Women’s Speaker Series

Trailblazing Women in Museums & Gardens

Trailblazing Women in Museums & Gardens

Tuesdays in March via Zoom

Join us for our Women’s Speakers Series in March to honor Women’s History Month and carve out a new “her”story. Hear from women leaders in the fields of horticulture, architecture, gardens, and beyond in this series of moderated discussions. These women will discuss their stories, experiences, and provide valuable insight on breaking through that glass ceiling.

Featured Speakers

Lori Fogarty

Lori Fogarty is the Director and CEO of the Oakland Museum of California, a multidisciplinary museum that brings together collections of art, history and natural sciences to tell the extraordinary stories of California and its people. Lori led the Museum’s $63 million “Museum of California” campaign and building renovation project, which has included the reinstallation of 90,000 square feet of gallery space as well as the first major enhancement to the Museum’s landmark building.  She is currently leading the “All In: Campaign for OMCA,” an $85 million comprehensive campaign to support programs and operations, endowment and investment fund growth, and capital improvements to the Museum’s seven-acre campus.  Lori has spearheaded OMCA’s efforts to place the visitor at the center of the Museum experience and to focus the institution’s efforts around community engagement and social impact.  Prior to her current position, Lori was executive director of the Bay Area Discovery Museum and was senior deputy director of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.  

Naomi Miroglio

Naomi is a remarkable advocate for the great value and untapped potential of historic resources to enrich contemporary life. Her work is inspired by the history of existing buildings and sites, and by uncovering the unique stories each one holds. She has designed sensitive solutions for structures ranging from the modest vernacular by unknown craftspeople, to landmarks by master architects like Frank Lloyd Wright. Her award-winning designs build on the distinctiveness of the original architecture, creating relevant modern places that celebrate the cultures and circumstances that shaped them. Naomi’s professional background is augmented by training in architectural conservation at the International Centre for Conservation in Rome, Italy.

Stephanie Linder

Stephanie Linder became the Executive Director of the San Francisco Botanical Garden in 2018, bringing 20 years of experience in leadership roles at conservation, park, and women’s organizations including Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Sierra Club, The Trust for Public Land, and Planned Parenthood. 

She is an alumna and former Board Chair of Emerge California, a candidate training program for women seeking elected office with a majority of graduates being women of color. She holds a Master of Arts in American History from Binghamton University in New York and has taught U.S. Women’s History at the college level.

Meet the Women of Filoli's Horticulture Team

Women are a strong and present force of Filoli's Horticulture Team. In this panel discussion hear from Formal Garden Manager Haley O'Connor, Formal Garden Lead Horticulturists Gillian Johnson, and Louise Webster, Formal Garden Horticulturist Leslie Freitas, and Production Horticulturists Olivia McCandless and Lisa Griffin. Learn how they have shaped their careers in the field, and how they have overcome challenges to find empowerment and comradery.