“I am committed to
empowering women to
achieve success in their
careers. As a first-generation
college graduate in my
family, I learned to overcome
traditional attitudes that
limited women’s career
ambitions, find scholarships
and loans, and navigate
the waters of student debt.
Students need mentors to
help them chart a path to
promising careers.”
A
s a young woman, Marie was drawn to conversations
her father, other growers, and community leaders
shared about local issues of the day. She saw firsthand
how awareness about the economy, land use, public safety,
housing and other issues led to informed decision-making by
policymakers and voters. It was a lesson that stayed with her
over the years.
After college she worked at “Big 8” accounting firm, Arthur
Andersen, from 1985-1990. From there, she joined a smaller
CPA firm. In 1996 she launched her own practice, Marie P.
Blankley, CPA, to provide services to small businesses and
individuals.
Marie juggled career and family life with community
work. She was a Gilroy Planning Commissioner from 1992-
1999—a busy time for land-use decisions that ushered in
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
the Gilroy Outlets and Eagle Ridge. Marie has also been a
member of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce and the Gilroy
Rotary Club since the mid-1990s, a past board member for
both organizations, and a committee chair for various Rotary
committees. She is a current member and former President
of the Gilroy Assistance League, and a board member of the
Gilroy Foundation.
Today, with her kids in college and a well-established
business, Marie is eager to make a difference on local
issues and has set her sights on public service. She plans to
campaign for a seat on the Gilroy City Council in 2018.
Marie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Santa
Clara University and a Master of Science degree in Taxation
from Golden Gate University. She is a licensed Certified
Public Accountant.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018
gmhtoday.com
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