To promote respect, understanding, inclusion and community harmony among people of all backgrounds through dialogue, education, advocacy and cultural exchange.
Rebeca Gilad
President; Executive Committee
Born & raised in Mexico City, I worked as a journalist in Mexico and Israel. After moving to the US, I became a Gerontologist and worked throughout Latin America as a Health Educator with the American Red Cross, United Nations & Academy for Educational Development. I’ve been involved with CBB since its inception, and along with dancing, it keeps me active, connected & happy.
Dennis Backer
VP; PR & Social Media; Executive Committee
I was born and raised in Houston, and moved to California in 2002. My background is radio, tv, and film, and internet marketing. I’ve been a member of the CBB board since 2024, after working on the Ageism project.
Sunita Saxena
Treasurer; Executive Committee
I was born and raised in India and migrated to California in 1997. I am a retired High school teacher. I am one of the founding members of CBB, whose mission of ‘inclusion’ is very close to my heart!
Marilyn Freeman
Secretary; Executive Committee
My husband and I moved here from Seattle in 2007. When I heard about Community Bridge Builders I attended the inaugural meeting and have volunteered ever since. I joined the board in 2025 as secretary.
Margot Gilison
Fundraising
I moved from Baltimore 18 years ago where I was a financial and estate planner. I am a board member of The Foundation of Laguna Woods and joined CBB’s board to assist in fundraising.
Cynthia Case
Programs & Interfaith
I taught middle and high school English for 35 years, retired in 2019, and never looked back! My interests include dancing, birding and bird photography, dancing, reading, music, dancing, and traveling. (Did I mention that I love to dance?) After hemming and hawing for almost a year, I finally joined the CBB board because I wanted to give back to the community that has so greatly enriched my life.
Savita Bhudia
Hospitality
A dynamic entrepreneur born in Nairobi and educated in London, Savita has extensive experience managing international projects across Europe and Asia. Alongside running a successful European restaurant business, she has dedicated her career to hospitality, community engagement, and event management. After serving as Food Director for India Club, she recently joined the Community Bridge Builders Board as Hospitality Director, bringing a passion for service, leadership, and community connection.
Debra David
Membership
Originally from New York, I’ve lived in six states and two countries outside the U.S. but moved to Laguna Woods sixteen years ago. My career was in academia, first teaching social gerontology and then moving into administration. I am a founding member of Community Bridge Builders.
Naresh Chadha
Website
I was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and left at the age of 18 to pursue further studies in England. I began my career in the computer industry and went on to work for 40 years across the UK, Germany, Canada, and the United States. After an international professional life, I settled in Laguna Hills and later moved to Laguna Woods. In January 2026, I joined the Board with responsibilities for the Community Bridge Builders (CBB) website.
Message from Rebeca
Dear LW Community Bridge Builders Family:
Looking back at the programs and events we have had over the last several years, we have learned from experts in various fields, we have sung and danced and shared poetry together. We have stood by each other in the good and the bad times. We have had fun as we met new people and we have become friends. We have also lost dear ones who meant so much to each one of us and now they are no longer here, with us.
How can we measure success? How can we measure a combination of factors such as: inclusion, new friendships, new ideas and new attitudes that have resulted from our events?
What we have seen in the three years together is how people from different ways of life, from different cultures, races, sexual orientation, different religions, and diverse health and economic status, have come together to become part of one family. The LW Community Bridge Builders FAMILY. A family where, we hope, you feel welcomed, included, safe and happy.
We thank you for being an essential part of this family.
In gratitude, Rebeca
