C L Magazine Spring 2015 - Volume 1 Issue 2

Volume 1 | Issue 2

S P R I N G 201 5

Spring is in the Air ...Finally!

CAREER & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE for women of color

Women Working and Living Their Passion, and Loving It! Inside: Hear their amazing stories about their journeys to peace and happiness at work and at play.

From left to right: Dhomonique Ricks, Co-Host, The Now Cleveland Show, NewsChannel 5, WEWS-TV Angela Kyei, MD, Founder/Owner, Cosmopolitan Dermatology Gail Stumphauzer, Founder and Director, Margeau’s Free to Be Project Amanda Mockbee, Assistant Vice President at Dollar Bank

GROWING STRONGER COMMUNITIES.

contents FEATURED

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

On the Cover

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Spotlight

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Women working and living their passion, and loving it!

Ohio’s new adoption law opens opportunities for adoptees

Technology

African American women making strides in STEM fields

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Design

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Finance

14

Community

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Health

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Fitness

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Family

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An interior designer’s secret to a spring home makeover

Budgeting for the future: Investing v. Spending Garnering public funds for ‘green’ projects to improve neighborhoods

Early diagnosis for prostate cancer can save your loved one’s life Getting in touch with your body

Balancing work and family while caregiving for a parent

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

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.

Just Wear it Naturally: Tips on Wearing Natural Hair

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Midlife at 40? Merely a Myth

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Executive Profile: Moreen Bailey Frater

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Spring Gardening Made Easy

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We Got Next! Young Professionals Engaged in the City

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Arts & Culture: Explore Your City

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Why Morning Worship?

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Top Travel ‘Pics’: Favorite Vacation Spots of the CL Magazine Staff

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Cover photo taken at Cleveland Botanical Gardens | 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106 (216) 721-1600 | Hours: Tues, Thurs - Sat 10 am – 5pm. Wed, 10 am-9 pm, Sun. 12pm – 5pm www.cbgarden.org

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CL Magazine Team

Well, We Did It!

Alexandria Johnson Boone Publisher and Chief Editorial Officer

Dear Readers and Friends,

Michelle Rankins Contributing Editor Simone Swanson Assistant Editor and Chief Researcher Melissa Schiltz Art Director Paula T. Newman Business Manager Bernadette K. Mayfield Assistant to the Publisher Rodney L. Brown Photographer & Photo Editor TiaMarshae E. Sanford Director, Marketing and Social Media Platforms LaRick Calhoun Advertising Sales Michelle E. Urquhart Production and Distribution

Cover photo by Rodney L. Brown Rodney L. Brown Photography www.rlbphoto.net

Thank you so much for your phenomenal response to our premiere issue of C L Magazine! We received hundreds of cards, phone calls, letters and emails touting our Winter 2015 Issue.

As you might imagine, our team spent countless hours making sure that our first issue would be something that both we, and our readers would be proud of. We carefully selected the contributing writers, the topics and the photos in a concerted effort to deliver a quality, balanced, informative, relevant and attractive product, from a graphic design standpoint.

Because of our desire that women and girls of all colors could have access to our magazine, we have made the decision to offer our Spring 2015 magazine (and all issues going forward), in a digital format, for the amazingly low subscription price of $16.00 per year.

You may subscribe by visiting our website at: www.cl-magazine.com or by calling 866/962-3411, ext.

307.

Please subscribe and share our magazine link with your family, colleagues and friends so that they can subscribe too. Your support will be greatly appreciated and will allow us to continue bringing you great articles, photos and tips on family, business, leadership, entrepreneurism, finance, career, jobs, health, healthy cooking, fashion, home and more!

Cosmopolitan Dermatology, founded by Angela Kyei, MD, MPH, FAAD, provides quality care for skin, hair and nail

conditions of all skin types. We provide a wide range of services including medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.

We specialize in cosmetic treatments of skin discoloration such as melasma and blotchy/uneven skin. We also specialize in the treatment and research of hair loss using cutting edge technologies.

In the spirit of the greatness in us all,

Alexandria Johnson Boone Publisher and Chief Editorial Officer

C L Magazine is published digitally on a quarterly basis, by the Women of Color Foundation (WOCF), (a 501 (c) (3), tax-exempt organization), for the benefit of women of and girls of all colors.

Our offices are located at 50 Public Square, Tower City Center, Suite 832, Cleveland, Ohio 44113. Toll free phone number: 866.962-3411 (866.WOCF.411).

Copyright Š 2014-2015. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be distributed electronically, reproduced or duplicated in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher. Subscription price is $16.00 per year. Readers and advertisers may subscribe at: www.womenofcolorfoundation.com/clmagazine Magazine Production: GAP Communications Group

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2323 Lee Rd. Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 P: 216.417.3250

F: 216.417.3251

E: info@cosmodermatology.com

www.cosmodermatology.com

Beyond Blerds: Black Women in Technology

CL: Talk about the entrepreneurial opportunities with the social media/technology field?

MW: There are opportunities in technology – social media in particular – to work as an independent contractor for companies who simply do not have the budget to have a social media director on staff.

Find out who those companies are, put together a proposal, and market yourself. Multi-platform use of social media has already become a norm for

Interview by Michelle Rankins

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oogle “black women in tech” or BLERDS (Black Nerds) and you’ll get millions of hits. African American women are making strides in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) related fields, yet more work is needed. Chicago-based Monique Wingard, a social media specialist and the marketing and social media director at The Computer Training Institute of Chicago—and proud BLERD (Black Nerd), shares her career journey.

CL: Are you familiar with the term BLERDS, a mash up of Black+Nerds? BLERDS is often associated with African Americans within the tech or STEM fields. I’ve read both positive and negative remarks about it. Your thoughts?

MW: I’m down with the term BLERDS! Actually very much a fan of the accounts I have found on Twitter and try to participate in Twitter chats when I can.

But quite honestly, sometimes I have to sit back and just read what they are talking about because it generally turns into a learning opportunity for me.

To hear about different issues they are facing, very

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personal use, but now businesses need and want to use it in order to market a product, magazines, to make content more accessible and increase revenue from ad dollars.

CL: Any advice for young women of color (high school and college) who are interested in entering the social media/ technology field?

MW: What our parents, grandparents, and teachers have told us all the time – “Stay in school, get your education, or find a trade.” Learn as much as much as you possibly can about the job you THINK you want. If college is really not your thing, that’s O.K. because there are so many other ways to prepare yourself employment. Be clear on your definition of success. Pursue opportunities that will allow you to build upon your core values. Know yourself, be yourself, and be comfortable with that.

Monique Wingard - The Computer Training Institute of Chicago www.ctichicago.com

CL: How did you become a social media specialist?

MW: Well, this all really happened by chance.

In college, I was on the fast track to being an administrator in the government, non-profit sector.

But with every new “job,” my first love – media/ journalism kept weighing on my heart and mind. I noticed the amount of time I was spending on the computer. To me, posting articles, photographs, and other media online is not only about being “social” but one more way to mobilize and raise awareness.

I want to see, hear, read more discussions about women of color in technology – the early adopters and career changers. The success stories and the testimonies of challenges that women of color have overcome to be in the positions they are in now. I would love to see more publications do what you’re doing right now, because it informs and inspires a new generation to move in the direction the world is going in – and that’s STEM education, digital media, and environmental technology, and yes, social media.

interesting perspectives from African Americans in the tech space from all over the world.

CL: In your experience, what are a few pros and cons of being a woman of color in the technology/social media field?

MW: The Pros – We bring a different flavor to all things technology. By that, I mean the level of creativity that women of color bring to social media is unmatched.

We find a way to use resources like social media to share and show support for everything from hairstyles to television shows, and even our favorite songs and artists. Women of color have utilized social media as a way to magnify their voice as entrepreneurs, mothers, designers, motivational speakers, and one of my favorite areas – fitness.

The Cons – Resources. Representation. Funding.

DA TE E TH SA VE

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What would life be like for you—or your daughter, or your sister, or your best friend—if you could skip right over the self-doubt that most of us grow up with and feel confident in yourself and your abilities every day?

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Spring is in Style!

Home Decor Tips Interview by Michelle Rankins

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Bright and happy ACCENTS are a trend for the home just as they are for fashion. Start by finding inspiration! Every major paint company has given us a “color of the year.” Let’s look at our local company Sherwin Williams. Their color experts have declared “Coral Reef” (SW6606) for 2015. The SW site has great information for color inspiration. Not only color of the year, but also a fantastic “Color Forecast” that puts colors together for home décor inspiration. (See www.sherwin-williams.com).

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Find some “ROOM” outside. Spending time outside is a must during our short summers. Creating outdoor rooms and comfortable spaces is a easier than ever with lots of products to choose from.

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Simply FOCUS! This is a two-part process.

Find something fabulous and create a focal point with it. Select one piece that you can feature in your home or garden. Ideally this is something you love or something that has personal meaning to you. AND before you do this, get rid of the things that aren’t so fabulous. Simplify your space by editing the winter clutter.

CL: How and what can we incorporate these trends into our home?

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ime to add some color back into our homes for spring/summer. We asked interior designer, Patty Flauto, Houseworks Design in Rocky River, Ohio, for easy and affordable home décor tips for summer.

Let’s start with color for our inspiration. Color makes us happy and it’s an easy way to freshen up your space.

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Accents: • Choose just one color as an accent. If color isn’t for you, black, gray and white are also huge color trends right now and they make great accents too.

• Use your accent color on easy to find items like toss pillows, vases, candles, picture frames, rugs, table lines and dishes.

• Your accent color should coordinate with your color scheme and be different enough to make an impact. If you have a neutral scheme, why not try something a bit bolder?

• Your accent color should flow throughout the room.

Take a picture of your room and use colored paper to practice where your accent pieces can be placed before you go shopping.

• With a little practice, you can create some very dynamic changes in a room without spending a fortune.

Outdoor Room: • Expand your living space by creating an outdoor room. If your space is at a premium, how about a single chair, side table and flowering plant to define a reading nook or a place for morning coffee?

• If you have more space, you can define an outdoor room with an indoor outdoor rug. This is a great foundation for placing tables, chairs, garden stools and colorful flowering containers.

• You can use colorful accents in your outdoor room too with fun ceramic garden stools and widely available weather resistant pillows and cushions.

• Match your flowering containers to your accent color. I like to do a “uni-pot” which features only one flower type in the same color. This creates a mass of color that is striking. You can use exotics or something as simple as begonias.

CL: Where do we shop?

like Cleveland Flea, Tremont, Ohio City, Waterloo Arts District, or Larchmere.

• Vintage finds are also a great way to find something that is uniquely you at a great value.

• Summer is the best time to visit flower shops, nurseries, flea markets, craft fairs and local shops.

CL: Final thoughts?

It can be overwhelming to digest all of the trend information that we are flooded with daily. The good news is that it is not necessary to follow trends slavishly as it once was in the past. The biggest trend happening now is that we are living in a time where self-expression, originality and authenticity trumps all other trends. This gives all of us permission to make our homes uniquely our own and know that it’s “on trend.” My Mantra is: any space or any place can be made remarkable with color and design.

• I ALWAYS advocate shopping local. Check areas

Patty Flauto - Houseworks Design Rocky River, OH

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Know your

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oman, Daughter, Sister, Mother, Wife, Partner, Friend and the list could go on, but you get the point. These are all terms that help to define and shape who we are as women.

These labels often shape where we end up on the financial side of the equation. Women as a segment are earning higher wages and more advanced degrees than any other time in history, yet there is still a disparity in our behaviors and confidence about money. In a 2013 study of affluent women, 91% said that it is important that women are confident in their ability to invest, however 41% of those same women said they are “not at all” confident in their investing ability1. Here are a few steps to help you increase your confidence about making financial decisions.

Step 1: Acknowledge Your Worth – the first thing you have to do is take a realistic look at where you are. Generally speaking, women are 33% more likely to earn a college degree than men2.

Of affluent women surveyed, 20% earn about the same as their spouse, while 24% earn more1.

Women should be proud of the progress that we are making and take that as a confidence builder. The same characteristics that have led to an increase in college graduation and earning should lead to increased confidence in the management of money. Repeat after me, “I am Worth it, I Can do this!”

Step 2: Analyze Your Worth

– now that you realize you have worth and something to be confident about its time to take a look at where you are financially.

Danielle L. Sydnor - CRPC©

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Many people put more time and energy into planning events like birthday parties and vacations than they do planning their financial future. Just like you wouldn’t set out on a road trip with no final destination in mind you have to create goals around your finances. These goals are your final destination. Whether you are in need of a monthly spending plan to stay on track and reduce high interest debt, trying to balance saving for college and retirement, or facing the reality of the cost of caring for an aging parent a comprehensive plan will help you navigate accomplishing these goals.

Repeat after me, “I am Worth it, I Will create a plan!”

Step 3: Accumulate Your Worth – finally, the plan is in place and now it is time to talk about the steps to building and growing your net worth.

The first thing that you want to do is build your emergency fund with six to nine months of income. This will help you to keep your plan on track should some unforeseen expenses arise. Next look at the benefits of investing in financial vehicles, such as an IRA, that offer tax advantaged features and benefits to help grow any earnings faster. It’s never too late to start and there is no harm in seeking the help of a professional. Repeat after me, “I am Worth it, I Will invest my money so it can work as hard for me as I do for it!”

Sources: 1. https://www08.wellsfargomedia.com/assets/pdf/ about/press/2013/3q13pr-affluent-women.pdf 2. http://cnsnews.com/news/article/ali-meyer/womennow-33-more-likely-men-earn-college-degrees

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

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diverse individuals, opinions, cultures and abilities and actively

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Just Wear It Naturally: Tips On Wearing Natural Hair

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he never ending fight; you wake up early—you wake up late—you can’t decide.

You ask yourself 20 times before coming to your original decision to wear your natural hair today. Sure, you can press it, color it, twist it or throw on a wig, but since today you have one hundred other decisions to make, the last thing you want boggling your mind is “How will I style my hair?”.

For so many women of ethnic decent; hair is an “issue” and has been an issue since around the age six mom washed your hair in the sink the Saturday before Easter Sunday.

The moment she began to comb it out to put it in four plats (braids) just to take each section down and press tiny sections that seem to have taken a life time. You could feel the heat on your scalp and the grease sizzling with every stroke. At that moment, you decided “my hair is an issue.”

Thank goodness in 2015 we can go #teamnatural (the social media term for those who have decided to wear their hair in its natural textured state, simply meaning free from chemical relaxer.) We are in a time where we never have to put a pressing comb in our hair again and still look fabulous.

Finally, we have unlocked the texture code and we have natural salons that can help us discover great looks for our natural textured hair.

The way we feel is sometimes directly related to how we look on the outside so

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for those rocking your natural tresses, preparation is key.

Knowing the perfect combination of shampoo,

conditioners and moisturizers for your texture is essential to building a healthy head of hair. Your daily regimen will play a big part in the growth, texture and feel of your hair.

Hydration is vital.

Remember to drink plenty of water, eat green leafy vegetables and add in vitamins when necessary. Your hair is an extension of what is internal. Embracing your personal texture is the first step to finding a look that is perfect for you. It is so important to consult with a natural stylist who can identify what your hair texture can and can’t do before taking the leap into trying a natural style. I have spoken to so many women who have gotten discouraged about being natural because they were trying to achieve something they saw on you tube or was advised by a friend who’s texture of hair was totally different.

In addition, when wearing your natural hair don’t forget to put on your face. You would be amazed how doing small things can make such a difference; especially if you are wearing your hair natural and you want to keep a professional or feminine touch.

Remember hydration and moisture is just as important for your face as it is with your hair.

Spring is here and adding simple touches like: a great bronzer to illuminate your skin, a nice nude eye shadow coupled with a charcoal color to give you a day to evening look and lastly a bold or nude matte color for your lip (been wanting to try that red or plum—here’s your chance).

These are just a few of our tips for designing your “Natural Look”. There’s so much more to this story. Keep in mind that no matter what you decide on your hair and your face the number #1 thing you want to put on each day is confidence. Feel free to add to your look by wearing that outfit that makes you come alive. Embrace your natural curls or your afro. Own your style and be true to who you are. I guarantee that once you’ve added a few simple steps to your daily beauty regimen you’ll have the total look and image you’ve always wanted from head-to-toe.

Monica Daniely Green So Curly, So Kinky, So Straight Salon and Merrillville Beauty Academy www.SoCurlySoKinkySoStraight.com

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The Movement Inside Us All T

We offer arts-enhanced learning programs with great results. Imagine a poetry breakout session at your next corporate retreat or a tutoring session using comic books to build reading skills for your students or employees. It can happen!

I’m an experienced creative educator who designs and facilitates creative writing workshops or literacy programs for private and nonprofit organizations. Either for personal enrichment or professional development, I'll customize the best program for you. Flexible rates.

Contact Michelle Rankins, President/Founder, (216) 570-7131 and visit our website www.mrcreativelearning.com

wenty years ago in her opening remarks to the Detroit Summer Volunteers, an urban gardening program building leadership skills and community through agriculture, activist Grace Lee Boggs compared the work to the legacy of the Freedom Summer Movement in 1964 when people were called to create a new way of living. Boggs asked the Detroit Summer Volunteers to do the same and see their communities as the first links connecting to Mother Earth. This is the heart of the environmental justice movement and what fueled the People’s Climate March.

Environmental justice movement extends the environment into every aspect concerning humanity addressing economic, political, and educational imbalances and discrimination. For the last four years, I’ve been working on a participatory art project PERCENT FOR GREEN, which deals with looking at climate change in the Bronx and how art can serve community. The goal is to pass a Percent for Green bill allotting 1% of the budget for eligible City-funded construction projects be spent on expanding green space and sustainable initiatives in Environmental Justice communities in New York City. Potential projects would include supporting community gardens, a source of green jobs and sustainable urban development; implementing educational resources for clean alternatives to fossil fuels; and implementing infrastructure system designs in underserved neighborhoods.

Since launching PERCENT FOR GREEN at HOSTOS Community College, I’ve been working closely with

Mothers on the Move/Madres en Movimento (MOM), a grassroots organization in the Bronx, founded by women seeking real change in their communities.

Started in 1994 by Barbara Gross and Mili Bonilla, MOM began as a continuing education program for women. While their children were in school, mothers engaged in literacy programs and researched city and state school systems. As they visited different sites, they noticed discrepancies between the educational, living, and business environments of the South Bronx and other areas. They responded by mobilizing. One of their biggest victories was their lawsuit against New York Organic Fertilizer Company (NYOFCo) whose parent company is the Carlyle Group. NYOFCo’s business is turning raw sewage and human waste into fertilizer pellets for use in agriculture and farming. Already plighted with the state’s highest asthma rates, residents of the South Bronx were getting sicker. Through their work with the National Resource Defense Council, MOM headed a coalition of organizations in a suit against NYOFCo’s plants, winning in 2010.

Our neighborhoods are locations where we begin to think about something else other than ourselves.

Being involved means re-considering all our choices as potentially affecting someone else. This is the foundation for a movement and how we support it in community is essential. I started PERCENT FOR GREEN using my skills as an artist and educator yet it’s been with the support of MOM that I’ve realized I’m also an activist. The women at MOM, among them executive director Wanda Salaman, evince that the movement is inside us all. The legacy Grace Lee Boggs speaks of is not just within our reach, but can be part of everything we do.

Alicia Grullon - PERCENT FOR GREEN www.aliciagrullon.com

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Need to get in today?

Done.

2015

Calendar of Events

World class care at over 90 locations CLEVELAND, OHIO Tuesday, March 24, 2015

4th Annual “Speaking of Women!

A Dialogue Series for Women in Leadership” Special Women’s History Month Program “A Conversation with a Woman of Vision”

4:30am – 6:00pm Cleveland Clinic - Beachwood Campus Building 3 Auditorium 3050 Science Park Drive Beachwood, Ohio 44122

CLEVELAND, OHIO Thursday, April 2 – Development Retreat for Friday, April 3, 2015

13th Annual Personal and Professional Women of Color “Connections, Community and Career 2015”

8:00am – 5:00pm Cuyahoga Community College - Corporate College East, 4400 Richmond Road Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128

COLUMBUS, OHIO Monday, May 11, 2015

10th Annual Personal and Professional Development Retreat for Women of Color “Connections, Community and Career 2015”

8:00am – 5:00pm Creekside Conference & Event Center 101 Mill Street, Suite 300, Creekside Plaza Gahanna, Ohio 43230

CLEVELAND, OHIO Thursday, June 11, 2015

4th Annual “Speaking of Women!

A Dialogue Series for Women in Leadership” Women’s Leadership Symposium

11:30am – 1:30pm Dominion East Ohio 1201 East 55th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44103

CLEVELAND, OHIO Thursday, September 10, 2015

1st Annual Women of Color Foundation “Special Outreach Program”

11:30am – 1:30pm Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW) 1479 Collins Avenue Marysville, Ohio 43040

CLEVELAND, OHIO Thursday, November 5, 2015

10th Annual Women of Color Leadership Development and Training Institute & Awards Luncheon American Greetings Corporation “Speaking of Women! A Dialogue Series for Women in Leadership”

8:00am – 2:00pm Cleveland State University Wolstein Center 2000 Prospect Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44115

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

Executive Profile

Midlife at 40?

Moreen Bailey Frater

Merely a Myth

W

hy does it seem that we wake up one day and we are suddenly 40? Where did the time go and why do we suddenly recognize this age when we simply let our 20s and 30s come and go without much fanfare. I guess it is because that magical age “40” marks the beginning of midlife. It is like a camera flash goes off in our minds when we turn 40. If life expectancy is 80 for women, many of us are at the midway point in our lives and it’s time for a new perspective. If we could turn back the hands of time (The Temptations), how far would we turn it back and what would we change all the while keeping in mind that the people we are today is due to the experiences that we encountered along the way? Why are there so many questions we want answered when we reach midlife? In reality, we should never get to this stage in our lives where we suddenly feel that we have missed out on something.

Let me shed some perspective. We have to stop underestimating the power we have to change ourselves. Forty is an age when we have to start doing some of those things that will bring us alive again. When we reach 40, a certain ripened maturity comes along with this age. This ripening is more akin to a rose that is no longer closed

but open to expose the full beauty of the bud.

At 40 we have to start living our lives with less introspect and more action.

What does a child’s piggy bank and a 40 year old woman have in common? Well, think about it. When it is time to break open the piggy bank, it is fascinating to find out all the different pieces of currency inside that has been collected over time and perhaps forgotten about. It is the same thing with a 40 year old woman, once she decides she wants to do more with her life, she starts to uncover those hidden, pieces of knowledge that she forgot were stored inside.

The years between 40 and 60 are crucial years in our lives. If we haven’t taken some type of control up to this point or at least made an attempt to we will be in big trouble.

It is surprising how fast the aging process can set in. Many of us want to be that 60 year old woman that has aged gracefully but do not want to put in the work to get there. We have to start doing the groundwork now, today to make that ageless theory a reality.

The reality of debunking the way we age is all up to us. Each of us is in control of the decisions we make. After 40 those decisions need to be more calculated and precise to assure that we embrace the next several decades with excitement, vigor and grace.

Dorenda Swanson - Squire Patton Boggs www.squirepattonboggs.com

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Director of Community Relations WEWS NewsChannel 5

M

oreen Bailey Frater came to Cleveland with her family from Jamaica when she was just a teenager, and immediately fell in love with the city. In her own words she “loves everything about Cleveland, the change of seasons, diversity of activities, parks, theatre district, educational institutions, health and fitness organizations and the people!”

Moreen is well known throughout Northeast Ohio as the Director of Community Relations for the local ABC affiliate, WEWS NewsChannel 5, where she produces WEWS weekly public affairs program Kaleidoscope as well as Spotlight 5, a commercial segment. She also works with the station’s Promotions Department on community partnerships and station sponsorships.

Moreen sees her primary role at the station is to give voice to everyone in as many categories as possible, especially for non-profit organizations that do not have budgets to buy advertising. She recognizes that when they come to her they are most often trying to raise funds so they can do the work that benefits the community. Every time she gives them voice, she is helping the community and the people. Kaleidoscope is one of her most effective vehicles to accomplish that task.

Moreen is passionate about education. If she had a magic wand and money were no object, she says she would find a way to expand the minds of young people in elementary or middle school by exposing them to the many opportunities outside of the obvious doctor, attorney, nurse, teacher, or on-air personality. To her that would be a great benefit to communities and the economy. Hopefully it would begin a process so that each generation would pay it forward and help the next one. Literacy is an

extension of her passion for education. She is struck and saddened by how many people do not have basic reading skills. It’s the foundation of a good education.

In her personal life, Moreen loves flower gardening and spending as much time as possible with her husband, who is also from Jamaica, and her mother.

She and her husband met in Cleveland but both still have extended family in Jamaica. They both also have siblings living in several cities around the United States as well as in Europe, England and Canada. So Moreen has ample justification for one of her favorite pastimes, traveling, just to keep in touch with family and friends.

Traveling also gives her time for another favorite pastime, reading. Some of her favorite reads are The Maxwell Leadership Bible by John C. Maxwell, Our Iceberg is Melting, by John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber, A Tale of Two Plantations by Richard S. Dunn; and currently she is re-reading Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

Like most women with demanding careers, Moreen works hard to balance family and work life.

She credits her supportive husband and Mom for keeping her grounded. When asked “What would you like people to know about you as a person?”

Moreen responds that she cares about people…a lot. She is loyal. She is a good listener. She is a good friend and she can be trusted. That makes her the perfect match for her position.

Moreen Bailey Frater holds a B.A. in Journalism from The Ohio State University and a M.SC. in Organizational Development and analysis from Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University. She currently serves on the boards of The Better Business Bureau of Greater Cleveland and Apprisen.

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Ohio’s New Open Records Adoption Law:

B

CL: The opening of birth records must be very emotional for both the adoptee, the adoptee’s parents, and the birth parents. Has your office experienced mostly positive or negative reactions? Which group has been the most vocal?

Get the Facts

Law may have national implications, so we reached out to Ms. Norris for more information.

CL: Thank you for speaking with us! We’ll discuss the Ohio Adoption Records Law in a moment, but first, could you briefly explain the mission of Adoption Network Cleveland?

The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.

Hundreds of Ohio adoptees from across the country have reached out to thank us for our work, attend events related to “Opening Day” and participate in our services and in media and social media opportunities. The vast majority of reunions that have taken place are happy ones, yet sadly some adoptees have found that those they seek have already passed away or face other difficulties.

Interview by Michelle Rankins

time to reflect on your personal journey?

What are your thoughts?

etsie Norris’s story is incredible. In 1963, her adopted father, William B. Norris, a renowned attorney, out of privacy concerns for adoptee birth records helped draft legislation that sealed Ohio adoptee records. Fast forward to 2014 where Mr. Norris’ daughter, Betsie, was instrumental in the passage of the Ohio Adoption Records Law that allows persons adopted between 1964-1996 access to their birth records. Thanks to Ms. Norris’ diligence, adoptees began accessing their birth records on March 20, 2015. Indeed, the Ohio Adoption Records

It has indeed been a long journey, but I did not take this journey alone.

It has taken over 25 years to see this moment and as I watch others discover their own histories, it does make me reflect on my own personal journey. I searched for six months not realizing that I had access to my original birth certificate, and when I discovered I did have access and received it, it was profoundly meaningful.

“

Adoption Network Cleveland recognizes adoption as a complex, lifelong and intergenerational journey for all those whose lives are touched by the adoption process. Founded in 1988, Adoption Network Cleveland provides programs and services throughout Ohio to connect and empower all members of the adoption triad (adoptees, birthparents and adoptive parents), youth in foster care, foster parents, siblings and adoption professionals. Recognizing that a unified voice is a strong voice, Adoption Network Cleveland promotes community awareness and social change by advocating for progressive policies and openness in adoptive practice, policy and law.

CL: In my introduction, I discussed your deeply personal connection to the Ohio Adoption Records Law. Now that birth certificates are available, I wondered, have you had 24

Network Cleveland is here to answer questions, provide support and help.

Watching the magnitude of the impact leading up to and since March 20 has amazed even me…so many lives, so many stories.

”

It did not seem fair that other adoptees did not have this right – it struck me as an important social justice issue. That was 30 years ago, and now, not just some of us but all of us have access to our own information.

Knowing that my adoptive father supported that as well makes me proud, but I wish that he would have been here to see it all unfold.

Watching the magnitude of the impact leading up to and since March 20 has amazed even me…so many lives, so many stories. Our phones are ringing off the hook, social medial is exploding and we’ve been thanked by hundreds of people – most of whom we

CL: What type of support services are offered through Adoption Network Cleveland? didn’t know before. It has really been phenomenal. We have participated in well over 100 media stories in the past month, and there are still some in progress including a segment on ABC News Nightline with Byron Pitts.

CL: What exactly is the Ohio Adoption Records Law? How can one access their birth records?

Adult adoptees who were born before 1964 have always been able to simply request a copy of their original birth records. Starting in 1964 Ohio closed these records to adult adoptees. Due to legislation I worked on in the 1990s Ohio allows the release of these records in adoptions from September 1996 forward.

On March 20, 2015, a new law went into effect giving 400,000 adult adoptees from the previously closed period (1964-1996) access to their original birth certificates. Upon request, the adoptee (age 18 or older), will receive their original birth certificate and adoption decree. Now all Ohio-born adoptees have the right to have this personal information.

Adoptees can access their birth records through using a form found on the Ohio Department of Health website, they need to provide identification, have the form notarized and pay a $20 fee. Adoption

Adoption Network Cleveland offers multiple inperson support and discussion groups across Ohio for birthparents, adoptees, adoptive parents and others who want to learn more about the lifelong experience of adoption. As of recently these groups are also being offered in an electronic format. These groups provide resources, a sense of community and support to people involved in adoption. We also offer counseling services for one-on-one support.

We offer help for adult adoptees, birthparents, siblings and extended families to find one another and reconnect. Our assistance includes providing information on public records, search techniques and emotional support during a search.

CL: What’s next for Adoption Network Cleveland?

Our mission is not limited geographically and we are expanding our services statewide and beyond.

This is an important growth phase for Adoption Network Cleveland, and we plan to continue offering support, education and advocacy to all those whose lives are touched by the adoption process. We will continue to advocate for adoption laws and policies that are ethical, equitable and fair to all.

For more information on Betsie Norris and the Adoption Network Cleveland, please visit www. adoptionnetwork.org.

Betsie Norris - Adoption Network Cleveland www.adoptionnetwork.org

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Dhomonique Ricks is an Anchor and Host at

WEWS-TV. You most likely recognize her as a CoHost of The Now Cleveland. Dhomonique started her television career at the tender age of 14 and has been hosting and anchoring programs across the nation; from Minnesota to Missouri to Virginia, ever since.

The former Miss Southwest Virginia USA’s core passions are self-development, holistic approaches to wellness, whole food plant based eating, women empowerment, reading, traveling, and cooking high vibe foods!

Learn more about Dhomonique and “like” her facebook page: Facebook.com/DRicksTV

About her passion, in her own words: Ever feel like you were put on this earth to do something specific? As if you were born to do something that makes a difference? I discovered a God given talent at the age of 14 and knew it was my calling. It was deeper than a passion, it was a true love, and fulfilling this dream and giving it 110%, was my gift back to God. My favorite quote is the Golden Rule by Jones of Toledo and it goes like this, “What I want for myself, I want for everybody.” That sums up my passion in life; service to others through my voice and platform, being a steward of the public’s trust, and giving a voice to the voiceless. I love what I do, and it shows!

Gail Stumphauzer

is currently the Founder and Director of Margeau’s Free to Be Project. This nonprofit was founded in honor of her daughter. Now in its fourth year, this project is devoted to helping women and girls realize their full potential and to appreciate the gifts they have to offer the world. This is done through creative conversation and activities, primarily an annual Discovering YOU conference.

Prior to her work with the Free to Be Project, Gail was the CEO of Leadership Lorain County.

Gail also has twenty years of experience in the health care arena as a social worker, nursing home administrator, and program developer. www.free2bproject.org.

About her passion, in her own words: I found my true passion tragically in 2011, when my beautiful twenty nine year old daughter Margeau, passed away. My passion came from recognizing my purpose in life and the willingness and need to take each circumstance, learn from it and transform it into good. My heart is with women and girls because we all have days where we don’t feel good enough. For some it is a temporary set back, for others it is a gateway into depression, addiction, disease and sometimes death. If I can help one person in honor and memory of my daughter, then my life has been worth living even with all of its challenges and pain. I dedicate my work to Margeau as I believe this would have been her life’s work, and to the other two most important females in my life, my daughter Kelly and my granddaughter Lily.

Women Working and Living Their Passion, Angela Kyei

, MD, MPH, and FAAD, is the founder and owner of Cosmopolitan Dermatology, a private practice that provides quality care for skin, hair and nail conditions of all skin types. They provide a wide range of services including medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. Prior to this entrepreneurial venture, she founded the Multicultural Skin and Hair Center in the Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Institute, at Cleveland Clinic. She is a specialist in treating hair loss and has done ground breaking research in this area. Dr. Kyei completed her undergraduate work at Princeton University, and went on to get a Masters in Public Health (MPH) at Yale University.

Kyei attended medical school at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and completed her dermatology residency at Cleveland Clinic. www.cosmodermatology.com

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About her passion, in her own words: I am most passionate about helping my patients see the beauty in themselves, no matter what life has thrown their way. I treat conditions such as hair loss resulting from chemotherapy, stress or genetics which can often rob people of their dignity. From the 5-year-old child with complete hair loss resulting from an autoimmune disorder who has to face her classmates everyday, to the 50-year-old woman who has lost her hair because of cancer, all of us are emotionally affected by conditions that alter our appearance.

These conditions can often lead to depression and avoidance of loved ones. I take pride in helping my patients regain their self-esteem back. Outside of work, I love to cook.

Cooking relaxes me and connects me to my family. From making meat pies to frying plantains, cooking for me is a joy.

and Loving It!

Amanda Mockbee

is an Assistant Vice President at Dollar Bank, and has dedicated herself to providing banking expertise and a superior level of service to high net worth individuals for more than six years. Upon graduation from Bucknell University, Amanda joined Dollar Bank and currently serves Private Banking clients from the bank’s Ohio headquarters.

A Cleveland area native, she serves on multiple boards and committees in support of local charitable organizations and her community including The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The West Side Catholic Center and Engage! Cleveland. www.engagecleveland.com

About her passion, in her own words: Like most millennials, I grew up wanting to change the world. That deep-rooted need to help people drives me to seek out ways to give back. The key to service work is passion.

It’s what motivates us to freely give our time and talents. I believe strongly in the missions of my causes and care about the people we are helping. The reward is as simple as a smile from a cousin, a leukemia survivor, or witnessing the immense generosity of the people who have the least to give. They energize me and encourage me to work harder for them. I might not be changing the world.

However by donating my time, energy and passion I can have an impact on one person’s world and, for me, that’s even better.

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L

et’s face it. Most men just don’t want to go to the doctor, even when they are not feeling well.

It has been said that men take better care of their cars than themselves. But women have historically been the significant medical decision makers for their families and have proactively motivated and scheduled their husbands, male significant others, fathers and sons to go see the doctor for preventive health checkups. By pushing men to undergo preventive checkups for the prevention and/or early detection of disease, women are key to saving and improving the quality of life for men.

African American men and other minority men suffer a

disproportionate burden of health disparities as evidenced by high rates and poorer outcomes of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, prostate cancer, colon cancer, mental health problems and other serious medical conditions. The health disparities experienced by minority men are evidenced by, for example, the 7-8 year shorter life expectancy experienced by African American males compared to Caucasian males.

The causes of the health disparities are multifactorial and related to deficiencies which many minority men have with respect to access to quality health care, deficiencies in health literacy resulting in a lack of understanding of the

What Women Should Know About Prostate Cancer

As mentioned, a disease which significantly disproportionately afflicts black men is prostate cancer. Women themselves need to know some important facts about prostate cancer so that they can help reduce the morbidity and mortality from prostate cancer in black men. An important thing to note is that a man can harbor prostate cancer, significant prostate cancer, and experience no symptoms at all, thus underscoring the importance that men should undergo routine screenings for prostate cancer. Screening involves the man getting a blood test called the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and a digital rectal examination. What constitutes a normal PSA level depends upon the race and age

been a reduction in prostate cancer mortality rates; so there is no doubt that PSA screening is successful – when used correctly.

Recently, the American Urological Association (AUA) announced new guidelines for prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing. These guidelines were designed to help urologists, and ultimately patients, reduce prostate cancer mortality by making informed screening decisions.

The American Urological Association recommends that given the fact that African American men are at greater risks for developing and dying from prostate cancer, African American men should begin screening for prostate cancer at the age of 40–a full 15 years earlier than when white men without a family

Minority Men’s Health

Ladies, Get Them to the Doctor by any Means Necessary

importance of undergoing routine preventive health screenings, genetic and hereditary disease, unhealthy behaviors, environmental and nutritional factors and other social determinants of health.

In addition, historically many men have shunned doctors out of fear of or distrust of doctors and health care institutions. Lack of cultural competency of health providers and poor communication between health providers and patients also contributes to the observed health disparities in minority males.

of the patient, in addition to the physical size of the prostate, and results should be interpreted by a urologist in consultation with the patient. A urologist is a surgeon who specializes in men’s health.

Prostate cancer, when detected in early stages, is potentially 100% curable with surgery, radiation or cryotherapy (freezing). In some cases of prostate cancer, observation without definitive treatment is an option.

In reference to prostate cancer, obesity/excess weight, a family history of prostate cancer, and African American race are the driving risk factors of developing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in men, killing approximately 34,000 men each year, and black men have almost twice the incidence and do have twice the death rates from prostate cancer compared to white men. Since the widespread adoption of PSA screening in the early 90s, there has

history of prostate cancer should begin screening.

Early diagnosis and treatment are the two most important factors to successfully treating prostate cancer. The AUA recommends against PSA screening in men over age 70 with a life expectancy less than 10-15 years. For men over the age of 70 with a projected life expectancy of 10-15 years, prostate cancer screening should be part of an overall wellness monitoring assessment.

Also visit the Minority Men’s Health Center website to learn more information regarding out Cleveland Clinic Minority Men’s Health Center and/or to schedule an appointment to see Dr. Modlin for a consultation: ClevelandClinic.org/mmhc Charles Modlin, M.D., MBA ModlinC@ccf.org 216-445-7550

Charles S. Modlin, Jr., M.D., MBA Founder & Director Cleveland Clinic Minority Men’s Health Center Urologist & Kidney Transplant Surgeon

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Dr. Ellen Burts-Cooper

AD: RLB Photography

Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, this Senior Managing Partner self-proclaimed Improve Consulting “southern girl” is a and Training Group champion of living life intentionally. For six years, Burts-Cooper has been an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University.

She has worked in the electronics and financial services industries, assisting with process improvement.

She is also the senior managing partner of Improve Consulting and Training Group, a firm that provides personal and professional development training, coaching and consultation.

Burts-Cooper and her team provide Lean Six Sigma Yellow and Green Belt Certifications, project coaching, curriculum development, training and project deployment.

Dr. Burts-Cooper shares some important insight on running a small business:

On Financial Management…

“You have to take control of your business and personal financial affairs, making sure your team is working together on your behalf. Your attorney mitigates risk; your financial planner helps plan for your financial future; your banker helps you manage your cash flow and ensures you have the cash you need when you need it. From a tax perspective, your accountant keeps your financial affairs in order.”

On Entrepreneurship…

“There are three tasks of an entrepreneur - to lead, manage and do. An entrepreneur must recognize that those three tasks have to be balanced. Some try to do them all, but it’s very difficult.”

“You also have to be willing to take risks. You can’t always play it safe. If you are a risk-adverse person, running a business will be a lot more challenging.”

On Leadership…

“By helping ourselves, we are in a better place to help others. Women tend to help everyone else first. You have to regenerate and be intentional about your development. Make sure you have a way to revive yourself.

We have to know what it is we want to do with our lives. When we take care of ourselves first, then we have the energy needed to help others.”

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

Spring Gardening Made Easy

CL

Magazine spoke with Greg Malone, program manager, Plant Science and Landscaping Technology, Cuyahoga Community College-Eastern Campus for gardening tips.

The care of a flowerbed transitioning from spring into summer is similar regardless of the type of flowers planted. Annuals, which bloom all season, die at the first hard frost and are then replanted each year will, in most cases, only need to have fading flowers removed. This is called dead-heading.

Perennials, which die back to the ground at first frost and regenerate from the root the following year, should also be dead-headed. Dead-heading serves two purposes. It removes the unsightly, faded flowers and helps to promote branching so that the plant is more compact and bushy promoting yet more flowers. Anything removed should be disposed of in a compost bin or garbage and should not be left on the ground as the debris can harbor disease organisms. Most annuals will bloom continuously throughout the season. Most perennials bloom only once, sometimes twice and then must rely on growth habit or colorful leaves for season-long interest. So, while perennials may need less dead-heading, they’ll still need to be trimmed frequently to keep them full and shapely.

Plants need food and water. I’m not a fan of the season-long fertilizers. I prefer a granular, organic fertilizer, like Espoma Plant-Tone. It should be worked into the flower garden soil at planting time with one subsequent feeding broadcast on the soil surface near plants six weeks later. In between granular fertilizer

applications, a soluble fertilizer like Miracle-Gro should be used according to the directions. Irrigation should be provided so that plants get about one inch of water per week, either from natural rainfall or irrigation.

Many people think perennials require less work than annuals because they come back every year and don’t require replanting. I don’t agree because perennials, once established, will require digging up and separating every year or two or they become overgrown and weedy looking. I prefer annuals because they’re eye-catching all season long, there’s a huge variety available, and at the end of the year I can simply pull them out of the ground, shake off the soil and throw them into the compost bin.

My favorite annuals are annual Vinca, which is a great substitute for impatiens which has become difficult to find due to their susceptibility to downy mildew. Vinca comes in a wide range of colors and has a nice, glossy green leaf. Geraniums are great in sunny locations, are very tough and provide giant clusters of red, white, pink and salmon flowers all season if kept dead-headed. Finally, calibrachoa (sometimes called million bells) is a fantastic annual for our area. Most have a sprawling growth habit with petunia-like flowers so they’re great as ground cover, in planters or hanging baskets. So, here it should be considered an annual. It will bloom all summer and is touted as the next big thing in garden flowers. We’ll see.

Greg Malone - Plant Science and Landscaping Technology Cuyahoga Community College - Eastern Campus

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We Got Next! Young Professionals

Engaged in the City Interview by Simone Swanson

CL: What relationship does Engage!

Cleveland have with local employers?

I

magine graduating from college or moving to a new city as a young professional. The pressure of building a career and networking can be challenging and at times may even seem impossible. What if there was an organization designed to serve the needs of young professionals by connecting them to networking events, main attractions, businesses, and more. In 2012, Engage! Cleveland (E!C) was founded to make Cleveland one of the top destinations for young professionals. This June, E!C will host YP Week for the second year in a row, a week jam packed with over 30 events including exercises on the east and west side of town, lunch and learns with industry trailblazers, networking after work and much more!

I sat down with Executive Director, Ashley Oeken to learn more about Engage Cleveland and YP Week festivities.

CL: How does Engage! Cleveland define “young professional”?

Engage! Cleveland uses a very loose definition of young professionals, typically defining them between the ages of 21-40 and having a Bachelor’s degree. However, we see high school and college students, as well as those 40+, at our events. I like to joke that we don’t ID at the door.

Engage! Cleveland works with a variety of employers in the Cleveland area to help them attract, engage and retain their young talent. EC provides orientation sessions, tours of the city, and more to help attract people to Cleveland. In 2014, Engage!

Cleveland hosted the first YP Week.

CL:. What can you reveal to CL readers about this year’s festivities?

This year’s Cleveland Young Professionals Week is going to be bigger and better than last year! There is truly something happening for everyone!

Fitness: Take in a great yoga workout while taking in spectacular views of the city on the rooftop of Tremont Athletic Club or try your hand at aerial yoga at EB Fitness in the Flats.

Lunch Panels: Learn all about the “Road to the RNC” during a panel at The Union Club and the check out the new right field district at Progressive Field and learn all about the renovations while having lunch inside The Corner.

Network after Work: Hear from other young professionals about their goals, hopes and beliefs during Y(our) Platform on Tuesday evening and then get civically involved by finding a new passion during the YP Employment & Civic Engagement Fair on Thursday.

To learn more about YP Week or Engage! Cleveland, visit www.engagecleveland.org.

Ashley Oeken - Executive Director Engage Cleveland

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Get Centered:

A Holistic Guide For Women

T

here is Zumba, Insanity, R.I.P.P.E.D., Tabata, Boot Camp, Belly dancing, Line dancing, jogging and more! There are many fitness programs for the physical body that are a great benefit. But that is for the outer body, the physical shells that house our spirit. However, what are you doing for the spirit body, the energy body inside each and every one of us? We are all made up of spirit energy, and when it is out of balance, or if there is a blockage somewhere in the energy body, it causes disturbance in the physical body. For example, aches, pain, stress, sickness, anxiety, loss of focus are all disturbances from the energy body inside of the physical body.

So we need to work out the spiritual energy body as well to prevent all the issues and discomfort that may come from not exercising and clearing that energy body.

How do you work out your spiritual energy body?

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There are many ways! One way is meditation and prayer. Find a nice quiet space. That space could be outside at a park, at home in a quiet room, or even in your car with everything off. Sit quietly, close your eyes and clear your mind. Allow your mind to just go blank. Take deep breaths, breathing in through the nose and out through your mouth. Take your time.

You don’t have to sit for hours, only a few minutes.

Start off with 3-5 minutes and increase it from there.

In your meditation or prayer just sit quietly and let thoughts and visions come to you. Don’t try to make anything happen, but in those few moments, just be.

Breathe in and take in positive energy then exhale anything negative. As you do this more and more you will be able to meditate longer, and you will feel the spirit energy moving within you.

Another way to exercise the spirit energy and reduce stress is Tai Chi (TIE-CHEE). Originally developed for self-defense, Tai Chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that’s now used for stress reduction, revitalizing the chi (energy)

in your spirit body, and a variety of other health conditions. Often described as meditation in motion, Tai Chi promotes serenity and clarity through gentle, flowing movements. Within these movements you are working your energy body.

Qigong (CHEE-GONG) is a powerful system of healing and energy medicine from China. It is the art and science of using breathing techniques, gentle movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate the life energy. Qigong practice leads to better health and vitality and a tranquil state of mind.

And of course, let’s not forget about Yoga. Yoga is an ancient art based on a harmonizing system of development for the body, mind, and spirit. The continued practice of Yoga will lead you to a sense of peace and well-being, and also a feeling of being at one with the universe. The practice of Yoga makes the body strong and flexible, while also improving the functioning of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and hormonal systems. Yoga brings about emotional stability and clarity of mind.

The last form of working out the spirit energy is to find an Energy

worker (Reiki, Quantum Touch, Healing Touch, etc…) to help clear your energy system. Often, many forms of sickness, disease and stress start in the spirit energy body and manifest into the physical as a pain or discomfort or even an illness. An Energy worker will clear out those blockages in the spirit body and get the energy in the spirit moving and active. This is done by what is commonly referred to as “laying on of hands”.

Fitness and spirituality work hand in hand. When the physical body is healthy, active and mobile, and the energy body is balanced, open and clear, we can get to a place where we can become one with God, or the Universe, or whatever you believe is the higher power. We can’t survive one without

the other. We must take care of each body (physical and spiritual), and give each what it needs so that the two can work together in harmony to bring about the balance that we need to grow physically, mentally and most importantly spiritually. In that place we have total peace. Once we are on one accord with physical and spiritual wellness, we will be able to accomplish amazing things both physically and spiritually.

Sadaqa Calhoun Redus - Aqadas Holistic Health & Wellness,Touched by Sadaqa (KIM’B) LLC www.touchedbysadaqa.com

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it’s Time to Excel

Your Business

Free Consultations

You Can Become a Consultant, Speaker or Trainer

2excelgroup.com

216-916-9455

A Consulting, Marketing & Management Firm

Art

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Culture

E x plo r e Yo u r Cit y

inally! Spring has arrived and there’s so much do!

ART EVERYWHERE Spring time means Tremont Art Walk! Stroll through neighborhood galleries and shops (www.tremontartwalk.com). Visit West 78th St. Studios (www.78thstreetstudios.com) the “largest art complex in Northeast Ohio with over 43 retail shops” according to its website.

You can’t beat Third-Fridays, the once a month open house of exhibits and tours of artist spaces. Very cool—and free! (www.thirdFridays.com). The Callaloo Café and Bar in the Waterloo Arts District (www.waterlooarts. org/café) becomes a music venue/pop-up art gallery featuring the works of local African American artists. Do visit the Cain Park Arts Festival this July located in Cleveland Heights, OH (www.cainpark.com). Do you love flea markets as much as I do? Check out The Cleveland Flea Sunday Market located in the old industrial complex of Tyler Village at 36th and Superior (www.theclevelandflea.com).

Support local artists and visit the food trucks.

MUSEUMS The Cleveland Museum of Art presents, Senufo: Art and Identity in West Africa featuring masks, figures, and decorative arts from SubSaharan Africa. Over 170 of loaned artifacts on view until May 31st, 2015 (www.cleveart.org).

Go visit Joyce J. Scott’s exhibit, “Truths and Visions” at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Scott is a world renowned African American sculptor, performance artist, and educator from Baltimore, MD. According the website, “Scott balances autobiographical references with more cosmic and broadly

By Michelle Rankins political and sociological content to convey trauma and haunting episodes of rage about African-American and African history, bigotry, injustice, and gender.” Powerful. Visit www. mocacleveland.org for more details. Another local gem, Snickerfritz at the Edward E. Parker Creative Arts Complex in E. Cleveland is dedicated to the celebration of African and African American Art (www.snickerfritz.org).

MUSIC Wade Oval Wednesday, the free summer concerts in Wade Oval located in University Circle (near Case Western Reserve University) kicks off June 17th, 2015. For more details, visit www.universitycircle.org. If you’ve never attended the Tri-C Jazz Fest, what are you waiting for? It kicks off July 9-11, 2015. Visit www.tri-c.edu/jazzfest. Another local summer fav, “Family Unity in the Park” at Luke Easter Park, July 25th (www.thefamilyunityinthepark. com) offers day-long fun and music. Do attend the 25th Ohio Freedom Festival, Columbus, OH (www.juneteenthohio.net) to celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

NATURE LOVERS Indulge in the beauty that is the Cleveland Metroparks (www.clevelandmetroparks.com).

Pack a little lunch and stroll through its quiet lushness. Love the lake? Check out Edgewater Park on the west side, hit The Flats, or Sims Park in Euclid, OH. Safety first, please check Cleveland Metroparks’ website for lifeguard information. Get your water fix!

Well, there you have it! No reason to be bored this spring. Most of these events are family friendly and free! Until next time, go explore YOUR city!

For Speaking Engagements, Please Call: 216-391-4300, ext. 311

Why Morning Worship?

IN THE MORNING...

I’ve never been a morning person. I grew up in a family of morning people so by the time I would get up, the morning had already broken. Lights were on.

Food was cooking. People were moving. So when I wanted quiet time, I had to wait for the night. I still love the night. But I’ve also discovered the morning.

Now being a full time graduate student is challenging in any discipline, especially while working full time, but there is a unique challenge in seminary. You have to be very careful that in the all the time you devote to learning about God that you don’t substitute that for being with God or cultivating a relationship with Jesus Christ. Study does not mean worship. So during this extra busy time of my seminary career, the Holy Spirit would wake me up early in the morning. I’d set my alarm for 6:30 a.m., but my eyes would open at 5:30 a.m. Eventually, I realized that this was my only unscheduled, unrestricted time of day when the Lord could have my undivided attention.

IN THE PRESENCE...

There is no substitute for being in the presence of God. Scripture tells us that in God’s presence, there is the fullness of joy. But we have to be careful not

to confuse joy with happiness. Happiness is a much more situational state of being. Happiness comes from the state of my affairs. I become happy when my expectations are met. An unexpected material blessing, the birth of a child, or an upbeat song are just a few examples of what makes us happy.

Joy, on the other hand, is a response to the presence of God in our lives. We experience joy in our souls even when there is sorrow in our hearts.

Joy comes from a trust that God is in control and has a plan and purpose for everything we experience. It is not necessary for everyone’s moment to be a good one. In fact, our lives would be greatly diminished if we only experienced good times; for our pain yields a bountiful harvest of growth, fortitude, resilience and greater opportunities in our lives.

Truly, joy comes in the morning. When we begin our day by dedicating it to God, seeking not only the presence of God but the perfect will of God for each moment, meeting, or task, we fortify ourselves by re-establishing our connection to Christ. Each morning brings “new mercies” – a new day, literally, and a fresh canvass upon which to paint the portrait of your future.

Embrace Consulting

specializes in providing Diversity and Inclusion consulting and leadership development services to champion employee engagement and drive for business results. Embrace Consulting is positioned to partner with your Leadership Team(s) as well as your Business Resource Networks to ensure alignment of business objectives, cultural competencies and skill development opportunities.

Creativity and innovation thrive in organizations that recognize the importance of building and sustaining a culture where all employees feel their contribution is recognized and valued. Creating and sustaining that culture is critical for businesses to grow and thrive. Embrace Consulting provides the essential foundational services to customize your Diversity & Inclusion and Employee Engagement strategic initiatives.

EMBRACE!

Contact: Renita Jefferson Embrace! Consulting Renita@EmbraceConsulting.biz www.EmbraceConsulting.biz 440-823-8914

C O N S U L T I N G We provide Strategic Planning services, which include the design and development of your strategic Diversity & Inclusion business case, mission, vision, goals and objectives. This plan will be your roadmap to support employee engagement, inclusion opportunities and achievement of key business results.

We specialize in Business Resource Network development and education. Business Resource Networks, Employee Resource Networks and Affinity Groups, encourage diversity and inclusion to ensure that a range of perspectives and experiences are recognized and leveraged to achieve organizational goals. These networks provide both internal and external value to organizations by increasing employee engagement, strengthening brand awareness and enhancing leadership development.

Rev. Cheryl A. Lindsay - Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ serving at Mt. Zion Congregational Church UCC in Cleveland, Ohio www.fortheworshipper.com or follow on twitter @nowitspringsfor

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We provide Coaching and Consulting for Senior Leadership to Drive for Results critical to the success and sustainability of both the strategic planning process and Resource Network development. Essential to the success of these efforts is an actively engaged Leadership Council. This Leadership Council is representative of Business leaders throughout the organization given the privilege to champion and actively lead the progression and achievement of Diversity & Inclusion goals.

Turks and Caicos Providenciales “Provo” Island

Kamakura, Japan

Take a day trip to Kamakura, the small coastal town 30 miles south of the city that was the political center of Japan in the 13th century.

There are numerous temples and historical sites to explore along with the beach. Bring a camera, especially if visiting in the spring during cherry blossom time or to catch the magnificent colors of autumn.

-Melissa Schiltz Art Director

If you are truly looking for paradise, then Turks and Caicos is the place to go!

Turks and Caicos is comprised of 40 lowlying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of the Bahamas. The island of Providenciales, known as Provo, is home to expansive Grace Bay Beach, with luxury resorts, shops and restaurants.

Take a day trip to snorkel and visit Iguana Island.

-Alexandria Johnson Boone Publisher and Chief Editorial Officer

Top Travel ‘Pics’

Favorite vacation spots

of the CL Magazine Staff

RIU Palace Paradise Island Hotel New Province Island, Bahamas

I absolutely loved hanging out and relaxing on the spectacular ivory-sand beach, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, and enjoying many of the water sports and ocean activities. The hotel is adjacent to Atlantis Resort which opened up a multitude of activities to partake in. Make sure you plan on an ‘all-inclusive’ trip. Also, make sure you request an ocean side room…the view is awesome!

-Rodney L. Brown Photographer & Photo Editor

New Orleans, Louisiana

The BIG EASY! If you enjoy culture, food and good music New Orleans is the place for you. Grab a tasty beignet at the world famous Cafe Du Monde, take a stroll through the French Quarter for unique boutiques and street art and end your night on Bourbon street at a small bar where you’ll hear some of the most talented jazz musicians and poets that you’ve ever heard!

-Simone Swanson Assistant Editor and Chief Researcher

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Montreal, Canada

Bienvenue à Montréal! Welcome to Montreal – my happy place! This delightful, metropolitan French speaking city is known as “little Paris” because of the lovely old world architecture, fine dining, fashionable shopping, and a thriving arts and music scene. Merci!

-Michelle Rankins Contributing Editor

Taking Care of Mom: F

A Family Caregiver’s Story

ormer first lady, Rosalyn Carter said: “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, those who will need caregivers.”

My mom went home to be with the Lord in the early morning hours on January 12, 2015. It was the day before her 87th birthday. A friend told me that my mom decided to celebrate her birthday with her husband and her Lord in heaven. I laughed and cried when she said that.

Along with my sister, I was a caregiver for my mother for almost 8 years. It all happened gradually

after she was formally diagnosed with dementia in 2005. I lived at home with her when I first started my business in 2002 and soon thereafter began to notice her having some memory problems. I’m quite sure had I not been living with her, I would not have noticed these things. Most people are very adept at hiding the fact that they are forgetting things, like what day it is, or a telephone number they’ve called frequently for many years. I saw some of this happening with my mom and along with my sister tried to get her to talk to her doctor about it. Of course, she said there wasn’t anything wrong with her, so like any good daughter, I called her doctor’s

office and spoke to the nurse. I told her my concerns and asked her to share this with the doctor. Well, my mom returned from her appointment the next day and said something like, “I guess you kids get what you want. She wants me to go see some type of geriatric doctor.”

That’s how my journey began. As I look back, I am so thankful that my sister was here in Cleveland with me. So many adult children find themselves walking this path as the primary caregiver with very little support from their siblings, even when they all live in the same city. I can’t imagine not having the type of support I had, not just from the sister who was here

with me, but also my other two siblings who lived in Columbus and Cincinnati. The two of us in town were able to basically divide the many tasks and responsibilities that needed to be done for my mom without either one of us feeling totally overwhelmed.

Although I had help during the week, we both had every Saturday and alternated every Sunday for many years. And even with both of us being fully engaged in the process, there were days when we still felt burned out.

The data today shows that more working women find themselves in some kind of caregiving role (National Alliance For Caregiving). Whether it’s calling a parent regularly to remind them to take their medicine, or driving them to doctor’s appointments, or doing their banking, many of us find ourselves in very similar situations of being an adult caregiver. I have said many times that in the course of 24 hours, most women will hear someone, a friend, professional colleague, or even a casual acquaintance comment about their role as a caregiver. Most of us don’t necessarily identify ourselves as such, but indeed that is what we are, caregivers. Some of us are even long distance caregivers, making frequent trips out of town to care for a loved one in some capacity. It’s just where we are now in life with so many people living longer.

My wish for those of you who find yourselves in this role is that you identify as much support as you can and embrace the journey by realizing that you’re not alone. Caring for yourself is just as important as caring for the one you love. But the flip side of that coin is to also realize that just as our parents sacrificed in raising us, there will be sacrifices you’ll have to make in caring for a loved one. There’s no way around it. It just is what it is! Through it all though, the good days and not so good days, I remain so grateful for the privilege of serving and caring for my mother. It’s only been a short while, so I’m still adjusting to a new “normal” in my life. Even though she may not have known that I was her daughter the past few years, I knew that I was her daughter and that’s what mattered to me the most. When asked how I’m doing, I still find myself saying, “It is well with my soul.” Peace to all who read this and those who find themselves experiencing a similar journey.

Connie Hill-Johnson - Visiting Angels www.visitingangels.com/Cleveland

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The catalyst for Cleveland's young professional community. #EngageCLE www.EngageCleveland.com