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Terry Gilman, 2010 MBWIB Heart & Soul Award Recipient

The MBWIB Heart & Soul Award recognizes prominent South Bay women for outstanding contributions through activities with mentoring girls, working with children and other charitable activities. It also recognizes their success in business and dedication to service and excellence.

Manhattan Beach resident, business owner, philanthropist, wife and mother, Terry Gilman has devoted herself to giving the underprivileged a voice, sharing a love of literature, and building community in the Los Angeles area. These are just a few of the reasons MBWIB has chosen Terry as our 2010 Heart and Soul Award recipient.
 
Terry holds an MBA from DePaul University in Chicago, and has worked for Johnson & Johnson, traveled extensively through Europe, raised two children, and opened a bookstore in San Diego. "I need a lot of stimulation in my life, so in 1993, with 2 partners, we created Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore, a genre bookstore featuring books on martians, murder, magic and mayhem."
 
In 2001 Terry and her family moved to Manhattan Beach, where she dedicated her (considerable) energy to the community, Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, and served on the Board of her synagogue. Terry launched "Ladies, Lunch, and Literacy," a unique event which introduces first time authors with proceeds benefiting a variety of literacy organizations. In 2009, their first beneficiary, WriteGirl honored Terry with the Friend of WriteGirl Award. That same year Terry joined EveryChild Foundation, which donates a $1,000,000 grant to child-related causes each year.
 
Terry's contributions are sizable, but always measurable. They don't make headlines, but they make a difference. Terry has identified the things important to her and  brings these goals together with a creative spirit that touches the lives of many. We are thankful to have Terry as part of our community, and we are honored to that she is our 2010 Heart and Soul Award recipient.

2009 Heart and Soul Award Recipient

Nancy and Jim Miller, Founders of The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation

The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce Women in Business committee has selected Jim and Nancy Miller, founders of The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, as the recipients of this year's Heart & Soul Award, which recognizes outstanding individuals for the magnificent contributions they have made to the community. The conference, which is sponsored by the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce with Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, will honor Mr. and Mrs. Miller for their efforts in keeping their son, Jimmy's spirit alive by furthering his work.

Jimmy, a South Bay surfing legend, lost his life at the young age of 35 as a result of complications arising from a mental illness. His family, friends and associates, faced with the tragedy, chose to bring good from the worst of circumstances by establishing The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation. The foundation helps those coping with mental and physical illness find meaning and healing through ocean recreational activities.

“Jimmy wrote in one of his regular newspaper columns that he surfed ‘because my Dad is, and has always been, a surfer and a waterman,” says his father, Jim, with pride. “I will always try to use what Jimmy taught me about his love for the ocean to help others through the work of what is truly Jimmy's Foundation.”

“This is how I honor my son's life,” says Nancy, who has worked with non-profits most of her professional life. “Jimmy's pure love of surfing and his ability to teach others is an inspiration. The foundation is a way to keep Jimmy's spirit alive and help others experience the healing power of the ocean.”

2008 Heart and Soul Award Recipient

Jane Phillips, Founder of the Crown Jewel Club

El Segundo resident Jane Phillips and her work with the Crown Jewel Club exemplify the values of the Heart and Soul Award. The Crown Jewel Club teaches etiquette and manners, but the most important gift of the Crown Jewel Club gives its participants is increased self-esteem. As Jane has said, from her first foray into this, she "fell in love with the girls." She showed them that she cared for them and wanted them to succeed.

The Crown Jewel Club teaches girls how to act - and shows them that they have the power to make choices about their behavior. From this realization flow others. Girls ask themselves how they want others to see them but also what they want out of life. And that, we think, is the heart and soul of women in business, and in life.

2007 Heart and Soul Award Recipient

Sherry Kramer, Philanthropist

2006 Heart and Soul Award Recipient

 Kate Adamson, author of "Kate’s Journey; Triumph Over Adversity”

2005 Heart and Soul Award Recipient

Linda Reinstein, Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization

2004 Heart and Soul Award Recipient

Nancy O'Dell, Access Hollywood & Nashville Star

2003 Heart and Soul Award Recipient

Michele Ruiz, Co-Anchor, Channel 4 NBC News & Lisa Leslie, LA Sparks, WNBA All-Time Leading Scorer