During CSW’s 2013 clothing drive, former Director Honora Miller sparked Marguerite Machen’s interest in applying to become a Commissioner. Since Marguerite joined CSW, her focus on women’s and children’s issues has increased through exposure to powerful female role models, and she hopes to use her experience to continue being an example of integrity to her seven nieces.
In 1997, Marguerite founded the Machen Center with her mother, Ms. Machen, and sister, Barbara, based on Ms. Machen's fundamental belief that "every individual needs unconditional love and support in order to succeed in life." This belief inspired Marguerite to commit her life to helping others through her volunteer position as a Youth & Family Advocate. As the Machen Center Board President, she is also in charge of organizing fundraisers and bringing visibility to the organization.
Marguerite served as Community Worker for San Mateo County, empowering teens and families for over 15 years. Her focus was empowerment through education, mentoring, resource-linkage, and improved access to accurate health information.
In recognition of her courage, vision, and commitment to enriching quality of life in the Daly City community, the City Council of Daly City honored Marguerite with the Woman of Excellence Award in 2008.
With the exception of college, Marguerite has lived in Daly City her entire life. She attended UC Berkeley for her undergraduate education and San Francisco State University for graduate school, studying Psychology and African-American Studies.
