C L Magazine Special Edition 2015 - Volume 1 Issue 4

SPECIAL EDITION 2015

Inside This Issue: Montrie Rucker Adams does an in-depth interview with Clevelander

Margaret W. Wong America’s Top Immigration Lawyer

Humble G Tha FidDla Bringing a new flavor to music one violin string at a time Visionary Leader and Entrepreneur

Monique Winston

CEO, OPTIMA Lender Services

GROWING STRONGER COMMUNITIES. We’re putting down deep roots and giving back to the communities we serve.

We think it’s only natural to cultivate meaningful relationships

volunteering over 100,000 hours of their time. From refurbishing

in the communities where we live and work. And at Dominion,

homeless shelters to replenishing local food banks to cleaning

that means we do more than write checks. So while we’re

up parks to helping soldiers and their families, we’re donating

very proud to invest more than $19 million in our communities

the most precious resource of all: our energy. Learn more by

annually, we’re even prouder of Dominion’s employees for

visiting dom.com/foundation.

Table of Contents 4 From the Publisher 6 The Balancing Act 8 Beyond the Suit

We Made It!

Using your Personal Magic!

What does Your Wardrobe say about Your Attitude?

10 A Life-Changing Experience 12 Cultural Barriers 14 Giving Back

Cultural Barriers in the Workplace for Asians

Establishing a Legacy of Philanthropy

18 Taking a Leap of Faith 20 Margaret W. Wong 24 Recipes

How theToastmasters Club Changed my life

7 Steps to Becoming Your Own BOSS!

Meet America’s Top Immigration Lawyer!

From Italy, Spain, India and more!

27 Monique Winston

Cleveland MBDA Executive Profile

28 Humble G Tha Fiddla 32 Dr. Linda D. Bradley

I Am True To Who I Am

One Doctor’s Passion for the Culinary Arts

36 My Storm, My Victory 38 Paving the Way

A Personal Story of Survival!

The Official Guide to Mentorship for the Mentor and the Mentee

CL Magazine Team

A Letter from the Publisher

Publisher & Chief Editorial Officer

Alexandria Johnson Boone Assistant Editor & Chief Researcher

Simone Swanson Director, Production & Distribution

Alexandria Johnson Boone Publisher and Chief Editorial Officer

Michelle E. Urquhart Creative Director

We Reached a Major Milestone in 2015!

Wayne H. Dailey Business Manager

Dear Readers and Friends,

Paula T. Newman Assistant to the Publisher

Bernadette K. Mayfield Photographer & Photography Editor

Rodney L. Brown Database and Information Coordinator

Cheretta Moore For advertising information please contact us at: advertising@CL-Magazine.com Subscribe on-line at: www.CL-Magazine.com

Thank you so much for your amazing support of C L Magazine! The countless hours that our team spent producing C L Magazine’s inaugural year publications has truly yielded some fantastic dividends. We have received hundreds of cards, phone calls, letters and emails touting each of our 2015 quarterly issues. Our advertisers were happy, our writers provided quality, topical information, and our readers were engaged and enthralled by the wealth of information and ideas they garnered from each issue.

Because of the success that we realized in 2015, I am happy to announce that our 2016 digital issues will be offered free, on-line, when you sign-up at www.cl-magazine.com Please share this information with your family, colleagues and friends.

Also encourage them to visit our newly-designed website, and to like us on Facbook. They will thank you for doing so!

In the spirit of the greatness in us all,

Alexandria Johnson Boone Publisher and Chief Editorial Officer

Need to get in today?

Done.

World class care at over 90 locations

The Balancing Act of

FAMILY& CAREER

T

Here are 6 action steps that improved my life:

1.

2.

3.

Let go of perfectionism – Stop trying to be Ms. Perfect. We all make mistakes and fail, the key is how you control it – not it controlling you.

Unplug – turn off your phone, computer, tv, stop being too busy – take time to sit quietly and reflect on you and what “YOU” want to achieve for yourself.

Exercise, pray, and meditate – this step will change your life. Exercise will provide you with stamina, and clarity – not to mention how it improves your overall health. Prayer and meditation is your GPS for living. You will receive clarity, strength, confidence and favor for your life.

4.

5.

6.

Limit time wasting activities and people – Don’t say “yes” to activities and people that you know are not right for your life. You will learn saying “NO’ is truly good for the soul.

Change the structure of your life - Take a good look at your life, what changes could make life easier?

Have you considered delegating tasks? Don’t feel that you are the only one capable.

Start small. Build from there - When you start making small changes and experience some success, it gives you that sense of accomplishment and you build from there.

Go ahead and list which of these steps you are going to implement today. Write them down and make it

become a declaration for your best life.

“

“

oday’s woman has become Houdini – creating magical acts on a daily basis.

More women are struggling more than ever, attempting to balance family and work life. Many women are feeling fatigue and stress due to the workload and longer working hours. That was my life for several years while working in corporate america even during the launching of my business. I wanted to be “super woman” while managing a career, being a wife, mother, daughter and friend. I found myself over extending to requests that I knew did not sit well within me. I began experiencing panic attacks that led me to see my doctor. Following a heart catheterization procedure I made some serious changes in my life. This became my declaration: “I only have one life to live – I have been given power to live an abundant life.”

You are a masterpiece.... don’t apologize for who YOU are!

Linda Pringle Evans - Pringle Business Consulting, LLC www.pringlebizconsulting.com

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8

Beyond

The

SUIT

An interview brings each of us a unique opportunity; it allows us time to contemplate on the image we are projecting.

It can be a daunting task to select the outfit just right to convey your story, whether we are focused on appearing sharp, contemporary, timeless, creative, and/or imaginative. So leaders, perhaps it’s time to take a look at what story you are telling the teams you manage daily with your style. At Dress for Success Cleveland, empowering women through wardrobe selection is very similar to what you do in workplace as a leader daily with your teams. With the multitude of dress codes, it is hard to give a blanket response, but here are a few consistent points: Be appropriate for your industry Be conscious of your body type and the fit of your garments. There are no bad body shapes, only ill-fitting clothing.

Find your style and be comfortable with it so that you can exude the confidence needed to lead others.

What you wear not only represents you, but also your company. A person working in banking will dress differently than someone in retail. We also encourage women to dress for the job they want, not the job they have as your appearance speaks volumes about your ambition and your goals.

We help women to identify their transferrable skills and strengths which allow them to discover their purpose and passion. Remember, as you grow, your style must evolve with the person you have become.

Do not get complacent, instead, remain timeless, relatable and relevant to who you are today and your role. Dress for Success, global not for profit organization, empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Melony J. Butler - Executive Director, Dress for Success www.cleveland.dressforsuccess.org

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“A

” e a h n C c g n i n e e g i Exper f i L Shirley Daley

Shirley Daley’s journey as a leader and communicator extraordinaire started with a note from her manager 26 years ago, “May this little book help you to tap your vast potential as a good public speaker.” The “little book” was Dale Carnegie’s The Quick & Easy Way to Effective Public Speaking. While this book helped her to appreciate public speaking, she desired practical training in communication and leadership, which led her to a Toastmasters Club in Kingston, Jamaica 25 years ago. She joined Toastmasters to sharpen her communication skills as a Sales and Marketing expert, but achieved much more when she immersed herself into the training programme. By sharing

these skills as a financial services Branch Manager in sales and marketing.” Toastmasters has allowed Shirley to fulfill another passion, that of traveling and learning about other people and their countries. Though headquartered in the United States, Toastmasters has her ideas at club clubs in over 122 countries worldwide meetings through speeches, and each year Toastmasters from Shirley tapped into her passion the different countries meet at the for training. This passion grew into a Toastmasters International Convention. career that included positions such as By attending 12 of these convenSenior Director Human Resources tions, Shirley has developed lifetime and Training at a national governing friendships with Toastmasters from body for private companies in Jamaica countries on most of the continents. and e-Tutor in communication and Speaking about the conventions, marketing at the open campus of Shirley quipped, “my most memorable a top university in the Caribbean. convention was held in Kuala Lumpur, She has also been tutoring young Malaysia in 2015.

The “little book” was Dale Carnegie’s The This was the first time Quick & Easy Way to Effective Public Speaking. the convention was held outside of Jamaican students for advanced North America. The people were examinations in Communication welcoming and I experienced the Studies, Spanish and French for 33 privilege of knowing the homeland years. Speaking about the skills she of our 2012 Toastmasters International finds most valuable from her ToastPresident, distinguished toastmaster masters training, Shirley said, “helping John Lau.” Through dedication others has always been my passion and service to the Toastmasters but passion alone was not enough. programme, Shirley has attained I desired the technical skills such as the highest designation in Toastmasters, mentorship and the ability to inspire distinguished toastmaster. others, which I developed through Toastmasters. I am now leaning on

Roshelle Lewis, Vice President Public Relations, Club 7289 Kingston, Jamaica, Toastmasters International www.toastmasters.org

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“

Alex engaged our audience.

We laughed, cried and celebrated!

-National PowerNetworking Conference!

ALEXANDRIA JOHNSON BOONE PRESIDENT & CEO • GAP COMMUNICATIONS GROUP FOUNDER • WOMEN OF COLOR FOUNDATION PUBLISHER • CL MAGAZINE

SPEAKING TOPICS: OWNING YOUR PERSONAL POWER IN BUSINESS AND LIFE STARTING AND MANAGING YOUR OWN NONPROFIT PLANNING AND EXECUTING SIGNATURE EVENTS For speaking engagements, please call:

(216) 391-4300, ext. 311

”

Cultural Barriers in the

Workplace Even in 2015, cultural barriers should not exist in the workplace. Yet, for those of us who are of an ethnic minority background, we know it still does.

For Asian Americans, this cultural barrier has often been termed the “bamboo ceiling.” This term, coined by executive coach Jane Hyun in her book, “Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling” in 2006, (1.) refers to the lack of Asian American leadership representation in the workplace.

(2.) According to a Catalyst

study, Asian American women may be one of the largest growing groups in the workplace.

However, they only have roles of leadership in

0.29% of Fortune 500 companies

In 2002, we created MotivAsians, a non profit young professional organization focused on the recruitment and retainment of Asian American young professionals in the greater Cleveland area.

Our goal is to develop and provide our members with the skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

This takes place in our events focused on professional development, social networking, and community involvement.

For example, one of the professional development initiatives we host is our “CommunicAsians” series, which focuses on the development of public speaking and effective communication skills.

1. Hyun, J. (2006). Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: Career Strategies for Asians. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

With our continued efforts, we hope to break the cultural barriers that exist for Asian Americans. We are optimistic about what the future holds for our members. Through our efforts, we hope Asian Americans are represented in prominent leadership positions throughout the region.

2. CATALYST. (2003). Advancing Asian Women in the Workplace: What Managers Need to Know. Retrieved from http://www.catalyst.org/system/files/Advancing_Asian_ Women_in_the_Workplace_What_Managers_Need_to_ Know.pdf

Jennifer Luu & Rachael Yim - Co-Presidents, MotivAsians for Cleveland info@motivasians.org

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Giving Back Establishing a Legacy of Philanthropy

Give to the World More than you Take That was advice Cleveland Foundation donor Ellen Burts-Cooper received from her mom, and it was advice that became her philosophy for philanthropy. For Burts-Cooper, that philosophy has translated into a scholarship fund at The Cleveland Foundation that will afford students the same educational opportunities she benefited from.

“The scholarship is named for my mother and my husband’s mother and will benefit students studying in a STEM related major.”

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“

“

Burts-Cooper, who also serves on the Foundation’s AfricanAmerican Philanthropy Committee, chose the Cleveland Foundation as the partner for her scholarship fund because, she noted, they have a noticeable presence in the community as well as a strong commitment to supporting education, health and other important community needs.

“The folks at The Cleveland Foundation are the experts at matching donors with their chosen cause and making the giving experience fun,” Burts-Cooper added. Fun that comes in the form of supporting some of the most important challenges in Northeast Ohio.

The connection between donor and community needs is an important function performed by Cleveland Foundation Director of Gift Planning Terri Bradford Eason, who brings a personal passion and ethic of paying it forward to her work with donors like Ellen Burts-Cooper. “For me, paying it forward began when I was six years old. Throughout the holiday season at my grandmother’s house, we were always preparing and packing meals for people in need,” Ms. Eason shared. “My grandmother raised me to always think first of others, and now her work ethic is truly apparent in what I do.” In her role at The Cleveland Foundation, Terri Eason manages the foundation’s Gift Planning Program. Her primary focus is helping individuals establish goals for philanthropic funds, legacy gifts and charitable giving.

Goals that positively impact the city she calls home. Both Terri and Ellen’s work and passion for the community are in complete synch with the Foundation’s mission of enhancing the lives of all residents of Greater Cleveland, now and for generations to come, by working with donors to build community endowment, address needs through grant making and provide leadership on key community issues. Terri and Ellen are both actively engaged in the work of the Foundation’s African-American Philanthropy Committee, created to promote awareness and education about the benefits of wealth and community preservation through philanthropy. Awareness led to stewardship in 2010, when the Committee established a fund to support African-American organizations in Greater Cleveland. The committee also convenes a Philanthropy Summit once every two years to raise the visibility of African-American philanthropy in the region and honor local African-American philanthropists who are making a lasting and significant impact.

Philanthropists who are paying it forward.

Our next Philanthropy Summit takes place on April 23, 2016 in Cleveland, Terri noted. The theme, “Impact and Influence: The Evolution of African American Giving,” will be a celebration of existing philanthropists and a call to action for aspiring philanthropists to develop a philanthropic legacy.

This fourth biennial Summit is designed to engage a broad range of philanthropic topics and interests and also break down some real and perceived barriers to giving,” she added.

Terri Bradford Eason joined The Cleveland Foundation in October 2008 after two decades in the financial services industry. She had several positions with National City (now PNC) and supported several functions, including wealth management, relationship management, new business development, and both private and corporate banking.

As director of nonprofit business services, she was responsible for new business development and relationship management of nonprofit and higher education organizations. Throughout her tenure, Terri was dedicated to quality service for which she received the company’s NCC Excel Award for extraordinary client and community service.

She also was the recipient of the YWCA Women of Professional Excellence Award, TLOD Status of Women Award, and the NCNW Phenomenal Women of Extraordinary Leadership and Service Award.

Terri Bradford Eason - Director of Gift Planning, The Cleveland Foundation teason@clevefdn.org

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1. Create a business plan This plan is your road map to executing your business objectives, describing your business product or service and the benefit to customers in the marketplace. The business plan is a written document outlining your company description, organizational structure and management, market analysis to help drive your marketing strategy, and financial management.

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7 QuickSteps To Starting Your Own Business 2. Determine capital needs A potential business owner must understand the expenses (cost of running the business), the (capital expenditures)assets used in operating the business, and at what point would you reach your break even point the point at which you begin to make a profit. Managing the cash flow is vital and you’ll be able to operate and be prepared for market conditions change.

3. Successful businesses Are great at managing cash flow (cash coming into the business and cash leaving the business) but often times a business will need toaccess capital. When considering access capital from a potential lending it’s important to first understand why you’re in need of the, what impact will this infusion of cash have on your business, but most importantly how this capital will be paid back to the lender. Small business are challenged today access to capital for a variety of reason but one common reason is poor cash management along with personal and business credit history. It is important you as a business owner under stand and know your credit score 4. Register your business with local, state and federal agencies 5. Create your brand and value proposition 6. Implement your “go to market” strategy 7. Revisit your business plan and adjust accordingly Please visit the Minority Business Development Agency Business Center or our website, for more tools and tips! www.mbdacleveland.com

Raland Hatchett - Executive Director, Cleveland Minority Business Development Agency Business Center www.mbdacleveland.com

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Executive Profile

America’s Top Immigration Lawyer

Margaret W. Wong Those seeking the services of Attorney Margaret Wong may have experienced anxiety and frustration with the immigration process. However, walking through the doors of the three-story MWW Immigration Center on Chester Avenue, feelings of peace and serenity wash over you.

F

eng Shui inspired, the walls are painted jade green with red doors, emitting earthly energy that’s present everywhere, from the walls adorned with local artists’ work to the strategically placed fourand five-foot vases holding “good luck” red envelopes.

On the walls are a myriad of degrees, certifications, proclamations, accolades and articles from local and national publications. Since 1978, the offices of Margaret W. Wong & Associates have

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specialized in immigration advice and support to corporations and individuals worldwide. Some of the services include work visas, green cards, citizenship and naturalization, deportation, passports, asylum and criminal alien issues. Wong hosts five radio shows each week, two in Chinese and three in Spanish. The Chinese radio shows, one in Mandarin, the other in Cantonese, are broadcast on Mondays and Fridays, in New York City. The Hispanic radio shows are

broadcast in Nashville and Atlanta. She calls some of the radio stations, and Skypes into others.

Walking into the office, Wong lights up the room with a smile. Her round glasses indicate a woman of creative taste.

Though petite, Wong is powerful - running a multi-million dollar immigration law firm boasting over 60 employees at the Cleveland location. In addition to the Cleveland headquarters, there are offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus, Los Angeles, Nashville and New York.

Q: She is, “the best in the world at what she does.” How did you become interested in immigration law?

A: When I graduated law school in 1976, there were no immi gration lawyers. I offered wills and bankruptcy and after one year it slowly developed into immigration law. The need was not that big, then. There were probably 10-20 lawyers in the country specializing in immigration. It slowly it began to grow. Immigration law is now more complex than tax law. It’s changing every day.

Every Saturday morning I look at the immigration developments from the White House and Senate.

Q. Were there any setbacks, challenges or hurdles while advancing in your career?

A. I never made Ohio president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. I ran once, lost and never ran again.

In that same year I became the first Asian president of the Northeastern Ohio Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.

That was cool. I put my whole heart and soul into it because I felt bad that I lost my AILA race. That experience humbled me. I didn’t think I would, or could lose. I use that experience when I mentor young lawyers. Never be too

comfortable. Always be on the edge.

Q: Did you find discrimination as a minority?

A: The Asian population in America is diverse. There is the American-born and foreign-born. American-born feel discrimination more than those who are foreign-born.

People like me who come from majority [cultures] don’t feel discrimination.

Q: Who helped you along your journey?

A: My parents really helped me.

I have always been active in the bar association and other organizations. I have good friends, mentors and judges. Judge Manos was a good mentor. The Federal bar is very nice and opened the door for me to work with federal judges. Cleveland is a nice city for foreign-born.

We have a lot of educational institutions and hospitals working with highly-skilled people.

Q: What inspires you now?

A: When I was young, I had to survive...work, save money and support my family. I don’t want to fade away from the scene. I struggle to be a tomorrow, not a “has been.”

I want to be remembered.

Q: What do you do to unwind?

A: Read. Swim. Sleep. I enjoy

crime novels by P.D. James.

I am reading the newest book

by Michael Connelly and the latest from John Grisham. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers is one of my favorites, and books by Tana French.

Q: What are three things about you that no one knows?

A: I swim. I am very much an introvert I go goo-goo, gaga over writers. I worship and love them.

Q: What advice would you give to women?

A: Don’t worry about it. Just do it. Don’t think too much. Just try it and do it and hope for what is right, not what is true.

As a lawyer, you don’t ask for the truth, you ask for the results. You get what the client wants in the context of what is right.

Q: What is your favorite place to visit?

A: The library.

Q: If there is one thing you could change about you, what would it be?

A: To not be too harsh on myself and not too sensitive and critical of myself.

Q: What would you tell your 25-year-old self, knowing what you do now?

A: Here you go, girl!

Montrie Rucker Adams, APR - Visibility Marketing Inc. www.visibilitymarketing.com

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Recipes

Puerto

Rican Arroz Con Gandules (Rice and Pigeon Peas)

Ingredients: 1 lb. raw medium or long grain rice 1 15 oz. can gandules (pigeon peas) 2 1/2 tbsp. sofrito* 2 envelopes sazón seasoning with achiote 2 tbsp. Manzanilla olives 1 1/2 tsp. capers 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce 1 envelope onion soup* (my secret) 16 oz. water

Directions: Place the vegetable oil, sofrito, sazón with achiote, gandules, olives, capers, onion soup and tomato sauce in a big pot.

Thoroughly wash rice and add to the other ingredients. Pour water over the ingredients and stir well. (Water should be about 1 inch above the ingredients). Boil on medium high until all the water is absorbed. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot with aluminum foil* and lid. Cook for 35-40 minutes, depending on your stove. Serve with pasteles or tostones.

Tips If you use onion soup, it will give your rice a better flavor and there is no need to use salt. Rule of thumb: Add 1 1/4 tbsp. of sofrito for every cup of rice you are cooking.

Placing aluminum foil over the pot of rice. It gives the grains a chance to all pop evenly.

Source: www.ricanrecipes.com

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Indian Chettinad Nattu Kozhi Uppu Varuval (Salted Country Chicken Fry) Recipe

Ingredients: Country Chicken (Nattu Kozhi) -1/2 kg Shallots (Pearl Onions) - 20 (sliced) Ginger - 1/2 “piece (crushed) Garlic pods - 20 (crushed) Tomato - 1 Dry Red Chilies - 10 Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp Salt - to taste Fennel Seeds - 1 tsp Oil - 2 tbsp Curry Leaves - 1 sprig Cilantro (Coriander Leaves) 1 tbsp (finely chopped for garnish) Directions: 1. Cut the chicken into medium sized pieces.

Wash it thoroughly and drain all the water from it. 2. Marinate the chicken with salt and turmeric powder. Let it rest while you get the other things ready. 3. Heat oil in a pan and add the fennel seeds and curry leaves. 4. Break and add the dry red chilies. 5. Next add the chopped shallots, crushed ginger and crushed garlic. Saute till it turns soft. 6. Add the chopped tomato and cook till tomato turns pulpy. 7. Add the chicken pieces and saute for couple of minutes. 8. Add required salt and about half a cup of water. Cover cook the chicken for about 10-15 minutes. 9. After the chicken is cooked, open the lid, increase the flame and stir fry till all the moisture evaporates.

Continue until all the chicken pieces are fried and get a nice brown color. 10. Finally sprinkle the chopped coriander leaves and switch off.

Source: www.simpleindianrecipes.com

American Red Velvet Cake

Ingredients:

New Orleans

Horseradish-and-Herb Crusted Beef Rib Roast

Ingredients: 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 1 head of garlic, cloves coarsely chopped 1 cup prepared horseradish 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped thyme 3 tablespoons chopped rosemary 3 tablespoons chopped sage One 16-pound rib roast of beef Salt and freshly ground pepper Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 325°. In a food processor, combine the butter with the garlic, horseradish, thyme, rosemary and sage and process to a paste. 2. Stand the roast in a very large roasting pan.

Season generously all over with salt and pepper and set it fatty side up. Spread the horseradish-herb butter all over the top. Bake for about 3 1/2 hours, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 125° for medium rare.

Transfer the roast to a carving board to rest for at least 20 minutes or for up to 1 hour before serving.

Source: www.foodandwine.com Ingredients:

Vegetable oil for the pans 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon fine salt 1 teaspoon cocoa powder 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature 2 large eggs, at room temperature 2 tablespoons red food coloring (1 ounce) 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows Crushed pecans, for garnish Frosting 1 pound cream cheese, softened 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar 2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup), softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil and flour 3 (9 by 1 1/2-inch round) cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla. Using a standing mixer, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined and a smooth batter is formed. Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.

Place the pans in the oven evenly spaced apart.

Bake, rotating the pans halfway through the cooking, until the cake pulls away from the side of the pans, and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Remove the

cakes from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen them from the sides of the pans.

One at a time, invert the cakes onto a plate and then re-invert them onto a cooling rack, rounded-sides up.

Let cool completely.

Frost the cake.

Place 1 layer, rounded-side down, in the middle of a rotating cake stand. Using a palette knife or offset spatula spread some of the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake. (Spread enough frosting to make a 1/4 to 1/2-inch layer.) Carefully set another layer on top, rounded-side down, and repeat. Top with the remaining layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Sprinkle the top with the pecans. In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand-held electric mixer in a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and butter on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to high, and mix until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. (Occasionally turn the mixer off, and scrape the down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.)

Reduce the speed of the mixer to low. Add the vanilla, raise the speed to high and mix briefly until fluffy (scrape down the bowl occasionally). Store in the refrigerator until somewhat stiff, before using. May be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days. Yield: enough to frost a 3 layer (9-inch) cake Source: www.foodnetwork.com

African Vegetable Stew

1 tablespoon non-hydrogenated margarine 1cup onion, chopped 1⁄2cup parsley, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1teaspoon cinnamon 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper 1⁄4 teaspoon ginger 5 cups water 1cup carrot, sliced 1⁄2 cup dried lentils, rinsed (I like red lentils or a mixture of red and brown) 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked 15 ounces whole tomatoes, undrained, chopped 10ounces frozen green peas 9ounces frozen green beans salt and pepper Directions:

1. Melt margarine over medium heat in a large saucepan; add onion, parsley, garlic, cinnamon, turmeric, pepper and ginger; stir occasionally until onion is tender - add some water if it begins to stick. 2. Stir in water, carrot and lentils; boil, then reduce heat and cover to simmer 25 minutes.

3. Stir in rice, and undrained tomatoes; boil, then reduce heat and cover to simmer for 20 minutes.

4. Stir in peas, beans and salt and pepper to taste; boil, then reduce heat and cover to simmer 5 minutes or till tender. 5. If desired, serve with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream - 1 serving = 275 cal, 3g fat, 56g carb, 10g fibre, 12 g pro.

Source: www.food.com

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Monique S. Winston CEO OPTIMA Lender Services

Monique Winston...visionary What makes a visionary leader is the ability to see future possibilities long before the masses. Monique Winston certainly possesses that quality. Winston left warm, sunny Houston, Texas in 2011 to return to the mid-west and become the founding CEO of OPTIMA Lender Services. There are precious few African Americans among the title industry leadership and even fewer African American women.

Winston is among the few. She arrived with 14 years of title insurance experience, most recently as senior vice-president and senior underwriting counsel with one of the largest title insurance companies in the world. When tapped to become the head of OPTIMA, Winston saw it as an opportunity too good to pass up and took the challenge.

In four short years, Winston’s strong work ethic, her legal training and years of experience has led OPTIMA Lender Services from an idea into what is now a national company licensed to issue title insurance in 31 states; and run by a veteran management team with 150-plus years of combined industry experience.

Ohio’s Answer for Growth, Opportunity and Access Visit our website at: www.mbdacleveland.com

New Artist Spotlight Myles Alexander Keaton Smith

Humble G th Pick out the most desirable characteristics in a and make them talented, charismatic, versatile,

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The styles of

music he does are

Edutainment

(educating while entertaining),

ha FiDDla young entertainer and driven to succeed.

Now, add eagerness to learn, appreciation of others and a sincere wish to remain (as his moniker proclaims), “just a humble guy” and you’ll have Myles Alexander Keaton Smith, better known throughout the world as Humble G Tha Fiddla. Although he attended Cleveland School of The Arts, he is primarily a self-taught violinist.

His boyish good looks and reputation as being multi-talented could have easily blown up his head. However, that didn’t happen. Instead there was steady growth that transformed him into a promising Violinist/Hip-hope artist. He understands his gifts and the responsibility to use them in a productive manner. Not only is his violin playing captivating, but his skills as an MC are refreshing and on point. “I am true to who I am.

I am an artist that can perform positive constructive music not being too preachy, corny or full of profanity and at the same time earn acceptability in today’s musical audience,” he intones thoughtfully. Don’t believe him? Then just listen to the inspirational song Brothers Keeper or check out the lyrics on one of his songs for the ladies called Ride For Me. However, there are two sides to every coin, and this is where Humble’s alter ego Tha Fiddla comes into play. No matter how noble a person may be, there is still no such thing as a perfect person and this is what Tha Fiddla represents; the more aggressive side of Humble G. Humble is a partner in Global Entertainment Inc., a Cleveland based Entertainment Company that focuses on intellectual/ inspirational forms of entertainment.

“Hip-hope”

(positive, conscious responsible hip hop-purpose music) and Afripean music (African drums with European strings).

By being such a diverse artist he is able to reach a wide audience range, bridging the gaps of all races and ages. Once you hear the music you have to see his performance. Let’s face it it’s not every day you see an artist rapping/singing then pick up the violin and start playing over hip-hop tracks and do it well. He delivers high energy shows with a unique twist. With over 500 performances under his belt Humble uses his experiences and learning from his past mistakes as valuable lessons to aid in the future path of his career. Humble considers himself an inspiration to a new generation of musical talent who want to do positive entertainment.

Be on the lookout for his mix tape One Of A Kind (over 3500 downloads) his EP - RSVP (Rapper, Singer, Violinist, Producer,) coming out soon everywhere and his forthcoming album Undeniable to be released and promoted internationally late summer 2016. Also Humble is a firm believer in giving back. He has a Stop The Hate Tour where he travels to schools throughout northeast Ohio where he promotes the message of anti-bullying and the fact that we are all connected.

Global Entertainment, Inc. 29

2016 Calendar of Events 2016 Calendar of

CLEVELAND, OHIO 5th Annual “Speaking of Women! A Dialogue Series for Women in Leadership” Wednesday, March 23, 2016 ■ 11:30am – 1:30pm Special Women’s History Month Program Cleveland Clinic – Main Campus – Bunts Auditorium 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195

CLEVELAND, OHIO th 14 Annual Personal and Professional Development Retreat for Women of Color “Connections, Community and Career 2016” Wednesday, April 13, 2016 ■ 8:00am – 5:00pm Cuyahoga Community College - Corporate College East 4400 Richmond Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128

COLUMBUS, OHIO 11 th Annual Personal and Professional Development Retreat for Women of Color “Connections, Community and Career 2016” Monday, May 9, 2016 ■ 8:00am – 5:00pm Creekside Conference & Event Center 101 Mill Street, Suite 300, Creekside Plaza, Gahanna, Ohio 43230

CLEVELAND, OHIO 5th Annual “Speaking of Women! A Dialogue Series for Women in Leadership” Thursday, June 9, 2016 ■ 11:30am – 1:30pm Women’s Leadership Symposium Dominion East Ohio 1201 East 55th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44103

MARYSVILLE, OHIO (BY INVITATION ONLY) 2st Annual Women of Color Foundation - Special Prison Outreach Program Thursday, September 8, 2016 ■ 11:30am – 1:30pm Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW) 1479 Collins Avenue, Marysville, Ohio 43040

CLEVELAND, OHIO (FOR STUDENTS ONLY) StarFish Foundation 2016 PowHERful™ Summit with Soledad O’Brien Saturday, September 24, 2016 ■ 8:00am – 5:00pm Case Western Reserve University Tinkham Veale University Center ■ 11038 Bellflower Road ■ Cleveland, Ohio 44106

CLEVELAND, OHIO th 11 Annual Women of Color Leadership Development and Training Institute & Awards Luncheon Thursday, November 3, 2016 ■ 8:00am – 2:00pm Cleveland State University – Wolstein Center – Grand Ballroom 2000 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115

For More Information Please Visit: www.womenofcolorfoundation.com For More Information Please Visit: www.womenofcolorfoundation.com ■ Toll Free: 866.962-3411, ext. 307 Or Call: 216.391.4300, ext. 307 Or Call: 216.391.4300, ext. 307

The foundation of our company is the strength of our people

At Forest City, we do more than develop, own and manage real

Within our own Forest City community, we embrace and value

estate. We create exceptional places where people live, work and

diverse individuals, opinions, cultures and abilities and actively

enjoy life together. We believe that high-quality communities

seek them out. We believe that by working collaboratively, we can

have the power to enrich lives. And we believe that diversity and

leverage the unique talents, skills, experiences and perspectives

inclusion are critical to that experience. We understand that each

of our associates, business and civic partners, and end-use

community is unique and seek local partners who best

consumers to drive success, create a competitive edge and add

understand the needs of their community.

shareholder value.

www.forestcity.net

One Doctor’s

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Passion for the G

Culinary Arts

rowing up, my father worked tirelessly to provide for our family. He worked a number of jobs, so many that I can’t remember all of them. But one I’ll never forget – he was a waiter at an upscale Cleveland country club. Saturday mornings, I would open the refrigerator simply looking for orange juice and eggs but instead find whole lobsters and crab legs, capers and tapenades, and large wedges of gouda, brie, and manchego cheeses. There were new leftovers each week.

Dad’s hard work provided the income to send me to college to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor, but it also serendipitously ignited my culinary palate. After some initial discomfort, I learned to savor the food in the refrigerator.

Needless to say, the contents of ours were so different, so foreign, and they certainly didn’t look like anybody else’s on our street. But after some experimentation, my comfort foods became lobster macaroni and cheese and collard greens with chipotle in adobe sauce – decades before they became iconic items on upscale fine dining menus. My love of “different” food began in childhood as I experienced flavors and textures that were initially “gross” and with time became my favorite recipes to cook. As an elected member to an international gynecologic society, I have traveled around the world, cooking along the way. This led my patients to fondly call me their “foodie gynecologist.” My adage was, “attend a meeting, take a cooking class and buy a regional cookbook.” I just might have more cookbooks, magazines, and now iPad apps, than I do medical books! There is synergy between

what we eat and who we are. Have I become a culinary anthropologist? I think so. The quickest way to understand another culture, language and customs is through food and drink.

Education for me has been “hands on.” I’ve learned much about the culture of India by rolling dough with a housewife while making samosas. Or tasting Italian culture on my tongue when samples of fine wine were suggested by a young sommelier. The fondest memories have occurred with culinary classes taken in Singapore, Alaska, Turkey, Argentina, and even in New Orleans. Instead of souvenirs, my treasure trove includes spices and bottled sauces. No, I don’t have a culinary degree.

Rather my culinary education was awakened in the spice markets of Istanbul, fruit stands at the West Side Market in Cleveland, and one-to-one classes with shopkeepers who shared their guarded recipes and cooking techniques with me. I embrace the modern Hippocratic Oath: “I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.” We are what we eat. Let food be thy medicine. Only by learning the fundamentals of cooking can individuals build upon and craft a personal plan for achieving lifelong health. For me, cooking is inspiration and experimentation.

My pots, pans, and bowls are my canvas to create culinary delights. My current passion involves sharing what I have learned in my worldwide travel. By increasing cooking and nutritional literacy, sharing cooking tips I’ve learned along the way, I will help individuals use “flavor over fat” to improve their health and most importantly, to learn how to reclaim their kitchen.

Linda D. Bradley, MD - Cleveland Clinic www.clevelandclinic.org

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This is a membership-based professional experience!

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND OVERVIEW

PROGRAM FACILITATED BY:

BENEFITS:

Dr. Ellen Burts-Cooper

o Coaching sessions, seminars, assessments, conferences, panel discussions, and business networking events o Action planning guides to ensure success and accountability for all participants o Learn from the latest research on successful women in leadership roles o Interactive, creative, scenario-based learning

and Expert Co-Facilitators from various industries

CUSTOMIZED COURSE TRACKS: Call 216-539-8737

o Experienced Leader o Emerging Leader

today for more information or a

LOCATION: The LOFT, 1667 East 40th Street, Suite 2E, Cleveland, Ohio 44103

confidential program

INVESTMENT: Continuous Development Offering with Professional Development Units (PDUs): $3,500.00

application!

theloft@improveconsulting.biz www.improveconsulting.biz/womensleadershipdevelopment

14th Annual Personal and Professional Development Retreat for Women of Color “Connections, Community and Career 2016” Wednesday, April 13, 2016 | 8:00am – 5:00pm Cuyahoga Community College - Corporate College East

Please plan to join us for “Connections, Community and Career 2016” on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 from 8:00am – 5:00pm at Cuyahoga Community College - Corporate College East located at: 4400 Richmond Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128.

Featuring national speakers: Linda Clemons, Highly acclaimed Entrepreneurial “Super” Coach and Body Language Expert; Alexandria Johnson Boone, Founder/Chairwoman, Women of Color Foundation and Organizational Consultant to Non-profit Organizations; Shirley Johnson, National Director, First Finanacial Security, Inc., and CEO/Founder, LiSA Leadership Training Center; and Dr. Joel P. Martin, President, Triad West, Inc For information and to register, please visit: www.womenofcolorfoundation.com Or call: 216.391.4300, ext. 307.

www.womenofcolorfoundation.com

Embrace YOUR

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STORM

In Acts: 27, when Paul and other prisoners were on their way to Rome to witness for Christ, the violent storm they were in was virtually a sea of darkness because there was absence of the sun, moon and stars.

W

hy are there days in our lives when the sun shines so bright and the illumination from it make us feel as if we are in control and on top of the world? People at work are not getting on our nerves, our string of brilliant strategies at work are finally paying off, our children are doing what they are supposed to do, our spouses didn’t forget what he or she promised a week ago, and we finally have extra money to spend. Life is good!

Perhaps this is where you are today or maybe this is the story you are telling and you are sticking to it. The reality however, is that many of us are unfortunately experiencing the uncertainty and chaos that only a storm can bring. This out-of-control time may be due to a recent death, unfortunate medical diagnosis or a job loss. Many of us continue to lean on our own understanding and ignore the power of prayer instead of believing and trusting in God. Not only when we feel he has come through for us but all the time.

When storms are raging in our lives we don’t understand what God is doing or preparing us for.

In Acts: 27, when Paul and other prisoners were on their way to Rome to witness for Christ, the violent storm they were in was virtually a sea of darkness because there was absence of the sun, moon and stars. The turbulence, while at sea with no compass or sense that they were truly on course, caused them to believe that they were being thrown way off course.

When in fact, after things finally stabilized, it ended up that they were exactly at the place they needed to be; not far from their destination near Italy. So even though that situation at the time seemed uncertain because of the darkness, many of us are often in that same situation. God has a sound navigation system and it will not fail due to a low battery. It is often through the storms that God teaches us just how much we still need him. When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on. Help is on the way!

Additional bible verses about Storms: Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and

courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.·

2 Corinthians 4:17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

Psalm 107:29 He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.

Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Dorenda Swanson - Business Development & Community Relations Mgr Squire Patton Boggs dorenda.swanson@squirepb.com

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PAVINGTHEWAY:

A Guide to Mentorship for the Mentor and the Mentee Here are some tips for the mentor and mentee that will improve the impact of your relationship:

W

henever individuals work together, there are many factors at play during their interaction. Relationships consists of two or more individuals who bring their respective levels of experience and belief systems to the table.

The same can be said for a mentoring relationship.

Mentoring is the process by which a senior or more experienced individual (the mentor) is assigned to act as an advisor, counselor, or guide to the least experienced person (the mentee). The level of experience can be overall or simply in a particular area of expertise. The mentor is responsible for providing support and feedback. If nurtured correctly, a relationship between a mentor and a mentee can be one that propels both parties into their next levels of development.

Why I mentor: For me, mentoring is a way to give back and to impart knowledge on others in an effort to accelerate their pathway to success. It is a way for me to give of my time and talent. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have overwhelmingly positive effects on the personal, academic, and professional outlook of those being mentored.

Importance of Mentoring: When you mentor a person, you are sharing your wisdom and exposing them to various personal growth and development strategies that may take them longer to figure out on their own. Ultimately, you are helping someone avoid pitfalls and gain a competitive advantage by helping them to navigate challenges and opportunities through the lens of your experience.

•Educate the mentee on mentoring and establish expectations at the beginning.

•Make the relationship mutually beneficial.

Identify the unique talents and abilities of the mentee and learn from their area of expertise, as well.

•Establish a relationship that is mutually considerate of time. Understand that it is the responsibility of the mentee to establish and maintain the mentoring relationship.

•Try to remain objective and not project your history onto the mentee.

•Consider yourself as a guide that will assist the mentee on their journey.

Both parties must recognize that mentoring is not coaching. Unlike coaching, mentoring is more conversational and relational. It is not meant to have an extensive action plan in order to resolve highly complex issues. Unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties, the relationship should be occasional and should cover topics that do not require the mentor to do extensive work or research outside of the specified meeting time.

When entering a mentoring relationship, it is important to understand that your mentee trusts you to guide them towards an expected destination while helping them to discover more of who they are and what they are capable of achieving.

Remember what Steven Spielberg said: The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.

Dr. Ellen Burts-Cooper - Improve Consulting & Training Group www.Improveconsulting.biz

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CORPORATE COLLEGE — YOUR TRAINING PARTNER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Corporate College provides training and development for professionals through open enrollment courses. Our talented team brings a wealth of experience that will help take your skills to the next level.

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