interior design at the Interior Design institute in Newport Beach. She recently launched her own interior design company and is already busy designing home interiors in Newport Beach and Corona Del Mar. Prior to being a stay-at-home mother for her two children, Sophia (17) and Enzo (14), she spent several years in corporate America, specializing in sales and marketing at various Fortune 500 companies. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree at Arizona State University in Communications and Broadcast Journalism, where she was also a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Sandi is originally from Scottsdale, Arizona where her extended family still resides, and has been a resident of Newport Beach for over 25 years. She loves to spend her time with her children and friends, and enjoys cooking, traveling, hiking, skiing, and playing tennis.
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Debbie Masek has a long history of non-profit experience and philanthropic volunteer work in Orange County dating back to 2002. She volunteered with The Junior League of Orange County from 2002 to 2016 and was heavily involved in their biggest fundraiser, The Christmas Company, where she held various Executive positions. Debbie has also taken leadership roles on her son’s PTA Board.
Most recently, Debbie has pursued her passion for helping children through her volunteer work with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County. CASA is a local nonprofit that recruits, trains and supervises community volunteers working one-on-one with a youth in the foster care system. Debbie currently serves on the Friends of CASA (FOCASA) Board as Communications Director where she is responsible for overseeing the monthly FOCASA newsletter as well as keeping the FOCASA Board and all FOCASA members apprised of information pertaining to the CASA organization.
Debbie also most recently served as Public Relations Committee Chair for the 2018 Friends of CASA Holiday Luncheon. In the past, Debbie has served on various Committees for the FOCASA Holiday Luncheon including the Silent Auction, Operations, and Starfish Wishes. She continues to support her community as a 2017-2018 PTSA Board Member for El Rancho Charter School.
Debbie resides in Orange with her husband of 16 years, Joe, and their son, Chase, age 13. She spends her free time enjoying outdoor activities, traveling, and experiencing local restaurants with friends and family.
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Jennifer Gonzales Oxen has been involved with the Friends of CASA Holiday Luncheon for the past several years. Although fairly new to the Holiday Luncheon, Jennifer has been an active volunteer in the Orange County community since moving to Orange County from Texas. Jennifer began volunteering with the Junior League of Orange County in 2007 and was actively involved in the organizations largest fundraiser, The Christmas Company, for many years. She continues to serve as a Junior League Sustaining Member. Because Jennifer is passionate about supporting causes tied to our local youth, she is particularly dedicated to supporting the CASA mission.
Jennifer graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of Texas at Austin and relocated to California to begin her career in employee benefit solutions. She serves as a sales consultant for Warner Pacific Insurance Services, offering expertise in medical and ancillary insurance needs, as well as employee benefit technology solutions.
Outside of professional and volunteer commitments, Jennifer enjoys time with friends and family, distance running, and travel. Jennifer and her husband, Randy, reside in Fullerton with their young son Jake.