GCW Sept-Oct 2016 Edition

OMAN GULF COAST

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2016 COMPLIMENTARY

L

AST WO CO M N A

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Success Showcase 2016

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

ion p m a Ch

Celebrating women achievers, business owners & leaders

FALL INTO NEWEST FASHION TRENDS LET’S HONOR WOMEN ON THE LINE

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Michael J. Christie M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

BOARD CERTIFIED OB/GYN

Diplomate of the American Board of OB/GYN

Serving the Gulf Coast for 15 years Laparoscopic Surgery • All aspects of Gynecology Normal and High Risk Obstetrics • Minimally Invasive Outpatient Surgery Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Hysterectomy • Uterine Ablation • 4-D Ultrasound

Dr. Christie and his Team will take the time to address your healthcare needs

Dr. Christie

Kelly Mask, FNP-C Board Certified Nurse Practitioner

BOARD CERTIFIED OB/GYN

Cynthia Kinsey, FNP-C Board Certified Nurse Practitioner

Treatment of Women’s Health Concerns With an emphasis on preventative care and wellness Women’s Health Care • Annual Wellness Exams Family Planning • Pelvic Pain • Birth Control & Hormones

Quality Care One Patient At A Time MAIN OFFICE

Ocean Springs (228) 818-0025 2113 Government St., I-4

BILOXI OFFICE

(228) 374-3749 147 Reynoir St., Suite 102

Celebrating

10 YEARS of

Success

Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport

228-822-0120 behind Gulfport Wal-Mart

panache

REBECA FAIRLEY Owner 3

Serving theMississippi Coast with Polished

bl o wo u t s | h a i r-s t y l i n g | f a c i a l s m a n i c u re s & pe di c u re s | m a s s a ge s

NOW OPEN! mond ay - s atur d ay | 9am - 6p m 1308 colleg e s t. | g ulfp or t (behind R egions B ank of f Cowan/ Lorraine)

2 2 8 .2 0 6 .5 4 6 5 polishedblowoutandbeautybar.com

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September-October 2016

YOU DESERVE IT! Personalized Weight Management Dedicated Coaches See Results Choice of 2 Locations: Biloxi & Gulfport Sustainable Results Deborah Meza, LMT #187, Aesthetician

Now

P rovidin g CHEMIC AL PE E L S !

SAFE AND EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR YOUR AESTHETIC NEEDS

Tightening and Wrinkle Reduction - 4D Facial, Laser Resurfacing Little or No Downtime - Fractional Laser Rejuvenation No Anesthesia Needed Vaginal Rejuvenation/Stress Urinary Incontinence Spider Veins Hair Removal (INCLUDING BLONDE HAIR) Tightsculpting

NOW PROVIDING: ZO MEDICAL & ZO SKIN HEALTH PRODUCTS for Anti-Aging, Skin Correction, Maintenance, Protection PRENATAL MASSAGE Minimize Stress • Promote Relaxation • Relieve Aches & Tension Calm Nervous Irritability • Positive Physiological & Psychological Effects

Celebrating Over 50 years of quality health care for women!

WOMAN’S CLINIC

DEBORAH MEZA, Laser, Skin Care and Massage Department 228-341-7879 OB/GYN CLINIC, 4577 13th Street, GULFPORT: 228-864-2752 OB/GYN CLINIC, 2781 C.T. Switzer Drive, Suite # 302, BILOXI: 228-388-4816 THOMAS W. LEHMAN, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. • KEITH G. GOODFELLOW, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. • SHAHIRA HANNA, M.D.,F.A.C.O.G. JOHN F. PAPPAS, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. • JOANNA M. TRUS, M.D. F.A.C.O.G. • ALISHA H. WARE, M.D. F.A.C.O.G.

WWW.WOMANSCLINICPA.NET

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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FOUNDER Angela Bruni

D

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Dorothy P. Wilson DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Tori Bishop

y

SENIOR WRITER

Dana Sleger

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chris Dearman John Folding Ryan Giles Myrna Beth Haskell

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY William Colgin

S

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brian Pearse Robin Killeen GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Farrah Underwood Catherine Schmidt Laura Morgan

s

ON THE COVER

ity to .

Lt. Haley Dailley, Rebeca Fairley and Julie Gresham in downtown Ocean Springs.

ADVERTISE

Angela Bruni, (228) 760-8887 Dorothy Wilson, (228) 697-5676 Jennifer Cox, (228) 697-5119 Tori Bishop, (228) 596-0285 Aisa Templeton, (228) 697-7091

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ter)

Robin Killeen Kimberly Nastasi Lee Rogers Elaine Stevens

CONTACT US

15431 O’Neal Road, Suite A, Gulfport, MS 39503 (228) 539-2422 dorothywilson@gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com

www.gcwmultimedia.com

228-539-5858 15190 Community Road, Suite 350 • Gulfport www.gulfportsurgeryclinic.com

© 2016 Gulf Coast Woman is published six times per year and is available free of charge. We encourage your comments, suggestions and submissions, however, we reserve the right to refuse or edit them. Gulf Coast Woman is not responsible for unsolicited documents or manuscripts.

All material is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

Brand New Home in Florence Gardens by

Open Daily!

13327 Kinder Drive - 4BR/3BA - Rear Entry Garage - Two Master Suites - Large Covered Outdoor Space - Beautiful Built-Ins - Perfect For Singles, Families & Retirees -

Safe From Hurricanes Excellent Insurance Rates Including Wind

Neighborhood amenities include stocked lake, saltwater pool, miles of walking trails, parks, greenspace

www.florencegardens.com | 228.861.9500 SALES CENTER at Magnolia Hall—12321 Preservation Drive Weekdays 10am-5pm, Weekends 3-5pm, or by appointment Located on O’Neal Road in Gulfport—1.7 miles west of Hwy 605 and 3.0 miles east of Hwy 49

CONT E NTS

Sept-Oct 2016 SUCCESS EDITION

women on the line LAW ENFORCERS

These women aren’t donning high heels and femininely tailored suits; they are putting on 20 pounds of gear. / p. 45

Baby Palooz a

TRENDS, PRODUCTS

BabyPalooza, a free baby and maternity expo, is coming to Biloxi on Sept. 17. See all the latest products for mom and baby. / p. 57

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G E T T HE LOOK FOR FA L L

If you’re wearing velvet, fur, florals or plaids, you’ll be right in step with this season’s fashion-forward dressers.

EC L ECT IC B UT E L EGAN T

money

INVESTING NOT FOR EVERYONE

Rogers: Volatility means when you feel you’ve been riding a roller-coaster with your investments. / p. 59

success

BUSINESS WOMEN SHOWCASED

The spotlight shines on achievers. / p. 65

health

MID-LIFE: STRESSED TO THE MAX!

Even though many women are done with the enormous responsibility of raising children, there are myriad triggers in midlife that can bring on occasional or chronic stress. / p. 102 8

September-October 2016

174 158

S URVI VOR

Kathy Santiago is also a breast cancer survivor.

No one would ever suspect this tragic turn.

With magnificent views and food to match, Brackish Seafood Restaurant is quickly becoming a fav.

164

C OLOR IT!

Creating rooms with color can be easier than you think.

Tickets On Sale Now! 360207

DEC. 1 – 4

MISSISSIPPI COAST COLISEUM

DisneyOnIce.com • ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Be your own kind of successful

There’s always a lively discussion at the office about whom should be the next cover girl for GCW. Oftentimes, we can’t decide during the initial planning session. I know the clear choice will become apparent as we delve into writing and photographing.

For the September-October issue, that clarity came through some reflection about the true mission of GCW for this edition and the SUCCESS Women’s Conference (learn more about it on pages 66-67). We’re all about promoting and supporting women year-round, but in the fall, we pour it on. We are so touched by the amazing diversity of the women showcased in this edition.

We’re celebrating woman-owned businesses, women leaders and women achievers, and we’re also sending a message: “Be your own kind of successful” in whichever endeavor you choose. So, it makes perfect sense to feature an attorney (corporate woman), a police lieutenant (com-

munity servant) and a boutique owner (entrepreneur) as our cover girls! They represent the richness of the experience inside the magazine. They express how proud we all are of women achievers on the Coast who put forth so much effort to be successful day in and day out, not just as moms, sisters and daughters — but as business owners, community volunteers and business leaders.

Join us in giving all of them — and yourself — a hand by reading this issue in its entirety and posting about what you learned and how proud you are on social media.

GCW is women supporting women, and we want you to be a part of that. GCW is produced for women, GCW is about women. GCW is owned by women. We are Gulf Coast Woman — and so are you!

Celebrating with you (and see you at the conference),

Your new home is closer than you think Make the journey easier with a home loan from The Citizens Bank

Tammy Warren

Assistant Vice President Mortgage Loan Officer Office: 228.207.2343 Cell: 228.860.3300 Fax: 228.392.6336 twarren@tcbphila.com

www.thecitizensbankphila.com

Turning

Dreams into Affordable Reality

Steven

of South Mississippi

“Mr. Biggs” Biggs

228-669-9986

The Promenade Shopping Center 11619 Bobby Eleutrius Blvd., D’Iberville, MS 39540 www.mbofsm.com www.gcwmultimedia.com

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THE CADILLAC OF CADILLAC DEALERS

2016 ATS

2016 CT6

2016 Escalade

2016 XTS

Something close to magic happens when Cadillac the name synonymous with luxury and innovation for over a century, comes together with Turan-Foley the name synonymous with inspired service and customer satisfaction.

Perhaps this is why Turan-Foley has won more Mark of Excellence Awards than any other dealer on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and is the Cadillac of Cadillac dealers.

CADILLAC 11123 HIGHWAY 49 NORTH 228-539-7500 • TURANFOLEY.COM 12

September-October 2016

Rick Foley Owner

Brett Favre 3 Time NFL MVP

It goes to show when you give your customers a great automotive buying experience and award winning service after the sale good things will happen like you making Turan-Foley Chevrolet-Cadillac-Buick the #1 selling General Motors dealer on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. And we promise when you come to Turan-Foley we will exhaust every possible talent and effort to make your car buying experience the best ever. From our entire team at Turan-Foley we really appreciate and thank you for making us #1.

11123 Hwy. 49 North 228-539-7500 • TuranFoley.com www.gcwmultimedia.com

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‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’ event will promote mental health Sept. 9

The Mental Health Association of South Mississippi’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” is at 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Biloxi Civic Center. The annual event supports mental wellness programs and activities on the Coast.The event will feature live music by 3HG, a raffle of staycations, silent auction, appetizers and cash bar.

This year’s honorees have helped increase awareness of mental health and wellness issues in the community and secured auction packages to raise money for MHA. Special guest Mark Landis will be signing autographs. Originally from Laurel, Miss., Landis’ life has been filled with adventure as he posed as a philanthropist who donated art to galleries across the United States.

The 2016 Annette O’Keefe Humanitarian Award will be presented to Elaine Stevens and James Bates.

Both recipients exemplify the work that O’Keefe did during her life in Biloxi. Stevens helped Mental Health Association create this annual event. Bates has referred and assisted homeless persons to Mental Health Association’s programs. Both have volunteered in other aspects with MHASM. The VIP Party, which requires a special ticket, begins at 6 p.m. and includes a Mixology Contest by AJAX Seafood Kitchen & Bar, Cora’s Restaurant & Bar, Morton’s the Steakhouse, Ole Biloxi Fillin’ Station, Salute Italian Restaurant/ Lookout Steakhouse and The Biloxi Luggar, sponsored by American Star Vodka.

Mental Health Association of South Mississippi has been working to empower people who suffer from mental illness since 1963. For more information, go to www.msmentalhealth.org.

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September-October 2016

2016 AWARD RECIPIENTS

ELAINE STEVENS An award-winning broadcaster, writer, and producer.

JAMES EDWARD BATES Owner and photographer of James Edward Bates Photography

2016 HONOREES TIM BENNETT Owner of Overtime Sports Co. with offices in Pearl and Biloxi.

BEN & REBECCA POWERS A senior associate producer for ESPN, and a former WLOX News anchor, the voice of Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, singer, song writer and performer.

DAN NICHOLS A business owner on the Gulf Coast.

JOHN & SARA OROPESA Owners of Orocon Construction, LLC in Biloxi.

JACKIE & MARK ORGLER Jackie holds a nursing degree and Mark is a managing parter of Schwartz, Orgler and Jordan, PLLC.

ASHLEY ENDRIS a licensed Realtor for 8 years, is Top Producer for Latter & Blum.

LESLIE LEDET who has worked for Mississippi Orthopaedic Institute in Gulfport for 10 years.

Photographs courtesy of South Mississippi Living

The Adrienne Collection

FACES & PLACES

LADIES’ NIGHT NETWORKING

by Brian Pearse

W.O.W. LUNCHEON 16

by Robin Killeen September-October 2016

Celebrating

4 YEARS!

@ElleBoutiqueGulfport www.facebook.com/shopelleboutique845 10525 Factory Shop Blvd • Gulfport, MS www.elleboutiquegulfport.com

(228) 214-7186

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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FACES & PLACES BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB STEAK & STAKE

by Brian Pearse

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September-October 2016

Allen Toyota would not be what we are without the women in our business!

! l l a u o y k T han

Jasmine Acoff - Customer Relations Manager | Carol Hopson - Service Appointment Coordinator | Danette Souder - Human Resources Kim McHugh - Service Adviser | Valerie Kane - Sales Professional | Cindy Emch - Service Appointment Coordinator | Casey Street - Receptionist Nicole Baker - Business Manager | Ginny Fletcher - Office Manager | Doneshia Finklea - Sales Professional | Liz Cook - Accounting Clerk Delta Davis - Finance Clerk | Kathy Valdez - Accounting Clerk | Tris Mills - CFO | Debbie Kelley - Payroll Administrator | Denise Davis - Cashier

Think Toyota. Think Allen Toyota.

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FACES & PLACES 20

SHUCKERS BASBALL GAME

by Brian Pearse

REBEKAH’S HOUSE BENEFIT

September-October 2016

by Brian Pearse

Depression is a real medical condition.

It’s time to get the care you need.

Because there’s Merit in asking for help.

Depression is every bit as painful as a physical illness, and it can affect every aspect of your life.

So if you or someone you love is depressed, or is dealing with substance abuse or a behavioral disorder, know that Merit Health Gulf Oaks is available to help. We offer inpatient and outpatient programs, with individualized care for adults and adolescents, in a safe, supportive environment.

To schedule a free, confidential assessment, call 228-388-0600 today.

Merit Health Gulf Oaks is a Department of Merit Health Biloxi

180 Debuys Road • Biloxi GulfOaks.com

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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FACES & PLACES

LEADERSHIP GULF COAST ALUMNI BREAKFAST

by Brian Pearse

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September-October 2016

Financial success tomorrow starts with financial confidence today.

56.2% of women surveyed said working with a financial advisor made them feel more confident about their financial decisions.* Women are controlling more wealth than ever before. And they’re doing it on their own terms. That’s why Regions offers tools, insights and guidance to help you feel confident you’re making informed decisions about your unique financial situation. It’s also why your Regions Wealth Advisor is with you every step of the way, offering straight talk and complete transparency, from a single point of contact, on everything from investing to retirement planning and beyond. We asked more than 1,000 women what financial advice they’d give their younger selves, and 69% said they’d start sooner and save more. Don’t let another day pass before you set up a personal consultation with a Regions Wealth Advisor. Call 1.800.826.6933 or visit us online at regions.com/womenandwealth.

Cheryl Johnson | Gulf Coast City President | 228.897.7802 1015 Cowan Road | Gulfport, MS 39507 Wealth Management | Investments | Retirement Services | Insurance Annuity, Investment and Insurance Products: Are Not FDIC Insured | Are Not a Deposit | May Go Down in Value

Are Not Bank Guaranteed | Are Not Insured by Any Government Agency Are Not a Condition of Any Banking Activity

© 2016 Regions Bank. Loans are subject to credit approval. *Regions Bank designed the Women and Wealth Survey in conjunction with faculty at Vanderbilt University. The study, based on 1,157 total responses, measured opinions of customers with estimated household investable personal assets of $2 million or greater. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of customers surveyed in June 2015. I Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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FACES & PLACES WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

by Brian Pearse

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September-October 2016

An Innovative Partnership for Women’s Wellness

BLADDER/BOWEL CONTROL & VAGINAL HEALTH ISSUES ARE NO LAUGHING MATTERS

and neither is menopause!

KEEP LAUGHTER IN YOUR LIFE, LET US TACKLE THE HARD STUFF

BLADDER CONTROL BOWEL CONTROL VAGINAL SUPPORT LOSS

HORMONE THERAPY/SOTTOPELLE® MENOPAUSE

VAGINAL REJUVENATION SURGERY

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WWW.SEUG.COM • 1-800-696-7059

INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS INCISIONLESS HYSTERECTOMY MESH REMOVAL SURGERY

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JACKSON • MERIDIAN • GRENADA • FLOWOOD • MONROE www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Travel companions for all generations on the go

Our travel companion will plan and accompany you to create life long memories delivering the highest level of service fit for royalties and celebrities.

We cater to families with children, single parents, and the active 50 and over.

Traveling Granddaughter for Hire

Contact us today to discuss your needs!

(866) 484-0496

thetravelinggranddaughter4hire@gmail.com Serving nationwide

Jamie Wynn-Gammel

Dental C.A. “Buddy” Brice D.D.S., P.A. Jason S. Rector, D.M.D. Pottery • Art Gallery • Creative Glass • Artistic Jewelry Bridal registry available S tor e Ho urs : Mon - Fr i 9:30am-5:30pm S at 9 : 3 0 a m - 5 p m S un 1 2 p m - 4 p m

www.HillyerHouse.com

920 Washington Ave. • Ocean Springs • (228) 875.8065

Pediatric Dentists Dedicated To The Oral Health Of Infants, Children, Teens And Children With Special Needs BILOXI OFFICE

OCEAN SPRINGS OFFICE

1070 Judge Sekul Ave. Biloxi, MS 39530

1268 Ocean Springs Rd. Ocean Springs, MS 39564

(228) 374-8175

(228) 215-3100

BEAUTY & FASHION

L L e A h Finto t k o Lo TREND WATCH:

off the shoulder Suede & Tribe Boutique Biloxi

Skirt by Free People Sweater by Free People

Model Kristina Graham, owner

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Fall Looks

If you’re wearing velvet, fur, florals or plaids, you’ll be right in step with this season’s fashion-forward dressers. Expect to see luxury and opulence in velvet, brocade and metallic dresses, pantsuits and coats. Fur dresses, stoles, jackets and coats (real and faux) will showcase bold colors and artful prints. Expect to also see plaids and tartans, lace, feline prints, fall florals, romantic florals, fine chinoiserie, pinstripes, leather, denim, shades of tan, dusty pink and yellow.

Trend Watch:

Lace & Leather

Styles will include off-the-shoulder tops and dresses, one-arm tops, ruffled one-shoulder dresses and tops, turtlenecks under dresses, extra-long sleeves, hoodies, Navy-inspired coats, puffer jackets, bomber jackets, caplets, tailored sportswear, and schoolgirl-style jumpers.

Accessories will include embellished gloves, guitar strap handbags (worn in unusual ways), metal detailing, large chokers and chunky boots (think David Bowie).

Select a great find from a local boutique.

Wear it. Own it!

Bella Rose Boutique Biloxi

Jar Bracelets by Erimish Bangle Set by Aurora Wine Crossbody Bag by David Jones “A Little Tied Up” Dress in Olive (available in 3 colors) “Give Some Skin” All-over Lace Duster Bootie in Taupe (available in 3 colors) by Piper & Scoot September-October 2016 28 Pink Pewter Headband

Model Morgan Dunaway

Shop in Store

EDGEWATER MALL

SUCCESS

2600 Beach Blvd Suite 50 Biloxi, MS 39531 228-388-3198

BRIDGEWATER SHOPPING CENTER

8930 Lorraine Rd Suite F Gulfport, MS 39507 228-206-6251

LET’S GET SOCIAL www.bellaroseboutique.comwww.gcwmultimedia.com

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Trend Watch:

Romantic Florals Ivy Boutique D’Iberville

Dress by Flying Tomato

Model Haley Wetzel

Fall Fashion

Trend Watch:

Shades of Tan & Fur Jubilee Boutique Ocean Springs

Model Lana Sauls, owner 30

September-October 2016

Blouse by Piko Vest by Entro Necklace by J. Marie Jeans by Flying Monkey Bracelets by Erimish Cuff and earrings by Catherine Popesco

( CELEBRATING )

8 Years of Success!

“Neither one of us attended college with the intent to work in this field, but fashion is our passion and we take pride in our ability to offer great items at affordable prices!”

LANA SAULS & CAROLINE ROSSI (OWNERS)

CLOTHING • ACCESSORIES • GIFTS 636 Washington Ave. • Ocean Springs, MS 39564

(228) 872-6118

Hair Salon

Cristina Switzer @ Salon 9354

CHANGING SKIN. CHANGING LIVES. I love how the products make your skin feel. I love the results.”

— Donna Cooley, consultant

(228) 617-8563 coolybr549@aol.com dcooley4.myrandf.com

76 C 48th Street Bayou View Gulfport 228.865.4405

sun damage – acne – sensitive skin – blemishes – anti-aging www.gcwmultimedia.com 31

Trend Watch:

Opulence Grant’s for Her Biloxi

Cords by Mother Denim Top by Bella Dahl Necklace by Natalie B. Jewelry Pumps by Dee Keller Shoes Handbag by Kelly Wynne Hat by Janessa Leone

Model Courtney Anderson

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September-October 2016

Joie | Ramy Brook | Vince | Tibi Fifteen Twenty | Tart | Kelly Wynne Natalie B Jewelry | Alice + Olivia | Milly

The Shoppes at Mary Mahoney’s 110 Rue Magnolia, Biloxi 228-818-3233

Mon-Fri 10-5 Sat 10-4 14397 Creosote Road Gulfport, MS 39503 228-831-0182 www.VictoriaLynnJewelry.com www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Trend Watch:

Bold Colors & Denim Brown Eye Girl Boutique Ocean Springs Jeans by Cello Top by Tying the Knot Hat by Lovely Bird Bangles by Jane Marie Earrings by Ashley Nicole Design

Model Shayla Fish Model Sydney Broussard

Elle Boutique Gulfport

Dress by Wine & Dine Hat by Lovely Bird Earrings by All Gold Everything Bracelets by Victoria Lynn Arrowhead Bangle by Lolly

Trend Watch:

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Bold Colors & Suede

September-October 2016

1241 Market St. | Pascagoula, MS 39567 228-762-0251| 228-762-0453 Hours: Tue. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Holly Hall, Owner

Specialty updo’s • Keratin • Extensions • Waxing

Full service Nail/pedicures • Makeup • Bridal party

Haircuts for women, men & children • Bang trim • Hair coloring • Root touch-ups

Full highlights • Partial highlights • Ombre • Single and double process color

Formerly School La La, since 2005 we have provided high quality, affordable school uniforms.

Our recent name change reflects our addition of uniforms for the Healthcare professional.

Quality is our difference.....

Providing uniforms for St. Patrick, St. James, St. Vincent De Paul, Fatima, Nativity, Sacred Heart, St. Alphonsus and more….

Offering a wide range of

STYLES AND COLORS!!

Now carrying Chef Apparel!!

Custom On-Site embroidery

1765 Popps Ferry Rd., Suite F - Biloxi, MS 39532

228-388-2787

schoolandscrubs.com

Formerly School La La

w

Panache Apparel & Accessories Sweater by Free People Jeans by 7 for All Man Kind Heel by Free People Necklace by Living water Bracelets by Catherine Popesco and Knot & Bow Earrings by Catherine Popesco Sunglass by Diff Eyewear Purse by JJ Winters

Gulfport

Trend Watch:

Bold Colors & Denim 36

September-October 2016

Model Whitney Dubuisson

Trend Watch:

Jumpers Coral Boutique Gautier

Romper by She + Sky Bracelet by Jane Marie Necklace by Jane Marie Bracelet by Gemelli Tuquila Sunrise & Midnight Moon Earrings by Jane Marine

PHOTO SHOOT ON LOCATION

at The Venue What better location for a fall fashion shoot than a rustic setting on a lush 30-acre estate at Southern Oaks Farms? The Venue is one of the Coast’s newest event locations recently featured in Gulf Coast Weddings magazine.

Model Regan Ivy

15461 NORTHRUP CUEVAS ROAD GULFPORT, MS 39503 (228) 218-1906 VENUEATSOUTHERNOAKS.COM www.gcwmultimedia.com 37

Sukmann’s love for beauty, daughters inspires salon

by Dana Sleger

Marie Sukmann, center, with her team at Antonian Salon off Three Rivers Road in Gulfport

Anna Marie Sukmann has always carried a great love and passion for the beauty industry. When she opened Antonian Salon in 1996, her vision was not only to make people feel and look good, it was also to create an outlet for her children to express their creative career paths.

Her forward thinking and mother’s intuition led to a successful business where her three daughters have each played a valuable role in the fullservice salon over the years.

The matriarch of the business is a master stylist with years of experience on all hair types. Sukmann, possessing a knack for customizing clients’ hair desires to complement a variety of face shapes, has an extensive portfolio of up-dos for special occasions.

Her oldest daughter, Angela Heise, is a nail specialist at the salon.

Second daughter, Mary Stokus, has worked in a number of roles in the family business, including nail technician and esthetician, and now currently serves the salon as the “Tammy Taylor Nails” representative based out of Florida. Sukmann’s youngest daughter, Ann Marie Walley, runs the day-to-day functions of Antonian Salon and is the lead stylist with a specialty in hair and makeup.

Along with other talented members of the Antonian team, including Walley’s husband, Kiowa Walley, a master colorist for 20 years, the salon staff has gained a well-earned reputation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

“We focus on continuing education with high standards in

Celebrating

20 Years!

Come see us in our NEW location!

228.832.2875 (curl) • antoniansalon.com

9354 three rivers road, suite c, gulfport, 39503 228.832.2875 (curl)ms • antoniansalon.com 38

September-October 2016

the quality of work that represents us. We have a true passion for our craft. Each artist on staff has unique skill sets. With all of us combined, Antonian Salon has more than 100 years of experience!” Ann Marie says.

Initially, Sukmann opened the salon in 1996 as Antonian Hair, Skin, and Nails in a small strip center space located on Dedeaux Road in Gulfport. Due to the demand of a growing business, the salon moved down the street to Three Rivers Road in May and was rebranded as “Antonian Salon.”

“Our business has more visibility and is busier than ever,” Ann Marie says. “We couldn’t be happier with our progress and our new location.”

The salon offers a wide range of services in hair, skin and nails such as up-to-date color techniques like Balayage; Tammy Taylor sculptured acrylic nails; modern barbering; precision and artistic haircutting; Keratin treatments; blow outs; upstyling; ear piercing; facial and body waxing; manicures and pedicures; gel polish; makeup and makeup lessons; on-location services; hands-on education for clients; and more. Antonian Salon also provides the Gulf Coast’s only Goldwell exclusive “Color Bar.” Celebrating its 20th anniversary in October, the salon’s the vision for the next 20 years, according to Ann Marie, is to continue the legacy her mom began. She says the plan also includes training the next generation to sustain the family business success by making the Coast beautiful one client at a time.

1524 Pass Rd Gulfport, MS 39501 228-868-2037 www.bridalformalboutique.com

Brown Eye Girl

1419 27th Ave Gulfport, MS 39501

3Years

Lauren Eder/owner

Celebrating

of SUCCESS!

2420 Government Street • 228-238-0471 Hours: Mon-Fri 11a-5:30p • Sat 11a-4p

228-822-1480 www.backontherackgulfport.com

Ladies’ Night is all about positivity, networking On the second Wednesday of January, Vicki Applewhite met an old friend for a drink. While there, she bumped into another friend and met the woman with her. The four of them started talking, laughing and Applewhite sharing. They agreed their time together was great — and that they should get together more often.

Applewhite committed to get something going to help them stay connected with friends, reconnect with old friends, and make new connections.

The four people who met serendipitously that night in the restaurant bar became the beginning of the Ladies Night networking group. Applewhite invited them and 10 others via Facebook for the next gathering.

The invitation read: ”Smart, fun ladies making new friends and talking about smart ideas to improve ourselves and our communities. All who love to see-good, say-good, and do good are invited!”

The get-togethers are short, casual, and fun. “There is no agenda, though we have circulated some topics in advance that we want to make sure we discuss,” Applewhite says.

After two meetings of about two dozen folks, the group

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agreed to start meeting at various locations.

The group has evolved to 49 “members,” though it is not a closed group. The location moves each month to a woman-owned or -operated business and has met consistently every month for the last six months. The only rule about coming to Ladies’ Night is that participants have to be focused on the positive.

“Since the group started, I’ve made new friends, started doing business with other women, and introduced women to each other,” Applewhite says. “It is a simple idea that anyone could make happen. You just have to begin!”

Those interested in attending Ladies Night can connect with Applewhite on Facebook.

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WOMEN ON THE LINE A NEW SERIES

by Dana Sleger

While many Gulf Coast women are donning their high heels, femininely tailored business suits, and Pandora jewelry, there is a segment of the South Mississippi female workforce putting on up to 20 pounds of gear that may include bullet-proof vests, duty belts complete with guns and handcuffs, and a badge. No two work days are the same. Never underestimate them, because they handle the unpredictable. They receive the same training as men, and their goal is identical: To come home in one piece. Meet the ladies — and they are just that — sworn to serve and protect us on our Mississippi Gulf Coast.

LT. HEATHER DAILEY ‘It is terrible to witness the pain that one person can inflict on others’ Not too many 5-year old Collins, Miss., girls grow up wanting to become a police investigator above all else, but 44-year old Gulfport Police Lt. Heather Dailey did. Policing now for more than 20 years, Dailey began her career on the force of the University of Southern Mississippi Police Department in 1995. Her real ah-ha moment came when she did a ride-along with Hattiesburg Police during one of her criminal justice

classes. “It was a crazy night of fight calls, traffic stops, and a person with a gun, a real eye-opener for me,” Heather says. “It gave me a real idea of what police work was going to be.” Needless to say, her career has never disappointed her expectations. In fact, her favorite quote is President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.”

Exhibiting her skills in a wide variety of police duties over the years, from patrol to working as an undercover narcotics officer, Dailey says she finally achieved her childhood goal in 2000. “I applied for a position in criminal investigations and became a detective,” she says.

“Investigating primarily felony crimes, I often worked crimes against persons and several homicides. Undercover (work) was fun, but being an investigator was the best!”

Far from blasé about the difficulty of the job, Dailey

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describes police work as rewarding, yet demanding with constant physical, mental, and emotional challenges. “It gives you a sense of purpose and responsibility,” Dailey explains. “It’s multi-tasking and thought-provoking.”

But, she says the hard times really hurt. “It is terrible to witness the pain that one person can inflict on others. It is heartbreaking to see children and the elderly abused by those who are responsible for their care.”

Speaking of care, Dailey admits in her own family as a mother of two there have been sacrifices, missing birthday dinners and special events, especially since husband Matt is also a Gulfport police officer. “My daughter Madison was born while I was a detective. I was always on call and was called often to work in the middle of the night,” Dailey says. “Madison asked me one day why I no longer left in the middle of the night. I never realized she knew I was leaving and that it had become ‘normal’ for her.”

Not surprisingly, Dailey has continued to climb the ranks with a slew of promotions. Her supervisor, Deputy Chief Chris Loposser says she has excelled in all of the various facets of her career. “Lieutenant Dailey has been able to not only adapt to each, but to reach great success.”

Loposser goes on to say, “All of her titles bore a different, but equally significant sacrifice to her personal life which she endured without hesitation or regret.”

Gone are the middle of the night calls and investigations. For the past three years, she has been the Officer in Charge of Administration in the Support Division, where she spends more time in the office supervising personnel issues, grants, and the court liaison and coordinating special projects. She has certainly earned it, but she does insist on reminding people of the following: “Police officers are your community. They are just like you, but have taken on the task of upholding the values that make us a community.”

CHIEF DEPUTY PHYLLIS OLDS ‘We are also human. A lot of times the images don’t leave at night’ Award-winning Chief Deputy Phyllis Olds of the Stone County Sheriff ’s Department has been wearing the uniform for 17 years. Through her tenure she has served as a night jailer, DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) patrol officer, investigator and animal activist — the latter of which is not only a duty she upholds professionally, but a passion she holds personally. The Humane Society of the United States presented Olds with the 2013 Humane Law Enforcement award for her work in protecting animals from abusive situations, including shutting down a puppy mill and recovering 117 dogs from a hoarder. Olds is “mom” to four “fur babies” of her own.

In her current position as chief deputy, she is responsible for a number of reports, keeping transportation in the county moving, handling court matters and, of course, checking on abused or neglected animals throughout her jurisdiction.

Intuitively, Olds felt destined to become a law enforcement officer. In fact, her college aptitude test September-October 2016 confirmed her innate abilities to pursue a career in that 46

direction. Happy she made the decision to join the Stone County Sheriff ’s Department when she did, the 58-year old deputy has been rewarded justly. In 2013 she won the honor of the Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. “We are here to protect and serve,” Olds says.

“Whether it’s changing a tire or just hugging you and telling you it’s going to be alright.”

Olds, like most of her colleagues, insists that the most common misconception about women in law enforcement is the fragile female myth. “… that a female deputy can’t protect herself in a bad situation.” She states adamantly, “We have the same training as the male deputies.”

Her belief that helping others reach their potential is the highlight of her criminal justice career while the downside is painful. “The hardest thing is child death investigations or having to notify a person about a death.” Olds’ sensitive yet strong nature is a testament to her ongoing success in law enforcement. “We are also human. A lot of times the images don’t leave at night,” she explains. “I would like everyone to remember that we’re the only thing between them and the monsters!”

It is apparent Phyllis Olds is a powerful force in Stone County, one that her community can count on, no matter what. If you visit her Facebook page, you’ll see her strength with your own eyes as one of her many credos becomes evident, “I’ve fallen, cried, been angry, and afraid. But even when I was hurting I always found a way to keep going. A strong person never gives up.”

MOTOR OFFICER NICOLE SHAVERS ‘When I retired from the military, I still felt the need to continue serving, now as a police officer’ Ocean Springs Motor Officer Nicole Shavers clearly remembers when her love affair with motorcycles began as a child growing up in Mount Clemens, Mich. “I would always ride on the back of my dad’s motorcycle,” she says. “I made the decision 11 years ago to learn to ride.”

When she was going through the initial process of becoming a police officer, she was asked what she really wanted to do in law enforcement.

“My answer: a motor officer,” Shavers says, “due to my love of riding and because you really do not see to many female motor officers.”

In fact, the 41-year old is the first female motor officer for her department, and according to one of the captains within the Ocean Springs Police Department, Shavers may very well likely be the only active female motor officer in Mississippi. “Going through the motor school was one of the hardest courses in my career,” Shavers says. “Great instructors pushed me throughout the course.”

Even though she holds the honor of “first” and “only,” as regards her current position, Shavers says the most rewarding thing about her 2 ½ years with the Ocean Springs force is being able to give back to the community. “You have to treat people with respect; that goes a long way.”

According to Chief Mark Dunston, Shavers does just that. “Nicole spends a lot of her free time with children and groups, as well as providing public outreach on child safety seat usage and seatbelt safety.” Dunston says her performance and great attitude led to her receiving Officer of the Year Award in 2015. She is also one of the department’s juvenile

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And the hardest part of the job? “Putting your personal feeling aside in certain situations and reminding yourself at the end of the day that you are human.”

A 20 year Navy veteran, Shavers began her law enforcement career with the Mississippi Department of Transportation Commercial Vehicle Enforcement and had a six month stint in corrections with the Harrison County Sheriff ’s Department. “When I was in the Navy I did a tour as a member of the military police/auxiliary security force,” she explains. “When I retired from the military, I still felt the need to continue serving, now as a police officer.”

Like so many working women, Shavers says balancing a demanding job requires a solid marital relationship.

Married to Gregory for six years, she is the mother of 16year old Kierra. “My husband is my rock,” she says. “He often has to play both parental roles due to my having to work late at the last minute, or having to work a special event or holiday.”

She recalls one memorable Mardi Gras when her traffic division rode in one of the parades, allowing the children to sit on the motorcycles and take photos. “One little girl yelled out, ‘Look, Mommy! It’s a girl police officer.’ When she was sitting on my motorcycle, she told me that when she grows up, she wanted to be a police office on a motorcycle too,” Shavers explains. That young girl may very well find herself following Shavers’ credo by writer Christian Nestell Bovee, “Doubt who you will, but never yourself.”

APRIL THOMPSON ‘My children check on me through the night until they go to sleep’ “Every day that Officer April Thompson puts on her ballistic armor, straps a gun to her side, hangs a badge over heart, and says good-bye to her children is another day she has proven her worth to her community.” That, in one articulate sentence, is how Biloxi Police Chief John Miller describes his colleague, 37-year old Patrol Officer 1st Class and mother of three April Thompson. Her story, like her fellow female law enforcement officers above, is awe-inspiring.

Thompson says she discovered her passion for criminal justice in elementary school when a police officer spoke to her class about how he viewed the community he worked for and what he found important in safety to help pass on to kids. “I later experienced the police coming to my house during my parents’ divorce,” she explains. “My sisters and I were so scared and upset, but this officer was so calm September-October 48 controlled. and ” She goes to2016 say that the officer didn’t

leave until she and her sisters were alright. “At that point I knew I wanted to be that calm for someone else in their times of grief.”

From the sound of Thompson’s job description, she is doing that and much more. Working first as a 911 operator, dispatcher, police desk clerk, negotiator, and Rape Aggression Defense instructor, Thompson reports to calls in her current position involving anything from a lost pet to a shooting.

She is fully aware of the dangers of her job, as Miller explained. Saying good-bye to her children each day is for her the hardest part of the job. “I have always been aware of the fear of the unknown possibilities of my upcoming shift,” Thompson says. “My children check on me through the night until they go to sleep.

I tell them we live in a very good community. I want them to have faith in the good in people and not to focus on the negativity.”

That’s where she believes she is rewarded for her work as a police officer. “I am teaching my children as I learn and grow as a person by facing my fears and adversity head on,” Thompson explains. She says the qualities of her courage, integrity, and faith as she does her job help her children apply principles to life of how to treat others with equality.

The word “team” is an essential part of Thompson’s vocabulary and success in balancing career and

family. “Raising my children to be independent and to work as a team around the house means spending more time together, enjoying each other,” she says as she also elaborates on her role as a supportive team member of Biloxi’s Police Department. “I assist my co-workers when I can whether it be as a backup unit on a call or grabbing a meal for the booking officer.

My responsibility to my co-workers is just as important as my service to the community.”

Like Chief Miller says about Thompson, her ethics and morals are her guiding lights, as are her sense of humor and compassion. For her, Czech philosopher Vaclav Havel says it best: “If I have accomplished anything good, then it’s mainly because I’ve been driven by the need to know whether I can accomplish things I’m not sure I have the capacity for.”

SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Stone County Sheriff’s Department

Phyllis Olds Chief Deputy Age: 58 Years of service: 17

Amanda Schonewitz Lieutenant Age: 29 Years of service: 8

Kathy Rogers School Resource Officer Age: 35 Years of service: 5

Hancock County Sheriff’s Department

Maddie McDonald Patrol Age: 47 Years of service: 1

(not photographed)

Joy Normand Deputy Age: 48 Years of service: 4

Jamie Farmer Patrol Age: 23 Years of service: 1

Denise Reuther Deputy Years of service: 8

Adriane Avery Deputy Age: 45 Years of service: 4

Patricia Denardo Deputy Years of service: 4

Lynn Jones Deputy Age: 36 Years of service: 3

Sarah Bell Deputy Age: 27 Years of service: 1

Lalaynnia Deperalta Deputy Age: 30 Years of service: 4

Leslie Jordan Deputy Age: 54 Years of service: 1

Amanda Parker Assistant Warden Age: 32 Years of service: 1

Kathyleen Siebenkittel Deputy Age: 46 Years of service: 4

Amanda Bourn Deputy Age: 30 Years of service: 1

Brandi Faulk Deputy Age: 36 Years of service: 2

Lisa Lavigne Deputy Age: 29 Years of service: 4

Wanda Paulk Deputy Age: 57 Years of service: 9

Deanna Thompson Deputy Age: 49 Years of service: 12

Britney Burns Deputy Age: 28 Years of service: 1

Shondi Garcia Deputy Age: 41 Years of service: 4

Renee Lick Deputy Age: 45 Years of service: 16

Jordan Platt Deputy Age: 22 Years of service: 1

Rita Watson Deputy Age: 58 Years of service: 23

Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department (not photographed) Kristy Boyd Corporal Age: 39 Years of service: 4

Harrison County Sheriff’s Department (not photographed)

Within the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, there are seven female deputies that work in the following divisions: patrol, school resource, training and criminal investigation.

(unable to gather information from Jackson County Sheriff’s Deparment)

www.gcwmultimedia.com

49

POLICE DEPARTMENTS Gulfport

Leslee Curry Patrol Lieutenant Age: 47 Years of service: 22

Heather Dailey Lieutenant / Officer in Charge Age: 44 Years of service: 21.5

Kelley Clark Detective Age: 36 Years of service: 12.5

Jenn Krump Detective Age: 41 Years of service: 8

Christine Clark Patrol Age: 29 Years of service: 4

Ocean Springs Amber Gaspard Patrol Age: 23 Years of service: 1

Kristen Martin Patrol Age: 26 Years of service: 1

Hanna Hendry Patrol Age: 21 Months of service: 10

Juanita Forrester Patrol Age: 36 Months of service: 6

Pascagoula

Nicole Shavers Patrolman Age: 41 Years of service: 3

D’Iberville Erin Dunston Detective Age: 44 Years of service: 14

Katherine Mounie Patrolman Age: 32 Years of service: 8

Eugena Marshall Patrolman Age: 28 Years of service: 3

Khristin Hollimon Patrolman Age: 26 Years of service: 2

Biloxi

Rasheeda Crawford Sergeant Age: 31 Years of service: 5

(not photographed) Ashleigh Pack Brandi Van Fossen Patrolman II Patrolman III Age: 30 Age: 24 Years of service: 2 Years of service: 1 April Thompson Patrolman I Age: 37 Years of service: 11

50

Cara Kennedy Patrolman III Age: 28 Months of service: 8

September-October 2016

Carolyn Prendergast Patrolman II Age: 46 Years of service: 21

Moss Point

Kimberlee Snowden Detective Age: 49 Years of service: 27

Pass Christian

Jennifer Rollins Detective Age: 45 Years of service: 21

Sara Sweney Patrol Age: 26 Years of service: 1.5

Long Beach

Cindy Hodges Sergeant Age: 49 Years of service: 26

Mechelle Y. Carbine Deputy Chief Age: 43 Years of service: 20

Waveland

Cassie Barker Patrol Officer Age: 26 Years of service: 2

Chelseyann Paystrup Patrol Officer Age: 27 Years of service: 1.8

Bay St. Louis

Leanna Dunigan Patrolman Age: 34 Years of service: 7

Samantha Phillips Patrol / Fill-in Officer in Charge Age: 36 Years of service: 11

Diamondhead

Corina McSwain Officer Age: 24 Years of service: 1

Gautier

Within the Gautier Police Department, there are three female officers that work in the patrol division.

Mary Coster Reserve Division Sergeant Age: 66 Years of service: 19

Picayune

Margaret Bennett Patrol Age: 27 Years of service: 1

Sara Reynolds Patrol Division Officer Age: 32 Years of service: 5

(not photographed)

Christa Groom Detective Age: 35 Years of service: 14

Jamie Blanton Patrol Division Officer Age: 35 Years of service: 1

Theresa Milar Captain Age: 54 Years of service: 21

Wiggins

At this time, no female officers are on staff at the Wiggins Police Department.

Constance Myers Captain Age: 43 Years of service: 11

Kayla Watkins Patrol Age: 29 Years of service: 2

This issue: Law enforcers November-December issue: Military wives January-February issue: Firefighters

www.gcwmultimedia.com

51

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Women in Business networking host Wine Down and Shop with Women in Business every last Wednesday of every month at Black Tie White Rose Events, 6616 Rose Farm RD, Ocean Springs 39564. For more information contact Summer Gregory 228-641-4610.

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Interested in Joining Women in Business Networking? Contact Charlotte DiStefano 228-806-1425.

September-October 2016

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Come and shop Biloxi and Ocean Springs locally owned indie book shop. Southern Bound Book Shop is pleased to offer new and used books with a strong southern focus.

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53

Hancock Chamber honors top 10 citizens The Hancock Chamber recently recognized the following individuals as Hancock County’s Top Ten Outstanding Citizens for 2016:

Allison Anderson

Myron Labat

Lisa Cowand

Cynthia Mahner

Mark Duffy

Barbara Huet

Mike Meyers

Robert J. “Bob” Occhi

Regan Kane

Terie Velardi

ALLISON ANDERSON, the first LEED accredited

professional in Mississippi, has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and energy-efficiency in the architectural practice she co-owns with her husband John.

been in the business of making a difference in the lives of children and that did not stop with his retirement. He is passionate about his volunteer work with CASA and the Hancock Medical Center Foundation.

LISA COWAND, the first female elected to office in Hancock County, has held offices at the city and county levels. She has led several initiatives over the years, demonstrating a passion for social infrastructure improvements.

CYNTHIA MAHNER of The Arts, Hancock County, has helped her organization harness a new energy and contagious excitement to start new programs and revitalize the old. Mahner is also responsible for establishing numerous art galleries throughout Hancock County.

MARK DUFFY, a retired law enforcement officer, has put

MIKE MEYERS of State Farm Insurance, has been an

his safety and organizational skills to work for the tourism industry more than two decades ago.

BARBARA HUET is simply an inspiration to others. For the past three years, she has been a mover and shaker behind the Hancock County Senior Citizen's Prom, making it a special occasion for some of the most important people in our community. She is a master gardener and has brought her passion of gardening to other senior citizens, residents at Dunbar Village and the children in our schools.

REGAN KANE of John McDonald Realty, has been a Realtor since 1998, specializing in residential and commercial real estate. A long-time member of the Hancock Chamber Board of Directors, he recently led the effort for the development of the successful Hancock MS MY Home Relocation Campaign.

MYRON LABAT, retired educator/administrator, has always 54

September-October 2016

active member of the business community. For the past 26 years, he has volunteered his time and become an award winning coach for the OLA Crescents.

ROBERT J. “BOB” OCCHI of Coast Electric Power Association, has served with great distinction as CEO of one of Hancock County’s largest employers, Coast Electric Power Association, for more than 30 years. His impact on the community can best be seen in the way he supports his employees to give back through volunteer leadership positions to grow the spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy throughout the region.

TERIE VELARDI of Bay St. Louis Rotary Club, who is an appraiser by trade since 1998, has led efforts for a variety of projects for the Main Street Association, Historic Preservation Commission and the Friends of the Animal Shelter.

SEPT 17th until

10 AM 2 PM

www.gcwmultimedia.com

55

BabyPalooza coming to Biloxi WXXV FOX 25, NBC 25 and the Gulf Coast CW will present BabyPalooza, a free baby and maternity expo, on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center.

At BabyPalooza, new, expectant and hopeful parents can connect with local resources and children’s in a fun and energetic environment. Parking and admission are free.

Parents can check out the latest baby items from local boutiques like Once Upon A Child and Riley’s. Moms can get fitted for a nursing bra with Foundations Professional Bra Fitting. Attendees can enter to win a Babymoon getaway or a family four-pack of tickets to Disney on Ice at the WXXV booth. Personel from major hospitals on the Coast will be available to answer questions. Exhibitors also include local day cares. Attendees can register to win new car seats and learn how to properly install them.

FREE BABY AND MATERNITY EXPO Sept. 17 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mississippi Coast Convention Center.

56

September-October 2016

In the Natural Parenting section, mothers can breastfeed and consult with doulas. Ooh-N-Aah Ultrasounds will be offering on-site 4-D ultrasounds to determine the sex of the baby.

Moms can learn how to make some extra cash or work from home with companies like Thirty-One Gifts, Arbonne, Pampered Chef and more in the Mommypreneur area.

The first 250 moms will receive a complimentary VIP Goodie Bag from Walmart.

Sponsors include WXXV FOX 25, NBC 25 and the Gulf Coast CW, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Mississippi, Gulf Coast Woman magazine, Walmart, Merit Health, Premium Outlets, Memorial Women & Children’s Services, Airmazing Balloons, 107.1 The Monkey, BOB 105.9 and The Bull 96.7.

For more information, visit babypaloozatour.com.

Why wait until January???

Join us as we begin a “Healthier Me Quest” in September

GCW Marketing Team Dorothy Wilson, Jennifer Cox, Aisa Templeton, Tori Bishop and Angela Bruni Follow our progress on our quest to become healthier in print, on our blogs and on social media.

Want to sponsor one of us?

We’re looking for trainers, gyms, products and other types of sponsors to help fuel our success.

For more information, call (228) 539-2422 or email Tori@gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com

www.gcwmultimedia.com www.facebook.com/GulfCoastWomanMagazine

#iamgcw iamgcw www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Join

Toast to The Coast on a Journey ...

Come celebrate this wonderfully festive evening that pays tribute to all that’s glorious and unique about living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and at the same time know that your support is insuring the excellence of Coast Episcopal School will not only continue, but also grow stronger and more vibrant in the years to come.

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September-October 2016

MONEY

by Lee Rogers

Why investing is not working for everyone

By the time you are reading the article, volatility may have already returned. Volatility means when you feel you’ve been riding a roller-coaster with your investments and there’s no opportunity to get off. (I get white-knuckled on the Ferris wheel).

O The evidence of higher volatility is very clear. In fact, the S&P 500 has lost more than 2% in 192 days since the turn of the century. The prior 50 years only had 160 days with a 2% loss. Not only are we seeing more days with volatility, but they are becoming more concentrated.

Concentrated spikes in volatility create deeper and more severe losses.

nce upon a time, there were two dukes named SLEEPY and HAPPY, and they had great wealth. SLEEPY was able to keep his investments in check despite rising taxes and inflation. His life seemed headed for a bright and successful journey. Then one day, he fell ill and soon became in need. His great wealth began to disappear .... .

HAPPY, too, had planned for a merry journey through life. His plan included strategies for taxation, inflation and ill health. He, too, experienced an unfortunate illness that caused him to miss many days from work ....

Turn the page to see what happens....

RETIREMENT | INCOME | PLANNING

15429 O’Neal Road | Gulfport, MS 39503

(228) 832-9313

www.marstonrogers.com lrogers@aicinvest.com kathy@marstonrogers.com Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely through Ameritas Investment Corp. (AIC) Member FINRA/SIPC. AIC and Marston Rogers Group are not affiliated.

Additional products and services may be available through Lee Rogers and Marston Rogers Group that are not offered through AIC. For securities, please contact lrogers@ www.gcwmultimedia.com aicinvest.com.

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What should be coming into focus is that the time it takes to get back to even is wasted time. I have said many times “Your Time = Your Money = Your Life.” In retirement years we want everyone to have a great quality of life with whatever funds are required to not outlive your income.

Happily Ever

After

For more information, contact Lee Rogers at (228) 832-9313 or lee@marstonrogers.com. Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely through Ameritas Investment Corp.

(AIC). Member FINRA/SIPC. AIC and Marston Rogers Group are not affiliated. Additional products and services may be available through Lee Rogers or Marston Rogers Group that are not offered through AIC. Securities products are limited to residents of AL, GA, LA, MI, MS and UT. This is not an offer of securities in any jurisdiction, nor is it specifically directed to a resident of any jurisdiction. As with any security, request a prospectus from your Registered Representative. Read it carefully before you invest or send money. A Representative from Marston Rogers Group will contact you to provide requested information.

Representatives of AIC do not provide tax or legal advice.

Please consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding your situation.

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APPY, however was able to quickly recover from his financial trial. He was fortunate indeed! His long-term planning had saved the day. He was able to keep all of his wealth in tact and stay on his merry path to a bright and promising future.

The moral of this story is:

It pays to have a plan.

Start building your plan today.

Call Marston Rogers Group for a consultation to help you understand all of your options and benefits.

RETIREMENT | INCOME | PLANNING

Information is gathered from sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Actual prices may vary. Securities are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal.

Women and Investing

We know it is hard to find time – you’re under pressure to succeed at work, manage your domestic life, participate in the community – and stay in good physical condition while you are at it. However, the most important thing is simply to get started.

Make the first step in getting started toward a financially secure future.

Call today.

Suzie Pierce Sawyer

Managing Director Investment Advisor Representative

(228) 864-4460 | (877) 896-4664 | www.sawyerteam.com

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in g

ut tr

(228) 832-9313

www.marstonrogers.com

2304 14th Street | Gulfport, Mississippi 39501

ca r

15429 O’Neal Road | Gulfport, MS 39503

integrity

lrogers@aicinvest.com | kathy@marstonrogers.com Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely through Ameritas Investment Corp.

(AIC) Member FINRA/SIPC. AIC and Marston Rogers Group are not affiliated. Additional products and services may be available through Lee Rogers and Marston Rogers Group that are not offered 2016 60 AIC. ForSeptember-October through securities, please contact lrogers@aicinvest.com.

Securities offered through Century Securities Associates, Inc. Member SIPC & FINRA | A subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp.

Home Office: 501 North Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri 63102 | (314) 342-4050

Know how new labor law will affect your company

by Kimberly Nastasi

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Inc. recently hosted an Economic VIBE on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Fair Labor Standard Act. Industry experts discussed the facts about the Final Rule. Speakers included Susan Denham of the Department of Labor, David Thomas of Balch and Bingham, and Amber Olsen of Nextaff Gulf Coast.

The Final Ruling increases thresholds for exempt salaried employees amongst other changes to compensation testing. The Final Rule takes effect Dec. 1, 2016, and therefore businesses have a short window to understand the ruling and begin complying with it. According to the Department of Labor, “The Final Rule focuses primarily on updating the salary and compensation levels needed for executive, administrative and professional workers to be exempt.”

KEY PROVISIONS • Sets the standard salary level at the 40th percentile of earnings of full-time salaried workers in the lowest-wage Census Region, currently the South ($913 per week;

BISHOP

INSURANCE AGENCY

$47,476 annually for a full-year worker); • Sets the total annual compensation requirement for highly compensated employees subject to a minimal duties test to the annual equivalent of the 90th percentile of full-time salaried workers nationally ($134,004); and • Establishes a mechanism for automatically updating the salary and compensation levels every three years to maintain the levels at the above percentiles and to ensure that they continue to provide useful and effective tests for exemption.

• Additionally, the Final Rule amends the salary basis test to allow employers to use nondiscretionary bonuses and incentive payments (including commissions) to satisfy up to 10 percent of the new standard salary level.

The impact will be widespread but employers have choices when determining the best course of action to compliance. Choices include: • Pay overtime • Change from salary to hourly • Monitor hours worked

CALL BISHOP INSURANCE TODAY! 228.354.0877 14507 Lemoyne Blvd.

Biloxi, MS 39532 www.bishopins.com

We at BISHOP believe as a family-oriented agency, you can trust our agents to put your family first when it comes to your insurance.

All of our employees are college graduates and licensed agents.

• Limit how many hours employees can work • Reducing workforce • Re-examining salaries • Reduce the workweek

SAVE WITH THE HOME TEAM. Get a quote from your local GEICO office.

While the ruling may seem unfair to business owners, the law is aimed at protecting the most vulnerable workers. Talent is businesses’ No. 1 resource. Changes with the Final Rule will force businesses to analyze their culture and work habits and will allow for employees to improve their quality of life.

WHAT SHOULD BUSINESSES BE DOING NOW? • Track duties and hours of employees • Ensure accurate records are being kept • Review job descriptions • Communicate with employees and prepare them • Put changes in writing • Review current policies Resources are plentiful and available to aid business transitions. Contact the Department of Labor or your human resource consultant to prepare you.

Nastasi, IOM, CAE, is chief executive officer of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Mother, daughter, wife, sister … friend.

As a woman, you play many roles for the people who are most important to you and, by choice or circumstance, wealth manager may be in your repertoire. In fact, in one of out of four U.S. households with a net worth of $1 million or more, a woman is calling the shots when it comes to investing and spending money.1 Since your wealth touches many lives in many ways, it’s vital to get advice from a reliable source.

At Morgan Stanley, you can expect to work with a Financial Advisor who invests time in understanding your specific situation and has the experience and resources

228-832-0600 3586 Sangani Blvd D’Iberville geico.com/gulfcoast-ms

Brenda Whitwell

needed to help you prepare for the future.

Financial Advisor 1

Phoenix High Net Worth Market Insights, August 2010

11 N. Water Street, Suite 16290 Mobile, AL 33602 251-470- 2310 brenda.whitwell@morganstanley.com

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2016. © 2016 GEICO

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September-October 2016

© 2013 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

GP11-01086P-N07/11 7177513 SEG006 10/12

“Thanks to flood insurance this is an inconvenience ratherinthan a devastation.”

“I was told I wasn’t a flood zone...”

- Lindsey (Flooded May 2015)

Love in every snip

Locally owned and operated by Dianne Falcon, avid animal lover, especially dogs.

Passionate about making your pets happy!

CALL FOR APPOINTMENT

(228) 539-9929 A few inches of floodwater can cost you thousands in damage. Financially protect your home with flood insurance and have the peace of mind of knowing that you get to go back home.

Protect what matters. Call me today about flood insurance.

(Agent Info)

15429 O’NEAL ROAD GULFPORT, MS 39503

WWW.ROGERSINSURANCE.NET

12100 Highway 49 Suite 500 Gulfport, MS 39503

PHONE 228-832-9313 FAX 228-832-1321

Clipanddipgulfport

Gulf Coast Mobile Tax Service

We Come To You

at the convenience of your home!

“I’ve been calling you all day”

“That’s a calculator, dear. . .”

• Tax preparation fee deducted from your refund • e-file • We prepare all state, self-employed & 1099’s • Notary services also provided Call today to schedule an appointment!

Gulf Coast Mobile Tax Service

Rita Jenkins, Consultant 3532 Bienville Blvd. • Suite A • Ocean Springs, MS www.GCMobileTax.com

228.215.3535

WHEN YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE NEEDS A LITTLE HELP . . .

CALL 228-357-5227

KATHY BROWN VAN ZUTPHEN Legal practice focusing in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Small Business and Real Estate Litigation.

WWW.AL-MSCOASTALLAW.COM www.gcwmultimedia.com

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ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA November 3, 2016 6:30 p.m.

Reasons to Call Us! Vacation • Weekend Trip Work-Related Travel • Hosting a Party Home Remodeling/Repair New Baby at Home • Doggie Socialization

Featured on DogVacay.com & Rover.com

MGCCC Hospitality Resort Management Center 420 Debuys Rd., Biloxi MS 39531

Licensed • Insured • Military Friendly

Dress: Cocktail or Big Band Era Attire Live entertainment, dancing, mocktails, photo booth, raffle, auction, and a few more fun surprises!

Find us on

YourPetsHomeAwayFromHome@gmail.com

(228) 224-2582

site tire service

For tickets, visit wrcgulfport.org

“We bring the shop to you” 24-hr Emergency Road Service

Home • Office • Roadside

228.832.3802

After Hours

228.669.6101

WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER Pregnancy Solutions

9155 Old Lorraine Rd. | Gulfport, MS 39503 | 228.897.8958 info@wrcGulfport.org Mon. & Tues. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Wed. 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Thurs. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday

64 Model

September-October 2016

Michelin • BF Goodrich • Bridgestone • Firestone • Good Year • Toyo • Nitto • Uniroyal • Dunlop • General CARS • TRUCKS • CAMPERS • TRAILERS New Tires • Tire Repairs • Spare Tire Installed • Lock-Outs, Fuel Delivery, Jump Starts and Batteries Installed

SUCCESS ISSUE

2016

Also inside

featuring the Women of Achievement finalists

66

SUCCESS CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

120

HOW THESE 5 WOMEN SUCCEEDED

136

WINNING IN MALE-DOMINATED ROLES

150

START A BUSINESS: 10 STEPS TO GO!

www.gcwmultimedia.com

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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SPECIAL GUESTS

SURVIVOR

M A R KforE D SUCCESS

Kim Nelson

AUTHOR/PERSONAL

GET REA D Y T O B E INSPIRED. EMPOWERED.CONNECTED. CONNECTED. RECHARGED! INSPIRED. EMPOWERED. RECHARGED!

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th

OCTOBER 2 0 1 6

P RE S E N TE D BY :

LYNN FITCH, Mississippi state treasurer

LYNN FITCH, Mississippi state treasurer

early-bird early-bird tickets only

tickets only

$

49

SCARLETT PEARL CASINO • GARDEN PARK MEDICAL CENTER • TURAN FOLEY • INGALLS SHIPBUILDING MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE • MARSTON ROGERS GROUP • SUN HERALD/VELOCITY • WXXV 66

JAMIE BARDWELL, deputy director, The Women’s Foundation, Jackson

JULIE KUKLINSKY, founder, executive director, Women in CAROL BURNETT, executive director, Moore Community House, Biloxi Construction MICHELLE HOLMES, Southern Girls Project, executive vice president,

content, Alabama Media Group BROOKE COLLINS, CEO, Lifetime Fitness, corporate health trainer JULIE KUKLINSKY, founder, executive director, Women in Construction BROOKE COLLINS, CEO, Lifetime Fitness, corporate health trainer

Regular tick ets, $64

CARLISHA HARTZOG, owner, Hartzog Consulting

P U R C H A S E T I C K ET S @

CYNTHIA SIMMS, of Human Resources, CYNTHIA SIMMS, VPVP of Human Resources, Penn National Gaming Penn National Gaming

Regular tick ets, $64

S P ON S OR S

Kindra Hall

other speakers include:

8 AM - 5 PM IP CASINO

A unique developmental experience designed to empower and grow the Gulf Coast region’s female executives, managers and entrepreneurs.

BRANDING EXPERT

www.successconference.info

228.539.2422

CARLISHA HARTZOG, owner, Hartzog Consulting LIZ JOACHIM, CEO, Corso Supply

BROOKE ORRISON LEWIS, Shed and Champion, host of “Cooking DOROTHY WILSON, SBAco-owner, WomenThe in Business with Brooke” Gulf Coast Woman magazine publisher CRYSTAL SCRETCHING, author, radio host

DOROTHY WILSON, SBA Women in Business Champion, Gulf Coast Woman magazine publisher

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LETTER FROM THE BPW PRESIDENT

Catch Some Beautiful Waves Catch Some at Beautiful Waves our at our

OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE

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Thursday, September 22, 2016 Thursday, 22, 2016 5:00September - 7:00 p.m.

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5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Join us and bring a friend Join us and bring a friend Door Refreshments Door Prizes Prizes •• Refreshments

Come at ComeSee SeeWhat’s What’s New New at The The Dermatology Clinic, PLLC Dr. Angela AngelaWingfield, Wingfield,and andit it continues to grow Dermatology Clinic, PLLCwas wasestablished established in in 2003 2003 by

by Dr. continues to grow intointo a a successful clinic.

Word of of mouth patientstototheir theirfriends friendsand and family basis of our successful clinic.

Word mouthreferrals referralsfrom fromour our existing existing patients family areare thethe basis of our growth.

High quality, efficient, and foundationofofour oursuccess. success. demand excellence growth.

High quality, efficient, anddependable dependablecare careare are the foundation WeWe demand excellence fromfrom our our employees, they in turn help deliverexcellent excellentcare. care. employees, andand they in turn help ususdeliver clinic started a small rentalspace spaceand andhas hasgrown grown steadily steadily over now occupies a larger permanent The The clinic waswas started in ainsmall rental overthe theyears yearsand and now occupies a larger permanent location on the bustling section of Lorraine-Cowan Road in Gulfport.

The growth has been driven by careful expansion location on the bustling section of Lorraine-Cowan Road in Gulfport. The growth has been driven by careful expansion of services as the demand andneed needwere wererecognized. recognized. Dr. Dr. Wingfield of of providers including two two of services as the demand and Wingfieldsupervises supervisesa ateam team providers including certified physician assistants – KassieStafford, Stafford,PA-C PA-C and and Emily Emily Burger, – Teresa Puzz, LPN; and and a a certified physician assistants – Kassie Burger,PA-C; PA-C;a alaser lasernurse nurse – Teresa Puzz, LPN; licensed aesthetician – Tami Madeira. Our team approach ensures shorter wait times for care and allows us to address licensed aesthetician – Tami Madeira. Our team approach ensures shorter wait times for care and allows us to address both medical and cosmetic concerns so the entire patient can be treated effectively. both medical and cosmetic concerns so the entire patient can be treated effectively.

Lighthouse Business & Professional Women president

Congratulations to Women of Achievement finalists!

More than 100 nominees poured in from across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We are proud to be able to recognize 45 finalists this year.

The judges will select one winner in each of the seven categories: Medical, Nonprofit, Corporate, Government/ Military, Education, Entrepreneur, and Young Careerist (ages 21-35). From these winners, a Woman of the Year will be named.

In addition this year, Lighthouse Business & Professional Women will recognized a Member of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

To be considered for an award, nominees must have had several years of work experience in her most recent career field; live and/or work in Jackson, Harrison or Hancock County; and demonstrate excellence and leadership in her career field.

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September-October 2016

Lighthouse BPW’s annual awards will be the highlight of the 2nd annual SUCCESS Women’s Conference. We are very excited to partner with Gulf Coast Woman magazine, Navigator Credit Union, IP Casino Resort Spa and other sponsors to present a day that will not only showcase deserving women, but also offer an incredible experience to all women on the Coast.

Purchase your ticket, booth and table and help us celebrate our finalists. See you there!

Kearn Cherry

What started as a small general dermatology clinic has grown into a full service practice offering cosmetic wrinkle

What started as(fillers a small clinic has grown a fullremoval serviceofpractice offering cosmetic wrinkle treatments andgeneral toxins), dermatology all types of laser services (tattoo into removal, dilated blood vessels, treatment treatments (fillers and toxins), all types of laser services (tattoo removal, removal of dilated blood vessels, treatment of sun spots and unwanted moles, resurfacing for acne scars and wrinkles), and removal of skin cancers. In addition, of sun spots and for acne scars and wrinkles), and removalultrasound, of skin cancers.

In peels, addition, aesthetic skinunwanted services aremoles, offeredresurfacing including non-invasive skin tightening with Ultherapy chemical aesthetic skin services are offered including non-invasive skinand tightening with Ultherapy ultrasound, peels, Rejuvapen microneedling, microdermabrasion, facials, brow eyelash tinting, and waxing.

We offer a chemical full array of Rejuvapen microneedling, microdermabrasion, facials,make-up. brow and eyelash tinting, and waxing. We offer a full array of professional grade skin care products and high quality professional grade skin care products and high quality make-up.

Dr. Wingfield has poured her heart, mind, and soul into building The Dermatology Clinic, PLLC into the dynamic,

cutting edgehas facility thather setsheart, high standards for soul our community.

Dr. Wingfield poured mind, and into building The Dermatology Clinic, PLLC into the dynamic, cutting edge facility that sets high standards for our community.

Dr. Wingfield believes in educating the future leaders in the field of dermatology, so she volunteers her time teaching the residentbelieves physicians at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. Shesowas to receive the 2015Dr. Wingfield in educating the future leaders in the field of dermatology, shehonored volunteers her time teaching 2016 Affiliate Faculty Teaching Award chosen by the residents.

the resident physicians at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. She was honored to receive the 20152016 Affiliate Faculty Teaching Award chosen by the residents.

11295 East Taylor Road Gulfport, MS 39503 11295 East Taylor Road 228.864.3300 Gulfport, MS 39503 www.thedermclinic.net

228.864.3300 www.thedermclinic.net

The non-invasive Ultherapy® procedure is FDA-cleared to lift skin on the neck, on the eyebrow and under the chin as well as to improve lines and wrinkles on the décolletage. For full product and safety information, including possible mild side effects, visit www.ultherapy.com/IFU. ©2015 Ulthera, Inc. Ultherapy and See the Beauty of Sound are trademarks of Ulthera, Inc.

The non-invasive Ultherapy® procedure is FDA-cleared to lift skin on the neck, on the eyebrow and under the chin as well as to improve lines and wrinkles on the décolletage. For full product and safety information, including possible mild side effects, visit www.ultherapy.com/IFU. ©2015 Ulthera, Inc. Ultherapy and See the Beauty of Sound are trademarks of Ulthera, Inc.

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / CORPORATE Amy Brandenstein

Community Affairs representative, Chevron Pascagoula Refinery Former WLOX-TV reporter Amy Brandenstein is public and government affairs community affairs representative at the Chevron Pascagoula Refinery. For the past 13 years, Amy has coordinated Chevron’s community engagement, employee involvement, and non-profit outreach activities.

The president of the United Way for Jackson and George Counties and chair of the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, Amy serves on the board of directors of Excel By 5, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, and Backpack Buddies of Pascagoula. Amy is past president of the Pascagoula Rotary Club and has been named one of South Mississippi’s Top 10 Business Leaders Under 40 by the Journal of South Mississippi Business. She has served as fundraising chairman for the United Way for Jackson and George Counties and is active in numerous community organizations including the Pascagoula Excel By 5 Coalition, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and the Local Emergency Planning Committee. Amy is also a

life member of Junior Auxiliary of Pascagoula-Moss Point.

Amy formerly served as public relations director for the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and covered the Jackson County beat in her role as reporter for WLOXTV. A graduate of the Chamber of Commerce’s Jackson County Leadership Program, she holds a bachelor of arts degree from The University of Missouri’s acclaimed school of journalism.

Amy and her husband, David, reside in Pascagoula with their daughters, Abby, 13, and Emma Grace, 10. Amy is an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Pascagoula and spends time helping both the Trent Lott Academy and Colmer Middle School PTOs.

Cathy Beeding

Vice president/general counsel, Island View Casino Resort As vice president and general counsel for Island View Casino Resort in Gulfport, Cathy Beeding oversees all legal and regulatory matters, with emphasis on her specialties of commercial transactions, real estate, employment law and government relations. She is licensed to practice law in Mississippi’s state and federal courts and before the Mississippi Gaming Commission. She also shares her knowledge as an adjunct professor for the College of Economic Development at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park campus.

Cathy is a licensed real estate broker and business owner as well – she owns Front Beach Cottages, a boutique inn in Ocean Springs.

The Miami native graduated in 1993 with honors from Boston University, and again with honors in 1993 from the University of South Florida and graduated cum laude from the University of Miami with a juris doctor in 1998.

She is a graduate of the Gulf Coast Business Council’s

Master’s Program and was named among The Sun Herald’s Top 10 Business Leaders Under 40. She served as secretary/treasurer of the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association and currently serves as the association’s treasurer and as a member of its board of directors.

She has served as a regional board member for the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA. She has served on the board of the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association Workers Compensation Trust, as secretary/treasurer and chair for the Mississippi Bar, Gaming Law Section, and is an OSHA-certified outreach trainer.

Cathy lives in Ocean Springs with her two daughters.

Emily Burke

Public Relations Manager, IP Casino Resort Spa Emily Burke is the public relations manager for IP Casino Resort Spa, a property that towers 32 stories over the Back Bay of Biloxi and offers over 1,000 hotel rooms and suites.

Emily serves as president of the Gulf Coast Women Center for Nonviolence. She is a past president of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the board of directors.

She also serves on the Biloxi Excel By 5 steering committee.

She is a founding member of WAVE (Women Against Violence Everywhere) and is a Mississippi Gulf Coast alumnae of Phi Mu Fraternity. She has served her community, holding board positions for the Harrison County Beautification Commission, Biloxi Main Street, and Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce. She has served as chairperson for several fundraising events including the Biloxi Chamber’s Seafood Festival, Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Non-Violence’s “Moonlight Masquerade,” Biloxi’s Blessing of the Fleet, and

the Biloxi Chamber’s Junior Leadership program. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Biloxi, Coast Young Professionals, and PRAM Beach Chapter. Emily was selected as the city of Biloxi’s 2011 Community Volunteer of the Year in 2012 and was named among The Sun Herald’s and the Journal of South Mississippi’s Top Ten Business Leaders Under 40. In 2014 United Way of South Mississippi named Emily Employee Campaign Manager of the Year.

Emily is a native of Biloxi and resides in Biloxi with her 19-year-old son, Will. Emily is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and is a die-hard Golden Eagle fan.

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rust us to guide you through life’s financial journey...

For most people, achieving and maintaining financial strength is a lifetime pursuit. It involves planning, preparation, performance and follow-through. That is why the NCU Wealth Management Program provides a collection of protection and asset accumulation products that can help you meet your personal financial objectives.

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Jef frey C. Hamm, CRPC® Vice President Wealth Management BreEllen Harmon Registered Representative As NCU Wealth Management Jeffrey C. Hamm, CRPC® Pam Burnett representatives, we are qualified to Program Vice President provide professional assistance, Wealth Management Coordinator quality financial products and For most people, achieving and maintaining financial strength is a lifetime pursuit. Itservice. involvesSo planning, dependable whetherpreparayou are saving for aprovides home, a package of tion, performance and follow-through. That is why the NCU Wealth Management Program providing a collegeobjectives. education or protection and asset accumulation products that can help you meet your personal financial planning for a assistance, comfortable As NCU Wealth Management Representatives, we are qualified to provide professional quality financial retirement, our team of dedicated products and dependable service. So whether you are saving for a home, providing a college education or planning BreEllen Harmon career professionals can work with for Licensed Sales Assistant to with provide information a comfortable retirement, our team of dedicated career professionals canyou work you the to provide the information you need on a variety of services you need on a variety of services and products. and products.

Call today and start your journey.

228-474-3427 Representatives are registered, securities are sold, and investment advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free 800-369-2862.

Nondeposit investment Pam Burnett and insurance products are not federally insured, involve investment risk, may lose value and areProgram not obligations of or guaranteed by the financial institution. CBSI is under contract with the financial Coordinator institution, through the financial services program, to make securities available to members. FR-941628.1-0614-0716 C

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228-474-3427

6012 Highway 63 • Moss Point, MS 39563 Trust us to guide you through life’s financial Journey...

6012 Highway 63 • Moss Point, MS 39563

Securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC , a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. FR-1569976.1-0816-0918

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September-October 2016

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W & omen

Retirement Perceptions Will the reality of retirement live up to expectations?

Provided by Jeffrey C. Hamm, CRPC®

After 55, do women think more about retirement than men?

One recent survey found that to be true. Fidelity Investments polled 12,000 retirement savers 55 and older and found that, within the past 24 months, 59% of women had seriously thought about when they would retire, as compared to 45% of their male peers.1

What do women enjoy doing once retired? TIAA (formerly TIAA-CREF) tried to determine that as part of its Voices of ExperiJefence frey2016 C. survey Hamm, CRPC® of recent retirees. Eighty percent of women said Vice theyPresident valued “spending time alone with personal interests such as reading.”

Eighty percent also ranked “connecting with and spending Wealth Management time with family” as one of their activities. Seventy-five percent cited BreEllen Harmon “socializing with friends;” 58%, “volunteering and giving back to the Registered community,” and 43%, “caring for others.” Retired women were also 47% likely to participate in “fitness or more athletic strenuous Representative pursuits,” and 40%, likely to engage in “creative pursuits,” such as Pam Burnett writing and visual arts.2

navigator

AARP calculates that an 11-year absence may potentially cost a woman as much as $324,000 in lifetime earnings and Social Security income.5 Two, a notable earnings gap. On average, women working full-time earn 79 cents for every $1 men earn, which may reflect everything from gender inequality in career paths to wage discrimination.6 Another factor may be a preference for extremely conservative investing (and that is a preference that many men share as well).

There can be a cost for assuming too little risk in one’s portfolio.

When investments are too risk-averse, an investor may lose the potential to generate returns that keep up with inflation.

How about you? How are you investing & saving to pursue your retirement dream? Do you have a strategy in place with defined goals? A chat with a financial professional may lead to the discovery of creative new ways to pursue your retirement objectives, and new steps toward creating the retirement you want for yourself.

Program Another poll suggests some women may have a different kind Coordinator of active In its 2016and Retirement Survey offinancial Workers, strength is a lifetime pursuit. It involves planning, preparaFor most retirement. people, achieving maintaining What is that kind of professional input worth? It may make a big the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found that 56% of tion, performance andafter follow-through.

That is why51% the NCU WealthinManagement Program package of difference retirement confidence and inprovides the processa of retiring. In women planned to retire age 65 or not at all.

In addition, 3 protection and asset accumulation products that can help you meet your personal financial the new TIAA study, 69% of women saidobjectives. their transitions to anticipated working in retirement. retirement were “easy,” versus 77% assistance, of men. The more confidence As NCU Wealth Management Representatives, we are qualified to provide professional quality financial you have, the more knowledge you have.2,5 Many women are concerned about outliving their money. products and dependable service. So whether you are saving for a home, providing a college education or planning A 2015 Fidelity survey of more than 1,500 women found that 60% forwere worried about that possibility. Even among the affluent, a Jeffrey Hamm may be reached at 228-474-3427. gender gap exists in retirement savings; in its most recent a notable comfortable retirement, our team of dedicated career professionals can work with you to provide the information highneed net worth survey, Fargoand discovered that that the you on aclient variety of Wells services products. median retirement account balance for women was approximately Call today versus and start your journey. $500,000, approximately $700,000 for men.4,5 228-474-3427 Too many womenare approach retirement with too little Representatives registered, securities are saved sold,orand investment advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerinvested. You can cite two major reasons for that. age Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Iowa 50677, toll-free One,Waverly, the multi-year absence of some women800-369-2862. from the workplace (which can coincide with peak earning years, lessening the are rate not of federally insured, involve investment risk, may lose value Nondeposit investment and insurance products retirement contributions).

Barron’ s notes that,by onthe average, and are notplan obligations of or guaranteed financial institution. CBSI is under contract with the financial women spend 11 years out of the workforce compared to men. institution, through the financial services program, to make 6012 Highway 63 • Moss Point, MS 39563 securities available to members. FR-941628.1-0614-0716 This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should63 not be • reliedMoss upon as such.

All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

6012 Highway Point, MS 39563 Securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC , a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to Trust usNot NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC to guide insured, youMaythrough members.

Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. 08092016-WR-1730 Citations. life’ s financial Journey...

1 - money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2016-05-19/how-and-why-men-and-women-retire-differently [5/19/16] 2 - forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2016/04/20/retirement-life-women-and-men-do-it-very-differently/ [4/20/16] 3 - transamericacenter.org/retirement-research/women-and-retirement [1/11/16]

4 - usatoday.com/story/money/2015/02/12/women-financial-savings-retirement/22982383/ [2/12/15] 5 - tinyurl.com/jexfqwp [2/13/16] 6 - washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/03/08/its-2016-and-women-still-make-less-for-doing-the-same-work-as-men/ [3/8/16]

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / CORPORATE LuAnn Pappas

LuAnn Pappas, CEO, Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort As CEO of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville, LuAnn Pappas has made her way to the top of an industry traditionally run by men. She is one of just two female casino operators on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A New Jersey native, LuAnn set her career in motion by answering an ad in the Atlantic City Press for a position for a retail shift supervisor at Harrah’s Atlantic City. That was more than 30 years ago.

LuAnn attributes her success to her father’s advice: be fair, be firm, and by all means be disciplined.

She defines success as progress, and she has made much progress since answering that ad so many years ago. After spending more than three decades with Harrah’s, LuAnn had

moved up to the role of regional vice president of marketing. She left Harrah’s to join the Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort as the property’s CEO. Having spent her career and succeeded in an industry where women still have a long way to go to be on equal footing with men (there are no female casino operators in Tunica, Miss., or in Atlantic City), LuAnn says, “Never give up. Never quit what you have started.”

Rhonda Weidner

Anchor, co-Host, WLOX TV As co-host of WLOX-TV’s Good Morning Mississippi and Midday news programs and an anchor/reporter, Rhonda Weidner has been a familiar face to Coastians for almost 30 years.

When she first moved to Biloxi, Rhonda was active in coast theatre, performing in numerous shows. She’s also been seen on stage in Sounds of the Holidays, a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. For more than ten years, Rhonda has served as the celebrity spokesman/emcee for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and has emceed at Relay for Life.

An animal lover, Rhonda has helped numerous Coast

animal welfare organizations with fundraisers. She’s been called on numerous times to judge talent competitions and pageants. Rhonda also loves children, and she volunteers to read to students and share her knowledge and expertise at schools’ career days.

Rhonda is the mother of a teen daughter who is starting her senior year at Biloxi High. Alexandra plans to attend Ole Miss next fall.

Robin C. Weitzel

Account executive, Cable One Advertising Since 2008 Robin Weitzel has worked as an account executive for Cable One Advertising. In this capacity, she serves as a multiscreen marketing specialist, working with local businesses to reach potential customers through television, digital advertising, and video production. She also helps businesses, government entities, and non-profits produce videos for instructional, training, image-building, business development, and compliance needs. She is among the company’s top producers.

Robin is a three-time Cable One President’s Club winner and was the company’s top biller in 2013.

She is a 1980 graduate of the University of Florida, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in science microbiology.

A contributor to her community, she is vice president of St. James Elementary PTO. She oversaw the building of the school playground. She helped gain financial support for the first computer lab at St. James as well. She has served as a Girl Scout assistant leader and supports charities including the Catholic Diocese, Salvation Army, Goodwill, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and National Trooper and Police Association.

A breast cancer survivor (she was diagnosed at age 37 with early-stage cancer), a mother of four, and a woman who has built back her career and life after divorcing her first husband, Robin says she has a deep appreciation of how precious life is and how valuable time is.

In other leaders, she says what she most admires are “honesty, fairness, empathy, integrity, and encouragement.”

She says her role models are Mother Teresa, Angela Merkel, and Elizabeth Warren. She admires Mother Teresa for her devotion to the most needy, Angela Merkel for her strength of conviction to do what is right and humane, and Elizabeth Warren for knowledge of the law and the economy.

Her most significant accomplishment, she says, “is raising four children into adulthood, who are honest, caring, kind and respectful and will hopefully lead productive, meaningful lives.”

And to other career women, Robin says, “Decide what your priorities are up front. If family is important, try to look for a career that will allow flexibility so you can have quality time with your kids. Bring extended family into the child-rearing process; there is nothing better than grandparents and siblings being involved in a child’s life. And look for a spouse that sees the world the way you do. And hopefully, you’ll be there together to support each other through life’s challenges.”

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / CORPORATE Teri Wyly

Partner, Balch & Bingham LLP Teri Wyly is a partner with the law firm of Balch & Bingham LLP in its environmental and natural resources section. She practices in the firm’s Gulfport office, and her 37-year practice has included a variety of environmental issues.

Post-Katrina, Teri represented Mississippi Development Authority in a $4 billion homeowner grant program, working closely with HUD and Council of Environmental Quality, and prepared a program environmental assessment.

As an outgrowth of Mississippi Development Authority representation, she represented the Mississippi Gulf Coast Region Utility Authority. She currently represents Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the Trustee for the State of Mississippi, in Natural Resource Damages, RESTORE, and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) matters related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

She serves on numerous boards including the Hancock County Development Foundation and the Hancock County

Main Street Association. Teri is also past president of the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of leadership programs for both Hancock and Harrison counties, and was a member of the Gulf Coast Leadership inaugural class. She has been listed since 2005 in The Best Lawyers in America for her environmental law practice in Mississippi.

Teri is a member of the California State Bar Association and the Mississippi Bar Association, where she served as vice chair, section on natural resources, energy and environmental law.

She is a past president of the Harrison County Bar Association and is listed in the Mid-South Super Lawyers 2015 edition and has been since 2012 listed in the Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business publication.

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / EDUCATION Dr. Bonita R. Coleman

Superintendent, Ocean Springs School District Dr. Bonita Coleman has been superintendent of the Ocean Springs School District since June 2012. Prior to this appointment, Bonita served as deputy superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools, Maryland’s second largest school district and the 18th largest system in the nation.

Bonita has served more than 20 years in public education and has worked as a teacher and a college professor. After her first year of leadership in the Ocean Springs School District, the district earned an A rating from the Mississippi Department of Education. The district is the home to one of the nation’s Blue Ribbon Schools for Exemplary Academic Performance and ranks 22nd in the nation’s sports programs. It has a nationally recognized fine arts program (K-12), and places a strong emphasis on student engagement. OSSD received the state’s first National Math and Science Initiative Grant, which has already

helped increase advanced-placement student participation from 80 students to over 400 students. In 2015, the district was recognized at the White House for having the most growth in advanced placement.

Bonita admires leaders who have tenacity. “Tenacity, the ability to analyze a situation with a solutionoriented perspective and a refusal to take short cuts are the attributes I most admire in leaders.

Her role models are Marva Collin, who Bonita says was instrumental in changing the frame for building instructional expectations for students, particularly those from situations of poverty.

Dr. Carol Payne

Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment; Moss Point School District Gulfport native Dr. Carol Payne has spent more than 25 years in education, and in spring of 2016 accepted the position of director of curriculum, instruction and assessment for the Moss Point School District. She began her career as a teacher assistant in Harrison County in 1989, working during the day and attending college at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College at night. In 1993 she received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from William Carey University and began teaching fifth grade at Bel Aire Elementary. She taught in Harrison County for seven years before moving to Gulfport School District as a first-grade teacher at Central Elementary in 2000.

In 2005, Carol became the assistant principal at Anniston Elementary in the Gulfport School District, and two years later she became the principal there.

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In 2007, Carol received the Gulfport-Biloxi Chamber of Commerce Award. That same year, she was named Administrator of the Year Award for the Gulfport School District.

Carol earned her master’s degree in administrative leadership from William Carey in 1996. In 2000, she received the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification for Elementary Education, an in 2003 she received a specialist’s degree in reading in education from the University of Southern Mississippi. She earned a doctorate degree in administrative leadership in 2007 from USM.

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Deborah points out, “We understand time is limited. We can now offer healthcare along with laser, skin care, massage, weight loss, Botox, or Juvederm options so that people will have an option to plan one-day, onelocation appointment(s). Our doors are open for men to utilize our laser and skin care services also.”

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Woman’s Clinic, P.A. opened for business in Gulfport in 1959. It is owned and operated by six local Board Certified OB/GYN’s who are Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. It’s manager for the past 35 years is Jill Champagne. The amazing health care team consists of 16 women that provide quality, private, compassionate care at two locations, Gulfport and Biloxi, for your convenience. We are known for our outstanding patient services in the areas of: OB/GYN care, Delivery, Pregnancy Testing, Pap Smears, 4D Ultra Sound (Technician Certified in OB/GYN), Birth Control, Annual OB/GYN Exams, Osteoporosis Testing, HPV Vaccine, Hysterectomies and Da Vinci Robotic Surgery. We have delivered and provided care for generations of families.

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Hunter Dubrow is a special association of Kelly Pendergrass Hunter, Attorney at Law, PLLC, and Dubrow Law Firm, PLLC. At Hunter Dubrow first and foremost, we are family law firm. We believe in the sanctity and importance of family in all things we do. As such, it is our devotion to this ideal, which allows us to offer representation to our clients facing the most difficult situations with respect, compassion and empathy. Our attorneys are experienced advocates that will vehemently represent you whether your needs include family law matters, criminal matters, estate matters, or otherwise.

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / EDUCATION

Dr. Irene Causey

Owner, Causey Specialized Impact Education Consulting Principal, Cares Dr. Irene Amos Causey, who retired in March 2016 from the United States Army Reserve, is an educator who uses her 15 years of experience (she was an English and reading teacher and assistant principal and coached track and cross country in addition to refereeing basketball games) to own and operate Causey Specialized Impact (CSI) Education Consulting, LLC, and to serve as principal of Cares, a nonpublic school in Saucier.

She credits her late parents with motivating her to make her career choice. “My deceased parents, who didn’t finish elementary school, instilled in me the priceless value of an education,” she said.

In her roles, Irene enjoys the quality time she spends students and teachers. The most challenging aspect of her jobs, she says, is “the power or political struggles each year between

politicians and educators whose main goal should be in every decision to do what’s best for children in the state of Mississippi.”

She hopes to expand her education consulting business and would like to open a creative arts school for middleand high-school students.

Irene, who has a fraternal twin sister who lives in Tennesse, is married to Phillip Edward Causey, and they have two children, Xavier Rashad Amos and Jeremy Phillips.

Irene loves to read, meditate, and exercise. She says she also loves to worship and praise God, and does it as much as possible as a member of Northwood Church in Gulfport.

Kewanna D. Riley

Teacher, Bel-Aire Elementary School Kewanna Riley is a fourth-grade teacher at Bel-Aire Elementary in Gulfport. Prior to teaching Kewanna served as program director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast’s Forest Heights Center.

Since college, Kewanna has shared her love and passion for the community at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast and abroad. In 2011, she was a featured member of the Harrison County HIV Coalition Billboard Campaign. For the past seven years, she has hosted an overnight retreat for young ladies ages 10-18 at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast’s Forest Heights Center.

Kewanna is a co-founder of the Community Empowerment Coalition, which hosts anti-violence rallies throughout the Gulfport. When she is not volunteering for special events or helping plan peace rallies, Kewanna is actively involved in the National Council of Negro Women, for whom she serves as

youth council advisor. She also serves on the board for Mississippi TobaccoFree Coalition of Harrison County and the Pink Lotus Project.

She was named the 2014-2015 Bel-Aire Elementary School Teacher of the Year and was Harrison County School District’s 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year. She also was named the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce Elementary Teacher of the Year, the Gulfport Chapter of NAACP 2015 Pacesetter, and received a 2015 Gulf Coast Caring Women award nomination for mentoring. She awarded a 2015 Educator’s Grant from Community Bank and the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce.

She was a magna cum laude graduate of Tougaloo College in 2007 and earned her master’s in education from William Carey.

Kimberly Miley Hebert

Assistant Principal Intern, Ocean Springs School District As an assistant principal intern in the Ocean Springs School District, Kimberly Miley Herbert is on the path to serving as a school administrator. Before entering the intern program, she taught sixth-grade English language arts. She has served more than 16 years in education. She received both her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in speech communication from The University of Southern Mississippi. She is currently studying for a specialist’s degree in educational leadership from The University of Mississippi.

Kimberly admires leaders who are visionaries who demonstrate honesty, commitment, and positive attitudes.

She names her grandfather, Dave Smith, as a role model because, she says, “He instilled the love of education in our family. My grandfather never went to school. However, he made sure all of his 13 children went to school. I remember my grandfather learning to read when he was in his mid 70s. He was so proud to read a simple book to us grandchildren. He 80 80

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created a legacy of educators. He and my grandmother worked in the fields so their children could go to school.

He taught me the importance of creating a legacy.”

She also deeply admires her husband, Anthony. “Anthony grew up with all odds stacked against him. He could have just given up.

However, he has worked hard to become an outstanding educator and leader. He has taught me the importance of never giving up, even when the odds are not in your favor,” she said.

She feels that her most significant accomplishment is yet to come. “I am always looking to achieve more tomorrow than I did today, and I am constantly working to improve myself,” she said.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUP was started in 2013 by Charlotte DiStefano to help women make new connections and grow their business.

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Women and Business Networking host

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event the last Wednesday of every month at Black Tie White Rose Events 6616 Rose Farm Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 For more information contact Summer Gregory - 228.641.4610 www.gcwmultimedia.com

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / EDUCATION Lana Martin

Secretary to Director of Special Education, Ocean Springs School District As secretary to the director of Special Education in Ocean Springs School District, Lana Martin assists the director and provides support to the office staff. Before accepting this position in 2014, she worked as records clerk and MSIS (statewide school software program) for Pascagoula School District. She also worked as a computer lab teacher, teacher assistant, and special education teacher for the district.

Lana also devotes her time to Life and Deliverance Ministries in Moss Point, where she works with all media; designs all campaign literature and materials; serves as a

community liaison for events; handles e-communications and does marketing. She is a writer for Teachable Moments with Lana B and Quite the Woman Devotionals (both via social media); and Gulf Coast Woman Magazine.

Lana is also co-owner of LA Weddings and Event Design.

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / ENTREPRENEUR Cheryl Cooper

Principal , CC Cooper Communications Cheryl Jackson Cooper is a self-described multi-tasker, a trait she demonstrates in almost every aspect of her life. As the principal of a comprehensive marketing communications consulting company, CC Cooper Communications, she works with clients to plan and implement marketing strategies aimed at both internal and external target audiences. Her efforts encompass everything from corporate identity to multimedia advertising to client research to messages on hold. She also works closely with her husband, Michael, as the office administrator of both P&M Seafood and Back Bay Fuel And Ice, two family-owned businesses.

She is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with master’s degrees in both business administration and communications and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Mississippi University for Women. She began her marketing career at Biloxi Regional Medical Center in 1984, and coordinated the grand opening of the new hospital in downtown Biloxi prior to becoming the first director of

marketing for Singing River Hospital System in 1986. Before moving to the Coast, she had been a journalist with daily and weekly newspapers. She completed her healthcare marketing career after 17 years, beginning her current and third career in 2001.

She shares her marketing acumen with organizations as an active volunteer is currently a member of the board of directors for both the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center and the Mississippi Nurses Foundation. Her community efforts include serving on the board of directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Jackson County, and she chaired the Ocean Springs committee, which raised funds to purchase the building thatnow houses the Mary C. Ruddiman Unit in Ocean Springs. She is a past president of the MUW Alumni Association and a former president of the Ocean Springs Education Foundation.

Denise Howell

President; Howell CPA PA Since 2013, Denise Howell, a certified public accountant and chartered global management accountant, has been president of, Howell CPA, PA, in Biloxi.

Denise graduated in 1995 from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Ala. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration – accountancy, graduating cum laude from Auburn University in 1998 and in 1999 earning a master’s in accountancy from there. She graduated in 2011 from Grace College of Divinity in Fayetteville, N.C., where she maintained a 4.0 GPA. Denise earned academic recognitions and awards during her time in college. Professionally, she is a member of AICPA, Louisiana Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants.

She gives of her time to community and social causes including serving as treasurer for the Pensacola Food Bank; serving on the board of Chef Soiree—Pensacola; participating as a member of the Rotary Club of Ocean Springs and serving 82

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on the scholarship committee; serving as vice president of Business Networking International Synergy Chapter; serving on the production team and as a group leader for Church of the King and on the ministry team for Freedom Retreat; and volunteering for Dream Center in New Orleans.

Denise believes a good leader tework while I was growing up. My father told me to be the best at what you do or don’t do it at all.” She also names Betty Rose Hunt and Marion Dunaway as models “who exhibit for me God’s love, patience, gentleness, meekness, and humbleness.”

She is most proud of creating and managing a national tax department at FleetCor Technologies, Inc.

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Here to make you look beautiful in every way!

“It is a feeling like no other to watch women and men leave my salon feeling like a million bucks!” ~ Amber Lord

Salon Rouge owner Amber Lord, 29, and her team empowers women everyday by making them feel great. The fullservice salon is 9 years old and specializes in a number of services, including wedding/special occasion styling and extensions, but when it comes to coloring, Salon Rouge is known for palette perfection.

THE SALON ROUGE TEAM

Whether ombre, bayalage, a classic highlight, a simple all over color, or trendy fashion hues like bright pink, purple and blue, they have your tresses covered — and your body and soul, too. Lord says she is very fortunate to work with such a talented staff, which includes her sister, Brandi, who also is a hairstylist.

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CEO | SCARLET PEARL CASINO RESORT LuAnn Pappas is one of just two woman casino operators on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A New Jersey native, she attributes her success to her Father’s advice; be fair, be firm and by all means be disciplined.

She began a casino career that would span over 30 years after answering an ad in the Atlantic City Press, the position was for a retail shift supervisor for Harrah’s Atlantic City. Defining success as “progress,” she spent 30 years with Harrah’s before leaving her role as Regional Vice President of Marketing to join the Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, in D’Iberville Mississippi, as their CEO. Although women in the casino industry still have a way to go; there are no female casino operators in Tunica, or even Atlantic City. Pappas takes the approach “never give up,” she says, “never quit what you have started.”

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / ENTREPRENEUR Dorothy Roberts

Owner/designer, Robin’s Nest in the Pass After working for 28 years as a social worker/administrator, Dorothy Roberts followed her dream to open Robin’s Nest in the Pass, a gallery gift shop celebrating the creative spirit. The shop, opened in 2015, offers unique art, gifts, accessories, and home décor. The business supports approximately 40 local and regional artists who place their work on consignment. “We also are a premiere retailer for Rolf Glass and Walter Anderson designs and maintain an extensive array of retail merchandise,” Dorothy said. “As the owner/designer I am responsible for all aspects of the store, acting as principal buyer, merchandiser, and employer of two part-time staff.”

Dorothy holds a MSW degree and is active in the community.

She serves on the board of the Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce.

She is a member of Old Town Presbyterian Church in Bay St. Louis where she serves as an elder and choir member. She is a past board member with USM Foundation, and her business makes semi-annual contributions to the Senior Citizen Program located in the Randolph Center in Pass Christian.

Dorothy has supported 23 non-profit organizations in 2016.

She is a member and supporter of Lawrence E. Roberts’ Chapter Tuskegee Airmen Inc.’s annual gala.

Her role models are her parents, the late Lawrence and Lucimarian Roberts. “They instilled in all of their children to live a life of service to God and others. They were able to overcome tremendous odds in their upbringing... segregation, discrimination, family history of alcoholism, but yet they were able to lead very successful lives. They taught me lessons that are still pertinent today and which guide me daily.”

Here advise to others: “Remember, life is a journey, not a destination; there are no mistakes, just chances we’ve taken, lay down your regrets, ‘cause all you have is now!’ These are the lyrics from an India Arie song co-written by my sister, Robin Roberts. These lyrics remind me that as we go through this thing called life, we make choices with the information we have at that time. We have commitments to tend to; however, everything prepares you for the next new adventure.”

Ellen Ellis

Mixed-media Artist When Ellen Ellis retired in 2000 retirement from her career in the costuming for theater, television, and films, she became a full-time mixed-media artist, a vocation that has brought her much success.

She has exhibited at, among other galleries, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi and has been a featured artist at The Art House in Ocean Springs. Her work and talents have been featured in Beach Blvd. Magazine and Mississippi Magazine.

She was nominated in 2010 for the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters for figurative sculpture and has won many awards at fine arts shows all along the Coast. She was invited to participate in a book project, d’OHRS of OHR,” and is a 2012 Walter Anderson Museum of Art Smithsonian affiliate. Her work has been acquired for permanent collection.

Ellen graduated from Oak Park High School in Laurel Miss., in 1957 and studied music at Hampton University before

moving to New York City and pursuing her successful career there.

She has worked with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast and with children at the Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence. She served in 2013 as artist in residence at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art and has worked with schoolchildren and the YMCA. She is most proud of raising her sons, Lance and Keyai, to be respectful, hard-working, kind men.

Gloria Washington-Threats

Owner, Beautiful U Mastectomy Boutique and GMC Tax Service Inc. Gloria Washington-Threats owns and manages Beautiful U Mastectomy Boutique, a shop she opened in 2015 for breast cancer survivors. A breast cancer survivor herself, Gloria says opening the shop allowed her to minister to others facing a life-threatening challenge and inspired her to organize a support group, the We Care Support Group for Cancer Survivors.

A busy woman, Gloria also owns and manages GMC Tax Service Inc., which she established in 1998.

She takes her inspiration from her role models, Councilwoman Ella Holmes-Hines, businesswoman Tori 86

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Bishop, Rep. Frances Fredericks, and Judge Robin Brosig. “They are very strong individuals who have set the pace for others,” she said.

“Their dedication and community involvement is above reproach. They all love the Lord and show love by helping others.”

She said that she admires such leaders’ strength to stay focused on their mission and their ability to delegate tasks that others can handle.

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Brooke Broadus

Owner/Manager/Buyer of Dressed in Blue

Broadus has 15 years in the service industry. She started out serving tables at Beef O’Brady’s then serving patients at Garden Park and currently serving happy shoppers at Dressed in Blue!

Dressed in Blue carries women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, and gifts, and Brooke provides additional services such as being a personal shopper, listener and friend for many happy customers!

Brooke says, “I want my customers to leave my store happy with whatever they purchase or sometimes whatever they don’t purchase. If we don’t have what someone is looking for, we happily point our customers in the right direction to the neighboring boutiques

or whatever store it is that could have what they’re looking for!”

Broadus says she is most known for her very honest opinion, her unique style of clothes, and reasonable prices! Her promise: “I’m not going to let you look bad!”

Where did the name Dressed in Blue originate?

Broadus admits to a slight obsession with Disney World, hence the name “Dressed in Blue.” “Cinderella has always been my favorite princess, and you’ll see a modern-day painting of her in the store wearing her blue dress!” Broadus explains.

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / ENTREPRENEUR Gretchen David

Owner, Gretchen David Design Studio For over a decade, Gretchen David has been owner, creative director, artist and consultant of Gretchen David Design Studio and has spent her entire life immersed in the world of art and visual communications. A Biloxi native, she attended William Carey University on a fine art scholarship and graduated summa cud laude from Tulane University with a degree in digital design and advertising.

Her experience spans an array of creative contributions and collaborations that have resulted in a repertoire of over three dozen local to international award-winning accolades for both private and commercial clients. From published work to being showcased in multiple publications, she is most proud of her recognition as the International Design Winner for her brand work with pro-skateboarder, World Cup and X-Game champion Ryan Sheckler. Unknown to many, she has a personal passion for action sports.

Gretchen remains dedicated to giving of her time and talents to a multitude of non-profit organizations. Since 2003, she has served in a leadership capacity with Chicago-based Pathways to Successful Living Personal and Professional Development Seminars and was recently selected to volunteer as one of two head coordinators for a 2016 Chicago class. She is a two-year past-president and executive board member of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Advertising Federation, having served five years as program chair and board member since 2008; past Coast Young Professionals executive board member and “Insights” program Chair from 2007 to 2011 -- a program that has since continued to expose hundreds of Mississippi Coast youth to Mississippi

Coast community leaders.

Gretchen most admires the mindset of those engaged in furthering the growth of themselves and others personally and professionally. She is inspired by those who remain interested in resiliency, forgiveness, sharing, communication, teaching, and love.

Gretchen remains passionate about providing support to Mississippi Gulf Coast community fundraising. In 2013, she collaborated with The Focus Group and The Gulf Coast Community Foundation for their “Leave Your Mark” campaign by creating a 10-foot metal mural that was unveiled at the Ohr-Okeefe Museum of Art in Biloxi -- a voluntary initiative that resulted in minimal cost for the organization and accrued an estimated $30,000 in direct donations that supported a 33/1 national funding match equivalent for the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Gretchen was recognized as one of 2016’s Top 50 Under 40 business leaders by the Mississippi Business Journal; she is a 2014 Gulf Coast Business Council Master’s Program graduate; a March of Dimes “Spotlight on Success” honoree; one of 2011’s South Mississippi’s “Top Ten Business Leaders Under 40” recipient; and a 2006/07 Leadership Gulf Coast graduate.

Kimberly Fritz

CEO/Managing member, Fritz Development After spending 25 years in the casino industry, most recently serving as senior vice president of marketing for Caesars Entertainment’s mid-south region, Kimberly Fritz is using her expertise as co-owner -- with husband Michael Fritz -- of Fritz Development, a Coast home-building business established in 1995. In her role, Kimberly is responsible for overall management of the company’s business including marketing, sales, strategic planning, accounting, and business development.

The recipient of numerous awards, Kimberly is also a real estate broker. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University of Richmond, Va., and John F. Kennedy High School in Willingboro, N.J. She has a long list community contributions including sering as past president and current commissioner of Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast/MS Gulf Coast Regional Visitor and Convention Bureau. She is a member of the Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce, Gulf Coast Homebuilders Association, Les Masquees Mardi Gras Krewe, Gulf Coast Regional Tourism Partnership, is past president and former board member of Gulf Coast Business Council Tourism Committee, a Beach Summit former Committee Member, a graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast—where she is a past president and former commissioner, has served on the board of Biloxi Bay Chamber, September-October 2016 88

Humane Society of South Mississippi, is past president and former board member of Gulf Regional Planning Commission, and former commissioner and board member of Make A Wish Foundation, Gulf Coast.

Kimberly also continues to do consulting work for the casino industry most recently with the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association.

She admires leaders who inspire and motivate others and considers her friends and colleagues her role models.

She is most proud of starting in the gaming industry 36 years ago at entry level and working her way up becoming regional senior vice president of marketing for the world’s largest gaming company. She was the first female to achieve that level in the company.

To other career women, Kimberly says: “Take credit for your accomplishments. If you don’t blow your own horn, no one else will. You may think that everyone knows how hard you’re working but that’s not always the case. Speak up. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake.”

Kimberly and Michael live in Biloxi and have three children, Michael Fritz, Lauren Aldridge and Jessica Aldridge.

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / ENTREPRENEUR LaTracey Copeland

President, LaTracey C.Hughes Enterprises; founder, CEO; Capstone Experience Inc. teacher assistant, Ocean Springs School District Reading the resume of LaTracey Copeland Hughes brings these terms to mind: highly motivated, capable, fast-paced, goal-oriented, and servant leadership. She is president of LaTracey C. Hughes Enterprises, where she works as a motivational speaker, does publishing, professional and leadership development; marketing; business consulting and coaching, and grant writing. She is founder and CEO of Capstone Experience Inc., a non-profit corporation she took from start-up to its current growth stage and through which she developed and implemented a parent education program and community-oriented event called Family Nights. She is also a teacher assistant in the Ocean Springs School District.

She has studied at Women Venture, a non-profit organization that helps women-owned businesses; Minneapolis Community & Technical Collage; Neighborhood Development Center; St. Thomas University; and American InterContinental University, where is currently a student. She has a long list of certifications

and has completed numerous programs related to her broad areas of expertise.

Her list of volunteer and community involvement includes working with P-Gems, Girls in Action, Greater Grace Apostolic Assembly, serving as president of Northside Agencies Board, serving as a facilitator for Loving from the Inside Out Women’s Symposium and Surviving the Game, working for Extended Family Network National, serving as a Vacation Bible School teacher, serving as youth leader for First Community Baptist Church, working with Black Achievers Program, and the Minneapolis YMCA.It is no surprise that she admires leaders with a servant mindset.

She offers this advice to other career women: “Invest in yourself to the level in which you desire a return.”

Stephanie Shaw

Broker/owner, Shaw Latter & Blum Inc./Realtors Despite Stephanie Shaw’s many achievements, her life is dedicated to humility and compassion for others. Though she may be described as a “recovering over achiever,” Stephanie shows no signs of slowing down as she juggles her professional and philanthropic endeavors.

A natural born leader, Stephanie is the broker/owner of Latter and Blum Shaw Properties, a boutique real estate company.

Stephanie says her most significant accomplishment has been achieving a clear understanding that “time is the currency of life” while recognizing that true success is not defined by completion of tasks, but alignment of the head and heart.

Stephanie’s head and heart led her to an opportunity in Paraguay, South America, where she combined her natural ability to lead with her passion for serving others. There, Stephanie utilized her expertise as a certified John Maxwell speaker and coach in training over 10,000 individuals who wanted to transform their businesses, country, and selves.

About the experience, Stephanie humbly refelcts: “I thought I was transforming others when in reality I was the one being transformed.”

Her commitment to a life lived with a servant’s heart is evident from her desire to share with others the lessons and leadership tactics she has achieved along the way. Stephanie inspires change in others and shares these life lessons the same way she learns best –- through the magic of storytelling.

Stephanie’s career advice to other women mirrors the lessons she has learned from Brown. Stephanie urges women to know themselves and be honest in recognizing their strengths and weaknesses — which is no easy feat in a world where women want to be “everything to everyone.”

Summer Gregory

Owner/Operator Tie White Rose Events New Orleans native Summer Gregory has lived in Ocean Springs since the age of four. The 1995 graduate of Ocean Springs High School opened her events-planning business in April 2016. Though she attended The University of South Alabama, she says her education has come primarily from work experience in the field and personal life and work lessons. “I learn from jumping into situations and growing as I go,” she said. “ am formally continuing my education through online event-planning classes while operating Black Tie White Rose Events and raising a son.”

Her community contributions include being a member of and being involved in several professional, civic, religious and community-based organizations. She is heavily involved in Women in Business Networking and has several fundraisers in the works including events for Adrienne’s House, Pink Hearts September-October 2016 90

Fund, Fallen Officer Funds, and veterans’ organizations.

She admires leaders who respond rather than react to situations. She calls her mother her number-one role model. “Nothing but pure determination, hard work, and perseverance has ever been exhibited by her.” Diagnosed with MS at the age of 33, her mother, she says, “has fought the ravages of a horrible disease and never once stopped trying to take each day as it comes.”

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Angelle Cuevas Hahn Owner

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / GOVERNMENT Angel Myers

Assistant District Attorney, 19th Circuit Court District Angel Myers is an assistant district attorney for the 19th Circuit Court District, where she has served the citizens of Jackson, George, and Greene counties for the last 10 years. In this role she played an integral part in drafting and lobbying for the Lonnie Smith Act, which passed in 2012, completely overhauling Mississippi’s child abuse law. Lonnie Smith is a child who suffered permanent injury from the abuse inflicted upon him by his mother.

She has taught criminal investigations and criminal law at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Gautier campus.

She is a member of the Attorney General’s Internet Crimes against Children Task Force.

Angel earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2000. She attended law school at Mississippi College School of Law, where she graduated in the top 25 percent of her class, having earned the Gayle and Victor Marvar scholarship, as well as the Marble, Frisby, Griffin, and Gaines scholarship. She was also a Joey Phillips Award Finalist. She was admitted to practice law in Mississippi in 2004. She is a member of the Mississippi Bar Association, Jackson County Bar Association, National District

Attorneys Association, and is the immediate past president of the Mississippi Prosecutor’s Association (MPA). She has also served the MPA as past vice president, secretary/ treasurer, as well as being a member of the board of directors, legislative committee, and curriculum committee. She currently serves on the Mary C. O’Keefe nominating committee and is a former board member. Angel is an active member of the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Junior Auxilary.

For nearly five years, Angel was director of the former Child Protection Unit in the DA’s office.

Her honors include being recognized for dedicated service to the Mississippi Prosecutor’s Association and being featured in the Winter 2014 Amicus, the magazine for Mississippi College School of Law. She also won an American Jurisprudence Award, Expert Witness Seminar. Angel is admitted to practice in all Mississippi state courts, in the Northern and Southern federal district courts of Mississippi, and to practice before the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Beverly Martin

Supervisor, Harrison County, District 1, President, Harrison County Board of Supervisors When Beverly Martin was elected to serve as a supervisor for Harrison County District 1, she had to hit the ground running: She was elected board president her first day in office.

Her background working with Coast citizens and businesses prepared her well for the job. She was the first full-time executive director of the Mississippi Coast Restaurant and Beverage Association and was the founding coordinator for Chefs of the Coast fundraiser, and worked to get the state legislature to recognize tourism as an actual industry.

Beverly was appointed by the governor to serve as a commissioner on the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Commission, she and served as such during first expansion of the Mississippi Coast Convention Center.

Her work in the gaming and tourism industries earned

her many recognitions and awards including serving as Mississippi’s delegate to the North American Think Tank on Youth Gambling Issues at Harvard Medical School Division of Addictions and being the first Mississippian named one of 25 People to Watch by Global Gaming Business Magazine, an international publication.

Beverly admires leaders who dShe is most proud of her role in helping to get the gambling referendum passed on the Coast.

“The gaming industry opened doors, not only for me, but for many other women.”

Marcia McDowell

Executive Director, South Mississippi Contract Procurement Center Kentucky native Marcia McDowell heads the South Mississippi Contract Procurement Center, where under her leadership the center ahs seen a dramatic increase of client contract reporting from $31 million + in fiscal year 2014 $370 million in FY2015.

Her husband’s military service with the U.S. Navy is what brought her to the Mississippi Coast, where she followed a career path that led to her current position.Marcia is a public speaker and conducts workshops and seminars.

Beneficiaries of her volunteer work include Habitat for

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Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where she served as board chairman; the Make-A-Wish Foundation; the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center; and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mississippi. She has been a mentor to schoolchildren and was booster club president for the St. Martin Air Force Junior ROTC.

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Celebrating 19 Years Kearn and her husband, Dennis, are the entrepreneurial team leading PRN Home. PRN has offered services that allow seniors to stay in their home for more than 19 years on the Coast.

Kearn, the operations manager for PRN, founded the R.I.P.E. Conference and R.I.P.E. Resource Guide to provide valuable information to seniors and caregivers. She also co-founded the SUCCESS Women’s Conference and provided pioneering support for Blessed Gyrls Rock! She has been recognized both locally and nationally for her work and community involvement, including Essence Magazine as a “Comeback Queen”; by Enterprising Woman and Gulf Coast Woman magazine; Biloxi Bay Chamber Ambassador; Mental Health Association’s Annette O’Keefe Humanitarian Award; Biloxi Volunteer of the Year; and Top 10 Business Leader Award. Boards and organizations she has provided service to include the Gulf Coast Symphony Board, Lighthouse Business & Professional Women (President for past 2 years), Rebekah’s House, Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Orange Grove Chamber, American Heart Association and Mississippi Occupational Therapy Association.

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / GOVERNMENT Tessa Q. Keating

Public Affairs Specialist, NASA, John C. Stennis Space Center Working at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) as a public affairs specialist, Tessa Keating is responsible for the development and implementation of the center’s outreach program, speakers’ bureau, guest operations, and history office.

Tessa began her employment at NASA SSC in 2003 as a co-0p student and transitioned in 2004 to the Office of Communications to serve as lead for the SSC guest operations program.

Tessa is the recipient of NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal for superior achievements and contributions to the SSC’s outreach efforts to inform and engage the public. In 2011, she also received the Space Flight Awareness (SFA) STS-135 Honoree Award. This award is one of the highest presented to NASA and industry and is presented to employees for their dedication to quality work and flight safety.

Tessa participates in community outreach activities through her church and civic involvements, including her work with

the STEM Education Board at the Children’s Museum in Jackson, Miss.

She is a member of New Life United Pentecostal Church, where she serves on the leadership team and is an active member of the adult choir and ensemble. She served as a Sunday School teacher and youth worker for over 15 years. She tutors students in English literature and writing as well as serves as a speech and debate preparatory coach.

Born in Picayune, Miss, Tessa graduated from Pearl River Central High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from William Carey University and a master’s in public relations from The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. She and her husband, Roy, reside in Carriere, Miss.

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / MEDICAL Dr. Andrea L. Davis, DDS

Owner, Gulf Coast Dental Center Owner, Divine Dentistry at Lakeview Village Owner, Divine Dentistry Dolphin Court As owner of three thriving dental clinics on the Mississippi Coast, Dr. Andrea L. Davis is fulfilling a lifelong dream. “I have wanted to be a dentist since I was very young,” she said. “I have always wanted to help people and serve the underserved. If I am completely honest, dentistry chose me. I enjoy providing care to individuals who may not otherwise receive care and giving back to the community that gave me so much. Giving people their smiles back and getting the out of pain is very rewarding.”

The recipient of many awards and recognitions, Andrea was a scholar and cum laude graduate. She attended Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., then the University of

Missouri in Kansas City, Missouri, and then Meharry Medical College in Tennessee. She obtained her Mississippi dental license in August 2005.

In other leaders, she appreciates the ability to lead by example. Her role models are First Lady Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey. She is proud of being a single mother and successfully running three businesses.

Her advice: “Treat others the way you would like to be treated and learn from everyone around you.”

Diane Bennett

Data Analyst, UnitedHealthcare Diane Bennett is data analyst for the quality management division of UnitedHealthcare Community and State. The company provides healthcare to Mississippi residents who receive Medicaid benefits. It is her job to collect and analyze data and identify opportunities to improve the healthcare outcome of members with UHC. Her experience includes working as director of quality management for Covington Hospital in Louisiana and Meridian Hospital in Mississippi and as regional quality review manager for Humana Military Healthcare Services in Biloxi.

Diane graduated from Murrah High School in Jackson, Miss., in 1969, earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Mississippi College in 1974, and a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2001.

Besides overseeing compliance requirements that resulted in 96

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contract awards and accreditations, she designed a physician-tracking database; a statistical tool for analyzing quality management patterns and trends; designed and conducted training programs on safety and loss reduction for hospitals and physicians’ offices; and has presented at various functions and conventions.

She is a registered nurse and a certified professional in healthcare quality. She is a site coordinator Gulf Coast Christian Women’s Job Corps, which reaches out to women who are in poverty because of unemployment or underemployment.

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / MEDICAL Kellie Neuman

Director of Community Relations, Ocean Springs Health and Rehabilitation Centert Kellie Neuman of Pascagoula faces each day with a big smile and happy countenance. The director of community relations for Ocean Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center says she has much to smile about: “I am blessed with a loving, supportive family. I’m a happily married military wife to Edward Neuman, Jr., and have four wonderful children.

Secondly, there is always something new to learn, and I use my existence to benefit those in need of compassion and healthcare,” she said.

She describes her work as more than a job. “I get to share the good news about Ocean Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center with as many people as I can, help others along the way, and have the ability to be involved in my community through many organizations, events, and committees,” she explained.

Kellie graduated from Pascagoula High School in 1988 and earned a bachelor’s degree in sports injury management and a master’s degree in exercise technology in 1994 and 1994, respectively, from the University of South Alabama.

She says the past 20 years have prepared her for the role she now plays. After managing her household full time, she went to work as an ergonomic specialist/exercise physiologist and handled various aspects of business for PT Solutions and Industrial Rehab.

In July 2015 Kellie was recognized with a 2nd-Quarter Gem award, and was named the 2015-2016 Lady of the Year by the Pascagoula Elks Auxiliary #1120. In 2008 she earned a letter of commendation from Gary Gamble, safety manager for the city of Mobile, Ala. She was also on the Dean’s List at the University of South Alabama.

A believer in community involvement, Kellie has organized successful blood drives; organized a barbecue cook off for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater New Orleans; served as team captain for American Heart Walk- Jackson County; team captain for Walk to End ALZ; team captain for Breast Cancer Walk; was Circle of Red Ambassador-Go Red for Women, American Heart Association; served as secretary and

president of Pascagoula Elks BPOE #1120 Ladies Auxiliary; serves as secretary for the TRIAD/S.A.L.T. Council, Jackson County; serves as Jackson County Senior Awareness committee chair and committee member; is a committee member for the Men’s Cancer Awareness; is a member of Ocean Springs Rotary Club; is secretary for the Jackson County Senior Companions Advisory Council; is a Kicking for Christmas committee member; a Jackson County Community coalition member; and is the Jackson County senior residents’ organizer for Flavors of Fall Event.

Kellie says she admires those who lead from the front. “I admire an inspirational leader because they challenge people by setting attainable expectations and provide support, training, tools, and space to achieve goals while encouraging people to strive to be their best,” she said.

She considers Helen Keller, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison her role models.

She says her biggest accomplishment has been achieving a fulfilling family life. “Being able to be a supportive, loyal, successful military wife, only parent at home to four teenagers and home manager while my husband was deployed endeared my life with many memories and personal accomplishments.

And, I was able to transition back to professional career women after his return home,” she said.

She advises other career women to believe in themselves and their ability to succeed. “Identify any barriers or fears to becoming successful and then plan how to remove that obstacle. Think about the big picture but focus on the details.

Make your plan of action and then put it into motion. Lastly, remember that a shortcoming or failure isn’t necessarily an end but an opportunity to reorganize for success,” she said.

Leslie Michelle Bucklar

Director of Community Development, Boyington Nursing Home & Rehab As director of community development for Boyington Nursing Home & Rehab, Leslie Bucklar develops and evaluates marketing strategies for the skilled nursing facility. She previously worked as director of community relations for the facility, having paved the path of her career working in various positions at Biloxi Community Living Center.

Leslie is a member of Gulfport/Orange Grove Rotary Club, where she has served as president and vice president; is a member of American Heart Association; the Chamber of Commerce and Coast Young Professionals. She has served on numerous committees and is founder of Kicking for Christmas kickball tournament.

She is a member of Our Lady Of Fatima Catholic Church and volunteers for many functions and efforts. She has helped 98

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with the St. Vincent de Paul free pharmacy and food drives.

She admires leaders who demonstrate accountability, honesty, focus, and confidence. She names as her role models Cissy Canova, whom she says she taught her to have patience, think things through, and then execute; and Melinda Dufford, whom she says taught her to do what is right.

Her biggest accomplishment, she says, has been to raise her family and have a career.

She advises others to be honest, be transparent, and have high integrity.

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INSPIRING WOMEN TO LEAD PANTONE

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work harder to prove myself to my team and to myself. But over the years, I’ve gained more confidence in my ability to succeed.

Now, I don’t feel I have to work harder to be successful because of my gender, but in general, to be successful, I work hard. >>> MOST SIGNIFICANT BARRIER TO FEMALE LEADERSHIP Fear of failure and of taking risks. Unlike men, women tend to not be as confident taking risks, and instead are methodical and deliberate. I’ve learned to ask myself and encourage others to ask, “What would I do if I was not afraid?” There are only a few brief moments in our lives where failure is not an option, so it’s worth overcoming fear, taking a risk, and seeing how you can impact change. >>> BALANCING WORK AND FAMILY Work-life balance is a constant yo-yo, but it’s important to help keep me focused and productive at both home and work. I rely on running and exercise in the morning to focus on my objectives for the day. And I give my all at work, so when it’s time to enjoy my family, I can find that time to disconnect from work for a while.

NICOLE FAULK

Vice President, Customer Services Organization, Mississippi Power Responsible for all customer-related activities, including customer accounting, customer call centers, engineering, transmission, distribution and marketing. >>> WHAT LEADERSHIP MEANS To me, leadership is guiding a team to improve an organization and leave it better than when I found it. Leadership involves being in the trenches with my team, listening, collaborating, working through challenges together, synthesizing information, making decisions, taking action, and celebrating our successes. >>> WORKING IN A NONTRADITIONAL FEMALE ROLE Because I spent the developmental part of my career in nuclear power plants, I’m accustomed to working in a predominately male environment. And during those years, I did feel I had to

POWERING DIVERSITY IN THE WORKFORCE

>>> WHAT I WANTED TO GROW UP TO BE As a teenager, my dream was to become an astronaut. I was captivated by the mystery of outer space and wanted to be a part of the excitement and problem solving. My interest in becoming an astronaut led me to engineering, which in turn lead to working at nuclear power plants and my career in the energy industry. >>> WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? So many women inspire me. So many have paved the way, enabling me to experience the opportunities I have been fortunate to experience. So many have guided and advised me, and many more encouraged me when I needed it most. But, if I have to pick one – I would not be where I am today without the love, support and encouragement of my Mom. When I talk about encountering risks, her advice is always, “Why not go for it?” >>> OVERCOMING GENDER-RELATED BARRIERS Stay the course and rely on your network. In today’s work environment, women are equally capable of achieving goals, even if in a nontraditional female role, so stay committed to your goals, and collaborate with colleagues, supervisors and mentors to help you reach them.

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KATHY RUSSELL

Plant Manager, Mississippi Power, Plant Jack Watson Responsible for general supervision of all phases of plant operations of a gas fired generating station including: compliance, production, quality control, maintenance, receiving, and shipping. Responsibilities also include recruiting, hiring and training personnel and plant up-keep and capital improvements.

>>> BALANCING WORK AND FAMILY I have a great support system. Without my husband, I couldn’t possibly do what I do. He has been retired for 10 years and loves being the king of the house (and I love letting him). >>> WHAT I WANTED TO GROW UP TO BE A nurse — because I have always had a heart for people, then I found out I couldn’t tolerate the sight of blood, so that didn’t work out well.

>>> WORKING IN A NONTRADITIONAL FEMALE ROLE I feel a responsibility to be the best I can possibly be and if that requires me to work harder then so be it. I have always felt a huge responsibility to blaze a trail for those who may follow me that is as smooth as possible. The only way we as women can ever be equal is to prove we are equal.

>>> WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? My grandmother. She was half Cherokee Indian and was only 4-foot-9-inches tall, but was one of the toughest women I’ve ever known. She raised 11 children and never failed to put three meals on the table every day, from the food she had raised in the garden. At night, she would study with her children to learn to read and write (she wanted to be able to read her Bible). She was very tough but at the same time very gentle and truly loved her family. As a child, I spent my summers with her and the model she demonstrated for me had a huge impact on my life. Her fierce independence, great work ethic and deep love for her family inspired me to never give up and be the best person I could be.

>>> MOST SIGNIFICANT BARRIER TO FEMALE LEADERSHIP Expecting the rules of business to change for us — we can effect that change by being the best and doing the best in whatever position we find ourselves today.

>>> OVERCOMING GENDER-RELATED BARRIERS Don’t give up and don’t compromise who you really are and what you stand for. Be yourself but understand you have a huge responsibility to those who may follow you.

>>> WHAT LEADERSHIP MEANS It means understanding that I can do nothing by myself and be successful if those who follow me are also not successful. It is my responsibility to ensure they are successful.

POWERING DIVERSITY IN THE WORKFORCE

INSPIRING WOME PANTONE

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AMOI S. GETER

Director, Corporate Communication, Mississippi Power Responsible for overseeing all external and internal communication strategy, including media relations, employee and executive communication, customer communication, advertising, public safety communication and digital media.

>>> WHAT LEADERSHIP MEANS I think leadership is inspiring others to be leaders and leading by example. Leadership is that attribute that is either innate or cultivated allowing a person to have positive influence over others to believe and act upon a set of goals necessary to complete a task.

It’s not always about giving direction. It can be when your put team members in the right positions to succeed along with giving them guidance. >>> WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? My mother inspires me. She is the strongest, most determined and caring person I know. Her life is an example of allowing nothing to hinder you from what you want. When my mother came to this country, she was a married, young woman with small children who didn’t read or speak a word of English. She had no family in the United States besides my father and my siblings. But she never let that hold her back from learning another language (she speaks six!) and culture, getting a drivers’ license, going to school, getting a job and raising four college-educated children.

She’s my idol and if I can be a quarter of the person she is, I will be a better person. >>> OVERCOMING GENDER-RELATED BARRIERS Never let anyone or anything steal your inner joy and determination. Have the confidence to know that you are unique and special and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to do. There will always be someone with more experience, a different talent or better opportunities. But there can never be another you. So embrace who you are and never apologize for being great.

POWERING DIVERSITY IN THE WORKFORCE

CINDY SHAW

Comptroller, Mississippi Power Responsible for the accounting and financial reporting functions for the Company. >>> WHAT LEADERSHIP MEANS Leadership is about looking ahead, doing a lot of listening, working with others, and finding solutions before the crisis. It is about setting a good example, being completely trustworthy, taking the unpopular position when necessary, and communicating clearly and constructively. >>> MOST SIGNIFICANT BARRIER TO FEMALE LEADERSHIP To be accepted as leaders, women must be good communicators in terms of content and style. Women must be assertive and not overly aggressive. For women, in particular, there seems to be is a very fine line between the two from the perspective of others. >>> BALANCING WORK AND FAMILY At this point, family responsibilities are not as demanding.

Fortunately, my husband, Mike, has always been there to pick up the slack plus some, without being asked. It is really important to have a strong support system. >>> WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? The two women who inspired me most were strong women, in very different ways, and they stood the test of time. My mother grew up in Germany during World War II and lost both parents at a young age. Her tremendous loss shaped her into a woman with a strong love for her family, and she showed it every day through the things she did for us. My paternal grandmother encouraged me and her belief in me gave me confidence. While I knew better, her belief in me gave me confidence. Both of these strong women built my foundation for success. >>> OVERCOMING GENDER-RELATED BARRIERS Let others know what your goals are. Get a respected mentor that you can trust to be your advocate and give you candid, constructive feedback…and continue to work for it!

MEN TO LEAD

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CINDY WEBB

Director, Human Resources, Mississippi Power Responsible for talent acquisition, talent management, health & wellness services, employee relations, labor relations, workers compensation, HR consulting and employee development for Mississippi Power. >>> WHAT LEADERSHIP MEANS Leadership means establishing and communicating a vision for the business. It is about hiring talented people, giving them the resources and feedback to effectively accomplish the mission, caring about them as individuals and helping them to succeed. >>> MOST SIGNIFICANT BARRIER TO FEMALE LEADERSHIP Sometimes the willingness to take a risk and step out of your comfort zone can be a barrier. Women tend to take fewer risks with their careers than men. Professional growth will come with new challenges and opportunities. >>> BALANCING WORK AND FAMILY A personal mission statement, weekly planning and time management are essential. Schedule your top priorities for the week whether that is an important presentation at work or a soccer game you don’t want to miss. If you don’t choose how you will spend your time, someone or something else will choose for you. >>> WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? Working mothers inspire me. Although the workplace has become much more flexible and accommodating for working women, it is not easy to raise a family and have a successful career. Working moms have to be extremely organized, resourceful, flexible and creative to juggle the demands of the job and the family. >>> OVERCOMING GENDER-RELATED BARRIERS Don’t give up. Be passionate and assertive about your career.

Give 110 percent to your current role and it will open the door to new opportunities. Not because you are a woman, but because you add value to the business and you are good at what you do.

VICKI PIERCE

Corporate Secretary, Assistant Treasurer and Compliance Officer, Mississippi Power Responsible for corporate disclosure and compliance, insuring the financial stability of the company, and compliance with corporate policies.

>>> WHAT LEADERSHIP MEANS Being a leader is not necessarily about telling people what to do and how to do it. For me, it’s more about putting your team members in the right positions to succeed along with being there to guide them through whatever opportunities or challenges may surface. It’s knowing when to step in and make a tough decision but at the same time knowing when to allow your employees to execute a plan. >>> MOST SIGNIFICANT BARRIER TO FEMALE LEADERSHIP While we’ve made huge strides in that area, there’s always going to be that perception from some that women, especially those with children, are not able to give 100% to their job therefore, not being willing to make the sacrifices that it takes to be successful.

I don’t believe that. I think that women, should they choose to be leaders, have the ability to give 100% to their families and at the same time, give 100% to their profession. We were born to multitask! As I said, we’ve made tremendous strides in that area, and each day the so called “glass ceiling” becomes easier to break through, but there’s always room for improvement. >>> WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? The most inspiring person in my life was not a woman, it was my father. He taught me to serve, respect and assist in the needs of my family, friends and fellowman; to always live in contentment and peace knowing that I have done my best; and to be aware of the miracle of creation and to recognize the self-evident truth that mankind will enjoy eternity with God. >>> OVERCOMING GENDER-RELATED BARRIERS Do your homework, know the subject, and know your audience.

Always remember, not everyone has the need or the desire to hear the details.

POWERING DIVERSITY IN THE WORKFORCE

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / NONPROFIT Alllytra Perryman

Program director, East Biloxi Community Collaborative Allytra Perryman works as program director for the East Biloxi Community Collaborative (EBCC), which allows her to advocate for social and economic justice, a cause that is close to her heart.

The mission of the EBCC is to create a healthy, vibrant and sustainable East Biloxi for families. As program director, Allytra manages and implements activities and programs defined in the EBCC strategic plan. She previously worked to ensure diversity for corporate clients and coordinated volunteers for large outreach events aimed at amplifying the role of the citizen in community planning.

Allytra is actively involved in a wide variety of organizations, including the Biloxi NAACP, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Coast Wide Martin Luther King Jr. committee and the Gulf Coast Regenesis Coalition. Allytra is a member of the board of directors of Goodwill Industries, South Mississippi Housing and Development Corp. and serves as the

Harrison County commissioner on the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority VIII board.

Allytra admires leaders who have the ability to connect people from various fields to accomplish goals.

She describes her role models as women who are smart, strong, and witty. She lists Donna Brazile, Michelle Obama, Melanie Campbell, and Angela Rye as women she looks up to.

She feels her most significant accomplishment has been raising her two daughters to be smart, talented, productive citizens.

Her advice to others: “Prepare for your destiny while always standing in your truth.”

Megan H. Burkes

Director of Public Relations and Donor Programs, University of Southern Mississippi As associate director of public relations and donor programs for the University of Southern Mississippi Foundation, Megan H. Burkes is responsible for the strategic execution and management of a comprehensive annual giving, communication and donor relations program. She focuses her energies on shaping a sustainable tradition of support for all campaigns, stewardship initiatives, and fundraising efforts.

Megan has more than 10 of years of experience in public relations, fundraising, and marketing. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Memphis, and a master’s degree in public relations from the University of Southern Mississippi.

A leader who believes in giving back to the community, Megan is actively involved in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce. She serves on the Leadership Gulf

Carolyn “C.J.” Johnson

Coast Board of Trustees, is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast, past chair of Coast Young Professionals, a recipient of the 2015 One Coast Award, and is a recent inductee into the Coast Young Professionals Hall of Fame. Burkes also serves a volunteer for the American Red Cross of Southeast Mississippi.

Megan says the quality she most admires in leaders is self-awareness. She respects those who “know who they are, understand and accept their strengths and weaknesses, and are accepting of those things in others,” she said.

Megan is a wife, mother, dog lover, and former cowgirl.

First Lady and executive pastor of The Family of Faith Christian Church As First Lady and executive pastor of The Family of Faith Carolyn is a member of the National Christian Church, Carolyn Johnson serves to disciple, teach, Association of Professional Women, an and train members on their role(s) in the body of Christ. She organization that promotes excellence provides leaders study guide material that relates to their call to and dedication to the professionalism ministry via workshops and seminars. and achievement of women. She is Her experience includes working for the federal government a member of the local chapter of for 33 years. She retired in June 2013. the National Association for the Carolyn is a 1968 graduate of Metropolitan Business College, Advancement of Colored People.

St Louis. Mo. She earned an associate’s degree from Mary She is a former member of the Holmes Junior College, West Point, Miss., in 1972 and attended American Heart Association’s “Go the University of Maryland European Division in 1975. She Red” campaign, and she is an activist with the Mississippi attended Troy State University, Montgomery, Alabama, in Center for Autism for the fight and research of autism and 1980, and earned a ministry certificate from Grace Theological related developmental disabilities.

Seminary, Long Beach, California, in 1990. She became a Carolyn is co-founder of Anointed In Marriage and performs certified marriage counselor from her studies with Marriage a live monthly radio broadcast on WQFX. She is co-founder of Ministry International in Denver, Colo.

Blessed Gyrls Rock Women’s Conference.

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / NONPROFIT Christene Brice Community leader

Tupelo native Christene Brice has spent her career educating children and giving of her time and talents to causes she believes in. She attended Siggers High School in Shannon, Mississippi, graduating in 1967. She then entered Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena Mississippi, where she earned a bachelor’s degree. She has done graduate work in the field of elementary education at William Carey College, Gulfport, and the University of Southern Mississippi, Long Beach.

Christene began her career as an elementary teacher in 1971 at Shannon Elementary School, where she taught until 1974.

She then taught in the Memphis City School System for two years. In 1976, she moved to the Mississippi Coast and began teaching at North Gulfport Elementary School, and in 1980 she started teaching at Lyman Elementary.

She has distinguished herself as an educator, earning the President of the Mississippi Association of Teacher Award in 1987. In 1988, she was named Teacher of the Month by the Harrison County Kiwanis and received the Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE) President’s Award in the same year.

She received a Certificate of Appreciation for her work at Lyman Elementary School in 1992 and was nominated and placed in Who’s Who Among American Teachers in the same year. In 1994, she was nominated for the first annual “Hancock Bank Leo W. Seal Teacher Recognition Award” and in 1996, she received a Mississippi Teacher of the Year Nomination.

Christene created The Learning Shop, an incentive program to enhance academic ability, develop decision-making skills, enhance self-esteem and improve behavior.

As a community leader, Christene served as an advisor with the 4-H Club and directed activities of the club for seven years. From 1984 to 1994, she was youth advisor of the Gulfport Chapter of the NAACP. She founded the DECIDE (Demonstrating Effective Choices Involvement the Drug Epidemic) Players Performing Arts Guild, Inc. in 1989, a program designed to fight the drug problem.

In 1995, she was inducted into Leadership Gulf Coast.

That same year, she founded Workers Helping Youth (WHY), an organization to enhance the self-esteem of children and teenagers. She organized the “Teens for Christ Radio Talk Show,” and she publishes the South Mississippi Minority Business Telephone Directory.

Christene is a member of Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Gulfport, dean of the Shiloh District Congress of Christian Workers, president of the Shiloh Association Usher Board, past superintendent of the Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church Sunday School, treasurer of the Sunday School and BTU Congress (21 churches), and coordinator of the National Baptist Convention (Youth Ushers) and an instructor.

She is a member of the Mississippi State Democratic Executive Committee, the Harrison County Executive Committee, and treasurer and an honorary member of the National Steering Committee for President Clinton.

Cynthia Minton Walker CEO, United Way of South MS

Cynthia Minton Walker’s career has always been one of service. As CEO of United Way of South MS, she is working a job that her career path – working for the benefit of children – prepared her well to undertake.

Cynthia moved to the Mississippi Coast in 2008 to head the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport, a job she held until retiring in 2010. She then founded the South MS PreK4Ward Initiative, which established free pre-schools for 4-year-olds. She also served on the creation team and advisory council for the MS Building Blocks Early Education Program.

She served as the Gulfport Excel By 5 facilitation manager from 2013 to 2015 and serves on the Mississippi Grade Level Reading Campaign’s state advisory committee. She served on the board of directors for Seashore Highlands and the Education Committee of the Gulf Coast Business Council. She previously served on the board of the Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, the Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Non-violence, and as the vice president for Community Impact on the United Way Board of Directors.

In her job at United Way, Cynthia oversees staff, programming and processes designed to raise funds; identifies worthy community projects for support; and ensures that projects funded are meeting expectations.

She was chosen to win the national Pacesetter Award, Grade Level Reading Network, Annie E Casey Foundation, 2015, September-October 2016 106

which is given to those who have taken a lead role in moving the education level of children forward in their communities.

She also was the MS GIVE recipient, Governor’s Initiative for Volunteer Excellence in 2014.

She was selected to Leadership Mississippi, Mississippi Economic Council in 2010 and to MS Gulf Coast Business Council’s Masters Class in 2010. She also earned a Commendation by the South Carolina House of Representatives for Outstanding Service to Public Education in 2005 in South Carolina. She served as the American International Education Foundation’s Selected Administrative Representative to China, Shanghai, in 2004 and was South Carolina’s Elementary School Principal of the Year in 2000.

Cynthia earned a bachelors’ degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Clemson University ; an EdS in counselor education from Furman University; and a leadership certification from the Center for Creative Leadership.

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / NONPROFIT Janie Barrett O’Keefe

Executive director, Disability Connection Janie O’Keefe serves as executive director of Disability Connection, a 501 c 3 nonprofit corporation with offices in Gulfport and in the Ocean Springs City Hall. A widowed mother of five, Janie has a disabled child at home so has a thorough understanding of and passion for the disabled community.

Janie spent the first 30 years of her career in radio and television advertising. She and her husband co-owned several businesses including a coffee house, water company, printing company, and florist. In 2002 Janie founded Destination: Gulf Coast, a nonprofit project incorporating three counties to promote the smaller tourism businesses. Janie also directed educational projects for William Carey University students. Her second project was a film and study guide to retain the heritages of storytelling and folk art, “Hello, I’m Alice Moseley. Following the destruction of Katrina, Janie refocused the nonprofit under a new name, O’Keefe Educational Media, doing business as Disability Connection, with a mission to create a connected community, to engage people with disabilities in community involvement, develop resources, and remove barriers to an active life.

Janie has developed numerous programs including the annual Arbor Day - 5K-1 Mile Run/Walk/Roll & 1/4 Mile Challenge, the annual Art Ability Fair, Mayor’s Disability Awareness Health Fair, People with Disabilities/Disabled Veterans Job Fair, Sports Clinics, Performing Friends, Forums, Workshops, Disability Network Meetings, and the first totally inclusive playground, Disability Connection Community Playground. She is the creative force behind an internet

resource center and community network, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Resource Guide.

She began a Community Assist program to provide emergency needs including home repair and wheelchair ramps, and the Employment Connection to eliminate barriers to employment. The program teaches people with disabilities entrepreneur. Janie’s newest project is the Gulf Coast Heritage Tours, universally designed tours for all individuals to learn how to experience the Gulf Coast national heritage areas, with special attention to identifying barrier access for people with disabilities. Janie is an author, publishing “With All My Heart” in 2007 and co-authoring her second book, “Homeless by God’s Design.”

Janie has received many recognitions and awards, twice being nominated for the Celebration of Caring Women, and receiving national recognition for a campaign called “She is Noble.” Janie earned the Excellence in Action certification from MS Center for Nonprofits for “Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Management Excellence.” For several years she has received recognition through community partnerships including FEMA MS Recovery Office Certificate of Appreciation, the Gulfport Job Corps Business Appreciation Award, and Kaboom Champion of Play. Janie has also received several civic awards including being named Civitan Magnolia District Club Advisor of the Year and Junior Civitan Area coordinator.

Mary Buffington

Executive Director, Bethesda Free Health Clinic Mary Buffington spent years traveling around the world with her husband as he pursued a career in the Air Force. Though she wasn’t involved in her own career during that time, she was getting the experience and real-life education that would benefit her in the position she now holds – executive director of the Bethesda Free Health Clinic. She also worked for the Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence where she says she learned about compassion and how to care for someone deeply before you even know their name.

Throughout her career, Mary has had many accolades, awards, and recognitions bestowed on her, but she has no trouble naming the one that has meant the most to her: “My staff at the clinic voted me World’s Best Boss; I was also nominated for The Caring Women award in 2012.

Active in her profession and community, Mary serves as vice president of The Mississippi Free Clinic Alliance and sits on a number of councils and advisory boards for Gulfport Job Corps and Virginia College. She also serves on the advisory committee for Singing River Mental Health H4 (housing, basic necessities and mental health/substance abuse in Jackson County). She is a member of The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, Mississippi Center for Nonprofits, and the Lighthouse Business and Professional Women.

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Additionally, Mary is the caregiver for both of her parents.

“My mother has Alzheimer’s and my dad is a severe diabetic and blind,” she said, adding that caring for them is a something she considers a privilege.

Mary says it is her mother who taught her to never give up and that with hard work she could overcome any obstacles. She says she believes in leading by example.

At age 60, Mary says the things that are most important to her are God, family, and friends, and her most significant accomplishment? “I have been married 43 years, have two children, nine grandchildren, and three great grandchildren all of whom are very successful in their own lives and careers.”

She advises other career women: “Never take your eye off of what is truly important to you and know that as your life changes, so do your goals. Furthermore, don’t get stuck in someone else’s dream and don’t get so caught up in the job you forget what is really important to you.”

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Mildrey Egües-Strickland Mildrey Egües would be a young woman of eighteen before seeing her mother again.

International politics and a vast ocean kept them apart for fifteen years. Growing up in a small Cuban town with her maternal grandmother, the child was caught in the middle of legal obstacles during the United States embargo on Cuba. Upon arriving in Miami, the parent-child reunion suffered yet another jolt when Mildrey’s mother lost her job, and the recently reunited duo were forced to move from South Florida.

Mildrey says, “A Mississippi company was advertising jobs and affordable housing.

Mother and I accepted their offer.”

After working for the company a few weeks, Mildrey enrolled in Forest High School. She realized continuing her education would be a vital element of her future success in her new homeland. Then another obstacle appeared, but only temporarily. “A language barrier prevented me from doing well and within a couple of months of struggling through classes, I decided to try something different.”

Mildrey chose Job Corps after hearing about it from one of her Hispanic friends, thus discovering a way to continue her education and improve her language skills. She moved to the Job Corps campus in Kentucky for six months where she learned English, obtained her GED, and decided she wanted to attend college. Returning to Forest, Mississippi, Mildrey once again focused on her education. “Just two years after arriving in the United States, I enrolled at Hinds Community College, and three years later I was accepted in the School of Business

at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg,” Mildrey says proudly. “In May 2003, I graduated with my Bachelors of Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting, and the next summer I graduated with my Masters of Professional Accountancy.”

Her education at Hinds opened the door to romance, love, and eventually marriage to Scott Strickland. After graduation the couple took jobs on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Eventually earning her CPA certification, Mildrey was offered a staff accountant position with Piltz, Williams, LaRosa, & Company.

After eleven years with the firm Mildrey became the second female shareholder in the firm’s history. “Working in public accounting has been an enriching professional experience,” Mildrey says.

“Every client and every project is unique.”

Even though her required time commitment during tax season is challenging, as always Mildrey finds a solution. “My firm allows flexibility which makes it easier to balance work and home.” Today Scott and Mildrey are the proud parents of three-year old son, Troy.

Working with a prestigious 75-year old firm which is actively engaged in a wide range of community service organizations, nonprofits, and charitable giving is also a plus for Mildrey and family. “I am so glad we chose the Mississippi Gulf Coast as home,” Mildrey says. “I love what I do and the people I work with.”

PILTZ, WILLIAM, LAROSA, & CO.* PROVIDES A WIDE VARIETY OF SERVICES: 110

Bookkeeping and Payroll • QuickBooks Pro-advisors and Training • IT Client Support • Tax Planning Litigation Support • Personal Financial Planning • Audit Services Income Tax Preparations for Individuals, Small Businesses, Trusts, Estates, and Non-profit Entities September-October 2016

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1077 TOMMY MUNRO DRIVE, BILOXI, MS 39532 | PHONE: (228) 374-4141

WWW.PWLCPA.COM *Member of AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants), Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA), AICPA’s Private Companies Practice Section, Government Audit Quality Center, Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center, licensed by Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy.

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / NONPROFIT Thania W. Averett

Department head, Area Agency on Aging Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District As the department head for the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District’s area agency on aging, Thania Averett puts to use her passion for serving the elderly.

She is responsible for grants and programs affecting the senior population in the 15 lower Mississippi counties.

“The elderly are the soul to our past, and through them we gain the knowledge of experience,” she said.

Born in Honduras, Thania moved to the United States with her family when Thania was three years old. She became a U.S. citizen when she was 18.

Thania is a 2015 graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast and is a member of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce; the Gulf Coast Young Professionals; Gulfport Rotary, where she serves as chair of the public relations committee; the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce, where she serves on the board; and the Public Relations Association of Mississippi – Beach Chapter. She serves on the risk populations committee for the state of Mississippi, is a member of the Mississippi Rural Health Association, and serves on the board for the Gulf Coast Exchange Steering Committee.

Thania calls the Gulf Coast her home and says she values its riches. “I believe in the gift of giving back to the community through service,” she said. She admires in other leaders the motto she lives by: “Service above self.”

Thania has a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Her most significant role model was her grandmother. She said her grandparents had cows and provided milk to businesses and residents in their small Hondruan village. “My grandmother sold milk to the dairy producers and bread makers but always held milk back for those who could not afford to visit any of those businesses.”

She also considers her employers, Leonard Bentz, a mentor and source of inspiration. She has come to live by his edict, “It is your job to help others be better.”

Having learned about her Hispanic culture from visiting her grandparents in the Honduras, Thania considers her most significant accomplishment as being an advocate for the Hispanic community of the Gulf Coast.

To other career women, she advises, “Follow your passion.

Never miss an opportunity to learn; strive to put your service above yourself.”

Thania, her husband and three children live in Kiln, and they attend Holy Family Catholic Church in Pass Christian.

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / YOUNG CAREERISTS Ashley Dawn Meadows Allred

Assistant principal, Vancleave Middle School Ashley Dawn Meadows Allred describes herself as “a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and most importantly, a servant of God.” She works as assistant principal of Vancleave Middle School, a profession she considers to be her ministry. “I love spreading the love of Jesus by connecting with students, parents, and colleagues. I have two beautiful children and an incredible husband who inspire me daily. I have amazing parents who instilled in me a love for God, a strong work ethic, and a drive to find success. I am blessed beyond measure,” she said.

Ashley began her career in education at Ocean Springs Middle School (OSMS) in the fall of 2008. “I followed in my mother’s footsteps, teaching special education students for the next seven years,” she said. During this time, she played a key role in bringing the Mississippi Department of Education’s Exemplary Inclusion Award to OSMS. She also formed a team of teachers who implemented the Josten’s Renaissance program of school climate and culture. She brought the program with her when she later moved to Ocean Springs High School. In the spring of 2015 she accepted the position as assistant principal of Vancleave Middle School, and it is a job she calls an opportunity of a lifetime. “My responsibilities are too many to list, but they all have one goal in common- doing what is right for kids. I look forward to continuing to impact students’ lives through 112

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education,” she said.

Ashley was named the OSMS Teacher of the Year in 2013. A product of local public school education, she graduated with highest honors in 2003 from Ocean Springs High School, then studied at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College before attending Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in business administration. She earned a master’s degree in education in 2011 from William Carey University and a Ph.D. in educational administration in 2014 from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Ashley serves on the youth staff at her church, The Pentecostals of the Gulf Coast, where she has taught Sunday School for several years.

The quality she admires most in other leaders is integrity.

She says her role model is Jesus. “He is the ultimate role model and the guide in my life. I strive to be salt and light -- to be love in a dark world,” she said.

Celebrating 20 Years 1996 – 2016

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American Factory Direct Furniture Outlets is proud to feature Our Women in Business.

JANE LUTZ - RITA VICKERS SHERI ESTRADE, IN-HOME DESIGNER - AMBER SULLIVAN

Turning life’s storm waters …

During American Factory Direct Furniture Outlet’s twenty years we have experienced growth far beyond our expectations. Billie and

Bob opened their first location in Mandeville in 1996 after years of working in Bob’s family’s furniture store in New Orleans.

While Bob has always been about price, Billie has been about

If

you are troubled, maybe I can help. If you are a small business needing help or considering forming a business, a family member who needs help with a loved one, or an individual who has been injured or needs help with a divorce, give me a call and I will use over 17 years of experience to help you no matter what situation you may face.

I graduated from the University of Alabama in 1983, magna cum laude, and then received a Master of Arts before later proceeding to law school at the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. I received my Juris Doctorate degree in 1997 and have had extensive experience since that time in corporate and insurance defense litigation, general civil litigation, as well as in the areas of Trusts, Probate, Estates, and the legal area called “Elder Law.”

design. Our family has always had such passion for this business…

Attending at least four markets a year, AFD ensures the latest trends are offered while bringing rooms together with both function and style.

With over 125,00 square feet in three locations, AFD has grown from its original 10,000 square-foot Showroom to one of the Gulf

South’s leading furniture retailers. AFD now also offers a Weekend Only Clearance Center in Covington.

In much Gratitude we thank Our Dedicated Design Consultants

who truly help make American Factory Direct Furniture the company it is. We are honored by how the Lord has blessed us.

CALL TODAY

(228) 357-5227 Kathy Brown van Zutphen Attorney at Law

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Long Beach, MS

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WE ARE 1 YEAR OLD!

The Robin’s Nest in the Pass team.

Come see what’s new at Robin’s Nest in the Pass as we celebrate our first anniversary in September.

Robin’s Nest’s art, pottery, woodwork, decorative glass, accessories and other unique gifts will ensure customers the opportunity to support the creative spirit.

distinctive jewelry art gifts

SHOP ONLINE http://mkt.com/robinsnest

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Dorothy Roberts began making handcrafted distinctive jewelry in 2004. Her dream was fully realized in 2015, when she opened Robin’s Nest in the Pass in downtown Pass Christian. The shop showcases jewelry made by Dorothy and other talented artisans.

Store hours

Mon-Fri, 10-5; Sat. 10-4 Closed Sunday

255 Davis Ave., Pass Christian, MS 39571 www.RobinsNestinthePass.com 228.222.4863 DeLisle Plant 7685 Kiln DeLisle Road Pass Christian, MS 39571 (228) 255-2100

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Cheri K. Brown, Human Resources Manager • Natalie A. Dixon, Research Investigator • Alice van der Ende, Technical Manager Suzanne W. Gibson, Environmental Consultant • Lisa M. Wisniewski, Technical Manager • Cynthia K. Kouba, Site Services Manager

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / YOUNG CAREERIST Dr. Ashley N Harris

Assistant professor and director of Removable Prosthodontics A major in the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Ashley N. Harris is assistant professor and director of Removable Prosthodontics and is in the Air Force post-graduate dental school’s advanced education in general dentistry residency.

Through the program, she getting instruction in comprehensive oral and maxillofacial health care across all nine specialties in dentistry.

In addition, Ashley is a boardcertified fellow of the American Board of Prosthodontics as well as a licensed member of the North Carolina Dental Board. She has served as a historian, community service committee chairwoman, and pre-dental advisor of the National Dental Association.

Ashley received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hampton University and was commissioned through the Health Professions Scholarship Program in 2007. She received a doctorate of dental surgery in 2011 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She continued her education at the University Health Science Center, San Antonio, and received a master’s of science degree.

The Belleville, Illinois, native currently resides in Biloxi, where she is a member of Northwood Church and serves in the children’s check-in ministry as a team leader. She is working to establish a non-profit organization, Timeless Smiles, which will provide oral health care to the nursing home community.

In leaders, she admires authenticity, self-awareness, and humility. “I have always believed that each of us has a very unique set of personality traits and ways of identifying our inner strengths. In carrying out this process within ourselves, we identify the traits and qualities that ultimately allow us to lead.”

She names her mother as her biggest role model. “She taught me that having genuine compassion for people is the best way to truly move through life. She also has shown me that if there is something you want to achieve, the only barrier to success that one may have is themselves” Her most significant accomplishment was being selected, through peer nomination, as a coordinator for the dental student run, Student Health Action Coalition Dental Clinic in Chapel Hill, N.C. “As a coordinator for this clinic I was able to implement protocols and programs, which streamlined treatment. This position served as a catalyst in identifying how I could utilize my newly acquired dental skills to help others.

Further, the experience gained has proven to be paramount in pinpointing my purpose to serve the underserved elderly populations throughout our country.”

Her advice to others: “First, it is not enough to simply have a dream – instead, focus on identifying and cultivating the purpose behind your dream. A woman with a dream that has no purpose can very easily run out of desire to attain her dream, but the woman who has a purpose can not only reach that dream but attain unimaginable fulfillment.”

MEET

Michelle Stanfill

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With 22 years of home building experience, Michelle’s love of design and architecture shines through in the historically accurate raised southern cottages that she builds for Tidewater Homes, Inc., the company that she and her husband Jeff founded together in 2011.

With widespread appeal, these cottages are reminiscent of times gone by and visits to Grandmother’s house. Builtin cabinetry, window seating, wainscoting and other authentic touches help to create that timeless style that people love.

With a personal design aesthetic embracing the industrial urban farmhouse and the rustic coastal cottage, Michelle is able to assimilate these styles into her designs, finding ways to incorporate re-purposed materials to create a sense of permanence and historical preservation. Her strong design background and her 14 years of experience as a real estate broker enable Michelle to help guide her clients through the entire building process from finding the perfect spot to build to helping them translate their dreams and ideas into a space that they can love and be comfortable in for many years.

More info: (228)

348-0644

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / YOUNG CAREERIST Brandy Waltman

Co-owner, Almost Circle Gallery Coast native Brandy Waltman co-owns Almost Circle Gallery in Biloxi. There she serves a business manager and handles the daily operations. The gallery’s mission is to provide a unique art experience through rotating art exhibits and workshops and this past summer the gallery was awarded a Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce small business grant.

Brandy’s experience includes serving as gallery manager at Negrotto’s Gallery in Biloxi. She learned everything about running a business when she and her husband owned and operated AJ’s Donuts in D’Iberville. During her first year of business, the shop was named Rookie Business of the Year by the Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Brandy is a 2000 graduate of Biloxi High School . She earned her associate’s degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 2006. She attended William Carey University and earned her bachelor’s degree in 2014.

Active in the community, Brandy is involved in (W.O.W)

Women of Wisdom and serves as an ambassador for Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce. She is a past chief ambassador. Brandy is a member of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and the Biloxi Main Street Association. She has worked with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association and the D’Iberville/St. Martin Chamber of Commerce. Brandy has volunteered with the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi and has created and donated artwork to Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence.

Brandy believes a true leader leads people by doing first what he asks of others. “A leader is a person who motivates people and cheers them on. Those same people get excited for others’ achievements,” she said.

Fallon Ramage Josef Owner, Fallon’s Gourmet

When Fallon Ramage Josef bought a small take-out restaurant in downtown Gulfport in 2013 and established her own eatery, Fallon’s Gourmet, she was taking a leap of faith – with the willingness to put in the hard work it takes to be successful.

As its owner, Fallon wears many hats. She works as cook, server, cashier, housekeeper, dishwasher, accountant – whatever needs doing, she does.

Fallon got her start serving an internship in marketing and advertising at Southern Progress/Southern Living Magazine and then working in human resources at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Biloxi. There, she was responsible for all new-hire orientation and in-house training for areas including customer service, time management, policies/procedures, and safety. She was in charge of all employee incentive programs and organized all employee community involvement activities such as feeding

Kimberly Kolb Aguillard

the homeless, adopting children for the holidays, non-profit walks, and donations.

She has been recognized by being named among The Sun Herald’s Top 10 Business Leaders Under 40, earning second place honors in The Sun Herald’s 2016 list of favorite caterers and third place in the newspaper’s 2015 list. She was the youngest manager ever hired at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino when she went to work there in 2007 and was the first to be named Manager of the Quarter at the casino in 2008.

Fallon graduated from Gulfport High School in 2001 and studied communication and public relations at Mississippi State University, graduating in 2004.

Media and marketing manager, Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport Kimberly Kolb Aguillard came to he Port of Gulfport in She was the top graduating public 2014 as community relations and marketing specialist and was relations student of the Society of promoted to her current position in November 2015.

America Chapter (PRSSA) and was a Her work includes managing the port’s social media member of a team that was presented presence and media relations, exploring new ways to engage with a “Community Partner of and interact with the local community, and cultivating a the Year” award from the Gulfport stronger understanding of the Port of Gulfport’s operations and School District for the 2015-2016 restoration project. school year.

Aguillard volunteers as a BOOST Mentor at Gaston Point Kimberly attended Opelousas Elementary, is a member of the Rotary Club of Gulfport, the Catholic School in Opelousas, La., and Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport, and Coast Young Professionals. is a graduate of Loyola University New Orleans in New Orleans.

She admires leaders who encourage others to be their best.

She also serves on the Public Relations Association of Her mother is her role model, she says. “She has taught me how Mississippi (PRAM) - Mississippi Beach Chapter board and is to be compassionate towards others, to live afaith-filled life, and the PR co-chair for Boogie on the Beach, St. Vincent de Paul to always strive to see the best in others.”

Elementary School’s annual fundraiser.

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Join BPW

THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO SUCCEED Lighthouse Business & Professional Women is here to help women advance their careers. Our mission is to unite professional women, support business and community relationships, and provide leadership skills and networking opportunities.

MEMBER BENEFITS Impact: Be part of a national movement to create the changes needed for equitable work environments and supportive communities.

NETWORKING Exchange ideas, explore business opportunities, and share common goals with professional women across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL

Women of Achievement FINALISTS!

Join us

OCTOBER 28 at the

Women’s Conference 2016

to recognize 46 WOMEN ACHIEVERS in: Education

MORE INFO Connect with BPW on Facebook and at www.lighthousebpw.com

Medical Nonprofit/Volunteer Corporate/Entrepreneur Military/Government

Congratulations

Kimberly Aguillard

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NEXT MEETING August 18 at Merit Health Networking begins at 11:45am SPEAKER: RAY EDWARDS,

Marketing Consultant, Dex Media

As your Marketing Consultant at Dex Media, my goal is to understand your business inside and out. I will build a customized marketing program that will help you win, keep and grow your customer base. 12 Years of Marketing Experience in Print & Digital Media. Specializing in SEM, SEO, and Digital Branding. Google Certified.

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PORT OF

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2016 Woman of Achievement Finalist

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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT / YOUNG CAREERIST Ravin Floyd Nettles

Public relations director, city of Pascagoula As public relations director for the city of Pascagoula, Ravin Floyd Nettles handles all aspects of communication and is the only city employee authorized to serve as an official spokesperson for Pascagoula.

The Gulfport native is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. She got her early experience at The Sun Herald, where she worked as a newsroom assistant. She also spent time working with Gulfport Music Festival and ESSENCE Music Festival in New Orleans. In 2014, she began working for the city of Ocean Springs as public relations officer and the assistant to the mayor and board of aldermen. Earlier this year, she became the public relations director for the city of Pascagoula.

She is a graduate of the 2015 Jackson County Leadership Class. She is a Jackson County Chamber Ambassador and a Lynn Meadows Discovery Center WINGS Advisory Board member. She is an Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce CAT member.

In 2014 and 2015, Ravin produced the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center (LMDC) Bear Creek Music Festival, which highlighted musicians under the age of 18, and this she considers to be one of her most meaningful accomplishments.

Working in city public relations, Ravin has learned to respect those who lead by example and who remain calm in high-pressure situations. She names Ocean Springs Mayor

H e a lt h

b oy i n gto n a n d

r e h a b i l i tat i o n

c e n t e r

congratulates Lighthouse BPW Women of Achievement Finalist

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Connie Moran as a role model who thinks creatively, remains calm, and encourages people to work together.

She also has deep admiration for Tonya Hays, the executive director of the WINGS performing arts program at LMDC. And she looks up to her grandmother, Patricia Floyd; and her mother, Tonja Magee.

“At almost 70, my grandmother continues to work at Keesler Air Force Base. Patricia, or Mamapat as she is more commonly known, only has a high school diploma but has made a very successful life for herself. She has shown me the skills of working efficiently as possible. Mamapat has shown me how to be realistic in life as a young, black woman.”

Ravin said her mother, Tonja, is positive and upbeat. “Even after serious complications of an outpatient procedure, my mom still finds a reason to smile and laugh every day. She has taught me the importance of being considerate of others, respecting others’ time and opinion.”

To her peers and colleagues, Ravin says, ”Help other career women be successful. I think it is important to stop seeing other women as competition.”

Ravin is a member of First Missionary Baptist Church and is married to Glenn Nettles III of Moss Point.

Heritage House Gifts GIFTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS Heritage House Gifts is a dream come true not only for the owner Dee Ann Stafford, but for the other ladies that work with her. When Dee Ann decided to make her dream of opening a gift shop a reality, she had no idea how many friends would be so happy. Several of her close friends were wanting to get out of their home and be with people. They wanted to work a day or two a week and use their creative minds again.

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Dee Ann sat down with her friends and a plan was made. She listened carefully to each one of them and invited them to go to market with her.

“It was an overwhelming experience. We left Gulfport headed to Atlanta and we shopped along the way. We got lots of great ideas from stores in Mississippi and took notes from store owners. It was a wonderful trip,” says Dee Ann. After over nine years in business and many market trips, the store has changed very little. Heritage House offers items made in Mississippi, local artwork, and handmade jewelry. They have a beautiful bridal registry, invitations, and gifts for all occasions. The merchandise changes seasonally, but they try to keep their main focus the same. That is to provide customers with a happy shopping experience, a wide selection of gift ideas, and the opportunity to celebrate the art of giving.

738 East Pass Road • Gulfport, MS 39507 • 228.897.7644

CATHY BEEDING CATHY BEEDING Lighthouse BPW 2016 Woman Lighthouse BPW 2016 Woman of Finalist ofAchievement Achievement Finalist

CATHY BEEDING Lighthouse BPW 2016 Woman of Achievement Finalist

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HOW SHE DID IT 7 women who are being their own kind of successful

by Elaine Stevens

“Work hard — then work harder. An impressive resumé or a good first impression may get you in the door, but hard work is the only thing that will keep you there.”

— Julie J. Gresham, Huntington Ingalls Industriies, senior counsel and director of Compliance/President Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce

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JULIE GRESHAM

To the legal layperson Julie Gresham’s job description sounds complicated, intricate, and demanding. Her role as senior counsel and director of compliance supports the Ingalls Shipbuilding division of HII, the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi and a major contributor to the economic growth of the state. Among her many responsibilities are compliance reviews which focus on making sure HII and Ingalls have the proper internal controls to prevent and detect illegal, unethical and/or improper conduct by anyone employed or associated with the company.

Always wanting to be a lawyer, Julie says she did have a close call during her senior year when she pursued a PhD in speech communication, but her parents talked her out of it. “They were concerned that if I didn’t go to law school then, I would never go and would regret it one day. They were right.”

While in private practice Julie was able to incorporate her passion for

communication into her professional life, working as a communication consultant. “I prepared witnesses for Congressional hearings and worked with companies to develop crisis communications plans.”

Approached two years ago to become in-house attorney for Ingalls, Julie admittedly struggled with the decision, having to reprogram her plan, thus learning a major life lesson. “You can get so focused on your goals that you may miss opportunities along the way.”

Having mentors and trusted friends helps Julie when it comes to advice.

“They share two traits: They want what is best for me, and they will tell me the truth regardless of what I want to hear,” Julie says which has helped her grow and learn in all aspects of her life.

That said, the task of balancing her personal and professional life remain front and center, especially now that Julie is president of the Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce. “My family always comes first,” she says as a mother

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Molly McGuffee

April Bullock

3821 Promenade Pkwy Ste. G D’Iberville, MS 39540 228-354-8499 Follow us on

@ivyboutiquems

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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REBECA FAIRLEY — Rebeca Fairley, owner of Panache, Gulfport

“Evaluate if this is something you really want to do. Think hard and long about the commitment.”

Panache defined as a “colorful confidence of style or manner” also defines the owner of the boutique by that name. Rebeca Fairley, a vibrant millennial wife, mother, and goal-oriented retailer, will celebrate 10 years of fashion success at Panache in November 2016 with a fabulous open house reception. Rebeca said as long as she can remember, she always wanted to open a women’s clothing store. Panache is that and more.

“We have something for every woman, regardless of age, shape, or size,” Rebeca says in describing her business which features clothing for every ethnicity, lifestyle, or career whether you are 18 or 70. “We cater to a broad band of women from the college girl to the newly married; from the stay at home mom to the busy working one.”

Rebeca certainly is the latter. As a mother of extremely active and curious 4-year old son, Jude, she says balancing business and family has been a challenge. In fact, Jude can be seen helping mom during the busy holiday season at Panache. “The love of her life and business partner,” husband Clayton, and her family have been there since the beginning.

“It was hard to get the business started, but God helped me get back home,” says Rebeca. By that she means her fashion career had taken her to Birmingham, Alabama, where she had just purchased a home 8 months before Katrina struck the coast. “I sold my home and that money helped me open my store,” Rebeca says as she explains her desire to return to the coast to help rebuild her community. “I had to rely on credit cards and live with my parents for a couple of years until we turned a profit.” All the while Rebeca poured her money back into Panache, building an extraordinary inventory.

Rebeca also credits her success to solid mentorship from two very important people in her life: Former employer Susan Oustalet, past owner of the Gift Gallery and her own father, Terry Strickland of Strickland motors. “I learned so much working for Susan and watching her build wonderful relationships,” Rebeca says. “And, my father, who is a very good businessman, came from a poor family and instilled a work ethic in me. He always said, ‘Some times (in business) are hard, so appreciate the good ones.’”

GRESHAM continued

of son, Will, age 4, and wife to husband, Alex, for 14 years. “I start with that premise and make my decisions accordingly,” Julie explains.

Because she believes actions speak louder than words, especially with Will, she turns her work phone on silent in the afternoons when she picks up her son. “While it sounds simple,” Julie admits, “it can prove to be very difficult for someone who is always trying to multitask.”

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Julie admits it can all be overwhelming, but she has found a way to focus on what is really important in life. “I count my blessings daily,” Julie says. At the end of an arduous day, Julie says asking Will to list his top three blessings has given her valuable insight. “Captain America or the Hulk are often included among the answers,” she says, adding, “Life is much simpler when you are viewing the world through a child’s eyes.”

It’s been said that little girls with big dreams become women with vision who achieve success. Gulf Coast Woman will introduce you to six such South Mississippi women who have some tips for young professionals. They are a diverse group in age and ethnicity, however they have the commonality of their dreams combined with perseverance.

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Brandy Ring Vicki Howard

Nancy Wielgosz, Owner

Co-Owner/Color Coordinator

and her granddaughter

“I tell you the truth, if you have faiths as small as a mustard seed you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17:20-21 At The Mustard Seed, we believe in the care and education of the whole child. Our curriculum provides a superior educational foundation but also introduces children to who they are in God’s world, the importance of developing a good character, having healthy eating and exercising habits, and much more.

Our Classes Include: Infants: Buds - 2+ months Ones: Seedlings - 12+ months Twos: Sprouts - 2 Years Threes: Shoots - 3 Years Fours: Vines - 4 Years Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm

Mark and Vicki have owned Howard’s Paint and Decorating for the past 24 years. It is literally a “Mom and Pop” business, and Vicki is proud to work every day alongside her husband, Mark.

Howard’s Paint and Decorating sells Benjamin Moore and Richards Paint. Vicki’s passion is helping customers color coordinate their homes.

“I love my job and helping a customer see the beauty of the paint color once the finished product is revealed. Paint is the least expensive product you have in your home, but it can make the BIGGEST difference!”

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Celebrating 1 Year of SUCCESS 310 Popps Ferry Road, Ste. 200 • Biloxi, MS 39531 • 228.207.0723 124

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When we are no longer able to change a situation we are challenged to change ourselves.

Viktor E. Frankl

HOLLY ARNOULT, RN, LPC

The Crossroads location in Gulfport has been open for almost nine years, but Huntington Learning Center has been around for almost 40 years nationwide!

Our mission is to give every student the best education possible! Erin Gibson, and her mom, Carol Gray, see this mission come to life every day with the students at their center. With over 15 years of teaching and education experience, Erin remains passionate about working with local schools to raise test scores and promote a positive learning environment for students to excel.

When you stop by Huntington, you will often find Sophia (3 years old) and Ava (9 months old) visiting their grandma (Carol) and reading books together, practicing letters, and singing songs.

Why does Huntington work? For almost 40 years, we’ve treated students as individuals, and tailored our programs to fit their unique needs, academic goals and schedules. The best part? Our results are proven, so you can trust us to help your child succeed.

Our proven method begins with a full academic evaluation to pinpoint needs.

We then develop a personalized learning plan and build success through individualized instruction. In addition to outstanding academic results, we help students build confidence and motivation to succeed. Our individualized instruction is tailored to each student’s unique learning needs. Throughout the program, we meet often with parents and students to discuss progress.

Our teachers are certified and extensively trained. This is part of why we’re accredited by the same organizations that accredit local schools, a distinction few tutors earn. We work with students that are in Kindergarten through 12th grade, and even adults! We teach Phonics, Reading, Math, Study Skills, and exam prep for ACT, SAT, PSAT, ASVAB, Praxis, and the list goes on and on.

We have programs to fit in with the busiest of schedule. Currently, we are open 7 days a week! Our programs are affordable for every budget, and we offer flexible payment options to meet individual needs.

Licensed Professional Counselor: 3 years Registered Nurse: 23 years

TREATING ADOLESCENTS, ADULTS AND COUPLES SPECIALIZES IN TREATING Depression | Anxiety | Relationship Issues Codependency | Mood/Adjustment Disorders Borderline Personality Disorder Trauma/Grief/Loss | Anger Management Parenting Skills | Coping Skills Self Esteem Issues | School/Work Difficulties Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | Eating Disorders I believe counseling is an empowering process of exploration, discovery, and personal growth. My desire is to create a safe, compassionate environment where each client feels free to share their struggles without bias or judgment.

I use a variety of evidence-based and client specific approaches to increase self awareness and build personal strengths. By listening, teaching, and empowering, I hope to help each client develop the tools they need to overcome their struggles and achieve their potential.

At Huntington, we understand that one size does not fit all students. Our method is a 4-step approach that works and truly sets our programs apart — and we have decades of experience, and countless success stories to prove it.

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KENISHA MAYES

— Kenisha Mays, owner Luxe Beauty Supply & Salon Co., Gulfport

“Never let anyone tell you what’s not possible. If you can give your boss 100% you can do the same for yourself!”

Kenisha and Alvin Mays lost their home and their jobs after Katrina’s deadly hit in 2005. They salvaged their car.

Left with their four children and no income, they began a six month battle with their insurance company so they could rebuild. Like many South Mississippians, the Mays family had no flood insurance. Forced to move in with Kenisha’s father for a month, they eventually got a FEMA trailer. “We lived in it for five months,” Kenisha says. “At that point we had no choice but to pull from our kids’ college funds to start working on our house.” That dark struggle along with her husband’s inspiring hope in her new business is what led to the opening of Luxe Beauty Supply & Salon Company about a year ago.

An extraordinarily determined yet self-described shy entrepreneur, Kenisha says she knew she could offer in business what others were not: Superb customer service and satisfaction. As a customer of an existing Gulfport salon, Kenisha had personally experienced the blatant

JESSICA RYAN PETERS

refusal of a store owner to correct a purchase error even before leaving the salon. “She handed me the wrong product. I felt there should be some reasoning with her, but she refused.”

Today as a proud proprietor of a black-owned beauty supply store, hair salon, and nail spa under one roof, Kenisha explains her business mission like this: “My mission is to let people know that they have choices and we are here to provide the same products for less. We offer great customer service and you can actually touch our products before purchasing!”

Kenisha married Alvin Mays when she was 20. That was 16 years ago. Together they have produced one college graduate, one college student, and two children in high school, so their work together continues. “My motivation is my family. I work ten hours a day, and once I get off I leave all work at work. At six o’clock in the evening, I’m mommy.”

“I believe and tell my students to follow your dreams, work hard, try your best, and remember, with God all things are possible.”

— Jessica Ryan Peters, Jess Dance Studio, Gulfport

Kenisha and Alvin Mays lost their home and their jobs after Katrina’s deadly hit in 2005. They salvaged their car. Left with their four children and no income, they began a six month battle with their insurance company so they could rebuild. Like September-October 2016 126

many South Mississippians, the Mays family had no flood insurance.

Forced to move in with Kenisha’s father for a month, they eventually got a FEMA trailer. “We lived in it for five months,” Kenisha says. “At that point we had no choice but to pull from our

kids’ college funds to start working on our house.” That dark struggle along with her husband’s inspiring hope in her new business is what led to the opening of Luxe Beauty Supply & Salon Company about a year ago.

An extraordinarily determined yet

Celebrating 15 Years PANTONE

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Back row left to right: Holly McFall, Emi Windom, Karin Ford, Kay McMurray, Ginger Ware Front row seated left to right: Randy Hammons, Suzi Bogard, Tim Haller

THE FOUNDER

WHAT WE DO

Suzi Bogard founded Medical Analysis in 2001. As owner and CEO, she and her team have a mission of helping self-insured corporations reduce the spiraling cost of medical claims while offering professional, informative and affordable health care for their employees and dependents. After working in the health-care industry for many years, Suzi saw the need to decrease health-care claims for self-insured businesses while lowering the out of pocket expenses for their employees. This led to the creation of Medical Analysis as a Female Business Enterprise.

Medical Analysis offers on-site/near-site health clinics that are innovative leaders for today’s health care needs. Acute care, chronic disease management, wellness and patient education for employer sponsored health care programs are at discounted rates. Services are provided by a team of highly skilled medical professionals dedicated to providing high quality health care in a friendly environment.

The success of Suzi’s company has enabled her to become a leader in serving the community and has developed many successful partnerships by sponsoring school and higher education scholarships, sports leagues, nonprofit fundraisers, and by accomplishing local mission outreach objectives.

Suzi believes that communities are changed by relationships. She has been recognized by the Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight as well as the Outstanding Woman in Business, People’s Choice Award Recipient, Goodwill Industries, American Cancer Society, MS Gulf Coast Community Colleges, Caring Woman nominee and others. Suzi was featured in the International Women’s Leadership Assn and presently serves on the People’s Bank Advisory Board.

Medical Analysis was developed to reduce insurance claims and thereby lower insurance premiums by not filing insurance. The client’s employees benefit by eliminating out-of- pocket expenses for co-pays and deductibles, no more wasted time in the ER, and easy specialist referrals.

WHO WE SERVE Medical Analysis currently services 38 self-insured and fully insured corporations including casinos, school districts, higher education, municipalities, government agencies, retail, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations and construction companies as well as more than 100 industrial businesses in Mississippi, Louisiana and Missouri.

EMILY SMITH

— Emily Smith, owner, Smith Contracting Co., Gulfport

“Never lose sight of your purpose because of the many obstacles women may face in different working environments.”

Emily Smith and husband, Eddie, have been a married team for nearly 12 years. They are also the powerhouse team behind their nine-year old company, Smith Contracting, which is also a full-service woman-owned general contractor.

The University of Southern Mississippi graduate says she and her husband always knew they wanted to start a business, but weren’t sure initially where to begin. “Eddie was working for a landscape company and I was attending USM in their Bachelor of Arts and Letters undergraduate program,” Emily says. “We both decided to start a landscape company on the side since he gained experience in landscaping and installing irrigations.” Like many successful married business partners, they developed a plan: “… finish college and utilize my schooling and professional skills needed to help manage a successful company.”

Emily did just that with a few adjustments in between.

She graduated in 2010 — three years after the business opened — and added a couple of new Smiths to the family in the midst of their business plan. “Our four kids, ranging in ages from 2 to 15, are our motivation to keep going,” Emily says. “We both believe that it’s important to teach them that you can do whatever you apply yourself to do.” She admits, like most working moms, that it’s diffi-

cult balancing home and office. “Eddie and I try our best to shut work down after a certain hour, and we always utilize weekends for family time.”

Acknowledging the importance of inspirational mentors, Emily credits Fontello and Jackie Brown of Tropical World Landscape & Irrigations, LLC. “They both mentored my husband and me from the very start,” Emily says. “Fontello gave us our first commercial sub-contract with GSA’s (General Services Administration) Dan Russell Federal Courthouse providing landscape.” She is quick to add others to her mentor list including the Small Business Administration, South Mississippi Business Development Center, Artice Sumrall of Sumrall Construction, Inc., and Meredith Anderson of Can’t Be Beat Fence & Construction.

Smith Contracting manages residential, commercial, and government clients regardless of the project size.

With services that include landscape, irrigation, concrete, drainage improvements, and civil construction, Emily says it’s important have a strong commitment to customer service. “Our mission is to meet our customers’ needs and exceed their expectations. We are committed to excellence and dedicated to our customers’ long-term satisfaction.”

PETERS continued

self-described shy entrepreneur, Kenisha says she knew she could offer in business what others were not: Superb customer service and satisfaction. As a customer of an existing Gulfport salon, Kenisha had personally experienced the blatant refusal of a store owner to correct a purchase error even before leaving the salon. “She handed me the wrong product. I felt there should be some reasoning with her, but she refused.”

Today as a proud proprietor of a black-owned beauty supply store, hair salon, and nail spa under one roof, Kenisha explains her business mission like this: “My mission 128

September-October 2016

is to let people know that they have choices and we are here to provide the same products for less. We offer great customer service and you can actually touch our products before purchasing!”

Kenisha married Alvin Mays when she was 20. That was 16 years ago. Together they have produced one college graduate, one college student, and two children in high school, so their work together continues. “My motivation is my family. I work ten hours a day, and once I get off I leave all work at work. At six o’clock in the evening, I’m mommy.”

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People only rave about stuff that works 82% of Women who make over $100,000 per year, do it through a home-based business.

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PEGGY BAKER

After retiring from a career in banking, Peggy Baker turned her focus to essential oil application and massage therapy and was blown away with what therapeutic massage could do. Baker opened Healing Garden Therapies in 2001 and has set herself apart from other massage therapy providers. Baker focuses on therapeutic massage and gives the last client of the day the same quality of work as the first by only booking 5 hours of massage per day. Healing Garden Therapies was the first on the coast to offer Ashiatsu (Barefoot) Massage and Himalayan Hot Stone Massage. On staff are two fantastic estheticians that offer a variety of services, such as facials, Microdermabrasions, Peels, Hair removal (waxing and threading), eye lash tinting & perming and more.

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Healing Garden Therapies has not raised prices since 2006 and offers affordable massage series packages for someone that may need to come often to get results.

Discounts are offered to Active Military and Seniors over 65.

Healing Garden Therapies provides an environment that promotes healing, comfort, and serenity by experienced, licensed therapists dedicated to the wellbeing of others.

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PAM THOMSPON

“I agree with Zig Ziglar: You can have anything in life you want, as long as you help others get what they want.”

— Pam Thompson, owner Sports Shack, owner Medial Disposal Systems and AdvoCare distributor,

Realizing a need in your community and discovering a way to solve it epitomizes Pam Thompson’s entrepreneurial spirit. She is best known in South Mississippi for Sports Shack, her popular specialty retail store which showcases collegiate merchandise. However, her other two endeavors are just as important to her. Medial Disposal Systems is a medical waste provider, providing services to medical, dental, and veterinary offices and AdvoCare is a company specializing in nutritional supplements including weight management and sports nutrition.

“I am an avid sports fan and in 2007 decided to open Sports Shack even though I had no retail experience.”

Fans were driving elsewhere to buy team gear, so she filled the need locally.

“In 2013, after years of being in the solid waste in-

dustry, I saw medical offices paying exorbitant prices to dispose of their medical waste mainly due to the lack of competition.” As for the third business, AdvoCare, Pam says she fell in love with the health products and wanted to share the experience.

After moving back to Mississippi in 1996, the recently divorced single mother of then two small children saw an opportunity. “I was reading the newspaper and saw where the City of Gautier had bid their garbage service,” Pam explains. “They had decided to throw out all bids and try again.” With her ten years of experience in that industry, Pam set her keen eye on Gautier. “I knew I could provide the service the city was seeking. In short, I bid the contract and was successful.”

Obviously taking a risk is testament of her success as

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A different kind of CPA Denise Howell, a CPA licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi, has more than 12 years of experience in public accounting. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public, Louisiana Association of Certified Public Accountancy and the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants. Denise graduated Cum Laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor in Accountancy in 1998 and a Master of Accountancy in 1999.

She currently operates Howell CPA-PA.

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WISDOM

from the corporate ladder

Executives Dorothy Shaw and Kathy Scarbrough offer valuable insight about what they have learned on their leadership journey.

by Dana Sleger DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE TO WORK HARDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR NONTRADITIONAL FEMALE ROLE? I do not feel that I have to work harder.

I do have to make sure that I am always prepared for whatever situation arises. I have to ensure that I am always included in the conversation so that I am aware of what is happening in the organization and that I can adequately address those business issues.

Dorothy D. Shaw Manager, Community Relations/Government affairs at Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT BARRIER TO FEMALE LEADERSHIP? This may sound somewhat unconventional, but I think the most significant barrier to female leadership is the fact that we sometimes underestimate our own power and ability. The possibilities for women are unlimited and we must seize every opportunity to lead. I want to quickly acknowledge, though, that there are still some barriers such as there not being enough women in the pipeline to move into available positions. This may be due, in part, to the fact

that women have not always been readily accepted in mid-level leadership positions and therefore are not in line to move into the next level when there are opportunities. Another barrier is that some companies are just not ready to have women in leadership roles and women are sometimes held to a higher standard than male counterparts.

WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP MEAN TO YOU? To me, leadership means having the ability to move out of the way and allow others to maximize their potential. It means not micromanaging but motivating others to excel. It means leveraging the strengths of your team members so that they feel valued.

It means having the ability to make tough decisions when needed. It means working to ensure that I am trusted, respected, that I am accountable and that I always lead by example. It means that I maintain the highest moral and ethical standards at all times and in all situations.

THOMPSON continued

well. Today Pam is the enthusiastic grandmother of seven, mother to Megan and Brittany, and happily married to David Thompson for nearly ten years.

“When I opened DisposALL, I had no money, but I had a strong work ethic,” Pam says. “I sought help from a past employer who was in the garbage business. He mentored me financially and mentally.”

Others have inspired and assisted Pam as well through her courageous 132

September-October 2016

enterprises. “My mother always believed in me, and I surrounded myself with people I wanted to be like.”

And like so many other successful women in South Mississippi, Pam’s faith is her guiding light.

Operating one business is exhausting enough, but three? “I work my medical waste business during the day and at night and on weekends, I am at Sports Shack,” explains Pam. “It is all fun, rewarding, challenging, and stressful—all at the same time!”

Aside from loving what she does — “that’s why it’s not really work” — Pam urges that we in South Mississippi, both as business owners and consumers, “make a difference by seeking community first.”

Obviously taking a risk is testament to her personal success as well.

Today Pam is happily married to David Thompson, mother to Megan and Brittany, and “Gigi” to a total of seven grandchildren between the combined families.

Congratulations LADY C.J.!

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT FINALIST 2016 Your family and friends C.J. Johnson

12480 Oaklawn Rd., Biloxi, MS 39532

(228) 207-6417 www.familyoffaithccbiloxi.com

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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“

Shaw

“

WORDS OF WISDOM:

My dream job as a child was to become a lawyer because I thought they were really smart, made a lot of money and lived in beautiful homes. As I matured, I found that to be a fantasy and I explored other options.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE FAMILY AND WORK? This one is not always easy. The nature of my work requires me to attend numerous after-hour functions, some occurring on weekends. I have a very supportive husband who often accompanies me to these activities.

I do find time, however, to enjoy a great book or enjoy fun events with friends.

I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR: • Developing, implementing and administering community affairs and social responsibility programs for the company.

WHAT WAS YOUR DREAM JOB AS A KID AND WHY? My dream job as a child was to become a lawyer because I thought they were really smart, made a lot of money and lived in beautiful homes. As I matured, I found that to be a fantasy and I explored other options.

• Coordinating participation in community and charitable activities, philanthropy projects and interactions with communitybased organizations.

WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? I was most inspired by Dr. Dorothy I. Height. She managed to overcome many obstacles in her life, worked fervently to help ensure the rights of minorities and women were protected and lead a national organization to prominence. All the while, she was focused on the innate power of women and inspired them to soar to new heights. She mentored me and I am grateful for that.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN WHO MAY ENCOUNTER GENDER-RELATED ROADBLOCKS IN THEIR PURSUIT OF A NONTRADITIONAL FEMALE ROLE? Never, ever give up. Always believe in a Power higher than yourself.

Believe in yourself more than others. Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone because your comfort zone may become your failure zone. If you’re asked to take on new assignments, do it. Go beyond the norm. Build a network of supportive women and ask them for advice on the “do’s and don’ts.” Always know that you may have to work a bit harder than others, but the reward comes in the end.

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• Representing the company at public functions.

• Interacting with local and state governments.

• Ensuring that employees and leadership team members are provided opportunities for community engagement.

• Managing annual budget.

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WORDS OF WISDOM: DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE TO WORK HARDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR NONTRADITIONAL FEMALE ROLE? It certainly has been a challenge for women in the past to break barriers and achieve the same levels of success as their male counterparts. As an advocate for working women, I’m pleased with the progress our nation has made. It is my hope that we will continue to move forward so that women will not have to work as hard to receive the salary, promotions and recognition they deserve.

Scarbrough tain and educate others throughout my career.

WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? I’ve always loved to read biographies about famous people. In particular, I have been inspired by the achievements of pioneering women whose WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT contributions have made BARRIER TO FEMALE LEADERSHIP? a lasting difference. I’m The greatest obstacle for women in today’s marketplace Kathy Scarbrough fascinated by the accomis to see oneself, and be seen by others, as a leader. In chief communications officer, plishments of women spite of our best efforts to educate and encourage young Navigator Credit Union who have led their counwomen to take leadership roles, the transition necessary tries such as Catherine the to move to the next level involves a change of mindset and Great, Elizabeth I, Indira Gandhi and Margaret Thatcher. a belief in one’s own competence. There is still more we I’ve also been inspired by the lives of women such as can do to mentor other women and help them make the Marie Curie, Madame C.J. Walker, Amelia Earhart and transition to a leader.

Helen Keller who have persevered against unimaginable odds. There are also stories about women such as Mother WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP MEAN TO YOU? Teresa, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sojourner Truth and Maya Leadership is the ability to see solutions that no one Angelou whose contributions remind me of the power of else sees and devise a workable plan that can be easily words and actions to change the world. understood and executed by others. Leadership requires collaboration, transparency and an openness to ideas.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER For others to follow, a leader must exemplify integrity, be willing to share credit and effectively communicate expec- WOMEN WHO MAY ENCOUNTER GENDER-RELATED ROADBLOCKS IN THEIR PURSUIT OF A tations of desired results.

NONTRADITIONAL FEMALE ROLE? I would tell any individual to work hard and strive for HOW DO YOU BALANCE FAMILY AND WORK? excellence. Both are noticed by others and will lead to I cannot say enough about a strong support system. success. There is no substitute for being passionate about Family and friends have been invaluable when travel and what you do and giving every task and project your absoprojects have consumed my schedule. I am a big believer in efficiency and do everything I can to maximize my per- lute best. The rewards are not always instant, but they will follow the person who consistently delivers outstanding sonal productivity. I’m still working on making exercise results. If others doubt you, it is much easier to convince and relaxation a consistent part of my life. When I do, I them of your skill and worth with a proven record of am much more effective in tackling any task — whether accomplishment. personal or professional.

WHAT WAS YOUR DREAM JOB AS A KID AND WHY? When I was young, I wanted to be an actress and, of course, become famous. I imagined sharing my wealth and using my fame for worthy causes. Of course, the celebrity lifestyle was a definite attraction as well! I’ve never seen the bright lights of Broadway or Hollywood, but I have been blessed to share my talents on stage to enter136

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I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR: • The management of the Navigator brand through strategic marketing initiatives and developing both short and long-term solutions to achieve corporate objectives. Throughout my tenure, I have been called upon to lead Operations, Human Resources, Training and our Call Center during times of transition.

I also oversee one of the most successful wealth management programs in the country — a true testament to our incredible teamwork.

952 Howard Avenue, Downtown Biloxi

www.gollottlyons.com

T

REALTOR®

anya began her career in the real estate industry in 1992. In 1996 she began Gollott Lyons Real Estate covering the Mississippi Gulf Coast for real estate sales, sales of historical properties, investment properties, commercial sales, land sales and industrial sales. Tanya’s commitment to real estate is evident in her continual promotion of the industry. Tanya is a repeat recipient of high sales volume and multi-million dollar producer awards, and continues to amass high-marking awards and accolades every year.

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The streets of the Gulf Coast have been home to the families of Gollott for more than 100 years, and Tanya is confident she can help you find your next home. She is very knowledgeable about the Coast and its people. She is a member of Mississippi Gulf Coast Multiple Listing Service, the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Board Tanya Gollott Swoope of Realtors, Mississippi Association of Realtors, and National Association of Realtors.

Broker/Owner In the course of her career Tanya has been recognized as Realtor of the Year and Distinguished Biloxi Volunteer of the Year. She has been married to Burton C. Swoope of Columbus, MS for 15 years. She is the proud Mother of Patrick J. Lyons, Jr. (Kimberly), Thomas A. Lyons (Claire), step-mother to Field Swoope (Cassie) and Carrie (Bobby) Martin. Tanya is even prouder to be a “Nana” to Lexi and Luke Lyons, Coleman and Lucy Ann Martin, and Corbin and Foster Swoope. Tanya is a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and a member of the Board of Directors of Community Bank Coast.

MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PRODUCER CELL 228-297-4674 • OFFICE 228-432-0097 • EMAIL TANYA@CABLEONE.NET

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We

pride ourselves with the statement “Not the biggest but the best!”

Gollott Lyons is a small boutique office that does it’s best to give personal, hometown service. We believe in giving all we have to help our clients through the process of buying or selling a home! We are very dedicated to the service we offer & do our best to make it a wonderful experience!

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This driving force explains our motto “INVESTMENTS IN INTEGRITY.”

Drop in our office or call one of us so we can show you how we operate!

952 Howard Avenue, Downtown Biloxi

Lydia Pickard, Judy Abide & Sarah Rider.

228-432-0097

www.gollottlyons.com

REALTOR®

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Congratulations WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT FINALIST

Stephanie Shaw 138

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CHRISTIE ELLZEY OWNER

Celebrating

BETH BAILEY OWNER

3 YEARS of Success!

HAIRCUTS • BLOWOUTS • WAXING • NAIL SERVICES • SPRAY TANNING COLOR SERVICES OMBRÉ & COLOR SERVICES BALAYAGE

4061 Suzanne Dr. | D’Iberville, MS 39530

228-354-8143

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Fall faster?

by Ryan Giles

I was having lunch with a friend several weeks ago when the topic of success came up. We discussed factors in a person’s life which can be predictors of success, and the concept of failing faster (which includes testing your theories, learning from your mistakes, and moving to the next idea) was near the top of our list. Other names by which you may know this concept are “Fail Better,” “Fail Forward,” and “Fail Fast, Fail Often.”

SHOULD YOU ALWAYS FAIL FAST? “Failing faster” shouldn’t be used in every situation.

The cost of each potential “fail” must be analyzed before you make the decision. If you and your spouse have a disagreement, you shouldn’t run to the courthouse for a divorce. If your new business is taking longer to get off the ground than you anticipated, you shouldn’t immediately throw in the towel. But if you’re trying to find the best marketing strategy for your product, failing faster is a good formula. If you’re trying to justify keeping that unproductive employee, failing faster works. Take the story of Thomas Edison as he worked to find the right filament for his early light bulb. After trying over 700 materials, which all failed, Edison finally found the solution to his problem. When he was later questioned about his 700 failures, he said “I have not failed 700 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 700 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.”

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IN THE BOARDROOM Over the past few years, while running my own business and while coaching other businesses, I’ve been a “student of the decision.” In many cases, I’ve seen leaders make up to 50 decisions every day.* The best leaders know that while some decisions require an extensive amount of thought and planning, many just require a decision. Sometimes even a wrong decision is better than no decision at all (actually, no decision is a decision).

One of my favorite sayings is “It’s hard to steer a parked car.” Do your homework, get input from your team, trust your gut, and make the call.

SHOULD YOU TRY TO FAIL? No. And if you’re asking this question, then you have the wrong idea about failing faster. Failing faster allows us to try new things, understand what worked and what didn’t, modify our approach, and try again. Don’t be so paralyzed by data analysis that you don’t make a decision (remember that no decision is a decision). If you don’t like the phrase “fail fast,” call it innovation, call it R&D, or like we do, create a “skunkworks” team dedicated to testing as many theories as possible.

FINAL TIP If you feel like you have to make too many decisions each day, I would suggest delegating non-critical decisions using a decision matrix. For more information on the decision matrix, go to www.ryangiles.com/videos.

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DR. IRENE AMOS CAUSEY WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT FINALIST 2016

EDUCATOR | ADMINISTRATOR | CONSULTANT RESEARCH-BASED STRATEGIES FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1015 PASS ROAD, SUITE E GULFPORT, MS 39501 (228) 617-9749 (228) 206-5884 WWW.CSIEDUCON.COM

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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We’re moving forward

and we’re bringing you with us.

Local has never reached so far. velocitythinkdigital.com sunherald.com

‘Most great leaders do something hard and lonely’

The city of Gulfport’s chief administrative officer recently spoke at the Leadership Gulf Coast Alumni Breakfast. This is an excerpt from his well-received speech.

by Dr. John Kelly

First and foremost, the exceptional leaders I have known all acknowledged God for who he is and put him at the center of everything in their lives. They acknowledge his goodness, greatness and invite him to be a part of every decision that they made.

If you don’t acknowledge him, I can promise you, you will find a way to mess it up.

GREAT LEADERS ARE COMMITTED TO MAKING ONE MORE CALL, WELL WHAT I’M REALLY TALKING ABOUT IS WORKING HARD The difference between successful individuals and the ones that are not so successful is often just inches. The lawyer who writes a few more briefs, the salesman who pushes himself to make one more call, the basketball player who practices a few more free throw, the copy writer who does one more draft, and the carpenter who nails one more board is going to be the best. There is absolutely no substitute for the hard work — just put your head down and do it.

THEY ARE A CREDIT MAKER, NOT A CREDIT TAKER Give the people who report to you 100 percent credit for the work that they do. Think about it this way: If

you have five people reporting to you and each gets 100 percent then you get 500 percent. That’s the way it really works. But I know many of you have worked for people where every successful project was theirs.

They always found a way to manage failures and setbacks. There will be failures. Individuals who have not had some failures probably have not had successes either. It is never about the fall but more about how quickly you are able to get back up and not let the failure define you.

GREAT LEADERS ARE SERVICE-ORIENTED Find a way to reinvest in your community. Early in my career, my youngest daughter Kristi’s teacher asked her: “Kristi, what does your daddy do?” and she replied, “He volunteers and goes to lots of dinners.”

Well the truth is, I did go to a lot of dinners and I have the profile to show that I did.

They never cease to believe in those around them; they practice humility.

MOST GREAT LEADERS DO SOMETHING HARD AND LONELY I try and do something individualistic two or three times a week. Do something that you do that few other people are willing to do. This will give you a sense of toughness. It will help you with self-confidence and more than anything, it will prepare you for the battles of the business world. It could be taking a long slow run in early mornings, splitting fire wood on a cold day or pulling weeds in your garden. This is solitary work that prepares you mentally and physically.

They take responsibility when things go wrong.

THEY DRESS FOR THE DANCE Dress for football, you play football. Dress for a dance, you dance.

The same is true for business: Dress for business and you do business. In some places and companies different dress codes reflect different cultures.

California and Floria have what is often referred to as business casual, but if you are not in these places, dress for business.

THEY HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR Great leaders never take themselves too seriously, and they know how to celebrate successes.

“There will be failures. Individuals who have not had some failures probably have not had successes either. It is never about the fall but more about how quickly you are able to get back up and not let the failure define you.”

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Congratulations WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT FINALIST

KELLE NUEMAN

(congratulations)

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT FINALIST

LANA MARTIN We Love You! — Your Friends and Family www.gcwmultimedia.com

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3 things you may not know about Ashlei: I’ve always had an outgoing personality but, working at the White House Hotel has opened my personality up more than ever. I meet so many people and get to enjoy, with them, the most happiest days of their lives. Engagements, weddings, baby PANTONE

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Ashlei Marie

Director of Sales and Marketing White House Hotel

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showers and even caught the occasional bouquet a few time. They are all so special and I’m lucky to have a job that allows me to be a part of those moments.

I love to travel, there is no better feeling than seeing sites that are far from my everyday surroundings. I have found myself wanting to go and see more in these past few years, more than ever.

I love where I’m from! I may love to travel but, Biloxi has been my home my entire life and I can’t imagine living and working anywhere else. I was fortunate to graduate from USM and find my

dream job at the WHITE HOUSE HOTEL. I get to do

what I love in a place where I love and that is true happiness!

Historical | Boutique Hotel | Venue 228.233.1230 1230 Beach Blvd. | Biloxi, MS 39530 www.whitehousebiloxi.com

Meet the staff of PANTONE

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NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS GULFPORT AND BILOXI! 11240 HWY 49, STE 300 GULFPORT, MS 39503 2541 PASS ROAD, STE A BILOXI, MS 39531

(228) 284-4342 From Left: Twyla Holley, Operator; Leanne Seeman, MA; Juliet Richards, FNPC; Shashilia Lee, MA; Darlene Purvis, ANPC; Amber Murphy, MA; Kim Cumberland, Office Coordinator; Kayla Riekhof, LPN

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At Primary Care Plus, it's all about YOU!

September-October 2016

Ingalls Shipbuilding salutes our fellow shipbuilder, Ingalls Shipbuilding salutes our fellow shipbuilder,

Julie Gresham, JulieandGresham, Senior Counsel Director of Compliance Senior Counsel and Director of Compliance HuntingtonIngalls.com HuntingtonIngalls.com

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Lockett • Williams R

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ecognizes the success of its female team members in providing great service to our clients. Because of their dedication, we continue to be one of Mississippi’s oldest and most respected funeral service providers.

S

Rep. Sonya Williams Barnes, left, with her team.

erving families with dignity and care for 65 years.

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September-October 2016

There are only so many tomorrows …

Plan Ahead

It’s important to understand the benefits of pre-planning. Call today to set up an appointment with a caring professional.

Traditional Services begin at $2,675 (including metal casket and cemetery set-up) and Direct Cremation begins at $1,195 (including urn).* *Some restrictions may apply. Offer subject to end without notice

Lockett • Williams MORTUARY, INCORPORATED

2018 31ST AVENUE GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI 39501 WWW.LOCKETTWILLIAMS.COM

228.863.7712

neighbors helping neighbors...

At the Chevron Pascagoula Refinery, our concern for the quality of life of our Gulf Coast neighbors extends far beyond the plant gates.

We believe that providing community support, both through personal involvement and financial assistance, is our responsibility as a good neighbor.

That's why we're so proud to congratulate Chevron Pascagoula Refinery Community Affairs Representative Amy Brandenstein, for her nomination as a Woman of Achievement.

www.refineryreports.com

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- SELLING. ITC AVANT GARDE GOTHIC

”

Opening DOOrs fOr YOu.

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SUCCESSFUL YEARS!

Sherry L. Owen, ABR, CRS, GRI, SFR Broker/Owner

Owen & Co., LLC Real Estate has been serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1945.

Let our broad knowledge and experience of the market help you meet your needs, whether buying or selling real estate.

Sherry L.Top Owen Lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table Consistent Producer Owen & Co. awards from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Association of Realtors, Inc. ReaL eState

2208 18th St. Suite D • Gulfport, MS OwenSherryL@aol.com • Phone : 228-822-9870 • Fax : 228-822-2818 Cell : 228-760-2815 (228) 822-9870•Office www.gcwmultimedia.com 151 (228) 822-2818 Fax (228) 760-2815 Cell

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We are a team of professional hairstylists dedicated to making you look as beautiful outside as you are inside!

CHRISTINA MOORE (owner/stylist) BONNIE COOPER (colorist/stylist) KATIE RAY (hair straightening/color/styling) 11280 East Taylor Rd., Suite E • Gulfport MS 39503

228-284-4539

www.schedulicity.com (book appointments) Honeycombsalonllc@gmail.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 5:30PM – 9:00PM

Dinner Buffet, Entertainment, Cash Bar & Silent Auction

Contact: Laura Payne, 228-432-0301 lpayne@thebackbaymission.org Sponsorships Available 152

September-October 2016

(Casual Dress)

Lighthouse Business Professional Women’s

2016 Woman of Achievement Nominee

EMILY BURKE PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER

A recognition well deserved!

SM

12958_IP_GulfCoastWoman_8.25x10.75_EmilyBurke.indd 1

Don’t Let The Game Get Out Of Hand.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-777-9696.

| IPBiloxi.com

8/15/16 4:38 PM

Adopt a Grandparent

SUCCESS

1,000 volunteers needed to visit the elderly

A communitywide Adopt A Grandparent Day has been set for Saturday, Sept. 10, and 1,000 volunteers are being sought to visit seniors in 30 nursing homes in South Mississippi.

Volunteers will set aside one hour at either 10 a.m. or 3 p.m. to visit the elderly in nursing homes and senior living facilities. The event is being expanded this year from the three Coast counties to include George, Stone and Pearl River counties.

This celebration of seniors and their contributions is set the day before the national holiday of the same name, said Lee and Kathy Rogers of Rogers Insurance and Marston Rogers Group. Lee and Kathy are founders of the event, which is in its third year.

“Let’s honor those who are often dishonored at a time in their lives when they should be appreciated the most,” said Lee Rogers.

Lee Rogers said it’s very important for everyone in the community to understand the need to visit the elderly, especially those residing in nursing homes. The National Center for Health Statistics says 50 percent of nursing home residents have no close relatives and 46 percent have no living children. Many seniors, particularly those in nursing homes, feel lonely and isolated. Rogers hopes that the one visit will spark a relationship and regular visits to the seniors met on Adopt A Grandparent Day.

SIGN UP

www.adoptagrandparentday.org.

Donations are being accepted on the website.

Adopt A Grandparent holds 501(3)c status.

To become a sponsor, contact Brenda Saucier at adoptagrandparentday@gmail.com or call (228) 206-5902. Sponsorship levels range from $100 to $1,200. Proceeds are used to promote the event and purchase gift items for seniors.

We LISTEN so you can HEAR. Hearing evaluations Hearing aid fittings Tinnitus treatment Hearing aid cleanings are free Serving the Coast since 1996 Locally owned Open five days a week

Ross Deavours, Au.D.

Doctor of Audiology

“Loss of hearing separates you from people.My greatest joy is improving the quality of my patients’ lives. It is extra special when my patients become my friends.They share their lives and family with me and I share mine.” ~ ROSS DEAVOURS, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

Better Hearing Center 2112 Bienville Blvd., Suite I Ocean Springs, MS

228.818.9555

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HEALTH

Stressed to the max!

by Myrna Beth Haskell

In my 30s, stress usually had to do with raising my children. Almost anything could bring it on. Did I cut the grapes small enough? Is it too pushy to request Mrs. Miller for the third grade? Is that cafeteria bully finally out of elementary school? I would fret if the bus was two minutes late, for goodness sake.

Nowadays, I’m still stressed out, but I’m not sure why. With my youngest off to college, I have more time to work, fix up the house, and even read for pleasure.

Imagine that! I also feel a special pride that I’ve raised my children to become successful young adults who are well-rounded, caring individuals. I should be enjoying this blissful stage. Besides, isn’t this the footloose and fancy-free part of life, when you finally have the time and money to do those things you’ve been dreaming about for ages? Shouldn’t I have time to not only smell the roses, but grow them? If so, why is that stressful feeling sneaking up on me at every turn?

I worry about my son commuting on the train. I worry about that weird throb I sometimes feel in my neck. I’m even stressed about my mom’s schedule. I mean, when is

she finally going to get to the doctor? Honestly, I’m always stressed out about something.

It is not uncommon for women to continue to feel stress throughout the midlife years. This is not a good scenario because stress wreaks havoc on your health.

TRIGGERS AND HEALTH RISKS

Even though many women are done with the enormous responsibility of raising children, and have settled into a comfortable “veteran status” at work, there are myriad triggers in midlife that can bring on occasional or chronic stress.

T.J. McCallum, Ph.D., a clinical geropsychologist and associate professor of psychology at Case Western Reserve University, says there are many things that can bring on stress during midlife. “Triggers can include changes in intimate relationship status, changes brought about by empty nest, adult children still living at home, changes in health status, or women in various careers can hit the ‘glass ceiling’ in mid-life.”

Another stressful situation in mid-life may be caring

Let us help you GET YOUR SMILE BACK! A healthier smile makes a healthier you!

We are committed to educating all patients on the importance of preventive dentistry.

Services offered include:

Tooth Color Bonded Restorations, Crowns, Bridges, Amalgam Restorations, Dentures, Partials, Teeth Whitening, Extractions and more

Kinyatta Bennett, D.M.D. General Dentist

Most Insurances Accepted • New Patients Welcome

Please call to schedule your appointment today: (228) 832-1000 13179 Three Rivers Road | Gulfport, MS 39503

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Why wait 2 weeks to be seen?

We see patients within 48 hours.

Schedule your Running Analysis

TODAY!

SPECIAL PROGRAMS • Running Analysis • Pre and Post-op Bariatric Program • ACL Injury Prevention Program for Middle School and High School Students • “Just Strollin’” Walking Club

SERVICES • Comprehensive evaluations to accurately determine the deficits and special needs of each patient.

• Modalities (heat, cold, ultrasound, assist in pain relief.

• Innovative approaches to exercise with the goal of restoring function.

• Rehabilitation programs for post surgical shoulders, elbows, knees, neck and back.

• Comprehensive Functional Capacities Evaluations, 2-day format.

• DSI trained with over 6000 FCE’s performed since 1989.

• Instruction in home exercise programs.

• Work injury rehabilitation programs.

• Manual therapy.

• Dry Needling.

• Spine & joint mobilization and manipulation.

Physical Therapy Center of Ocean Springs 900 Holcomb Blvd., Suite A Ocean Springs, MS

(228) 872-6821

NOW OPEN IN BILOXI

MAIN STREET2016 • 228-222-4485 156175September-October

STRESSED from page 155

SUCCESS

for elderly parents. In this case, it is important to seek help from other family members and to hire outside help to ease the burden. After all, you cannot care for your parents if you don’t look after your own health needs.

Keep in mind that stress is detrimental to both your mind and body, so understanding your triggers and getting stress levels under control is essential. McCallum warns, “There are almost always mental and physical health consequences caused by stressful lives. The difficulty is that many of the consequences are somewhat insidious and do not show the negative effects until years later.”

According to statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. One in every four female deaths is linked to heart disease, and chronic stress may affect factors that increase this risk.

According to an April 2016 article published by the Mayo Clinic titled “Stress Management,” “The longterm activation of the stress-response system — and the subsequent overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones — can disrupt almost all your body’s processes.

This puts you at increased risk of numerous health problems.”

In addition to heart disease, some problems include: Anxiety, depression, digestive problems, headaches, sleep problems, weight gain, memory and concentration impairment.

COPING

Women need to find coping mechanisms to handle stress.

McCallum advises, “The key is to create balance amidst the shifting sands of life. What worked at thirty or forty, may no longer work at fifty and beyond.” He advocates meeting regularly with family and close friends, developing an exercise regimen that suits your schedule and lifestyle and practicing meditation.

Other stress relievers: Long walks; soothing activities and hobbies, volunteering for causes close to your heart; positive self-talk; deep breathing exercises; say “no” to commitments and responsibilities that are no longer rewarding; improve sleep habits; and seek relationships that help you feel good about yourself (not the other way around).

Eat a healthy diet and consume foods known to reduce stress (i.e. foods that boost levels of serotonin, such as whole grain breads, and foods that cut levels of cortisol, such as black tea).

Haskell is an award-winning author, columnist, and feature writer.

Her work has appeared in national and regional publications across the U.S. as well as internationally (www.myrnahaskell.com).

She is also cofounder and senior editor of SANCTUARY Magazine (www.sanctuary-magazine.com).

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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SUCCESS

‘That day was very surreal for me’

by Elaine Stevens Heads turn when the effervescent blonde walks into advises others in the midst of a cancer crisis. “Don’t ask, a room at the Island View Casino. She lights it up with ‘Why me?’ Instead ask, ‘Why not me?’ Sometimes bad her smile, her confidence, and her joie de vivre. Kathy things have to happen in order to get us where we need to Santiago is the director of Player Relations and Business be in life.”

Development of the South Mississippi resort. She is also Still and all, keeping one’s spirits up through months a breast cancer survivor. No one would ever suspect this of medical procedures was a challenge. “The thought of consistently buoyant beauty has experienced any tragedy being around long enough to watch my child graduate in her life, but as they say, no one’s life is perfect. from college, have her own career, and eventually become Born and raised in Atlanta,, Kathy’s caring nature inia grandmother is what kept me going,” Kathy says. tially guided her to nursing Though Kathy appears today school. Her outgoing personto have lived a flawless existence, ality, however, eventually led she is more than willing to tell her her to a sales and marketing story. The day she discovered she career, working in both enterhad cancer coupled with the long tainment and motor sports. journey into the darkness of pain, In 1992, the Mississippi Gulf surgery, and loss has given her a Coast welcomed Kathy as she new outlook on life. “It has taught began her climb in the gamme about living and the things ing industry. that really matter,” says Kathy.

After Katrina in 2005, she “It’s important to give back in this spent a year of her casino life and pay it forward.” career in Tunica. Kathy says, Paying it forward is certain“I was coping with the afterly her credo. Kathy has been math of the storm and the instrumental in raising more than news of my longtime friend’s $1.6 million towards finding a diagnosis with breast cancer.” cure. After a full recovery Kathy Kathy Santiago, right, with Island View Casino guest Long overdue herself for a accepted the role of Executive Dicheck-up, Kathy went in for rector for the American Cancer a routine exam. More devasSociety’s Gulf Coast Division. “I tating news: Kathy, too, was diagnosed with breast cancer. was able to dedicate myself to the fulltime fight against “That day was very surreal for me. I felt as if I were having cancer by sharing my story, and more importantly, my an out of body experience.” recovery.”

Kathy’s cancer immediately became a family affair as Nine years later Kathy remains cancer free, but her she confided in her husband, Freddie, and daughter, Almission of inspiring others, providing hope, and urging lison. Together they confronted the life and death situaearly detection continues. “A simple mammogram saved tion. Never one to wait and see, Kathy chose surgery. On my life,” says Kathy.

September 19, 2007, she underwent a double mastectomy On August 18, Kathy was honored by the American to remove all cancer and to help eliminate the chances of Cancer Society at their annual stellar fundraising Sweets a future recurrence. and Champagne event for her abiding commitment to “Be active in your treatment, and stay positive,” Kathy find a cure.

September-October 2016

“We are dedicated to improving awareness of natural parenting on the Gulf Coast.”

Hallie Wald

rep, Owner

aden + anais Apparel Art & Creativity Babywearing Breastfeeding Tula Diaper Bags Cloth Diapers CottonBabies Gear Gifts Mealtime Swim & Sun Lillebaby

Maternal Instinct Boutique is natural parenting store located in Pascagoula, MS. Our aim is to bring natural parenting to the Gulf Coast. We offer a wide selection of baby carriers, cloth diapers, feeding and lifestyle products, and styles for both mom and baby. We run a non-profit education and outreach program called Moms in Black, and we are the local hosts of the nationally accredited cloth diaper bank “Share the Love.”

www.maternalinstinctboutique.com www.facebook.com/maternalinstinctboutique

@m_i_boutique

Family.

You’re cared for like

SERVICES

Personal Care, Homemaker /Companion, Hospital Accompaniment, Transport, Assistance with Bathing, Dressing and Grooming, Assistance with Walking and Mobility, Incontinence Care, and much, much, more.

SERVICE AREAS Hancock County Harrison County Jackson County Stone County

9259-B Woolmarket Road | Biloxi, MS 39532

Phone: 228-280-8231 | Fax: 228-967-7639 www.UpliftHC.com

Monday-Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm Saturday & Sunday: Closed On-Call: 24 Hours

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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n o i t n e Prev lives s a ve s

About one in eight women (approximately 12%) in the U.S. will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Although death rates SUCCESS have been decreasing since 1989, breast cancer is the second biggest reason for cancer-related deaths in American women, surpassed only by lung cancer. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness.

Prevention and early detection helps save lives, so you should understand the lifestyle factors that may affect your risk of breast cancer and what you can do to stay healthy.

RISK FACTORS Many of the most important risk factors for breast cancer are beyond your control. However, there are some risk factors you can control. There may be steps you can take to lower your risk of breast cancer, and your doctor can help you come up with a plan.

RISK FACTORS YOU CAN CONTROL Weight. Being overweight is associated with increased risk of breast cancer, especially for women after menopause.

Having more fat tissue means having higher estrogen levels, which can increase breast cancer risk.

Diet. Studies have yet to show for sure which types of foods increase risk. It’s a good idea to restrict sources of red meat and other animal fats, because they may contain hormones, other growth factors, antibiotics, and pesticides.

A low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables is generally recommended.

Exercise. Evidence is growing that exercise can reduce breast cancer risk. Try to engage in 45-60 minutes of physical exercise 5 or more days a week.

Alcohol consumption. Alcohol can limit your liver’s ability to control blood levels of the hormone estrogen, which in turn increases the risk of developing cancer.

Smoking.

RISK FACTORS YOU CAN’T CONTROL Gender. Being a woman is the most significant risk factor for developing breast cancer.

Age. Simply growing older is the second biggest risk factor for breast cancer.

History of breast cancer. If you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk of developing it again, either in the same breast or the other breast, is higher than if you never had the disease. If you have a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, sister) who has had breast cancer, or you have multiple relatives affected by breast or ovarian cancer (especially before they turned age 50), you could be at

GET INVOLVED

SUSAN G. KOMEN GULF COAST RACE FOR THE CURE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST

Sept. 24 Jones Park, Gulfport Race site opens at 6:30 a.m.

MAKING STRIDES OF THE MS GULF COAST

Oct. 22 Biloxi Town Green, Biloxi Registration: 7 a.m. Walk: 8:00 a.m.

September-October 2016

higher risk.

Race. White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer.

Radiation therapy to the chest. Having radiation therapy to the chest area as a child or young adult as treatment for another cancer significantly increases breast cancer risk.

Exposure to estrogen. Women who have had more menstrual cycles because they started menstruating early (before age 12) and/or went through menopause later (after age 55) have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. However, pregnancy and breastfeeding reduce the overall number of menstrual cycles in a woman’s lifetime, and this appears to reduce future breast cancer risk.

WARNING SIGNS In addition to being aware of the risk factors for breast cancer, women should be diligent in monitoring their own breast health. Here are some warning signs of breast cancer: • Lumps that feel harder or different from surrounding tissue in the breast or underarm area.

• Swelling, warmth or redness of the breast tissue.

• Changes in the size or shape of the breast tissue.

• Dimpling or puckering of the skin or nipple.

• Itchy or scaly sore or rash on the nipple.

• New pain in one area of the breast that will not go away.

• Nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing the nipple, occurs in only one breast, or is bloody or clear (not milky).

In addition to being aware of risk factors and looking for any of the warning signs of breast cancer, breast exams, mammograms and other screenings increase the chances of detecting breast cancer early, when it is most likely to be curable.

Information source: Susan G. Komen Foundation, American Cancer Society, and breastcancer.org

ADVOCATES FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS BRUNCH

Oct. 28 Westside Community Center, Gulfport 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m./ Donations only

CHA CHA FOR THE TA TA'S BREAST CANCER AWARENESS LINE DANCE A THON

Oct.6 Orange Grove Community Center, Gulfport 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.

Charlene Taylor • Karen Slater

Doctors of Audiology

YOUR LOCAL WELLNESS CENTER Norwood Village Shopping Center 12100 US 49, Suite 628 Gulfport, MS 39503

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Fall decor

by John D. Folding

Use burlap for texture in fall wreaths & garlands

Summer barely started and now its fall. As they say, time flies! We probably shouldn’t complain too much because autumn is the beginning of cooler temperatures and the promise of the holidays. As you pull out your fall decorations, it’s a good time to take an inventory of your Christmas decorations to make sure storage hasn’t been too hard on them. Taking care of this chore now will give you plenty of time to replace items deteriorated by time or pests.

Fall really is one of my favorite seasons. It just seems less artificial than the Christmas holidays and certainly is less fraught with all of the emotion and stress that seems to come with that time of year.

The transition from long days to cooler evenings calls for outdoor dinners and decorating with things easily available from the store or your own yard.

PULL OUT THE BURLAP

This is certainly the season for burlap, twigs and dried leaves and gourds. Grapevine wreaths and garlands make the perfect mechanic to add all kinds of fall related decorations. Because they are sturdy they will withstand just about any abuse from hot glue to floral wire.

My favorite look is an asymmetrical design that focuses your decorations in one portion of the wreath and shows off the natural beauty of the vine.

Additionally, if you don’t have that much actual floral product, concentrating it one area lends interest and intent to the overall design whereas spreading the product throughout the whole wreath makes the finished product look sparse and incomplete. Use wire or hot glue to attach pine cones, faux pumpkins, ribbon and other items.

IT’S NOT TOO EARLY FOR GARLAND

Of course, I also love an over-the-top look. My favorite fall decoration is a door or mantle that is fully draped with a nice thick garland decorated with twinkle lights, burlap ribbon for texture and has faux fall leaf garland intertwined throughout the design. I really like a looping ribbon without bows so the burlap flows from one end of the garland to the other.

It’s easy to create a fall centerpiece for your dining room table with things you buy at the grocery store.

Mini pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn and tamale wrappers arranged on a large platter or beautiful piece of fabric make a quick and inexpensive table center that you can use for most of the season. www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Photographs courtesy of American Factory Direct

Home trends

Creating rooms with color is easier than you think!

Color is a language that evokes a variety of emotions. Organic neutral tones and warmer grey shades provide tranquility and balance to your room design. If you need bolder shades for your living areas, Billie R. Comeaux, corporate designer with American Factory Direct Furniture Outlets Inc., in Long Beach has a rainbow of ideas for you: Add a ray of sunlight by using metallic accents, whether a lamp or a throw with a metallic thread throughout. Using textural elements such as linen, accessories and mixed woods provide subtle tonal variations. Adding a vibrant contrast of fuschia, red-orange, and teal are fun and dramatic. It also adds energy to your style.

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September-October 2016

Here are other easy ways to add color to your room:

• Vibrant pillows and throws • Accessories with a shiny or matte finish • Oil paintings with vivid tones • Covering or painting books with bold complimentary tones • Rugs with a colorful pattern or border • Paint an old picture or mirror frame with a dramatic contrast of color.

• Revive a dated accent table by painting it in a shade that compliments your decor.

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Sharli Gooche Owner 1801 Government Street, Suite B (next to Broome’s Grocery) 165 (228) 239-9077 | Email: marketreneaux@gmail.com | www.gcwmultimedia.com marketreneaux.com

Life’s lagniappes

by John D. Folding

SUCCESS

We are always looking for ways to make our lives a little easier. That’s why “how to” books and “life hack” videos are so popular — they lure you in with provocative captions and titles. Each issue, I give a few hints on how to make life a little easier — call it a “lagniappe.”

Cooking tips for non-chefs Technically a chef has people who help him or her make them look good by prepping ingredients in advance.

Unfortunately, most of us don’t have any help in this arena, so here are some tips to make your cooking experience actually enjoyable (OK, if you don’t like to cook, perhaps these tips will make the process less tasking).

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• •

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Before picking up a utensil, read the recipe at least twice … all the way through … you won’t regret it.

The most frustrating thing is that each cookbook or recipe is written slightly differently, so if you don’t read it all the way through, then you end up missing something like this: “and then marinate in the refrigerator for 3 days.”

Once you’ve read the recipe twice, read it again.

Now you’re ready to start slicing and dicing. As much as you may think that mise en place is a waste of time and only dirties more dishes, once you get in the habit, this process actually saves you time and will change your cooking life! Mise en place???? Yeah, that’s a fancy phrase for preparing all of your ingredients before you start the recipe. Each individual item goes into a separate dish so it’s on hand as you cook. Why is this important? Imagine making a roux for gumbo.

You can’t stop to cut your celery, onion and green pepper after you’ve started your because it will burn.

September-October 2016

The best way to test meat for doneness is to have an instant read thermometer on hand. But if you happen to be out in the wilderness camping and there isn’t one handy, use your hand! Using your thumb, the pad of your thumb and each finger gives you a good feel for the doneness of just about any protein (fish usually excluded).

•

•

Hold your hand open and place the tip of your forefinger to the tip of your thumb. Use your other forefinger and press your thumb pad. This lets you feel what rare should feel like when you gently press your meat.

Do this with each of your fingers (middle to thumb, ring to thumb, pinky to thumb) and you’ll see that the muscle in your thumb pad, gradually gets a little less squishy. So if you are going for medium, this will be what your middle or ring finger feels like, and if you want to burn the moo out of your steak, your pinky will be your guide.

Got questions? Connect with Folding at : johnfolding245@cableone.net or (228) 243-3271.

He is the owner of John D. Folding & Associates (an event and interior design firm) and is the editor of Gulf Coast Weddings magazine.

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Fall gardening

es, s.

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by Mississippi Extension Service Fall gardening is the way to have fresh vegetables right into winter. Many fall gardens are carried over from summer gardens. Tomato plants, okra, peppers, and eggplant, if cared for during the summer, continue to produce until cold slows them down and frost kills them.

rd,

KEEP SUMMER GARDEN GOING To keep these vegetables producing, control insects and diseases, keep the plants watered and fertilized, and don’t let the garden grow up in grass and weeds. A good fall garden, however, is not just keeping the summer garden alive. It means planting new vegetables to produce in fall and early winter.

COOL-WEATHER VEGGIES Many cool-weather vegetables normally planted in spring grow and produce better in the fall, since they mature as the weather cools. When wet weather causes a delay in planting early spring vegetables (past a time when they can be expected to mature before hot weather destroys them), a fall garden provides a second opportunity. Chinese cabbage (very sensitive to heat) and rutabagas (require a long period of cool weather) are two cool-weather vegetables recommended for planting only in the fall.

Warm-season vegetables planted in midsummer for fall harvest require additional time to mature as the weather cools in September and October. Choose planting dates in midsummer that allow these vegetables to mature before frost.

The median dates of the first freezes (temperatures equal to or lower than 32 ºF) in the fall is Nov. 13-Dec. 2 for the lower Coast counties.

PROTECT YOUNG PLANTS The hot, dry weather in July, August, and September is hard on germinating seeds and young seedlings.

Germination and seedling survival is improved if one of

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these methods is used: Water a day or two before planting so seeds are planted in moist soil. Watering after planting can cause the soil surface to pack and crust.

Plant seeds in moist soil and cover with moistened, non-crusting materials: a mix of peat moss and vermiculite or composted sawdust and sand. Keep the surface moist during germination and seedling establishment.

Plant three to five seeds of the small-seeded vegetables like broccoli and cabbage at the recommended final plant spacing in the garden row. Once the seedlings are established, thin the seedlings to one plant at each location.

Start with transplants Start vegetable transplants for the fall garden in individual containers, such as peat pots, small clay or plastic pots, or peat pellets. Setting out plants without disturbing the root systems reduces transplant shock.

Protect young plants from the sun for a few days. You can use bare-root transplants from thinning the seedling row, but be prepared to provide water and shade until they become established.

Fall vegetables need fertilizer just as much as spring and summer vegetables. Don’t count on the fertilizer applied in spring to supply fertilizer needs of vegetables planted in late summer and fall. Fertilize before planting and sidedress as needed.

As the danger of frost approaches, pay close attention to weather predictions. Tender plants often can be protected from an early frost and continue to produce for several weeks. When a killing frost is inevitable, harvest tender vegetables.

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Cooking Classes • Full-Service Catering Private Parties Chef Danie, Executive Chef/Owner City Line Cafe - Gulfport • LUNCH - Biloxi Culinary Arts Director | Chef Danie Cooks Private Culinary Classes 837 Vieux Marche • Biloxi, Ms 39530 chefdaniecooks@yahoo.com 228-282-4416

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It’s a Dawg’s World The Dawg House is a fun and upscale daycare, boarding, and grooming facility. We provide your dog to come and socialize decoracabinets.com with others their size and temperament.

They will love to run around in our playrooms and playgrounds. We also have kenneling for when you go out of town. Overnight stay also includes Daycare, so they won’t be stuck around doing nothing all day.

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DOG DAY CARE PRICING One dog: 1 day .................. $22 Two dogs: 1 day ................. $37

Three dogs: 1 day .............. $48 Half day: ........................ $16

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OVERNIGHT BOARDING PRICES Day Camp included in all overnight stays.

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1023 E Pass Rd. | Gulfport, MS 39507 | 228-206-8596 Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 6 p.m.-7 p.m. (for pick ups)

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Festival season is here!

On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we are all about festivals, especially when the fall season rolls around. Cool weather sets the tone for coast wide gatherings to check out a gamut of arts and crafts, tasty food vendors, great music, and more. Just about every weekend from September through November, you can find something to do in city hotspots along the Coast.

35TH ANNUAL BILOXI SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Sept 10-11 Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Point Cadet Plaza, Biloxi (228) 604-0014 $5 at the gate or $15 all access wristbands 7TH ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI SONGWRITERS’ FESTIVAL Sept. 15-18 Check website for festival schedule Downtown Ocean Springs (228) 217-0155 or (228) 826-9457 Free admission www.mssongwritersfestival.com 32ND ANNUAL DIAMONDHEAD ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR Sept. 17-18 Saturday; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Diamondhead Country Club Free admission 5TH ANNUAL DIAMONDHEAD HUMMERFEST Sept. 17 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

2356 Airport Drive, Diamondhead (228) 380-7795 Free admission; $5 donation suggested 10TH ANNUAL FEAST OF FLAVORS Sept. 17 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

L&N Depot Plaza, Ocean Springs (228) 875-4424 Free September-October 2016 172admission

3RD ANNUAL GULFPORT ANCHOR FEST Sept. 24-25 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily Jones Park and Gulfport Marina (228) 868-3414 Free admission anchorfestgulfport.com 40TH ANNUAL HOLY FAMILY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Sept. 30-Oct. 2 Friday, 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

140 East Beach Drive, Pass Christian Free admission www.holyfamilyseafoodfestival. com 26TH ANNUAL GAUTIER MULLET & MUSIC FESTIVAL Oct 8-9 Saturday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Downtown Gautier (228) 215-0828 Free admission www.gautiermulletfest.org FEAR FETE HORROR COM & FILM FESTIVAL Oct. 14-16 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily MS Coast Convention Center, Biloxi Visit website for ticket info www.fearfete.com

4TH ANNUAL SUCCESS FROG FEST Oct. 15 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Success Community Center, Saucier (228) 832-8874 Free admission; $5 armband for activities www.facebook.com/ successfrogfest GULF COAST LITERARY FESTIVAL Oct. 22 Noon-4 p.m.

Biloxi Civic Center 38TH ANNUAL PETER ANDERSON ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL Nov. 5-6 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily Downtown Ocean Springs (228) 875-4424 Free admission; $2 donation suggested www.peterandersonfestival.com CELTIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL Nov. 12-13 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily Beauvoir, Biloxi (228) 388-4400, ext. 217 $12.50 adults; $10 seniors, military; $7.50 children; 2-day pass $20 for adults; 2- day pass $10 for children

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date

OTHER EVENTS

OUR LOVE AFFAIR WITH BASKETBALL Through Nov. 4 Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art; Biloxi Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Price: $10 adults; $5 students 6-17 and college with ID; free for children 5 and younger; discounts for senior, AARP, AAA and military HUNGER AWARENESS IN OUR COMMUNITY Through Dec. 30 Gulf Coast Community Design Studio, Biloxi 8 a.m.-9 a.m.; no cost For more information phone (228) 436-4661 or visit http:// feedingthegulfcoast.org HOMETOWN TEAMS: HOW SPORTS SHAPE AMERICA Through Sept. 24 Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Gulfport Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.

Smithsonian Museum traveling exhibit; call for more information (228) 897-6039 BIKE THE BEACH 2016 Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs Sept. 2 – Sept. 5 Bike the Beach is an event celebrating bikers and fans of everything on 2 (or 3) wheels.

Kick-off party, Sept. 2, - 6-10 p.m., The Dock Bar & Grill 13247 Seaway Road, Gulfport.

(228) 273-5419

CRUISIN’ THE COAST

The countdown has begun for the 20th Cruisin’ the Coast, set for Oct. 2-9. Known as “America’s largest block party,” it will feature cruise-ins, headline bands, oldies entertainment, a swap meet, the CTC/Vicari Auto Auction.

Car enthusiasts from 41 states plus Canada and Sweden drive to the Coast once a year to showcase their rides and to cruise the 30-mile stretch of beachside highway with designated stops in Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, D’Iberville, Gulfport, Pass Christian and Ocean Springs. Each venue is set up as a mini-festival with a stage for live bands, reserved parking for registered cruisers, spectator parking, and vendors for food and event merchandise.

13TH ANNUAL ATV MUDFEST Sept. 2 – Sept.

5 Muddy Joe’s, More info is available at cruisinthecoast.com.

1260 Road 326, Kiln, MS 39556 (228) 255(228) 324-0032 7600 MERMAIDS ARTS & CRAFTS Price: 4 day Pass ( Fri, Sat, Sun, SHOW Mon) - $60, 3 day Pass ( Sat, Sun, Sept. 17-18 Mon) - $50, 2 day Pass (Sun, Mon) Historic Train Depot, Bay St. Louis - $20, Saturday Concert Pass Saturday 9 a.m-5 p.m.; Sunday $35 (Valid after 7 p.m.)

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Handmade jewelry, ceramics, and MOBILE KENNEL DOG SHOW woodwork; for more information Sept. 2-3 visit Mississippi Coast Convention http://thedreweofnereids.wix.com/ Center, Biloxi mermaidmarketplace 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

No cost for show, however expect PIRATES IN THE PASS to pay for Convention Center Pass Christian Harbor, 720 W. parking North St, Pass Christian Sept. 24 NATURAL RESPONSES IN Car Show and festival featuring MIXED MEDIA food, arts & craft vendors, music Sept. 3-4 by “The Starz,” 50/50 raffle, silent WAMA Art Cottage, Ocean auction, bake sale.

Springs (228) 493-9389 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

9 a.m.-2 p.m. $125 members, $135 nonmembers; all materials and 2ND ANNUAL SUCCESS supplies are provided.

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE (228) 872-3164 IP Casino Resort Spa Oct. 28, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

34TH ANNUAL CHEFS OF THE Featuring “Shark Tank” survivor COAST Kim Nelson, author Kinda Hall and MS Coast Coliseum & Convention a dozen other dynamic speakers; Center expo, Women of Achievement Sept. 8 Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m Awards Luncheon.

Food and wine exp.osition Tickets: $49 featuring the Coast’s elite chefs SuccessConference.info and restaurants.

(228) 539-2422 General admission: $75/VIP $90

FOOD

SUCCESS

Brackish: Ecletic & elegant Seafood restaurant overlooks harbor

by Chris Dearman

With magnificent views and food to match, Brackish Seafood Restaurant is quickly becoming one of the Gulf Coast’s premier seafood restaurants.

Owners Joey and Kimmy Homrighausen, along with her brother Chef David Dickensauge and his wife Khrysta, recently took over what used to be the Oyster Reef Club in the Long Beach Harbor. They have transformed the décor and created a unique menu compromised of eclectic and elegant cuisine.

Once you arrive go around to the harbor side, and take the elevator up to the main dining area.

There you’ll find a now brighter, more marinalike feel to go along with the stunning view of the harbor and the breathtaking scenery of the Mississippi Sound.

There is even a high-power telescope situated in the lobby that can be used for distant viewing.

While the amazing views, courtesy of the building’s 198 windows, are definitely a sight to behold, the primary reason to visit the Brackish Seafood Restaurant is for their mouth-watering cuisine.

Featuring the same New American style of using organic and farm-raised products that their other restaurant, the popular Corks and Cleaver in Gulfport, has been using to make a name for themselves, Brackish has a different focus.

“This is full seafood,” Joey Homrighausen says of the

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same style but completely different menu than Corks and Cleavers. “We’ll always have a pork option, a beef option, and a chicken option as well, but it’s certainly seafood heavy with a focus on traditional Southern fresh seafood.”

The menu features local seafood, as well as seafood from across the globe, with an emphasis on fish that can be cooked to your liking; seared, roasted, or fried. After choosing how you want it prepared, pick two sides and a sauce from one of three regions, Southern, Asian, or Mediterranean.

“There are probably ten to twelve different sides and eight different sauces,” Homrighausen explains about building your own plate. “You can come eat here for the next ten years and not eat the same dish twice.”

The one thing you will get each visit to Brackish is a complementary bite-sized hors d’oeuvre called an amusebouche. Served on a small fork sandwiched between a cracker and cucumber slice, the house-made tuna dip is prepared fresh daily and is the perfect way to start your meal.

Chef David, a Gulfport native who got his start in New Orleans working at Commander’s Palace under James Beard Award-winner Jamie Shannon, has created a menu that incorporates many of his wide range of influences.

After stops at highly acclaimed restaurants in Miami, Chicago, and New York, he returned to the Deep South, bringing these fine lessons of cuisine back to his home state.

“A little bit of Mississippi and a little bit of Louisana put together.”

— Cher David Dickensauge

September-October 2016

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One of the dishes he brings is his Creole Style Gumbo, served over buttery Creole rice, topped with a fried oyster, and served with a side of hot mustard potato salad.

“A little bit of Mississippi and a little bit of Louisiana put together,” Dickensauge says of his creation with a smile. “My food is rather eclectic, but it’s really good.”

I found this out firsthand when I tried the seared Barramundi, a Pacific sea bass. Served with corn maque choux, Creole jambalaya, covered with a crawfish étouffée sauce, all on top of a pepperoncini Piquillo pepper purée, the dish was bursting with flavor, each bite highlighting something different.

On the west side of the restaurant you will find the bar, highlighted with a custom countertop embedded with oyster shells. Award-wining mixologist Chris Collins told me that Brackish squeezes all their juices and makes all the mixes in house, using only fresh organic ingredients.

The Long Beach Refresher, a refreshing blend of muddled cucumber, basil, and house-made Agave citrus mix, shaken and strained with Bombay Sapphire and St German Elderflower liquor is especially tasty. Another favorite is the Pepperberry Balsamic Splash. Strawberries and a balsamic glaze are muddled with two ounces of Buffalo Chase bourbon, a little fresh black pepper, and a delicious strawberry and bourbon peppercorn syrup.

Brackish Seafood Restaurant, named for the combination of fresh and salt water as found in the Gulf, is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, and Sundays for brunch. The bar has a Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm, and

A RUSTIC FUSION OF MEDITERRANEAN & SPANISH CUISINE WITH A SOUTHERN FLARE.

BRACKISH SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 217 E Beach Blvd.

Long Beach (228) 918-9229 www.brackishseafood.com

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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SUCCESS

Food swap saves families time and money in the kitchen

Mandy Lacy, second from the left, and three friends participate in the Food Swap.

As an assistant principal at a local elementary school, full-time wife and mom, Mandy Lacy discovered that her time is a valuable commodity. Three years ago, she and three of her closest friends, who combined have 14 children and full-time jobs, began a family meal program called Food Swap. Mandy, one of the originators, explains: “Once a week, each of us selects a meal to cook for the four families--22 people total. We make one type of dish, but we prepare four of them. We gather together in an empty school parking lot each Sunday evening to briefly catch up and swap meals. When we leave each other, we have four different meals to feed our families for that week.”

Food Swap provides each of the women freedom to devote more time to their families in the evenings and to depend less, if at all, on fast food since many evenings are

consumed with extra-curricular activities. Mandy says, “It has been a relief to know the dreaded, ‘What’s for dinner?’ question has already been answered for us!”

Food swap also saves money and time as the women aren’t shopping for a variety of different meals. They pick one recipe and multiply it by four. “It’s not always easy to find recipes that each family will approve of, given one child has a peanut allergy and a husband doesn’t eat anything green,” Maggie admits. “We have all learned to adjust to checking labels and providing alternate veggies.”

Mandy says the four husbands really enjoy the fact that their wives aren’t in the kitchen all night cooking and cleaning, thus sharing more family time.

“I can speak for all of us when I say Food Swap has been a life saver for us as young, working moms.”

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Mandy Lacy 228-669-5229

mandylacy10@gmail.com

176

July-August 2016

Best karaoke venue Best pizza best bar best live music BUY ANY APPETIZER GET A 2ND APPETIZER 1/ 1/2 OFF

Tina Bishop, Owner

(228) 435-5822

228-392-4549

16205 Lemoyne Blvd. Biloxi,, MS 39532 Tues-Fri 8:30am-6pm - Sat 9am-3pm

DOWNTOWN BILOXI | 709 HOWARD AVE. BILOXI, MS WWW.

ZEPPELINSBILOXI .COM

SUCCESS

Prepping You For A Healthier Lifestyle We are a Clean Eating Prepared Meal Service here in the Biloxi/Gulfport & Surrounding Areas!

We pride ourselves on providing the freshest local organic foods! Our meals are fresh and healthy!

You could get a box in the mail, but who wants to cook after a long day! We take care of Shopping, Cooking & Delivery!

Mon-Fri 7am-5:00pm • Sat 10am-2pm

Biloxi’s Premier Christian Preschool since 1956

Bible-based Christian Curriculum Art • Music • Daily Computer Lessons Low child-teacher ratio • Open-door policy State licensed for PreK3 & PreK4 Experienced, educated, caring staff Daily Bible Lesson • Weekly Chapel Service

Please visit our website at:

REGISTERING NOW FOR 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR

www.weeklymealsprep.com

Pass Road • Biloxi, MS Good Shepherd 2004 228-388-4720 or 228-239-8370

Lutheran Preschool

Hours: M-F 8am-11:30am Lunch Bunch: Tues & Thur 11:30-2

www.goodshepherdlutheranpreschool.com

Bring in this ad to waive registration fee

Email to: food@weeklymealsprep.com Call Us: 228/265-8880

Tuition includes computer lab fees, daily snack, and educational resource material

MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE!

Benefiting Warriors for Willow VFW - 289 Veterans Ave. - Biloxi, MS September 17, 2016 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Alabama vs. Ole Miss Game On ALL Screens at 2:30

Show Time 11-2. Awards at 2pm

All cars and bikes are welcome.

$20 Arm Band Donations Include Lunch at VFW

MM EINGM OHV ETR SY Need an affordable mover?

Packing materials or services?

Loading and unloading assistance?

All Proceeds Go To

Great Drink Prices at the VFW Bar. Tom Cannon, Willow’s father is US Navy (ret.)

Gulf War Veteran Come Out and Support this Great Family.

For more info contact 251-550-4106 or 228-326-2375

www.WarriorsForWillow.com September-October 2016 www.facebook.com/warriorsforwillow

Call Mighty Men Movers for rates on your home or office relocations.

228.297.5676

James D. Wilson, owner/operator

GULF COAST MOBILE MASSAGE SPA, LLC

We come to you!

Gulf Coast Mobile Massage Spa brings the spa experience to your home, hotel, bachelorette party, bridal party, corporate events and wellness spa parties.

Custom Massages Firming Mud Wrap & Mask Skinny Wrap Sugar & Salt Scrubs Purple Tiger & Vistalife* Weight Loss Supplements

Custom spa services in the privacy of your home or in our brand new spa facility

AFFORDABLE • CONVENIENT • CUSTOM FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL

228.760.0176

2600 Beach Blvd., Suite 6, Biloxi, MS www.gulfcoastmobilemassagespa.weebly.com www.gcwmultimedia.com Powered by Purple Tiger Energy* 179

Smile Gulf CoaSt

SUCCESS

Implant, Cosmetic & General Dentistry

At Smile Gulf Coast, we pride ourselves on caring for your physical and emotional well-being in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

In our practice, you will receive advanced and comprehensive dental care in total comfort.

L. “Randy” Buntyn, D.M.D.

1203 Government Street • Ocean Springs, MS 39564

228.875.3343 email: SmileTeam@SmileGulfCoast.com www.SmileGulfCoast.com 2016 180 September-October