P.E.O. Chapter DM is presenting the ninth annual scholarship benefit, Books ‘N Lunch, to be held at the Church at Litchfield Park, 300 N. Old Litchfield Rd., on Saturday, March 26 at 10:30 a.m. Many members of chapter DM reside in PebbleCreek.
This year, the speaker will be Isabella Maldonado. Before her foray into the world of crime fiction, Ms. Maldonado wore a gun and badge in real life. She retired as a police captain after over two decades in law enforcement and moved to the Phoenix area. During her tenure in the department, she was a patrol officer, hostage negotiator, spokesperson, and recruit instructor at the police academy. After being promoted, she worked as a patrol sergeant and lieutenant. Finally, as a captain, she commanded the Gang Council, Public Information Office, and a precinct with 150 personnel. Her final assignment was commander of the Special Investigations and Forensics Division.
Her first three-book series featured Veranda Cruz. The first book in the series is Blood’s Echo, which won the Mariposa Award for Best First Novel. The second, Phoenix Burning, garnered critical acclaim, including inclusion on the list of Best 25 Suspense Novels of 2018. The third book in the series, Death Blow, published in March 2019, was praised for having “one of the premier female protagonists in the genre” by The Real Book Spy. Her latest novel, The Cipher, has become a bestseller and is being made into a movie. She is also a regular contributor on local television Channel 12 in Phoenix as a law enforcement expert.
This promises to be a stimulating and enjoyable event. Ms. Maldonado will give a brief talk about her work and background and will take questions afterward.
The cost of the presentation and lunch is $30. Tickets will be on sale through March 14. Contacts for tickets are Susan Evans at [email protected] or 623-535-1379 and Dee Sussman at [email protected] or 623-594-8945.
P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization whose mission is to celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and stewardship of Cottey College; and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations.