Debra Berman - a real estate agent, former teacher and active community volunteer - has been elected to the Santa Monica College Foundation Board of Directors. Her three-year term began Aug. 6.

Berman spent 18 years as an elementary school teacher, starting in Chicago, then after moving to California, in Compton, Thousand Oaks, Santa Rosa, Malibu and Santa Monica, including Madison School in Santa Monica, which is now the site of SMC's Performing Arts Center.

A Playa del Rey resident, she has 31 years of experience as a real estate agent with the Marina del Rey office of Coldwell Banker.

With her partner Pat Kandel, the duo has produced motivational tapes and has made many guest speaking appearances on how they successfully sell real estate as a team. They have also spoken at numerous National Association of Realtors conventions and at various boards of real estate throughout the country.

Berman has also been heavily involved in community service through such organizations as Meals on Wheels, Venice Boys and Girls Club, Otis College and Los Angeles County Museum of Art Costume Council. Her honors include "Woman of the Year" by the Venice Boys and Girls Club for her contributions to the organization.

She and her husband Stan are also avid boaters and are involved with the Del Rey Yacht Club in Marina del Rey.

"I feel I will bring some new ideas to the SMC Foundation board as a great cheerleader," Berman said, "and I am excited about getting involved and furthering the benefits of Santa Monica College."

The SMC Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization established in 1956 to help SMC students realize their dreams of a college education.

The Foundation receives approximately $2 million annually from the private sector to support the faculty and students. Through its active annual giving programs, as well as other program-designated campaigns, the Foundation provides promising students with more than $500,000 in annual scholarships, Washington D.C. internships and other direct and indirect assistance programs.

Faculty assistance is provided directly through Margin of Excellence Grants and endowed Chairs of Excellence.