1995 seems like a long time ago. Yes, it was in 1995 that a memorial fund was established by Ken Nowack, now Chief Research Officer of Envisia Learning, Inc. and members of the ATD-LA chapter in honor of a very special person, Mira Gold, former late wife of Ken and ATD-LA member. I am honored to share that after 25 years, new ATD-LA board members will receive a generous grant that will allow them to undertake a professional development program thanks to the Mira Gold Memorial Fund established by Ken Nowack and members of the chapter back in 1995. Here is what Ken wanted to share.
Mira began her long volunteer involvement with ATD-LA as co-chair of the Career Development Special Division with Amy (Clement) Lichty in the late 1970s. She was a seasoned learning and development consultant and specialist in the career management field, working as a career consultant for Northrop before starting a career skills center and program at the Los Angeles Times. Her career as a consultant with Lee Hecht Harrison was cut short with a brief battle with cancer at the age of 40.
Mira met her husband Ken Nowack while they were both working at the University of California, Davis, before moving to Los Angeles to work as an HR consultant for Flying Tigers Airline that was acquired by FedEx. She was born in Harrisburg, PA and Mira did her undergraduate work at the University of Pittsburgh, followed by graduate studies at Indiana University where she obtained her master’s degree in College Student Personnel. Mira and Ken were married for 14 years and lived in the San Fernando Valley. She was a talented trainer, consultant, and career development professional that modeled empathy, compassion, and support to those she touched in her delivery of career services.
We are truly grateful to Ken Nowack and his family for their generous gift to ATD-LA in support of Mira’s devotion to professional and career development. Special thanks also go to our CFO Anna Halbur, OD Chapter Leader Scott Wimer, and 2012 Past President Sean Bloch for their help and input in facilitating the release of the Mira Gold Memorial Fund for the benefit of chapter board members. If you or your organization would like to make a gift to ATD-LA, please contact Anna Halbur at cfo@atdla.org.