Phenomenal Woman Magazine

WOMAN WWOMAN Wphenomenal

RENEW, REFRESH, AND RECEIVE YOUR BOUNTY!

HOW TO TURN A SMALL OPPORTUNITY INTO A PROFITABLE BUSINESS

FIRST FEMALE JOURNEYMAN LINEWORKER, CPP

Beletu

Shelley

Writers

Shelley M. Shockley

Marsha Walker Eastwood

Brittany Garrett

Rhonda Crowder

Creative

Belé Wondwossen

Jason Garrett

Cover

Story: Shelley Shockley

Photos: Tia McKnight

The Blush Gallery

Contributing

Rhonda Crowder

Michelle Phillips

Marianna Marron

Letitia Nall

AND RECEIVE YOUR BOUNTY!

Spring is here, and with that comes the proverbial “spring cleaning,” releasing the cobwebs nesting in the corners, washing windows to allow the sunlight to shine through – all the things that say farewell to the winter.

Refreshing our homes is our immediate thought when we discuss spring cleaning, but I'm taking a new approach this year Instead of the home, let's refresh ourselves. Let's face it; it's been a long winter. The temperatures may have been above average atmospherically, but the cultural thermometer has plunged into the Arctic range.

How so, you ask? The hatred spewed at so many members of our collective communities leaves me anxious, angry, and perplexed. As a self-proclaimed news junkie for my entire life, I now find myself straying away from the news, hiding from the angst of the world because I don't see a resolution at hand.

So, to clear out the cobwebs in my mind, I'm renewing my faith in humanity by seeking and focusing on the people and things working to make life better for everyone. Gratefully my role here at Phenomenal Woman affords me the opportunity to engage with some fabulous women doing just that!

In this edition, we meet Heather Clayton Terry, a woman who embodies the best parts of our community. As the Philanthropy Consultant for the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, her job is to improve the lives of others through giving. However, it's more than a job to Heather - it's a calling. To learn more about this triple threat, you must read the cover story. The feature doesn't highlight the third throng of her triple threat, so I'll share a little here. This diverse woman is a singer-songwriter in addition to her in, and for the community.

On a personal note, I will refresh my view of myself and, in the words of one of my mentors and friends, Yvonne Pointer, “I'm going to do it afraid.” What does that look like? I'm no longer going to allow doubt, fear, and “imposter syndrome” to control me and my actions. As a young girl, my mother told me I could achieve anything I set my mind to, but over the years, I have given those internal voices too much power. Today, I will recognize and utilize my

strengths instead of “tearing myself down,” as a good friend recently said I was doing. The road has never been easy, but I've persevered, and I vow to continue to move upward, and I ask that you pray for my strength during this rebirth.

Our feature on Ta'Jahnae Buchanan illustrates the success we can achieve when we work through fear, doubt, and just plain old hard stuff. As a 17-year-old high school graduate, Ta'Jahnae embarked on a career path she knew nothing about but thought it would be interesting. That level of curiosity and her determination allowed her to make history despite wanting to quit a time or two because it was “hard.” I hope you will read our feature on Buchanan and draw on her determination as you work to achieve your goals.

After renewing and refreshing our views, I hope we will all receive our bounty. This process is similar to changing your perspective when taking a photo You may have to change the lens or reposition yourself to get the best angle, yet the subject stays the same. Columnist Marsha Walker Eastwood offers insight on altering your view to turn your hobbyor interests into a profitable small business.

An entrepreneur since childhood, Eastwood uses her experiences in following her passion as a guide for you to do the same. Her words should serve as confirmation that all dreams don't become a reality, but if you allow yourself to continue dreaming, you will find success. It is also a good read for parents of enterprising young people. In the beginning, that project your daughter wants to turn into her first business may not sound plausible to you, but if it is safe and reasonable, give her the support she needs to pursue it while learning valuable lessons. You never know; she might be the next Kamaria Warren. At the tender age of seven, Warren, with the assistance of her mom, graphic designer Shaunice Sasser created Brown Girl Stationery™. The need for a greeting card representative of Kamaria, led to the birth of an entire company

While this is only one example, you get the point - dream and follow your passions.

Until next time, enjoy this edition, but most importantly, be true to yourself and if you need to Renew Refresh, and Receive your bounty!

phenomenal

WOMAN WWOMAN Wphenomenal

RENEW, REFRESH, AND RECEIVE YOUR BOUNTY!

HOW TO TURN A SMALL OPPORTUNITY INTO A PROFITABLE BUSINESS

Marsha Walker Eastwood

CLEVELAND PUBLIC POWER PROMOTES THE FIRST FEMALE JOURNEYMAN LINEWORKER

In the spring of 2014, Ta'Jahnae Buchanan was a senior at Jane Addams Business Career Center, anxious to graduate from high school but unsure of what was next. She recalls her grandmother showing her a flyer and saying, “I think this is something you would be interested in,” further instructing her to attend the informational session for the Cleveland Public Power Internship-Apprenticeship Program Because she didn't know what a lineman was, she did some research and, from what she learned, said, “This will be fun to learn.”

PAGE 16 PAGE 12

HEATHER CLAYTON TERRY

The art of giving was instilled in Heather Clayton Terry as a young child growing up in Cleveland, and today she has the rare distinction of living out Winston Churchill's words, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life bywhat we give.”

As Philanthropy Consultant for Dominion Energy, Heather makes a living and life by improving the lives of thousands in northeast Ohio and beyond through the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. It is something she witnessed growing up between her parent's Cleveland Heights home and her grandmother's home in Mt. Pleasant. The act of goodwill to fellow members of the human race - was an everyday occurrence, grooming her for a life of service to others.

PAGE 24 DELICIOUS RECIPES

HOW TO TURN A SMALL OPPORTUNITY INTO A PROFITABLE BUSINESS

As a child, I never received an allowance, so I learned how to make my own money. I have always been a creative sort, and very enterprising, so at the age of nine, I turned a Christmas gift into a business. The gift was a Kenner Give-A-Show projector. Users and collectors describe it as “The Give-A-Show Projector was equal parts slide projector and flashlight.” Its' plastic casing went through refinements, and the shape and color changed over the years, but it always contained a bright projector light bulb and a slot that allowed the user to feed a strip of film through the light it emitted to create projected images. To put on a show, the Projector user dimmed the lights and aimed their Give-AShow Projector at the blank wall of their choice. They then fed a projection strip containing six slides through the side of the Give-A-Show Projector. The end result was a series of four-foot images that told a story to the viewers through words and pictures.”

By: Marsha Walker Eastwood, BsEd, MSHSVC PWM Contributing Writer

business opportunities on the back page. One day I decided to try my hand at selling greeting cards. Even in my child's mind, I sort of figured the neighbors were getting tired of seeing me hawking my wares, but I could always use my power of persuasion to make the sale.

As I got older and life got in the way with kids and all, I had to get real jobs which I always hated because I cherished freedom of choice when it came to how I spent my days. I learned how to cook and sew at nine, and I used those skills to make clothes and baked goods for others. The sheer joy of seeing other people wear my clothes or enjoy a cake or a pie was almost as satisfying,if not more so than the compensation.

After opening the package and trying it out, I decided to go into the movie business. I found an old white sheet and nailed it to a wall in the basement. Then I dragged two cinder blocks from one of the empty rooms, along with a wooden plank to make a bench. (Yes – theater seating has come a long way since that crude beginning.) By word of mouth, I let the neighborhood kids know about my “theater” that was only opened early on Saturday mornings before the grown folks awakened. I charged a quarter for the show and a nickel for half a hot dog. The kids watched as I pulled the little film strips through the slide in the projector In a short matter of time, I had quite a lot of change – for a 9-year-old. After a while the theater idea grew old, and it was discontinued. But I came away with a sense of purpose and entrepreneurship.

My next venture was purchasing a small metal loom and cotton loops from the local SS Kresge store. I had already hatched a marketing plan. Every Friday after school, I started making potholders, usually ten or so, and I placed them neatly in a leftover Christmas gift box that still had the tissue paper in it. I got up very early on Saturday mornings and went door to door selling my little potholders for a quarter. People were so surprised to see me and my work; they usually paid fifty cents, sometimes even more. Once again, my hard work and ingenuity paid off.

I learned to read at an early age, and as a kid, I was addicted to comic books. I was a huge fan of the Marvel characters and Archie, Jughead, and their friends. As much as I liked the content, I was more interested in the

I never stopped trying to be my own boss and to share my talents with others. At one time, I opened a dress shop that specialized in creating wedding and prom fashions for tall, plus size, and dwarfed women. It was Utopia! It was also expensive. There were weeks when I made little to nothing while sewing the gowns and money poured in when they were ready for pickup. Ultimately I had to close the store due to a family illness, but I remained undaunted. Ten years later, I saw the possibilities in a small closed neighborhood restaurant. It was a success as well until the building was sold. This was when I learned a couple of valuable lessons about being my own boss. No matter how badly you want a store or a shop, disappointment may come because there are things that are always beyond your control.

Never one to give up easily, I started a line of organic skincare and lifestyle products. I created a website, did as much marketing as possible, and realized that neither Facebook nor Instagram would help get me into my own brick-and-mortar store, which I desperately wanted. I did flea markets and an occasional craft show here and there, but I always felt it cheapened my product offerings. Then one day, I Googled “free money,” and their algorithm directed me to a new bazaar opening in my area. The booth rental was a little pricey at first, but it gave me an opportunity to have that coveted brick-and-mortar location. A table, a chair, and an electrical outlet were made available in an 8x10 foot space, which has now expanded to a 16x20 foot space. People can sample my wares in person and avail themselves of my consultancy services.

As I looked around the place, I began to see other opportunities for small businesses that are often overlooked because many small business owners fail to think outside the box. Usually, when the word bazaar is mentioned, images of everything from exotic spices and handmade pastries to a collection of odds ends, new and used And while some get a bad rap, a visionary

“To see an opportunity, we must be open to all thoughts.”

~Catherine Pulsifer

entrepreneur sees them as a way to start or expand a small business with a relatively small financial investment, a business brick and mortar location, and no shortage of leads who become clients. The possibilities are endless, especially for start-ups.

If an 8x10 foot space makes you think claustrophobic, remember most income tax companies rent spaces in retail locations that are about half that size, and many kiosks you find at malls are no bigger than 6 or 8 feet by 8 or 10. That space lends itself to unimagined creativity when it comes to display and organization. The table is there, and you can always add another one. There is room for a file cabinet, signage, computer, printer, and other business necessities, and you don't have to pack them up at the end of the day

In case you are wondering what type of business would work in an 8x10 foot space, here are a few ideas: handyman, financial advice, marketing assistance, consultation services, commercial cleaning services which affords you the opportunity to show potential customers what cleaning products are used, plants, wedding planning, legal consulting, cosmetics, perfumes and colognes, author signings, print-on-demand posters, greeting cards, and prints, hats, handbags, belts, socks, advertising, bread, pasta, etc.

Just as with any business, you will need to shop around for a venue that is suitable for your goods and/or services. You will need a way to accept payments, a hot spot for Wi-Fi in case there is none available at the location, and the all-important insurance to protect your goods and services. Expect to pay between $39 and $60 per month for premiums, and ensure all your licenses are up to date. You will also need a comprehensive marketing plan. Social media is one avenue, but there are a lot of other low-cost opportunities to reach your target market. If you own a website, collect subscribers, send out call-to-action emails, create a blog, take advantage of community advertising boards in supermarkets, drug and convenience stores, and free sites such as Next Door Take advantage of well-placed Google ads, and create informationalvideos.

The most important thing is a commitment to providing the best and most professional services to your customers and clients by always employing best practices. Be honest, truthful, and reliable. Be present when the doors open and stay until closing. Just because your business is small is no reason to minimize expectations. Remember, there is always room for expansion. Think James Cash Penney! Warmth, engagement, and good communication are the keys to building great client/customer relationships. Don't let yourself become consumed by what ifs, but rather can dos.

As important as money is, personal satisfaction is far more rewarding. Starting and managing a business is no small feat. It is hard work, and gratification might not come on a daily basis, but it will come.<

you may think you'll have an easy time sliding into a new role. Not so fast. Because of the huge number of options available and plenty of workers contemplating changes, you're likely to encounter some competition to land the job you want. A solid interview can help you close the deal.

Consider these five tips to help you make a great impression and land the job of your dreams:

1. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Avoid thinking of the interview as your first step toward a new job. Once you set the appointment, it's time to take a deeper dive to learn as much as you can about the company and position. Ideally, you did some of this legwork when you created a custom resume and cover letter, but for the interview, you need to know more. After arming yourself with all the information you can, practice answers to questions you expect the interviewer to ask.

2. Decide what the interviewer should know about you. Using the job description as a guide, create a list of points you want to communicate to show how your experience and knowledge fit the role. During the interview, pay attention to opportunities for sharing these details about your skillset. Most interviewers will give you the opportunity to add information you haven't covered; use this time to deliver a succinct summary of how you can succeed in the position.

3. Create your own list of questions. An interview isn't just about determining whether you're

is a fit for you. Think about what you need to know in order to feel confident accepting an offer You might organize your thoughts by considering what is essential in a new job and what aspects are “nice to have.”

4. Present yourself as a winning candidate. Impressions are everything when it comes to interviews. Dress to impress with well-fitted clothing appropriate for the job and practice good grooming habits, including details like trimming your nails and minimizing distractions like pet hair. Arrive early enough that you're not rushed or flustered when you check in for your appointment. Use good posture, a firm handshake and a clear, confident voice. Speak authoritatively but respectfully and try to make the interview a comfortable, conversational exchange.

5. Leave a lasting impression. Before you end the interview, ask for clear insight on the next steps in the process. Within 24 hours, send follow-up messages to each person you met with. Thank them for their time and include references specific to your conversation, such as elaborating on a question or reiterating a key point. This shouldn't be a copy-paste message, but rather a tailored one to each individual. Close by reiterating your interest and how your skills are a fit.

Find more advice for handling personal and professional challenges at eLivingtoday.com.

WOMAN W WOMAN Wphenomenal

Ta'JAHNAE BUCHANAN

CLEVELAND PUBLIC POWER PROMOTES THE FIRST FEMALE JOURNEYMAN LINEWORKER

In the spring of 2014, Ta'Jahnae Buchanan was a senior at Jane Addams Business Career Center, anxious to graduate from high school but unsure of what was next. She recalls her grandmother showing her a flyer and saying, “I think this is something you would be interested in,” further instructing her to attend the informational session for the Cleveland Public Power Internship-Apprenticeship Program. Because she didn't know what a lineman was, she did some research and, from what she learned, said, “This will be fun to learn.”

The Internship-Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity for Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) high school seniors to learn a skilled trade and to receive compensation as they learn. The program was launched in 2008 in an effort to develop linemen in-house due to the aging workforce and retirements leaving a shortage of lineworkers in Cleveland and across the country.

Before the students can enter the Apprenticeship, they work as Interns to familiarize themselves with the organization and the opportunities available. During this time, they attend safety training and pole climbing school and receive CDL (Commercial Driver License) training.

That fall, she and her classmates started Pole Climbing School, learning how to scale a pole 55' in the air. Of the ten students, three were female, and Buchanan was the only one to reach the top. The weeks and months passed, and at each challenge, Buchanan would find success, but in those early days, the thought that she was making history never crossed her mind.

Looking back on the road, she traveled to reach journeyman, she said, “It was hard, and there were times I wanted to quit,” but she credits her classmates and instructors for pushing her and helping keep her motivated.

In late March, Ta'Jahnae Buchanan completed all requirements of the Cleveland Public Power (CPP) Lineworker Apprentice Program, becoming the first female and first African American female to earn this status.

When asked about her achievements, she smiles brightly but is humble in her responses, “It's kind of exciting because I'm leading the way for other people, other women, to come behind me.”

On being the first woman in CPP history, she said, “When I first got here, I didn't realize it was a possibility, but as I continued in the program, different people mentioned I would be the first.”

She continued, “It's kind of exciting because I lead the way for other people, other women to come, I have someone right behind me, so it won't stop with me.” When asked about being a role model, she replied, “I can see that. I'm just here to help anybody that needs help because it is not an easy field. I'm always here to help them through anything.”

Ammon Danielson, Commissioner of CPP, said, “We are proud of the hard work that Ta'Jahnae has put in to reach this pinnacle, and we look forward to the role she will play as a mentor to those following in her footsteps.”

One of her first instructors, Assistant Commissioner Bernie Jackson, said, “Throughout her journey with CPP, Ta'Jahnae exhibited a strong aptitude for the job and demonstrated tenacity, grit, and a strong determination to succeed.”

During a recognition program, Buchanan thanked those who helped her reach this level, including her instructors, Bob Kinstler, and Brian Dean.

As a female journeyman, Ta'Jahnae joins a small but mighty group of women. American Municipal Power, a nonprofit corporation that owns and operates electric facilities with the purpose of providing generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power and energy to its members, notes that of its 133 member communities, only one has a female Lineworker. Nationally, there are 87,715 Lineworkers, and only 5.3% are women.

5 STEPS TO PREP YOUR YARD FOR SPRING

(Family Features) When spring arrives, days of enjoying your outdoor living space aren't far away Getting your yard ready for months of outdoor enjoyment will take a little work, but you'll quickly see and appreciate the results.

These five steps can have you on your way to a lush, healthy lawnand outdoor area in no time.

1. Dethatch

Throughout the winter, dead grass and other debris accumulate on your lawn. This waste, known as thatch, can be quite a hindrance to your spring lawn. It promotes fungi, encourages pests and keeps new grass seed from sprouting. You can use a special dethatching rake or any rake with sturdy tines.

2. Aerate

Before spreading grass seed, you'll want to give the new roots room to spread and grow Aerating the lawn helps make your soil more welcoming to new growth by allowing moisture, nutrients and air to sink deeper into the soil. Depending on the size of area you need to aerate, two of the easiest options are doing the job by hand or using an attachment on a riding lawnmower.

3. Prune

The lawn isn't the only place debris can pile up. Your flower

beds and any other vegetation can become a holding ground for twigs, branches, leaves and other yard waste. Give your plants, shrubs and trees a close look to find broken, damaged or dead material and remove it to make way for new growth.

4. Weed

Even the healthiest lawns are susceptible to weeds, but getting a jump start on weeding early in the season can help you keep control. You can manage weeds by treating with an herbicide before the sprout or, if you prefer, there are chemical-free alternatives like vinegar, salt or cornmeal. Be aware that many alternative products don't distinguish between the vegetation you want (like grass) and weeds, so these remedies are best used along borders and within beds to discourage weed growth.

5. Seed

Winter weather and wear can cause uneven patches in the lawn. Seeding in the spring requires more work than the fall (especially if you tend to have hot, dry summers), but with enough nurturing and regular water, you can fill those spots in for a more uniform lawn. Visit

PHOTOS: Tia McKnight: The Blush Gallery Hair: Terri Barthany

Philanthropy Consultant

HEATHER CLAYTON TERRY, Embodies The Art Of Giving

BY SHELLEY SHOCKLEY PWM MANAGING EDITOR

The art of giving was instilled in Heather Clayton Terry as a young child growing up in Cleveland, and today she has the rare distinction of living out Winston Churchill's words, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

As Philanthropy Consultant for Dominion Energy, Heather makes a living and life by improving the lives of thousands in northeast Ohio and beyond through the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. It is something she witnessed growing up between her parent's Cleveland Heights home and her grandmother's home in Mt. Pleasant. The act of goodwill to fellow members of the human race - was an everyday occurrence, grooming her for a life of service to others.

In sharing the story of her youth, she fondly recalls her father, a veteran of the Viet Nam war, coming home and using the benefits for him and his wife to begin their family in the diverse Eastside suburb. While living in “The Heights” was an advantage, Heather said, “I talk about the duality of being raised in Cleveland Heights, a very diverse community, and living on Angelus every day after school. I was picked up and taken there until my mother got off work at five. We had a ten-house radius, and I could walk to the corner store to play my grandmother's numbers or get some bread or sugar”

This daily dual living offered young Heather a full view of life in Cleveland. She recalls the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood as a tight-knit community where families looked out for one another.

That communal spirit was also present in her parent's home; she said, “I was an only child, and I had cousins that lived on and off with me, but for the most part, I was a solo act.” In addition to her cousins, her godsister was a constant presence in her life. When speaking of her, Heather's face lights up, but the underlying sorrow can be heard in her voice. They were inseparable until her god sister Nneka passed away from multiple sclerosis when they were 34; while it still hurts, she said, “I'm thankful for the time we shared.”

With parents committed to the community and activism, Heather recalls spending time with her mom protesting and working to improve the world around them. These exposures, she said, made speaking the truth a natural

occurrence, as well as prepared her to be independent and open to new adventures and challenges.

The spirit of adventure was exhibited as a young student when Heather's mom and dad signed her up as a Foreign Exchange student. At the tender age of ten, she traveled with eleven other students from Boulevard Magnet School to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France. While in France, she encountered a new culture and lifestyle starting with the school schedule. She said they attended school MondaySaturday, and Sunday was the day of rest.

This early excursion played a significant role in her life and how she sees the world. She said, “I met different people from different walks of life. I had the privilege of sharing experiences and differences in an environment where discussion of differences was encouraged and met with dialogue and a desire to understand.”

Living with the Blanchers (her French family) was so rewarding that she said, “I highly encourage others to consider living, studying, or traveling abroad to see new ways of thinking and believing in something greater than yourself.” As an observant person, she noted, “All countries have their challenges. I did, however, see firsthand the benefits of universal healthcare, universal access to collegiate education, and parental leave with pay for citizens in France and also during my time in Germany as an adult.”

Heather says she has always been good at trying new things that were a little bit different and testing the waters, and a prime example of that was on full display during her high school days. As a junior at Cleveland Heights High, Heather ventured into the school cafeteria during a recruitment fair for Vocational Training and altered the trajectory of her high school years.

Continued on next page ...

“

… My mother is a human being who is constantly being of service. My father is a human being who is constantly being of service and so I feel like that is a part of who I am and it’s what gives me joy. All of it is centered around trying to give back and leave the world better.

She says of that fateful day, “I remember at Heights, they would have the cafeteria set up. All the tables were set up, and people would go to each table to see the vocational opportunities available. All the girls were gravitating towards the cosmetology and dental assistant tables.” Not Heather, she continued, “I remember going over to the table for auto mechanics, and it was a whole bunch of boys. I asked them, what are you doing? What's this table? And they shrugged me off like, 'Girl you don't know what you're doing, this is not the place for you to be,' and that for me as a Virgo was an incentive to sign up.”

Her interest in cars was not unusual because, as a young girl growing up with many uncles, she was aware of activities considered for “boys.” Her uncle, lived in the family home on Angelus and shared with his young niece his love and knowledge of cars, making this choice viable.

Leaping into engines, carburetors, and all things automobile, she said, “was a challenge and an awesome time.” Elaborating, Heather said, “I graduated from Cleveland Heights High School with an auto-mechanic's vocational certificate. To my knowledge, I was the first Black woman ever to take the class. I spent my junior and senior years working on cars from the community which

visited our shop. I changed a lot of brakes for our principals at the school and participated in a competition with my team members in downtown Cleveland doing tire rotations, putting an engine back together, screwing nuts and bolts together and trying to reach the best time. We didn't win, but the experience was beyond fun.”

As a first-generation college graduate, Heather's auto mechanic certificate allowed her to continue her education. She said, “After high school, I worked for an auto parts shop around the corner from my house in Cleveland Hts. At the time, I worked three jobs, lived with my parents while trying to pay for Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) on a payment plan with my parent's financial help and spent time in Germany pursuing a music career with her band Amraah 8.”

After receiving an associate's degree in liberal arts from Tri-C, she enrolled at Cleveland State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. After graduation, she worked at the Cleveland Public Library while working on her graduate degree. With a desire to change, she said, “I wanted to get a non-profit management certificate which was about five classes. I got it, and my advisor said seven more classes, and you'll have a master's in public administration.” Coming from a family of 'policy junkies,' Heather went on to get the degree. During this time, she was fortunate to have two professors, Dr. Stuart Mendel and the late, Steve Minter, former CEO for the Cleveland Foundation, pushing her toward success.

With her master's degree complete, she found a notice on the career board for a fellowship with the Saint Luke's Foundation, applied for it, received it, spent two years learning about philanthropy and got married while learning the philanthropic profession. As Francis H. Beam Jr. Fellow, she said, “I was providing grants to non-profits while being led by some heavy hitters in Cleveland.” The philanthropy work she realized was something she was familiar with, noting, “My grandmother, Claretta, that's what she pushed into us - taking care of people. I had never heard that word. I knew what philanthropy was, but I didn't know that name.”

When the fellowship ended, she couldn't find work in the philanthropy space, so she took a job at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), beginning in the Nursing School as project manager for an NIH grant focused on self-management, and was later named Associate Director for Women in Pursuit of Science and Engineering Degrees at the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women. In this position, she worked with women helping with retention, engagement, and learning to navigate systems that weren't designed for them.

This work included working with the Women in Science and Engineering Roundtable (WISER) helping them to build community. The development of this community included advising students both as groups and one-onone. Putting in place mentoring opportunities and advising them with programs and activities to enhance their development She also implemented a mentoring program pairing first-year students with sophomores or juniors. If they joined, they were contractually obligated to meet certain goals as members.

Another mentoring program included pairing students with professionals. She said, “I would pair juniors and seniors with someone in the industry that was doing the same work. I did some philanthropy work with them, I would raise money through my job in order to support those students to go through the SOURCE (Support of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors) research program over the summer working in collaboration with the principal investigators in their labs. They would work in the lab, propose a hypothesis, and spend the summer investigating the outcomes potentially having the opportunityto have their research published.”

She left CWRU for a while but came back and asked if she could “do some thoughtful work” with the help of Susan Freimark, the Interim Director for the Women's Center. Of the work, she said, “I put together a Women of Color series to address intersectional feminism because I worked in a center that was white feminism-driven, hired a consultant to carry out my vision, Dr. Shemariah Arki, and then I started collaborating with the LGBT Center and Liz Roccoforte, helping to establish programming to be more inclusive of those members of the LGBT Center who identifiedas women.”

She continued, “Finally, I worked with three amazing women all employed at CWRU; we were all separately going through our own personal infertility challenges, and we spent two years pushing CWRU to now cover In vitro fertilization coverage at fifty percent, and they now cover for foster care parent staff to have the same amount of sick days as faculty.” If that wasn't enough she also noted, “At the same time, I was writing grants I found on-line to cover the cost of IVF and did three rounds of IVF, and had my twins with my husband after ten years of trying. I had gone undiagnosed with endometriosis for seven years out of a ten-year journey.”

Her journey to Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation started with an informational interview with Tracy Oliver, the former Board Chair, and former Director of External Affairs for Dominion Energy. During the interview Heather said she wanted to work with Oliver and three years later the opportunity would present itself. Today she said of Oliver, “She's one of my favorite people. I consider her to be a friend, and a mentor - she's really good people"

Heather's lived experiences and life prepared her for the Philanthropy Consultant position which she said is, “A multi-layered approach to the idea of giving and being of service,” She continued, “I think that those things are very important to me. My mother is a human being who is

constantly being of service. My father is a human being who is constantly being of service and so I feel like that is a part of who I am and it's what gives me joy. All of it is centered around trying to give back and leave the world better.”

She has been with Dominion Energy and the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation for five years and describes her role as, “It's really community engagement work, and that's all encompassing. Not only is it providing grants to non-profits here in Ohio, but it is also coordinating volunteer efforts, and providing support for local sponsorships with non-profit organizations in support of the Dominion Energy mission to “safely deliver, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy; protecting the environment; serving our customers and communities; empowering our people; and creating value for our shareholders.”

Explaining her work she said, “I'm doing volunteer efforts because we really pride ourselves at Dominion Energy on creating space and opportunity for our employees to give back. I make sure it's in the system, hours are logged, we have t-shirts, and they go out and get dirty Our employees love to get dirty. They are some of the most giving people in the respect that when I put up anything saying I have a volunteer opportunity, it is very rare that people aren't jumping at the opportunity to be there. I think that says something about the culture.”

The success of her work locally prompted an expansion of responsibilities. She said, “My work has been doing about $1.2 million here in Ohio annually as the sole philanthropist for the state of Ohio. On top of that when George Floyd was murdered and countless before and after, Dominion Energy launched a $40 million pledge to address social justice, $25 million to HBCUs through HBCU Promise , $10 million for an Educational Equity SM Scholarship Program where if you self-identified as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinos, Indigenous, Asian American or Pacific Islander you could receive an educational scholarship and another $5 million for social justice grants across our 15 state footprint.”

To execute this commitment Heather said, “I was leading our pledge of spending $5 million over 24 months to support Black-led, Black-serving organizations with the help of the newly formed Social Justice Review Committee (SJRC). My job was to convene SJRC, establish a rubric and eligibility criteria through discussions with SJRC members, meet with non profits to learn more about their work, establish recommendations and advocate recommendations to our Executive Dominion Energy Team in Virginia for potential funding.” The process was made easier she said with the help of administrative assistant Jennifer Grandstaff and her leader Paulin Cheatham. The experience she said allowed her to “meet people doing amazing work in North Carolina, South Carolina, Connecticut, Utah, Virginia and here in Ohio.”

Continued on next page ...

Locally they provided grants to The Village of Healing, Birthing Beautiful Communities, Pregnant with Possibilities, the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, United Black Fund, and Women of Color Foundation to name a few. Heather said of these opportunities, “It was really rewarding because philanthropy feels good to me. It feels like I'm doing what I can to give back and to help the most vulnerable.” The work she said was more special because, “it's aligned with my own personal self-identify as a Black woman that was like unheard of, it was a lot of hard but important work.”

Heather continued, “I'm still working through it because some of those grants are still ongoing. With HBCU Promise we did work with Central State University and SM, Wilberforce University; so they both got $500,000 a piece, it's very rewarding. I didn't have the privilege of going to a black college. My parents who did everything for me, it was something they just could not afford, so I stayed at home and worked three odd jobs to go to Tri-C, to Cleveland State University and back to Cleveland State University So, to be able to give back to a black collegiate level institution, we did some great work with Central State to help establish an endowment that they will be able to withdraw from annually. It's named as a Dominion Energy scholarship, it is prettycool.”

PHENOMENAL FACTS:

When she's not working to make the world a better place by helping others, Heather is focused on spending quality time with those closest to her She said, “My parents are older now and trying to create spaces where we are all together because they are my biggest cheerleaders. They are constant for me, they show up for me it is such a gift, such a blessing to have show-up parents.” In addition to capturing and nurturing the time with her parents she said, “My biggest accomplishment, however, has been becoming a mother after ten years of trying,” so watching their growth and being a wife are her biggest joys.

Aside from family, she nurtures some longstanding friendships and finds time to do what she does bestgiving. She explained, “I am part of Our Hope Our Future Giving Circle. LaToya Smith leads us, and we pull together $500 from our personal bank accounts every year we make the investment through the Cleveland Foundation and give to an organization. This past year we gave to Village of Healing. We were going to give them $1,000 and LaToya reached out to the United Black Fund. Our gift was matched allowing us to provide a gift for $2,000. The gift was even more meaningful she said because one of the cofounders, Da'Na Langford said in accepting it, “This is the most meaningful grant we've ever received because we received it from Black women.” <

Served as Board Development Committee Member

Girl Scouts of North East Ohio

Chair

Family Equity Committee for Case Western Reserve University

Published Song Writer & Performer (Songstress)

ASCAP

Philanthropist

Our Hope, Our Future Giving Circle

2022 Miracle Honoree

Birthing Beautiful Communities

Emerging Philanthropist Award 2021

Philanthropy Ohio

Lady of Legacy 2020

Limitless Ambition

Women of Distinction Award 2018

Girl Scouts of North East Ohio

Women's Centers Outstanding Achievement Award 2017 National Women's Studies Association

MPA, Master of Public Administration

Cleveland State University

BA, Bachelor of Science in Education

Cleveland State University

Associate of Liberal Arts

Cuyahoga Community College (CCC)

Inclusion and Diversity Staff Leadership Award 2017

Office for Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunity, Case Western Reserve University

NEO 25 Under 35 Movers and Shakers Award 2009

The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club & Inside Business Magazine

MAKE FAMILY MEALS SPECIAL WITH A FRESH, HOMEMADE DISH

Nothing makes family time special quite like a homemade meal, especially one made with locally sourced ingredients that are as fresh and flavorful as they are thoughtfully prepared.

Whether your gatherings with loved ones take place in the family kitchen, on the patio or at a picnic area, this Asparagus, Bacon and Egg Salad makes for a perfect brunch or appetizer that leans on local ingredients like Michigan asparagus, which takes just about three days to get from the field to your table. Grown by more than 100 family farmers, it can be found in your local store at 1-4 days old, compared to 10-20 days old for imported asparagus.

Local means fresh, which makes for an especially delicious meal, but it also means sustainability Because the Michigan asparagus season relies on the weather and uses rainwater instead of irrigation, it makes for a sustainable product that's environmentallyfriendly

As a nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable with no fat, no cholesterol and little sodium, it's also easy to prepare –just don't overcook it. Look for thicker spears at the store, as they tend to have greater texture and more flavor and tenderness because the fiber is less concentrated.

Visit michiganasparagus.org to find more flavorful recipes to share with your nearest and dearest.

Asparagus,BaconandEggSalad

Recipe courtesy of Ashley from “Cheesecurd in Paradise” on behalf of the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board

6 bacon slices

1 pound fresh Michigan asparagus, ends trimmed

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons champagne vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered

2/3 cup halved cherry tomatoes

1/4 cup sliced green onion

In skillet, cook bacon until crisp Remove from pan. Set aside.

Cut asparagus into four pieces. Add asparagus to same skillet used to cook bacon. Cook until fork tender, about 4 minutes, depending on thickness of asparagus.

While asparagus cooks, prepare dressing. Whisk oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Chop bacon. Remove asparagus from pan and place on platter. Top with chopped bacon, eggs, tomatoes and green onion. Pour dressing over top.

Brighten Your Brunch Spread

CitrusWatermelonade

1 cup hot water

2 cups sugar

6 cups watermelon, seeded, rind removed and cut into 1-inch pieces, divided

2 cups Florida Orange Juice

1 cup Florida Grapefruit Juice

3/4 cup lemon juice

3/4 cup lime juice

2 cups Florida Oranges, cut into 1-inch pieces, peeled

1/2 cup mint leaves ice, for serving

Florida Orange Slices, for garnish (optional) watermelon chunks, for garnish (optional)

In small saucepan over low heat, combine hot water and sugar; heat until sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate until chilled.

In blender, puree 4 cups watermelon until smooth.

In large pitcher, stir watermelon juice, chilled sugar syrup, orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice and lime juice until combined.

Add remaining watermelon pieces, orange pieces and mint

leaves; refrigerate 2-3 hours until well chilled.

Serve over ice in glasses. Garnish with orange slices and watermelon chunks, if desired.

OrangeOatmeal

1 cup Florida Orange Juice

1 1/2 cups water

1 cup quick-cooking steel-cut oats

1 Florida Orange, peeled and diced

1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

In medium saucepan over high heat, bring orange juice and water to boil.

Add oats to boiling liquids.

Return to boil then reduce to medium heat and cook, uncovered, 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Mix in diced orange, agave nectar, cinnamon and salt. Remove pan from heat; let stand 1 minute before serving.

For more information and sweet, nutritious brunch recipes, visit FloridaJuice.com.

Travel in 2023 will be about saying “no” to normal, breaking routines and searching for experiences without compromises. Whether it's flying to those once-in-a-lifetime events or hosting group celebrations at a vacation rental home, travelers are no longer adapting to the next new normal, but creating their own status quo altogether.

“We see a detailed and robust picture of travel into 2023,” Expedia Brands President Jon Gieselman said. “We're seeing a surge in trips to culture capitals, a new wave of interest in wellness retreats and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond just beaches and mountains. It's not a new normal so much as people branching out to unexpected trends in what we're calling the 'no normal.'”

A close look at these trends suggests there is no “one-sizefits-all” approach to travel in 2023. Insights sourced from the company's first-party data, and from custom research of thousands of travelers and industry professionals across 17 countries, show food, abundant space and unconventional destinations are influencing travel choices.

Consider these conclusions from the experts at Vrbo:

Foodie-Menities

Kitchen credentials are a must with travelers looking to plate up at their own convenience in a private vacation home. Outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens and air fryers are the top three foodie-menities travelers crave. Additionally,

Travel Trends Break from Routine in 2023

nearly half of U.S travelers (43%) use cooking to cut down on costs.

Travelers are looking for amenities in their vacation rentals rather than focusing on location. In fact, more than half (57%) of travelers would rather book a unique vacation home to be with their people in a lesser-known destination than a less interesting, less equipped vacation home in a popular area.

Cowboy-Cations

Rustic getaways are on the rise as travelers crave private vacation homes with abundant space and exhilarating views. Cue the cowboy-cation, offering an intimate escape in the rugged wilderness. Demand for homes in western destinations increased by more than 30% from September 2021-August 2022. Plus, 42% of U.S travelers find inspiration in outdoorsy destinations and landscapes that include log-lined cabins, flickering fires and sweeping vistas.

Travelers can live out their western fantasies by booking a luxurious lodge, ranch retreat or farmhouse that fits the whole crew. Destinations across Montana, Colorado and other western states spring to mind, but the cowboycation is not confined to the U.S. For a home on the range in Europe, travelers are booking converted barns and farmhouses in Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom. Thrill-seekers can also embrace their inner cowboy in Australia, where farmhouses in the outback overlook acres of wineries and wild brush.

HiddenGems

Travelers are exploring unassuming locales and new places. Top hidden gems in the U.S have one thing in common: beautiful lakes where travelers can take in tranquil views. Demand for private vacation homes in these unconventional destinations has increased by 30% or more since September 2021:

· Nampa, Idaho

· Greensboro, North Carolina

· Layton, Utah

· Irmo, South Carolina

· Oneonta, New York

· Hampton, Virginia

· Bristol, Rhode Island

· Spokane, Washington

· Las Cruces, New Mexico

· Missoula, Montana

Find more ideas to plan an adventure that's uniquely your own at Vrbo.com or bydownloading the app.