District Leadership
Zonta District 3 is led by a dedicated team of volunteer leaders who share a common commitment to Zonta International's mission: building a better world for women and girls. Together, our leadership team sets strategic direction for the district, supports member clubs throughout the region, and represents District 3 within the broader Zonta network. Each member of the team brings extensive professional and community leadership experience, united by a shared dedication to advancing women's rights, education, and economic empowerment. Learn more about each member of the District 3 leadership team below.
Pamela Garvin
Governor
Pamela Garvin is the Governor for District 3. She is also a member of the New York City Club and has been its President and Treasurer. Pam is a past member of the USA Caucus and the representative to the US Women’s Caucus whose focus is the United Nations.
Pam brings a wealth of leadership and years of experience in service. She has had leadership roles in the Ventura County Community Foundation, Foundation for Diversity in the Arts, the Conejo Schools Foundation, and the US for Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education.
Originally from sunny California, Pam is a retired tax attorney who spent over three decades working with clients on estate planning, launching businesses, and specializing in pension law. She ran her own law practice, served on the Small Business Council, and was a popular speaker in her field.
Pam knows that the new biennium brings challenges, but she’s truly looking forward to teaming up with Clubs, the District Board, and the incredible Zonta women to tackle each one—together!
Judy Levy
District Lieutenant Governor Judy Levy has been a member of Zonta Club of Trenton/Mercer since 2011.
A graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in advertising, Judy received her JD degree from Brooklyn Law School.
When she joined Zonta, she was Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Trenton/Ewing, a local non-profit.
Judy is a proud member of Zonta with a strong passion to support women and girls.
Lieutenant Governor
District Treasurer Mary-Helen Risler brings decades of Zonta leadership and financial stewardship to District 3. A Zontian since 1993, she has served in numerous leadership roles at both the club and district levels, including club president, scholarship chair, and District Treasurer.
Drawing on 37 years of federal service, Mary-Helen is committed to ensuring sound financial management, streamlining processes through technology, and supporting the success of District 3 and its clubs.
Treasurer
Mary-Helen Risler
Victoria Piliotti
Victoria Pilotti, Ed.D. joined Zonta International in 2007, and the Zonta Club of New York in May 2020.
Victoria is drawn to organizations close at heart to Zonta International’s mission to build a better world for women and girls. Serving on the Board of Directors of the Center for the Women of New York since 2005, Victoria is proud of CWNY’s programs and services that help women overcome their economic, emotional, health and legal challenges. In 2020, she joined the Brooklyn-Queens Chapter of the National Organization for Women, champion of women’s rights, and is the Chair of the Anti-Trafficking Committee. As President of the Toast of Queens public speaking chapter of Toastmasters International, she inspires members to achieve their communication and leadership goals.
Victoria is a former New York City public high school English-as-a-second language teacher, mentor, adult education ESL teacher and graduate school of education adjunct professor.
Dr. Pilotti is honored to serve as 2026-2028 Secretary on the Zonta International District 3 Board and President of the Zonta Club of New York, and looks forward to bringing about positive change on key issues that impact women locally, nationally and globally in collaboration with members of District 3 Zonta clubs.
Secretary
Stephanie Frye
Stephanie Frye is a dedicated and longtime member of the Zonta Club of Prince George’s County, where she has served in leadership roles including both President and Vice President. A professional parliamentarian, Stephanie is passionate about helping others understand parliamentary procedure and encouraging members to develop the knowledge and skills to become parliamentarians themselves.
Stephanie has also been a strong champion of the Zonta Club of Prince George’s County’s Z Clubs and the young people they serve. Following her retirement from Prince George’s County Public Schools, she has continued to work closely with teachers and guidance counselors to establish, strengthen, and sustain Z Clubs in local schools. Her commitment to mentoring future leaders, sharing her expertise, and supporting Zonta’s mission reflects her belief in empowering others through education, service, and leadership.
Parliamentarian
Dianne Job
Dianne Job serves as Area 1 Director for Zonta District 3 and is a past president of the Zonta Club of Westchester County. Since joining Zonta in 2019, she has been an active advocate for women’s empowerment, leadership and financial security.
Professionally, Dianne is a strategic consultant with more than 20 years of experience in corporate image consulting and performance management. She works with individuals and organizations to strengthen their competitive edge and achieve their personal and professional goals. Through her professional and volunteer leadership, Dianne is committed to helping women build confidence, financial stability and brighter futures.
Area 1 Director
Theresa Perry Lewis
Theresa Perry Lewis has been a proud member of the Zonta Club of Essex County for nearly thirty years. She has served as President, Vice President, and Chair of various committees.
She developed a passion for learning at a young age, fueled by supportive parents and extended family who instilled the values of education and civic responsibility. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and later pursued a master’s degree in Urban Education from St. Peter’s College. This led to a thirty-plus-year career in the field of education.
When the time felt right, Theresa Perry Lewis retired to pursue her passion for acting and writing.
Area 2 Director
Sheebah Smith
Area 3 Director
Kathy Gates
Kathy Gates has been a member of the Zonta Club of Harrisburg-Hershey since 2015 and has served as their Membership Chair for the past 9 years. She served on the Nominating Committee for four years and as the Chair of that committee for 2 years. She served as President of the Harrisburg-Hershey Club for the 2024-26 biennium.
During her tenure with Zonta, she says she has always tried to serve, represent and promote the club to the best of her ability at every opportunity. She has enjoyed working to Build a Better World for Women and Girls through Service and Advocacy. With her marketing skills background, she hopes to further promote Zonta and assist the clubs with projects and help to grow their membership.
Area 4 Director
Sheebah Smith, MBA, is an accomplished marketing and economic development professional with more than 15 years of experience supporting organizational growth, business development and community engagement. She currently serves as Deputy Director of the Calvert County Department of Economic Development, where she oversees department operations, marketing initiatives, special projects and programs supporting business development, retention, tourism and agriculture. She is also the founder and managing partner of Bekôz Marketing.
Sheebah serves as an Area Director for Zonta District 3 and is a past president and membership chair of the Zonta Club of Charles County. She is a 2024 graduate of Leadership Southern Maryland and was recognized as one of The Daily Record’s 2025 Top 100 Women in Maryland. Through her professional and volunteer leadership, Sheebah remains committed to creating opportunities, strengthening communities and advancing the lives of women and girls.