GLORIA BROWN, born, raised and educated in San Mateo County, has given back to her community with energy and determination. She has served on many boards and is currently on the Mills-Peninsula Health Services Board of Directors. Among other awards, she was recognized in the 1996 Mid-Peninsula Annual Report as a hero who has made a difference. In 1995 Gloria organized the first Awareness Sunday Program for African-American Women in San Mateo County in response to data indicating that African-American women have one of the lowest survival rates of breast cancer in the U.S. In 1996 she organized an African-American Community Health Advisory Committee through the Mills-Peninsula Health Services. Its goal is to identify and address health issues that affect the African-American Community. Gloria also helped design an environmental education program for middle school students to address the academic, emotional and social needs of students needing an alternative environment for learning. The highly successful program, now in its fifth year, was done in partnership with the Cabrillo School District and a local funder. A third major focus called HOMERUN is an extensive educational program for recovering mothers and their children. Gloria is a wife and mother of two college graduates.
