Crownie Billik grew up in Detroit, Michigan and after receiving a bachelor’s in Anthropology from the University of Michigan, and a master’s of social work from Wayne State University, she became the Teen Director for the Jewish Community Center and eventually the New England Regional Director at the B’nai Brith Youth Organization in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Crownie met her husband Martin Billik and married him in 1959 before moving to Los Altos, California

In 1971, Crownie attended a League of Women Voters candidates’ forum in the Los Altos community, joining hundreds of others looking to find out more about what was on their ballot. Crownie was looking for a democratic organization she could join, and found it that day! After joining the League and showing interest in voter education, she was added to the Voter Service Committee and started a mentorship with co-presidents Babara Walker and Susan Younkin that would last many years.

“These mentors helped me stay engaged with the League and arranged for me to have special sessions with active League members to answer my questions. They shared a training chart about what the League is and how to set up a democratic decision making structure of the League and responsibilities, I loved it.”

Now a 51-year member, Crownie has held many roles with the League. She’s been President, County Voter Service Chair, Social Policy Portfolio, Membership Director, Nominating Committee Chair, and State League Management Training Advisor for local Leagues around the Bay Area. Crownie’s favorite role was being a Management Training Advisor (MTA), now known as Local League Coach (LLC). She mentored dozens of Leagues and hundreds of League members across California during this 30 year volunteer role.

“Each League is so different, with its own history and feeling about who they are. Helping each of them allowed me to work with very interesting people and support League growth. I am most proud of being a role model and helping nurture others to become local League coaches.,” Crownie says.

Crownie’s long time friend and fellow League member Sue Graham added, “Crownie brought to her work a clear vision, an adherence to protocol and a gentle manner. As a member of the Nominating Committee, she was able to coax even the most reluctant person to try a turn on the board of directors. The League is a better organization because of Crownie’s contributions.”

Where does Crownie see the League going in the future?

“I think the League will survive and thrive for the next generation. Leagues are constantly reinventing themselves. All of them are now in that process and have new energy to help them. Highly motivated members are really one of the best qualities that all the Leagues have. A hundred years from now there will always be a need for Leagues to present election information and help the public understand other issues that face our communities.”

Crownie has received recognition in and outside of the League, including the 2015 John Gardner award from the Los Altos Community Foundation for her contributions. She also is an accomplished sculptor, swimmer, and baker. Crownie published a cookbook in the 1970s and is well-known for making scones. One League member mentioned, “Wherever Crownie went, the scones were sure to follow.”

Crownie is retiring from the League at age 91 and plans to enjoy time with her husband Martin and her children Tammara and Shoshana.

Her final advice to the League?

“The future is there and I want everyone to continue what they are doing but do a little bit more”.

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