2014
“I have always loved the quote, ‘If you build the temple, others will come’. In order for others to believe, [QW OWUV ſTUV believe in yourself.” -Bianca Porrino
“I am an artist by passion, a nurse by profession...”
CONNIE BRENNAN PRESIDENT, P RESIDENT FOUNDER, FOUNDER DIRECTOR, DIRECTOR AESTHETIC NURSE SPECIALIST, AND SO MUCH MORE...
“There’s always another adventure to write or another mountain to climb. Writing is never boring. How many jobs or careers can you say that about?” - Dicy McCullough
NON-COMPRESSION PROTECTIVE SLEEVES
http://www.limbkeepers.com
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E D I T O R - I N -C H I E F Marissa Bacchi
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Holli M. Narvaez Felix Pons Angie M. Hoffman
PRODUCTION featured: Helen Kruz ................................................... 17 Karen Carlisle ............................................. 21 Katherine Dickerson ..................................... 23 Kay Lamb Shannon ...................................... 26 Tammy Markle ............................................... 29 Wendy Buckley ............................................... 32 Deborah Vezan ............................................... 52
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Antonio Meneses
EDITORIAL COODINATOR Rachael Raffna
SELECTION COMMITTEE Anne Chilar Kimberly Diehl Rebecca Valuch
Women of Distinction Published by National Association of Distinguished Professionals 560 Broadhollow Road Ste. 310 Melville, NY 11747 Phone: 631-465-9024 Fax: 631-465-9035 http://www.nadprofessionals.com
contents...
EDITORIAL
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CONNIE BRENNAN, RN, CPSN, CPC, CANS
PRESIDENT, FOUNDER, AESTHETIC ENHANCEMENT SOLUTIONS, LLC DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AESTHETIC EDUCATION, CENTER FOR ADVANCED AESTHETICS AND LIFE TIME FITNESS MEDI SPA AESTHETIC NURSE SPECIALIST, MESNA PLASTIC SURGERY AND MMK PLASTIC SURGERY
“I enjoy the challenge of helping everyone come together and see the big picture...�
As a teenager, Connie Brennan really took a liking to photography. After graduating high school, she started working as a portrait photographer for a local business CPF SWKEMN[ FKUEQXGTGF JGT CTVKUVKE Ć€CTG HQT UJCFQYKPI CPF casting light on customers’ faces during portrait sessions. $CEM VJGP YJGP RQTVTCKV YQTM YCU FQPG YKVJ ĹżNO %QPPKG remembers having to do hand retouch or paint the portraits before making the deliveries to clients. This intense training and passion for photography nurtured an appreciation of how lights, shadows, symmetry, harmony, and the beauty of retouching ultimately affected the facial appearance in photos. Connie’s intrinsic and artistic talents later evolved into a strong desire to “retouchâ€? many beautiful faces in real life.
been able to train with many experts as I continue to learn CPF RWTUWG GZEGNNGPEG KP VJG ĹżGNF QH CGUVJGVKE OGFKEKPG Ĺ’
Finding the perfect outlet for these vastly different, yet complimentary, disciplines into her profession, Connie became an aesthetic nurse specialist. For the past 26 years, she has been merging the artistic talents of her soul with the science in her head to produce amazing outcomes for clients.
AS A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, Connie began
“Consulting, treating, and educating clients about the use of aesthetic products for the facial rejuvenation gives me great joy as I ultimately assist them in looking their best,� Connie said about her role as an aesthetic nurse. “My wide array of artistic and nursing experiences have given me a solid foundation of knowledge in the medical intricacies of the face. Through the combination of art and science, I have
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As a young woman, Connie worked full-time managing the portrait studio while she worked toward her degree as a medical assistant at a local technical college. Her internship CV C RNCUVKE UWTIGQPĹ?U QHĹżEG YCU VJG RNCEG YJGTG UJG HGNN in love with the artistic side of medicine. After graduation, she became employed as a medical assistant and clinical photographer for Edina Plastic Surgery, Ltd. Connie then started nursing school while continuing full-time work at the clinic, earning her degree from the Normandale College of 0WTUKPI ĹżXG [GCTU NCVGT +P ,WN[ UJG YCU NKEGPUGF CU C registered nurse by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
to blend her love of art and science, as she embarked on a career as a nurse with Edina Plastic Surgery, Ltd. She worked directly with plastic surgeons, mastering the multiple roles associated with being a clinical, operating room, and recovery room nurse; while training to become an aesthetic nurse injector. With a strong desire to “focus on the faceâ€?, Connie spent the next two years at Facial Plastic Surgery, Ltd., where she functioned as the clinic manager, Occupational Safety and *GCNVJ #FOKPKUVTCVKQP EQORNKCPEG QHĹżEGT QRGTCVKPI TQQO nurse, and nurse injection specialist. After seeking additional
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
educational opportunities out of state, she then joined Adson Twin Cities Plastic Surgery as an entrepreneur, where she FGXGNQRGF QPG QH VJG ſTUV PWTUG NGF CGUVJGVKE KPLGEVCDNG programs within a physician-owned clinic in the Minneapolis, MN metropolitan area. In 2000, Connie began working at Mesna Plastic Surgery, where she initiated, developed, and oversaw the growth of an aesthetic nurse injector program. As an aesthetic nurse specialist, she was able to grow this practice to one of the largest, non-physician practices utilizing Restylane and Botox Cosmetic in Minnesota at that time. Fast forward 14 years and now, in addition to Dr. Mesna’s practice, Connie currently works with the plastic surgeons of MMK Plastic Surgery and Life Time’s Life Spa Medi Spa, providing consultation, education, and aesthetic treatment to clients for facial rejuvenation. Equipped with a robust knowledge of aesthetic medicine, Connie established her own training company, Aesthetic Enhancement Solutions, LLC, in 2009. She assists clinics with the initiation of their aesthetic provider programs, training, and business development activities. She provides comprehensive, customized training for aesthetic medical providers in the techniques and cosmetic applications of FGTOCN ſNNGTU CPF PGWTQOQFWNCVQTU 5JG EQPFWEVU KPFKXKFWCN and group courses, roundtable discussions, peer-to-peer workshops, new account trainings, and consults for Allergan, Galderma, and Progressive Aesthetic Learning Essential to Technical Expertise (P.A.L.E.T.T.E.).
IN ADDITION TO WORKING AS A MEDICAL AESTHETIC PROVIDER and owning her own training company, Connie holds the position of director of medical aesthetic education at the Center for Advanced Aesthetics and Life Time Fitness. She is responsible for creating facial aesthetic curriculum for the education center and leading instruction of aesthetic medical providers in the techniques and cosmetic applications of injectables. It takes years of education and practice to develop the PGEGUUCT[ UMKNNU VQ DGEQOG RTQĹżEKGPV KP CGUVJGVKEU and Connie has traveled internationally to obtain the specialized knowledge to propel her career forward. She CVVCKPGF URGEKCNKUV EGTVKĹżECVKQPU KP CGUVJGVKE OGFKEKPG KPENWFKPI %GTVKĹżGF 2NCUVKE 5WTIKECN 0WTUG %250 VJTQWIJ VJG #OGTKECP 5QEKGV[ QH 2NCUVKE 5WTIGT[ 0WTUGU %GTVKĹżGF 2TQHGUUKQPCN %QCEJ %2% CPF %GTVKĹżGF #GUVJGVKE 0WTUG Specialist (CANS), in addition to being a registered nurse in 10 states across the nation. “There is a steep learning curve and no formalized institutional training exists to date,â€? Connie admits about her very complex profession. “Consumers should focus their aesthetic provider decision making process on whether a professional is within their scope of practice per state guidelines, if they have comprehensive aesthetic medical training, and whether they have experience treating clients on a routine basis, while maintaining a reputation of consistently delivering exceptional outcomes.â€?
women of distinction magazine
Compelled to share the “pearls and pitfallsâ€? of her 26-yearlong journey in aesthetic medicine, Connie recently published C VJTGG RCTV UGTKGU QH CTVKENGU KP VJG ,QWTPCN QH 2NCUVKE Surgical Nursing, entitled ‘The Nuts and Bolts of Becoming an Aesthetic Provider’. Her articles provide practical advice on where to start, how to build an aesthetic practice from a legal, business, and educational perspective, and how to maximize client education and customer loyalty. Helping other aesthetic medical providers progress through the learning curve is Connie’s goal, as her efforts move her profession forward into broader acceptance. She has authored eight articles published in ‘Plastic Surgical Nursing and Journal of Aesthetic Nursing’. Connie’s experience and expertise are also captured in two chapters of the ‘Core Curriculum for the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses’, titled ‘Aesthetic Consultation and Dermal Fillers and Volume Enhancers’. She was also highlighted in interviews in several magazines, including ‘Nurse Advisor’, ‘Inspirational Women’, ‘Shape’, and ‘Cosmetic Beauty’. Involved in several professional organizations, Connie serves as an editorial board member and as Co-Chair of VJG #GUVJGVKE &GRCTVOGPV HQT VJGKT ,QWTPCN QH 2NCUVKE 5WTIKECN Nursing. She is also a member of International Association of Nursing, International Women’s Leadership Association, and National Association of Professional Women; and has been a faculty speaker for numerous annual aesthetic medical conventions across the country. A proud and loving mother of three amazing children, Connie’s oldest daughter is 19 years old and is pursuing a degree in Nursing. Following in Connie’s footsteps, she desires to become an aesthetic nurse. While opportunities for aesthetic training have improved, a student of aesthetics must still search for the right training to maximize their knowledge and skills. Because of this, Connie has offered to mentor and train her daughter once her nursing degree is complete. Connie has no doubt that her daughter will become a pristine medical professional someday. Connie’s middle daughter is 16 year old and has a deep love of the arts. A gifted student, she has also been a musician for 12 years and is passionate about acting and theater. She is a true humanitarian at heart, much like her mother, and will no doubt bring the beauty of music and art to the world as an adult. Connie’s youngest is her 13 year old son. Active KP DCUGDCNN JG KU C HCPVCUVKE RKVEJGT ĹżTUV DCUGOCP CPF hitter. He plays piano and percussion with his band. A good student with a kind and gentle heart, he always prefers to do the right thing and Connie is sure he will become a man of integrity when he grows up.
“I AM A PERPETUAL LEARNER and have a voracious appetite for knowledge. I consider myself an optimist and have been labeled as a persistent and driven individual who strives for excellence in all that I do,� Connie explained. “I am an artist by passion, a nurse by profession, and an honored friend of some incredible people I’m fortunate to have in my life.� 6
What does your industry involve?
What are the key success factors for being a good
#GUVJGVKE OGFKEKPG OQTG URGEKĹżECNN[ O[ ENKPKECN GZRGTVKUG aesthetic provider? is in the area of non-surgical aesthetic injectables, plastic A keen understanding of facial anatomy, the physiology of surgery, laser treatments, and skin care. the skin, art of the face, proper training, licensure within state guidelines, so as to be within scope of practice, and Why do you think the aesthetics industry is so popular? following ethical practices. There are several reasons. Baby boomers a “youth = beautyâ€? culture as an equation that does not add up without What has kept you in the industry for so long? expert assistance and knowledge, and the fact that many My passion for helping others and the love of beauty. want to look their best without surgery.
How has the aesthetics industry changed over the past 26 years?
What advice would you offer for someone desiring to get into your industry?
It is a steep learning curve and can take years to master. 26 years ago, we spent a lot of time “cutting and pulling� 45- Continue to search for the best education possible and strive 50 year patients’ faces in the operating room. Only a bovine for excellence. Positive word of mouth referrals and client
EQY EQNNCIGP YCU CXCKNCDNG HQT ĹżNNKPI YTKPMNGU CPF NCUGTU loyalty is your best marketing. were not available. Look what we have available today!
Why do you think the industry has gotten a “bad rap� over the years? Aesthetic providers may have not been well trained, some entered the industry with unethical values, and, some had bad outcomes.
What are the biggest mistakes people make when seeking aesthetic enhancements? Not thoroughly researching the products and the aesthetic providers. Also, you get what you pay for (i.e., cheap doesn’t necessarily mean better outcomes).
What is your philosophy on beauty in general? Each client has unique needs and deserves a perfect solution. Cosmetic enhancement is about safety, quality, and satisfaction.
What steps do you take with clients who are considering injectables?
contact
+ ĹżTUV EQPFWEV C EQORTGJGPUKXG CUUGUUOGPV QH C ENKGPVĹ?U HCEG symmetry, dermal health, movement patterns, bone loss, previous surgeries, etc. I then discuss product solutions, areas of injection, and client expectations.
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Connie Brennan, RN, CPSN, CPC, CANS President, Founder, Aesthetic Enhancement Solutions, LLC; Director of Medical Aesthetic Education, Center for Advanced Aesthetics and Life Time Fitness Medi Spa; Aesthetic Nurse Specialist, Mesna Plastic Surgery and MMK Plastic Surgery http://conniebrennanrn.com/ info@conniebrennanRN.com
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Brenda Beamer Ford AUTHOR, PROMOTER, 3 BRIGHT ANGELS FACE4REAL
AS A BUSINESS OWNER, wilderness trail contractor, island developer, and co-founder of 3BA, a professional three-on-three basketball league, Brenda Beamer Ford traveled the world and met many people from a variety of FKHHGTGPV DCEMITQWPFU 9JGP HCEGF YKVJ FKHĹżEWNVKGU KP VJG league, she began researching the number “3â€? to help promote the league and bring harmony to the leadership. What she discovered prompted her to start writing a book. The knowledge she gained has become her greatest treasure. As an entrepreneur who has always been drawn to athletics, nature, religion, people, and science, Brenda has found a way to combine all of these interests into a book and a company by forming ‘3 Bright Angels Face4Real’. “Looking back, my whole life has led me to the research and study for this book,â€? Brenda admits. “Being deeply grounded in religion from birth to being surrounded by many religions, science, and living among tribes of people, the high mountains, among the rich and poor, and the broken the healthy, all gave me a desire to learn and understand how and why it all ticks. I never knew my research for a number would bring me to so many answers I had been asking all my life.â€?
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‘3 Bright Angels of Time, Space, and Energy’ is a book of hard science. It is a walk through time that reveals a beautiful, orchestrated, harmonious picture of creation that reveals a great hope for the future in peace and love. Comprised of three volumes, ‘Tree of Creation’, ‘Tree of Life’, and ‘Tree of Knowledge’, Brenda considers the three authors being ‘Father Time’, ‘Mother Nature’, and ‘Humanity’s Pen Past and Current’; a compilation of many authors. ‘3 Bright Angels - Face4Real’ is a three-day event company that serves as a follow-up to her book. It includes two days that include a cutting-edge showcase of “all the great things mankind has doneâ€?, such as new inventions, new discovery, new understandings of our world, electronics, media, toys, health, medicine, green energy, new technology, and new discoveries about our bodies, earth, and universe. The third day will showcase the countries nominated and voted winner of music performance, talent show, and the main event, which is a three-on-three, full court professional basketball championship game designed by Kevin LuBahn. $TGPFC KU CNUQ YTKVKPI VYQ QVJGT EQPFGPUGF CPF UKORNKĹżGF DQQMU HQT VJG [QWPIGT CWFKGPEG 6JG ĹżTUV ĹŽRoot2Froot: The Power of 3 That Make M.E.’, is geared toward a four year old
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audience. The second is called ‘Time, Space, and Energ Energy: gy: The Power of 3 The Power of M.E.’, which was written itten for for 10 year olds and older. The book is an in-depth, simply mply told to old look at the building elements of the universe, the earth, arth, all all life, our body, and the amazing three pounds of matter atter we we histo ory call the human brain. The book reveals mankind’ss history WIINKP PI QH CYCTGPGUU NGCTPKPI YTKVKPI ITQYKPI ĹżIJVKPI UVTWIINKPI are questioning, understanding, and a glimpse of where we are today in that growth. entme en ntt “We are born to be compassionate and feel deep contentment hich w e when we work for the good of one or the whole, by which we o are all connected.â€? Brenda said. “‘3 Bright Angels’ bringss tto so oliid ol d life the amazing creation that we all are and revealss a solid hope for our futureâ€?. ass a Brenda was married in 1980 to Warren Marvin Ford and h has y pro oud ud two sons, Warren and Wesley. Brenda is extremely proud de in the th he e of these men and the positive impact they have made world.
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National Nation all Association Ass sso occi ciiaattiio on n of of Distinguished Dissttiin ngguished Professionals Pro ofessionals
When you say “hard� science, what exactly does that mean? Hard Science are facts that cannot be denied. For example, the earth is a sphere, and water is a compound element H2O.
How did you arrive at the title for this book? The only two eternals (never a beginning and never an end) are time and space. These two are unique in themselves but are also ONE. They create another created eternal that had a beginning, and we call that energy. Einstein discovered that matter is energy, visible and invisible, one and the same. We are made of time, space, and energy. Matter and Energy in the book titles are abbreviated as M.E.
Have you always wanted to write a book? No, it was the furthest thing from my mind. I am not a writer. Many people encouraged me to write a book, because I have many stories; but the 3BA story has been one that many people have followed and eagerly watched as the story unfolds. What I found in my quest to promote 3BA gave me the energy and the reason to learn so much more that my mission in life now is to share it.
Why is this book your greatest treasure? The science and wisdoms that I learned in the six years of research for this book came from the greatest pain and hardships in my life. And with the search to understand, I have found my greatest peace. As I understood so much more, I realized what gave me the passion to pursue the knowledge I gained; and with understanding, there is change.
When you lived and worked in the high mountains, did you have much contact with civilization? I missed the 80s and 90s culture, music, news, and fashion. It is interesting to see changes in society from the outside looking in rather than seeing them from the inside. I gained many good perspectives that have helped guide me in the research for the book. Can you describe the work you did in the wilderness mountains? I had contracts with the Forest Service. I hired my crew and packed in the supplies, tent, dynamite, and hand tools by horse into the wilderness area. We stayed, worked, and enjoyed untouched nature and worked until the weather said it was time to quit each winter. We built many, many miles of horse packing hiking trails to the most beautiful places in the world.
How is the 3BA three-on-three game played? It’s played with a lot of speed, stamina, and skills. It’s a bit shorter and full court with 18-second shot clocks. The best of the best in basketball will be playing this game.
When can we expect to see the books published? It is a work in progress. As I get closer to completion, a date will be posted on the websites. The websites will be updated from time to time to add new information and share resourced information that is in the book. There is a preorder page on the websites where you can pick how you want the book (hardback, audio book, or Kindle download). No payments will be taken until the book is ready for release.
In one sentence, what is the basic effort portrayed by the book? It is an effort to paint a picture of TIME from what we know as fact that portrays a revelation that humanity is growing up and beginning to learn just who we are, how we got here, YJGTG YG CTG IQKPI JQY VQ ĹżZ KV JQY VQ JGCN KV CPF JQY VQ make it live.
Who were the tribe people that you lived with? I partnered on an island called Nukudrau Island Fiji and had the privilege of working and living with the Vianne Village people for three years. They are a beautiful, loving people. At the time, they had no road to the village, no running water, CPF PQ GNGEVTKEKV[ CPF NKXGF QHH QH ĹżUJKPI EQEQPWVU CPF nature farming.
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Brenda Beamer Ford Walla Walls, WA Author, Promoter 3 Bright Angels Face4Real http://www.timesfaceinenergy.com brenda@face4real.com
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Dicy McCullough EDUCATOR, CHILDREN’S AND YOUNG ADULT AUTHOR During the mid-1970s, after graduating from Gardner-Webb college with a Bachelors of Arts in Music Education, Dicy McCullough was faced with the reality she might not be able VQ ſPF C LQD CU CP GNGOGPVCT[ OWUKE VGCEJGT CU SWKEMN[ CU she had hoped. Making the decision to go back to school to IGV EGTVKſGF CU C ENCUUTQQO VGCEJGT &KE[ SWKEMN[ NCPFGF JGT ſTUV RQUKVKQP VGCEJKPI MKPFGTICTVGP CV %NGXGNCPF 'NGOGPVCT[ School. In 1980, she went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Education at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. #HVGT [GCTU QH VGCEJKPI ſXG [GCT QNFU UJG YCU CHHQTFGF the opportunity to teach music in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools, teaching music until retiring in 2006.
DURING THE SPRING OF 2006 IN HER VERY LAST SEMESTER OF TEACHING, Dicy’s dad passed away. To deal with her overwhelming grief and despair, she began to write. “As an only child, my mom and dad had always been a part of my life, and now Dad was gone,â€? Dicy said. “Within hours, I UCV FQYP CPF RGPPGF O[ ĹżTUV RQGO CDQWV JKO 'XGP VJQWIJ it had been 50 years since Dad had been in the Army, he PGXGT HQTIQV 6JKPMKPI QH JKO CU C UQNFKGT QP VJG DCVVNGĹżGNF in my grief, I wrote the poem ‘Soldier’s Cry’.â€?
Salisbury Post’. Now, four years later, Dicy is still writing for the paper and has a pretty nice following locally and online. Diving deep into her writing, Dicy was so enraptured in her hobby, she couldn’t stop. As passionate as she was about teaching music in her earlier years, she became just as passionate about writing. Not only enjoying the process, she also enjoys sharing her stories with others even more, especially children. To stay creative as a writer, Dicy continues to take YQTMUJQRU TGCF CPF VCNM YKVJ GZRGTVU KP VJG ĹżGNF CPF MGGRU an active membership with the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She maintains a website, writes a weekly blog, interacts with other writers, and does presentations for schools, churches, and organizations, sharing her journey as a writer. By continuously writing, reading, editing, and sharing her work, Dicy is able to stay fresh and grow as a children’s and young adult writer. &KE[ PQY JCU ĹżXG DQQMU KP JGT ‘Tired Book’ series, including: ‘Tired of My Bath’; ‘Tired of School’; ‘Tired of Being Different’; ‘Tired of Being a Bully’; and ‘Tired of Being Little’. Her sixth book, ‘Tired of Being Obedient’, is due out in late fall of 2014. The storyline follows two dogs, Lucky and Rocky, in their adventures at obedience school, discovering that being obedient is a good thing.
After about six months of working through her grief, Dicy’s poetry began to change. It was then that her writing turned to subjects and interests that engage children, like friendship, family, school, and play. She began to think in terms of what “The idea for my children’s books actually came from ETC[QPU FQ YJGP PQ QPGĹ?U NQQMKPI YJKEJ VWTPGF KPVQ JGT ĹżTUV children,â€? Dicy explained. “As a teacher, I often heard students complain about being tired of things, such as children’s poem, ‘If Crayons Could Walk and Talk’. homework or bus rides. In the ‘Tired Book’ series, children Fully retired, with free time on her hands and a strong TGCF CDQWV ,QJP #NNGP JKU NKVVNG FQI .QWKG CPF VJGKT HTKGPFU interest in writing, Dicy began taking workshops to learn as they discover new things. Teaching good character traits more about the process. During that time, she also began and habits, not only are these books fun, but they are written writing a human interest column for a local newspaper, ‘The in rhythm and rhyme; which help beginning readers with
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
literacy.â€? +P JQPQT QH JGT HCVJGT &KE[ PCOGF VJG OCKP EJCTCEVGT ,QJP Allen, after him, since he was her initial inspiration to write from the very beginning. &KE[ TGEGPVN[ ĹżPKUJGF YTKVKPI C OKFFNG ITCFG PQXGN CDQWV two junior high girls growing up in the 1960s. ‘All in a Year’ addresses topics of life lessons every young teen can learn from and follow two girls as they deal with relationships with boyfriends, teachers, and parents. It also speaks of events UWTTQWPFKPI VJG FC[ 2TGUKFGPV ,(- YCU CUUCUUKPCVGF CU well as the Beatles era and the Cold War. As a professional writer, Dicy has come to realize that practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect, because “there will always be another sentence or idea to exploreâ€?. Yet, it’s through this process that she has learned how to gracefully take criticism, and it is by sharing her work, after all, that she is able to improve and mature as a writer. ,QKPKPI &CWIJVGTU QH VJG #OGTKECP 4GXQNWVKQP  KP 2012, Dicy was excited, knowing that this organization supports efforts of promoting and helping veterans. Other organizations she is a member of include the Professional Educators of North Carolina, National Association of Professional Women, and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Attending a SCBWI conference in Charlotte in 2013, Dicy had the pleasure of meeting Dan Yuccarino, a children’s author of national and worldwide acclaim. His workshop on picture books was not only helpful, but inspiring, GURGEKCNN[ UKPEG UJG JCU CNTGCF[ RWDNKUJGF ĹżXG QH JGT QYP picture books. One of the highlights of Dicy’s career was receiving an Alumni of the Year Award from Gardner-Webb University in 2012. She also earned a Teacher of the Year Award from Mt. Ulla Elementary School for the 2000-01 academic school year. In 2013, she earned a Kart Kids Book List Award for her third book, ‘Tired of Being Different’. Dicy’s husband Michael has been her source of strength through her journey as a writer. He has been patient and kind while she spends hours and hours at the computer writing down her thoughts. Happily enjoying life as grandparents, Dicy and Michael have two daughters, Kristin Saine and Kelly Key, and three grandchildren, all under the age of four. Dicy enjoys playing the piano for church on Sunday and spending quality time with her mother who is now 94 years old. Should Dicy be lucky enough to live as long as her mom, she can only hope she is able to contribute to society in the most positive of ways, being a role model to VJQUG HQNNQYKPI JGT JGNRKPI VJGO ĹżPF RWTRQUG CPF RCUUKQP in their lives.
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Why do you write?
What is your favorite book?
+ YTKVG DGECWUG + ECPĹ?V UVQR 6JCV QH EQWTUG KU C UKORNKĹżGF answer. I write, because I want to tell not only my story, but CNUQ QVJGT RGQRNGĹ?U UVQTKGU + GPLQ[ ĹżPFKPI KPVGTGUVKPI UVQTKGU that bring encouragement and inspiration to the reader. As a columnist of human interest stories for ‘The Salisbury Post’, I ĹżPF VJCV OCP[ VKOGU VJG UVQT[VGNNGT PGGFU VQ JGCT VJG UVQT[ as much as he or she needs to tell it.
My favorite book of all time is, ‘Ferdinand, the Bull’. I’ve loved that book since I was a little girl. I think it’s because Ferdinand found a place within himself to enjoy life and be who he was meant to be, no matter what. We all should learn that lesson.
What’s the hardest thing about writing? The hardest thing about writing is putting your bottom in the EJCKT 1PEG VJGTG VJG VJQWIJVU CPF KFGCU LWUV UGGO VQ ƀQY
Who’s your favorite author? My favorite author is Dr. Seuss. I like Dr. Seuss, because he never gave up. No matter how many times he was rejected, he didn’t let that get in the way of his dreams. I also like him, because he touches the heart of children through innocence and creativity. Not many authors have that talent.
What’s your advice for aspiring writers? My advice would be to read, read, read and practice, practice, practice. If you do these things, you will be better prepared as a writer to engage your target audience; but that’s only scratching the surface. Make sure you have a good grasp of grammar and the tools for writing. If you don’t, take a class. Writing workshops are always a good investment.
What’s the best thing about being an author? There’s always another adventure to write or another mountain to climb. Writing is never boring. How many jobs or careers can you say that about?
Since you were a teacher, what have been the similarities you’ve found between teaching and being an author? For one thing, I loved being a teacher and I love writing. Both professions stimulate the mind and educate. One through mostly personal interaction; the other more through the pages of a newspaper, book, or website.
Where do you get your ideas? My ideas come from real life. As a teacher, I’ve been so used to hearing the catch phrase “text to world,â€? that it’s almost become my slogan. Since it’s hard for me to make up things out of thin air, I think back to an experience I had VJCV YQWNF ĹżV YJCVGXGT UVQT[ +Ĺ?O YQTMKPI QP 6JCVĹ?U YJ[ + especially enjoy writing other people’s stories, because all I have to do is write them down. They become the storyteller. I’m only the writer.
Is there anything you would like to say to your readers and fans? Thank you for believing in me and for your support. I can’t wait to see where this journey is going to lead me next. Be sure to check out all of my books on Amazon.com, and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and my blog. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
What are you working on now?
contact
Although I’m always working on and thinking about the next book in my ‘Tired Book’ UGTKGU +Ĺ?O CNUQ KP VJG ĹżPCN GFKVKPI stage of the middle-grade novel, ‘All in a Year’, and looking for a publisher.
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Dicy McCullough Cleveland, NC Educator Children’s and Young Adult Author http://www.dicymcculloughbooks.com http://www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Evelyn Suzette “Scales� Johnson OWNER, UPSCALES FASHIONS 43
'8'.;0 57<'66' 5%#.'5 ,1*0510Ĺ?5 PASSION STARTED WITH A NEEDLE AND THREAD WHEN SHE WAS 7 YEARS OLD. She learned to use her mother’s sewing machine the following year, and after high school was hired at Levi Strauss & Co, where she learned how to make a professional pair of jeans. Being with the company for 10 years, Evelyn gained the knowledge and experience needed to open her own company, ‘UpScales Fashions 43’. “There are two things that up until now have prohibited me from running UpScales Fashions 43 on a full-time basis; time and money,â€? Evenly admitted. “The things that I have had to go through in life, like people, jobs, and the roads I have had to travel, are the things that had kept me from a fulltime career in fashion. In addition, the amount of equipment and materials I needed was extremely costly. Now that the timing is right, I am excited to pursue this business.â€? During her time at Levi Strauss, Evelyn’s marriage was not doing well. After hearing an advertisement on the radio about making more money through a degree in electronics, Evelyn viewed it as a way out. Dreaming about a new life making enough money to take care of her children, she walked into Midwestern State University to obtain her GED. She left her husband, children, and Levi Strauss, and within a month found housing in Garland, Texas for her family. She started night school right away, attending National Institute of Technology in Dallas, TX where she ultimately earned her Associate’s of Science Degree in Electronic Engineering.
YCU DWTUV SWKEMN[ YJGP VJG FGUKIPGT TKRRGF WR JGT ſTUV sample. That same day she realized she had a lot to learn. After a year and a half, Evelyn became very good at making professional looking clothing, and today is extremely grateful to Noah and his family for giving her the opportunity to learn the fashion industry. *CXKPI VJTGG EJKNFTGP VQ TCKUG YKVJ PQ ſPCPEKCN JGNR HTQO JGT ex-husband, Evelyn put her love of fashion on hold; and in 1993, she started as a probe technician at Cyrix in Dallas. Two years later she transferred to TwinStar Semiconductor and became the lead technician. In 1999, Evelyn was hired at Texas Instruments Incorporated, where she is still employed today. Starting in the manpower technical department, she moved to SC Reliability Services as a DRTL test technician, and today is a member of the disposition team. In 2006, she attended Westwood College in Dallas’ computer networking engineer program, earning an Associate Degree in Computer Networking Engineer. But it wasn’t until 2009, when Evelyn was asked to make 11 pairs of jeans for a company called Coffee N Cream (now known as Higher Level Modeling), that she started working in the fashion industry again. With only pictures and the measurements for the models, she made each pair of jeans to match the personality she perceived from the photos. &WTKPI VJG ſTUV ſVVKPI 1YPGT ,KOO[ 8CWIJP YCU KORTGUUGF D[ VJG XCTKGV[ CPF ſV QH GCEJ RCKT OQUV QH YJKEJ PGGFGF XGT[ little alterations.
'XGN[P MPGY TKIJV CYC[ VJCV KH ,KOO[ JCF PQV CUMGF JGT VQ make those jeans, she never would have gotten back into It only took Evelyn three weeks after moving to Dallas, TX sewing at the level she does today. It had been a long time VQ ſPF C LQD WPVKN UJG YCU ſPKUJGF PKIJV UEJQQN 5JG YCU since she had done something she loved, and it inspired hired at Noah’s Flood ADA Zinn Family Associates, making her to open her own company. Evelyn named it UpScales samples of clothing before they were sent for production. Fashions 43, because Scales is her maiden name, and she Believing she had advanced sewing skills, Evelyn’s bubble
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was 43 years old when she started this new journey; feeling the freedom that came along with it. As the sole owner and operator of UpScales Fashions 43, Evelyn does everything from designing, buying, scheduling shows, embroidery, and logos.
What do you like best about designing clothes?
Since her initial job with Higher Level Modeling, Evelyn has had her designs in two shows for Fashion for the Cure, which is held for breast cancer awareness, two shows for *KIJ .GXGN /QFGNKPI JGNF KP 1MNCJQOC %KV[ 1- D[ ,KOO[ Vaughn, and a Strut for Your Cause in Tulsa, OK hosted by Tiara Crawford; where she had 14 models wearing her designs. She is scheduled for a show in Los Angeles, CA for the summer of 2014, as well as the 2014 New York Fashion Week.
How long does it usually take to construct a piece?
In addition to the knowledge and inspiration she received in the fashion industry from Levi Strauss, Noah Flood, and ,KOO[ 8CWIJP 'XGN[PĹ?U HCOKN[ JCU CNYC[U DGGP UWRRQTVKXG and motivating in the startup of her business. Her father has shown her that anything is possible, while her mother taught her how to sew. Her sister has also been so supportive, and her other siblings have shown Evelyn how to be happy in GXGT[VJKPI UJG FQGU 1PG HCOKN[ OGODGT DQWIJV JGT ĹżTUV purchase of denim for her to use and another family member JGNRGF JGT DW[ JGT ĹżTUV EQOOGTEKCN UGYKPI OCEJKPG Evelyn even named her men’s collection W.R.S. after her deceased brother Wilbert Ray Scales, who was always the best dressed man she knew. “Don’t wait too long to follow your dreams,â€? Evelyn said. “Find someone that inspires you and learn everything you can from them. Keep your head up, work hard, believe in yourself, and when the doors of opportunity open, know that God has a plan.â€? Having been married for 14 years, Evelyn has three EJKNFTGP 5JGTKFC %JTKUVQRJGT CPF 6QOO[ ,T 5JG JCU PKPG grandchildren, and spends a lot of time with her daughter’s son London, who is a special needs child.
It is mine; no one else has anything like it and I don’t have to worry about someone showing up at a function looking like OG KP VJG UCOG FTGUU +V ſVU OG CPF QPN[ OG + NKMG JCXKPI clothing that no one else has.
It doesn’t take long to put the design on paper, but for me the time comes when I have to take it from the paper to fabric. The construction of the garment and putting it all together is what is time consuming for me.
What does fashion mean to you? To me, fashion is freedom. It gives me that sense of freedom to be me and express who I am. I think it says a lot of who we are by the way we dress and the styles we like.
When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer? I never thought about being a designer until 2009, when I was asked to cloth 11 models, and someone asked who designed the garments. Then I realized I was a designer.
How do you select your models? Actually, they have already been selected for me. I get my OQFGNU HTQO *KIJGT .GXGN /QFGNKPI CPF ,QJP %CUCDNCPECĹ?U both located in Oklahoma City, OK
How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show? + ĹżPF QWV YJCV VJG UJQQV KU HQT YJGTG YG CTG FQKPI VJG UJQQV and what season it will be. I get a photo of all of the models CPF VJGKT UK\GU ĹżIWTG QWV VJGKT RGTUQPCNKV[ CPF VJGP UVCTV designing the garments.
Where do you buy your fabric and other sewing material? I get most of my fabric from Harry Hines Blvd. in Dallas, TX, ,Q#PP (CDTKE CPF *CPEQEM (CDTKEU $WV VJG TGCNN[ IQQF fabric stores are located in New York, so I will order swatches DGHQTG + QTFGT VJG ĹżPCN RKGEG UQ + ECP UGG KV CPF HGGN KV
What are your favorite fabrics to work with? I love denim, but anything cotton works for me; any color and texture. Denim is cooler and it holds the shape well. When sewing denim, it’s not like other fabrics; you have to be precise with the seams so the garment looks good. What do you dislike about designing clothes? I love designing garments, but what I really don’t like is that my house has fabric all over the place when I start sewing. I do have a sewing room, but somehow I am all over the place. This is why I need a building or store with a room for sewing that is big enough to work in, so I can just close the door at the end of the day and not worry about the mess in the back.
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Where can readers buy your clothes? I would love to have a physical clothing store but right now you can purchase my clothing on my website. I also do large UK\GU DWV JCXGPĹ?V HQWPF C HWNN ĹżIWTG OQFGN
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contact
Evelyn Suzette (Scales) Johnson Lewisville, TX Owner, UpScales Fashions 43 http://www.upscalesfashions43.net Upscalesfasions_43@yahoo.com 469-235-8156
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Helen L. Kurz OWNER, PINNACLE DOG SPORTS, LLC HELEN L. KURZ’S DOG TRAINING CAREER BEGAN IN 1999, when training her own dogs, Piccolo and Kilo, and other canine students in the Cleveland, OH area at several training facilities. In 2013, with 48 students, Helen decided to open her own training business called Pinnacle Dog Sports, LLC. Within one year, her business has become so successful with over 100 students, that *GNGP JCU UKPEG JKTGF ĹżXG KPUVTWEVQTU 6QIGVJGT VJG[ JCXG helped Helen realize a dream come true. “All my students, along with Piccolo, Kilo, and my son, have played a large part in why Pinnacle Dog Sports is so successful,â€? Helen said. “My dogs have taught me patience, humbleness, happiness, and encouragement. My students have shown me how to be a better instructor through their victories and defeats, with my wonderful son being the one to motivate me to open my own business.â€?
medal from United States Dressage Federation. Rampal went on to the Grand Prix and was the regional and national champion four years in a row. When Helen retired, Rampal, she made a seamless transition to the dog world. She became a member of Cleveland All Breed (CABTC), and joined the board and served as its president a few years later. She also competes in the American Kennel Club (AKC), United State Dog Agility Association (USDAA), and the UK Agility International (UKI). Helen has competed in the AKC Nationals, USDAA Nationals Cynosport, and ended up 12th in the country in the 26’’ division with her Border Collie, Kilo. Kilo is doing extremely well in AKC, USDAA, and UKI, and is really starting to click at the international levels.
Helen’s 13 years of experience training dogs prior to opening Before training dogs, Helen started in the horse world Pinnacle Dog Sports taught her exactly what it would take to in the discipline of dressage. Dressage, or training, is a make a facility successful. She teaches six classes a week, competitive equestrian sport and is considered the highest all on a Master Level, but Pinnacle Dog Sports also offers expression of horse training, where horse and rider are Novice Agility, Open Agility, Fun With Agility, Play To Behave expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined Puppy Foundations, Puppy Class for the Pet Household, OQXGOGPVU 9KVJ JGT GKIJVJ CPF ſPCN JQTUG 4CORCN C Ahh, Puppies!, Play And Learn, Weaving 101: A New Twist Swedish Warmblood, Helen competed from 3rd Level thru on Weave Pole Training, Weaving 102: Wonderful Weaving, Intermediate I International Level. Together they were Games People Play (Foundation Class), Preparing for Prime regional and national champions for 4th Level dressage in 6KOG CPF 9GCXGU %QPVCEVU ,WORU the United States and Helen earned a bronze and silver When instructing, Helen teaches that it is alright not to
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
qualify. She stresses the importance of focusing on the things the students did right in the course, rather than the mistakes. It is also very important for her human students VQ WPFGTUVCPF VJGKT QYP FQIU ,WUV DGECWUG QPG EQORGVKVQT walks the course one way, doesn’t mean that it is the best way for every competitor.
Why do you feel that your business will be successful?
+ VTCKP YKVJ 9QTNF 6GCO /GODGT ,GPPKHGT %TCPM QYPGT QH IncrediPaws. I then teach my instructors what I have learned to keep our students abreast of the latest moves and course designs of the AKC, USDAA, and UKI. Many of my students JCXG SWCNKĹżGF HQT PCVKQPCN GXGPVU CPF JCXG TGEGKXGF VJG highest title, the MACH. Staying current is very important in 6TCKPKPI RTKXCVGN[ YKVJ -KNQ CPF ,GPPKHGT %TCPM VJG QYPGT agility, as it is evolving rapidly. of IncrediPaws and member of the AKC, USDAA, and UKI World Teams for USA, for over a decade, Helen has What age group is attracted to your dog business? become a better student and instructor. By believing in her, At Pinnacle, we have students from ages 11to 72 years old. ,GPPKHGT JCU RWUJGF *GNGP CPF -KNQ VQ FQ VJKPIU UJG ECPĹ?V believe they have been able to accomplish. Helen believes *QY FQGU VJKU VTCKPKPI CNUQ MGGR JWOCPU ĹżV! she would not be the instructor she is today without the Agility requires a lot of running with your dog. You have to GPEQWTCIGOGPV VGPCEKV[ CPF EQPĹżFGPEG VJCV ,GPPKHGT JCU run to get where you need to be to execute the best direction given her. for your dog. Even if you can’t beat your dog in a straight Helen also trains with Piccolo, her Golden Retriever. Piccolo has achieved the Highest Agility Award, the Master Agility Champion (MACH) nine times, and is going for his tenth this year. He is in the Agility Dog Hall of Fame, has been honored with Top Agility Golden (TAG), and has a bronze, silver, and soon gold medal with the AKC. “To train a champion dog is hard work, but it is important to learn how to play too,â€? Helen emphasizes. “If you are having a bad day I would suggest playing, not training. Bad day training leads to a stressed dog and it is hard to get that happy dog back sometimes.â€? Loving the challenge of competition, Helen has to remind herself that she is not competing with everyone else, but with herself. She has learned to enter the ring with that attitude and comes across as a much kinder and nicer competitor and person to be around. Since 1989, Helen has worked at the Cleveland Clinic as an executive assistant and plans to retire in two years to focus completely on Pinnacle Dog Sports. She enjoys gardening, all kinds of yard work, and baking. She also loves antiquing and remodeling her house; something she has done four times already. *GNGP IQV OCTTKGF KP CPF ĹżXG [GCTU NCVGT YGNEQOGF her son, Bob. In 1985, her husband was tragically killed in an auto accident. She has never remarried. Bob is now 35 years old, owns his own plumbing company, and lives in Sandusky, OH. “I love my life. If I died tomorrow, I could say I lived my life to the fullest,â€? Helen admitted. “I love my son, my dogs, my home, my business, my students, my victories, and my defeats. I am truly blessed and am grateful for what I have.â€?
women of distinction magazine
line path, we teach the person the best place to be for their dog’s best line, most effective path, and direction. As people get older, they might have to deal with arthritic knees and hips. We want the competitor to have fun, stay healthy, think young, be athletic, and qualify with their dogs.
*QY FQGU VTCKPKPI MGGR QPG ĹżV OGPVCNN[! Most courses have between 17 and 21 obstacles. Your memory plays a huge role in knowing and memorizing each EQWTUG #V C VTKCN [QW IGV GKIJV OKPWVGU VQ YCNM ĹżIWTG QWV how to execute the best line for you and your dog, and memorize the course and your moves. As we get older, our mind is not as sharp as it was in our teens. This helps to keep your mind young.
How is the camaraderie amongst all competitors? Dog people are just great people. We all become friends eventually, show together, meet for dinner at trials, discuss our trials and tribulations, successes and defeats, laugh and forget the everyday ordeals, and focus on our friends and beloved canines.
What are a competitor’s goals? For most, it is to achieve the highest title in agility, the MACH. But the most important thing for all of us is to become one YKVJ [QWT FQI CPF VQ DGEQOG C VGCO ſTUV CPF HQTGOQUV
Is agility hard on a canine’s body? Yes, they are athletes just like people. Dogs need to be UVTGVEJGF QWV DGHQTG VJGKT TWPU UVC[ RJ[UKECNN[ ſV GCV VJG proper nutrition, vitamins, glucosamine/chondroitin, and keep their muscles warm before each run. Massaging is also very important; and in some cases, chiropractic adjustments are needed, just like with people.
Can all dogs be trained for agility? 0Q UQOG CTG PQV RJ[UKECNN[ ſV QT RJ[UKECNN[ ECRCDNG QH jumping, and some just don’t like it. But most dogs love this sport. Currently I have a dog in my class with only one eye. He is remarkable, absolutely loves this sport, and excels at it.
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person when teaching to understand both, as you are a &Q [QWT JQOGYQTM .QQM HQT C HCEKNKV[ VJCV JCU ITGCV ƀQQTKPI team which consists of 2, not 1. Also, be sure your instructor as in soccer turf and is well padded, not just turf on cement. is honest in what they see, even if it means you must redo it This is very hard on the dog when it is landing off a jump and four times. This is how we learn. Be sure your instructor is could cause injury to the shoulders or early arthritis. Make open-minded and listens to you. And be sure your instructor sure all equipment is the latest and not 10-20 years old. teaches students according to their needs, whether canine or human. Not everyone learns the same, nor should they. Some of the older equipment is very dangerous. Most importantly, be sure to have fun in your class. Do not walk away wondering if you learned anything. If you do, What should students look for in an instructor? Be sure instructors are up with the latest moves, latest keep walking. designs of courses, and rules of agility. Be sure they are still competing and understand all breeds of dogs, not just one breed. Be sure the instructors look at both dog and
contact
What should students look for in a training facility?
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Helen L. Kurz Warrensville Heights, OH Owner, Pinnacle Dog Sports, LLC http://www.pinnacledogsports.com Hlkurz1954@gmail.com
216-337-5733 440-361-9966
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
women of distinction magazine
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Karen Deneen Carlisle DENTAL HYGIENIST, INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
AS A DENTAL TECHNICIAN IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY, Karen Deneen Carlisle was asked to substitute for
sealants to the school; Sealant program at the local schools on the reservation.
the staff dental hygienist who had called in sick. Karen enjoyed it so much, that she decided that very same day to pursue a degree in dental hygiene and began taking the necessary steps to achieve that goal.
Dental hygiene is more than just a career for Karen; it is something she lives, eats, and breathes. Her passion for oral health and holistic health has fueled her lifelong desire to keep learning and improve her skills. Once she retires Ĺ‘&GPVCN J[IKGPG ĹżVU O[ RGTUQPCNKV[ CPF YJQ + CO CU C CU C EQOOKUUKQPGF EQTRU QHĹżEGT HTQO VJG 2WDNKE *GCNVJ person of prevention,â€? Karen said about her profession. 5GTXKEG UJG RNCPU VQ ĹżPF C WPKXGTUKV[ KP YJKEJ VQ VGCEJ “I focus on the prevention of oral diseases and the overall dental hygiene, so can continue to instill her desire to learn connection of the mouth systemically to the rest of the body. in others. Most diseases manifest in the mouth, which gives me insight on ailments and illness that could be affecting a person’s “My goal is to share more insight with others on the overall health. This allows me to give my patients a holistic importance of their oral health and how it can affect your outlook on their individual care and not just the oral aspect.â€? whole body, good and bad,â€? Karen explained. “I want people to know that the more you take care of your body, the better After earning her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from it will take care of you.â€? Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA in December 2001, Karen stayed with the Naval Dental Clinic for two years as a &WTKPI JGT ECTGGT -CTGP JCU JCF VQ FGCN YKVJ FKHĹżEWNV RGQRNG government contracted dental hygienist. She spent a year as whether it was a patient, colleague, or staff member. Instead a graduate teaching assistant at Old Dominion until working of viewing those problematic people as something that as a temp, clinical, children’s dentistry, or government made her job more challenging, Karen learned from every contracted dental hygienist for the next six years in Virginia. situation. And although the challenges were sometimes almost unbearable, they were priceless lessons that have +P ,WN[ -CTGP YCU EQOOKUUKQPGF CEVKXG FWV[ CU C made her a better hygienist, supervisor, and colleague. lieutenant in the United States Public Health Service. As C UVCHH FGPVCN J[IKGPKUV CPF JGCNVJ UGTXKEG QHĹżEGT HQT VJG Being prepared has played a big part in where Karen is Federal Bureau of Prisons, Karen worked in the dental today in her career. She was educationally prepared after health services unit in a Federal Corrections Complex in obtaining her degree when she got the opportunity to become part of the United States Public Health Service. If she had Petersburg, VA. not been adamant in completing her degree when she did, Two years later, Karen transferred to Crownpoint, NM, UJG YQWNF PQV DG C EQOOKUUKQPGF EQTRU QHĹżEGT VQFC[ 6Q where she is today. As a lieutenant commander, she works become even further prepared for future opportunities, at a public health hospital for Navajo Area Indian Health Karen is now attending New York Medical College online to Services as a community and advanced clinical dental achieve a Master of Public Health degree. hygienist. As the only hygienist stationed there, Karen covers the main hospital, as well as the other two satellite clinics Working as a clinician with patients scheduled on the hour on the Indian reservation and provides dental screenings does not give Karen a lot of free time. But when she does at the diabetes clinic in the hospital every Tuesday. She have time off from work or studying for her degree, she CNUQ RTQXKFGU FGPVCN CUUGUUOGPVU Ć€WQTKFG VTGCVOGPVU CPF enjoys reading, working out, running with her dog, doing
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
yoga, and writing. She is also currently in the process of YTKVKPI C DQQM CDQWV JQY UJG QXGTECOG UQOG TGCNN[ FKHſEWNV challenges in her life, due heavily to the spiritual foundation her parents instilled in her when she was young. Karen has three children, a set of twins who are 26 years old, a boy and a girl, and a 29 year old daughter. Her oldest daughter has four children, of which two are identical twins. Her younger daughter is also a mom and has a 2 year old boy. Karen’s son was married in May 2014 and she is eagerly awaiting more grandchildren.
How do you feel that your industry has progressed? I feel that my industry has been moving forward in allowing dental hygienists to have more and more autonomy to practice with less direct supervision and by allowing us to make oral health assessments to better serve our patients’ needs. In most states, we are allowed to administer anesthesia so that we can care for our patients’ in comfort without having to wait for the dentist.
What do you see as challenges for dental hygienists in the United States Public Health Service? Dental hygienists in the Public Health Service must obtain a master’s degree to be able to move up beyond the rank of 0-4 and most dental hygienists do not come into the Commissioned Corps with a master’s degree; therefore, this degree has to be obtained while still working full-time. More than 50% of our assignments are with the Indian Health Service, which means that we are stationed in rural areas that don’t have universities to attend, so to further our education we must be willing and able to go to school online.
What do you see yourself doing in the future? I see myself continuing to serve as a public servant in the United States Public Health Service until I retire and then aspiring to teach others the awesome skills of dental hygiene. + FQ RNCP VQ ſPKUJ O[ DQQM QPG FC[ CPF NQQM HQTYCTF VQ sharing my life’s journey with all its many challenges.
How do you balance military life with your personal life? Balancing is a challenge, however, it’s a lot easier for me because I don’t have small children to take care of or a JWUDCPF +VĹ?U LWUV OG CPF O[ ;QTMKG CPF ĹżPFKPI VKOG HQT him is easy. I spend a lot of time working on my Master’s degree, too, which will help advance my military life with opportunities with different assignments and advancements.
&Q [QW UGG [QWTUGNH TGVKTKPI CU C RWDNKE JGCNVJ QHſEGT! Yes. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve for my entire career. There aren’t any other branches of the uniformed services that allow a dental hygienist to proudly UGTXG CU C EQOOKUUKQPGF QHſEGT
+U KV FKHĹżEWNV DGKPI UVCVKQPGF UQ HCT HTQO [QWT HCOKN[! # +V KU FKHĹżEWNV DWV + JCXG NGCTPGF JQY VQ CFLWUV KP YJCVGXGT GPXKTQPOGPV + ĹżPF O[UGNH KP HTQO YQTMKPI KP C RTKUQP environment as well as almost 2,000 miles away on an Indian Reservation in the middle of New Mexico. The adjustment change is a challenge and has its good and bad days, but I make it through one day at a time. If it were not for the grace of God, I could not have accomplished either of these work environments.
How often do you take vacation?
I really do enjoy my career and it makes me feel good when patients notice how passionate I am about what I do. I believe if you really enjoy what you do for a living it won’t feel so much like work, but a service you look forward to doing every day with pride.
I haven’t taken vacations as much as I need to, but I have changed that this year. I recently turned 50-years-old and RNCPPGF O[ XGT[ ſTUV ETWKUG FWTKPI O[ DKTVJFC[ YGGM YKVJ O[ EQWUKP ,CESWGNKPG 4WHſP 1P RTGXKQWU XCECVKQPU + QPN[ went back home to visit family, and I will continue to do that, but I would like to see more of the world even if I have to go it alone.
How different is working as a public health dental hygienist versus being a dental hygienist in private practice?
How do you feel about being selected for inclusion in NADP’s Women of Distinction magazine will affect your career?
#U C 2WDNKE *GCNVJ 5GTXKEG QHĹżEGT + CO TGSWKTGF VQ OCKPVCKP other requirements besides continuing education for license TGPGYCN 9G JCXG VQ OCKPVCKP ĹżVPGUU TGCFKPGUU CPF DG trained and ready for deployment as necessary by FEMA if we are called to serve in a national disaster. We are also required to wear our military uniform to and from our work assignments daily.
It has truly been an honor. The Public Health Service enjoys honoring their constituents with awards and honors and it would make our organization even more proud that an organization outside the Service notices our achievements CU YGNN *CXKPI CYCTFU CPF JQPQTU CTG YJCV JGNR QHĹżEGTU such as myself, advance in promotion to the next pay grade, which also comes with more responsibility and recognition.
Do you enjoy your career?
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Karen Deneen Carlisle Crownpoint, NM Dental Hygienist, Indian Health Service Agency of the United States Public Health Service karen.carlisle@ihs.gov
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Katherine Ann Dickerson DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, I-WELLNESS, LLC
HAVING STRUGGLED WITH HER WEIGHT brainstormed on a way to make a difference by using MOST OF HER LIFE, Katherine Ann Dickerson decided this technology along with providing people the access to VQ FGXQVG C EQPUKFGTCDNG COQWPV QH VKOG CPF GHHQTV VQ ĹżIWTG out the best way to lose weight, get healthy, and stay healthy. 9KVJ JGT ITQYKPI RCUUKQP HQT JGCNVJ PWVTKVKQP CPF ĹżVPGUU Katherine wanted to share her knowledge and experience in hope that others would be able to reach their health and YGNNPGUU IQCNU ICKP EQPĹżFGPEG CPF WNVKOCVGN[ DG JCRR[ To accomplish this, she and her mother Kristen opened K 9GNNPGUU ..% KP ,WPG YJGTG VJG[ RTQXKFG C UCHG RNCEG VJCV QHHGTU KPVGNNKIGPV YGKIJV NQUU HCV NQUU CPF ĹżVPGUU solutions; the “iâ€? stands for intelligent. “My desire to help people is what drives me,â€? Katherine said about successfully starting her own weight-loss company. “I know the heartache and pain of being overweight and the hurt one goes through when your physical appearance doesn’t match who you are on the inside. I want to help people work through that pain and balance their primary and secondary food, so they can achieve their full potential.â€? The idea to open i-Wellness began in early 2013 when Katherine’s father Kenny met with the United Kingdom company, Chromogenex, the manufacturers of the i-Lipo technology. Together with her father and mother, they
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KPHQTOCVKQP CDQWV ſVPGUU CPF PWVTKVKQP KP QPG NQECVKQP 6JG[ also wanted to provide support and a safe place for clientele to work through the struggle and intimidation of working out. Katherine’s title at i-Wellness is Director of Business Development. She is a managing member with two other partners, her mother Kristen and Dr. Bobby Bhasker-Rao, located in Indian Wells, CA. Katherine is responsible for marketing development and social media management through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. When she is at the i-Wellness Center she works alongside their trained technicians administering the i-Lipo treatments and coaches clients through a personally designed workout that DGUV UGTXGU VJGKT ſVPGUU NGXGN CPF JGCNVJ IQCNU 5JG CNUQ discusses nutrition and dietary habits with their clients. %WTTGPVN[ -CVJGTKPG KU UVWF[KPI VQ DGEQOG C %GTVKſGF Health Coach at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and is GZRGEVGF VQ DG ſPKUJ JGT EGTVKſECVKQP KP 5GRVGODGT Her knowledge of thousands of dietary theories, primary and secondary foods, and the belief in bio-individualism assists i-Wellness clients in gaining the understanding that will help them best fuel their bodies, so they eat to live, and not live to eat.
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
-CVJGTKPG KU C ĹżTO DGNKGXGT VJCV JGCNVJ CPF YGNNPGUU UJQWNF DG CEEGUUKDNG VQ GXGT[QPG PQV QPN[ VQ KPETGCUG EQPĹżFGPEG but more importantly, to get and stay healthy. Eating to live and giving your body every opportunity to heal itself naturally though a healthy diet and daily exercise will prevent illness and create a happier, healthier, and much more active society. As a young female professional, Katherine has struggled with not being taken seriously. But the lack of experience and doubt from others has fueled her desire to succeed and make a name for herself by achieving success for her clients. Graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Katherine earned her Bachelor of Arts in %QOOWPKECVKQP KP 1PG QH VJG OQUV FGĹżPKPI OQOGPVU she experienced while attending UCLA was when a professor and mentor asked her what she would want written on her headstone. After much consideration, Katherine knew she wanted to change or inspire others in every facet of life. She hopes to start a ripple effect, changing one life, who will go and change another, and another. Katherine hopes her headstone reads: “Caring, inspiring, and fearless woman who put others before herself and encouraged greatness in those around her.â€? For two years Katherine was the UCLA Women’s Tennis Team Manager; and for the past two years has been the UCLA Alumni Group Bruins Professionals’ Executive Director. She is a member of the Palm Desert Chapter of National Association of Professional Women and volunteers her time with the American Cancer Society. Katherine also FQPCVGU DNQQF TGIWNCTN[ CPF JCU RTQWFN[ TGCEJGF VJG ĹżXG gallon mark.
“My desire to help people is what drives me�
#U C ſVPGUU HCPCVKE -CVJGTKPG NQXGU DGKPI QWVFQQTU Because nature helps her gain perspective, she enjoys and appreciates her surroundings, whether running on the beach or hiking in the mountains. She also has an itch for adventure and makes an effort each week to try a new restaurant and explore Los Angeles and all it has to offer. Katherine is a young, single, professional entrepreneur who loves to laugh and doesn’t take life too seriously.
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9JCV FQ [QW VJKPM KU OQTG KORQTVCPV ĹżVPGUU QT PWVTKVKQP foods 90% of the time, and splurge 10% of the time. A more in-depth health history needs to be evaluated on an to start a healthy lifestyle? + NKMG VQ UC[ [QW IGV ĹżV CV VJG I[O DWV [QW IGV UMKPP[ KP VJG kitchen. You must fuel your body with the right nutrients, so it can function at its peak. But physical exercise is also vital to overall health and is great for increasing functional strength and preventing injury.
You offer i-Lipo treatments at your health and wellness facility. Do the treatments hurt? What are the side effects? Customers do i-Lipo treatments before they workout. A low level laser penetrates the fat cells in whatever area you are targeting. It changes the pH of the cells, so the energy or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within the fat cells can escape into the lymphatic system. This releases roughly 360 calories of energy into your lymphatic system, which you then burn off in exercise. This merely expedites and targets what your body does naturally when you exercise. The only difference is you are telling your body where you want to take the energy (fat) from. There is no pain, no downtime, and the common side effects are increased energy and appetite suppression.
KPFKXKFWCN DCUKU VQ CFFTGUU URGEKĹżE JGCNVJ CPF PWVTKVKQPCN needs for clients.
What are three things someone can start doing to begin their journey to a healthy lifestyle? One, drink water! It is very important to keep your body hydrated. You should consume half your body weight in ounces of water each day. Two, eat more vegetables. Fiber is important for overall digestive health and leveling out insulin levels, which will keep you fuller longer. Three, walk HQT OKPWVGU KP VJG GXGPKPI YKVJ [QWT FQI UKIPKĹżECPV other, or children.
Gyms are intimidating. What makes your business/ facility different? We wanted to create a “Cheers� environment where everyone knows your name, and there is always a knowledgeable technician or trainer available to offer advice and help you through your workouts so, you work smarter, not harder, and in a safe manner.
What is it like working with your mom in business? What is different within your business model in comparison to the other fat/weight loss solutions out there like Cool Sculpting and Liposuction? i-Wellness has coined a unique, three-way approach to holistic health and wellness. We incorporate intelligent technology to enhance fat loss and weight loss with coached ſVPGUU CPF PWVTKVKQP UGOKPCTU /CP[ QH VJG őSWKEM ſZGUŒ aren’t so quick and can harm and shock your body, causing KV VQ UVQTG HCV %QWRNKPI TGCN HCV NQUU YKVJ PWVTKVKQP CPF ſVPGUU information provides our clients with every opportunity to lose weight safely, feel great, and be healthy.
It is pretty much the best thing ever! My mom is my best HTKGPF CPF + CO JGT OKPK OG UQ YG YQTM GHĹżEKGPVN[ VQIGVJGT and there is never a dull moment or one without some laughs!
What is your biggest fear as a young entrepreneur? I would have to say failure. But instead of letting that fear blind me, I use it to fuel my determination to succeed, grow, and gain knowledge and experience through this venture. Failure is a part of life, and I chose job security, not monetary security, when I decided to jump into this. I believe the payout for changing lives and improving the health status of those around me is more valuable than the almighty dollar.
How important is social media to increasing exposure for your business? We live in an age where technology rules all. You really need three things to start a successful business. First, you need a great website that is interactive, informative, and easy to navigate. Second, Facebook and Twitter accounts allow your clients to generate buzz about your business and build relationships for themselves. Third, you need a blog where clients can go to get quick, useful information that is not easily accessible on the Internet itself.
Knowledge is power. I researched the health and wellness ĹżGNF KP +PFKCP 9GNNU CPF HQWPF C PKEJG OCTMGV ;QW ECPPQV DG GXGT[VJKPI VQ GXGT[QPG UQ ĹżPFKPI ENKGPVGNG + EQWNF TGNCVG VQ CPF GCUKN[ UJCTG O[ MPQYNGFIG QH ĹżVPGUU CPF PWVTKVKQP with formed the clientele foundation. We continue to expand CPF ĹżPF UWD PKEJGU YKVJKP JGCNVJ CPF YGNNPGUU
With so many contradicting dietary theories out there, what do you teach to your clients? I practice and preach the 90:10 rule. Eat healthful, natural
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How do you set yourself apart from other competitors KP [QWT ĹżGNF!
Katherine Ann Dickerson Indian Wells, CA Director of Business Development, i-Wellness, LLC http://www.iWellness4life.com http://www.katherine-dickerson. healthcoach.integrativenutrition.com/ Katherine@iWellnessForMe.com 760-779-0700
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Kay Lamb Shannon OWNER, PRESIDENT, STROKES OF PERFECTION
KAY LAMB SHANNON BEGAN HER CAREER IN ART EDUCATION after graduating with an art degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX in 1962. #HVGT ITCFWCVKPI -C[ VCWIJV UEJQQN CV .CMG #KT ,WPKQT *KIJ in Waco, TX. She married a student in veterinary school at Texas A&M University in 1963 and worked for the Home Demonstration department for a year while her husband ĹżPKUJGF XGVGTKPCT[ UEJQQN 8GVGTKPCTKCPU YGTG FTCHVGF KP early 1960s so they were sent to Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. Finding a new position in a new school, Kay taught for another two years before her daughter Lisa was born on base in 1966. After serving the two years, they moved back to Texas and had a second child, Todd, in 1969, ending her short career in teaching. Kay began to paint and sew at home to keep busy. By the time her children were 12 and 9 years old, her marriage had GPFGF +V YCU C FKHĹżEWNV CPF UCF VKOG KP -C[Ĺ?U life, but she had to move on. Kay began to earn a living by painting fulltime and participating in art shows. Back then, art shows were just becoming popular. She was able to paint at home, which allowed her to be there when her children got home from school. It quickly became a very satisfying career for her.
Home Interiors sold home accent products through home parties. She began to paint for them, providing a steady income for her family. “Most artists, wanted more freedom at that time and did not want to be told what to paint.� Although she had mixed feelings, Kay decided it was the best thing for her and her children, because it would provide her a regular income. On the down side, she had to work 8-10 hours a day to have enough paintings for Home Interiors and the art shows that she continued to do on the side. It was an emotionally trying, yet exciting time in her career, but she had to make sure her family was cared for. “As a single mother, I was able to put my two children through college while painting for Home Interiors,� Kay said. She worked for the company for approximately 20 years. “They were able to graduate with no debt. Under the circumstances, I felt that was quite an accomplishment.�
“People were very excited to get out and go to shows and bought freely,� Kay remembers.
Considered blessed to have a career that she absolutely loves, Kay was able to survive the hurt and struggles by putting her life in God’s hands and allowing Him to help her through. She is a very loyal, dependable person who believes strongly in family and giving to her community.
During one particular art show in Dallas, TX Kay was approached by a representative from a company called Home Interiors about the possibility of painting for them.
Today, Kay is painting for two jigsaw puzzle companies, Bits CPF 2KGEGU CPF 5WPQWV 2CKPVKPI HQT RW\\NGU KU FGĹżPKVGN[ a challenge, as the work has to be so much more detailed.
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But she loves the guidance and support that her art licenser, Elaine Citron, of CypressFineArt.com has provided her. One of Kay’s greatest professional inspirations stems from Dalhart Windberg, an American painter who was born in Texas and is known for his use of light, color, and shadow in still life and landscape painting. She loves his paintings and was fortunate enough to have attended a few of his art sessions with him to learn his technique. The city of Waco selected Kay to paint two posters, a Christmas scene and a Spring scene depicting the historic Waco Suspension Bridge. Kay was proud to be afforded the opportunity. In 2013, one of her paintings was selected by The McStevens Company to be featured on the front of their hot chocolate tins sold in stores. Professor of History Archie P. McDonald from Stephen F. Austin State University, and the Director of the East Texas Historical Association also chose one of her paintings for the cover of his book, entitled ‘Back Then: Simple Pleasures and Everyday Heroes’, another great honor that was published in 2005. Kay was born in Weatherford, TX, but grew up in Stephenville, TX with her sister and parents. As a young teenager, Kay held summer jobs typing records for the Erath Country Court House in Stephenville and wrapping presents at Christmas time for a local retail shop. She developed a strong work ethic early in life. This drive has helped her succeed as an artist, mother, and grandmother. She feels that her legacy is that her children are both active Christians raising their children as Christians. Kay’s parents were very loving and provided her and her sister, Paula, with a wonderful Christian home. Their dad, Tullus, lived to be 78; while their mom, Pauline, lived to be nearly 94. They were a huge part of who Kay is today. Kay’s daughter Lisa has been married for 23 years to her JKIJ UEJQQN UYGGVJGCTV ,GHH (WNNGT 6JG[ JCXG VYQ EJKNFTGP Kayley and Braeden. Kay’s son, Todd Lamb, has been married to Stacey for the last 17 years, and they, also have VYQ EJKNFTGP 5QRJKG CPF 5CXCPPCJ -C[ OCTTKGF DTKGĆ€[ HQT C UGEQPF VKOG ICKPKPI C YQPFGTHWN UVGRUQP ,QJP *G CPF JKU YKHG 2CWNKG JCXG VJTGG EJKNFTGP /QUGU ,GF CPF Corey. Kay has a great relationship with all of her children and grandchildren.
How does an artist attract buyers in today’s world? I did art shows on the weekends. Most of my shows were outside in the spring or fall. They had just begun so people were excited to get out after the cold winter or hot summer. There were not a lot of places to buy artwork at that time so CTV UJQYU YGTG XGT[ RTQſVCDNG 6JG[ CTG PQV CU PGY CPF exciting as they once were. The social network is the way today’s artists promote their work.
How does an artist communicate the importance/ meaning of original work in a world where digital imagery is everywhere? Artwork done by hand is still more appreciated than something done by a computer. It takes hours and hours of research to prepare an art piece that I do because I do different nostalgic eras. I do admit, though, that the large pieces coming from China and other countries are hard to compete with when it comes to price and size. Digital imagery is a different form of art that (in my opinion) I do not compete with.
How does an artist establish a dollar value of original work? It is very hard to decide on a price, so you need to know your customers and the economy at the time. It should be priced CEEQTFKPI VQ VJG VKOG KV VCMGU [QW VQ ĹżPKUJ C RCKPVKPI CPF VJG cost of the materials. An artist needs to have become well known to be able to name his or her price. Rarely does one get as much as he or she thinks the piece is worth.
How does an artist stay in contact with existing customers? I send cards before each art show to notify my customers that I will be doing a certain show in their area. Now, it would be done by a computer. I am no longer involved in the art shows. Customers contact me from my webpage.
How does an artist form a community of other artists/ craftsmen when art shows are less relevant? The way I stay relevant is with my webpage. People can order prints or originals from the site. I usually call the customer when they place an order. They are surprised to talk to the artist and appreciate that I have taken the time to call them. I belong to the local art league, as well; but I don’t have time to be very active with it.
NOW A FREELANCE ARTIST, Kay is a member of As an artist gets to retirement age, do they stop a local art league in Waco’s, Community Artist and Student Association (CASA). She loves to read, go to the movies, and walk to stay active. She is the social chairman for her Sunday School class and department at her church, is on a church team that donates their time for various causes, and volunteers by serving lunches to the Christian Women’s ,QD %QTRU 5JG JCU PQ RNCPU HQT TGVKTGOGPV UC[KPI ő9J[ should I quit? As long as God gives me the ability, I will continue painting.�
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painting? I have chosen to continue to paint for jigsaw puzzles and commission work. Many of my images are available as puzzles at www.bitsandpieces.com and www.sunsout.com. Even if I didn’t paint for these companies, I would love to continue painting, but art is an expensive hobby.
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Is it wise for an artist to put their work in an art gallery? I chose not to do this, as some of my artist friends lost all their artwork when the gallery closed without notifying the CTVKUVU 6JG ICNNGTKGU CNUQ WUWCNN[ YCPV QH VJG RTQſVU from your work. I always felt that was too much.
What do you think you would have done professionally if it weren’t for art? I guess I would have taught art in school. I would have also taught private art lessons, especially in the summer.
Do you only paint in oils? What is your favorite? Yes, I only paint in oils. I started in watercolor, but hated what glass did to the artwork when it was framed.
Where do you get your inspiration from for your paintings? I photograph a lot and reference those when I paint. When I do nostalgic pictures, I have to go to the Internet and other sources. My licenser gives me ideas or requests certain scenes that the companies need or want. She makes suggestions after seeing the initial sketch and the work in progress.
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Kay Lamb Shannon Waco, TX Owner, President, Strokes of Perfection http://www.kaylambshannon.com kaylambshannon@msn.com
“Why should I quit? As long as God gives me the ability, I will continue painting.”
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Tammye Markle CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MISS TEXAS PAGEANT, INC., MISS TEXAS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
AS A PARENT OF A CONTESTANT IN THE MISS TEXAS ORGANIZATION, Tammye Markle realized the tremendous amount of potential that those in the organization had to mold and shape the lives of young women and those they mentor. With the understanding that she had to embrace the opportunity in order to make a difference, Tammye began her career as the director of a local pageant for Miss Texas and worked her way up until she reached a place where she could impact lives on a much broader scale. She did this by working with the Miss Texas Pageant and Miss Texas Scholarship Foundation.
Having moved up through the organization, Tammye is now serving as chairman of the Board of the Miss Texas Pageant and Miss Texas Scholarship Foundation, responsible for OCPCIKPI VJG ſPCPEKCN XKCDKNKV[ QH DQVJ QTICPK\CVKQPU 5JG looks for new and fresh ways to raise funds to meet their operational and scholarship obligations and the overall functioning of both organizations within the parameters of the organizations’ by-laws and corporate structure. The UEJQNCTUJKR HQWPFCVKQP C PQP RTQſV EQTRQTCVKQP JCU C 501c3 pending status.
In addition to meeting regularly with a public relations expert, “I have a passion for young people who are motivated and who is pivotal in helping cultivate sponsors and increase the driven to succeed and I want to provide a vehicle for them visibility of the Miss Texas brand, Tammye holds monthly to be able to perfect their leadership skills and learn to board meetings and researches ways to increase awareness EQPĹżFGPVN[ RWTUWG VJGKT IQCNU Ĺ’ 6COO[G UCKF CDQWV DGKPI of what Miss Texas and Miss Texas Outstanding Teen do a part of the Miss America Organization. “The mission of during their year-long reign. The higher awareness helps the the organization is to provide a forum for young women to public gain a broader knowledge of their personal platforms, showcase their talents, intelligence, and abilities. Helping as well as the Miss Texas speaking platform, which is called young women strive to meet their personal, educational, ‘Texas Cares for Children’. and professional goals is probably the most rewarding thing The Miss America Organization and all of its state programs I could ever do.â€? focus on education, personal and professional leadership Focusing and The way most people start out in the Miss Texas program development, and volunteer service. promoting the positive components of the program helps is by volunteering as a local executive director, the same the organization overcome any challenges that may arise. way Tammye did. She surrounded herself with like-minded Some of those obstacles include overcoming the challenges people who had the vision to help young women excel in life, who have a heart for service, and are passionate. Once she of negative stereotypes and media sensationalizing brought got deeply involved, Tammye was hooked, and the young on by reality television shows that cast negative images on participants, parents, and directors. Unfortunately, this ladies she directed became like family.
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
trend sends the message that all pageant systems and RCTVKEKRCPVU CTG XGT[ UWRGTĹżEKCN CPF OCVGTKCNKUVKE 0QVJKPI could be further from the truth where the Miss America program is concerned. “I believe one of the most important things I can do is to make a difference in the lives of young men and women both inside and outside of the Miss America program by encouraging them to believe in themselves, set goals, strive for excellence, and dream big,â€? Tammye explained. “Even if the prize remains out of reach, it’s not as much CDQWV TGCEJKPI VJG ĹżPKUJ NKPG CU KV KU CDQWV YJCV VJG[ VCMG away from the experience; and always giving it their very best shot. Some of the best character building experiences happen along the journey.â€? The Miss America Organization is all about community service, so just about everything Tammye does involves volunteering when it comes to her free time. She also loves partaking in fundraising activities for organizations, since she’s well-educated on the process. Some of those dear to her include the American Cancer Society, Mercy Ministries, and Christians United for Israel. A woman of humble integrity, Tammye encourages others to also be leaders in their communities by putting their best foot forward and having a heart to serve others. She hopes to encourage others to help in their own communities by making a big difference in the lives of others through small, seemingly KPUKIPKĹżECPV CEVU QH MKPFPGUU 5JG DGNKGXGU KVĹ?U VJQUG NKVVNG things that have huge impact. Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ministry from American College of Christian Education, Tammye continued her education by pursuing her Masters degree in Ministry and Christian Counseling from Barnham Graduate School and Seminary. She continues to provide biblical counseling and motivational speaking in her free time. Since 1992, Tammye and her husband Dave have owned and operated a recreational services company, where they provide lifeguard services to neighborhoods, country clubs, and city swimming pools. They also service and build residential swimming pools. Tammye handles the bookkeeping, payroll, and sales for the company.
Do you feel that pageants exploit women? I can only speak for the Miss America program, which does not exploit women at all. To the contrary, we empower, encourage, and equip young women to become visionaries and leaders in their professions and communities.
What do you feel is the most challenging issue women face today? Today, our society is faced with a sharp decline in family values, and I believe that is the most important issue women face. We are nurturers and are responsible for cultivating KP QWT EJKNFTGP VJG EQPĹżFGPEG CPF UGEWTKV[ VQ UVCPF HQT VJGKT beliefs and succeed in these challenging times. God created that inner desire to teach and nurture children in mothers; and with the mountain of responsibilities women have today, KV KU C FKHĹżEWNV VCUM
Are pageants still relevant? Absolutely. Pageants are relevant and will continue to be relevant as long as those responsible encourage young women to be true to who God created them to be. Women of all ages are barraged with images of the “perfect� woman and those of us in pageantry must remain mindful of not placing unrealistic expectations on the young ladies we mentor.
Why do you have such a passion for the Miss America system? I watch young women develop interview and leadership skills, time management, and a heart for service that they likely would not have developed if not for being involved in the Miss America system.
What is the most important thing a young woman can learn from her pageant experience? $GEQOKPI C EQPſFGPV NGCFGT KU UQOGVJKPI VJCV KU XKVCN VQ success in every area of life. Effective leaders are never at the back of the pack. They don’t watch things happen, they make things happen.
Why do you think pageantry has gotten a bad rap? There are pageant systems that exist only to make money and aren’t concerned about the experiences of the participants. Reality TV shows that sensationalize and exaggerate a negative view of the pageant experience can be harmful to the reputation of pageantry in general.
Living in Montgomery, TX, Tammy and Dave have been married for 32 years. They have two daughters, Sabrina CPF #NGZCPFTKC VYQ UQPU .CPEG CPF ,CMG CPF VJTGG granddaughters, Hallie, Landree, and Lilly. Tammye enjoys 9JCV V[RG QH [QWPI YQOCP FQ [QW HGGN DGPGĹżVU HTQO reading, gardening, horseback riding, and spending time the pageant experience the most? with her family. + FQPĹ?V DGNKGXG VJCV VJGTG KU CP[QPG YJQ YQWNFPĹ?V DGPGĹżV from the experience, as long as the system she chooses has the overall personal growth of the contestant as the core of its mission. Miss America is about providing contestants with a forum for expressing their views, developing positive character and leadership skills, showcasing their talents, giving back to their community, and above all, pursuing scholarships that will help them attain their educational IQCNU #P[QPG ECP DGPGĹżV HTQO VJCV EQODKPCVKQP
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Isn’t it all about winning? Actually, it’s not all about winning. Of course that is the goal, but there are many women across America who inspire people every day as doctors, media professionals, attorneys, politicians, ministry leaders, and most importantly, mothers who never won their pageant, but gained experience that shaped their lives; encouraging them to pay it forward throughout their lives in a multitude of ways. That is the ultimate win!
Can you think of any funny pageant stories? Once, Miss Texas was at an appearance with many children and she excused herself to go to the ladies room. She saw some little feet outside the stall and about that time a precious little girl peeked under the door with a photo of Miss Texas and a sharpie and asked for her autograph. Talk about determination!
From a business perspective, what advice would you give an aspiring CEO?
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Always be willing to do anything you would ask those you lead to do. Surround yourself with like-minded people and GPEQWTCIG UJCRG CPF IWKFG ETGCVKXKV[ DWV PGXGT UVKĆ€G KV Motivate, inspire, give value to others, and above all, be kind.
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Tammye Markle Houston, TX Chairman of the Board, Miss Texas Pageant, Inc., Miss Texas Scholarship Foundation http://www.misstexas.org tammyem@misstexas.org
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Wendy Buckley
PRESIDENT, FOUNDER, SPECIALTY TRANSPORTATION AND REGULATORY SERVICES WHILE IN COLLEGE, WENDY BUCKLEY VOLUNTEERED AT A LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT, a commitment that ended up lasting 10 [GCTU 6JG ĹżTG FGRCTVOGPV RTQXKFGF 9GPF[ YKVJ CP KPKVKCN INKORUG KPVQ VJG YQTNF QH JC\CTFQWU OCVGTKCNU ĹżTUV CU C ĹżTGĹżIJVGT CPF NCVGT CU C OGODGT QH VJG JC\CTFQWU OCVGTKCNU response team. More importantly, her experience at the department reinforced her commitment to public service, a value she uses today that is essential in the successful operations of her hazardous materials transportation EQPUWNVKPI ĹżTO ĹŽ5RGEKCNV[ 6TCPURQTVCVKQP CPF 4GIWNCVQT[ Services’. “While most see hazardous materials as dangerous or threatening, when handled appropriately, hazardous materials contribute to our modern society,â€? Wendy explained. “It is truly rewarding when something that is characterized as dangerous is turned into something that JCU DGPGĹżVU HQT CNN Ĺ’ +P CFFKVKQP VQ XQNWPVGGTKPI HQT VJG ĹżTG FGRCTVOGPV KP 8KTIKPKC and Maryland, Wendy gained experience working for the Federal Railroad Administration as a trainee hazardous materials safety inspector, followed by a stint with the State QH 0GY ,GTUG[ &GRCTVOGPV QH 6TCPURQTVCVKQP CU VJG UQNG railroad hazardous materials inspector. From there, Wendy was invited to work for Amtrak’s Inspector General as an inspector, then as an instructor for a premier hazardous OCVGTKCNU VTCKPKPI ĹżTO CPF ĹżPCNN[ CU VJG UQNG JC\OCV
women of distinction magazine
specialist for North American Regulatory Affairs at a global laboratory supply distributor. Specialty Transportation and Regulatory Service specializes in hazardous materials transportation and hazardous waste management. The company ensures that hazardous materials make it safely from their origin to their destination without causing harm to people or the surrounding environment; and it is Wendy’s mission to help companies develop cost-effective ways to comply with federal and state TGIWNCVKQPU KP C UCHG CPF GHſEKGPV OCPPGT #U 2TGUKFGPV QH her small company, Wendy is responsible for all operational aspects that help the company survive and thrive, including sales, promotions, payroll, and estimating. But most importantly, Wendy acts as the Human Resource Director; hiring the very best people committed to providing the highest level of service, because after all, the employees are the ones who put her good name on the line every day that they represent her. +P VJG JC\CTFQWU OCVGTKCNU ſGNF RGTUQPCN UCHGV[ KU VJG OQUV important aspect of the job. While there will always be risk in GXGT[ ſGNF KPXQNXKPI VJG VTCPURQTVCVKQP CPF WUG QH JC\CTFQWU material, Wendy continually emphasizes that risk can be reduced to zero with effective safety protocols and the use of science and technology. She is passionate about ensuring that her employees and clients go home at the end of the day in the same condition they were in that morning; zero injuries to the public, the employees, and the environment.
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5JG CNUQ PQVGU VJCV KH [QW GPVGT VJKU ĹżGNF YKVJ VJG KFGC QH getting a “rushâ€? by foolishly risking your life and your future, then you are in the wrong profession. You accomplish your goals in this industry solely by following safety protocols and using the science and technology necessary to make it safe for everyone. Wendy has been fortunate to have been exposed to some of the very best mentors in her professional career since the very beginning. She still considers some of them to be the very best in the business and some of her greatest resources. 6JG EQPĹżFGPEG UJG TGEGKXGF HTQO VJQUG XGT[ UCOG individuals were also the reason she decided to start her own DWUKPGUU 0QY UJG KU CDNG VQ EQPĹżFGPVN[ QHHGT CPQVJGT YC[ for companies to build robust compliance programs and also save them considerable time and precious resources. While this helped Wendy develop rapidly in her expertise, she is still faced with the fact that she is still in her 30s. People do not always believe that she is knowledgeable or educated enough to help their industry grow and survive at such a young age. But once her team is given the opportunity, they ensure that each job is completed on time and that they have fully met each client’s needs. As a result, her clients nearly always integrate Specialty Transportation and Regulatory Services into their team in ways neither party would ever imagine and her business becomes indispensable to their operations as a result.
now. Never blessed with children of her own, she does have a loving dog named Brutus, who she takes to agility and rally classes; which is a high-level obedience program. She loves to paint ceramics, though she won’t let anyone see her work. She also loves spending time with her two nieces, who she spoils rotten every chance she gets.
*QY FKF [QW IGV UVCTVGF KP [QWT ĹżGNF! I was planning to join the Marine Corps to be a pilot, but after talking to my father, a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, + FGEKFGF VJCV KV YCU PQV HQT OG + LQKPGF VJG ĹżTG FGRCTVOGPV instead and got involved in hazardous materials response. + HGNN KP NQXG YKVJ VJG ĹżGNF CPF YCU CDNG VQ VWTP VJCV KPVQ the opportunity to join the FRA as a hazardous materials inspector, inspecting chemical shippers that ship by rail and railroads that transport hazardous materials.
“OUR BEST ADVERTISEMENTS COME FROM OUR CUSTOMERS, THE PEOPLE WE HAVE LISTED TO, THE PEOPLE WHOM WE HAVE SAVED LOTS OF MONEY, AND THE PEOPLE WHOM WILL NEVER HAVE THAT ACCIDENT THAT WAS JUST ON THE HORIZON, BECAUSE WE INTERVENED� .
What has it been like as a woman in a heavily maledominated industry?
In order to be successful in this business, or any other business for that matter, it comes down to the fact that you must truly have a solid team. The team starts with good hiring practices and every time you hire, you surrender a bit of yourself and your company to your new hire. “So trusting an employeeâ€?, Wendy says, “is paramount, and if you don’t learn quickly to trust your employees to do the right thing, VJGP [QW YKNN GXGPVWCNN[ ĹżPF [QWTUGNH QXGTYJGNOGF CPF [QWT business will fail.â€?
What types of courses do you recommend that students take to pursue a career in your industry?
Wendy earned a Bachelor of Science in International Business form Strayer University, although most of her undergraduate work was done at Randolph-Macon College. She holds a /CUVGT %GTVKĹżECVG KP 2TQLGEV /CPCIGOGPV HTQO 8KNNCPQXC University and an Master of Science in Environmental, Safety, and Health Management from the University of Findlay. She is currently working with a publisher to produce a book on hazmat compliance for everyday use. She hopes to have it published in the early part of 2015. Though Wendy is “happily divorcedâ€?, she has been “dating the most wonderful man on the planetâ€? for over three years
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Thankfully, I have experienced very little discrimination. I GZRGEVGF O[ RCVJ VQ DG C NQV OQTG FKHĹżEWNV VJCP KV YCU DWV the truth is that I have worked hard to become an expert. I have found that if I worked hard, was willing to learn, and asked thoughtful, intelligent questions, people were more than willing to train and work with me.
The obvious choices would involve transportation, chemistry, or chemical engineering, but courses in critical thinking help people make great decisions about how to deal with problems when they arise.
*QY OWEJ QH [QWT FC[ KU URGPV YQTMKPI KP VJG ĹżGNF CU QRRQUGF VQ DGKPI KP VJG QHĹżEG! As with most small businesses, way too much time is spent complying with federal, state, and local laws aimed at tax collection. And while I have no problem paying my fair UJCTG VJG VKOG CPF GHHQTV URGPV ĹżIWTKPI KV QWV MGGRU OG QWV QH VJG ĹżGNF CPF FQKPI YJCV + NQXG
What is one of the most stressful aspects of working with hazardous materials? There are lots of times when we are called into a company after an injury has occurred. The stress is not the injury that has happened. The stress is in preventing the next one from happening, but this is why I do what I do.
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Have you ever had an employee get hurt on the job? No, and 30 years from now when I retire, the answer will still be no. The employees I hire are consummate safety professionals. One of my employees signs his letters the UCOG YC[ GXGT[ VKOG UCHGV[ ĹżTUV PQ GZEWUGU 9G CNN DGNKGXG that, but he just beat us to the slogan.
What are some of the safety protocols that your employees follow? In addition to following the safety protocols in the facilities we work, each one of our employees has a safety background and will talk to the facility before entering if they feel there CTG FGĹżEKGPEKGU KP UCHGV[ RTQVQEQNU 6JQWIJ YG CTG JKTGF VQ do a job, there is nothing worth risking your life for. And if our employees believe that their safety has been compromised in any way, I will stand behind them if they walk off the job WPVKN VJG FGĹżEKGPEKGU CTG EQTTGEVGF
You said that hazardous materials contribute to modern society. How so? When handled appropriately, hazardous materials increase agricultural output, purifying our drinking water and bonding materials; like aircraft parts, together with herculean strength.
How many years of experience did you have before UVCTVKPI [QWT QYP ĹżTO! I had about 15 years in varying roles and levels of responsibility.
If you could do it all over again, would you work in the UCOG ſGNF! 9J[ QT YJ[ PQV! Absolutely. I had no idea what I wanted to do in my teens and early 20s, but when I ended up here quite by accident, I fell in love with the work, the constant challenge, and I’ve never worked a day of my life since. This is like the best hobby in the world, only I get paid to do it!
women of distinction magazine
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Wendy Buckley Philadelphia, PA President, Founder Specialty Transportation and Regulatory Services http://www.starsconsulting.org wendyjbuckley@starsconsulting.org 844-887-8277
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Cynthia Paul CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, PALM BEACH VAPORS
CYNTHIA PAUL WAS UNHAPPY WITH THE LOCAL ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE STORES IN HER AREA. She found that not only was the customer
1HĹżEGT %[PVJKC QXGTUGGU CTVKUVKE CPF ITCRJKE FGUKIP HQT bottle labels and marketing material, and also handles human resources, purchasing from Chinese vendors, and receiving and shipping for every franchise store, because each store is required to order all products through her directly.
service awful, but the stores that sold them did not take the time to educate customers on the proper way to use them. Frustrated, Cynthia knew that the business could do much The franchise opportunity that Palm Beach Vapors offers better for its customer. So she and her partners decided to takes the guesswork, research time, and unnecessary QRGP YJCV YQWNF DGEQOG VJG ĹżTUV GXGT GNGEVTQPKE EKICTGVVG expense out of launching a vapor store. The turnkey franchise concept. franchise provides everything necessary to start the business, including proprietary trade secrets, operating systems, and “I love what I do, the people I work with, and most of all, I support for the life of the business. They have ironed out love that have the opportunity to help change someone’s life CNN VJG KUUWGU HQT ĹżPFKPI KPUWTCPEG WPFGTYTKVGTU OGTEJCPV for the better,â€? Cynthia said about playing her part in helping services, and partnering with a sourcing company that people kick the habit. “Every day is different; some better travels to China and tours the factories they are interested in than others, but that keeps it interesting and exciting.â€? doing business with. 5KPEG VJG ĹżTUV NQECVKQP QH 2CNO $GCEJ 8CRQTU QRGPGF KP Owasso, OK in 2013, Cynthia and her partners have started 14 new stores and expanded into Alabama, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Mississippi, Indiana, California, and Colorado. With the business growing more and more each day, Cynthia projects to have over 30 locations open by the end of 2014.
Committed to helping tobacco users quit smoking with a healthier alternative to traditional smoking, Palm Beach Vapors has a 95% success rate. They are also a proud member of the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-Free Alternatives Association.
Before starting Palm Beach Vapors, Cynthia did hospice As a family owned and operated business, running day to aid work and catering. She put herself through tech school day operations is always a team effort. Cynthia’s husband, VQ DGEQOG C %GTVKſGF 0WTUKPI #UUKUVCPV CPF YQTMGF HQT %JKR UGTXGU CU %JKGH 'ZGEWVKXG 1HſEGT YJKNG JGT ENQUG Tranquility Hospice for seven years. From there, she took HTKGPF #PIKG KU %JKGH $TCPF 1HſEGT CPF %JKGH 1RGTCVKPI on a catering role at Bailey Ranch Golf Club.
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Cynthia and her husband love playing golf and watching movies in their down time. They have no children together, but do enjoy caring for their two black labradors and dachshund dogs.
9JCV KU VJG DGPGĹżV VQ DW[KPI KPVQ C 2CNO $GCEJ 8CRQTU franchise? 6JG DGPGĹżV KU QYPKPI C ITGCV DWUKPGUU YKVJ TGNCVKXGN[ NQY investment and incredible revenue potential. What began as a fad has turned into one of the most effective methods of quitting smoking.
What is the total investment for the franchise? The total investment is $75,000, which includes a $20,000 franchise fee, a $49,500 Make Ready Package, and a $5,500 deposit.
Why is franchising better than opening an independent location? Franchises have a proven business model, experienced support, business performance intelligence, and brand.
Is there a potential future change in state or federal laws that may affect your business? We cannot predict what state or national laws may come down the road, but we are completely complaint with all federal and FDA regulations. Keep in mind that the net 9J[ FQ [QW HGGN VJCV [QWT DWUKPGUU KU UKIPKĹżECPV KP result of the industry is to help people reduce or end their dependency on tobacco use. today’s society? There are a lot of tobacco users that simply can’t quit without JGNR 9G QHHGT C FKUEQWPV QP VJGKT ĹżTUV MKV DWV KH VJG[ Will Palm Beach Vapors manufacture any product of their own? sign our “Quit Smoking Pledgeâ€? we give an additional 25%. We have plans to manufacture mods here in Oklahoma. It’s still in the planning phase, but it is coming! How much does it cost to get started? We have a special for those new to vaping and offer our 9JGTG YKNN 2CNO $GCEJ 8CRQTU DG KP ĹżXG [GCTU! start-up kits starting at $49.95. +P ĹżXG [GCTU QWT IQCN KU VQ JCXG UVQTGU CPF C PGV YQTVJ of $50 million. Will someone still crave cigarettes? Although everyone is a little different, vaping is one of the most effective ways to quit smoking. Because it is another form of smoking, it is easy to replace smoking with vaping and not crave cigarettes.
What’s in vapor juice? Is it safe?
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Our juice is made with 100% US Kosher food products. We use only the highest quality ingredients to make our juice VJG OQUV ƀCXQTHWN CPF UCHGT VJCP OQUV QVJGT LWKEGU QP VJG market.
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Cynthia Paul Owasso, OK %JKGH 1RGTCVKPI 1HĹżEGT Palm Beach Vapors http://www.palmbeachvapors.com cindy@palmbeachvapors.com 918-949-6699
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Renee Legas OWNER, PRESIDENT, SPARKLE COUTURE INC.
When Renee Legas started Sparkle Couture Inc., she wanted to ensure that every client had the chance to feel URGEKCN 5KPEG JGT FCWIJVGT YCU ĹżXG [GCTU QNF UJG JCU been taking her to pageants. It was heartbreaking for Renee to watch some wonderful young ladies not win anything and not have the money to even purchase a small crown pin just for participating. This prompted her to start her own business selling unique, affordable jewelry and accessories to the pageant world.
“I THINK EVERYONE DESERVES THAT SPECIAL PIECE TO MAKE THEM SPARKLE,â€? Renee said. “Starting Sparkle Couture JCU CNNQYGF OG VQ HWNĹżNN DQVJ O[ RCUUKQP HQT HCUJKQP CPF RCIGCPVT[ YJKNG JGNRKPI NCFKGU ĹżPF VJCV CEEGUUQT[ VJCV adds a little sparkle to their wardrobe.â€? Sparkle Couture, an online based company, was launched in October 2013. Along with website sales, they are sponsors and vendors with Exquisite Pageants, Cinderella Pageants, and Broadway Dreams Pageants, and travel with them selling crowns and other unique jewelry at affordable prices. As sole proprietor of Sparkle Couture, Renee operates and organizes every necessary task in order to maintain the business, which includes purchasing inventory, scheduling pageants, maintaining the website, and constantly reaching out to achieve more contracts. Finding trustworthy suppliers has been quite the challenge though. One particular incident where Renee could not get in contact with a supplier that sent her the wrong products quickly taught her what to look
women of distinction magazine
HQT KP UWRRNKGTU VQ XKUKV VJGKT YGDUKVGU CPF ſPF QWV JQY VJG[ advertise their products. She has had positive connections ever since. 9JKNG KV KU FKHſEWNV VQ UVCTV C DWUKPGUU HTQO VJG ITQWPF WR Renee has had amazing support from her family and local businesses, including the Gown Co., Cindy Darr Embroidery, The Print Shop, and Gradlers Studio. Renee has been a long time client of all four businesses and, in turn, they have helped her make Sparkle Couture shine. To give back to the community, Renee volunteers with Big Brother Big Sister, Westmoreland Breast Cancer Walks, International Coastal Cleanup, and Children’s Miracle Network. Along with being a member of National Association of Professional Women and the International Women’s Leadership Association, Renee enjoys landscaping, sewing, and traveling. Renee retired from modeling when her children were young to be a stay-at-home mom and to help her husband’s business. Today, Renee and her daughter both participate in pageants, both against each other and together. Renee currently holds seven titles. Renee has been married to her husband, Roger, for 22 years and resides in Mount Pleasant, PA. Their daughter is now 22 years old and their son is now 17.
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Considering the economic struggles the United States has faced over the past few years, were you worried about starting a new business? I was worried, but we made sure we priced our items fairly and affordably. Even in hard times, people need something that will make them feel good; even if that is a $5 crown ring.
Is it hard to run your business not having a store front? It is easier right now to not have a store front. There are a lot less expenses and we are free to travel with the pageants.
9CU KV JCTF VQ ĹżPF UWRRNKGTU! Yes. A lot of the companies we have been dealing with are international, so the only means of contact is email. I prefer to speak to people over the phone when I have questions.
How do you ensure that the suppliers are trust worthy? One thing I look for is to see if there is a way of communication KH + JCXG C RTQDNGO 'XGP YJGP [QW FQ ĹżPF C UWRRNKGT [QW think you can trust it is best to keep copies of all forms and transactions just in the case something goes wrong.
&Q [QW HGGN KV KU DGPGĹżEKCN VQ JCXG C YGDUKVG! +P QTFGT VQ TGCEJ OQTG EQPUWOGTU KV KU DGPGĹżEKCN VQ JCXG C website. On the other hand, you have to market and update the website, so there are pros and cons.
Does working with your daughter ever pose any problems? Most of the time we get along very well. There are some instances where we disagree, but different opinions helps a business grow.
Is it hard to maintain your personal and work schedule? It is hard to not spread myself too thin sometimes, but like YKVJ CP[ LQDU [QW LWUV PGGF VQ ĹżPF VJG DCNCPEG DGVYGGP YQTM and home.
Do you have any regrets involving starting your business? I do not have any regrets. This has been a wonderful journey and learning experience and I cannot wait to see where it takes me.
What are your goals for Sparkle Couture Inc.? I want Sparkle Couture Inc. to grow as a company. I would like to own at least one store fronts but my hope is to continue adding store fronts around the United States.
If you could teach people one thing through Sparkle Couture Inc., what would it be?
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I would want people to see that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you have done in the past; if you have a career goal and put your heart and soul into it, you can succeed!
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Renee Legas Mount Pleasant, PA Owner, President, Sparkle Couture Inc. http://www.sparklecoutureinc.com Customer-service@sparklecoutureinc.com
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Sharron Q. Dansby CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SHARRON DANSBY MINISTRIES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MAXIMIZING GOD’S WOMAN, INC.
SHARRON Q. DANSBY HAS SPENT THE LAST with clients. 30 YEARS HELPING WOMEN to reach their full RQVGPVKCN CPF IGV VJG OQUV QWV QH NKHG 6JTQWIJ JGT JQTTKĹżE life experiences, Sharron realized later in life that her story EQWNF DGPGĹżV QVJGT YQOGP KP QXGTEQOKPI VJGKT QYP RGTUQPCN struggles. To do this, Sharron became a relationship life coach, helping women transition from “being stuckâ€? to maximizing their limitless potential and experiencing healthy relationships. “I have survived being a victim of child sexual abuse, the mother of a sexually abused child, the wife of a perpetrator; as well as divorce and breast cancer,â€? Sharron admits. “Overcoming these traumatic situations has inspired me to help people do more than just survive, but to change their mindset and use life altering experiences to their advantage.â€?
Documenting her life’s story, Sharron authored and published ‘Journey Through the Furnace‌God is There’, through YNOT Publishing in 2012. Sharron found it challenging to not only write about the events that happened in her life, but to also address the emotional struggles and what inspired her to live victoriously for the future, rather than remain under the victimization of the past. She is also a well-sought after speaker who believes that a willingness to change is essential for personal growth.
To help prevent families from going through what her family GZRGTKGPEGF 5JCTTQP HQTOGF C PQP RTQĹżV QTICPK\CVKQP ‘Maximizing God’s Woman, Inc.’, to raise awareness and teach prevention of child sexual abuse and to help adult survivors overcome the long-term effects of abuse, such Sharron spent 33 years in federal service with over 10 as unforgiveness, distrust, anger, shame, and lack of self[GCTU CU C UGPKQT ĹżPCPEKCN OCPCIGT KP 8KTIKPKC ,CRCP CPF worth. Washington, DC; all the while mentoring women in their “My compassion for others compels me to be the best life professional careers and personal lives. coach for my clients,â€? Sharron added. “Once a person truly In 2012, Sharron started her business as a motivational believes they can do something, nothing will stop them.â€? speaker and life coach, managing day to day operations, marketing, networking, and performing strategic planning to move her business ahead while looking at the environmental changes and how they impact people’s lives. Life coaching requires listening and involvement to help clients stay focused on their goals. To do this effectively, Sharron stays grounded mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as she works
women of distinction magazine
As a member of First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Sharron serves as an encouragement coach and facilitator. She is also an active member of American Association of Christian Counselors, International Christian Coaching Association, People for Change Coalition, Star 12, and National Association of Professional Women.
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Sharron earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Saint Leo University in 2000, a Master Bachelor Administration HTQO 6TQ[ 7PKXGTUKV[ KP CPF %GTVKĹżECVGU QH 2TQHGUUKQPCN Life Coaching and Relationship Life Coaching from Light University in 2012 she has been married to Charles Dansby, a senior program analyst for the federal government, for 10 years, has four adult children and 10 grandchildren.
effective in helping the client achieve their results.
Is group coaching effective? Coaching a small group is effective when the coach utilizes coaching principles and processes with the intention of maximizing the experiences and energy of individuals in the group.
Why is coaching important? As businesses and individuals look to achieve success and balance, they are seeking coaches to help them use their strengths and strategize to reach their future goals.
What is coaching? # VTCKPGF QT EGTVKĹżGF EQCEJ RCTVPGTU YKVJ C ENKGPV KP VJQWIJV provoking and creative processes to maximize their full potential and achieve individual goals. Coaches encourage clients in self-discovery and generating strategies and solutions.
What is the difference between life coaching and counseling? Counseling is looking back to explore problems of the past and helping people deal with their pain. Life coaching is guiding a person from where they are to their greater competency.
What can I expect from a life coach? A life coach is a trained professional who listens to you in order to help you with your own action plan. A coach will believe in you in order to empower you to change. Are there different types of coaching? Yes. Depending on the client’s needs, there are coaches for various areas of personal development, interpersonal relationships, and professional development.
Why did you specialize in relationship coaching? I wanted to help people develop healthy relationships and experience personal growth. Every relationship has an emotional component and becoming emotionally intelligent is necessary.
Where are coaching sessions conducted? With the use of technology, coaching sessions can be held in person or via virtual technology.
If a trained life coach recognizes their client is in need of counseling, the life coach will refer the client to a licensed counselor and then return to coaching when it is appropriate.
Does everyone need a life coach? Most people consider themselves to be above average, but many lack skill of fully utilizing their strengths. A life coach is
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contact
Are there occasions when a client needs counseling, but desires coaching?
Sharron Q. Dansby Upper Marlboro, MD %JKGH 'ZGEWVKXG 1HſEGT 5JCTTQP &CPUD[ Ministries, Executive Director, Maximizing God’s Woman, Inc. http://www.sharrondansby.com http://www.maxgodswoman.org ed4mgw@gmail.com 202-684-1243
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Alexis Shippen, M.Ed. OWNER, MIRACLE VENDING
After working for 40 years as an educator in the school district of Philadelphia, PA, Alexis Shippen was ready for change. She began participating in many business workshops and was soon asked to accept a private interview after attending a particular workshop that featured vending machines. Alexis was then chosen to be one of the ten distributors to help establish the business on the east coast. As the only woman in that group, Alexis was extremely proud of herself. In 2010, Alexis took it a step further, and started her own business, ‘Miracle Vending’. With two locations, one in Horizon Behavioral Health Center in Southampton, PA, and QPG KP 9KNNKPIDQTQ /WPKEKRCN $WKNFKPI KP 9KNNKPIDQTQ 0, VJG XGPFKPI OCEJKPGU RTQXKFG C DGVVGT YQTMĆ€QY HQT DQVJ companies. Workers can get a full lunch or snack with less time spent going to buy items at a store or restaurant.
“DON’T BE AFRAID TO STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND START SOMETHING NEW,� Alexis said. She took her own advice by eventually opening her own vending machine company. “If you never try to do anything new, how will you ever accomplish anything different?� Initially, Alexis hired people to deliver and set up the vending machines, but now completes all aspects of working with the machines herself. This can be challenging at times, but her background in robotics helps her troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Alexis has also trained her son to program and load the vending machines with the intention of turning the business over to him one day.
parents were both hard workers and instilled a great work ethic in her. She has never been afraid to fail and stays persistent when it comes to every goal and task. Prior to retiring from her teaching career, Alexis taught Family and Consumer Science, Math, and Robotics. She participated in many programs within her district, including The Right to Read Curriculum Writing Team, I Can Problem Solve Training Program, Adventures in Harmony, human relations training, and diversity workshops. *QNFKPI C HQWPFCVKQPCN EGTVKĹżECVG CPF CP CFXCPEGF EGTVKĹżECVG KP OKPKUVT[ #NGZKU KU CP QTFCKPGF &GCEQPGUU CPF Sunday school teacher at her church. She is the director of their outreach program, which provides clothes for needy families, feeds the homeless, provides spiritual information for the community, and corresponds with ministers who have volunteered their time in speaking to the church family. She has also been involved with the African American Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Professional Women, and African American Business and Professional Network. 4GUKFKPI KP /QWPV .CWTGN 0, YKVJ JGT JWUDCPF CPF VYQ sons, Alexis enjoys spending time with dear family and friends. Her hobbies include sewing, designing, crafts, reading, and traveling, and prides herself on leading a wellrounded lifestyle.
Noting that nothing good in life always comes easy, Alexis has held multiple jobs, at times, to reach her goals. Her
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Ann Graham CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, B&B HOME IMPROVEMENT
While in college, Ann Graham was unsure which direction she wanted to pursue professionally. After consulting with her father, who deeply believed that computers were the future and something she could make a lucrative living at, Ann declared her major in Computer Science with a minor in Psychology.
“I WANTED TO EXPERIENCE RUNNING A PROJECT FROM CONCEPTION THROUGH CLOSING. IT HAS BEEN AN ENLIGHTENING EXPERIENCE AND I HAVE LEARNED MORE THAN I COULD HAVE EVER IMAGINED�.
A highly valued employee, Ann was asked to take on the Portfolio Manager position for the Life Company Maintenance Portfolio. In this role, Ann would strengthen the company’s leadership, organization, internal communication, and other *GT ĹżTUV [GCT QWV QH EQNNGIG #PP YQTMGF HQT 6KR 6QR areas that needed revamping. After just eight months, the Corporation as a developer, moving up to acting Data RQTVHQNKQ YCU UVTWEVWTGF QTICPK\GF CPF TWPPKPI GHĹżEKGPVN[ Processing Manager. The following two years, she worked so she returned to her previous position managing projects. for Wisconsin Physician Services, being promoted from Developer to Project Lead. For 20 years, Ann worked as Along with the standard tasks associated with leading a contractor at 11 different companies for Compuware projects, it was up to Ann to gain buy in from all stakeholders. Corporation. Eighteen of those years were consulting with Interviewing the leadership team provided insight from every American Family Insurance. In 2010, American Family facet of a project, providing the team with an accurate scope. Insurance hired her as an employee and brought her on as It also provided the communication timing and mechanisms the leadership team desires regarding project status. In a project manager. addition to leading the project, Ann promoted it and ensured When Ann made the move from developer to a project a smooth transition from initiation to implementation. manager, it opened a whole new world for her. It allowed Communication with the project team allowed Ann to convey JGT VQ DG KPXQNXGF KP CNN CURGEVU QH VJG ĹżGNF CPF YQTM YKVJ JQY VJG RTQLGEV ĹżV UVTCVGIKECNN[ KP VJG EQTRQTCVG OKUUKQP CPF some very fun, interesting people. Ann found that in IT, she XKUKQP CU YGNN CU JQY KV YQWNF DGPGĹżV GCEJ VGCO OGODGT YCU CUUKIPGF VQ C RTQLGEV VJCV JCU VJG UEQRG FGĹżPGF VJG TGSWKTGOGPVU ĹżPKUJGF CPF TGCF[ VQ IQ 5JG TCTGN[ UVCTVGF +P ,WN[ #PP NGHV #OGTKECP (COKN[ +PUWTCPEG CPF projects from scratch and missed out on the creation of accepted a contract computerizing B&B Home Improvement. the early artifacts, like writing the business case and cost Her goal is to get the company online and organize 40 years DGPGĹżV CPCN[UKU $GECWUG QH VJKU #PP UYKVEJGF QXGT VQ VJG of data. business side in effort to experience the full gambit of project Ann is a member of Project Management Institute, National management. Association of Professional Women, and the Big Brother Big 5KUVGT QTICPK\CVKQP 5JG YCU CNUQ VJG ĹżTUV HGOCNG OGODGT CEEGRVGF KPVQ VJG &GGTĹżGNF .KQPU %NWD “Information Technology (IT) is intriguing and challenging. Technology changes regularly and there is always something new to hold your attention,â€? Ann said.
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Barbara L. Davis
RETIRED SCHOOL NURSE, RN, STAFFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL STEPPING OUT OF HER COMFORT ZONE to
eighth graders, totaling 400 students in all.
explore the many avenues in nursing, Barbara L. Davis has worked in several medical settings, learning the many UKOKNCTKVKGU CPF FKHHGTGPEGU KP VJG ſGNF #HVGT EJCPIKPI JGT major four times before obtaining her Registered Nurse (RN) degree in 1976 in Minneapolis, MN, Barbara knew she made the right decision. Nearly40 years later, she’s still in nursing and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Barbara has been a school nurse now for 23 years. Each [GCT KU WPKSWG CPF TGYCTFKPI ,WUV VJKU [GCT UJG YCU HCEGF YKVJ UKZ FKCDGVKE UVWFGPVU ĹżXG QH YJKEJ JCF KPUWNKP pumps. She is always learning new ways of working with her students.
“There are so many different types of work for nurses, so when I felt I needed a new challenge, I changed jobs,â€? Barbara said about her career moves. #HVGT ĹżPKUJKPI UEJQQN $CTDCTC YQTMGF KP VJG RU[EJKCVTKE WPKV of a hospital in Minneapolis. She then worked in Plattsburgh, NY where she continued to work with patients in a hospital setting. A few years later, she accepted a nursing position that she found extremely challenging. She went to work in a male maximum security prison in their new mental hygiene unit in Dannemora, NY. It involved a seven-bed dorm and included a unit with seven single cells, as well as a high UGEWTKV[ ITQWR QH ĹżXG WPKVU 9QTMKPI KP VJG 7PKV UJG CNUQ had to deliver medications throughout the entire prison. One of her patients, was David Berkowitz, better known as “Son of Samâ€?. Although working in the prison was somewhat exhilarating for Barbara, it wasn’t something she wanted to do long-term. Applying for the role of School Nurse for Stafford Middle School in Plattsburgh, Barbara has since been tending to the needs of a much less rowdy bunch of sixth, seventh, and
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Currently involved with the American Red Cross, Barbara volunteered for Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and for Hurricane Ike in Galveston, TX. Her latest deployment was for the Oso, WA mudslide. “As a Registered Nurse I am blessed to have so many opportunities. Branching out and serving the many causes and organizations is a wonderful thing,� Barbara said about being able to give back. Barbara loves to play bridge, golf, and go biking. Recently divorced after 38 years of marriage, Barbara has learned the importance of family. Blessed to have three children, she loves them all very much. Her eldest daughter is married and she and her husband both have very successful careers. Her second daughter, whom became paralyzed, is a very positive person who biked in the Boston Marathon. She is married to a state trooper, and they have a son, Connor. Her youngest son is happily married to wife Gina and works in the golf industry in Myrtle Beach, SC.
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Bianca Silvia Porrino W. FOUNDER, OWNER, AND WEDDING COORDINATOR BIANCAWEDDINGS, BIANCAWITHLOVE
Born and raised in Italy, Bianca spent much of the 1980s modeling in Milan, giving her a real taste of the fashion industry. Learning fabrics, dresses, design, and colors, Bianca later implemented what she had learned into her business when she became a wedding coordinator and owner of BiancaWeddings and BiancaWithLove in San Diego, CA. Bianca has lived in London, Italy, San Francisco, and now resides in San Diego, CA. Since 2000, she’s been coordinating weddings and events of all sizes around the country, including Hawaii, Las Vegas, New York, Miami, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles; as well as internationally. Initially, she relied solely on client referrals, but UJG JCU UKPEG DWKNV WR JGT ENKGPVGNG CPF PQY JCU C Ć€QWTKUJKPI ECTGGT 5JGĹ?U JCF VJG JQPQT QH ECVGTKPI UQOG QH VJG OQUV OCIPKĹżEGPV CPF memorable events for clients, making their every wish come true on their special day.
“I LOVE WHAT I DO AND BIANCAWEDDINGS ISN’T JUST A BUSINESS FOR ME, IT’S MY LIFE’S LOVE,â€? $KCPEC UCKF YJQUG ITGCVGUV KPĆ€WGPEG JCU DGGP JGT OQVJGT CP entrepreneur since 1965. “My mother, hands down, has been my greatest professional inspiration.â€? Bianca is an amazing leader who sets a great example to her fabulous, loyal team. She sets goals for each day, week, and month, and for the year ahead. Bianca absolutely loves what she does for a living; so for her, it really isn’t work at all. Some of the most imperative qualities one must exude working in a business like this comes down to personality. Being extremely extroverted and a real people person is essential. It’s also important that Bianca continues to market herself, rather than relying on others to do it for her. Having to constantly reinvent her style to stay relevant, Bianca’s number one goal is to continuously grow bigger and better than her competition. “I have always loved the quote, ‘If you build the temple, others will EQOGĹ? +P QTFGT HQT QVJGTU VQ DGNKGXG [QW OWUV ĹżTUV DGNKGXG KP [QWTUGNH Ĺ’ Bianca added. A single mother to her beautiful 9 year old daughter, Bianca believes that it was during her travels, experiencing different cultures and customs that made her the creative, artistic professional she is today. Exploring and being a little bit of a pioneer is what has made her successful for more than 14 years. Her work is a combination of Italian taste, style, and culture, combined with what the California lifestyle has to offer. Bianca earned her Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality and Hotel Business Management from the University of California-San Diego in 2003 and a second degree in event and meeting planning through San Francisco State University in 2009. She is involved with Wish Upon a Wedding CPF #UUQEKCVKQP QH %GTVKĹżGF 2TQHGUUKQPCN 9GFFKPI %QPUWNVCPVU CPF is a supporting member of the Human Rights Campaign and National Association of Professional Women and Bridal Consultants. She is also the 2013 recipient of the annual G.O.D. Award for Woman of the Year-Europe through the Academy of Television Arts and Science.
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Bonnie K. Bourret NOTARY PUBLIC, NOTARY SIGNING AGENT PRO SIGNATURE NOTARY, LLC
9QTMKPI KP C NQECN HTQPV QHſEG $QPPKG - $QWTTGV HQWPF JGTUGNH turning away a lot of potential clients looking for notary UGTXKEGU DGECWUG PQ QPG KP VJG QHſEG YCU EQOOKUUKQPGF The lack of available services, however, gave Bonnie a great idea. After researching the Secretary of State’s website on how to get commissioned, she decided to take one of their QPNKPG EQWTUGU UQ UJG EQWNF ſPCNN[ UC[ [GU VQ ENKGPVU Bonnie became a licensed notary in 2008. Soon after she opened her own business, Pro Signature Notary, LLC, while LWIINKPI JGT PGY HWNN VKOG ECTGGT CU CP QHſEG OCPCIGT CPF instructor for Reliable Tax and Business Services/H&R Block in Saint Robert, MO As the sole proprietor of her notary business, Bonnie enjoys meeting new people and having the ability to travel anywhere in the state, providing assistance to those in need of notary services. Constantly advertising her services to be sure area residents know that she is available whenever she is needed, Bonnie is there for her clients day and night.
be sure to research their state’s regulations. You must be bonded and insured, so this career is not for everyone. You also have to know what you can and cannot notarize. One of the biggest issues she’s faced time and time again is having to turn people away, saying “noâ€? to the notarization of requested documents. Having to explain to someone that a particular document cannot be notarized, because UJG ECPPQV D[ NCY KU UQOGVKOGU FKHĹżEWNV VQ JGCT (QT VJCV reason, Bonnie is constantly keeping up to date with the UVCVG URGEKĹżE TGIWNCVKQPU KP /KUUQWTK Nevertheless, Bonnie believes in chasing your dreams, believing in yourself, and never giving up on something that is important to you. Being in business for herself was her dream, and she’s now living it.
Bonnie recently remarried in 2012 to Nathaniel, a retired US Army veteran of 20 years. Nathaniel has one son of his own, Steven, a student at Missouri State University. Bonnie has VYQ EJKNFTGP *GT UQP ,QTFCP KU CP GOGTIGPE[ OGFKECN 'CTPKPI JGT 0QVCT[ %GTVKĹżECVG QH %QORNGVKQP VJTQWIJ VJG VGEJPKEKCP HQT %QZ *QURKVCNU KP 5RTKPIĹżGNF /1 CPF JGT Secretary of State six years ago, Bonnie later became a daughter, Nicci, is a student at Ozarks Technical Community EGTVKĹżGF PQVCT[ UKIPKPI CIGPV KP VJTQWIJ VJG 0CVKQPCN College in Lebanon, MO. Addicted to crossword puzzles, Notary Association. In this capacity, she can also facilitate Bonnie admits that they keep her on her toes, because she learns so much from them. She loves learning something mortgage signings. new every day.
“OWNING MY OWN BUSINESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY GREATEST PROFESSIONAL INSPIRATION,â€? Bonnie said. “I have learned many aspects of ownership and management to make sure that I CO CNYC[U RTQHGUUKQPCN CPF EQWTVGQWU VQ ENKGPVU #V ĹżTUV + was very unsure if I wanted to take my career a step further by becoming a notary signing agent, but it has been very rewarding.â€? Bonnie said that in order to become a notary, one must
women of distinction magazine
46
Cassandra Fear OWNER, FEAR’S CONFECTIONS
After layoffs at her engineering job in 2009, Cassandra Fear spent over a year searching for employment. The boredom and frustration of this search led her to invoke her creative skills that resulted in the formation of Fear’s Confections, a chocolate and sweet company.
has a Dessert of the Month Club where desserts are shipped to customers on a monthly basis. The company also makes sweets for corporate gifts and special events in the local Cleveland area and sells t-shirts with the Fear’s Confections logo for her biggest fans to sport.
“Many people tried to force their opinions on me, but in the long run, I had to do what was right for me and my family,� Cassandra said about venturing off on her own. “Being a business owner is not easy, but with perseverance and belief in myself, I have turned my company into a successful venture.�
Cassandra admits that not everything has been “sweet sailingâ€? since forming the business in 2010. In December 2013, her business partner dissolved her partnership suddenly and without notice. With dozens of Christmas orders to complete, family, friends, and local business QYPGTU ECOG VQIGVJGT VQ UWRRQTV %CUUCPFTC KP HWNĹżNNKPI VJG orders. Not only did they make it out on time, but customers were happy and Fear’s Confections was able to bounce back better than ever. Fear’s Confections is now in the process of relocating to Lakewood, OH with a grand opening event on October 4, 2014.
Fear’s Confections started at home in Cassandra’s kitchen, where she sold her delicious treats online, while continuing to work full-time as a quality manager for a medical device company. She eventually outgrew her kitchen space and took the leap into a full-time storefront in Cleveland, OH in August of 2013. In a society where everything is mass-produced, Cassandra does the opposite by making a variety of high quality sweets from scratch in small batches. She buys local ingredients when possible, and her treats are unlike anything you can ſPF KP OQUV NQECN QWVNGVU
As the company’s owner and sole employee, Cassandra single-handedly runs the store as baker, candy maker, dishwasher, janitor, and handles all marketing and public relations aspects. Fear’s Confections was featured on the television shows ‘Good Company’ and on the local WKYC Channel 3 news, and was interviewed by Q104’s ‘Fee’s Kompany’. They’ve also sponsored several local charity GXGPVU KPENWFKPI VJG ĹżPCN -TWUV[ -COR C NQPI TWPPKPI GXGPV VJCV DGPGĹżVU VJG /CNCEJK *QWUG HQT VJG VGTOKPCNN[ KNN
Using a play on words with her last name, Cassandra’s UYGGVU TGCNN[ CTG ĹŽVQ FKG HQTĹ? 5JG QHHGTU C EJQEQNCVG EQHĹżP with an edible skeleton year round, as well as a fun “Geek %CUUCPFTC OCTTKGF ,GTGO[ (GCT CP GPIKPGGT KP 6JG[ Lineâ€? of chocolates. In addition to these signature items, her reside in Cleveland with their 2 year old daughter, Evelyn, and have another baby on the way due in March 2015. brownies and candies are just as delicious. In addition to online and storefront sales, Fear’s Confections
47
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Celine Uttaro OWNER, THE EMBROIDERY COMPANY, INC.
COMMERCIAL EMBROIDERY HAS BEEN IN CELINE UTTARO’S FAMILY SINCE THE 1950s. Her mother learned embroidery as a young adult and in 1980, Celine’s parents opened their own embroidery company in Kitchener, Ontario. Celine helped by getting to know the industry and clients who were primarily promotional product companies and sporting good retailers. In 1995, after doing some market research, Celine and her husband decided to start The Embroidery Company, Inc. in Edmonton, Alberta. With the expertise and ability to produce high quality products, The Embroidery Company primarily serves the wholesale promotional products industry. “Embroidery is in our blood,â€? Celine admits. “Through hard work and dedication, we’ve become professionals in our KPFWUVT[ UVTKXKPI VQ DG VJG DGUV KP QWT ĹżGNF 9GĹ?XG DWKNV C reputation for high quality embroidery and it’s very rewarding to be able to create a product that our clients will be proud to wear.â€? Aside from the day-to-day operations of the business, Celine’s role is to oversee and offer guidance in order to achieve the high standards of quality she has set forth. She also participates in the creative process, gives quotes, handles special projects, and maintains contact with clients regularly. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, Celine reviews and approves samples prior to sending proofs to clients. If a sample isn’t as perfect as it can be, if letters are not quite straight, Celine returns it to the art department for improvement before sending it to the client for approval. Knowing that you cannot rush through a process without
women of distinction magazine
compromising quality is what sets apart Celine’s company from her competition. Celine is completely dedicated to learning and becoming an GZRGTV KP VJG GODTQKFGT[ ĹżGNF 6JG 'ODTQKFGT[ %QORCP[ keeps up with new technologies, state-of-the-art software, embroidery equipment, and techniques; and has a large database of designs consisting of all types and sizes. Some of her best clients include local businesses, as well as colleges and universities. They come to The Embroidery Company for special projects, because they know how fantastic the end result will look. The Embroidery Company is even asked to produce patches as concert merchandise for JKIJ RTQĹżNG CTVKUVU QP QEECUKQP YJKEJ KU SWKVG C EQORNKOGPV The Embroidery Company makes annual submissions in the Promotional Products Professionals of Canada Image Awards competition and has been the recipient of multiple awards in the category for Best Embroidery. They were also awarded an embroidery contract for the 8th IAAF World Championships in Athletics, which took place in Edmonton in 2001. The company has produced framed embroidery pieces for Her Majesty, the Queen during a royal visit to commemorate the province of Alberta’s centennial in 2005, and for their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of %CODTKFIG FWTKPI VJGKT ĹżTUV TQ[CN XKUKV VQ %CPCFC KP The gifts were accepted and sent to Clarence House. “Embroidery is an art,â€? Celine said. “To be able to create consistent, high quality embroidery takes time. Dedication and perseverance is required and a creative process must be followed. I push my limits, challenge myself, and have honed my skills to make my work the best.â€?
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Cheryl J. Stewart OWNER TRAVEL FOR YOU, LLC
%JGT[N , 5VGYCTV YCU KP UGCTEJ QH CP GPLQ[CDNG ECTGGT VJCV would allow her to work from home, set her own hours, and be able to tend to her children’s every day needs at the same time. Having previous work experience in sales, she thought working as a travel agent might be the perfect solution.
TO BREAK INTO THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY, Cheryl initially worked for two host travel agencies. In 2013, she went into business for herself by forming ‘Travel For You, LLC’, specializing in destination wedding planning, honeymoons, romantic getaways, and family vacations. After just one year, she now has several independent contractors working beneath her. Cheryl mentors and guides them in the industry, while instilling work ethic that puts smiles on all of her client’s faces. “I enjoy helping brides create the weddings and honeymoons they have dreamed about since they were little girls,â€? Cheryl said about the joy she gets from working in the hospitality ĹżGNF Ĺ‘+ NQXG JGNRKPI EQWRNGU VJCV UGGM OWEJ PGGFGF TQOCPVKE getaways, where they can reconnect, de-stress, and fall in love again, and being able to send families on magical vacations, where they can create life-long memories.â€?
Vacations that bring families closer and providing memorable wedding/honeymoons for clients is why Cheryl is still doing what she’s doing today. She always treats her clients as her number one priority. In turn, they have been most thankful. “You have to put a lot of hard work and time into starting a new business, and sometimes don’t always see the rewards right away,â€? Cheryl explained about remaining loyal to her profession. “It takes time to build your clientele, but if you give your clients more than they expect you will be rewarded with referrals.â€? Cheryl is a member of her local Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. She is a VIP member of the National Association of Professional Women, American Society of Travel Agents, and Cruise Lines International #UUQEKCVKQP 5JGĹ?U CNUQ C %GTVKĹżGF 5CPFCNU 5RGEKCNKUV CPF C Sandals Wedding Moons Specialist.
A graduate of Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, Cheryl earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Finance in 1992. Residing in a suburb of Columbus, Cheryl has been married for 21 years to her husband, Bob. Bob currently works as the assistant safety director for the City The founder of Global Institute for Travel Entrepreneurs of Columbus after retiring from a 37 year career as a police /GTGFKVJ *KNN JCU DGGP KPĆ€WGPVKCN KP VJG UWEEGUU QH %JGT[NĹ?U sergeant. They have two children, a 15 year old daughter, business. She was fortunate to attend one of Meredith’s Amber, and 10 year old son, Bobby. They also have a 4 seminars while on a trip last year. Listening to her speak, year old Shih Tzu named Laila. Not surprisingly, her family Cheryl felt like Meredith was telling her story of being a loves to travel together, and they do so at least two times a fairly new owner of a travel business, and as soon as year. Cheryl returned home, she purchased Meredith’s program, implemented her ideas, and her business has picked up UKIPKĹżECPVN[ UKPEG VJGP
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Dawn A. Bluemke EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BLACK DIAMOND CHARITIES
the programs and raise funds to keep the programs growing. When fundraising, she asks relentlessly for donations until Ronald McDonald House in Chicago, IL in 1989. She felt she is told “noâ€?, because she is advocating for a great cause; so good about being able to help others, that she wanted the children. Unfortunately, most individuals that don’t to take it to another level. With compassion, patience, and contribute, do not realize just how much each child is being UGNĆ€GUUPGUU D[ JGT UKFG &CYP JCU OCFG C ECTGGT QWV QH affected due to their parents’ circumstances. helping others for the past two decades. A graduate from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor Ĺ‘+Ĺ?XG CNYC[U NQXGF VQ YQTM YKVJ UEJQQNU PQP RTQĹżV of Science in Nutrition, Dawn is involved with Freedom One organizations, and other teams,â€? Dawn said about Networking, Rally Together, Ram Racing, Giving DuPage, volunteering. “I enjoy knowing that somewhere, somehow, Kohl’s Associates in Action, VolunteerMatch, and GLMV I am helping someone. I don’t consider it giving back; I do it Chamber of Commerce to help support Black Diamond. For 12 years, she was also part of Reading Intervention for just because I want to help others.â€? grades K-5, helping them get back on track with their grade Dawn’s current organization, ‘Black Diamond Charities’, reading level. A Wish Grantor for Make-A-Wish Chicago, was founded on the principles of helping school children &CYP KU QP VJG DQCTF HQT 2KPM *GCNU ,QNKGV 5JGĹ?U CNUQ DGGP and veterans of the Armed Services. The organization involved with fundraising for various sports teams, as well as provides backpacks and school supplies to children in the Mom’s Club at the Tri Delta Sorority at Purdue University. need, particularly to homeless children and children of She’s headed many fundraisers to help defray the cost of military families based on the Great Lakes Naval Base. medical bills due to cancer, and has made meals for those Black Diamond also offers a Project Management course who have undergone surgery. She and her husband David for veterans to give them an extra edge when searching for received the Ann Eppen Award for Volunteerism, and she was awarded VIP Woman of the Year by National Association employment. of Professional Women.
DAWN A. BLUEMKE’S CAREER IN NONPROFIT began after simply making a donation at the
As Executive Director, Dawn runs the entire show. The organization has a board of directors, but Dawn is responsible for the daily operations. She’s committed to supporting and providing those in need with the tools, services, and knowledge to further advance themselves through their acceptance of the many challenges and hard work ahead of them.
Living in Hinsdale, IL, Dawn and David have been married for [GCTU CPF JCXG VYQ FCWIJVGTU ,GPP[ CPF 5CNN[ ,GPP[ is a graduate of the University of Missouri, lives in Austin, TX, and is married with a son. Sally graduated from Purdue University in industrial design and lives in the Chicago, IL area.
Understanding the importance of networking for the greater good of Black Diamond, Dawn must increase awareness of
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Deborah Emmons OWNER, DEB’S FAMILY VACATIONS FAMILY VACATIONS WERE AN IMPORTANT professionals. Their mission is to revolutionize the way PART of Deborah Emmons’s childhood. She has many travel advisors market and grow their businesses to reach a HQPF OGOQTKGU QH JGT GPVKTG HCOKN[ RCEMKPI WR CPF ſPFKPI adventures in their motor home. Because Deborah believes that every family should be making memories by vacationing together, she started her own travel agency, ‘Debke Travel’, in 2004 on a part-time basis. “My interest in the travel booking industry began about 10 years ago,” Deborah remembers. “I traveled often , so people were constantly asking my opinion regarding where to travel and what to do once they arrived at their destination. I transitioned into a travel professional, as I felt OQTG EQOHQTVCDNG RGTHQTOKPI O[ WPQHſEKCN TQNG Œ Deborah’s current venture is ‘Deb’s Family Vacations’, an offshoot of Debke Travel that specializes in family-oriented vacations. Deborah’s goal is to take the hassle and worry off of parents, regarding the comfort and safety of their trip.
whole new level of success in travel.
To carry her passion for travel into her marriage and her family, Deborah purchased a camper when her children were young. As a family, they have also enjoyed going on cruises and Disney vacations. Living in Pennsylvania, it is important for Deborah and her family to go on winter vacations, due to the climate conditions; so cruising someplace warm to rid the winter blues is a necessity for them. Having already visited a third of the national parks in the United States, she hopes to visit all of them eventually. She also plans to continue traveling with family and friends each year, making new memories and gaining experience that will help her with her travel booking. When new generations join her family, she intends to pass her love of travel to them, because as Deborah would say, “Family adventures never end!”
Because of all the leg work she does, Deborah believes that hiring a travel professional is a valuable asset in booking any vacation. Deborah has knowledge of sales and accommodations and can save clients time, money, and peace of mind. Having visited most of the resorts and having tried many of the amenities herself, she can make TGEQOOGPFCVKQPU YKVJ EQPſFGPEG CPF VCMG VJG CPZKGV[ QWV of the many choices for her clients. To enhance her business, Deborah is a member of the Global Institute for Travel Entrepreneurs, an organization founded to provide resources, support, and tools for travel
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Deborah Vezan PRESIDENT, OWNER, LIMBKEEPERS
APPAREL EXECUTIVE DEBORAH VEZAN was enjoying a successful career in New York City when both of her parents became ill. After juggling her full-time position and taking care of her parents, Deborah needed to leave her livelihood behind and become their full-time caregiver. Deborah’s mother, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s, was a high risk for skin tears due to her fragile, thinning skin. When she bumped her shin on a round table leg, the resulting four inch lesion exposed Deborah to the serious problem of fragile, skin so common in our aging population.
inherently have wicking features for quick dry and easy care.
Deborah searched for a solution to protect her mother’s delicate skin, but when it became apparent that there was nothing out there on the market, she saw a huge opportunity. Out of necessity, Deborah created Limbkeepers, a noncompression sleeve to protect her mother’s compromised skin, in 2012.
A year after the prototype and the passing of her parents, &GDQTCJ QHĹżEKCNN[ NCWPEJGF .KODMGGRGTU VQ VJG RWDNKE Deborah manages both the online and direct sales, as well as the website. And her husband, Skip Hine, a professional photographer, assists her with the creative and marketing aspects of the business.
“The creation of Limbkeepers is my proudest contribution to the senior community and to the United States workforce,� Deborah said proudly. “To see that ‘Limbkeepers’ provide a quality of life, independence, and dignity to those in need of skin protection gives me a great sense of satisfaction.�
The opportunity to help make a difference in the quality of lives for the aging population is immensely rewarding, as well as personal. Since Deborah has started Limbkeepers, she has sponsored several ‘Walk-to-End Alzheimer’s’ events for an organization close to her heart.
While researching options for her mother, Deborah found most of the arm and leg sleeve products on the market YGTG EQORTGUUKQP FGUKIPGF HQT URGEKſE OGFKECN RWTRQUGU VJKP CPF FKHſEWNV VQ RWV QP CPF XGT[ GZRGPUKXG &GDQTCJ designed Limbkeepers to be non-compression, but form ſVVKPI UQ VJG[ UVC[ WR YKVJQWV HCUVGPGTU CPF CTG GCU[ VQ put on. Because they are seamless, they don’t cause skin EJCſPI VJG[ JCXG CP CPVK OKETQDKCN VTGCVOGPV CPF VJG [CTPU
Starting her own business has been very time consuming, but when Deborah gets a break, she spends it outdoors. She enjoys bicycling, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, alpine skiing, snowshoeing, and gardening in her Connecticut home. Deborah feels that being outdoors is therapeutic and it provides her an atmosphere conducive to creative thinking.
women of distinction magazine
6JKTV[ ſXG [GCTU KP VJG CRRCTGN KPFWUVT[ ICXG &GDQTCJ an extensive network of resources to work with and the professional and personal skills needed to start this venture. She found a New York designer to put her idea in a format for factory implementation before taking her design to a sock factory in North Carolina. The prototype was a success. Deborah’s mother did not try to take them off like she did so many other products and they protected her legs from injury.
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Debrah J. Hussey CO-OWNER, MOGOBOX, LLC
HOLDING MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN SEVERAL activities, customer service, supply chain management, data DIVERSE INDUSTRIES, &GDTCJ , *WUUG[ YCU PGXGT migration, and social media. one to be afraid of change. Coupled with her ambition, discipline, persistence, reliability, and hard work, Debrah JCU DGGP UWEEGUUHWN KP GXGT[ ĹżGNF UJG JCU GXGT YQTMGF 6JG desire to own her own company was a natural progression, and in 2011, she and her son started ‘MogoBox, LLC’. “MogoBox was the brainchild of my son Scott and was a PCVWTCN ĹżV VQ EQODKPG QWT UMKNN UGVU Ĺ’ &GDTCJ UCKF CDQWV VJG start of their eCommerce website. “We both love gadgets and gizmos, so it seemed natural to start a consumer electronics website; which will eventually lead to wholesale distribution.â€? MogoBox is not your typical online retail store, but is a MogoExperience consisting of three parts: MogoBox, MogoBlog, and MogoSocial. MogoBox showcases the everbroadening product line of gadgets and electronics, retailing RQTVCDNG URGCMGTU OQDKNG CEEGUUQTKGU QHĹżEG VGEJ ICFIGVU toys, and novelty gift items; including bar accessories and morphing mugs. Product history, trivia, jokes, and stories can be discovered throughout the website product pages. MogoBlog allows people to learn about the newest gadgets and tech entering or already on the market. In MogoSocial, followers can submit ideas or requests online, then MogoNation (the MogoBox community) will vote and comment on them. And when the products have a large enough following, they will be posted to MogoBox. As co-owner, Debrah’s primary task is business development and product procurement, while Scott handles the technical side of the website. They share responsibilities when it EQOGU VQ ĹżPCPEKCNU RTQFWEV OKZ OCTMGVKPI CPF RTQOQVKQPCN
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Debrah’s goal is for MogoBox to become a household name, renowned for its quality products and excellent customer service, and become a benchmark for other companies to follow. To help achieve this, MogoBox is a member of the Better Business Bureau and eTrust.org. Debrah is also a member of the National Association of Professional Women. Writing is Debrah’s second love. Her dream of writing a book came to fruition in 2012, when she completed Realm of &GEGKV C ĹżEVKQPCN O[UVGT[ VJTKNNGT 6JG UVQT[ KPEQTRQTCVGU TGCN settings and a few events that are Debrah’s interpretation of reality, utilized to emphasize the “real feelâ€? concept. Centered on two globetrotting seasoned journalists, often IQKPI WPFGTEQXGT CPF ĹżPFKPI VJGOUGNXGU KP NKHG VJTGCVGPKPI situations to get “the storyâ€?, Realm of Deceit is steeped in political intrigue and suspense. As a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where Debrah received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Realm of Deceit was featured in the Alumni Magazine, Talon, Fall 2012 issue. Debrah has several upcoming book signings scheduled in the Mississippi area. 5JG KU YQTMKPI QP VJG UGSWGN CPF JQRGU VQ JCXG KV ĹżPKUJGF before 2014 comes to a close. Residing in Diamondhead, MS, Debrah and her husband Max, a Strategic Account Manager at Total Safety, have two sons: Mark, a Sales Engineer for Coastal Process in Holden, LA; and Scott, co-owner of MogoBox.
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Donna Ames SENIOR MANAGER, CLINICAL PROJECT LEAD, GLOBAL CLINICAL OPERATIONS, GLOBAL REGISTRY OPERATIONS, ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. After losing her job selling forklifts in 1995, Donna Ames was hired as a temporary administrative assistant for the oncology department of a major pharmaceutical company. Fourteen years later, Donna had worked her way into a fulltime position as a clinical research associate. She has loved every minute of it.
and key opinion leaders, the team learns how to best manage the signs and symptoms of particular diseases and how to sustain healthier lives for those suffering with the disease.
“I hope my work can someday be associated with a cure or EQPVTQN QH C JQTTKĹżE FKUGCUG + FQPĹ?V PGGF VQ DG OGPVKQPGF KP the literature, I just want to know that my contributions have “CLINICAL RESEARCH IS ON THE CUTTING made a difference,â€? Donna said. “So much time, money, EDGE AND IS ALWAYS MOVING FORWARD. CPF GPGTI[ CTG URGPV VT[KPI VQ ĹżPF VJG CPUYGTU VJCV + CO There is always more to learn due to the advancements in EQPĹżFGPV YG CTG IQKPI VQ IGV VJGTG + LWUV JQRG VQ DG C RCTV VGEJPQNQI[ +V KU CP GXGT ITQYKPI GXGT EJCPIKPI ĹżGNF CPF + of that team.â€? absolutely love it,â€? Donna admitted. “And the bonus is the knowledge we gain every day, improving or saving lives Dealing with life threatening diseases and fatalities every day on the job, Donna feels it’s important to also enjoy life. through the work we do.â€? She works hard and plays harder. Donna ran the Warrior When Donna arrived in the pharmaceutical industry, she &CUJ VQ TCKUG OQPG[ HQT 5V ,WFG %JKNFTGPĹ?U 4GUGCTEJ JCF NKOKVGF MPQYNGFIG QH VJG ĹżGNF CPF ENKPKECN VTKCNU 5JG Hospital, has been zip-lining, has volunteered with Habitat ECOG KPVQ VJG ĹżGNF YKVJ C YKNNKPIPGUU VQ NGCTP GXGT[VJKPI UJG for Humanity, and even learned how to ride a motorcycle. could from whomever was willing to teach her. Donna found When she’s in the comfort of her own home, she’s usually that people enjoy sharing what they know and are happy to reading or doing crossword puzzles. assist. At Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Donna works as a project leader with a clinical research team that collects natural history data on patients with two ultra-rare diseases. The information collected allows her team to learn how patients are being treated, what happens to them when they are receiving the medication, and how that may differ from other medications or therapies. The team looks at the emotional, UQEKCN CPF ĹżPCPEKCN DWTFGPU QH FKUGCUG CPF JQY VJG[ KORCEV patients; not to mention the physical health of each patient. By working with medical institutions, medical professionals,
women of distinction magazine
Donna attended Western Connecticut State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorder and Speech Pathology with a minor in Psychology. She is also a %GTVKĹżGF %NKPKECN 4GUGCTEJ 2TQHGUUKQPCN VJTQWIJ VJG 5QEKGV[ of Clinical Research Associates. Now divorced, Donna is in a relationship with a man she has known since high school. He is retired from the US Air Force and works in quality assurance and shipping logistics for ITD Corporation. Donna has one daughter, two stepchildren, and three step-grandsons.
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Geri Stephens-Love INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT, AVON AFTER RETIRING FROM THE WORKFORCE, and helping others see the great business potential. As a Geri Stephens-Love took a year to do all the things she wanted to do that she couldn’t when she was working her 9-5 job, like going to the beach, shopping, traveling, and taking in a good movie. Though she very much enjoyed the time spent on all these activities, Geri eventually felt very KUQNCVGF CPF FGUKTGF VQ ſPF UQOGVJKPI OQTG UKIPKſECPV VQ make her feel more productive in life. Not to mention, Geri was no longer earning an income and needed some sort of money coming in to support her new lifestyle. Becoming an Independent AVON Sales Leadership Representative was the answer to her prayers. Having never used AVON products before, Geri made her XGT[ ſTUV RWTEJCUG VJTQWIJ CP #810 TGRTGUGPVCVKXG .QXKPI the products and the price point, she was intrigued when the representative presented her with an opportunity to become an AVON representative herself and start her own business. Geri researched the company and was pleased with what she learned about their mission to empower women.
resource for makeup and skincare needs, Executive Unit Leader Geri earns income by training and supporting her large team of representatives. She also earns commissions when people buy AVON moisturizers, skin care treatments, jewelry, clothes, fashion accessories, and many other products. 4GCNK\KPI VJCV KV YCU KPETGCUKPIN[ FKHĹżEWNV VQ IGV QWV KPVQ VJG world to really promote her business, Geri had to rethink her approach. She has since taken her business to the Internet and has learned all she could about social media messaging and marketing. The online advantage that her AVON business has experienced since that time is amazing. “By taking my business to the Internet, I have learned things that every small business owner needs to know about social media messaging and marketing,â€? she said.
Geri is now helping other small businesses by coaching them on how to grow their business by way of the Internet. She “While I really love and believe in the AVON products, I is inspired everyday by people she comes in contact with especially love helping people get their own business started that recognize their passion and follow it without wavering. CPF QP C RCVJ VQ ĹżPCPEKCN KPFGRGPFGPEG Ĺ’ )GTK CFOKVVGF CU She is also an active community leader, where she supports being one of the biggest perks of being an AVON rep. “I many women’s charities. have started a team with the model of duplication and now have a really great group of people who have become both friends and colleagues. This business has given me the opportunity to support myself, help others, and make great friends.â€? For the last nine years, Geri has been selling AVON products
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Janet Green Reasons PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST, COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP, INC. (14 ,#0'6 )4''0 4'#5105 $#66.+0) *CXKPI C ECUG NQCF QH KPFKXKFWCNU ,CPGV EJCTVU YGGMN[ MENTAL ILLNESS has been the best and worst struggle notes on members’ progress based on their respective she has had to face. As a member in the Clerical Unit at %QOOWPKV[ (TKGPFUJKR +PE KP ,CPGV HGNV CU KH UJG JCF NQUV JGT FKIPKV[ TGURGEV HCOKN[ EJKNFTGP CPF ſPCPEGU $WV it was through the support of both staff and members that ,CPGV UVCTVGF VQ ſPF JQRG CICKP CPF YCU CDNG VQ VWTP JGT NKHG around.
IQCNU CPF EQORKNGU C OQPVJN[ ECNGPFCT QH URGEKĹżE GXGPVU She facilitates classes on various topics, like anger and stress management, budgeting, self-esteem, fear, and forgiveness. These classes help teach methods that show how an individual can best problem solve and cope with the symptoms that can come from mental illness.
“I had been given a lot of encouragement from the staff CV %QOOWPKV[ (TKGPFUJKR Ĺ’ ,CPGV UCKF CDQWV JGT TGEQXGT[ “This instilled in me the desire to do the same for others who had lost their hope, so I accepted a position working part-time.â€?
A true honor, her organization was awarded Peer Program of the Year by the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network KP #WIWUV ,CPGV JCU RTGXKQWUN[ UGTXGF CU C DQCTF member and is currently the Vice President.
#V [GCTU QNF ,CPGV JCU UVTWIINGF YKVJ FGRTGUUKQP HQT ,CPGV XQNWPVGGTGF JGT VKOG KP VJG 5QEKCN %NWD VGCEJKPI 30 years. Although it is becoming easier for her to handle, watercolor and art to the other members. After four months, she still feels the pressure of daily life. Having written her she was asked to submit an application for Assistant Activity ſTUV DQQM ŎNot Mental Illness; Spiritual Warfare’, she talks Coordinator. So she did and landed the position. Her about her experience with mental illness and hopes to have responsibilities included interacting with the members and it published soon. attendees of the Social Club, and assisting and encouraging them to participate in scheduled activities. She worked in ,CPGV NQXGU NKUVGPKPI VQ %JTKUVKCP OWUKE CPF URGPFKPI VKOG hugging and kissing her granddaughters. She volunteers this capacity for three years. by feeding the homeless at a shelter once a month and also +P ,CPGV CVVGPFGF VJG %GTVKſGF 2GGT 5RGEKCNKUV VTCKPKPI drives several people each year to the Milledgeville Central which she completed in three months. By 2007, she had State Hospital Cemetery Celebration. accepted her current position as Peer Support Specialist YKVJ %QOOWPKV[ (TKGPFUJKR +PE C PQP RTQſV RU[EJKCVTKE rehabilitation facility. She’s helped create their Peer Center, as well as their mission statement, vision statement, and core values. She interacts with members through learned skills, assistance, and teaching applications to encourage, motivate, and guide others using role-play to aid in making better life-changing decisions.
women of distinction magazine
“I realized there was a reason for my trials and tribulations,â€? ,CPGV UCKF Ĺ‘)QF KP JKU KPĹżPKVG YKUFQO JCU VWTPGF CTQWPF what tried to destroy me into something that has worked in my favor; and now I am able to help others with their recovery.â€?
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Johnna Stevens RADIATION SAFETY MANAGER, A LARGE WORLDWIDE NDT COMPANY
AFTER DEVELOPING A CONDITION that left her ,QJPPCĹ?U UWEEGUU 6JG VGEJPKEKCPU VJCV JCXG VQ NKUVGP VQ VJG YKVJ UGPUKVKXKV[ ,QJPPC 5VGXGPU HQWPF KV PGEGUUCT[ VQ NGCXG the chemistry industry after a 16 year career. As one of the most valued and respected professionals in non-destructive VGUVKPI 0&6 JGT DTQVJGT YCU VJG QPG VJCV ĹżTUV KPVTQFWEGF JGT VQ VJG KPFWUVT[ *KU KPĆ€WGPEG JGNRGF JGT ICKP GORNQ[OGPV And although she had no experience in radiation safety, ,QJPPC JCF VJG GFWECVKQP EGTVKĹżECVKQPU VGEJPKECN YTKVKPI skills, and experience working in predominately male environments.
training on a regular basis must be challenged to keep their focus and be well-informed to reinforce the importance of safety, while she motivates them to use safe work practices.
#NQPI YKVJ VJG VCUM QH EQPVKPWCN VTCKPKPI ,QJPPC JCU VJG sole responsibility in her division of conducting background EJGEMU CPF UWDOKVVKPI ĹżPIGTRTKPVU VQ VJG (GFGTCN $WTGCW of Investigation for criminal history and determining if a candidate is trustworthy and reliable to perform duties that include their possession and use of radioactive materials. “I’ve made it my mission to transform my local division into an ,QJPPC KU CNUQ TGSWKTGF VQ OCKPVCKP CNN UGPUKVKXG KPHQTOCVKQP exemplary safety model for the rest of the divisions to aspire and personnel records and is the designated person to remain VQ DGEQOG Ĺ’ ,QJPPC UCKF CDQWV JGT PGY TQNG KP TCFKCVKQP EGTVKĹżGF KP UJKRRKPI CPF JC\CTFQWU OCVGTKCNU D[ CKT CNQPI safety. “Through diligent research, guidance, cooperation, with International Air Transport Association/International and trial and error, I am honored to say I have achieved that %KXKN #XKCVKQP 1TICPK\CVKQP 4CFKQCEVKXG EGTVKĹżECVKQP goal.â€? As security plans are necessary to secure information and #U 4CFKCVKQP 5CHGV[ /CPCIGT ,QJPPC OWUV VTCKP CNN OCVGTKCNU ,QJPPC TGIWNCTN[ EQOOWPKECVGU YKVJ NQECN NCY individuals in specialty procedures for possession, use, GPHQTEGOGPV ĹżTG CPF TGUEWG VGCOU VQ MGGR VJG RNCPU WR and security of dangerous materials. She is trained and to date to ensure immediate and proper response. Audits well-versed in hazmat and radiation safety procedures D[ VJG %QTRQTCVG 4CFKCVKQP 5CHGV[ 1HĹżEGT 451 0QTVJ CPF and responsibilities for providing this training to all who South Carolina State Radiation Protection Divisions, and CTG FGGOGF VTWUVYQTVJ[ CPF TGNKCDNG ,QJPPC CNUQ TGRCKTU the Department of Transportation at regular intervals are RGTHQTOGF VQ GPUWTG EQORNKCPEG KP CNN CTGCU ,QJPPC YQTMU inspects, rebuilds, and calibrates specialty equipment. diligently to maintain her programs avoiding noncompliance. Faced with scheduled regulation updates and mandates for CFFKVKQPCN VTCKPKPI ,QJPPC EQPVKPWCNN[ UGGMU QWV KPHQTOCVKQP Even with tight time constraints, budgeting, and scheduling from state regulatory bodies and the Nuclear Regulatory KUUWGU CPF KPVGTRTGVCVKQP EQPĆ€KEVU ,QJPPC WRJQNFU VJG Commission website to stay apprised of changes in regulations under pressure and loves the challenge her committee and probable in being enforced within the next new career presents. She has set the bar high within the Radiation Safety department and expects compliance. The two years. support of her mentor, friends, and family has kept her strong -GGRKPI VJG Ć€QY QH KPHQTOCVKQP PGY CPF RTGUGPVKPI and diligent. regulatory information in new ways has been a large part of
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Julie Treger PRESIDENT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NORTHERN ROSE CAREGIVERS
AFTER FINDING OUT THAT HER FATHER HAD Making a good match with client and caregiver is extremely CANCER ,WNKG 6TGIGT NGHV JGT LQD CPF TGNQECVGF VQ (NQTKFC KORQTVCPV 6JG[ DQVJ PGGF VQ JCXG C EQPPGEVKQP ,WNKG VQ VCMG ECTG QH JKO #U UJG KPVGTXKGYGF JKTGF CPF ĹżTGF JQOG ECTGIKXGTU ,WNKG DGICP VQ TGCNK\G VJCV VJGTG YCU PQ training or structure for the caregiving industry. With all that ,WNKG JCF NGCTPGF VGPFKPI VQ JGT HCVJGTĹ?U GXGT[ PGGF UJG CPF her sister Kathleen decided to start their own private duty caregiving business after their dad passed away. +P ,WNKG CPF -CVJNGGP UVCTVGF 0QTVJGTP 4QUG %CTGIKXGTU CPF ,WNKG UGTXGU CU VJGKT 2TGUKFGPV CPF %JKGH 'ZGEWVKXG 1HĹżEGT 7R WPVKN TGEGPVN[ ,WNKG FKF CNN QH VJG FCKN[ FWVKGU JKTKPI CPF VTCKPKPI QH PGY GORNQ[GGU 0QY ,WNKGĹ?U FCWIJVGT %JTKUVKPG TWPU VJG QHĹżEG YJKNG CPQVJGT XGT[ VTWUVGF GORNQ[GG -K[C CPF EGTVKĹżGF PWTUKPI CUUKUVCPV FQGU CNN VJG JKTKPI CPF VTCKPKPI $WV ,WNKG UVKNN QXGTUGGU OQUV CURGEVU especially the networking to get their name exposure in the local community.
instills patience and determination in her employees when caring for and helping clients, and works hard to make sure they are a good match for one another.
9JKNG ,WNKGĹ?U HCVJGT .CYTGPEG 5GOOGTNKPI YCU VJG motivation behind starting the company, her mother Rose was the inspiration behind the name. Both are now FGEGCUGF JGT HCVJGT KP ,CPWCT[ CPF JGT OQVJGT KP (GDTWCT[ 'XGT[VJKPI ,WNKG JCU NGCTPGF JCU DGGP instilled by her parents, as they were the two most important CPF KPĆ€WGPVKCN RGQRNG KP JGT NKHG
6Q JGNR JGT PGVYQTMKPI GHHQTVU ,WNKG KU C OGODGT QH Companion Connections, Libertyville Chamber of Commerce, and National Association of Professional Women, where she received a Woman of the Year Award in ,WNKG CNUQ XQNWPVGGTU YKVJ VJG 0QTVJ 5JQTG %JCODGT “There is nothing more satisfying than having a client call 1TEJGUVTC ĹżXG VKOGU C [GCT CPF RCTVKEKRCVGU KP #N\JGKOGTĹ?U CPF VGNN [QW JQY YQPFGTHWN KV KU VQ JCXG C URGEKĹżE ECTGIKXGT and breast cancer walks. She enjoys golf, boating, bowling, VCMKPI ECTG QH VJGO Ĺ’ ,WNKG UCKF CDQWV VJG RGTMU QH TWPPKPI and traveling. She and Kathleen take family trips every year, her private duty company. “I just want to put a smile on OQUV TGEGPVN[ XCECVKQPKPI KP ,COCKEC someone’s face who thinks there is nothing left for them.â€? Married for 15 years to Brad Treger, a retired truck driver, Northern Rose Caregivers offer caregivers who are well- ,WNKG JCU QPG FCWIJVGT HTQO C HQTOGT OCTTKCIG CPF HQWT trained and carefully screened, so clients can trust that they ITCPFEJKNFTGP -GGICP $TC[FGP 6GUUC CPF 6C[C ,WNKG are getting the best possible assistance. Their caregivers and Brad recently moved to McHenry, IL to be closer to her provide many services, including supervision with bathing, grandchildren who reside in Island Lake, IL. dressing, medication reminders, social interaction, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. In addition to these services, the caregivers are also available to transport the client to activities, such as doctor visits or other necessary appointments.
women of distinction magazine
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Dr. Kathryn B. Kemp AUTHOR, JOYFUL NOISE PRESS
DR. KATHRYN B. KEMP BEGAN WRITING AS music deviated from standard hymnal practice by referring A YOUNG GIRL. *GT ſHVJ ITCFG RQGO YCU RWDNKUJGF explicitly to the self and one’s personal relationship to God in a national poetry anthology and then she began writing and submitting poetry to magazines as a young adult. After retirement, Kathryn took to writing again when she was inspired to share the power of gospel music and its message to the world.
through faith.
In order to be true to herself and her writing, Kathryn made the decision to have her work self-published. Not only is it FKHĹżEWNV VQ DTGCM KPVQ VJG RWDNKUJKPI CTGPC YKVJQWV CP CIGPV but getting your work into bookstores without being part of a “I knew I had a message to share, and I knew the importance publishing and marketing distribution chain is even tougher. of maintaining my personal integrity and purpose while As an author, Kathryn wanted to maintain the integrity of writing,â€? Kathryn said. “My cancer diagnosis also made me her message, which took courage, determination, and selfTGCNK\G VJCV )QF JCF C URGEKĹżE VKOGNKPG HQT VJG EQORNGVKQP QH belief. my work.â€? Kathryn is also currently teaching as an adjunct faculty (GGNKPI VJG KORQTVCPEG QH FQEWOGPVKPI VJG MG[ ĹżIWTGU KP member at Chicago Baptist Institute and as a faculty instructor VJG JKUVQT[ QH IQURGN OWUKE -CVJT[PĹ?U ĹżTUV DQQM ‘Make a with the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. She is a Joyful Noise: A Brief History of Gospel Music Ministry in retired educator of 34 years for the Chicago public school America’, shares the heritage and legacy of Dr. Thomas system where she worked as a teacher, counselor, dean, # &QTUG[ CPF 4GXGTGPF &T ,COGU %NGXGNCPF 6JG DQQM and administrator in grades pre-K through 12th. Kathryn also includes interviews with top gospel singers, composers, is also completing her second book on African American CPF GXCPIGNKUVU YJQ JCXG NCDQTGF KP VJKU ĹżGNF QH OKPKUVT[ HQT sacred music. When she isn’t teaching or writing, she is praising God Associate Minister at the Memorial M.B. hurch. many years. Reverend Cleveland was a gospel singer, musician, and composer, known all over as the “King of Gospel Musicâ€?; and was the driving force behind the creation of the modern gospel sound by incorporating traditional black gospel, modern soul, pop, and jazz in arrangements for mass choirs. Throughout his career, Reverend Cleveland won four Grammy Awards and received a star along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Dr. Dorsey, also known as “The Father of Black Gospel Musicâ€?, took gospel music and combined Christian praise with the rhythms of jazz and blues. His
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Kimberly Dunn Carolan CERTIFIED CHRISTIAN LIFE COACH, METAMORPHOSIS KDC, LLC
As a stay-at-home mom, wife, and community volu volunteer for many years, Kimberly Dunn Carolan made a na natural transition by becoming a Christian Life Coach two years ago ago. After starting classes at the American Assoc Association of Christian Counseling and Light University, Kimberly discovered a passion of wanting to help women who were going through transitions. “My personal experience of living in many parts of the United States, having a special needs child, being married for 18 years, and then going through a divorce had forced me to go through life transitions frequently,� Kimberly recalls. “Although my life has taken many twists and turns, I have an underlying theme that drives my existence; I have a strong desire to encourage, help, inspire, and build up others.�
explains. “A therapist helps uncover issues from your past, while a life coach meets you where you are now and launches you forward�. Kimberly will encourage her clients at their own pace and help them overcome obstacles that have previously held them back. Kimberly’s compassion for others in need started when she was young and her parents took in foster babies. She learned that it was important and okay to ask for help, and that someone should always be available to help in time of need. Kimberly was fortunate to have her family present in her life, providing a stable and loving environment that offered support and inspiration, while teaching core values and healthy boundaries.
Kimberly recently received her credentials as a Board %GTVKĹżGF /CUVGT %JTKUVKCP .KHG %QCEJ VJTQWIJ VJG As a life coach, Kimberly helps her clients discover International Christian Coaching Association. She their personal best. She helps women discover who also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from they are, what their passions are, and funnels them all Texas Christian University, which she earned in 1993. to help them realize their life purpose. Some of her She enjoys taking classes and plans to gain additional ENKGPVU JCXG C RCTVKEWNCT IQCN QT URGEKĹżE EJCPIG VJG[ SWCNKĹżECVKQPU KP VJG HWVWTG CPF NQXGU NGCFKPI UGOKPCTU want made. With Kimberly’s help, they can meet those and classes about forgiveness, Biblical peace, and FGUKTGU OQTG GHĹżEKGPVN[ UCXKPI RTGEKQWU VKOG CPF helping women discover their spiritual gifts. In the ICKPKPI EQPĹżFGPEG future, she would also like to grow as a conference speaker. Specializing in women’s issues, Kimberly’s area of expertise is helping women get through their transitions With two beautiful teenage daughters, Kimberly successfully. She is able to encourage metamorphosis enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures. through phases that include growing children, the She recently cruised the Western Mediterranean and empty nest stage, post-divorce, raising a special needs spent a week in Tuscany, Italy. Kimberly’s oldest child, crisis pregnancy, post abortion, forgiveness, and daughter enjoys scuba diving and competition with grief. her varsity cheerleading team. Last Year, against all odd, her younger daughter, who has Tuner Syndrome, “A life coach is different than a therapistâ€?, Kimberly EQORNGVGF VJG 0GY ,GTUG[ *CNH /CTCVJQP
women of distinction magazine
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L. J. Jackson, MS FOUNDER, PRESIDENT, PERSONAL POWER WITHIN, INC.
Counseling, Inc., where she became an expert at providing individual and crisis counseling. She is also honored to have feel like they’re not enough, so they let their dreams die or shown 2,000 teenagers how to move past their perceived FQPĹ?V OQXG VQ VJG PGZV NGXGN 6JG[ CTG ĹżNNGF YKVJ UGNH JCVG limitations and go on to pursue careers as doctors, lawyers, or insecurities, so their relationships suffer and they blame law enforcers, engineers, and leaders in society as a school themselves for everything and are depressed; unable to IWKFCPEG EQWPUGNQT CV 5CP $GTPCTFKPQ %KV[ 7PKĹżGF 5EJQQN take care of themselves emotionally, or be fully present for District. their loved ones. It doesn’t have to be this way. This was 5KPEG . , JCU CNUQ DGGP JGNRKPI YQOGP UGG DG[QPF QPEG . , ,CEMUQPĹ?U UVQT[ their current circumstances, obstacles, and perceived Having spent many years of her own life riding an emotional limitations; allowing them to restore their personal power rollercoaster, hiding her feelings, and pretending to be and reach their desired personal and life goals. She is now happy; knowing just how miserable she really was inside, excited to have women as the one and only focus of her . , GPICIGF KP FGUVTWEVKXG DGJCXKQT CPF CVVTCEVGF WPJGCNVJ[ Personal Power Lifestyle Mentoring Programs. She is also CPF CDWUKXG RGQRNG KPVQ JGT NKHG #HVGT ĹżPCNN[ TGCNK\KPI VJCV VJTKNNGF VQ DG KP VJG RTQEGUU QH YTKVKPI VJG ĹżTUV QH C UGTKGU QH KV YCU VKOG VQ VCMG CEVKQP . , YQTMGF YKVJ C OGPVQT CPF books based on her life experiences and teaching others continued her growth until her personal power was restored. how to tap into their “personal power withinâ€?.
MANY SUCCESSFUL WOMEN FEEL UNSATISFIED IN THEIR PERSONAL LIFE. They
Now she wakes up each morning with feelings of hope and joy, and teaches others how to do the same.
. , KU C OGODGT QH VJG %QPVKPGPVCN 9JQĹ?U 9JQ QH 0CVKQPCN Business Leaders, the National Association of Professional “I’ve learned that it’s never a matter of if a person can grow Women, the Worthwhile Referral Sources, and Women’s QT EJCPIGĹ’ . , GZRNCKPGF Ĺ‘+VĹ?U UKORN[ C OCVVGT QH YJGP QPEG Wisdom.net. their mind is made up to put action behind inspired thought.â€? . , JCU C $CEJGNQT QT #TVU KP 2U[EJQNQI[ CPF CP /CUVGT #P CXKF TGCFGT . , OQUVN[ GPLQ[U DQQMU VJCV KPURKTG JGT CPF oif Science in Counseling and Guidance, with 19 years CNNQY JGT VQ ITQY CPF EQPVKPWG VQ GXQNXG 6Q WPYKPF . , of experience and skills learned from some of today’s top loves to laugh, watch movies, spend time with friends and leaders in the personal development industry. She is proud family, and dance. of her work as a school-based counselor at Bilingual Family
61
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Leticia Montero Rodriguez PRESIDENT, MONTECARLO SERVICES, INC.
AN ENTREPRENEUR BY NATURE, Leticia Montero Rodriguez is fueled by the desire for success. And when UJG JCU C DWUKPGUU KFGC UJG ĹżPFU C YC[ VQ CEEQORNKUJ KV While running the event department of a cleaning company, Leticia realized there was an opportunity for her to grow in the cleaning industry. In 2010, she formed a cleaning business, Montecarlo Services, Inc.
For Montecarlo Services to be successful, Leticia also recognizes that it takes a lot of hard work. She is always available for her clients and vendors and directs each and every business transaction with professionalism. She is present both mentally and physically to ensure all details are covered and all tasks are completed properly as requested. She is always focused on the end result, and does not get distracted by daily activities or obstacles.
“My formal education is in languages and I worked for many years in the import/export industry, which gave me a strong background in management, logistics, and coordination,� Leticia said about what makes her successful in business today. “Not to mention the fact that I am persistent, organized, detail oriented, and highly motivated to become stronger in life; both mentally and economically.�
Living in Cuba, Leticia earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Advanced Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages, or ISPLE Pablo Lafargue, as they say, in 1984. Shortly after, she moved to Bordighera Imperia, Italy and GCTPGF JGT %GTVKſECVG QH %QORWVGT 1RGTCVQT CPF 6[RGYTKVKPI from Gamma Institute. After spending 20 years in Italy, .GVKEKC OQXGF VQ /KCOK (. YJGTG UJG GCTPGF C %GTVKſECVG Montecarlo Services specializes in professional commercial in Immigration Paralegal Studies from Florida Paralegal and residential janitorial services for homes, banks, stores, +PUVKVWVG C %GTVKſECVG QH #VVGPFCPEG HQT 'ORNQ[OGPV .CYU CPF QHſEGU CPF QHHGTU CFFKVKQPCN UGTXKEGU UWEJ CU RQYGT and Management from Human Assets Association, Inc., and YCUJKPI ECTRGV ENGCPKPI CPF ƀQQT ECTG 6JG[ CNUQ ECVGT VQ DGECOG C %GTVKſGF 0QVCT[ 2WDNKE 5KIPKPI #IGPV CPF FKF events, sport venues cleaning, and post-construction clean- OSHA training through Miami-Dade College. up. Leticia is a VIP member of the National Association of As Founder and CEO, Leticia is responsible for determining Professional Women and member of Business Network the strategic direction for the company, negotiating +PVGTPCVKQPCN $0+ 5JG CNUQ UWRRQTVU VJG ,&4( 9CNM VQ contracts, monitoring the company’s daily operations, and %WTG &KCDGVGU VQ TCKUG OQPG[ HQT TGUGCTEJ CPF 5V ,WFG supervising the undertakings of each of its operational units. Children’s Research Hospital. As an active walker and Leticia focuses on developing healthy relationships with runner, she also participates in other fundraising pro-health potential clients and concentrates on quality. Recruitment organizations throughout the year. She enjoys being and training of personnel is a vital task she also actively outdoors, listening to music, and spending quality time with QXGTUGGU DGECWUG KV KU KORQTVCPV VQ JCXG SWCNKſGF ENGCPGTU friends. in order for her business to be successful.
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Marcia Yifan Song OWNER, ACUPUNCTURIST, SONGSHINE ACUPUNCTURE
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE BIG APPLE Secondly, as the practitioner, she must treat and make sure on West 21st Street, Marcia Yifan Song has been helping patients as an acupuncturist, healing one patient at a time. Since opening the doors to her own business, Songshine Acupuncture; in 2013 Marcia hopes to bring awareness to VJG OCUUGU QH VJG OCP[ JGCNVJ DGPGſVU QH CEWRWPEVWTG Immigrating to the United States when she was just 10 years old, Marcia had to overcome a handful of challenges, including learning a new language and getting accustomed to her new life in the States. Following in the footsteps of her mother, Marcia wanted to make something of herself. Marcia’s mom began working in Oriental medicine in her native country; and after getting CNN QH JGT EGTVKſECVKQPU JGT OQVJGT QRGPGF JGT own practice in Rhode Island, bringing along all her skills. So after going back to school to earn her Master’s Degree in Chinese Acupuncture from the New England School of Acupuncture, Marcia had the option of working for her mom, working for someone else, or working for herself.
her patients leave feeling better than when they came in. Like the famous poet Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feelâ€?. Marcia couldn’t have said it better herself, and her DWUKPGUU NKVGTCNN[ CPF ĹżIWTCVKXGN[ VJTKXGU CTQWPF VJCV UKPING principle. Acupuncture is considered an alternative and holistic approach to medicine. Marcia has been asked time and again, “Does it really work?â€? People often don’t believe in it, because the media focuses more on western medicine and pharmaceutical drugs. So it’s important that Marcia educate clients just as much as she treats them. She believes in herself and what she does, and people can see and feel it.
Marcia is a member of Acupuncture Society of New York and National Association of Professional Women. Prior to working in the healthcare industry, Marcia earned a Ĺ‘9JGP + ĹżTUV GPVGTGF UEJQQN + VJQWIJV + YQWNF ITCFWCVG CPF Bachelor of Business Adminstration from Boston University work alongside my mom. But deep down, I wanted to have School of Management and worked as a future operations my own practice,â€? Marcia admitted. “I struggled with that specialist. In her free time, she loves to meditate, do yoga, EQPĆ€KEV HQT C YJKNG +P VJG GPF + FGEKFGF VQ QRGP O[ QYP UYKO CPF VTCXGN YKVJ JGT JWUDCPF YJQ YQTMU KP ĹżPCPEG practice and I’m happy I did it, though it wasn’t easy. Working with my mom would have meant seeing her patients who were used to her techniques and may or may not have liked mine. I didn’t want that comparison.â€? Having her own practice also means that Marcia has the HTGGFQO VQ FQ YJCV UJG YCPVU 5JG JCU C NQV QH Ć€GZKDKNKV[ VQ ITQY JGT DWUKPGUU VJG YC[ UJG UGGU ĹżV $WV QPG QH VJG OQUV important aspects of running her business is in marketing and making sure that people are coming in the door.
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Marilyn Thorpe OWNER AND COACH, NEXPHASE TRANSITIONS, LLC
Trinidad and Tobago, native Marilyn Thorpe, came to the United States 42 years ago. Stepping out of her comfort zone and leaving her family and friends was necessary to broaden her horizons and discover her resilience. After working for 21 years, she was ready to transfer her energy, time, and commitment from being an employee to complete empowerment. Wanting to provide a much needed service that connects others with their purpose, Marilyn formed her own business as a life coach in 2006.
with positive people, Marilyn found success. Through perseverance and creativity, not only did Marilyn overcome those obstacles, she has used those experiences to develop business coaching programs for her clients.
MARILYN IS A VIP WOMAN OF THE YEAR,
“I truly believe coaching is what I was meant to do. I love helping others reach their dreams by overcoming their barriers,� Marilyn said about her love of life coaching.
member, and President of the Bowie Chapter of the National Association of Professional Women, an organization that allows women to interact, exchange ideas, educate, and empower one another. She is also a member of eWomen Network, an organization devoted to networking and supporting its members in building and growing their businesses.
As the sole owner of NexPhase Transitions, LLC, Marilyn KU VJG RTKOCT[ UGTXKEG RTQXKFGT TGURQPUKDNG HQT ſPFKPI PGY business, products, and development. Her coaching focus is in the areas of business development, career, franchise, and life coaching to different markets. A key function that helps to leverage Marilyn’s time and resources is the implementation and proper use of technology to keep the DWUKPGUU QRGTCVKPI GHſEKGPVN[ CPF GHHGEVKXGN[ 5JG CNUQ knows when to outsource certain functions to help streamline business performance and productivity.
Because it is important for Marilyn to give back to her community, she volunteers for the Sisters for Christ Dream Team. She helps to develop, nurture, support, mentor, and coach teenagers to aid them as they transfer into adulthood by developing programs, events, and educational modules for those many young ladies. Marilyn also volunteers her life coaching services at a local church by way of counseling and coaching ministries, and is an active and longtime member with the Christian Women’s Leadership Group Washington Metro Area Women’s Ministries.
The transition from employee to entrepreneurship was daunting, and there were times Marilyn doubted herself and her ability to be successful. That being said, she knew she had to get over that hurdle, because going back to a 9-to-5 job was not something she wanted to ever consider again. Initially, Marilyn was faced with the challenge of getting enough clients to grow the business and develop and research new products, so managing her time and resources was imperative. By participating in mastermind groups, working alongside another coach, and surrounding herself
Marilyn enjoys playing tennis and is always looking to improve her game. As a lifetime learner, she loves to travel and explore other cultures, has a passion for reading both ĹżEVKQP CPF PQP ĹżEVKQP OCVGTKCN CPF EQPUKFGTU JGTUGNH CP avid, amateur gardener. Still living in Maryland today, she has been married to her husband for 40 years.
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Marsha Moore REALTOR, DOWNING FRYE REALTY; AUTHOR
#U C EJKNF /CTUJC /QQTG YCPVGF VQ DGEQOG C Ć€KIJV attendant. Upon reaching adulthood, she moved from California to Alaska in 1971 and became one. But by 1988, she had decided she was ready to change careers and try something completely different. A friend of hers, a realtor, was doing very well, and Marsha thought, “If she can do it, so can I.â€? Marsha has been a realtor now for 26 years, presently at Downing-Frye Realty in Bonita Springs and Naples, Florida. “My enthusiasm and rewards achieved by assisting my customers with their real estate needs is why I have found UWEEGUU KP VJKU ĹżGNF Ĺ’ /CTUJC UCKF Ĺ‘/[ DWUKPGUU KU C TGUWNV of loyal customers and referrals. I have an uncanny ability to connect with buyers and lead them to a home and community that they wouldn’t have originally thought of or even thought they wanted.â€?
Marsha became an author by popular demand. After being diagnosed with sleep apnea, two doctors suggested that she lose 20-25 pounds in order to possibly avoid wearing the C-Pap device. After losing 30 pounds in 28 weeks and going from a size 14 to a size 6, she was constantly being asked to share her weight loss secrets. The end result was her writing a book, ‘The Shrinking Belt...a No-Brainer To Weight Loss!’ Marsha accomplished her goals, eliminating the use of the C-Pap and keeping her 30-pound weight loss off since 2010. Marsha plans on writing another book soon based on the little voices within her; all true stories.
In addition to selling real estate and writing books, Marsha has since invented a tanning product called TanTeaseTM. When she isn’t consumed with her work, she can be found helping out at her husband’s business, Gulf Coast Inspections and Testing/Radon Mitigations. Her son, ,QPCVJCP $WUJ KU CP QHĹżEG OCPCIGT HQT VJG DWUKPGUU *KU An honest, sincere, and caring realtor who loves selling wife, Lydia, home schools their boys and is the owner of dream homes and making her clients’ dreams come true, WEIGHTED SOLUTIONS, a company that makes products Marsha uses her networking skills, boundless energy, and for children and adults with autism and those with restless JGT CFOKVVGF UKZVJ UGPUG VQ JGNR CNN QH JGT ENKGPVU ĹżPF VJGKT NGI U[PFTQOG ,QPCVJCP .[FKC CPF /CTUJCĹ?U ITCPFUQPU ideal property. She knows when the price is right and, in .WMCJ CPF ,CGFGP LWUV OQXGF VQ UWPP[ (NQTKFC HTQO fact, won two cars on the television game show The Price Louisville, KY to live close by. Is Right. Active with various organizations, including the National Association of Professional Women, Marsha was recently voted as their Woman of the Year. She even started her own group, known to many locals as “the w00-w00 SoulMatesâ€?. The group has nearly 100 members who meet in an effort to share information and network with each other.
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Patricia J. Hunnybun OWNER, PAMPERED PETS & PEOPLE LLC Monument, CO DUBBED AN ANIMAL WHISPERER by her family, plants, and do all of the little things they may need while her 2CVTKEKC , *WPP[DWP YCU DQTP YKVJ C PCVWTCN KPUVKPEV CPF ability to work with animals. In 1991, Patricia started working with her friends’ and family’s animals; pet sitting and training dogs and horses, while she ran a large equine stable. Four years later, she started her own animal care business, ‘Patricia’s Pampered Pets’, which was later renamed Pampered Pets & People LLC.
clients are gone. 6Q DGVVGT UGTXG JGT ENKGPVU 2CVTKEKC KU EGTVKſGF KP #PKOCN Safety, CPR, and First Aid through the Red Cross. She is an accredited member of ASPCA, Pet Sitters International, National Association of Pet Sitters, her local Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, Professional United Pet Sitters, Angie’s List (where she happened to win the 2013 Super Service Award), and the National Association of Professional Women, who awarded her the 2014/2015 VIP Woman of the Year.
“You know the old saying, ‘Find something you would do for free and make a career out of it,?’, well that’s what I did,â€? Patricia said enthusiastically. “I worked in corporate America for almost 19 years while I was a single parent. When I was ĹżPCPEKCNN[ CDNG + FGEKFGF VQ VCMG VJG TKUM CPF RWTUWG O[ Giving back to her local community, Patricia donated 10% of VJG EQORCP[Ĺ?U GCTPKPIU DGVYGGP ,WN[ CPF 5GRVGODGT dreams and passion to do what I love.â€? VQ JGNR VJG TGNKGH GHHQTVU YKVJ VJG $NCEM (QTGUV ĹżTG YJGTG Patricia offers in-home pet sitting, so the animals can stay in 486 homes were lost. As a member of the Black Forest their own homes with minimal to no exposure to any other Business Group, she also helped raise over $3,000 for the animals, reducing their risk of injury or illness that could be ĹżTG FGRCTVOGPV YJQ NQUV C NQV QH GSWKROGPV ĹżIJVKPI VJG ĹżTG contracted by other animals. She also adheres to the pets’ Loving the wonderful splendor of Mother Nature, Patricia and feeding schedules, food types, and gives them one-on-one, her husband spend a lot of time enjoying wildlife, whether personal attention with their familiar toys in their own home KP VJG OQWPVCKPU QT D[ VJG QEGCP 6JG[ CTG DQVJ EGTVKĹżGF environment. She provides play visits, exercise, and walks scuba divers and have taken trips to Belize and Kona, HI. in their own neighborhoods to keep them on their regular Patricia loves horseback riding, kayaking, traveling, and routine and reduces stress through exercise, interaction, taking road trips, too. and engagement. “I live my personal and professional life by the ‘Golden Rule’, In-home pet sitting gives Patricia’s clients added security, and my business motto is “Treating You, Your Pets, and because their home is not left unattended for long periods Your Home as My Own,â€? Patricia said. “I strive every day to of time and she can check on the house, while giving it a live up to that motto and the Golden Rule.â€? “lived inâ€? appearance. She’ll also bring in the mail, water the
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Racquel Victoria Singleton-Quiney LIFE COACH AUTHOR AND POET, PISCEAN CITY
Since that time, Racquel has written and published two more Victoria Singleton-Quiney decided that she wanted to pursue books dealing with her experiences in love and loss of love. a career path where she would be able to do just that. In 6JG ĹżTUV “Quotations from the 9 to 5 Womanâ€? was published 4CESWGN TGEGKXGF JGT NKHG EQCEJ EGTVKĹżECVKQP HTQO in 2009 through Xlibris, and the second, “Memories and Fowler Wainwright International Institute of Professional Stages of Love, Volume 1â€?, was published in 2012, through Life Coaching in an effort to inspire, encourage, uplift, and AuthorHouse. It speaks of life choices, relationships, and love. empower women.
WITH A THIRST FOR HELPING WOMEN, Racquel
“My motivation and inspiration has always been my clients,� Racquel said about life coaching women. “I meet with them, talk about their goals and plans, and give them direction to reach the outcome they desire. I am also my clients’ personal cheerleader and a great listener.� Racquel’s role as a life coach not only involves coaching, but also all of the administrative work. She contacts clients, books appointments, and gathers all the information she needs before the coaching actually begins. While Racquel’s coaching focus is in the areas of emotions, relationships, and self-love for women, she does not limit herself to just those three components. Her true goal is to change the world by inspiring others through love, life, creativity, and a deep faith in God.
As a life coach and author, Racquel keeps her eyes on her goals and never lets the world tell her that she cannot do something. Early on, she was faced with people who didn’t believe in her or her work, but she pushed through and RTQXGF VJGO CNN YTQPI $[ MGGRKPI )QF ſTUV KP GXGT[VJKPI she does, and through much hard work, Racquel has been able to achieve great success as a life coach and author. Before becoming a life coach, Racquel worked as a security QHſEGT CV VJG /)/ )TCPF %CUKPQ CPF CU C EWUVQOGT UGTXKEG and a sales representative in retail for Rave and Sunglass Hut. These positions helped her gain insight as to how to deal with people and clients on an individual level; which, in turn, made her into a better life coach.
Racquel enjoys reading psychology books, singing, and In high school, Racquel started writing poetry, and today her spending time with her family. She likes going to the movies writing and life coaching go hand in hand. With the ability to and, of course, writing poetry. She and her husband, Calven create poems through her own words and be able to express Quiney, reside in Westland, MI with her son, Robert, who YJCVĹ?U KP JGT JGCTV 4CESWGN ĹżPFU C VTWG EQPPGEVKQP DGVYGGP LWUV ĹżPKUJGF JKIJ UEJQQN KP RQGVT[ CPF EQCEJKPI *GT ĹżTUV DQQM QH RQGVT[ YCU RWDNKUJGF in 2004 by Rain Child Productions.
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Rhonda D. McLain LICENSED, CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL MIDWIFE, MCLAIN MIDWIFERY & DOULA SERVICES
SINCE RHONDA D. MCLAIN WAS FIVE YEARS OLD, she knew that she wanted to deliver babies. As she got older, that desire grew stronger, yet she became disheartened with the doctor/patient model. Instead, Rhonda desired a more holistic approach. After being introduced to a midwife, she realized it was exactly what she had envisioned. And as they say, “the rest is history”. “I love what I do! Through my training I have learned and developed skills to do so much more than deliver babies,” Rhonda said about midwifery. “I am making a difference by helping women believe in themselves and their bodies. I am trusted to take care of women during their pregnancy, as well as keep everyone safe and healthy prenatally during labor and delivery, and afterwards”.
LLC. Rhonda had attended approximately 100 births and many more prenatals at the completion of her classes and apprenticeship. Traveling to California, Rhonda passed the North American Registry of Midwives written exam before passing the South Carolina State Oral Exam. In 2012, she was licensed to practice midwifery in South Carolina, and a year later she QDVCKPGF JGT %GTVKſGF 2TQHGUUKQPCN /KFYKHGT[ %GTVKſECVKQP
In 2013, Rhonda formed McLain Midwifery & Doula Services as sole owner, responsible for all aspects of the business. She gives all the mothers the option of delivering in their homes or at Labors of Love Birth Center. She enjoys educating the women patients and their partners regarding the beauty of pregnancy and the many amazing aspects of 'XGP VJQWIJ 4JQPFC YCU EQPſFGPV VJCV UJG YCPVGF VQ the female body. Whenever a woman can go into labor with be a midwife, she decided to go to college anyway. She a bit more ease and in control, Rhonda feels she has done graduated from Harding University in 2008 with a Bachelor a good job. of Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Healthcare Management. During her senior 4JQPFC KU C OGODGT QH 0CVKQPCN #UUQEKCVKQP QH %GTVKſGF year, Rhonda worked at a local pediatric clinic, Pediatrics Professional Midwives, Upstate Birth Network, Spartanburg Unlimited, May of 2008, the clinic hired her full-time as a Young Professionals, Christian Midwives International, patient services coordinator. This gave her experience and National Association of Professional Women. She is working with insurance companies, scheduling patients, and also in the process of earning her Placenta Encapsulation handling patients’ needs that she would eventually bring %GTVKſECVKQP forth to her own business. “I want women to be able to have options,” Rhonda Starting Doula training in the Fall of 2009, Rhonda received emphasized. “If they want to deliver in a hospital, great. If JGT &QWNC %GTVKſECVKQP CPF DGICP RTCEVKEKPI 5JG QHſEKCNN[ they want to deliver in their beds at home, I’ll be there. But DGICP OKFYKHGT[ ENCUUGU CPF JGT CRRTGPVKEGUJKR KP ,CPWCT[ most importantly, I want them to be able to make informed 2010. During this time, she started working as a receptionist decisions that are not based on fear or misinformation.” CPF VJGP CU QHſEG OCPCIGT CV .CDQTU QH .QXG $KTVJ %GPVGT
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Rosalin Denise Marshall CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, FOUNDER, VINTAGE ROSE BATTERED WOMEN’S SHELTER CORPORATION
all different ethnic backgrounds. She asked questions pertaining to how they felt about having a shelter in their is something that Rosalin Denise Marshall battled battl in her neighborhood and explained how she would be involved adolescent teenage years. Living as a victim of domestic YKVJ FQEVQTUĹ? QHĹżEGU CPF %QWPV[ 5QEKCN 5GTXKEGU 0QY KP VJG violence during much of her school years, Rosalin went on process of securing a location and/or residence for Vintage VQ YQTM CU C %GTVKĹżGF 0WTUGĹ?U #UUKUVCPV %0# HQT VJG GNFGTN[ Rose Shelter to provide a safe place, while trying to also and disabled for more than 30 years. In 1998, she began TCKUG HWPFU VQ NGCUG QT TGPV C JQOG QT UOCNN QHĹżEG DWKNFKPI a new career under the direction of Dr. Al Sorkin, who was Rosalin’s efforts are making real headway. the director of URDC Choices, a day treatment program for women and children suffering from drug and alcohol abuse. “It takes patience, persistence, and hard work,â€? Rosalin admits. “There is always work to be done and appointments “I have a strong desire to help other women with children to be made in moving forward with the organization, but it is VQ ĹżPF C UCHG RNCEG CYC[ HTQO VJGKT CDWUGTU IKXKPI VJGO worth it.â€?
REDEFINING HERSELF AND REPLACING REPLACIN THE “VICTIM CARD� with self-worth and positive se self-esteem
resources and relocation programs away from the abuse,� Rosalin said. “To help plan out their futures without the threat of fear or intimidation and provide a place of solace for them is very comforting for me. As a survivor, I’ve been given another chance at life to share my stories with other female survivors of domestic violence and to let them know that they are not alone.� Rosalin gives much thanks to Dr. Sorkin for helping lay the groundwork and she is forever grateful to him. Eventually retiring himself in 2010, Dr. Sorkin passed away in 2013. A man of great character, he worked endless hours, seven days a week, to come to the aid of the women and their children in his treatment program that Rosalin, also participated in, back in 1994.
Rosalin is active with the National Association of Professional Women’s Pasadena, CA chapter. She is also involved with local and private fundraising events that help build funds for the Vintage Rose Shelter and has held several luncheons and workshops on the domestic violence cycle for women. She is hoping to publish her autobiography this year, entitled ‘Reminiscing’, which she began writing in 2003. )TQYKPI WR KP 'CUV 1TCPIG 0, 4QUCNKP YCU VJG [QWPIGUV of 12 children. She now has three children of her own, Asia (23), Elijah (22), and Sampson (21).
9JGP 4QUCNKP ĹżTUV DGICP JGT LQWTPG[ KPVQ VJG FGXGNQROGPV and formation of her shelter, she began by visiting local communities and interviewing women at random from
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Sally Pelletier Moore
PRESIDENT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FOUNDER, PERKS N MOORE, INC. SALLY PELLETIER MOORE SPENT 12 YEARS Sally is the Founder and President of Perks n Moore. She AS A CAREGIVER for her mother and then for her is also Executive Director, Treasurer, Secretary, and a fullhusband. Both had suffered from Alzheimer’s at a time when very little was known about the disease. Tending to their needs was devastating. It turned her life upside down and inside out, stripping Sally of who she was before both of their lives were stolen from her. The devastation was indescribable. “Though it took me 14 years after my husband’s death to realize my dream of caring for caregivers, I knew it was something I needed to do,â€? Sally said. “I completed the required paperwork and forms and attended start-up business workshops at night and on the weekends. In December 2009, Perks n Moore, Inc. was incorporated as a PQP RTQĹżV E QTICPK\CVKQP Ĺ’ The novel concept behind Perks n Moore is caring for caregivers. Caregivers identify stress and self-isolation as the most crippling impacts of their lives and respite and emotional support as the two most important and desired services. The Perks n Moore’s programs were created based on caregivers’ ideas to address those needs. Perks n Moore’s innovative programs and services go beyond the monthly support group, occasional education classes, and yearly conference. The programs provide mentoring, education, support, and socialization to all caregivers, so they can meet and overcome daily challenges. Their services focus on each caregiver’s immediate problem and then focuses on long-term needs. This unique approach offers caregivers a daily gathering place, where they can relax and learn simple solutions to everyday challenges.
women of distinction magazine
time volunteer. To promote Perks n Moore and its services, Sally has been invited as a guest 16 times with CLOSE-UP Talk Radio, has presented at yearly social work conferences with the National Association of Social Workers and National Association of Christian Social Workers since 2006, and YCU C MG[PQVG URGCMGT HQT # 6TWG ,GYGN +PE Ĺ?U (KTUV #PPWCN Fundraiser/Social Event to support Special Women in Palm Beach County in 2013. “Don’t compromise your values and integrity for anyone or anything,â€? Sally noted. “Trust in God and believe in yourself, DGECWUG PQVJKPI KU KORQUUKDNG KH [QWT IQCN KU DGPGĹżEKCN VQ others.â€? An active member of the Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce, Boynton Chamber Health Council, and the Spirit of Giving Network, Sally is the in the process of forming the Collaboration of Caregiver Organizations with two other PQP RTQĹżVU VJCV ECTG HQT RCTGPVU CPF IWCTFKCPU QH URGEKCN needs children. She is also the author of two Alzheimer’s caregiver’s journals, entitled ‘One Word, An Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Journal’ and ‘Two Tears, an Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Journal’, and she is now working to complete ‘Three Hearts, Four Joy, Five Sorrow, and Six Cents’. After the death of her husband, Sally went back to college to earn her Bachelor Degree in Social Work from Saint Leo University in 2000 and a Master Degree in Social Work from Barry University in 2001; and she became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida in 2009.
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Sara J. Merchant OWNER, SJM SOLUTIONS LLC
(170&'& +0 5,/ 51.76+105 ..% was a result of 5CTC , /GTEJCPVĹ?U YKUJ VQ TWP JGT QYP QPNKPG DWUKPGUU VQ GCTP GZVTC income after retiring. The website, YourSpoiledCat.com, has been up and running for more than two years now, and is a result of one of her biggest loves, cats. Featuring beds, furniture, carriers, litter boxes, dishes, strollers, toys, CPF OQTG HQT GXGT[ ĹżPKEM[ HGNKPGĹ?U PGGFU 5CTC ECTTKGU OCP[ QH VJG VQR brands in pet supplies at very affordable prices, including Big Shrimpy, Majestic, Sherpa Pet Group, Cat Dancer, and many, many more. She prides in carrying only the best in quality products and features some of the big sellers and special items in a separate category online for quick and easy access. As Founder and Owner of her online business, Sara oversees the website upkeep, as well as the ordering of products and seeing that each and every customer is happy. She is honest, trustworthy, and very hardworking, and it shows in how she tends to her business and her clients. Ĺ‘+ UVCPF DGJKPF CNN QH O[ RTQFWEVU Ĺ’ 5CTC UCKF EQPĹżFGPVN[ Ĺ‘6JG[ CTG CNN well-known and some of them are even made in the USA.â€? Though Sara’s online store only ships products within the United States, items that are in stock will ship within 2-5 business days, typically via UPS and FedEx; but no PO boxes, please. Returns are guaranteed for up to 30 days, as satisfaction is guaranteed. They also gladly accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and PayPal as forms of payment. Once on the site, you can log in and create your own account, making it that much easier to make future purchases. YourSpoiledCat.com is also featured on several of the popular social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+. Sara previously volunteered with the Animal Welfare Association, working with the cats. It was a wonderful experience. More recently, she has taken up an interest in making handmade greeting cards and giving them away to friends and family for various occasions, like birthdays and other special moments in their lives. She also loves to work on puzzle books to pass the time and keep her mind not only occupied, but sharp. A married woman, Sara and her husband have no children of their own, but they have one loving, female, four-legged feline named Princess, that they consider just as special.
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Shari Anderson-Mientus INDEPENDENT, REGIONAL CONSULTANT, AMB MBIT ENERGY
INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT SHARI ANDERSON-MIENTUS is grateful for the phone call she received from her cousin asking her to take a look at a home-based business opportunity that was quickly becoming the #1 retail energy provider. Shari looked into the opportunity and shortly thereafter, began her journey with Ambit Energy. “Ambit is the perfect business opportunity, Shari said. “I do not keep inventories, deliveries, or collections. I am not selling a product; I am offering a service that will save customers money and provide an unlimited earning potential for consultants that join the business. Potential customers consist of everyone, because everyone unconsciously purchases and habitually uses electricity and/or natural gas.� Ambit Energy is a network marketing energy service provider based in Dallas, TX that provides electricity and natural gas services in deregulated energy markets. Currently, Ambit has a marketing presence in 14 states, and is determined to reach all 50 states and as well as spreading internationally, as markets deregulate. Ambit is a member of the DSA and was named the #1 fastest growing privately-held company in 2010 by Inc. 500.
opportunity with those who are interested in changing their ĹżPCPEKCN HWVWTG #ODKV KU PQV C IGV TKEJ SWKEM RNCP DWV YKVJ a consistent and persistent effort, the sky is the limit. Shari really enjoys being part of an organization that has been a positive force in her life. The backgrounds of other Ambit consultants are diverse, and Shari enjoys meeting other consultants and hearing their stories as to why they, became Ambit consultants and hearing their successes. She also networks with fellow consultants when a question arises that she does not have an answer for. “Within Ambit, everyone is truly looking to assist one another to help grow each other’s business, even when the end result has no effect on their own business,â€? Shari added. With a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Illinois University, Shari spent the beginning of her work career with Kemper Financial Services. In 1996, she decided to make a FTCOCVKE EJCPIG CPF DGECOG C (KTGĹżIJVGT HQT VJG %JKECIQ Fire Department before being promoted to engineer/ emergency medical technician in 2004.
Celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary this year, Shari With the utmost professionalism at its core, Ambit’s goal is CPF JGT JWUDCPF ſTUV OGV KP EQNNGIG 6JG[ JCXG VYQ CFWNV VQ őDG VJG ſPGUV CPF OQUV TGURGEVGF TGVCKN GPGTI[ RTQXKFGT children; one is in the hospitality industry and the other is in KP #OGTKEC Œ YJKNG KVU OQVVQ KU VQ őPGXGT UCETKſEG KPVGITKV[ HQT healthcare consulting. Shari enjoys working out, horseback riding, and traveling. She also enjoys meeting new people, growth.� making her consultant work that much more enjoyable. Shari says that when a prospect arises, she shares the Ambit opportunity; explaining to others the potential savings on their monthly energy bills. She also shares the business
women of distinction magazine
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Susan Skoczypiec
ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY, CARTERET POLICE DEPARTMENT OWNER, NATURE’S BRILLIANCE BY SUE™ HAVING DEALT WITH MULTIPLE ALLERGIES C EGTVKſECVG HTQO '$C[ 2QYGTUGNNGT KP TGEQIPKVKQP QH JGT FOR YEARS 5WUCP 5MQE\[RKGE YKUJGF VQ ſPF C NKPG QH outstanding achievement. natural mineral make-up and organic skin and body care products suitable for all skin types. With a lot of persistence and exhausting research, Susan found products that were not only effective, but safe, even for those like Susan with multiple allergies. In 2007, she took it a step further, having founded Nature’s Brilliance by Sue™, selling products that are 100% natural or organic, and have all been tested and approved by Susan herself.
Susan also has diplomas in Holistic Beauty Therapy and *QNKUVKE *GTDCN 6JGTCR[ CPF EGTVKĹżECVGU KP 4GĆ€GZQNQI[ Aromatherapy, Bach Flower Remedies, Crystal Healing, Nutritional Therapy, Herbalism, and Business Development for the Alternative Health Therapist. All of these achievements took place through the Natural Health Institute, which is based in Canada.
When Susan isn’t consumed in her own business, she also works full-time for the Carteret Police Department as an administrative secretary. There, she is responsible for handling the budget, purchasing, and keeping up to date ĹżNGU 5JG KU CNUQ VJG EQQTFKPCVQT QH VJGKT 0GKIJDQTJQQF Nature’s Brilliance is a web-based business located on the Watch Group and the National Night-Out Project. She 'CUV %QCUV QH 0GY ,GTUG[ 5WUCP KU VJG UQNG RTQRTKGVQT CPF has been with the Department since graduating from high handles all phases of the business. It has been quite the school; initially hired after the township received a grant for learning experience, but Susan believes in herself, her work, their crime prevention unit. She began as their clerk typist CPF YCU CEVWCNN[ VJG ĹżTUV ENGTM CPF YQOCP VQ YQTM HQT VJG and her products. Borough Carteret Police Department. Throughout her years, #HVGT ĹżPFKPI VJG RTQFWEVU UJG YCPVGF VQ UGNN CPF ETGCVKPI 5WUCP CNUQ QDVCKPGF OCP[ EGTVKĹżECVGU KPENWFKPI 'ZGEWVKXG her company website, Susan then began to produce her and Legal Secretary. own cosmetics, free of many of the top food allergens and chemical ingredients. Susan has since become very “IF YOU BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND THE educated with her own allergies that she is happy to now be WORK YOU DO, IT WILL SHOW IN THE WAY able to share her knowledge with customers who suffer from YOU HANDLE YOURSELF AND OTHERS. I the same issues. “It may sound clichĂŠ, but I love what I do and love helping people locate products for their skin tone and skin type,â€? Susan admitted. “I am a creative person and enjoy making new cosmetic products.â€?
DEVOTE MY ENTIRE SELF TO EVERYTHING Susan is committed to helping her customers. She I WORK ON, AND HOPE THAT WHAT I DO treats them with respect, and in return they become loyal ALWAYS HELPS PEOPLE IN A POSITIVE WAY.� consumers. Susan’s online sales have even awarded her
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Swapnil Sharma REALTOR, RE/MAX DFW ASSOCIATES
SEEKING A CAREER WITH THE FLEXIBILITY through the many obstacles that come with buying and needed to juggle family life, Swapnil Sharma decided to become licensed in real estate in 2009. As an agent for RE/MAX DFW Associates in Flower Mound, TX, she gets to work with clients seeking to buy or sell their homes, which is very rewarding. Because her clients hope for a pleasant experience, Swapnil works hard to transform their dreams into reality. “Nothing brings me more satisfaction than helping my clients achieve a home sale quickly, with ease, and for a better price than they imagined,” Swapnil said about her career in real estate. “As I continue to grow as a real estate professional, I see my abilities improving and my clients returning to use my services for their next real estate ventures.”
selling real estate on her clients’ behalf isn’t always easy, but she always has the best interest of each client. This is what makes Swapnil a successful realtor. Swapnil hopes to make a positive impact on the real estate industry by being known as hardworking, caring, and an incredible colleague, friend, and agent. She strives to inspire others the way she has been inspired by professionals such as the CEO and Director of RE/MAX, Margaret Kelly, and Real Estate Coach, Tom Ferry. Being a member of the International Real Estate Society, Accredited Luxury Home Specialist, Veterans Land Board, National Association of Women, and National Association of Realtors has allowed Swapnil to utilize more resources for her clients; and, in turn, suggest the top homes in their area. She is also active in her online community by starting her own blog and always ſPFU VKOG VQ WRFCVG JGT UQEKCN PGVYQTMU YKVJ TGCN GUVCVG VKRU and articles.
Swapnil prides herself on providing excellent services, repeat clients, and referrals. From showing a home, to drafting offers and contracts, to scheduling inspections, and closing deals, Swapnil ensures that her clients are followed WR YKVJ CPF HGGN EQORNGVGN[ UCVKUſGF YKVJ VJG UGTXKEGU UJG Loving all that the city has to offer her family, Swapnil lives in Flower Mound, TX. Her husband, Somesh, is a software provides. engineer and provides a great life for her and their children. To ensure a pleasant and appreciative relationship with her Amey (9), is showing a large interest in athletics, sports, and clients, Swapnil is always honest and genuine. Though studies, and Aarna (4), is creative, artistic, and has a loving clients may not always love the news she has to give them personality. during the process, they still respect and listen to her, because she is willing to give them all the facts. Navigating
women of distinction magazine
74
Tara M. Lavis PRINCIPAL, MACK LAVIS MARKETING, LLC
AFTER A SUCCESSFUL COUPLE OF YEARS IN face of change by embracing it as a positive force, and has demonstrated, most importantly, the importance of allies ADVERTISING andd quantitative i i market k research, h Tara T M. Lavis transitioned smoothly into brand management, later forming her very own business. This shift placed her at the hub of activity for brands responsible for their short- and long-term success.
and loyalty. Willing to do anything within her ethical realm, Tara also discovered that she can learn from the smallest of assignments where she’s worked on a lean team, as well as on priority projects that came with large resources.
The professional woman Tara has become over the past few years is amazing. She couldn’t imagine doing anything else. However, if you asked her two years ago where she’d be today, she might have said something completely different. Being a small business owner, is a dream come true for Tara. Accepting that not every role was an ideal Tara opened a small professional marketing consulting ĹżV JGT UGNH TGĆ€GEVKQP JCU CNUQ JGNRGF JGT XKUWCNK\G YJCV ĹżTO /CEM .CXKU /CTMGVKPI ..% KP #U 2TKPEKRCN QH roles best leveraged her key skills and interests. She then the organization, Tara is responsible for all operations and acknowledged her weaknesses, examined herself, and DWUKPGUU FGXGNQROGPV YJKEJ UJG ĹżPFU DQVJ EJCNNGPIKPI developed a plan to turn those weaknesses into strengths; a and exhilarating. Through her marketing consulting, Tara key to her entrepreneurship success today. By reinventing brings substantial experience in managing programs that herself, Tara was able to brainstorm her values and develop convey clarity to complex business issues. These issues a plan to achieve her goals. She did this by not constricting range from understanding the business/consumer decision herself in current paradigms; and only after breaking her making process to designing and implementing high prior paradigms, did bigger and better business opportunities impact marketing and communication programs that target present themselves. prospective customers with a portfolio of offerings. Tara’s a member of the Institute of Management Consultants Crediting her former supervisor and mentor for passing and National Association of Professional Women. She on a great deal of advice to her when it comes to great XQNWPVGGTU YKVJ VJG ,WPKQT .GCIWG QH )TGCVGT 2TKPEGVQP CPF business practices, Tara continuously strives to heed his enjoys photography and hiking local trails. “My career experiences have been both deep and diverse, and in each role I have brought value and have been valued for my contributions,â€? Tara said about her accomplishments in marketing. “As long as I am stimulated at this level, I cannot imagine leaving my current line of work.â€?
recommendations daily. Her mentor has also challenged her to form the best solutions, even when they aren’t the most popular. This has taught her to be resilient in the
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“I hope people can see that I’ve built a successful career only while maintaining my integrity and core values,� Tara said.
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
Thelma Allen Stich, PhD, RN PRESIDENT, OWNER, STUDENT NURSE COACH, LLC
BARELY A TEENAGER, Thelma Allen Stich tended to her terminally ill grandmother who was dying from stomach cancer. The nurses at the hospital taught Thelma how to change dressings, so she could care for her grandmother upon her return home. By the time she was 15, she decided to volunteer in the summer as a candy striper. This is when she really discovered just how fascinating nursing was. By the end of that summer, she knew for sure that she was going to study nursing in college. Thelma went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from CUNY, Hunter College-Bellevue School of Nursing in 1980, followed by an Master of Science in Nursing from Wagner College in 1990, a PhD in Nursing from State 7PKXGTUKV[ QH 0GY ,GTUG[ KP CPF VJGP DGECOG C NGICN nurse consultant in 2004 and RN Auditor in 2013. After practicing nursing for 34 years in many different areas of healthcare, including acute care, ambulatory care, drug/ nursing research, and patient education, and teaching academe, community health, and homecare nursing, Thelma found herself unemployed. Being physically challenged due to multiple chronic illnesses, and after being turned down time and time again in interviews, Thelma felt that no one would ever hire her again. That’s when she decided to hire herself. “In my own small way, I am helping one student at a time to become a nurse and alleviate the nursing shortage,� Thelma said, who has been the owner of Student Nurse Coach LLC since 2007. “I’ve always wanted to make a difference in my profession and it’s a blessing that I’ve been able to do so many diverse things and still be a nurse.�
women of distinction magazine
Student Nurse Coach offers an online experience that is designed to supplement and enhance the nursing student’s education. Each student is personally tutored by a teacher in any of the nursing educational programs (Diploma, ADN, BSN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN, and LPN to RN). The goal is to help the student be successful in a non-threatening, nonjudgmental environment. Techniques are utilized to help the student identify important content from nursing textbooks, understand test question construction, reduce test anxiety, improve writing skills, and learn effective time management. As President and Owner, Thelma makes every decision, does all aspects of the budgeting, recruitment and retention of students, and website content/design.
“I NEVER GAVE UP WHEN NO ONE WANTED TO HIRE ME,� THELMA ADDED. “IT’S IMPORTANT TO NEVER STOP BELIEVING IN YOUR ABILITIES.� Thelma is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, a guardian for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a former member of the American Cub Scouts, and former team leader for the American Heart Association. Married to husband Charlie for 32 years, her life is full when family is nearby. They have two adopted children, a son and daughter, and two granddaughters that she loves to play with. When Thelma’s alone, she can be found listening to music, reading poetry, and reading inspiring stories like ‘We Band of Angels’ by Elizabeth Norman.
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Theresa “Lynnâ€? DiFato Debra D. Schnelle CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER TRIFECTA SOLUTIONS Theresa “Lynnâ€? DiFato and Debra D. Schnelle began their careers in the military and were part of the generation of leaders who demonstrated that women could serve their country, modeling the highest standards of professionalism and competence. During Lynn’s 20 year career in the US Air Force, she achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, served as Chief Consultant to the Surgeon General for Infection Control, and Deputy Chief for the Chemical Biological Material Division in the Air Force Medical Support Agency Modernization Directorate. Debra entered the US Army /GFKECN 5GTXKEG %QTRU CU 4CFKCVKQP 2TQVGEVKQP 1HĹżEGT CPF served as Lead Medical Planner for Chemical, Biological, and Nuclear Defense for the US Army, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Drawing on their professional and military experiences, Lynn and Debra founded Trifecta Solutions in 2010. Committed to developing the strategies and tools necessary to support healthcare transformation, they assist organizations in facing rapidly evolving technologies, business intelligence tools, data, and analytic delivery mechanisms by specializing in providing government managers with the information and knowledge they require to make more informed, powerful decisions. “There is no substitute for working within a medical treatment facility and understanding the challenges of improving processes and procedures, while simultaneously serving a large patient population,â€? both women agree. “In the military, we served in one of the largest healthcare systems in the world, which helped prepare us for our role in serving federal clients and improve the healthcare experience for veterans, military personnel, and citizens.â€?
nurture critical thinking and the ability to discern what works and what doesn’t work within the healthcare system. The two women are developing a niche expertise in technology assessment and program evaluation, believing that objective measures will serve their clients better in the long run. 9QTMKPI VQIGVJGT .[PP CPF &GDTC FGſPG VJG XKUKQP HQT VJG company, but as business partners, they have divided their responsibilities carefully with an eye to leverage their different skill sets. As CEO, Lynn leads the company’s business development efforts, developing and sustaining strategic partnerships with both clients and business partners across the country. She focuses on sustaining an environment within the company that encourages innovation, creativity, CPF RGTUQPCN HWNſNNOGPV #U %11 &GDTC YQTMU VQ FGXGNQR and improve all of the corporate processes, from recruiting talented people to monitoring project performance and FGſPKPI JQY YQTM SWCNKV[ YKNN DG CUUGUUGF CPF OQPKVQTGF Debra’s skills are in research and process improvement, and she focuses those skills on ensuring the company is growing and developing as planned. Both Lynn and Debra have contributed multiple publications and several presentations in their area of expertise. Lynn is a member of the National Association for Professional Women and the Association for Professionals in Infectious Control and Epidemiology. Debra is an Incident Commander for the Fairfax Medical Reserve Corps, where she supports the emergency preparedness effort.
Through the services provided by Trifecta, Lynn and Debra are intentionally and carefully building a business that will
77
National Association of Distinguished Professionals
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National Association of Distinguished Professionals
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ANN GRAHAM
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BARBARA L. DAVIS Retired School Nurse, RN Stafford Middle School Plattsburgh, NY
BIANCA SILVIA PORRINO W.
Founder, Owner, and Wedding Coordinator, BiancaWeddings, BiancaWithLove San Diego, CA biancaweddings@gmail.com http://www.biancaweddings.com http://www.biancawithlove.com 619-313-1823
BONNIE K. BOURRET
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INDEX
CHERYL J. STEWART Owner Travel For You, LLC Pickerington, OH cheryl@trvlforyou.com http://www.trvlforyou.com 614-679-2388
DAWN A. BLUEMKE
Executive Director Black Diamond Charities Grayslake, IL dawnbluemke@blackdiamondcharities.org http://www.blackdiamondcharities.org 630-772-1794
DEBORAH EMMONS
Owner Deb’s Family Vacations Nottingham, PA debby@DebsFamilyVacations.com http://www.DebsFamilyVacations.com 610-308-6020
DEBORAH VEZAN
President, Owner Limbkeepers Lyme, CT dvezan@limbkeepers.com http://www.limbkeepers.com 860-304-3250
DEBRAH J. HUSSEY
CASSANDRA FEAR
Owner Fear’s Confections Cleveland, OH http://www.fearsconfections.com 216-481-0888
Co-Owner MogoBox, LLC Diamondhead, MS customerservice@mogobox.com http://www.mogobox.com 228-255-7110 844-843-6646 (toll free)
CELINE UTTARO
DONNA AMES
Owner The Embroidery Company, Inc. Edmonton, Alberta, CAN celine@theembroiderycompany.com http://www.theembroiderycompany.com 780-944-4848
Senior Manager, Clinical Project Lead, Global Clinical Operations, Global Registry Operations Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Cheshire, CT http://www.alxn.com amesd@alxn.com 203-271-8358
GERI STEPHENS-LOVE
LETICIA MONTERO RODRIGUEZ
JANET GREEN REASONS
MARILYN THORPE
Independent Consultant AVON Chula Vista, CA gerilove@buymakeupfromgeri.com http://www.buymakeupfromgeri.com 619-861-8788
Peer Support Specialist Community Friendship, Inc. Atlanta, GA jreasons@communityfriendship.org http://www.communityfriendship.org 404-875-0381
JOHNNA STEVENS
Radiation Safety Manager A Large Worldwide NDT Company NC and SC
JULIE TREGER
2TGUKFGPV %JKGH 'ZGEWVKXG 1HĹżEGT Northern Rose Caregivers Libertyville, IL julie@nrcg.net http://www.northernrosecaregivers.com 847-549-3147
DR. KATHRYN B. KEMP
Author ,Q[HWN 0QKUG 2TGUU Chicago, IL joyfulnoise121@sbcglobal.net http://www.joyfulnoisepress.com 773-741-5106
KIMBERLY DUNN CAROLAN
%GTVKĹżGF %JTKUVKCP .KHG %QCEJ Metamorphosis KDC, LLC $CUMKPI 4KFIG 0, metamorphosisKDC@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/MetamorphosisKDC
L. J. JACKSON, MS
Founder, President Personal Power Within, Inc. Rancho Cucamonga, CA lj@personalpowerwithin.com http://www.personalpowerwithin.com 855-345-7705
President Montecarlo Services, Inc. Miami, FL info@montecarlocleaningservices.com http://www.montecarlocleaningservices.com 786-970-4535
Owner and Coach NexPhase Transitions, LLC Laurel, MD info@coachnexphase.com marilynthorpe@coachnexphase.com http://www.coachnexphase.com 301-617-0846
MARCIA YIFAN SONG
Owner, Acupuncturist, Songshine Acupuncture marcia@songshineacu.com http://www.songshineacu.com/ 347-610-0072
MARSHA MOORE
Realtor, Downing Frye Realty; Author Bonita Springs, FL moorefuninthesun@gmail.com marilynthorpe@coachnexphase.com http://www.the shrinkingbelt.com 239-593-5646
PATRICIA J. HUNNYBUN
Owner, Pampered Pets & People LLC Monument, CO pamperedpetsandpeople@yahoo.com http://www.pamperedpetsandpeople.com 719-377-2325
RACQUEL VICTORIA SINGLETON-QUINEY Life Coach Author and Poet Piscean City Westland, MI rs4304525@gmail.com http://www.facebook.com/redhair0317 734-444-7669
RHONDA D. MCLAIN
.KEGPUGF %GTVKĹżGF 2TQHGUUKQPCN /KFYKHG McLain Midwifery & Doula Services Spartanburg, SC mclainmidwiferysc@gmail.com http://www.mclainmidwifery.com
ROSALIN DENISE MARSHALL
%JKGH 'ZGEWVKXG 1HſEGT (QWPFGT Vintage Rose Battered Women’s Shelter Corporation Pasadena, CA 626-239-6765
SALLY PELLETIER MOORE
President, Executive Director, Founder Perks n Moore, Inc. Boynton Beach, FL sally@perksnmoore.com http://www.perksnmoore.com 561-215-8732
SARA J. MERCHANT
Owner 5,/ 5QNWVKQPU ..% /CIPQNKC 0, sara.merchant@comcast.net http://www.yourspoiledcat.com 856-282-4793
SHARI ANDERSON-MIENTUS
Independent, Regional Consultant Ambit Energy Chicago, IL mientus23@netzero.com http://www.power911.energy526.com http://www.power911.joinambit.com 773-750-9304
SUSAN SKOCZYPIEC
Administrative Secretary Carteret Police Department Owner Nature’s Brilliance by Sue™ %CTVGTGV 0, skoczypiecs@carteret.net susan@nauturesbrilliancebysue.net http://www.naturesbrilliancebysue.net 732-541-3866 732-742-2999
SWAPNIL SHARMA
Realtor RE/MAX DFW Associates Flower Mound, TX skoczypiecs@carteret.net http://www.DreamDwell.com 972-402-4115
TARA M. LAVIS
Principal Mack Lavis Marketing, LLC 2TKPEGVQP 0, tara@mlavismarketing.com http://www.mlavismarketing.com 609-619-1406
THELMA ALLEN STICH, PHD, RN President, Owner Student Nurse Coach, LLC Staten Island, NY askdrthelma@studentnursetutor.com http://www.studentnursetutor.com 347-983-4606
THERESA “LYNN� DIFATO DEBRA D. SCHNELLE
CEO & COO Trifecta Solutions Reston, VA lynn.difato@trifecta-solutions.com debra.schnelle@trifecta-solutions.com http://www.trifecta-solutions.com
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