All across the North Bay, talented, accomplished people are hiding in plain sight. Case in point: Healdsburg resident Liz Gore, entrepreneur-in-residence for Dell Computers, where she drives initiatives that support company efforts helping small- and medium-scale businesses prosper and expanding global entrepreneurship. She’s also chair of the United Nations Foundation’s Global Entrepreneurs Council. In this role, she builds global partnerships that positively affect the organization’s most pressing humanitarian issues and support innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.In these and previous roles, she’s experienced (and lived in) many parts of the world. But she knows a good thing when she sees it: “I’m from Texas but moved here as fast as I could,” she says. “My husband was born and raised Healdsburg, and we’re so blessed to live here. We love raising our two children in this great county.”
What got you interested in entrepreneurship and the United Nations?
Ninety-one percent of jobs in developing countries come from entrepreneurs. If we’re going to solve world problems, the private sector must be at the table. The UN is the most critical organization in the world when it comes to scaling solutions for health, women’s rights, security and stability. If we connect entrepreneurs and the UN, we can build on the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit.
What did you do professionally before your current roles?
I was proud to be in the United States Peace Corps, serving in Bolivia, South America. I’ve been working between the private sector and the humanitarian world since 1999, connecting social problems with business to scale solutions.
If you could change one thing in the world right now, what would you alter?
I’d give girls globally more of a chance to succeed. There are 600 million adolescent girls in the world, and we’re still fighting tough statistics: One in seven gets married before age 15, teenage pregnancy is the largest killer, and one in four is abused.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I love the outdoors—any kind of adventure, and I’m in! Exercise is critical to me. For fun, we also love drinking wine with family and friends.
How did you meet your husband?
I’m married to James Gore and am proud that he’s Sonoma County’s new supervisor. We met in the Peace Corps and have been together ever since.
Do you have a large family?
I love my family! We’re even convincing all of the Texans to move here. My brother- and sister-in-law live across the street and my brother lives on our property.
What’s your favorite type of music?
I’m a country music fan, especially anything released before 1999. But I’ll also listen to anything Harry Connick, Jr. sings.
What’s your dream car?
A horse
What’s your favorite quote?
“Keep your head high and give ’em hell.” —Opal Thompson
Do you have any superstitions?
I pray when taking off and landing on flights.
What would you like to be known for?
Being a great mom, wife and friend.
Share a favorite birthday memory.
While living in a remote village in Bolivia, Jimmy took me four hours to a pay phone and called into a conference call, where all of my friends and family were on the phone to wish me a happy birthday.
