W2W Magazine Spring 2022

A Program of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

W 2 MEN2WOMEN themagazine spring2022

WOMEN2KNOW

Albright All-Stars Lead the Way pg. 21

Women 2 Women: Conference & Expo Back in Person pg. 13

Back to School: You Are Worth the Investment pg. 19

Queen, It's Time to Ascend your Throne! pg. 30

GREAT SCOTT!

5

Top reasons to attend the Annual Dinner.

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Celebrating Business: The newly branded Business Excellence Awards is GRCA’s way of saying “Berks Businesses are the best!” and celebrating their work. We are excited to announce that the awards are now more inclusive to additional businesses. Companies, which are not headquartered in Berks County, but that can demonstrate at least 50% of its annual revenue is generated from Berks County also were eligible to apply. Many of our member businesses, which are not headquartered in Berks County, invest significantly into our local economy and deserve to be recognized. We encourage you to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of these businesses.

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Scott Hamilton: The evening’s keynote speaker is a best-selling author, four-time cancer survivor, television broadcaster and motivational speaker. As a champion and survivor, he is a constant reminder that anything is possible with faith, fortitude and determination.

Pursuing excellence in his career and life, Hamilton believes it’s never too late to chase greatness. Attendees will be inspired by his mindset to reject average and finish first in all aspects of their lives.

 Wednesday, May 11  5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  Santander Arena Visit:

TINYURL.COM/DINNER-2022

for tickets & info

GRCA Members: $165

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Not-yet Members: A Night Out: And a fancy one at that!

Take this evening to dress a little $185 nicer and enjoy your time with other professional contacts and friends. This year we are back at the Santander Arena, with ample networking space, a delicious meal and lots of exciting energy. At this time, masks will not be required for attendees, however, GRCA will monitor CDC recommendations closer to the time of the event.

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TITLE SPONSORS

Networking: When was the last time you attended an in-person event with an agenda for yourself? This is THE event of the year to rub elbows and make new connections. Not interested in networking with new people? It’s okay, you can ease back by just enjoying the night with your colleagues!

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Inspiration: If Scott Hamilton is one thing, it is inspirational. From back flipping to gold to writing a book for children, to donating much of his time to give back to communities as a cancer survivor, you will leave The Dinner feeling invigorated to make a positive change for yourself and others. And isn’t that just what the world needs right now?

2 GROW CONNECT LEAD

Spring2022

Contents

Rachael Romig, Editor 606 Court Street • Reading, PA 19601 berkswomen2women.com • 610.376.6766

Women2Women Council:

Alison Snyder, Chairwoman Rosa Arroyo, Kelly Beaver, Alyssa Conahan, Michelle Conway, Heather Evans, Carissa Johnson, Katie Johnsen, Mary Ann Moffitt, Sarah McDaniel Tracy Parmer, Donna Reed, Regina Rinehimer, Rachael Romig, Brenda Rosado, Adelle Schade, Trish Shermot, Emma Rose Strohl Women2Women is Greater Reading Chamber Alliance’s catalyst for developing women leaders and connecting women from diverse backgrounds to learn, share ideas, and mentor each other. W2W offers a forum for women to create connections, gain knowledge, and build strategic alliances to foster their personal potential and career advancement. Joining the network is open to all who support women and Women2Women Magazine is a publication of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance.

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Features 07 Meet the W2Writers!

08 Trending: Servant Leadership A W2W Conference Keynote Speaker PREVIEW: 10 The Unstoppable Molly Arbogast

To join: W2W@greaterreading.org Stay connected: BerksWomen2Women.com BerksWomen2Women

berks_w2w

Berks Women2Women SPONSORS Title Investors

Penn State Health St. Joseph UGI Energy Services, LLC UGI Utilities, Inc. Wells Fargo

Platinum Investors

Alvernia University East Penn Manufacturing Company, Inc. First National Bank Penske Truck Leasing

Gold Investors

Berks Community Television Berks County Living Capital Blue Cross Customers Bank Ethosource Fulton Bank Herbein + Company, Inc. Highmark Blue Shield Masano Bradley Palo Magazine RKL LLP Tompkins VIST Bank

Women In Business

Berks Encore, GAGE Personnel Iron Roots Salon MJ Reider Associates Sweet Street VA Productions

De Mujer a Mujer HGSK Lawyers

The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

12 Ty Muse: Servant Leadership & Working to Advance Everyone 13 Women 2 Women — The Conferecne & Expo 14 Breakout Workships 15 Keynote Speakers

W2W 2022 Upcoming Event Schedule 24 April-June Events 27 Program Speaker Profiles

Health2Wellness 30 Queen, It’s Time to Ascend Your Throne!

31 Dealing With Difficult People and Situations: It Starts with You 32 Recognizing Depression and Anxiety in Teens 40 Golf: Playing the Long Game

17 Our Sponsors 18 The Great Pretender: A Personal Perspective on Imposter Syndrome 19 Back to School: You Are Worth the Investment

Women2Know 21 Albright Science Stars:

Jacquelyn S. Fetrow, Ph.D. Karen A. Campbell, Ph.D. Adelle L. Schade, MS, M.Ed.

In Every Issue 02 GRCA: The Dinner 05

eflections R & Inspiration

29 Community Call Out 34 Ladies Around Town 42 Asked & Answered 44 You Can Do It

Cover Photo by Wayne Becker, Dave Zerbe Photography, davezerbestudio.net © 2022 All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced electronically or in print without the expressed written permission of the publisher.

Women2Women Magazine is published quarterly by Hoffmann Publishing Group, Inc. • Reading, PA HoffmannPublishing.com • 610.685.0914

FOR ADVERTISING INFO CONTACT: 610.685.0914 x1 SEE PAST ISSUES AT W2W.HoffmannPublishing.com SPREAD THE WORD #W2WMag

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Reflections

B

eing pushed out of your comfort zone is necessary. This is how you grow… it’s how you make mistakes. And if you aren’t making mistakes you aren’t learning. You might have noticed over the past four years that I have been the magazine editor, then not, then came back, and now I turn it over to someone new (who rightfully deserves it). I am not naturally a magazine editor, but darn if I haven’t been trying my best.

I’ve had great successes and I’ve made mistakes, but you bet I learned from those mistakes. And today I’m not as nervous to be called an “editor.”

I’d like to introduce a wizard with words, a woman who inspires me daily and a woman who I never knew loved to write until over a random lunch one day when she handed me a tailored business card that expressed her passion for writing (note to self – make some of these). That card sat on my desk for more than a year because I was so impressed by her, and funny how the universe helps you when you need it. I’d like to introduce you to Kirsten Haas. She is not only the Executive Director of Girls on the Run of Berks County (a nonprofit close to my heart), but she is also a past coworker, a partner in silliness and someone who is always honest with me and keeps me true to myself. I’m so proud to have her as the new Managing Editor of this magazine.

This edition of the magazine is so, so full of smiles, excitement and laughter, and a pull back into a normalcy I know I have been missing.

Please enjoy it and please, please join us at an upcoming event. We are here for you. We are a safe space for you to learn and educate others. And above all, we want nothing but to support each other. See you soon.

Cheers to the future of us all,

Rachael Romig Senior Director - Events & Special Programs Women2Women | Family Business Alliance Editor-in-Chief, W2W Magazine

Inspiration

I recently attended a workshop led by Jen Croneberger, a past W2W Conference speaker, and someone who I now call my friend. She is a 4-time TEDx speaker and the Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of JLynne Consulting Group, LLC and The HUMAN Leadership Institute. But what she is most to me is a compassionate leadership/culture change consultant. She recently said in so many words…

Belonging is a basic human need, and “fitting in” and “belonging” are opposites. You shouldn’t have to “fit in” to feel like you belong. You should show up and know that you belong just the way you are. Every day we must find ways to be more inclusive.

Here is a change you can make now – when you’re standing in a circle talking, open up that circle into a horseshoe – this way there is always room for someone else.

I have a lump in my throat writing that because it is so true, and something I will never, ever forget. Thank you Jen, from the bottom of my heart, for all you do to make the world a better place.

Continued on page 6

berkswomen2women.com 5

Reflections

A

s I started writing this piece, for giggles I checked my calendar to see what was I up to on March 8, 2020. Nothing in particular jumped out at me but I did realize that within two weeks of that date, life changed forever. I think we all know what happened. Yet, here we are two years later, the pandemic receding (thankfully!) and Spring on the way.

It is on this optimistic note that I begin my journey as the new Managing Editor of W2W Magazine. I am so excited for this opportunity and doubly so with this issue! Between these pages you will find teasers for the upcoming W2W Conference + Expo on April 20 to be held…IN-PERSON! The topics range from servant leadership to getting out of one’s own way to Imposter Syndrome and more. We learn about what it means to deal with difficult people and how to activate our Queen Energy. We also talk about the value of adult education as well as the benefits of getting out on the golf course…you know what they say about all work and no play! Plus, we have the Women2Know, some insight into what makes our writers tick and information on the wonderful ways we, women, can lift up our community.

Thank you for joining W2W Magazine as we move forward on our mission to educate, entertain, inform and INSPIRE! Kirsten P. Haas Executive Director, Girls on the Run Berks County Managing Editor, W2W Magazine

Speaking of inspiration,

I’d be remiss if I did not acknowledge a person who has inspired me since the day we met almost four years ago: Rachael Romig. Each person in my sphere teaches me something and brings a unique perspective to the party.

When I put out into the universe (out loud, in front of witnesses) my goal of writing (a life-long, somewhat delayed goal), she gave me the means to meet that goal and she held me to it, no excuses. Rachael challenges me to not merely think of what you want to do but well, do it! To all the women in our lives who push us to follow the undefined path, to pursue our dreams, THANK YOU!

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W W W. A P I S M G T. O R G /C A R E E R S 6 Women2Women | Spring 2022

Meet the W2Writers!

Each issue, we will highlight the writers who volunteer their time and talent to bring the W2W Community articles that educate, entertain, inform and inspire. We’ll also feature members of the W2W Editorial Committee who not only lend their writing talents to the magazine but also develop and direct the creation of each W2W Magazine issue.

In This Issue: ELLEN ALBRIGHT, Director of Strategic Partnerships with the Science Research Institute at Albright College, W2W Magazine Contributing Writer SARA FRASSINELLI, Digital Marketing & Social Media with Spherion Staffing, W2W Magazine Editorial Committee My name is Sara Frassinelli and I pretend to do it all.

I don’t actually do, but I’m trying! I’m a marketer, social media-ier, mother and many other things.

I was born and raised in Reading, but now live in Allentown with my husband and son, who are both named Phil. I am part of my family business, Spherion, which is a staffing agency. We have five locations in Pennsylvania. In my free time (what’s that now?), I love traveling, reading, listening to podcasts, trying new restaurants and watching garbage television.

KIRSTEN P. HAAS, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Berks County, W2W Magazine Managing Editor I’ve been writing since I could hold a crayon. My grade-school classics include Anne’s Horse and “The Devil and the Crack in the Sidewalk” and I am an award-winning poet and newspaper journalist. High school awards count! I am a native of Hawaii (not native in the ancestral sense, native in the “I was born there” sense); grew up in Stone Mountain, Georgia and have lived in Berks County since 1998. I love college football, specifically my alma mater, the 2021 National Champion Georgia Bulldogs (Go Dawgs! Sic ’em!) and also enjoy JEOPARDY! (not just because I was on it!), reading, running (sort of ), writing and vodka martinis.

KELLY HANCOCK, Freelance Writer, W2W Magazine Editorial Committee I’ve been writing articles for Women2Women Magazine for several years now and have learned so much from all of the fabulous women I’ve interviewed. They have inspired me in more ways than I can count. I am a former elementary school teacher. In addition to writing, I also enjoy tutoring, photography, watercolor painting and drawing. More recently, I’ve been drawing pet portraits. My husband, Mitch, and I were married on the date February 29th, which also happens to be my birthday, so we celebrate my birthday on the 28th and our anniversary on March 1st when the 29th is nowhere in sight. We have three sons, and while I’d like to freeze time, we are on the cusp of being empty-nesters.

TRACY HOFFMANN, W2W Magazine Publisher and Marketing Professional at Hoffmann Publishing Group I’ve always had an inquisitive nature, which may explain my appetite for travel, current events and exploring new things. Who, what, when, where, why and how have been friends of mine in nearly every pursuit. Seems like writing, marketing and publishing turned out to be a perfect mix leading to a fulfilling work/life balance. I am honored to have the opportunity to share so many stories highlighting such diverse people, communities and industries that impact our daily lives.

KATIE JOHNSEN, Event Coordinator with the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, W2W Magazine Editorial Committee I am a self-proclaimed nerd. When I’m not cuddling with my 127 lbs Cane Corso – named Mouse for obvious reasons – I spend my weekends coordinating weddings and playing roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons. An avid consumer of sci-fi and fantasy media, I am ready with a recommendation to your next favorite fictional series, or a long chat about whatever you’re currently streaming.

RACHAEL ROMIG, Senior Director of Events & Special Programs with the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, W2W Magazine Editor-in-Chief DAISY SHIRK, DO, DFAPA, DFAACAP Director Psychiatry Residency Program and Division Chief, Child and Adolescent Services, Psychiatry at Reading Hospital-Tower Health, W2W Magazine Contributing Writer The Wisdom Coalition, Co-Founders NANCY WERTEEN and KIM HOWIE, W2W Magazine Contributing Writers Nancy Werteen is an award-winning television news reporter and anchor with WFMZ TV-69 and Kim Howie is a Certified Health Coach, author and founder of Live Balanced for Life. Together, they are co-founders of The Wisdom Coalition which strvies to show people how to find more joy in every aspect of their lives.

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berkswomen2women.com 7

FEATURE

TRENDING:

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

T

he invasion of the coronavirus certainly brought angst and anxiety, but there are silver linings. Thanks to the upheaval of a global pandemic, there are a ton of new trends in the working world: Remote work, power being placed back into the hands of employees, flexible schedules, the Great Resignation, reprioritization of work goals – to name a few. All very interesting, but one of the most intriguing new (yet old) trends is servant leadership.

Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy in which the goal of the leader is to serve. This premise differs from traditional leadership where the leader’s main focus is the thriving of their company or organization.

Have you ever had a boss or manager who would jump in when things got crazy? Or regularly checked in with you to see if there was anything they could do to make your job easier?

You probably appreciated their willingness to pitch in. Their style of leadership has certainly been around for a while, but it has the trendy new title of servant leadership.

Basically, a servant leader has very high emotional intelligence and practices active listening, employs empathy and is committed to the growth of their team. A servant leader

8 Women2Women | Spring 2022

knows that they flourish when their people flourish. In other words, they rise by lifting up others.

In the day to day, a servant leader will make goals clear to their team, while rolling up their sleeves and jumping in whenever needed to reach those goals. This approach fosters a level of trust and understanding among all members of the team.

Another thing that is intuitive to this type of leader: knowing that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. We are all very unique humans and bring different styles, viewpoints and methods to our working life. Something that drives one employee could be completely unmotivating to another.

Servant leaders recognize this and adjust accordingly.

Curious to learn more about servant leadership? Flip over to our article about W2W Conference keynote speaker Ty Muse, CEO of VISIONS Federal Credit Union, or better yet, come on out to hear him speak in person on April 20! 2

By Sara Frassinelli, Spherion Staffing + Recruiting Sources: Wikipedia | LinkedIn |

https://leadx.org/articles/servant-leadership-definitionexamples-characteristics/

A few modern examples of servant leaders include: • Cheryl Bachelder: Former CEO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen who turned the brand around by serving the people who had invested the most in Popeyes • Herb Kelleher: Former CEO of Southwest Airlines known for putting employees first • Jack Welch: Beloved former CEO of General Electric who wrote, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”

Gain Insight.

Become Inspired.

Share Your Influence.

• Customized Workshops & Trainings • Facilitation of Groups • Performance Coaching Focus on Organizational Culture • Leadership Development • Employee Development • Personal Growth

Sharon Mast Sharon@sparkss.com • 610.781.1888 • www.sparkss.com

And Reading’s own: • Craig Poole (above): President at Reading Hospitality, who runs the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in downtown Reading, Poole is renowned and admired locally for his “people first” mentality. He recently was named a recipient of the Julian Star® Award by the International Hospitality Institute, one of 10 individuals who in 2022 “lit the torch of hospitality and displayed extraordinary compassion.”

“Looking for new clients?

Our readers are active, community-minded decision makers with disposable income.”

237 Court St., Reading 610.685.2223 give@bccf.org | bccf.org

Over the past decade, a dedicated committee of local women gave more than $330,000 to the Power of the Purse in Berks County Fund to provide grants to programs that help women and girls seeking education, employment, and independence. These grants nurtured souls and restored hope for many in their time of need. Learn more, including how to join this group or donate to their efforts, at bccf.org/pop/.

Alicia M. Lee Regional Media Sales Executive alicia@hoffpubs.com 610-685-0914 *210

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Publishing Group

berkswomen2women.com 9

FEATURE

A W2W Conference Keynote Speaker PREVIEW

The unstoppable

Molly Arbogast I

ntroducing Molly (Mullady) Arbogast, sports marketing expert and Keynote Speaker for the 2022 Women2Women Conference + Expo on April 20. Founder and CEO of POV Sports Marketing since 2016, and with over 25 years of experience developing and selling professional sports, Ms. Arbogast has worked in corporate sponsorship development for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Detroit Pistons, the WNBA and Learfield Sports, among others. Ms. Arbogast has won several awards, including the 2019 Sports Business Journal Game Changer award. POV Sports Marketing is “one of the only certified women-owned, full-service sports marketing agencies in the United States – and may in fact be the only one.”

In a recent interview, Ms. Arbogast gave her perspective on a variety of topics, including growing up in a household of boys, the value of hard work, finding your strength, your motivation and your voice and sage advice on “Getting Out of Your Own Way,” the topic of her keynote speech at the Women2Women Conference + Expo.

How did your formative years shape your thoughts about women and working? About being the confident woman you are today?

M.A.: As a woman growing up in the sports business, which is very male-dominated, I had to constantly advocate for myself.

If I could pull my younger self aside, I’d love to have her sit in on this keynote and have her listen to me and understand it’s all going to be OK, but you need to use your voice and you need to silence the inner voice of doubt that all of us have. Be brave. And it’s such a crazy thing when you look at a 12-year-old girl and

10 Women2Women | Spring 2022

she’s running around on the soccer field or the lacrosse field or playing basketball with her brothers in the driveway…no one has told her there will be hurdles and barriers because you are a girl.

She thinks she can do anything, which is the way it should be. I was one of five kids, four boys and Molly, and so for me, having a voice was more about survival…what’s so interesting is when you grow up with brothers, you have this voice because if you don't speak up, you won’t be heard. My father didn’t look at all of my brothers and say, “Here are the rules for you four and here are the rules for you, young lady,” he said, “Here are the rules.” And my mother was the same way.

When I was interviewed for an interesting podcast called, “Executive Leadership Radio,” prior to the podcast they said, “We want to know who you were as a young girl, your middle school years.” When I was 14, I organized a school-wide bike-a-thon at Lake Forest Country Day School that raised $16,000 for the American Cancer Society in Chicago. No one told me I couldn't do it. They just said to get it done. I received an award, but I didn't understand why it was such a big deal. I just went and used my voice and organized it. That’s how I was raised, to do great work, raise your voice when you need to, raise your hand and offer to do work on those projects and say “Yes.”

Getting out of your own way means different things to different people. Can you share some thoughts of what getting out of your way means to you?

M.A.: It’s understanding you have value, you have a voice, and you’re put on this earth to use that voice and use it wisely and to take calculated risks and to know when to be silent…knowing

when to be silent is as powerful as knowing when to speak. And raise your voice, whether it’s advocating for a business need or advocating for your spouse or your husband or your partner or your children or a charity but also managing and tempering that so that when you are speaking, people are listening, because they know that you are going to have something important to say.

• When Molly Arbogast was on the cusp of starting her own business, she said to her husband, “Alright, I’m climbing out on a limb…are you holding it steady?” and he said, “Go for it girl,” so I said “OK,” and off I went.

But I needed to go through my journey to get to the point where I was ready to lead and hire and inspire and work with brands like Wawa and Firstrust Bank and Stroehmann Bread and Rothman Orthopaedics. I didn’t even know I was a pioneer in the sports industry until it was happening, because the idea of someone not hiring me, because I was a woman in 1991, in the sports business, was so foreign to me. I’m proud to say there’s a lot more women in the room than have ever been in the sports business before, but we need to just keep doing great work to earn those highlevel roles.

To me, it’s about women giving themselves permission to be brave. Giving yourself permission to be brave, to silence selfdoubts will allow you to do things you could never imagine.

There’s nothing more valuable than human capital right now in the corporate world, and people need to go and take that for a little bit of a ride to make sure that they are getting paid their worth, and if not, for righting a ship that should have been righted long ago. You will handle it because you are talented, you have analytical reasoning and you get the job done. Tell those Fortune 1000 companies, “I can help you generate revenue or cut cost,” and when women start talking that way, gender leaves the room.

I’ve surrounded myself with cheerleaders and champions… and most of them are not in my industry, but they are people who believe in me. When I need that inner voice of doubt to be silenced, I go have a cup of coffee with one of them and they say, “You’re good, you’ve got this,” because no one does this alone.

I had the vision and I needed those people who I surrounded myself with to give me the support to bring it to life. Confide in these people to share your doubts and fears. Don’t be surprised when they say, “I believe in you. You got this. You could've done this all along…why didn’t we talk about this sooner? Let’s find a way to help you along and help you do this.”

•R egarding the inner strength of women, Molly Arbogast recalls that, growing up, her mother had a pillow in their house with the following words quoted from Eleanor Roosevelt, that said, “A woman is like a tea bag. You never really know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.”

•O n encouraging other women to start their own businesses in a male-dominated field: “I believe I’m the only woman-owned marketing sports agency in America…and I can’t wait to say I’m one in ten.”

W2W 2-2022 ad PRESS.pdf

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What is your advice to women who are currently struggling and don’t know how to move forward?

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M.A.: God doesn’t come down from heaven and shut off your oxygen when you fail, he actually makes you breathe in and out and work through it, and that experience will make you stronger and those experiences will give you the confidence to be extraordinary down the line. 2

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By Kelly Hancock, Freelance Writer

berkswomen2women.com 11

FEATURE

Ty Muse

A W2W Conference Keynote Speaker PREVIEW

Servant Leadership H

& WORKING TO ADVANCE EVERYONE ave you ever been first? The first woman in your family to go to college or first in line to see your favorite band?

If you attend the 11th Annual Women2Women Conference + Expo, you’ll be in that club.

Ty Muse, President/CEO of Visions Federal Credit Union, will be the first male keynote speaker in the history of the event. It is an extreme honor for Ty, and he looks forward to empowering and inspiring all the attendees at this year’s event.

While Ty’s roots are southern, he was raised in Upstate New York, only a couple of hours from where he currently resides in the Southern Tier with his wife and two daughters. He attended Northeastern University in Boston, MA on a track scholarship where he attained his undergraduate degree, master’s in accounting, and his MBA. Ty has over 30 years in the financial services industry working at institutions such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Goldman Sachs (Controller at Archon Group – Real Estate Division), GE Asset Management, and Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (now known as HVCU). He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

He will proudly tell you he is the product of amazing women – his grandmother, mother, aunties, wife, and daughters. Ty has been surrounded by women throughout his career, and he takes the time to learn from them and take inspiration from their spirit.

It is common in the credit union industry to have women in c-suite positions – even CEO. Based on the findings of a 2021 survey conducted by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), a majority (51%) of credit union CEOs are women – more than 15 times higher than the rate of women CEOs at banks (3%). Ty has seen and worked with many of those female leaders in the credit union space and can share what helps them rise within an industry (financial) that can often be seen as male dominated.

His presentation will center around one key theme: Driving towards your why. It is a topic he is very passionate about and that is attainable by anyone. Not only is it attainable, but it is critical for everyone to have – especially women.

Your why is unique to you and it has no boundaries. There is no color, no ability, no cost, no barriers to finding your why. The limits are only those you impose upon yourself because your why is there waiting for you. You just need to discover it!

After discovering your why and knowing your true passion, you’ll need a board. A board of people who will support you, inspire you, and be by your side through it all. Throughout Ty’s life, his board has been rock solid and has been the foundation to helping him maintain and grow into the leader he is and the inspiration he gives.

Your Why Like many of you, he’s also been faced with biases and stereotypes, because of preconceived notions based on the color of his skin. He knows what it feels like to be left out, not accepted in certain social circles, and to be made to feel less than. Through it all, Ty has remained true to himself and his why, which has never let him down.

You’ll leave his presentation full of inspiration, cheeks sore from laughing, and Ty will be your biggest fan.

Article Courtesy of VISIONS Federal Credit Union

12 Women2Women | Winter 2022

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y

2 the conference & expo April 20, 2022 7:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

NEW SITE: Santander Performing Arts Center

This is what we look forward to all year – a full day of connecting and growing!

REGISTER TODAY AT BERKSWOMEN2WOMEN.COM ATHENA® AWARD PRESENTATION & BREAKFAST: 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Registration 7:30-8:00 a.m.

Join us to honor the 38th recipient of the Women2Women ATHENA Leadership Award – presented to a woman/man who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

2022 ATHENA Recipient: Christi Terefenko, Co-Founder & Executive Director - VOiCEup Berks Location: 3rd floor Ballroom

BREAKOUT SESSIONS WHAT “TRACK” ARE YOU? Your “Track” is noted on your nametag and we have created the perfect day for you to ensure you get the professional development you crave & visits with our amazing vendors.

Please see the below agenda to follow your proper “Track”!

Breakout Session I: 8:55 a.m. – 9:55 a.m.

Breakout Session II: 10:05 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.

Breakout Session III: 1:10 p.m. – 2:10 p.m.

Breakout Workshops listed on next page.

BREAKOUT WORKSHOPS

Adrienne Himelright

Wendy Kerschner

John Connell

Imposter Syndrome: Breaking the Silence

Taking the Leap: Knowing When to Make a Change

Presenter: Adrienne Himelright, Owner, Life Coach & Doctor of Physical Therapy - The Empowered PT

Presenter: Wendy Kerschner, Go-Getter & Go-Giver

Overview: Have you ever thought your success is a fluke? Do you constantly doubt your ability to succeed? In this presentation we will discuss and define what imposter syndrome is and why people have a difficult time identifying it and avoiding it. Break the silence on why so many people feel awful, unworthy, and like they don’t belong in a professional setting and empower people to move forward with courage and certainty. Learn how to navigate imposter syndrome and how it affects your personal and professional life and then equip you for success with simple concrete tactics. You cannot change what you aren’t aware of, so let’s speak up!

Location: 3rd floor Ballroom

Overview:You’re always one decision away from a totally different life. Learn how to spot the signs when change is needed and be ready for what might hold you back. Find out how the power of a song, reminder jewelry and a health crisis can change your mindset.

Discover your answer to the question: “What I really want is…?” Be inspired to live your best life.

Wendy's Book Recommendation: “The 5 Second Rule” by Mel Robbins Location: 2nd floor Ballroom

Dennie Smith

Conquering Conflict: Engaging & Resolving Aggressive Behavior Presenters: John Connell, Mentor & General Manager - The Cope Company Salt & Conestoga Log Cabins & Homes (Peak Capital) Dennie Smith, Director of Business Development - Peak Capital Overview: Conflict. It is the one thing we all wish would not sneak its way into our regular routines. But what if you had a sixth sense that could detect when a conflict was brewing before it ever erupts into something larger? What if this ability allowed you to intentionally navigate through disagreements so that all parties involved turn out better because of it? Well, guess what. You have it. This workshop will teach you how and when to activate resolution strategies and what the potential consequences for leaving conflict unaddressed are. Join us, we promise you will not leave conflicted.

Location: 4th floor Ballroom

W2W EXPO EXPERIENCE: 11:05 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Overview: Be sure to visit our 30+ Expo vendors in the 1st floor Lobby. The vendors represent W2W sponsors as well as women-owned businesses and not for profit organizations from our community. Be sure to support them and learn more about their services by visiting prior to lunch, following the 3rd Breakout Session, and during Happy Hour Networking.

Expo: 1st floor Lobby

LUNCH & NETWORKING: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Enjoy a delicious lunch, network with other inspired & inspiring women, and get ready for our first keynote, Tyrone Muse!

Lunch: 3rd floor Ballroom 14 Women2Women | Spring 2022

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Ty Muse, President & CEO VISIONS Federal Credit Union

Molly Arbogast, Owner & Founder POV Sports Marketing

FINDING YOUR WHY Overview: Ty Muse, President/CEO of Visions Federal Credit Union, will help motivate you to find your “why” so you can become the best version of yourself. Through inspirational stories and relatable anecdotes, you’ll learn about his background, career path, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He urges everyone to find that “one thing” they are passionate about to make their life, family, job, and community better.

Location: 3rd floor Ballroom

GETTING OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY Overview: : Molly Arbogast will share highlights from her 30-year career in the male-dominated sports industry.

From being the first woman in the room at several sports teams to starting her own sports marketing agency, it’s about being brave, having confidence in your abilities and surrounding yourself with champions.

Location: 3rd floor Ballroom

NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR IN EXPO: 3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Overview: The perfect end to an amazing day… Join us in the 1st floor Lobby to visit with our Expo vendors and enjoy a cash bar and networking in the Mezzanine overlooking the Expo. Follow up with the contacts you made, take a breath with us, and revel in all we learned together.

Location: 1st floor Lobby & Mezzanine

THE BOOK NOOK Looking for a new book to “improve you”? Make your way to The Book Nook and take a seat in a comfy chair to look through our book selection. Buy one or buy all, at a discounted price. Each book is specifically recommended from one of our Keynote or Breakout Workshop speakers to inspire, educate, and develop your skills! Thank you to Barnes & Noble Wyomissing for passing along their discount to our event attendees!

WINE RAFFLE After an inspiring and empowering day of meeting new women, learning new skills and bettering you, let’s not forget about our own wellness. Our wine-wellness. We will be randomly choosing an attendee to win!

berkswomen2women.com 15

2 the conference & expo Adrienne Himelright

Owner, Life Coach & Doctor of Physical Therapy – The Empowered PT

Adrienne Himelright is a Life Coach and a doctor of physical therapy. She has been Coaching clients for the last year and has created a 5 figure business called The Empowered PT. She empowers people to change their lives through absolutely loving themselves so they can show up with confidence, love others more genuinely, set clear boundaries, and stop people-pleasing. She is passionate about empowering people to live any life they want. Adrienne has been married to her hot husband, Kent, for the last 12 years and they have 2 boys together, ages 6 and 3 years old. In her free time Adrienne loves to travel, be outside, go dancing, drink coffee and wine, and enjoys laughing with friends and family.

Wendy Kerschner Go-Getter* Go-Giver

Wendy is a Go-Getter and a Go-Giver! After 25+ years of selling in various industries… including microbrews, a short stint in real estate, promotional marketing, fitness and geriatric healthcare, Wendy decided to “retire” at age 47. She now spends her days living her best life: reading, hiking, volunteering, having fun and helping whomever she can.

BREAKOUT WORKSHOP SPEAKER PROFILES Dennie Smith

Director of Business Peak Capital Dennie Smith, Director of Business Development for Peak Capital, is responsible to lead both the sales organization and client-relationships. She supports strategic projects and guides long term objectives to meet business needs while tracking new markets, emerging trends, and market share growth. She is a performanceoriented and solutions-driven leader, with a comprehensive and exceptional record of achievement. She is known as a tenacious and loyal manager with a strategic and logical but creative approach to solving problems, bringing in customers and accomplishing profit targets.

Dennie is passionate about helping others work towards greatness. She has an eye for seeing potential especially in the midst of tension because there is an opportunity for growth that may not be present elsewhere.

She prides herself on being comfortable with the uncomfortable and encourages others to do the same so that neutralizing moments of conflict become centered on a more powerful goal. She is also the Chair of the Research and Development Committee for Women2Women and takes pride in her commitment to women in business.

ATHENA RECIPIENT PROFILE

John Connell

Mentor & General Manager - The Cope Company Salt & Conestoga Log Cabins & Homes (Peak Capital)

John Connell serves as General Manager for two of Peak Capital’s companies, The Cope Company Salt and Conestoga Log Cabins & Homes. Mr. Connell has broad experience in executive management of companies ranging from retail to biologic development.

His career in the human medical field started as a sales representative for McNeil Laboratory, a Johnson & Johnson Company.

His successes led to his selection, among 50 handpicked colleagues, to start a new division for J&J, Critikon – a medical device company. Mr. Connell then joined as VP of Sales & Marketing for a Venture Capitalfinanced biologic research company.

With this experience in animal health, he later founded a new national company in which he and his spouse were coowners. During his 6 years as VP of Sales, Manufacturing, Operations, and Distribution he successfully grew the business to perform at a 7x multiple from his entry. The company received multiple awards during that time including the Impact award for the City of Richmond, VA, Ernest Young Accounting award, the Virginia Small Business of the Year award, as well as the National Small Business of the Year award.

Mr. Connell’s strengths are best focused on product, industry, and market evaluation, as well as cultivating a dynamic corporate culture and individual personnel development. These skills have contributed to his successes in product development, as well as business development through M&A activity.

2022 ATHENA Recipient: Christi Terefenko, Co-Founder & Executive Director - VOiCEup Berks Christi Sychterz Terefenko was born and raised in downtown Reading, PA. She attended Lehigh University where she received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and then Johns Hopkins University where she received a master’s degree in biomedical engineering. After graduate school Christi relocated to Virginia where she began her career in medical research which lasted for the next 20 years. She moved back to Berks County in 2001, continued to work as a research consultant, and began to become involved in nonprofit work locally. She volunteered for many organizations and served on several boards, using her experience in medical research, technical/proposal writing, and organizational leadership to assist nonprofits create positive change in the community. Moved by the desire to serve others, in 2015, Christi and 2 close colleagues co-founded VOiCEup Berks, a nonprofit which seeks to connect people to meaningful volunteer and servicelearning opportunities. She has subsequently transitioned away from medical research and into the organization’s Executive Director position where she seeks to inspire others – especially youth – to service as well.

16 Women2Women | Spring 2022

FEATURE

THE GREAT PRETENDER:

A Personal Perspective on Imposter Syndrome

I

have always been very good at acting. In first grade, I played the lead in the school play – a bunny, named Bunny Sue, who just couldn’t figure out how to hop. In fourth grade, I got to play a princess who was under a curse that meant she couldn’t smile.

In middle and high school, I was often the matronly supporting character giving words of wisdom to the lead: Mama Mae Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie, Aunt Arvida in Guys and Dolls, and Widow Paroo in The Music Man. I went on to major in Theater at Muhlenberg College, where I discovered a whole new kind of improvisational acting: role playing games. Even now, nearly ’20 years later, I get together with friends once or twice a week and pretend to be someone I’m not – a jazz singer from the roaring 20s, a genius crafter of magical artifacts who acts before she thinks, a WW2 codebreaker with a supernatural affinity for luck, or a young barbarian fighting through giants to save her mother.

Playing parts comes easily to me. For years, I walked into rooms or sat down at tables and introduced myself as a fictional persona.

By trying on so many different hats, I learned confidence, gained experience, and internalized empathy. I am a better person 18 Women2Women | Spring 2022

because of what I learned while pretending to be someone that I’m not.

Being myself is a little bit harder.

When I, as myself, walk into a room of accomplished, intelligent, successful people, I know for a fact that I don’t belong. To cope, I fall back on what amounts to a fight or flight response: either I shrink away to nothing, quietly waiting to be acknowledged before offering any of my insights, or I put forth a persona with confidence and again, pretend to be something I’m not. Neither of these are really who I am.

That’s the worst thing about Imposter Syndrome. It’s right there in the name: Imposter. I’m being disingenuous, a fraud, a phony. I’m pulling the wool over your eyes, and at any moment you’re going to figure out that I don’t belong. Then, not only will you realize what a charlatan I am, but you will know that I have conned you, betraying whatever trust we had.

I live in fear of that moment every time I am introduced to someone as part of my new position at the GRCA. Strangely enough, I don’t see myself as an imposter in other

areas of my life. In the nerdy world of role playing games, I long to confront the boys club who foolishly believes that being a girl makes me any less than they are – try me, boys. If someone wants to talk Shakespeare, Stanislavski, or Sondheim, I’m itching to add my two cents. When it comes to weddings, I know that I know what I’m doing because I’ve got the pictures and the kudos to prove it.

In my current professional sphere I am, for the first time, not “just the admin.” I’ve been an administrative assistant and a database administrator, and while I’ve had the opportunity to meet owners and CEOs, I was mostly there to run the PowerPoint. I’ve been the supporting cast. It’s been a long time since I took the lead. Now I’m face to face with successful, poised people, and I don’t feel like I should be considered their peer.

Because none of them could possibly be imposters, too.

2

By Katie Johnsen,Events Coordinator Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

FEATURE

Back to School:

YOU Are Worth the Investment

M

any of us spent a good part of our early lives counting the days until we could be done with homework, term papers, teachers and textbooks. At some point, as rocker Alice Cooper sings, “School’s out FOREVER!” Or is it?

As the cliché goes, it’s never too late especially when it comes to heading back to school…as an adult. In the United States, as of 2018, adult learners or “non-traditional” students (typically defined as adults aged 25 or older), made up approximately 35% of the college population.1

Adult education has been shown to benefit the general economic and social health of society by providing opportunities for individuals to increase in competence, confidence and self-sufficiency.2 We talk to Susan Kolb, Senior Director of Admissions for Graduate & Adult Education at Alvernia University, to find out more about the importance of adult education and the efforts by Alvernia to encourage adult enrollment.

Why is adult education important for career advancement and transitions?

“Upskilling or re-skilling is top of mind as people change whether they are moving up a role, taking on a different role or preparing to move into a different career entirely,” explains Kolb. She pointed out that while this fact has always been true, it is particularly relevant in the current environment as the pandemic wrought The Great Resignation/ Reshuffle. She points out that can mean finishing a degree, obtaining an advanced degree or obtaining a specific professional certification.

However, Kolb points out there are benefits adult students gain beyond the diploma. Going back to school can enhance the “soft skills” that employers value like communication, critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. “It takes determination to return to school,” Kolb points out. “It shows an employer you have a strong work ethic.”

The adult education environment can also help you grow a professional network among your classmates, colleagues and professors. “You may find one of these contacts is who you want to be like someday,” says Kolb.

Do you think that adult education is more important for women?

Kolb explains that one key motivational factor of returning to school as an adult is the ability to put yourself in the best possible position for success.

“You want to be sure you have the credentials and the network needed to navigate the job market.”

She credits Alvernia University and W2W as having women’s backs as they seek to pursue education, promotions or career changes. “Many women view adult education as an opportunity not simply to better themselves but to set an example for their families, to show what they can accomplish despite having so many other responsibilities,” Kolb says.

Continued on page 20

berkswomen2women.com 19

Back to School: YOU Are Worth the Investment What advice do you have for anyone who is hesitant about jumping into or back into the academic world as adult student?

“Take the leap!” Kolb exclaims, then continues, “Reach out to a colleague, a manager or a mentor and talk about what your goals are. Once you get others involved in the conversation, you might be surprised by how much support they give you.”

Kolb acknowledges that energy and time are probably the two biggest barriers to someone deciding to enroll in school as an adult. She says, “It’s never a ‘good time’ but you have to determine that it is important to you and that you are worth the investment in yourself.”

Kolb explains that her department manages the enrollment process for adult students (which make up roughly half of the student population at Alvernia). Through partnerships with W2W as well as the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, members can get a 20% discount on tuition. Kolb also encourages individuals to talk to employers about tuition reimbursement. Additionally, she explains that the structure of adult education is more flexible than a traditional student, with classes being offered at night or weekends and courses starting at various times of the year.

Kolb concludes, “If you start, we want you to finish. Our goal is to see you walk across the graduation stage.”

Learn more about adult education options at Alvernia University at the W2W Back to School Night on Thursday, May 26 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM at the Hollaran Center. 2

By Kirsten P. Haas,Executive Director of Girls on the Run Berks County 1

“ Adult College Students: The Undercovered 6.6 Million” by Natalie Gross and Kim Clark, June 22, 2018, Education Writers Association, https://www.ewa.org/ blog-higher-ed-beat/adult-college-students-undercovered-66-million

2

“ The Benefits of Adult Education”, August 6, 2015. Econation.one, https:// econation.one/blog/the-benefits-of-adult education/#:~:text=In%20 addition%20to%20learning%20opportunities,and%20of%20society%20in% 20general.

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WOMEN2KNOW

Albright’s Science Stars

Above L to R: Adelle L. Schade, Jacquelyn S. Fetrow and Karen A. Campbell

©Wayne Becker, Dave Zerbe Photography

T

he education landscape has changed drastically over the past two years with a speed that no one could have anticipated.

Learning is taking place in so many non-traditional formats using adaptive new technology and a shift towards personalized learning that can look very different for each student. With a strong emphasis on full participation, the leadership at Albright College strives to build an inclusive and equitable academic community in which all community members thrive, recognize their full potential, engage meaningfully in institutional life and contribute to the flourishing of others.

Albright College and the Science Research Institute (SRI) have found incredible solutions and created innovative programs to address these changes, and much of this creativity can be attributed to the leadership styles of three dynamic women leaders on campus. For this edition of Women2Know, I’m proud to introduce: JACQUELYN S. FETROW ’82, PH.D. President and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Albright College KAREN A. CAMPBELL, PH.D. Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the Faculty, P. Kenneth Nase Chair of Biology ADELLE L. SCHADE, MS, MED Dean, Pre-College and Summer Programs, Founder, Science Research Institute

Learn more about how these three women have embraced change, recognized the unique strengths of every campus stakeholder and learned lessons along their journeys!

What has led you to your current career path?

Adelle Schade: In my career, prior to Albright College, I was a middle and high school teacher for 25 years in the Conrad Weiser School District. During my time as a teacher, I knew there had to be a better way to engage students in their educational experience.

For ten years, I commuted to Philadelphia, while teaching, to work in scientific R&D labs. This experience led to the development of Total Experience Learning, an educational system to address the need for student agency and personalization in the classroom. What led to this career path? An absolute passion for making change and trying to influence a shift in education.

Continued on page 22 berkswomen2women.com 21

WOMEN2KNOW How have you led other women in their career paths?

Dr. Fetrow: As a female scientist, and one who has mentored many young women who have done research or otherwise worked with me, I have always aimed to be supportive of reinforcing people’s passion. Sometimes young people, women especially, are told that only certain career paths are open to them. Or they think they “must be” a nurse or a doctor. I work to support women in finding their passions, and then seeking a career path that feeds that passion, even if it is a non-traditional path.

Would you wish to acknowledge a mentor or friend who helped you aspire to this point in your life’s journey, and why?

Adelle Schade: First, the two women in this article. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by women who empower others at Albright College. Additionally, Julia Klein. When I speak to Julia, she pushes me to look at things in a different way. She pushes me out of my comfort zone, and supports me at the same time. I hope to do for other women, what Jacque, Karen and Julia have done for me.

What words of wisdom would you offer to other women?

Dr. Campbell: Don’t be afraid to pursue your passion, or follow a dream, even if you don’t know exactly where it will take you.

You will find the next steps along your way. Sometimes that will involve some changes in direction, and those are part of the path too. You don’t need to know the end-point to make the most of the journey.

22 Women2Women | Spring 2022

What is the most valuable way women can support each other?

Dr. Fetrow: Three things: amplify what other women say, ensure that what women say is attributed to them and mentor young women to find their passion. In meetings and other group situations, I have often observed that when a woman says something, it is ignored until another person in the meeting, typically male, says the same thing. So, I often will amplify the statement that the woman said, with specific attribution.

And, when another person takes ownership of a statement or suggestion, I attempt to make sure the woman who originally said it is given credit.

Is there an “aha” moment or experience that defines who you are?

Adelle Schade: An “aha” moment that had an impact on me was realizing I didn’t need to identify a plan or path for my life that was absolute. It stemmed from something my Uncle Bud Reitnouer said to me when I went to him for “life advice.” His advice to me was, “Enjoy the mystery of life,” and he reminds me of this often. He emphasizes to work hard every day for your purpose and what comes next is a mystery. Do not be afraid to take a risk, then enjoy the experiences that unfold.

What three things do you recommend that contribute to your success?

Dr. Fetrow: 1. Take advantage of opportunities that seem interesting, even if they are outside the expected lane or considered to be bad choices by some.

2. Always give credit to others. It is amazing how much you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.

3. A positive attitude makes a huge difference. Everyone owns their own attitude – it is the one thing that you can impact always.

What is the best advice you have received?

Dr. Campbell: Attitude matters. People notice how you interact with others, and it influences their assessment of you, as well as their interaction with others. Maintain your composure. If you appear flustered, confused or irritated, you lose respect. Calmness shows. Communicate openly and clearly with others, and don’t hesitate to let your enthusiasm show. Let people know that you care about the work that you are doing. You are always a role model for someone. Be a good one!

Woman Owned Celebrating 15 years in business

Please share why you believe W2W is important for the community.

Adelle Schade: Women2Women is a vital, influencing organization in our community. I find W2W to be welcoming and inclusive. Under Rachael Romig’s leadership, W2W supports and encourages women to take leadership roles and create change.

The members of W2W encourage each other to be “at the table.”

To influence change and make our voices heard, we need women representatives on boards, committees, in executive roles and in key operational positions. W2W supports and empowers women to embrace positions of power and influence to truly make an impact. 2

By Ellen Albright, Director of Strategic Partnerships – Science Research Institute at Albright College

Sat. June 18, 2022

Voices for Change Honorees Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County

SAVE THE DATE!

Educate • Advocate • End Abuse

560 Van Reed Rd. Suite 205 Wyomissing, PA 19610 610-750-6107 3607 Perkiomen Ave. Reading, PA 19606 610-404-8025 24-Hour Hotline: 844-789-SAFE or text SAFE BERKS to 20121

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For more info visit www.SafeBerks.org, click on Events! berkswomen2women.com 23

2022 UPCOMING EVENT SCHEDULE

2 GROW CONNECT LEAD Women2Women (W2W) is Greater Reading Chamber Alliance’s catalyst for developing women leaders and connecting women from diverse backgrounds to learn, share ideas, and mentor each other through offering a forum for women to create connections, gain knowledge, and build strategic alliances to foster their personal potential and career advancement. Joining the network is open to all who support women.

De Mujer a Mujer, una iniciativa de W2W, continúa conectando a mujeres de diversos orígenes al ofrecer programación especializada en la noche y destacar a oradores de diversos orígenes.

To register for events & join Women2Women, visit www.berkswomen2women.com

APRIL

2 the conference & expo REGISTER TODAY! WE ARE BACK IN PERSON! Two years since our last in-person Conference + Expo and we can’t wait to see you! Join us for our all-day schedule filled with two keynote speakers, breakout speakers and our 2022 ATHENA recipient. Also enjoy the always-anticipated Expo and engage with Women2Women sponsors, womenowned businesses, and local nonprofits. Develop your leadership skills, buy yourself something nice, and learn more about all the community has to offer.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Venue: Santander Performing Arts Center Price: $90/All Day Conference | $30/ATHENA Breakfast Only

24 Women2Women | Spring 2022

2022 ATHENA: Christi Terefenko, Co-Founder & Executive Director – VOiCEup Berks Women2Women is proud to host the ATHENA® Award Program – an award that celebrates the potential of all women/ men as members and leaders of the community and recognizes those who support them. The ATHENA® Leadership Award is presented to a woman/ man who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

Presented to leaders across professional sectors, the ATHENA® Leadership Award’s rich history, international scope and focus on mentorship distinguishes it as one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive.

Join us to celebrate Christi's accomplishment on 4/20/22.

MAY INVESTING IN THE POTENTIAL OF WOMEN - THE CHLOE CAPITAL STORY

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT WITH ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY

MYNECO RAMIREZ Chief Experience Officer, Chloe Capital

The W2W + Alvernia partnership aims to assist in growing more women leaders and next generation family business leaders within the Greater Reading community through enabling W2W members to access adult and graduate education at Alvernia at a preferred tuition rate.

Preferred tuition for W2W members!

Join us virtually to hear from Myneco Ramirez, Chief Experience Officer of Chloe Capital, a female-founded venture capitalist firm investing in only female-run and owned businesses. Myneco will share the Chloe Capital story, starting with why the women came together to create a firm for women only and ending with how Myneco became involved. Get inspired with us!

DATE: THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Venue: Virtual Event Price: $15/GRCA Member | $20 / Not Yet Member

DATE: THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Venue: Alvernia University Price: Free to attend! Pre-registration required!

JUNE

DE MUJER A MUJER ACCEPTANCE & GOAL SETTING DAYANA BLANDON Human Resources Manager - DAK Americas LLC - An Alpek Business One of the most important steps in growth and development may just be acceptance. Have you stopped to accept where and who you are before setting your goals and achievements?

Pausing and resetting is critical to get you to the next level of success. Allow Dayana to share her story of how her life took a turn for the better when she had a real talk in front of the mirror.

Mujer Mujer

Uno de los pasos más importantes en el crecimiento y desarrollo puede ser simplemente la aceptación. ¿Te has detenido a aceptar dónde y quién eres antes de fijarte tus metas y logros? Pausar y reiniciar es fundamental para llevarlo al siguiente nivel de éxito. Permita que Dayana comparta su historia de cómo su vida mejoró cuando tuvo una conversación real frente al espejo.

DATE: THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Venue: To be determined (but yes, in person!)

Price: $5/person

4TH ANNUAL DE MUJER A MUJER AWARDS & WORKSHOP: OVERCOMING STEREOTYPES IN THE WORKPLACE – HGSK LAWYERS ANA AMARANTE-CRAIG, Partner and Trial Attorney – HGSK BETH BOWERS, Partner – HGSK As a celebration of impact to the LatinX community, De Mujer a Mujer hosts our annual awards ceremony honoring three women who are contributing to the success of others in Berks in categories Community Impact, Young Changemaker, and Small Business Owner. Join us to elevate these amazing recipients followed by an inspirational leadership story of two female lawyers in Berks and their workshop where we will be addressing female stereotypes within the professional realm and how to overcome those stereotypes. Leave with an action plan and steps!

DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Venue: To be determined (but yes, in person!)

Price: $10/person (includes drinks & appetizers) Continued on page 26 berkswomen2women.com 25

2022 UPCOMING EVENT SCHEDULE

JUNE

WOMEN’S GOLF CLINICS WITH MANOR GOLF CLUB Preferred pricing to teach women the great game of golf!

DATES: JUNE 6, 13, 20, 27

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Course: Manor Golf Club (Sinking Spring) Cost: Sign up at www.themanorgolfclub.com under “Get Golf Ready” or call 610-334-8690

NETWORKING EXPERIENCE Regional Women’s Networking Event Lancaster Chamber's Women in Business, York County Economic Alliance’s Women’s Business Center Organization, and Harrisburg Regional Chamber Business Women This is the perfect place to meet women within and outside of Berks County to grow your networks! Appetizers and a cash bar will be provided. Network with us and connect with new women who are making positive impacts in their communities.

DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022 Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Venue: Eden Resort & Suites (Lancaster) Pre-registration required!

SAVE THE DATE!

LOVE YOURSELF AS MUCH AS YOU LOVE CHOCOLATE KIM HOWIE, Founder & Health Coach NANCY WERTEEN, Nancy Werteen, Founder The concept of self-love is simple, but the practice is certainly not easy. Why is self-love so important? Because ALL love begins with self love. We can’t truly love others until we love ourselves.

And how we feel about ourselves clouds our perception of how others feel about us, and this act of projecting our feelings of inadequacy onto others impacts every aspect of our lives. In this workshop we will provide tools and experiential exercises to help cultivate self-love, resulting in improved relationships with others and with ourselves.

WOMEN2WOMEN LOBSTERFEST Celebrate summer with us at our annual seafood-lovers-fest!

Join us at the NEW VENUE Go Fish! a woman-owned business!

Keep an eye out for more details in May 2022.

DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

NEW SITE at Women-owned Business Go Fish! Seafood Restaurant (Sinking Spring)

DATE: TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2022

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Venue: Alvernia University (Francis Hall Theatre, Atrium & Amphitheatre) Price: $25/GRCA Member | $30/Not Yet Member

26 Women2Women | Spring 2022

GRCA’s mission is to be Berks County’s leading resource for building a healthy, competitive business community by assisting companies to retain, expand and grow their operations and employment while also attracting new business to Berks County.

Greater Possibilities Start Here. Visit greaterreading.org for resources we can offer your business, or connect with us directly with any questions you may have at info@GreaterReading.org or call 610-376-6766.

2

Find Your Dream Home!

GROW CONNECT LEAD

PROGRAM SPEAKER PROFILES Myneco Ramirez

Chief Experience Officer Company: Chloe Capital Myneco Ramirez is an entrepreneur, technologist, mother, and goals-driven professional who serves as the Chief Experience Officer at Chloe Capital. After obtaining her IT degree from RIT, she kicked off her career working for the largest employer in Rochester, NY where she supported their entire network infrastructure across all of UR medical centers in the region. While still working in the IT industry, Myneco set out on a self-assigned mission to connect tech entrepreneurs with the local resources available in Upstate New York to help grow their companies through large conferences. This led to the start of her third business, an international corporate events consulting firm. Myneco’s firm was hired to help both national and international tech corporations break into new markets in North America. Through this work is where Myneco met the founders of Chloe Capital and was recruited to join the team. Myneco oversees Chloe Capital’s signature programs for the #InvestInWomen tour and manages processes and the firm’s software infrastructure.

Kim Howie, Health

Coach who holds a master’s degree in Positive Psychology, and Nancy Werteen, reporter with WFMZ-TV69, created The Wisdom Coalition to show people how to propel their mindset so they can find more joy in their lives. Kim and Nancy use tools from positive psychology to help people understand the control they have over their own lives, their successes and their levels of joy and happiness. They deliver their uplifting message in a number of ways: • mindset management workshops in the corporate environment, for groups and nonprofits

A FANTASTIC SMILE IS

Age Defying

• on-line self development programs • a weekly podcast called The Wisdom Coalition Well Of Wisdom podcast (on 10 platforms) • 2 books, The Power Of A Pivot, How Changing Your Mindset Can Bring You More Joy In Every Aspect Of Your Life and The Power Of A Pause, How Turning Inward Is The Catalyst You Need To Find More Joy • an Emmy nominated television show on WFMZ-TV • retreats

Dayana Blandon Alpek Polyester, Human Resources Manager Born in South America, growing up in New York City, and a graduate from CUNY University with a Cultural Anthropology degree, Dayana Blandon has spent her adult life immersed in

Continued on page 28

Berks County

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berkswomen2women.com 27

2022 UPCOMING EVENT SCHEDULE PROGRAM SPEAKER PROFILES continued culture, diversity, and people development. Currently she is the HR Manager in Alpek Polyester, Reading, Pa. She is an avid volunteer, coach, and mentor for people of all ages and different walks of life. In the past she has volunteered with Junior Achievement and Women in Business Mentoring Program. And currently she is a volunteer with her church LCBC as a Next Steps facilitator, a board member for Berks Tech Centro, and a mother of three amazing boys. She prides in her purpose to build inclusive programs and assist Latino communities in finding a voice and career paths in manufacturing where she spent most of her HR professional work history.

Beth A. Bowers, Partner – HGSK As a Partner at Haggerty, Goldberg, Schleifer & Kupersmith, P.C., Beth A. Bowers focuses on handling a wide range of personal injury matters, including those related to workers’ compensation. She gained extensive knowledge about workers’ compensation claims while working as a workers’ compensation defense lawyer and representing insurance companies and employers.

Beth regularly appears before the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board, Workers’ Compensation Judges, and the Commonwealth Court. She has also handled workers’ compensation matters throughout New Jersey. In May of 2017, Beth became certified as a specialist in the practice of workers’ compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association Section on Workers’ Compensation Law as authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. While completing her legal studies at Widener University, Beth was awarded the Alexander V. Sarcione, Jr. Memorial Award and the Most Promising Civil Litigator Award.

She was also a member of the Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Honor Society and interned for the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and the Delaware County Public Defender’s Office. Before focusing on personal injury law, Beth served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Chester County District Attorney’s Office where she prosecuted accused individuals. She is licensed to practice in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. In addition to her legal practice, Beth is an adjunct instructor at Lehigh Carbon Community College where she teaches Workers’ Compensation Practice for Paralegals, Interviewing and Investigating for Paralegals, Introduction to Paralegal Studies, and Contract and Business Organizational Law in LCCC’s Paralegal Studies program. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks, Inc. Her sharp litigation skills could make all the difference to the outcome of your case. She would be happy to explain the process as well as your options during an initial consultation, free of charge.

Ana R. Amarante-Craig, Partner – HGSK Ms. Amarante-Craig is a Partner and Trial Attorney at Haggerty, Goldberg, Schleifer & Kupersmith, P.C. in Philadelphia. Over the course of her career, she has gained a stellar reputation as a skilled litigator and a dedicated personal injury attorney. Her extensive legal insight allows her to handle complex cases, such as those involving wrongful death and catastrophic personal injuries. Ms.

28 Women2Women | Spring 2022

Amarante-Craig’s professional experience includes working as a prosecutor in the Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes Unit of the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, as a Deputy Chief Judicial Law Clerk in the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, and as a Toxic Tort Claims Attorney Analyst for AIG, Inc. Throughout her career spanning over 20 years, she has volunteered at multiple legal clinics and community events, and has been recognized as a tireless advocate for underrepresented minority claimants. Ms. Amarante-Craig has been a featured radio guest at La Mega in Allentown, PA, and at La Rumba in Reading, PA. Moreover, she has written for El Palo Magazine, which is a bilingual publication serving the Latino Community in the Greater Reading area in Pennsylvania.

Ms. Amarante-Craig has likewise served as part of the faculty of the 2017 and 2018 Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s Civil Litigation Motor Vehicle Update Course. Moreover, since its inaugural year in 2017, Ms. Amarante-Craig has been a Committee Member of the Annual Fundraising Dinner for La Comunidad Hispana (“LCH”) in Kennett Square, and was tapped in 2021 to join LCH’s Mission Advancement Committee in order to help promote and expand the reach of LCH’s medical and social services within Chester County, Pennsylvania. Scholastically, Ms. Amarante-Craig is a triple major graduate of Georgetown University, and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where she externed for the Honorable Justin M. Johnson and was a Mellon Legal Research and Writing Teaching Fellow. She is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Florida, and is fluent in Spanish and proficient in French. 2

COMMUNITY CALL OUT

for women and children of Reading annah’s Hope to Ministries provides Lives. resources for Reading area Designed Change women and children who are experiencing homelessness.

HOnce and for All.

They provide transitional housing for women looking to make positive changes for themselves and their families that will last a lifetime. Guided by their “Six Pillars” (employment, finances, emotional health & well-being, child development, partnerships and mentorships), the professional staff at Hannah’s Hope work with each mother and family to set goals, work to a plan and ultimately, establish a new life of independence.

You can help in their mission to end homelessness for mothers with children by volunteering; becoming a mentoring partner; or by making a donation.

For more information, go to www.hannahshopeministriesreading.org What Makes Us Unique?

number grow is not new; the HomelessnessU.S. The solutions are complex,

for women and chil

the every year in working. Why? . Our model is and challenging and nds with love mized Ministries respo Hannah’s Hope serve with a custo the time the clients we compassion to her family. Taking e and r each mothe nesses, the uniqu invest approach for ths and weak us to to learn the streng mother we serve, allows each ual to make of individ round that for backg rces needed change with God’s help, one of the time and resou the skills and ss to of hopelessne the choices, learn move from a life behaviors and erity. th and prosp Hope, Streng Hope side Hannah’s along to come to ative movement We invite you be part of a restor Ministries and y. exciting journe assist us in this

What are your

opportunities

Lives.

Once and for All.

ples

Our Guiding Princi

?

to be involved

- Volunteer oring Partner - Become a Ment try friend to the minis - Become a our message and share to help us reach donor a - Become ies in Berks County more famil

dren of Reading

Designed to Change

put

confidence, Resiliency e n’s strength and ability to becom building wome

We work on improving their good decisions l of their lives, them in contro ready to make unity citizens, successful comm in the future.

Compassion of Christ. the compassion We lead with

Excellence best from to providing the

An evidenced based, Christ Centered approach to ending homelessness for mothers with children We commit serve. from those we ourselves and

g

ion s, collaboratin Collaboinrat other organization leverage all working with to

we serve We believe teers, and those ve change for with donors, volun tunities that result in positi oppor resources and . those we serve

ooking quo, we constantly think about Forward-L ed with the status ministry. and for our Never satisfi those we serve what is next for

-Minded in, we are Commurt nity we live and work lifting others the community We suppo success of all, the growth and committed to g others. up and servin

Reading, PA 19607 736 Upland Ave, 65-7716 Phone - 610-6 reading.org stries om hannahshopemini hhopeministries.c e-mail us at Info@

for our Transit ional Housing Program in Ber ks County?

What We Do!

Data shows that women with childre become home n less for severa l reasons.

Studies indica te

Families are invited to enter our progra months, allowi m for 12 – 18 ng them the time skills and acces needed to gain s the resources the Hope and our from both Hanna many community h’s new journey to partners to start independent, their confident living.

suffer from most homeless mothers a or other ment health issuestraum al that can be conta ined.

Hannah’s

To move from a position of home to independen lessness ce takes time and hard work.

And ...true grit!

Further, studie s show that having to develop the life skills to comba the time recidivism is a big part of succe t ss. Simply, behaviors do not change overn ight.

Hope

Minis

tries is a life-c that gives moms hanging model and children the and the streng time, the resou th to succeed! rces,

Ab Hann out

ah’s Hope Ministries

Located on Uplan d Avenue, Readi beautiful setting ng, PA we provid for women who ea changes for a lifetime. We offer are looking to make including their each family a private suite, own bedrooms and a bath. Our open-concept gathe large, area, where familie ring area has a living room and dining dining, and oppor s congregate for weeknight family tunities for weekadults. This conce night programming pt for build relationships of living in community helps families and trust amon friendships and g share resources. one another, find

Our professional staff, interact continually with guiding them through our compr our clients, We look at each ehensive progra family holistically mming. with both moms and work perso and children. nally Each family is respect and love, treated with while expectation understand each s are high, we family comes to us from differi backgrounds, levels of educa ng tion, and family dynamics.

based, An evidenced d approach Christ Centere elessness to ending hom h children for mothers wit

“Tools for Real Ch an Guided by our

Employment

“Six Pillars”:

ge”

Every mother must seek emplo educational tract yment or be workin g an simultaneously. to gain employment. Often both happen

Finances

Every mother goal of creatinmust be involved in literac y training, with g a family budge the t.

Emotional Hea th & Wellbeing

All mothers will Manager and attend weekly meetings will be assign with her Case professional couns ed (with elor of the mom’sstaff assistance) to a be required to choosing. attend all progra Skills, Stress Manag mming directed Will also ement, Bible at Life Enriching oppor Studies, and other tunities.

Life

Child Developm

ent All children will children’s prograhave opportunity to be engag mming at HHM. es Occupational We offer Pedia in Therapy (volun tric University), Stude teers from Alvern ia certified volunt nt Assistant Programming experiences, eer), interactive story time, , (former bible story time camping and more

Partnerships

All residents will available throug have access to partnerships made Alvernia Unive h our relationships with Penn rsity, local hospit als, churches State Berks, and more.

Mentorships

Many moms grow represent positiv up in environments that

moms with Hopee, healthy role modeling. do not We connect our Partners that friends. These become and build opporrelationships reinforce theboth mentors and missio tunities for moms to find friends n of HHM for life!

How We Do It!

We work with a goal-oriente d model for each and family. Startin mother g with immed iate, short term long-term goals, and each client has program that she and her case an individualized manager work Weekly one on through. one course. The goals meetings help moms stay on their help guide them are set by our moms, while staff will to meet these goals. This “one one” approach is key to the succe on as she is gainin ss for every mothe g independen r ce for her family Every client agree . s Setting life chang to the following protocol: ing goals and plan to succe working a custom ed. Attend Week night programmingized such as budge ting, life skills, , parenting, bible nutrition, conflic study, t resolution, other Mothers must programs as be employed or be in an appro offered. educational progra ved Manager is requir m. Weekly meeting with a Case ed. Each mom therapy with the is required to be in therapist of her choice.

Moms & Kids + Sta ff, Volunteers Men

& tors + solid Stable, Solid, resources & values = Successful Fam ilies!

berkswomen2women.com 29

HEALTH2WELLNESS

Queen,

It’s Time to Ascend Your Throne!

I

n the early 1900s, Dr. Carl Jung introduced the concept of psychological archetypes into the field of Psychology. He defined 12 key psychological archetypes, and explained that we experience them as energy in our lives. Dr. Jung proclaimed that we all have these 12 universal energies inside of us, yet often they lay dormant as latent potential. One of those archetypical energies is the Royal energy. This energy has both masculine and feminine distinctions, King and Queen respectively.

As young women, our royal archetypical energy is typically that of a Princess; yet as we mature and gain clarity about ourselves and our lives, we have the potential to grow into our “Queen Energy.”

Queen energy is full of power, confidence and femininity. Queens are humble leaders, clear communicators and advocates for selflove and self-resilience.

The Queen archetypical energy is not catty or competitive, but rather wants to see all people thrive in life. A Queen knows that true elegance comes from within. It’s not about what other people think nor is it about how she looks on the outside; it’s about how she feels internally. And, that feeling radiates as powerful and humble.

The Queen archetypical energy is one we should all aspire to embody. As a Queen, YOU are the creator of your own experience, and your main role is to master yourself and create a kingdom that you’re proud of.

Here are some tips for how to ascend to your Queen Energy: • Approach everything with a growth mindset recognizing that we must take risks and view failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.

• Spend time alone, reflecting on your values, and noting whether you are living in alignment with them.

• Improve your self-talk. Tell yourself constantly that you ARE beautiful, intelligent and worthy of love.

• Set a positive, uplifting tone for your day. Start each day with empowering affirmations, mantras, quotes or videos/playlists.

• Keep learning and growing throughout your life. Challenge yourself to learn something new each day. Use your strengths and sharpen your skills in new and interesting ways.

• Surround yourself with other confident Queens, ones who recognize, appreciate and cheer you on for your Queen energy!

By Kim Howie,Co-Founder, The Wisdom Coalition

Find Your FAVORITE PL ANTS 3049 Pricetown Rd. (Rt.12) Temple, PA • (610) 929-5049 • gardensandgifts.com

30 Women2Women | Spring 2022

2

Dealing With Difficult People and Situations:

It Starts with

YOU

I

’ve decided I like going to the gynecologist much better than the dermatologist. At least the gynecologist is only focusing on ONE embarrassing body part (okay maybe two others) but the dermatologist is looking at all of it!! Every time I go, and I mean every time, I’m always hit with, “Mrs. Werteen, do you mind if a couple of students come in? They are male.” Of course, they are!

Who am I to block education? So, my response is usually, “It’s fine, as long as you dim the lights a little.” Ummm no. For a full body skin check, it’s bright lights, my birthday suit and magnifying glasses.

This year when the doctor said, “I don’t like that spot on your face,” and I stifled a snarky, “I don’t like your whole face,” response, I was happy to let them focus on my face instead of everything else. Fast forward and now I’m recovering from a minor surgical procedure on my face as the biopsy showed a basal cell carcinoma. It’s a difficult situation but, as always, I drew on the teachings of the work we do at The Wisdom Coalition.

Using the principals of positive psychology, we show people how to propel their mindset so they can find more joy. Positive psychology is the study of human thriving and flourishing. It’s focusing on what’s strong instead of what’s wrong in our lives.

One of the key aspects of this is recognizing that we can’t control outside circumstances or the actions, thoughts and opinions of other people. The only thing we can control is how we respond to conflict and hardship.

Interestingly, around this same time, we were researching the concept of “Queen Energy”. Queen energy says that YOU are in charge of your life, YOU honor your body and embrace who you are right now. Unlike the Princess, who’s always looking outside of herself, the Queen looks within and knows who she is and what she values. It’s about loving who you are right now, without wishing for what was or stressing about what will be. 2

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HEALTH2WELLNESS

Recognizing Depression and Anxiety in Teens Approximately 1 in 5 teens suffer from Depression and 1 in 3 from Anxiety.

T

eenagers are at an especially high risk of developing anxiety and depression due to biological and environmental changes occurring during the teenage years. Biologically, teens experience significant hormonal changes as they mature into their adult bodies and these hormonal changes can lead to mood swings. Environmentally, teenagers face the challenges of unstable/unpredictable peer relationships, peer pressures, conflicts with parents as they try to exert independence, pressures of academic success and the realization they need to make some big decisions about the future including education, careers and learning how to support themselves. Fears of failure and struggles between independence and dependency as well as learning how to maneuver relationships and making healthy choices are key factors.

While the stigma of mental illness is

32 Women2Women | Spring 2022

you could talk yourself out of an illness like diabetes.

Symptoms of depression can include feeling sad often, having crying spells often without provocation, feeling hopeless, helpless or guilty without cause. Other symptoms include loss of interest in activities, social isolation, low energy/ motivation and in severe cases thoughts of death or suicide. diminishing, it still has a significant impact on teens’ willingness to talk about their feelings, to seek help and to accept help once it is offered. It is imperative to remember that mental illness is just like any other illness that a body may develop.

It results from a combination of biological and environmental factors. It is not a sign of weakness nor is it something that you can “talk yourself out of ” any more than

Symptoms of anxiety can include nausea, lightheadedness, “knot in stomach,” racing thoughts, rapid heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath and a “flight or fight” sensation. Additionally, anxiety can present as a general sense of feeling overwhelmed all the time, even with simple tasks. Some teens experience a feeling of impending doom, an inability to make decisions due to fear of making the wrong one or avoidance of stressful situations.

Loss of concentration, poor memory and

irritability are often seen as well. Depression and anxiety can also share symptoms, such as changes in appetite (increased or decreased) and changes in sleep habits.

If symptoms of anxiety and depression start to interfere with your teen’s normal functioning or if you have concerns for their safety, it may be time for treatment. If safety becomes a concern or your teen starts to have thoughts of harming themselves, please call 911, Tower Behavioral Health at 888-905-0809, Berks County Mental Health Crisis Intervention and Emergency Services hotline at 877-236-4600 or Text ruOK to 484-816-ruOK (7865) right away.

When dealing with anxiety and depression it is best to have open, honest and non-judgmental discussions with your teen about the challenges they are encountering. Listening is the most important way you can help. Reassure your child that you want to be there to help them maneuver these challenges. If you notice changes

in your child’s personality or behaviors, talk to them about what you are observing and ask them how they are doing. When they respond, give them your full attention and look for subtle comments they might make about themselves or their friends.

With compassion, proper support and treatment, teens can navigate and recover from bouts of depression or anxiety. The strategies they learn to manage the normal stresses of growing into adulthood can serve to support strong mental health all their lives.

2

By Daisy Shirk, DO, DFAPA, DFAACAP Director, Psychiatry Residency Program and Division Chief, Child and Adolescent Services, Psychiatry at Reading Hospital – Tower Health

If you are looking for resources for Anxiety and Depression for Teens in Berks County please consider: • Scheduling an appointment with your child’s primary care physician/pediatrician • Tower Behavioral Health (TBH) offers Inpatient and Outpatient Psychiatric Care for adolescents who have been struggling with mental health concerns and related behaviors. They can receive personalized inpatient care through the Inspiration Unit at TBH. This specialized unit offers age-appropriate programming for adolescents ages 14-17. The unit offers therapeutic Services, Educational Support, and Continuing Care.

A member of the Tower Behavioral Health team is available 24/7 at 484-659-2330. Outpatient services and appointments are available in-person and virtually.

•R eading Hospital Behavioral Health offers a variety of outpatient counseling services just for kids, including evaluation and assessment, individualized treatment planning, therapy and counseling, recreational therapy, and psychiatric medicine.

•N ational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Berks County is composed of dedicated volunteers, members and leaders who work tirelessly to raise awareness and provide essential education, advocacy and support group programs for people in our community living with mental illness and their loved ones.

If safety becomes a concern or the teen starts to have thoughts of harming themselves please call 911, Tower Behavioral Health at 888-905-0809, Berks County Mental Health Crisis Intervention and Emergency Services hotline at 877-236-4600, or Text ruOK to 484-816-ruOK (7865) right away.

• r uOK? Berks offers immediate assistance, call 1-877-236-4600 or 610-236-0530 or Text ruOK to 484-816-ruOK (7865).

berkswomen2women.com 33

LADIES AROUND TOWN

2

January Top 10 Leadership Skills Virtual Event with Sharon Mast

GROW CONNECT LEAD

Thank you to Sharon, owner and coach of Spark Solutions & Support, who shared the 2022 Leadership Checklist to develop our leadership skills!

De Mujer a Mujer at Radisson Hotel Our first in-person event in TWO YEARS! The pandemic shocked us, but couldn’t break us and we were so excited to be back together.

Networking and excitement

Mujer Mujer Karen Marsdale, founder of W2W, with Rachael Romig, current Director of W2W

The winners of the monthly floral raffle

Continued on page 36 34 Women2Women | Spring 2022

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berkswomen2women.com 35

LADIES AROUND TOWN

February Sustainable Leadership with Lucine Sihelnik

In collaboration with the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Breakfast4Success program, Lucine shared her passions for sustainability, leadership, and how they intersect in various ways. The crowd was ENERGIZED to say the least!

Fixing crown – Real queens fix each other’s crowns. Tammy Dahms, Santander Arena, prepping Lucine for her keynote!

GRCA new members – Welcome to the GRCA new members!

De Mujer a Mujer at Radisson Hotel

We networked and hosted four past speakers of De Mujer a Mujer who shared what the program means to them, how it affected their lives, and why women should continue to join us monthly!

Kathy Fox, East Penn Manufacturing, sharing how Mujer a Mujer changed her life and boosted her confidence!

36 Women2Women | Spring 2022

Dayana Blandon, Alpek Polyester, raving about the program!

Mujer Mujer

Rocio & Josephina Encarnacion discussing entrepreneurship and how it can also be your journey.

March Flor de Toloache on stage

Networking Experience at Miller Center for the Arts We hosted a cocktail party prior to an all-female mariachi band Flor de Toloache, who was AMAZING!

Susan Looney, President of RACC, with ladies of De Mujer a Mujer

The ladies of East Penn Manufacturing enjoying time together out of the office!

The ladies of Alpek Polyester laughing at the silly photographer

Continued on page 38 berkswomen2women.com 37

LADIES AROUND TOWN

March De Mujer a Mujer at Mi Casa Su Casa

Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, owner of Mi Casa, hosted us for a night of networking and sharing stories from past speakers of the program.

The ladies of Metro One with their raffle prize – Thank you to Destiny Roque (center) for speaking on behalf of Datnilza Metz and sharing her story

Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz welcoming the crowd and celebrating her run for state legislation in the 129th

The ladies of Penske celebrating their raffle prize win

RACC student guests with their raffle prize bouquet

Thank you to Sarai Variety Flower Shop owner, Lourdes Peralta, for her donation of the beautiful flowers!

Contact her for your large & small floral and event décor needs! (610) 587-3744 ¡Gracias a la propietaria de Floristería Variedad Sarai, Lourdes Peralta, por su donación de las hermosas flores! ¡Contáctela para sus necesidades de decoración de eventos y flores grandes y pequeñas! (610) 587-3744

38 Women2Women | Spring 2022

March Pursuit, Passion and Paying it Forward with Stephanie Rado Taormina

Steph Rado Taormina, speaker

Andrea Folino, co-owner Folino Estate Winery

Governor Mifflin students joined the conversation today

Join us at upcoming events! Follow us on social media and sign up for our monthly newsletter on berkswomen2women.com berkswomen2women.com 39

FEATURE

Golf: Playing the Long Game

A

ccording to the National Golf Foundation, 40% of new golfers who took up the game during the COVID-19 pandemic were…drumroll, please…women! In fact, the number of girl golfers (ages 11 to 18) increased from 15% in 2000 to 34% in 2021 and the awarding of female college golf scholarships is one of the fastest growing award areas in the past year.1 So, why golf?

First of all, golf is incredible exercise, combining elements of strength, endurance, aerobic fitness, balance, core stability and flexibility. For example, a golfer who walks an 18-hole course may take up to 17,000 steps and a golfer who rides the course on a cart will still take around 6300 steps. Additionally, the act of concentrating on a golf swing contributes to improved balance and the swing itself can improve core flexibility.2 Equally as important as the physical benefits to golf are the mental ones. Contrary to popular belief, golf is proven to reduce stress and anxiety. It gets one outside of the office and gives one an excuse to be one with nature. Plus, golf is a social game. Playing a round of golf is a great way to network with colleagues and customers or spend some downtime with friends.

All good stuff but how does one get started with golf?

We talked with Cheryl Heckman, owner of Manor Golf Club in Sinking Spring, to find out how women can tee off.

How did you get started on your golf journey?

“I worked in the banking industry which at that time was very male-dominated,” Heckman explains. “I was really scared the first time I went golfing. But I quickly fell in love with it!”

Manor Golf Club and W2W will offer three golf clinic sessions this summer. What can women expect to learn?

Heckman says the most important thing women will learn is to “untimidate the game.” She continues, “Number one, we take away the intimidation. You are not as bad as you think you are.

Number two, the people you see on the course are not as good as you think they are.”

The sessions are modeled on the PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) program “Get Golf Ready” which is designed to attract new players to the game, specifically women and seniors.

Each lesson combines basic golf skills (example, putting) with golf etiquette, rules and terms. The last lesson gives participants a chance to put their new-found skills to work out on the course during a scramble match.

40 Women2Women | Spring 2022

“The clinics are open to beginners as well as golfers who want to improve. We provide clubs and golf balls; you simply show up with an open mind!”

What advice do you have for women who are hesitant to get into the swing of golf?

“Take a leap of faith and give it a try,” Heckman encourages. “The whole industry is open and welcome to new learners.”

She also advises, “Grab a friend to learn with, make it a social game. These clinics provide a great opportunity to get out of your comfort zone with other women.”

She concludes, “You don’t have to be a good golfer to have fun with it!” 2

By Kirsten P. Haas, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Berks 1

“ Women’s Golf is Booming Amid COVID-19” by Joan Kuhl, August 9, 2021 https://www.msnbc.com/know-your-value/women-s-golf-booming-amidcovid-19-n1276354

2

“ 6 Health Benefits That Prove Golf is Great Exercise for Your Body and Mind”, Allie Flinn, August 17, 2021, https://www.wellandgood.com/healthbenefits-golf/

Manor Golf Club and W2W will offer golf clinics in three sessions (each session is the same): June 6, 13, 20, 27 July 11, 18, 25, August 1 August 8, 15, 22, 29 Sign up at www.themanorgolfclub.com under “Get Golf Ready” or call 610-334-8690

Join The Newly Renovated IA Club 243 Chestnut Street West Reading, PA 19611 610-373-2323 Sunday - Thursday 8pm-2am Friday & Saturday 5pm-2am Follow us on or for Featu Featured Specials and Live Music and Event Schedule 2022 Membership Available

berkswomen2women.com 41

ASKED&ANSWERED The ‘Asked & Answered’ can be found on our Facebook and Instagram social media pages.

Follow us to share your answers for the next magazine!

Whatcha Watching?

W2W Magazine polled the Editorial Committee to find out what shows they are or have bingewatched recently and why. Maybe you’ll find some new shows to add to your binge watch list!

My husband and I have watched The Office from start to finish twice now and catch reruns and it doesn’t get old! Their silly humor is a great distraction.

– EMILY WUNDER BARRETT, Registered Dietitian and Regional Wellness Director at Eurest

Succession on HBO. It is the absolute perfect mix of drama, dark humor, and family dysfunction. The ending of season 2 gave me chills.

– SARA FRASSINELLI, Digital Marketing & Social Media at Spherion Staffing

Our most recent binges were during the pandemic. We binged The Queen’s Gambit, Ozark, Bridgerton and Schitt’s Creek.

– MONICA RUSH, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Penn State Health St. Joseph

We’ve watched Rachel Bloom’s Crazy Ex Girlfriend all the way through a couple of times. It is so silly on the surface, but it also addresses psychology and social issues in a surprisingly genuine way. Plus, the songs are so catchy that we listen to them around the house, or sing them to each other, all the time.

– KATIE JOHNSEN, Event Coordinator at the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

My wife and I just finished bingeing on ‘1883’ on Paramount, and cannot say enough great things about the storytelling, stunning scenery and cast. You could almost imagine yourself in the story, thinking about the events that unfolded.

Inspired by a late-summer, long-anticipated long weekend with my sister in Baltimore, I tackled all five seasons of The Wire (I’ve been a David Simon fan since Homicide: Life on the Streets which regrettably is NOT available to binge anywhere).

– TRACY HOFFMANN, Publishing Professional at Hoffmann Publishing Group

– KIRSTEN HAAS, Executive Director at Girls on the Run Berks County

Favorite binge watch in the last year: Schitt’s Creek – when it landed on Netflix, I enjoyed every episode over an entire weekend. Lots of Canadianisms, plus I grew up watching Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara on SCTV! And its creator Dan Levy is almost a perfect person.

– JENNIFER GOLDSMITH CERRA, Director of Communications at Herbein + Company 42 Women2Women | Spring 2022

Service Stability Strength SCHATZ ELECTRIC, INC. Jeff Schatz, Owner/President

“Tompkins VIST Bank will be with us in the future and help us grow even more,” Jeff says.

Schatz Electric has been in business for 45 years. To keep the business growing, owner and president Jeff Schatz focuses on mastering new technologies and supporting customers 24/7—so he’s always on the go. That’s why he works with the team at Tompkins VIST Bank, who proactively offer products and services that increase efficiency, such as remote deposit.

VISTBank.com 4/21

berkswomen2women.com 43

do it

W

hen we moved into our new house (my FIRST house), we discovered the previous owner painted the walls to match the curtains and not the other way around. Think deep blues, forest greens and yellows. And horrid whites in the upstairs. So, the first step was painting everything a fresh coat of white. Always start here.

A few years later, we were preparing for a boy and a girl. For two years my Pinterest page was overflowing with ideas for home renos and creating these new spaces. The photos below, and instruction, are from a total novice. Please know this. It looks hard. It takes time…but it’s not hard.

Henrik’s Room – DIY Painted Mountain I wanted Henry to live in an adventure world. I found this image on Pinterest and knew that my husband and I could do it. For any wall when painting, it comes down to math and patience.

1. Measure the wall. In this case I measured its height. Then use a pencil to lightly draw an outline of what you are hoping for. I chose this design because if I messed up, nobody would know. Mountains are bumpy!

2. Take your photo to Home Depot or Lowe’s and compare swatches to find the color that is similar. Buy small cans. Paint can go a long way.

3. Use each color to trace your pencil lines. Don’t like it? You can make a new (albeit higher) new line and paint over the old one. Fill in the colors from dark to light – bottom to top in this case.

4. Add details SLOWLY. The trees were just some random brush strokes and while they aren’t exactly similar, meh, I was okay with the outcome! As you add the details, let it dry, walk away and then come back and look. You might be happy with less is more.

44 Women2Women | Spring 2022

Penelope’s Room – Stick On Wallpaper Penny’s is going to grow up like me, living in a fantasy world that is larger than life. When I found these beautiful, oversized flowers on a wall I knew I had to have them for her. Soooo…I lied earlier about it not being hard. This makeover was. But thankfully I have an amazing mom who was there to help me and keep my patience in check. But guess what? The second time around, I helped a girlfriend do this and I was the patient one because I knew what I was doing!

1. Measure the wall so you know the size of wallpaper you need (height & width).

2. Lay out the rolls of wallpaper and tape to ceiling/wall to see where you want to cut off any extra. Always leave extra you can razor off later.

3. Start sticking on the first piece, from the top left corner. The instructions recommended doing it from the bottom up, so try it both ways and choose what works for you. These rolls were HEARTY so they didn’t get bent or crinkled.

4. Use the correct tools. A plastic paint spackler thing to push out bubbles (proper terminology, yes). That was the only tool I needed apart from a razor.

5. Celebrate when you have completed a panel. Why? Chances are the next one is going to give you hell. But stay patient. Walk away if you have to.

6. Line up the images. Sometimes they don’t match but that’s because you can slightly stretch this wallpaper. There are spots on ours where it isn’t 100% but you can’t even tell!

7. Final pieces are tricky. I learned this because all of a sudden nothing was matching. My mom will kill me for saying this but I cut a piece in half and then restarted by overlapping. So shoot me. It looks pretty. 2

By Rachael Romig, Aspiring Home Decorator with No Credentials

PRINT DESIGN LOGOS & IDENTITY MENUS ADVERTISING

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www.eb-designs.com

Solutions for the innovative

berkswomen2women.com 45

mom

Celebrate

MOTHER'S DAY IS SUNDAY MAY 8TH, 2022

FREE FLOWER BOUQUET WITH PURCHASE! ON PURCHASES OF $250 + BETWEEN APRIL 15 - MAY 2, 2022

CHARMS BY LAFONN

46 Women2Women | Spring 2022

1121 PENN AVENUE WYOMISSING 610.374.9330 | VANSCOY.COM

Peter specializes in customer service.

Whether listing or selling residential or commercial real estate, Peter is dedicated to helping his clients. His personal attention to every aspect of the business has garnered him more than 200 five-out-of-five Gold Star independent reviews.

“I have personally known Pete for close to two decades, and he is one of most conscientious, caring and outgoing people I know. He truly cares about his clients, and works harder than any other realtor I know. I highly recommend that you work with Pete.” – Dave R

Peter K. Heim, CRS, GRI

“Pete is attentive to every detail.

He made a hard journey of selling my mom’s house easier not just because he is a skilled realtor but in how much he cares about the story and people behind the sale.”

– Cathleen P.

Christopher Heim

“Always a great experience working with Pete and now his son Chris as well.” – Michael S.

Family is foundational, and having a perfect home for your family means everything.

Having Peter Heim by your side to help you navigate through the multiple steps of buying or selling is key. Born and raised in Berks county, Peter is an award-winning Real Estate Broker with more than 35 years of experience.

A family man, Peter has been married to his wife Michele for more than 30 years. They have seven children and two grandchildren. Pete and his family are involved with many Berks County organizations.

This seasoned professional brings his hardworking yet fun personality to every interaction. Now Peter is proud to welcome his son Christopher onto his real estate team.

Chris brings his unbridled enthusiasm, on-line savvy, and banking experience to the team. Let the Heim Team do the best job for you!

Peter K. Heim, CRS, GRI Associate-Broker

office: 610-898-1441 cell: 610-745-3378 email: pheim@kw.com www.peterheimrealtor.com

“Now more than ever HOME is important!”