By Petra Brady
Even on Zoom, you can feel her energy through the computer screen. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kathleen Cha, immediate past president of the League of Women Voters of the Bay Area (LWVBA) and an active member of the Oakland League, a woman whose life journey weaves through publishing, public service, and passionate advocacy.
Kathleen served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Oakland League, headed our Communications Committee, served on our Education Committee, published our newsletter, and participated in various Voter Service activities. She left the Board in 2021 to lead the LWVBA, which supports programs affecting the 21 local Leagues in the Bay Area. The Warren Publishing Group recently honored Kathleen for her vision, commitment and leadership in her service on the LWVBA.
Starting Off in Publishing and Public Service
Kathleen's journey into publishing and community engagement began with the founding of the “Village Circle,” a family magazine that quickly gained a loyal following of 10,000 subscribers in Southern California, from 1976-86. The magazine became a model for “Parents” and other family publications. It was here that Kathleen found her voice as a publisher, catering to the needs of families and creating a platform for sharing parenting insights—a precursor to her later endeavors in empowering communities.
In 1986, her career took a turn towards public service when she became the first woman and civilian to hold the position of Orange County Fire Department Public Information Officer. For 9 years, Kathleen deftly navigated the intersection of communications and emergency response, shaping narratives and ensuring vital information reached the public during critical moments, responding on scene to more than 500 major incidents.
AAUW State President and Delegate to the UN Commission on the Status of Women
In the 1990s, Kathleen extended her advocacy to education and gender equality issues through her involvement with the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She played a pivotal role in initiatives like "New Ways of Learning," advocating for women's voices and addressing Title IX issues—a testament to her commitment to equity and education. She was AAUW California state president and served for 6 years on the AAUW national board. This also led to her ongoing involvement in the UN as an NGO delegate to UN Commission on the Status of Women focusing on gender equity and addressing violence against women and families.
Kathleen Contributes Her Talents and Energy to the LWVO
Kathleen’s dedication to empowering local communities continually evolves so it’s only “natural” that a friendly membership swap became a long term commitment to the League. Her colleague joined AAUW and Kathleen joined the LWVO. One of her major achievements was taking the Oakland Easy Voter Guide (OEVG) to the next level. LWVO publishes and widely distributes this hard copy guide ahead of every general election. It covers tips on how to register and vote, candidate statements, and pro/con analyses of local ballot measures. It is designed to simplify political information and encourage voter engagement. Kathleen brought in professional editor Alec MacDonald (a League member) and arranged with East Bay Express to print the publication and insert it in their free newspaper, which had distribution points all over Oakland. It was a breakthrough in outreach and visibility for the OEVG and for the Oakland League.
Through her involvement with our Education Committee, Kathleen spearheaded an important study on programs for Latino high school students. Based on interviews and research, the committee outlined the challenges and proposed recommendations for bridging the funding gap for Latino high school student programs. Key recommendations included establishing an OUSD Latino Student Achievement Department and creating a task force of community-based organizations, community advocates and educators (which did happen). We provided the study to the OUSD Equity Office and all the School Board members.
Reflecting on her journey with the League, Kathleen emphasized its transformative power in engaging citizens and amplifying their influence on local politics. "We must remind people of the impact of their vote," she affirmed, underscoring the League's role in fostering informed civic participation.
Writing, Community Service and Family Fill Her Days Today
These days Kathleen is transitioning from her active roles in the League toward literary pursuits. Currently, she is writing two books—one fiction and one non-fiction—channeling her creativity and insights into new narratives that feed on her experiences and passions. Beyond her writing, Kathleen continues to serve her community as Vice President of A Safe Place, an organization dedicated to providing shelter and support for those in need, and to head up a LWVBA regional study on planning and land use.
From publishing to public service, from education reform to voter empowerment, Kathleen leaves a permanent mark on every endeavor she undertakes. As she embarks on new chapters, both literary and philanthropic, she continues to inspire us with her unwavering dedication to empowering communities, fostering positive change and reminding us of the transformative impact of advocacy.
Kathleen’s family includes authors, educators, and advocates. Her husband has written multiple books on Korean American history. One of her sons is a Master teacher in Korea and her daughter is also a published author and performance artist. Her eldest son is a high-tech marketing vice president in Warsaw and Berlin.
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