Berkenda Cantlo, who is involved with several community organizations in Orange, including serving as moderator for the Chamber’s popular Eggs & Issues series, was raised with volunteering.

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Berkenda Cantlo

Berkenda Cantlo became a part of the Orange community when she started working at Temple Beth Sholom in 2016.  Situated at the intersection of Santa Ana, Tustin and Orange, the temple was actively involved with the respective Chambers of Commerce.

“Orange was the first Chamber of Commerce I ever visited, so I didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” says Cantlo, whose first stop was the Chamber’s Business Networking Group.

“I went to my first meeting and met the welcoming committee and everyone on the host team.  They immediately encouraged me to get involved, and I gladly accepted,” she recalls.

Pretty quickly, Cantlo joined the Chamber host team as a volunteer for the Business Networking Group.  Not long after, she joined the Chamber board and has already served two full terms and is currently in her year off but still serving on a few committees.

“As an adult, I think sometimes it’s difficult for people to make new friends, especially if you move to a new place,” she says.  “Getting involved with the Chamber helped me get connected and learn how to navigate things here.”

While on the board’s executive committee and presently, she hosts the popular Eggs & Issues morning speaker series. Wil Dee, owner of Haven Craft Kitchen, Provisions and Chapman Crafted Beer and Coffee, served with Cantlo on the Chamber board.  “Berkenda epitomizes an individual in Orange who really cares and gives to the community in everything that she does, with the foundation, with the chamber, and as the moderator for Eggs & Issues.  It’s amazing to see everything she accomplishes and always with a smile on her face,” he says.

Currently working remotely as a director for a not-for-profit based out of state, Cantlo enjoys staying in Orange and “working from home” out of Provisions and other downtown establishments.

“I really enjoy the Orange community,” she says.  “You can stop in places, and people know you and you know them.”

A fitness buff and lifestyle coach, Cantlo is a member of four gyms and a few running clubs.  After being followed on a run last spring, she felt led to become an advocate for safety devices and wanted to host a safety seminar in the community.  Within two weeks, she partnered with the Orange PD and hosted the session at Chapman Crafted.

Cantlo also serves on the Community Foundation of Orange board, as Chapter Advisor for the Alpha Phi Sorority at Chapman University, and recently became an Orange Elk.

“When I was growing up, my parents volunteered at church,” says Cantlo.  “I’m always curious why some people don’t volunteer.  Some have a lot of money to give or say they don’t have the time.  I have the time, and I hope I always will.”