As Second Harvest's director of programs and services, McCown values her colleagues and the collective difference they have made by feeding those who otherwise might not receive a meal or a bag of groceries.

Apparently, the admiration is mutual.

She was nominated by Second Harvest Food Bank Executive Director Dave Sandretto to be an honoree at the YWCA Tribute to Women and Industry Program.

McCown was shocked to learn of her YWCA nomination and admits she is a little embarrassed by all the attention.

"I get the most joy out of making something happen," she says. "Dave has been very supportive and very open to new ideas."

McCown, 46, oversees more than 600 food distribution sites in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Twenty years ago, she started at the food bank as a nutritionist, fresh out of college from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She never dreamed that two decades after joining the nonprofit, she would become a member of its executive board.

"We have a clear mission here: to feed hungry people," she says. "I'm still able to learn from people, from the volunteers to the executive director. I always ask myself how I can complement what others are doing."

Second Harvest serves an average of 165,000 people monthly, which is enough people to fill 3Com Park more than twice.

McCown, who grew up in San Luis Obispo in an upper-class family, says it wasn't until she taught English to Japanese students and educated migrant workers during her college internships that she discovered the human impact she could have working in the nonprofit sector.

"I like the flexibility of a nonprofit," McCown says. "I go out to distribution sites, go out on the truck and go see where we register people for food. I see the work that needs to be done."

Her award from the YWCA, which happens to coincide with National Women's History month, conjured up memories of women who made a difference in her own life, as a child and as an adult. She credits some of her positive attributes to her grandmother, Philomina Haberlach.

As a young woman, her grandmother emigrated from Russia to North Dakota and lived 90 years, having had only a third-grade education. But, she had a "wonderful wisdom" and could make even the most intense situation light.

"She was the matriarch of the family," McCown says. "She didn't take things too seriously, which is something I try to bring into the workplace."

As an adult, McCown says, she has had several mentors, but retired Second Harvest Food Bank Executive Director Mary Ellen Heising was particularly important to her.

"She treats people with dignity, no matter who they are," McCown says. "She showed how integrity is very important."

She hopes the employees at the nonprofit also see her as a role model, in ways similar to Haberlach and Heising.

She is adamant about balancing her professional and personal life. She volunteers at her son's school, at her church and at Furry Friends, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, fostering and finding homes for companion animals. She also enjoys being part of a book club and loves to travel.

"I try to look on the bright side," she says, explaining one of her life mottoes. "I rarely get mad, I just try to balance it all.

For more information about Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, call 408.266.8866 or visit www.2ndharvest.net. The administrative offices and warehouse for food donations are located at 750 Curtner Ave.