North Bay Woman

34 NORTH BAY WOMAN S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 2 1 excelled. "She has led with heart, passion, sensitivity and integrity and in my experience with Joanne, that has not changed since the first day I met her. It has just grown over time," says Lorenzo Jones, a former board chair. One of Webster's biggest pro- fessional challenges came in 2020, during the pandemic. It turns out the lesson wasn't just about work, but a work-life balance. As women, many of us are raised to take care of others first, our families, our spouse, our friends, and our jobs. Pre-pandemic, Webster used to feel guilty about taking care of herself. Now she says, "I enjoy the fact that I make myself available for a lot of people in my life, but I also recognize that there needs to be balance. So, my personal time feels and is warranted." Her message to young people entering the workforce is "be kind to yourself." Webster acknowledges it takes a long time to believe this lesson. The giver in her shares the gift of authenticity, especially with her daughters. "I look up to my mom so much and want my career to look like hers," says daughter Anna Garfink. "She first taught me the meaning of community through the community of employees and regular customers she built at Double Rainbow, and now through the community of businesses and ad- vocates she works with at the cham- ber. She gets to fight for her commu- nity every day and I am so proud of her for that." n 'I look up to my mom so much and want my career to look like hers.' – daughter Anna Garfink Clockwise from left: Webster at the top of the AC Marriott Hotel project under construction on B Street in San Rafael; Webster commuting to work by bicycle; Webster talking with a former employee of Double Rainbow, Laurie Snow, and Lori Pearce, Marin IJ advertising manager. – Photos by Stuart Lirette

• Cover