Barbara has worked as a linguist for the government, as an environmental lawyer, and strategic consultant for nonprofits.  She served as chair of the board of two independent schools in Palo Alto, CA—Keys School and Castilleja School (an all-girls school)—and was instrumental in leading both through strategic planning processes and campus expansions.  Her nonprofit work centers largely on children. She currently serves on a variety of non-profit boards including the John Austin Cheley Foundation and Challenge Success.  These experiences have proven valuable in her role as a member of the Ellis National Board of Alumnae Visitors. Barbara is a graduate of Vassar College and the University of San Francisco School of Law.