North Bay Woman

S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 2 1 NORTH BAY WOMAN 31 S he's a fixer, a problem solver, a match- maker of sorts, allocating resources and connecting people, businesses and gov- ernment. Mostly, she's a giver. She gives her ideas, energy, experience and wisdom generously. She is Joanne Webster, president and CEO of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce since 2014. Her work at the chamber began in 2011 as its event and marketing coordinator. But that is not the beginning of her story in San Rafael. Webster came to the chamber after 10 years as the executive director of the Busi- ness Improvement District which is dedicated to supporting the city's downtown. It's a downtown she knows well because Webster and husband Charlie Garfink opened and operated the Double Rainbow café there starting in 1988. This gave them first-hand experience of small business in San Rafael. They ran the café as their mom-and- pop business for 20 years, giving them time to be mom and pop to their daugh- ters, whom they raised in nearby Fair- fax. Webster worked days and Charlie Garfink worked nights, or vice versa, so someone was always home for the girls. The girls are Anna and Meghan Garfink, 27 and 23, respectively. On this Mother's Day, Webster says, "I am truly inspired by my two daughters and their peers. They put themselves out there. They stay in integrity and they are much more courageous than I ever was at that age… our future is really bright." It seems her daughters also had some good parenting. The proof is in how these young women talk about their mom and what it has been like growing up with Webster to emulate. "One of the greatest parts of growing up for me has been watching my mom continue to grow as well," Meghan Garfink says. "It is so meaningful to have a strong female role model who continues to set goals and advocate for herself no matter what life throws at her. So often we're taught that women's Left to right: Joanne Webster stands outside the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce office on Mission Avenue; Webster talks to Lotus Cuisine of India co-owners Jyoti and Alisha Sroa. – Photos by Stuart Lirette Webster, San Rafael Chamber Commerce CEO, explains their pivots pandemic, organization's advocacy role

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