Charlotte Ann Schamadan, who served as Quota International’s 1997-1998 President, passed away on December 21, 2018, at the age of 69. The seeds that created Charlotte’s presidential theme, “Celebrating Our Diversity, Honoring Our Unity,” were sown at a young age. Growing up deaf, Charlotte was raised in a suburban Los Angeles apartment building with people of all ages, races, religions, abilities, and income levels living together in harmony. This environment primed Charlotte for a lifelong adventure of seeking the best in people regardless of whom or what they are, or where they started life’s journey.
Past International President (PIP) Charlotte’s journey with Quota began in 1983 when she joined QI of Monrovia-Duarte in California, U.S.A., and where she found a natural outlet for her skills and quick wit. She worked hard on behalf of Quota’s hearing and speech mission from the start – both locally and globally. Moving quickly through the club, district, and area leadership ranks, Charlotte became International President in July 1997 at Quota’s Convention in Auckland, New Zealand.
A great believer in the power of encouragement, then President Charlotte wrote about that belief in the 1998 Quotarian magazine, a message which holds a powerful truth for today’s Quota members around the world:
“…Making an effort to encourage someone else can have lifelong impact. When I was asked to join Quota, it was to be an ‘encourager.’ Did I think I had some assets to bring to Quota? Yes. Did it make me feel good that someone else thought so, too? You betcha!”
“I didn’t have a clue that my Quota life would take me so far, but it certainly gave me a boost when I joined and met others who continue to inspire me along the way. A few encouraging words, a pat on the back, a smile of recognition, ‘Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless….’”
“As I enter the second half of my presidential year, I encourage each of you to increase the membership numbers in your club, to carry on the positive action programs that help and inspire others, and to be grateful, as I am for every chance to reach personal fulfillment with the loving care and support of Quota friends.”
PIP Charlotte held degrees in graphic design and art. Over the years, she worked with her husband Lee in a copywriting and design business, wrote a column for a local newspaper, and hosted a cable television talk show. Her service to her home city of Monrovia was legendary, and included a run for the Monrovia City Council (she lost). Charlotte received honors for her many contributions including the awarding of the California State Legislature’s Woman of the Year and Monrovia’s Citizen of the Year.
Charlotte Ann Schamadan cared about her community and Quota, and her life is a testament to the difference one person can make in our world. Her family has requested that donations in her memory be made to Quota International’s Wanda Frey Joiner Development Fund or the Monrovia Public Library in California.
Read a heartwarming remembrance of Past International President Charlotte Schamadan written by Tyler Shaun Evains and published by the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
Share your fondest memories of Past International President Charlotte Schamadan in the comments section below.
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