Moorpark resident to serve on Commission for Women
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Supervisor Peter Foy appointed Moorpark resident Shanté Morgan-Durisseau to serve on the Ventura County Commission for Women.

"Her expertise and qualifications will be a great assistance there," said Foy.

The commission encourages, supports and facilitates the empowerment and education of local women. The commissioners advise the board of supervisors on issues impacting and relating to women and coordinate efforts with federal, state and local community groups to improve the quality of life for women.

Morgan-Durisseau owns a communications firm specializing in print, broadcast and radio media campaigns. She's a contributing writer to the Ventura County Star and the VC Reporter.

She also was the editor of Turning Point magazine and worked as a newspaper reporter for several major newspapers in the Los Angeles area. She also taught journalism at Cal State Northridge and California Lutheran University.

As the chair of social action for the Ventura County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and a member of the Ventura County branch of the NAACP, Morgan-Durisseau said she wants to reach out and let people know about projects, programs and services provided by the Commission for Women.

"As a woman of color, I also want to represent that segment of the community," she said.

Morgan-Durisseau is on the board of directors of the Minority Photo Journalism Institute. She has served on the Thousand Oaks Residence Roundtable and as the Ventura County coordinator for the Association for Child Support Enforcement Services, among many other things.

She is an active member of Simi Second Missionary Baptist Church and currently lives in Moorpark with her husband and two children.

Foy also appointed Denise Filz, of Simi Valley, to the Developmental Disabilities Board Area IX. The board ensures that the legal and civil rights of persons with development disabilities are upheld.

There are four seats in Ventura County, of which three are vacant.

Filz was recommended and referred by the Area Board for the three year term.