P.O.W.E.R. Magazine Summer 2020

20 SUMER ISUE

Top Realtor and Million Dollar Listing Star Tracy Tutor

Interior Designer to the Stars

Faye Resnick

Caviar Dreams on a

Tuna Fish Budget with RHONJ’s

Margaret Josephs

Recipes from Food Network Star Chef Tregaye Fraser Read About our Amazing

Members

Talking & Dancing with Power Woman

Carrie Ann Inaba

New Neutrals

Glam Goddess

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Entrepreneur, Fashion Designer, Reality Star

M

argaret Josephs graduated from FIT, New York City with a degree in Marketing and Fashion Design and worked in the infamous New York Garment Center as a dress designer. It was here that her love of fashion and print developed and her desire to launch her own label began. She literally launched her line, Macbeth Collection

by Margaret Josephs, from her kitchen table. Since its inception in 1999, which includes a collection of home accessories, the company has since grown into a global lifestyle brand.

In 2015 Margaret introduced Candie Couture by Margaret Josephs, and in 2016 she added House Candie by Margaret Josephs brands to her portfolio as sister brands to her Macbeth Collection. In 2019, she celebrated the 20th anniversary of her launch by adding a signature clothing collection under her namesake label, Margaret Josephs. She also added a jewelry collection in the fall of 2019. Margaret believes that everyone deserves a little fabulosity in life. She makes it her mission to bring her devoted followers fashion forward products that embody the term “Luxury for Less.”

Margaret is a true entrepreneur and her growing stable of brands, all of which are an extension of her personal style, fully embody her mantra “Caviar dreams; Tuna fish budget.” This is also the name of her podcast and will be the topic of many seminars.

In 2017, Margaret joined the cast of the Bravo show “Real Housewives of New Jersey” and instantly became known for her quick fire one liners and no-nonsense approach. She is truly enjoying the ride and looks forward to more adventures with her Jersey girls.

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Macbeth Collection | Candie Couture | House Candie Margaret is grateful to be able to use her platform to bring awareness to causes that are close to her heart.

She featured her partnership with Brave Gowns by creating the “Hospital Heroes” gala raising funds for Northwell Health & Cohen Children’s Hospital which was on season

9 of RHONJ. She was honored at the 2019 Pride celebration by receiving the keys to the City of Englewood from Mayor Michael Wildes for her continued support of the LGBTQ community. In addition to riding the Bravo World Pride float in the 50th annual Pride Parade, Margaret is an avid supporter of Live Out Loud, which inspires and empowers LGBTQ youth.

Another important theme to Margaret is that of women’s empowerment. As a FIT graduate entering the garment center in the 90’s, she was no stranger to forging her way as a strong woman in typically a man’s world. After having her child, she realized she didn’t want to go back to a career that would take away from time with her family and didn’t support her being a mom, so she launched her own company. Margaret has never compromised her identity even when she was told she had to in order to succeed. Today, she has been featured on Fox Business News proudly wearing her pigtails.

To this day, Margaret runs her company, of all women, to empower her team and help them achieve a work/ life balance where the women can bring children to the office and be themselves, pigtails and all.

Margaret is a lifestyle expert and can be seen regularly on TV sharing her tips for organizing, accessorizing, and glamorizing. Her belief is that women should feel empowered in their career yet not compromised as a mother so the office is full of energy. While the team works to create new products in her signature prints, Margaret is busy renovating her estate with her husband, Joe. Their home is from 1906 and is definitely a labor of love.

After working in the garment district, what made you decide to create a line of decoupage home accessories?

I had just had my son and I was home with a house full of kids, toys everywhere and there were absolutely no stylish storage solutions available, so I decided to create my own. I had a background in fashion and had always worked with prints, so I began to decoupage buckets literally at my kitchen table. I took them to a local store, they sold out in one day and I never looked back.

Why did you choose the name Macbeth Collection for your line?

When I started Macbeth Collection, I had a partner, Beth, and I was also born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, so the combination of Margaret and Beth became Macbeth. Beth and I parted ways early on, but the brand already had serious traction and was really growing so the name remained.

You have expanded your brands to include clothing and jewelry. What other products are on the horizon?

With everyone spending so much time at home we expect to see a resurgence in the home decor space and are looking forward to reconnecting with our roots and creating more products in that sector.

How has being one of the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” changed your life?

I truly feel blessed to have a platform on a major network like Bravo and the NBC Universal family. It has given me a voice to raise both awareness and money for charities and causes that are close to my heart. It also naturally helped with recognition for my brands Margaret Josephs, Macbeth Collection and Candie Couture at a consumer level. Our products have always been out at various retail channels but now the association with me has definitely boosted my brand reach.

Tell us about your new podcast, Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget.

I always had “Caviar

Dreams on a Tuna Fish Budget” and with a mix of part determination, part delusion, I’ve been able to achieve my goals. I started the podcast with my co-host and creative director Lexi Barbuto so we could inspire other people to live out their own caviar dreams. In every episode, we talk to entrepreneurs, leaders, risk takers and disruptors who share the stories behind their success. We air new episodes every Wednesday and Friday, with videos on YouTube and audio wherever you get your podcast fix.

As a supporter of women’s empowerment, explain how you empower your work team and help them achieve a work/ life balance through your unique home-office set up.

I believe in a work/life balance that helps my team live fully rounded lives. As we are in both the design and entertainment industry, we don’t work a typical 9-5 day behind-a-desk week, and we often have events on evenings and weekends. I encourage my team to bring their babies to work to maximize their time together and not miss out on those precious early moments. Motherly guilt at missing milestones is so underestimated.

How is the renovation of your 1906 home progressing?

Will you get that dream closet this year?

We had finally started renovations when Covid-19 hit, and outside contractors couldn’t come to work in the house.

Lucky for me, Super Joe, my tortured husband, is incredibly skilled in almost all areas of home renovation, so he has spent his quarantine wallpapering, laying new floors, painting and fixing things up. My bedroom and closet are still scheduled for a 2020 completion, so fingers crossed we can hit some deadlines as restrictions lift.

What does the word power mean to you?

The word power holds a very deep meaning to me. With power comes great responsibility. Being on a platform that is very influential to many fans at all ages, I am very aware that my voice and messaging have an impact. margaretjosephs.com

Top

REALTOR

TRACY

TUTOR

Real Estate Agent, Entrepreneur, Author

Douglas Elliman California

T

racy Tutor is an entrepreneur and real estate agent. She can currently be seen on the 12th season of “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles.”

A Los Angeles native, Tracy has over 15 years experience and is one of the top agents at Douglas Elliman California. She has an undeniably strong presence and a confidence that has propelled her into the rooms of some of the most powerful people in LA. Her clients are primarily by referral. Tracy prides herself on nurturing those relationships, and with a strong in-house team, she has her personal network of talent on speed dial including many of the hottest designers, architects, and builders. She has represented some of the most powerful brands in real estate and has consulted for the luxury five-star hotel and resort, Amangiri in Canyon Point, Utah on the sales of over $400 million dollars in branded real estate. In 2018, Tracy was chosen to represent one

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of the most exciting new developments to come to Los Angeles, the West Hollywood EDITION Hotel and Residences.

Tracy has lived all over Los Angeles, from Hidden Hills to the Hollywood Hills. Growing up the daughter of Ronald Tutor (Tutor/Perini), one of the most successful civil and building contractors in the country, she was introduced to real estate at an early age. Shortly after graduating from the University of Southern California, she went to work for her father, acquiring a wealth of knowledge and a steadfast work ethic. After almost three years at Tutor/Perini, Tracy transitioned into a career in residential real estate and has never looked back.

As a fresh face on “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles,” Tracy maintains a delicate work-life balance with her two daughters at home while expanding her business and staying competitive.

Besides having a famous father in real estate, what was it about the field that excited you?

It wasn’t something I dreamt about growing up. I started as an actor, but when I began in real estate, my instincts that I had as an actor kicked in. I had to sell myself on auditions for years, so that came naturally to me and I enjoyed the pitch more than anything. I loved the idea of walking into a room and finding a way to own it.

How has having a background in theatre and performance helped with your career?

Sales and acting require a certain level of confidence. Developing that skillset over the years in my theatre studies is a big part of where my confidence developed and my ability to deal with failure.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

I believe that putting out good content to your network is a big piece of growing your business. I like to make sure that the content I put out is interesting and on brand for me, so that I continue to attract the clientele I want to work with.

Is there one piece of real estate you have sold that stands out from the rest?

I really enjoy working on architecturally significant properties. Over the years, I have been lucky enough to represent world class architecture like Gehry and Lautner. I have also been named an ambassador for major hotel brands with residential components like The Royal Atlantis in Dubai, The Aman and Four Seasons on the east cape of Cabo.

What is it like being the first female cast member on “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles” on Bravo?

It’s been an incredible experience working on this show with an inclusive network like Bravo. It has certainly propelled my business to the next level, but it hasn’t been without a ton of hard work. I am so grateful to be a part of Bravo’s longest running show.

Describe the jaw-dropping shoe and handbag wall in your home?

My closet is my happy place. I feel like my next one will knock the last one out of the park. But I love closets. I spend a lot of time there, so it should be pretty. The new one I am dreaming of has a mini fridge and seating area for my girlfriends.

Is there something you haven’t accomplished yet that you still want to do?

There is always something on the horizon that I am pushing for and it is evolving constantly. I would be bored if I wasn’t striving for more, even though I think the pace is killing me. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What does the word power mean to you?

Power is that inner strength that emanates from someone without so much as a word. I experience power in different ways depending on the person. It can be silent and intimidating at the same time. Or it can be bold and all consuming. Knowing where your power lies and what is authentic to you is where you will truly figure out how to kick out whatever underlying fears you have and own any room you walk into.

How has COVID-19 affected the real estate market?

Locally, the market has shifted a bit. The restrictions to show properties due to COVID-19 are affecting properties on the market. We are now allowed to show vacant properties which helps, but COVID-19 will certainly have an effect, and I imagine that we will see a decrease in sales and median price in the second through fourth quarter of this year. www.elliman.com/california P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 7

Carrie Ann Inaba

Table

OF CONTENTS

Carrie Ann Inaba is a dancer, choreographer, producer and television personality.

She serves as a host on “The Talk,” CBS’ daytime Emmy award-winning talk show, alongside Eve, Sharon Osbourne, Marie Osmond and Sheryl Underwood.

Carrie has served as a judge on ABC’s award-winning “Dancing with the Stars” for all 28 seasons since its debut in 2005.

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Cover Story Cover Photo: Art Streiber/ CBS The Talk

Margaret Josephs

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Women of P.O.W.E.R. Tracy Tutor

6

18

Areva Martin

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Faye Resnick

COPING WITH COVID-19

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Quarantined: Self Love During Coronavirus By Love McPherson

Dr. Alyson Myers | Dr. Karinn Glover

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Right Dress, Wrong Year

By Francesca Caputo

Sara Anne’s

Regular Features Book Corner

62

P.O.W.E.R. VIP List

70

Empowered 76 Women’s List In Memoriam 7.11.50-6.8.20

Trends

49

We know we will get through this difficult time, but our lives will

forever

be

changed.

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to our Essential Workers

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Tonia’s Talk

The “New Normal” includes bridal face masks, monster towel and tie-dye.

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Rising Star Lifetime Lizzy Small Achievement Award

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20 Chef Tregaye Fraser

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Women of the Month

29

Patricia Eva “Bonnie” Pointer

Women of P.O.W.E.R. Melissa Alcantara

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Alma Callan

46 Doris Dalton

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P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 9

TJA PUBLISHING, LLC

PRESIDENT AND EDITOR IN CHIEF Tonia DeCosimo

Talk

TONIA’S

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Syndi Reibman SENIOR EDITOR Susan Koop EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Ellen Gold PUBLIC RELATIONS Alison Swerdloff MEDIA DIRECTOR Jeremy Felber WEB DESIGNER & IT Chris Ziminski CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cris Bell CONTROLLER Maureen Meagher EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Nicole Crumb ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Shari Brozinsky Anna Rose Cameron Helene Kaye Sari Meyer Renee Rosenfeld Susan Russo Jacalyn Winters Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized/P.O.W.E.R. magazine is published quarterly by TJA Publishing, LLC. All biographical information and photographs submitted by members, as well as questions and answers may be altered as necessary to fit our format. While every effort has been made to ensure that information is correct, errors may occur.

There is no guarantee of accuracy, timeliness, and completeness. We are not responsible for other’s opinions or views as expressed herein. P.O.W.E.R. magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials. Advertisements do not constitute an endorsement of the product or services by P.O.W.E.R. Magazine. Copyright 2020 by P.O.W.E.R. magazine. All rights reserved.

Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from P.O.W.E.R. magazine.

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S

ummer 2020 has arrived, but it is certainly a different kind of summer than we are used to. We all have a story to share about what we have experienced during this pandemic.

Some of our stories are remarkably similar and others are extremely different. Too many of us have lost loved ones, know people who were sick or were ill ourselves. Some have lost their jobs while others are fighting to keep their businesses afloat.

Even though we know we will get through this difficult time, our lives will forever be changed.

I like to think of the positive things that can come about from something negative. Many of us were so busy in our careers that we never took the time to realize what really matters.

I believe this pandemic has changed that.

We have gained a new appreciation for life, our loved ones and many families have been brought closer together through this time.

I have always been interested in how people got started in their profession and what or who motivated them. In this issue we are thrilled to highlight some powerhouses who help inspire and empower us to see new possibilities while helping us through these crazy times.

Carrie Ann Inaba, our covergirl, is a dancer, choreographer, producer, and television personality. She serves as the moderator and a host on “The Talk,” CBS’ daytime Emmy award-winning talk show. Carrie and her co-

Love McPherson, a relationship expert with an amazing relationship coaching practice has written an article for this issue titled, “Quarantined: Self Love During Coronavirus” about how sheltering-in-place has forced us to be still, sit down, and face the unhealthy relationship we have cultivated with ourselves. It’s a must read!

Award-winning attorney, best-selling author, legal commentator, talk show host, and television producer, Areva Martin, serves as an advocate for social justice, children’s and women’s issues, as well as the underserved.

Her commentary seen on programs and talk shows covering a wide range of topics from breaking news, celebrity news, pop culture, race, politics, and the law, keeps us up-todate on what is going on in the world and helps raise our awareness of critical matters.

hosts discuss the day’s latest headlines, tying them into the show’s theme of motherhood by giving opinions through the eyes of mothers. With children home from school due to the pandemic, this show has helped mothers struggling to keep working, home school their children, keep them occupied, and most importantly, to help answer questions about Covid-19 to alleviate their children’s fears.

In addition, Carrie launched The Carrie Ann Conversations, her inspirational wellness blog.

Her latest blogs cover topics relating to how to make your life better and stay connected while self-isolating during the pandemic.

Alma M. Callan is a celebrity wine consultant and founder of Buywine.com which combines her passions for media and wine together in one space. Through her website, we can get educated about different wines and purchase bottles directly from the winery to help learn about and enjoy wine without leaving our home.

If you missed our spring webinar with Dr. Alyson Myers, MD and Dr. Karinn Glover, MD, MPH, be sure to check it out on our website, powerwoe.com. Both of these amazing physicians shared their perspective and knowledge on COVID-19 and related issues and answered questions from our audience.

It is through the diligent care and efforts of our frontline healthcare workers and first responders that many of us are here today. We owe them so much praise and thanks. Even though this is a different kind of summer, let’s appreciate what we have, unify, and make it Melissa Alcantara is a personal trainer and ath- a great one. lete. Her no-nonsense approach to diet and exercise has helped Kim Kardashian and many We are women of P.O.W.E.R. others to get in shape and stay that way. Her Fitgurlmel Instagram, website, and her new book, “Fit Gurl,” can motivate us all to eat healthy, exercise and lose those extra pounds EDITOR-IN-CHIEF put on while stuck at home munching. @Toniadecosimo

Tonia DeCosimo @power_woe

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 11

QUARANTINED O

ne of the hardest things you could face during this COVID-19 pandemic may have nothing to do with sickness, lack of food, money, or toilet tissue. It may simply be being forced to be still, sit down, and face the unhealthy relationship you have cultivated with yourself. In my relationship coaching practice, I meet with lots of singles, couples and families wanting to resolve the interpersonal relationships they are having with each other. During shelter-in-place, I’ve seen the focus turn to their intrapersonal relationship with themselves. It’s important to self-reflect and address what we find. Here are three important questions to ask during this slowdown in your life.

Have I placed the oxygen mask on myself first as an act of self-love?

Women carry pillar roles for our families and communities: wife, mom, employee, employer, daughter, and friend. Cracks in our identity happen when we become so engulfed in the demands of our roles that we neglect our most important role, “self.” Our role as self requires constant love, attention, and upgrades. Self-awareness is one of the greatest acts of self-love. If you don’t know who you are, someone else will create an identity for you. When your inner self is not aligned with your intellectual self, you will experience inner conflict and double minded behavior.

Take time to see and embrace your changed self after each of life’s significant events. Learn how you evolved after leaving that toxic relationship. Know the skills you have developed while restructuring 12 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

that failing business. Recognize the strength you have obtained while healing from that painful divorce.

Create “new normals” that align with your wiser and stronger self.

Unapologetically nurture the bruises to your identity. Place the mask on yourself before reaching for your cape to go out and save the world.

Have I quarantined myself from my own negative self-talk?

One of the issues many will face while being isolated with themselves is that they aren’t always very kind to themselves. Have you paused to really listen to how you speak to yourself? Are your words full of kindness and grace? Are you judgmental, hard on yourself, or unforgiving? Do you set unreasonable expectations and then punish yourself when you don’t meet them? Would you talk to your best friend with the same levels of tolerance that you talk to yourself? You can’t expect someone else to love you better than you love yourself.

If spending time alone, listening to your inner self is brutal, it’s time to

silence the negative voices. Isolate negative thoughts away from your heart so that you don’t become infected with self-sabotage, discouragement, and self-doubt. Discover if your words sound familiar to those spoken about you in your past (a parent, an exe, a boss, etc.).

Challenge whether the messages are fact or feelings. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations.

Am I washing my heart often of my past mistakes and bad choices?

As people see death tolls rising and are faced with their own mortality, many are reflecting on their life and life choices. What happens when you don’t like what you see?

Perhaps you’re still beating yourself up for giving your child such a crappy father. You may regret you stayed in that toxic relationship so long. You may be wondering why you didn’t speak up, fight back, or tell someone about that molestation, date rape, or physical abuse.

You may discover you have never forgiven yourself for the choices you made. Forgiving yourself is imperative for a strong emotional immune system. You invite low self-worth, shame, fear, anxiety, and depression to reside in your heart when you fail to forgive yourself.

Create a meaningful event where you officially let it go. Release balloons with your shame written on them. Have a personal funeral for the mistakes of your past. Remember, forgiveness is a decision and not a feeling. Each day you make a conscious effort to walk in the integrity of that decision by remaining free of your own accusing thoughts.

Self Love During Coronavirus

By Love McPherson Relationship Expert

I

n a world where failing marriages and toxic relationships have become the societal norm, Relationship Expert, Love McPherson is the voice of hope that says, “I was born for this.” She is a passionate author, captivating speaker, and engaging media personality on a mission to impact generations and heal relationships by teaching individuals how to love better.

In 2010, Love founded her relationship coaching company, Love Infinity, Inc., which has allowed her the opportunity to make a global impact speaking to national and international audiences such as T.D. Jakes Ministries, Northwestern University, DePaul University, the Black Women’s Expo, Chase Bank, as well as various small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Love brings over two decades of experience as a mental health professional to her vast audiences.

Love is a recurring guest on the #1 news broadcast in Chicago, “WGN TV,” as well as WGN Radio Chicago 720AM , Windy City Live on ABC Network, WCIU’s “The Jam,” and the “Willie

Moore Jr. Show ATL.” A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Love puts her degree in Communication to use weekly on the two-time stellar award winning iHeartRadio station, Inspiration 1390AM, with host Sonya Blakey for her “Relationship Talk Thursday” segment during the morning drive. She has also been featured on other media outlets such as WVON 1690AM and V103 FM. In 2018, Love was featured by the EarthHeart Foundation for the “Do You See Me” Project, a community project highlighting the confidence, success and stories of black women in Chicago.

Not surprisingly, the relationship expert says that her greatest success by far is being the wife to Anthony McPherson, her husband of 36 years and vice president of Love Infinity, Inc. Together they have two beautiful daughters, Tiffany McPherson, her executive assistant and brand manager, and Christa Pepala. When Love isn’t on the speaking circuit or conducting private coaching sessions, you can find her dating her husband or enjoying family time at their South Loop Chicago condo. www.lovemcpherson.com P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 13

Amazing Front Line and Essential Workers

Dr. Alyson Myers

Medical Director of Inpatient Diabetes | North Shore University Hospital

D

r. Alyson Myers is the medical director of inpatient diabetes at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York. She also is an associate professor at the David and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Dr. Myers attended the University of Virginia where she majored in French and minored in Chemistry.

She attended SUNY Downstate for medical school, where she was the four-year recipient of the President’s Award Scholarship. After medical school, she completed a five-year combined Internal Medicine/Psychiatry Residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. During her fourth year, she served as chief resident.

After her residency, she completed an endocrinology fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern.

During her fellowship Dr. Myers received a T32 training grant in the area of mood disorders under the mentorship of Dr. Madhukar Trivedi.

In 2012, Dr. Myers returned to New York to serve as a clinical

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educator at North Shore University Hospital. For the past three years, she has been a member of the Internal Medicine Residency Committee. From 2015-2017, Dr. Myers was accepted as an Empire Clinical Research Investigators Program (ECRIP) fellow. As an ECRIP fellow, she was conducting a feasibility study exploring the use of telehealth for lifestyle modification and improved glycemic control in black and hispanic patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.

She is currently a co-investigator for the three-year PCORI grant entitled: “Patient and Caregiver-Centered Diabetes Telemanagement Program for Hispanic/Latino Patients.”

Dr. Myers has several publications about diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia. She has been a reviewer for numerous journals including Minerva Endocrinologica, Journal of Affective Disorders and Diabetes Care. She is also an active member of the Endocrine Society and the American Diabetes Association. In 2018, Dr. Myers was selected as a three-year member of the Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Board. In 2019, she was awarded Doctor of the Year by the Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized (P.O.W.E.R.) and with the Salzman Award for Quality from the Department of Medicine, Northwell Health. In her spare time, Dr. Myers enjoys traveling, watching movies, reading and going to the gym. nsuh.northwell.edu

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Director of Adult Behavioral Health | Montefiore Medical Group

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r. Karinn Glover, is a board certified physician who specializes in psychiatry and teaches stress reducing mindfulness skills that increase professional and personal success. Born in the Bronx and raised in White Plains, New York, Dr. Glover has spent the greater part of her adult life following her interests in science, health and improving life for women and the underserved. She has also contributed to various media outlets on a range of topics related to mental wellness. She uses mindfulness-based techniques in both her psychiatry practice as well as her career coaching for professionals. Dr. Glover

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Jyoti Desai

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HEALTHCARE

Nurse

Doctor

Harriet Adu-Gyan

Karen C. Purnell

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Doctor

Nurse

Hope L. Stamp

Karen T. Stratoti

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Nurse

Nurse

Inelda Bullock

Katherine M. Konzen

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Jacqueline Wormuth

Kathy L. Morgan

Nurse

Therapist

HEALTHCARE

Jameszetta E. James Nurse

HEALTHCARE

Janise M. Banks Nurse Manager HEALTHCARE

Jannifer H. Stovall Nurse

HEALTHCARE

Jeannette E. Shaver

Rehab Department Lead PT & OT HEALTHCARE

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Doctor

Surgical Technician, Certified Sterile Processor HEALTHCARE

Katrina A. Morgan Nurse

HEALTHCARE

Kimberly L. Jones

Surgical Technologist HEALTHCARE

Latecia L. Coleman Nurse

HEALTHCARE

Latoya L. Simmons

Lorraine V. Faison

Health Practitioner HEALTHCARE

Lydia Marquez

Physician’s Assistant HEALTHCARE

Lynn M. Festa

Public Health Analyst

Health Professional Coach

Lauralee C. Mayorkinos

Madelaine S. Redman

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Nurse

Lenore A. Grubman

HEALTHCARE

Nurse

Marcia Goodman

RN, CPAN

Health Practitioner

Linda Spinner

Margie Kardos

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Health Practitioner

Linda Reynolds

HEALTHCARE

Nurse

Marie Fecu

LMHC

Phlebotomist

Linda Davis

Marquetta I. Warren

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

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Linda Davis

HEALTHCARE

Medical Aide

Mary Modderman

Nurse

Occupational Therapist

Linda L. Shiver

Mary E. Norris

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Family Nurse Practitioner

Linda M. Sobczak

HEALTHCARE

Nurse

Mary Lynn Massonne

Registered Nurse

Family Nurse Practitioner

Lindsay Lawter

Maryann Powell

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Director of Operations

HEALTHCARE

Healthcare

Lisa Lewis

Maureen Gallagher

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Doctor

Nursing / Medical

Lois E. O’Daniels

Maxine O. Williams

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Lori Getzwiller

Melinda L. Silva

Doctor

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Kimberly E. Skipper

Registered Medical Assistant

Lori A. Zupp-Deichman

Melissa A. Williamson

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Kelley Gardner Anesthesia HEALTHCARE

Kimberly Langdon M.D. HEALTHCARE

RN Director of Nursing HEALTHCARE

Nurse

Nurse

Nurse

Doctor

Surgical Technologist

Melita Ellis King

Rabia Z. Bhatti

Shaesta Gilani Humayun

Susan West

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Merlyne D. Dwyer

Rajammal Jayakumar

Tamara J. Battaia

HEALTHCARE

Doctor

Shalda Etienne

HEALTHCARE

Nursing / Medical HEALTHCARE

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Michele M. Morgan

Rhonda Renae Jones

Sharon Gertzman

Tammy J. Klawitter

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

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Rita R. Wright-Sanders

Sharon Perkins

Teresa L. Martin

Doctor

Nurse

Nurse

Michelle Daniels-Devore

Doctor

Nurse

Doctor

Doctor

Nurse

Nurse Nurse

Nurse

Certified Case Manager & RN HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Michelle E. bCascio

Robin Magnot

Sharon Ann Stanton

Tharon Kay Miller

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

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Mylene Rucker

Rodica M. Pirv

Sheila M. Dee

Thelma Reyes

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Nancy D’Annibale West

Rohini J. Joshi

Shelley M. DiAngelo

Theresa Cheng

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Ronda Johnson

Sheree Mullen

Theresa McCoy-Carpenter

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Research Scientist

Doctor

Physician Assistant

Nancy L. Brown

Nurse

Nurse

Doctor

Nurse

Nurse

Health Manager

Nurse

Nurse

Doctor

Doctor

Nurse

Certified Medical Assistant

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nargis Khazzan

Rosalie Sunny Abbott

Sherel A. Ott

Theresa D. Springer

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HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

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Nicole D. Rockett

Rosaly J. Denis

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Nicole M. Phillips

Rose-Anne Duvigneaud

HEALTHCARE

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Nurse

Nurse

Nurse

Nurse

Healthcare

Director of Nursing

Nurse

Pharmacist

Sherlee J. Small

Tiffany A. Hawthorne

HEALTHCARE

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Nursing / Medical

Shirley Mauzoul

Nurse

Tina Marian

Pharmacist

Nurse Practitioner

Health Practitioner

Nycole R. Brong

Saleha R. Ahmed

Sonia R. Joseph

Tina Grall

HEALTHCARE

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HEALTHCARE

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Olatanwa Adewale

Sally Howe

Sonja K. Woolverton

Tina Marie Deters

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

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Sammy T. Bailey

Stacey L. Gallagher

GOVERNMENT

HEALTHCARE

Sandra Arce-Garzon

Stephanie Hunsberger

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Nurse

Physician’s Assistant Epidemiologist

Ottilia Sibanda Nurse

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Pamela Hokamp Nurse

HEALTHCARE

Patricia Daniello

Nursing Case Manager HEALTHCARE

Doctor

Nurse

Assistant Chief of Police

M.D.

HEALTHCARE

D.O.

Nurse

Nurse

Health Practitioner

HEALTHCARE

Nurse

Nurse

Tracy Ann Green

Community Relations Coordinator HEALTHCARE

Valeon Waller

Health Management HEALTHCARE

Sarah L. Bishop

Susan Thompson

Veena Sharma

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

Certified Medical Assistant

Nurse

Nurse

Patricia A. Berry

Veshay Elise Russell

HEALTHCARE

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Nurse

Patricia A. Lewis

Viola Jones

HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE

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Paula Guinnip Doctor

HEALTHCARE

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Wendy Sherry Nurse

HEALTHCARE

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 17

Top F

aye Resnick was born in Northern California. She began her career by starting her own modeling agency in San Francisco. Although she enjoyed the modeling industry, she was not inspired creatively and decided to change career paths. Faye’s lifelong dream was to live in Europe, which she did. She got married in London, where her daughter Francesca Sophia was born. She owned several homes throughout Europe and the U.S. and was inspired by the classic traditional and European architecture. She designed her homes to resonate with the true sense of each country and decorated each accordingly. Faye has designed projects including: Fendi Casa LA, Color at Caesars Palace, Amp Salon at The Palms Hotel, and the residences of Avril Lavigne, Kevin Connolly, Kyle and Maurico Umansky, Vanessa and Nick Lachey, Paris and Nicky Hilton and Ike Bakrie’s residence.

In addition to being a designer to the stars, Faye is no stranger to being a bit of a star herself.

Reality TV fans know Faye for her cameo appearances on episodes of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Faye remains good friends with Kyle Richards.

18 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Faye Resnick Owner Faye Resnick Design

Woodrow Wilson Home Living Room

55,000 Square Feet Residential Project, Singapore

Paris Hilton Bedroom

Dr. Nassif’s Medspa in Beverly Hills

Which residential design project was your favorite and why?

The majority of our projects are new build construction which means we have the opportunity to carefully select every texture, stone, and material used throughout the interior of our client’s homes.

We also provide decorative services to specify lighting, furniture, and complete each space with accessories and artwork for a personalized touch.

Kyle Richard’s homes have always been my favorite because we have so much fun working together.

She sees the interior design of her home as an extension of her personality. We completed an updated remodel for her beautiful Greek Revival home. This home is like entering into a southern mansion, with beautiful large colonial columns that remind me of “Gone with the Wind.”

Kyle is constantly adopting a new dog that we seem to be designing around. It’s as if she can’t walk by a homeless animal without giving it a home. Kyle and Paris Hilton are similar in this way, as they both have a deep love and desire to help animals. Paris is like a niece to me. I love designing for her since she’s got a fun and whimsical aesthetic that really pushes the creative envelope. When she bought her first Beverly Hills home 13 years ago, she wanted a very Parisian, almost Marie Antoinette feel to the overall design.

My firm transformed her home to include delicate ornamental moldings throughout the walls and ceilings with chandeliers dressing every room. Her favorite spaces were the custom blue Rococo living room that doubled as a theater and her very own “Club Paris” upstairs complete with a D.J. booth, dancing platforms, and a bar. We also built a miniature version of her home for her dogs just outside her kitchen that had a little balcony, sconces, a chandelier, and a mini winding wrought iron staircase.

What is really enjoyable about working with Paris is that I get to watch her tastes evolve. We are currently in the midst of transforming this same home into a contemporary minimalistic one with an art gallery vibe. Another exciting project we worked on for Paris was decorating her glamorous and hip New York loft that she absolutely loves when she visits for fashion week.

What does the word power mean to you?

Power means to be able to inspire others to manifest their dreams. fayeresnick.com P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 19

Rising

Lizzy SMALL Actress

STAR

Photo: Chad Gledhill

E

Lizzy and director Michael Feifer

lizabeth “Lizzy” Small starred in the Christmas television dramedy, “12 Pups of Christmas” on the ION Network in December of 2019.

She played the role of a savvy and sassy corporate executive bound and determined to help save her brother’s company while helping him find love and happiness.

Lizzy had a major supporting role in the Lionsgate film “Spare Parts” opposite George Lopez, Marisa Tomei, and Jamie Lee Curtis. The film is the true-life story of four at-risk high school Hispanic boys who defy the odds by forming a robotics club and competing against some of the nation’s top colleges, including MIT. Lizzy plays the role of Lizzy, a Cornell student who impresses one of the boys with her knowledge of robotics and wins his affection.

As a performer, Lizzy started her professional career with a regular series role on “Hip Hop Harry” for Discovery Kids/TLC. She has appeared in over 70 national commercials, music videos, and several variety shows.

Other notable credits include a guest role on ABC’s “The Middle” and a supporting role as the Baker Elf in “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” opposite Tim Allen.

A multi-talented performer, Lizzy is also a singer-songwriter. She grew up immersed in music because of her dad, and is inspired by artists like Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, and Alicia Keys. She is constantly exploring who she is through her sound, but is rooted in a dark, rhythm and blues influenced pop style.

Lizzy has performed at Hotel Cafe, Peppermint Club, The Mint, Adults Only, and several other venues throughout Los Angeles. Her debut EP was released in the spring of 2020. Through her music, Lizzy intends to make people understand her and, in turn, she hopes to make them feel understood.

20 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

You were on the television show, “Hip Hop Harry” at a young age. What was that experience like and how did it help shape you as an actor and performer?

My experience working on this show as a child was one of the best experiences of my life. I was very lucky at the time to have gotten that opportunity. Being on this show gave me a strong work ethic at a young age. I didn’t even consider what I was doing was “work” because I loved it so much. The show had me on an intense schedule. There were dance rehearsals, table reads, studio recording, set blocking, etc. This all helped me hone my self-discipline and personal commitment and taught me how to be a team player.

Who are some artists who have inspired your music?

Growing up I listened to a lot of Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, and Amy Winehouse. Currently, I am inspired by Frank Ocean, HER, Sza, and Jhene Aiko.

Tell us about your earlier song and music video for “Gravity?” How has your music changed and evolved since writing that song and making that video?

My past music was definitely a learning experience. Making the music video for that song was another part of my process of growing up and learning what to do (and maybe also what not to do).

I think as you grow and develop into the individual you are, your perspective changes and so does the way you express yourself. I believe my songwriting and overall music knowledge has evolved and grown largely since I was 17. I play more instruments now than I did before, and I have a lot more hours of songwriting experience.

Are there any new acting roles or projects on the horizon?

I love being on set. The more I learn and experience, the more I have to say. I am more comfortable taking initiative in my own life and career. Lately, I have become more immersed in the writing and production side of acting. I am working on a script with a friend and fellow actor.

The story centers around women and the undertakings of finding your place in the world while messing up, asserting what you want, and having fun while doing it.

As a trained suicide prevention coun-

selor for You Matter-Not Alone, tell us what this cause means to you.

Mental health is incredibly important to me. I have very strong opinions on this topic, not only because I have seen close friends and family struggle with it, but because I have struggled with my own anxiety and mental health challenges throughout my life. I believe that mental health should be equivalent to physical health, and I plan to do a lot of work advocating for changes in our healthcare system to make quality mental health programs more accessible to all people. I think mental health is often the root cause of other issues like addiction, etc., and in order to tackle the issues we see in society, we must address the problem from the root or true underlying trigger.

Working with You Matter-Not Alone has given me an immense amount of knowledge on mental health, psychology, statistics, and research. This organization has given me the ability to be hands-on and go into schools/communities teaching people about mental health.

It is important to open up dialogue to help remove the stigma surrounding this topic. We must allow people to open up and ask for help. Connecting with people is important to me. It has been profoundly meaningful to interact with individuals, giving them the courage to speak up about their own experiences or concerns. They have given me courage in return. Knowing that we can make a difference or share an experience that resonates with even one person is insanely rewarding. Change/progress starts in small ways. If I can contribute to making a difference in even one person’s life, I am thankful and determined to continue on this path.

Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

I make an annual list of goals and try to tackle those as I go. I

think it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the bigger picture and feel pressure to have your entire life figured out, but that’s not how life goes. I will continue to work on the goals I set for myself. I welcome new opportunities, people, and experiences on this wild journey that I’m on. I hope to be married and be starting my own family within that time because family really is everything to me. However, I am not putting a hard deadline on anything. I have been trying to make a conscious effort to stay in the present moment because I am definitely guilty of being too worried and planning too much for the future rather than taking advantage of the now.

What does the word power mean to you?

Power means being comfortable in your own skin. It doesn’t mean having power or authority over someone else, but rather having a deep sense of respect and love for yourself. Power has to do with accepting who you are, and despite your fears, being willing to share yourself and assert yourself within the world.

Power is letting go of trying to control what others think and living your life for yourself. It’s getting comfortable with uncertainty and welcoming discomfort while remaining true to yourself. We all experience power in our lives, and I am working on my own sense of power.

I am growing to feel more comfortable asserting who I am and allowing the outside world to see it without trying to control anyone else’s perspective but my own. That is my power. www.LizzySmall.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 21

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Areva Martin

P

assionate, outspoken, and wise, Areva Martin is an award-winning attorney, best-selling author, legal commentator, talk show host and television producer who has positioned herself as a critical voice for social justice and used her razor-sharp point of view to become America’s go-to advocate. Born and raised in North Saint Louis, Missouri, Areva’s grandmother stressed the importance of education at an early age. Upon graduating from the all-girls Catholic college preparatory institution, Rosati-Kain, Areva went on to attend the University of Chicago, where she graduated with honors before earning a law degree from Harvard Law School.

After finishing her degrees, Areva relocated to California and married longtime love Ernest Martin. They started a family, and together, founded the Los Angeles based civil rights firm, Martin & Martin, LLP, where Areva gained a large clientele and following for her noholds-barred brand of advocacy and her approach to blending her skillful legal expertise with basic common sense.

As an attorney, she has been involved in a number of high-profile cases, and for the past five years, has been identified as a Southern California Super Lawyer, a designation reserved for the top 5 percent of attorneys in the state.

Since starting her career, Areva has garnered many awards 24 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

and honors, including L’Oreal Paris’ Women of Worth, the Los Angeles County Women of the Year Award, Ford’s Living Legend Award, the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award and Union Bank’s Neighborhood Hero Award.

Television executives soon took notice, and as an advocate for social

Attorney, Author, Talk Show Host, TV Producer

justice, children’s, and women’s issues, as well as the underserved, Areva began booking appearances on various programs and talk shows.

Her candid commentary on a range of topics from celebrity news, pop culture, race, politics, the law and breaking news, brought the spotlight to her ability to captivate audiences through her active and intentional mission of raising awareness around critical matters and being a champion for the less fortunate.

Recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for autism, Areva is the author of an Amazon bestselling book, “The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism and Other Special Needs.”

After her son’s diagnosis with autism, she created Special Needs Network, Inc., California’s premier autism advocacy organization. Having raised millions of dollars for autism and disability-related causes, Areva has played a leadership role in advocating for state and federal laws to eliminate disparities in state funding for individuals with disabilities.

Areva’s third book, “Make It Rain: How to Use the Media to Revolutionize Your Business and Brand” was released and instantly soared to the top of Amazon, Nielsen, Publishers’ Weekly and Barnes & Noble bestsellers’ lists. In “Make It Rain,” Areva shares insider’s tips

on how to find your authentic voice, amplify it, and use it to grow your influence and power.

A quotable authority on workplace, disability rights, education, and custody issues, Areva has also been featured in numerous publications, including RedBook, The Huffington Post and Essence. As a syndicated columnist, she regularly writes for CNN.com, Daily Beast, Thrive Global, Time, and Motto, where you can find her monthly column, “Sexist Laws Explained.”

A mother, wife, attorney, advocate, educator, and television personality, Areva redefines success by personifying the notion that women can have it all. An audience favorite on a long list of television’s most illustrious and judicious programs, including “Dr. Phil,” “The Doctors,” and ABC’s “World News Tonight,” Areva also co-hosted “Face The Truth,” the celebrated syndicated daytime talk show on CBS. As an influential voice for the country, she is also a CNN legal analyst, making her a regular on “Good Morning America,” “Daily Mail TV” and various talk and news shows across CNN and HLN. Areva resides in Los Angeles with her family.

Being a multi-talented woman, practicing law, being a talk show host, producer, author/columnist, and public speaker, how do you create balance in your life?

I treat self-care measures like running, exercising, reading, and connecting with my family as seriously as I treat work. You will find my appointments to run, to workout, to call relatives, and spend family time on my calendar.

How did The Special Needs Network, Inc. come about?

After my son Marty was diagnosed with autism I was devastated. I became acutely aware of the lack of resources and services for black and brown kids in poor communities. It also became clear to me that there was a need for a grassroots nonprofit focused on the needs of these children and their families.

Tell us about your new bestseller, “Make It Rain: How to Use the Media to Revolutionize Your Business & Brand.”

This book shows you how to find your authentic voice and learn to amplify it across multiple media platforms. Today more than ever, anyone can have an impact on causes they care about. They can promote a business or product, or join a local or national conversation about politics, business, fashion, or beauty.

What advice would you give to young girls growing up in poverty?

Never accept or believe limitations placed on you by those around you or society. You control your destiny and fate. Where you start doesn’t have to predict where you finish. Set your goals high, find a mentor that believes in you, work your butt off, and never look back.

Is there something you haven’t accomplished yet that you still want to do?

I am a lifelong learner and I am looking forward to many new adventures and accomplishing new milestones in my media and TV career, my nonprofit and my advocacy work. I believe in continuously setting new goals and working towards them. I live for the grind.

What is one habit that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I watch my money. One of the most important things an entrepreneur can do is stay on top of their money. You may have a great idea and a passion, but to be successful you must know the difference between profit and revenue and spend less than you make.

What does the word power mean to you?

Responsibility. If you want power, you have to accept the responsibility that comes with it. And if you wield your power, you have to be willing to accept the consequences of your actions. www.ImageElevators.com P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 25

Dr. Elizabeth Ganopolsky Owner Innovative Esthetics n November of 1989, Dr. Elizabeth Ganopolsky and her family left their home in Russia and arrived in New York in 1990. With help from her parents and their local Rabbi, Dr. Ganopolsky finished two exams for foreign medical graduates in 1992. She started a surgical program at Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn in 1995 and accepted an offer from UMDNJ to be closer to her family and children. In 1999, she was offered a fellowship position at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, but due to distance and circumstances, she declined the offer, looked for a local anesthesia job, and was hired by a small community hospital in Jersey City, New Jersey, starting in their pain management program.

The following year, the hospital was converted to a rehabilitation facility, so Dr. Ganopolsky began looking for a job again.

After a few other experiences, in 2008, a friend who was also a dermatologist, offered to do Botox and fillers for her. She didn’t personally like the final results, and in July took courses on lasers, Botox and fillers. Dr. Ganopolsky has perfected the filler and Botox techniques. Due to word of mouth, she has a successful practice without any advertising. She tries to keep people’s faces looking as close to natural as possible. drganopolsky.wixsite.com/beauty

I

Carolyn Herbert Owner | Herbert’s Wine Jelly, LLC

C

arolyn Herbert is the owner of Herbert’s Wine Jelly, LLC which is a manufacturing company that produces 11 jellies, three unique peanut butter spreads, and five dip/seasoning mixes. Carolyn has partnered with wineries to create private label products using their wine for the flavors that are sold in their respective stores. She also works with other companies to create gourmet products including balsamic jellies and peanut butter spreads.

Carolyn earned her M.A. in Special Education and Administrative Education from George Washington University in 1985.

She is a member of the Fluvanna Chamber of Commerce.

The company began as an effort to support her son, who suffered head injuries in a serious car accident. She turned her attention to helping those with mental health issues have a more independent and fulfilling life. The company returns 100% of their business profits to the employees. It has gained status as part of Virginia’s Finest® Trademark Program, which enhances the economic opportunities and success of Virginia’s specialty food companies, processors and agriculture producers. Only Virginia products that meet or exceed quality standards are eligible for the Virginia’s Finest® program.

In her spare time, Carolyn enjoys retail therapy and attending wine tastings.

26 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Saurelee Wallace Spiritual Advisor by LEE

W

ith over 25 years experience, Saurelee Wallace is a spiritual advisor.

She specializes in crystal chakra balancing, energy readings, consultations, tarot card readings, as well as love, marriage and soul mate readings. She guides her clients in the right direction so they are not misguided by the negativity of others. Saurelee assists her clients in making themselves important today for a better tomorrow.

She works with them to get the answers they need for peace of mind and to find solutions to their problems. Some of Saurelee’s specialties include reuniting soul mates, revealing and showing clients their past lives, and helping people connect with the inner soul to assure balance. She attended college. In her spare time, Saurelee enjoys sewing and puzzles.

Estrella Cash

Owner Cash Consultants and Associates, LLC

E

strella Cash is the owner of Cash Consultants and Associates, LLC. With over 25 years experience in finance, Estrella provides financial consulting services specializing in real estate professionals. Currently semi-retired, she is responsible for grant writing, public speaking and mentoring the homeless. Estrella earned a B.S.N. from Silliman University in the Philippines, an M.S. in Education/Psychology, an M.A. in Teaching and A.B.D. from Columbia University. She has written numerous articles and is currently writing a book on gentrification. In her spare time, Estrella enjoys meditation, movies, and spending time with her family.

Dental Specialties Institute, Inc.

S

uzie Dault is the founder of Dental Specialties Institute, Inc. which she started over 20 years ago. She received a B.S. in Career and Technical Studies from California State University with honors.

She has also been involved in aiding the state of California with standard setting for her profession.

Suzie worked for over 30 years in the dental field as a CDA, RDAEF, and OMSAA before retiring chairside to dedicate her energy and passion to educating the next generation. She has provided the highest quality and one of the most comprehensive dental assisting certification programs in the area. She oversees the daily operations, trains and supervises faculty and instructors, creates curricula, provides continuing education, and is responsible for licensing dental auxiliaries. Suzie has numerous publications related to curriculum and dentistry.

Among her numerous awards, Suzie is proud to have received the San Jose Business Hall of Fame award for seven consecutive years, and the Best of San Jose Award, 2009-2018. She was also voted Best of Silicon Valley in Educational Services in the Dental Professionals category in 2015 by the San Jose Award Program.

Suzie enjoys working with students and helping them have a feeling of accomplishment. She has a special interest in cosmetic and restorative dentistry and enjoys attending continuing education courses with her husband Scott, a periodontist.

Suzie’s belongs to the Santa Clara and Monterey Bay Dental Society, California Dental Association, CALSae-California Society of Association Executives, Dental Assisting National Board, the American Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. She enjoys spending time with her family.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Suzie Dault

Award

Founder and CEO

CEO, CDA, RDAEF, OMSAA, BS

What circumstances made you who you are today?

I had to overcome enormous odds to become the successful woman I am today. As the oldest child of a mother caught up in the throes of addiction, I overcame a horrific childhood filled with abuse and deprivation. Today, I credit my grandmother who loved me unconditionally, and an uncle who adores me as if I were his own daughter. It is my inner grit and determination which led to the success I now enjoy.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges women face today?

Balancing a career and having a family.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means being in control of your words and actions. It means feeling rewarded and accomplished, and knowing you have choices.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Life is too short to just accept.

Believe in your goals and the choices that you make. Always follow

through and never blindly accept things. Do this, and you will learn to believe in yourself.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

I am currently writing a book called “Born Hitting Bottom: Child of a Gypsy Junkie.” I have overcome great odds to become the successful businesswoman I am today. By sharing my story, I intend to offer hope to others whose circumstances may be as dire as mine once were. I want anyone suffering from living with an addict to know that they, too, can start to live a fulfilling life. I have cried many tears in my life, most recently from writing these words.

These recent tears are tears of release, however. They are tears of letting go.

Perhaps one day, when this book has taken its place in the world, I will be able to finally move on emotionally from the pain of my childhood.

What is one habit that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I don’t micromanage. I trust and believe in my team. Success is teamwork.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 27

Cecelia Johnson C ecelia Johnson is a distributor of Shaklee vitamin, nutrition, and other products. She became involved with Shaklee through her own focus on health and wellness. In 2007, she met her current up-line person, Mrs. Carol Froehlich-Hull, at a women’s seminar, who delivered a presentation on Shaklee’s products that spoke directly to Cecelia. As a result, Cecelia became a distributor and purchased her own Shaklee products, finding them helpful to her health and well-being. However, she discontinued using Shaklee products over the course of 13 years.

In 2019, Cecelia received a call from a friend who asked if she was still selling the products. As of January 2020, her focus and goal is to introduce and reintroduce people to the Shaklee regimen that she so strongly believes in.

Cecelia believes that it will revolutionize our way of living and transform our lives into a healthier lifestyle, all while presenting environmentally friendly products.

Representative Shaklee

As an educator, Cecelia originally started using Shaklee products to combat the germs she was around while interacting with young children. Her goal is to complete her Ed.D. in the next three years. She feels that having her doctorate will make her more prepared to teach students in the early childhood field and she will be more capable of creating quality programs, providing training for teachers, and evaluating early childhood programs.

Immunity Challenge Pack

$

159

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YOUR DAILY DEFENSE A strong immune system needs powerful nutrition. Get the complete nutritional boost that delivers daily essentials to build optimal immunity and support your overall health.

pws.shaklee.com/cecejohnson Are Shaklee products powerful and safe?

Shaklee products are effective and safe. I began taking Shaklee vitamins and using their home products in 2007. As an early childhood educator, I am always surrounded by little scholars for nine months of the year.

Throughout many years of working in an educational environment where a high level of germs are found, Shaklee vitamins, immunity tablets, and life drinks have been my support mechanism. I’ve also used Shaklee’s 28 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

home products in my classroom to ward off the hidden germs.

Are the benefits worthwhile to build a Shaklee business?

The benefits are great. It does depend on the efforts that one puts into the opportunity. I do this as a means to help and support family, friends, and others who look toward building their health and wellness from a long-term perspective.

What should I do if I want to become a Shaklee representative?

My mentor, Carol Froehlich-Hull, gave me great advice. She told me

to first write down a list of all the people you would like to support and help. Second, reach out to as many family and friends as you can and just ask them the question, “How are you doing in this emergency crisis that is globally affecting humanity?”

Most people respond by saying that they feel incredibly stressed. I would highly recommend my family and friends to try the immunity pack and/or the “prove it challenge.” This can be a start for heath and wellness, from a long-term perspective. www.us.shaklee.com

Consultant | Department of the Navy

D

r. Roberta A.M. Esperanza is a consultant with the Department of the Navy, based in Hawaii. She is responsible for consulting for the government and nonprofits. She earned a D.B.A. in Business Administration and Management from Northcentral University in 2019. Dr. Esperanza specializes in business consulting. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, walking, gardening, and doing crossword puzzles.

V

iki B. Zarkin is a motivational speaker and coach on a national level with over ten years experience. She earned a B.S. in Communications and Broadcast Journalism from Ithaca College in 1987. Viki emphasizes empowerment and helps people understand that they can advocate for themselves, especially in medical situations. Viki is living with metastatic stage 4 cancer and gets chemo monthly. She wants women to know that they should stand their ground, believe in themselves, and trust their gut feelings – whether it is about people, health issues or other concerns. Viki enjoys travel, cooking, and her family.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

Motivational Speaker With a degree in Communications and Broadcast Journalism, I’m not afraid to share my voice. When I got cancer and my doctor first told me to go home and get my affairs in order, I had two small children at home. My story needs to be told, and I am now writing a book, titled “I AM THE ONE.” What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in your career?

Currently I’m trying to find an agent.

It’s been challenging because I don’t know anyone in the industry. However, I have something to say and I need to say it to large groups of people. I have to get my story out there. After ten years, I am the only one like me alive. I want to shout out to the roof tops, “You don’t have to die! Look at me!”

Cricket Lora Webb

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ricket Lora Webb is an author, freelance writer, and motivational speaker. She is self-employed with her company Luminare of Words. Retired after 40 years in the medical arena, Cricket currently enjoys writing nonfiction, magazine articles, content writing, blogging, and motivational speaking. She is a freelance medical writer and a freelance eBook writer for book publishers at Cricket Lora Clark Freelancer.

Cricket has written one book, “Death, the Art of Dying, & What Lies Beyond.”

She has a new book in the works entitled “Hurry Walter! There is a Possum in the Hen House!” Cricket earned a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science from

Photo: Heather Noel Photography

Viki B. Zarkin

Month

Dr. Roberta A.M. Esperanza

WOMEN OF THE

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Ourselves! We are taught not to believe in ourselves. I find this in the medical world all the time. We think doctors are always right, so we just do whatever they say instead of following our gut or our “intuition” and we are dying because of it. We were raised to be “yes” people, not “no” people, and that must change. www.stage4mom.com

Author, Freelance Writer, Motivational Speaker Luminare of Words

St. Louis School of Medical Technology and attended Southern New Hampshire University and Three Rivers Community College. She is also an infection control practitioner. Previously, she worked at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

In her spare time, Cricket enjoys cooking, travel, reading, writing, and spending time with her grandchildren.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

When in school, I loved assignments on writing. Over the years I kept journals on the odd family things that happened to us, since there always

seemed to be something happening every day on the farm.

What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in your career?

I never felt there were obstacles or challenges. I am a blessed woman.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

I feel that women still suffer from being treated unequally to men. Maybe in strength, they are unequal on the whole, but I would put a woman’s brain (some women’s brains) up against a man’s mind anytime.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means being given the strength and encouragement for the power that is needed to get a job done well.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 29

Women G

OF THE MONTH

Liza A. Porterfield

L

Owner | Elite Fleet Travel

iza A. Porterfield is the owner of Elite Fleet Travel. She is a travel professional with five years experience. The company provides travel and aircraft charter services. Liza earned a M.A. from Embry Riddle University in 2012. She is responsible for setting up aircraft charters and corporate wedding destination services. She specializes in a wide variety of travel services including cruises, hotel accommodations, and providing clients with exclusive entertainment tickets for venues worldwide. In her spare time, Liza enjoys flying drones and dog training.

Gayle Czeizler

ayle L. Czeizler is an executive area vice president and transportation practice leader for the northeast region with Gallagher Risk Management Services.

With over 45 years experience, she specializes in risk management and casualty brokerage services for national transportation clients in the same day/last mile delivery segment. Gayle has been recognized as a top performing producer for 25 of those years; twice as a Top 10 Producer, and four times as a Top 20 Producer. Prior to joining Gallagher, she was an executive account manager with Liberty Mutual Insurance Com-

Executive Area Vice President and Transportation Practice Leader Gallagher Risk Management Services

pany from 1974-1990, and was a member of the Liberty Top Producers Club for 12 of those years. Gayle earned a B.A. and M.A. in Sociology from Long Island UniversityCW Post campus.

For the past ten years, Gayle has served on the board of directors of ECLC of New Jersey, an organization that supports special needs schools for children and young adults. In her spare time, Gayle enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

The pressures of juggling work and

Angela A. Speckner

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ith over 20 years experience, Angela A. Speckner is the owner of Angela’s Mobile Notary. Angela travels to her clients for all of their notarization needs, whether it is at someone’s home or at a business.

Since 2004, she has served as a notary public for the State of Florida and is a Certified loan signing agent, closely working with real estate agents, bankers, and title companies to help their clients get through the process of signing all important documents to buy and sell real estate in Florida. She is also a wedding officiant for the State. Angela collaborates with lawyers, nursing homes and hospitals for those creating living wills and power of attorney for their clients.

In accordance with the new laws as of

30 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

2020, Angela has begun the process of training for Remote Online Notarization (RON).

Angela is a member of the National Notary Association, the Loan Signing System, and the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce. She was awarded by the Plant City Award Program in 2019. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, cooking, and spending time with her family.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I started in the notary field while I was working for the government back in 2002.

home life, compounded by self-inflicted guilt, are some of the biggest challenges working women face today. While we’ve progressed as a society, traditional gender norms are still somewhat pervasive.

Women are often expected to be the primary caregiver, and are still the one who stays home from work when a child gets sick.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is having the limitless ability to use my voice, develop my skills, and take action to grow and succeed in a role that is respected and valued. It’s being viewed as a partner in my marriage and as a role-model to my children. www.ajg.com

Owner | Angela’s Mobile Notary What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

As a notary, you must keep learning about the laws and all aspects of being a commissioned notary, whether you are doing loan signings for the real estate industry, or officiating at weddings. You must keep up with the proper way of handling all notarizations.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

We face a lot of adversity building a career. It seems like we have to keep selling ourselves to prove we are trustworthy and constantly prove our business is better than what people think. www.dependablemobilenotary.com

Tammy R. Bjelland

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ammy R. Bjelland is the owner of Tammy’s Hair Salon. Tammy has over 30 years experience as a hair stylist. She is responsible for the staff and overall operations of the full-service salon, which offers hair styling and cutting, manicures, perms, and coloring. Tammy is a Licensed Cosmetologist. She is a member of the American Legion and Who’s Who of Women. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her Polaris Razr in the mountains and RV camping.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

When I graduated from high school, I was a young single mother and thought my career as a hairdresser was not an option. However,

Owner | Tammy’s Hair Salon

I couldn’t see myself doing anything else, so when my son started school, so did I. What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in your career?

When I moved to Golden Valley, Arizona from Wisconsin, it was a bit of a culture shock. I have always loved working with older people, so I just started over. After seven years, I now have a barber, nail technician, and a snowbird working at my salon. We are a very busy place.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Sherry Bell

S

herry Bell is the owner of Just Five Drops CBD. Sherry is responsible for overseeing the operations and marketing of the e-commerce and multi-level marketing company. She attends vendor/craft shows and educates people regarding the use of CBD products. She sells CBD oil and related products including gummy products, creams, coffee, and a haircare line. Their haircare products are infused with hempseed oil and have no sulfates.

Just Five Drops CBD offers CBD oils in 500mg, 750mg, and 1500mg, with or without THC, in six different flavors. They have a 450mg broad spectrum CBD gummy, and they sell

Owner | Just Five Drops CBD icy relief cream, moisturizers that are infused with CBD, and hemp infused coffee with CBD’S. They carry hair and skincare products and offer MANTRA essential oils and diffusers.

Sherry received a B.A. in Communications from the University of Denver in 2001. She and her staff consistently train on new products. In addition to educating their customers, they provide third party lab testing that provides a certificate showing exactly where the hemp plants were grown, the actual plot of land, and exactly what is in the tincture a customer has in their hands.

Sherry is a member of Success Team for Affiliates, Women in Trucking, Women in Business,

Barbara H. Poole

B

I still feel that women aren’t given the credit that we deserve. If you are a stay at home mom, or a CEO of a major corporation, you don’t get the credit for all the hard work you do. Women not only work outside the home but being home is a full-time job.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means that I am a strong woman; I am worth something. It means that I and all women can be anything we want to be. No obstacles can stop any of us if we have the drive and believe in ourselves.

Women Rocking Business, Team Synergy, and Hope in Drops. She has won many customer service awards.

In her spare time, Sherry enjoys cruising with her husband.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I researched the product and was intrigued. Surprisingly, my neighbor approached me to sell it to me. She told me that the product does not get you high. Initially I was looking to simply improve my health.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

Challenges were balancing the new business with the needs of our trucking business, fighting the stigma associated with a cannabis product, customer objections about drug testing, and dealing with law enforcement’s prejudices.

IT Audit Specialist | Blue Cross/Blue Shield of South Carolina

arbara H. Poole is the owner of the Poole Horse Center. She has raised, bought, sold, and traded miniature horses and donkeys for over 50 years.

Barbara is also an information technology audit specialist at Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBSSC) of South Carolina where she writes, tests, and runs audit reports as requested. She provides data extracts from BCBSSC systems for all areas within the corporate audit division,

external auditors, and regulatory agencies. Barbara has a working knowledge of both mainframe and alternative computer platforms. She is knowledgeable in many different systems and programming languages in order to produce accurate and effective reports. Barbara belongs to the A.C.H.A. In her spare time, she enjoys waterskiing and spending time with her family.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 31

Melvina J. Newman

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elvina J. Newman is a property manager in the real estate industry, serving Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In this position, she oversees the management of a homeowner’s association. She is responsible for bookkeeping, overseeing the daily operations, and ensuring that all restrictions are adhered to by members. Melvina previously served in the legal and retail fields and has an A.A. in Business. She is a member of the Cosmopolitan International Diabetes Association, currently serving as a Cosmopolitan North Central Federation officer, and Cosmopolitan

Fund for Children Foundation Board member.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

After starting my career in the legal field and then owning my own retail business, it was time for a change. A customer suggested I look into the management of a homeowner’s association. He felt my background would be a benefit.

What were some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

People were the biggest challenge in my retail career. We had to market ourselves to our customers. This is still true

Denisha S. Marino

D

enisha S. Marino is the owner of Golden Bookkeeping Services. With over 36 years experience in banking and accounting, she works with business owners to gain a better grasp of where their companies stand financially. She provides business advisory services, bookkeeping solutions, support, training, and accounting oversight to small and mid-sized companies in the fields of real estate investing, oil and gas, financial services, property management, insurance services, consulting, engineering, and medical/health services.

Utilizing her QuickBooks book-

Property Manager

Accountant and Owner | Golden Bookkeeping Services LLC

keeping, consulting, and training skills, Denisha helps both local and remote businesses update or correct their books. She helps clients become more proactive about using their financial information. She is certified as a QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions ProAdvisor, QuickBooks Desktop, and as a QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor. Denisha completed tax courses and accounting courses at the University of Colorado at Denver, Metro State College, and Front Range Community College. She is a member of the National Association of

Regina B. Castro

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egina B. Castro is a sales manager at Mattress Firm. With five years experience, she is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the store, selling mattresses, staff supervision, and training. Regina is skilled in Microsoft Word, sales, communications, teamwork, and leadership. She earned a B.A. in Marketing from the University of Texas- San Antonio in 2015 and her M.A. in Project Management from Walden University in 2020. She is a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity and The Salvation Army. In her spare time, Regina enjoys playing softball.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

After college I wanted a career to build from; retail was that source for

32 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

in the homeowner’s group as there are many different opinions and marketing is still key.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Discrimination and equality in the work force. We are still paid less for the same work, have limited opportunities for advancement, and face sexual harassment in the work force.

me. In retail there are many different opportunities to learn from- the marketing, sales, business management, and communication. Sales was the road for me because if I can convince you to buy something, then I can definitely convince you that I am the best candidate for the job.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

It’s difficult being a chameleon to every personality you meet and manage.

Being able to find the common ground can be hard.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Tax Professionals, the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, Accountex, and QBExpress.

Prior to starting her business in 2005, Denisha raised her family. She has experience in the banking, oil and gas, and financial industries. In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors, reading, gardening, and spending time with friends and family.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

I have a tendency to push myself too hard and work too many hours. Eventually, I was working over 90 hours a week. My husband and family helped me through this and convinced me to slow down.

Sales Manager | Mattress Firm Challenges women face are being able to lead a team without emotions. Many see the characteristic of nurturing that women are known for as a weakness in the workforce. They feel that it prevents them from leading and being able to handle a tough situation, or even saying “No.” What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means courage, ambition, and determination. You need to have the will to not give up when it gets hard. You need the ambition that drives you to be even better and not turn away.

Courage is the ability to put yourself out there to be heard.

Healthcare Product Manager | SS&C Pharmacy Solutions Lindenwood University in 2014.

E

mily E. Larson is a healthcare product manager with SS&C Pharmacy Solutions. She has been in the pharmaceutical field for over 20 years and is currently responsible for product management, Medicare product management, and managerial tasks. Emily received a B.S. in Business Administration from

Stasia V. Henley

S

tasia V. Henley is the owner of Al-mighty Airmax & More, an HVAC company based in Chandler, Arizona. For almost 20 years, Stasia has been responsible for the overall company operations, specializing in HVAC and duct cleaning. Al-mighty Airmax & More LLC has been providing heating and air conditioning contractors to the residents of Chandler since 2002. They provide heater repair, fan motor replacement, A/C repair, system installation, heat pump repair, and duct cleaning and repair services. The also clean the towers for the U.S. Border Patrol and

Norma A. Diaz

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ith almost 30 years experience, Norma A. Diaz is the president of ED Group & TFS Customs Brokers Inc and ED Group Transportation Inc., shipping and logistics companies based in Texas.

Norma is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the company, monitoring compliance and regulations, collaborating with U.S. Customs and Mexican Customs, and transporting shipments between the U.S. and Mexico. In 1995 she was the youngest licensed customs broker in the U.S. She received a M.B.A. from California Coast University in 2004, and is certified as a Customs Specialist and as an Export Specialist by NCBFFA. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, golf, and spending time with her family.

Previously, she worked with DST Pharmacy Solutions as a Medicare product manager, as a contract analyst with Premier Inc., with Express Scripts for 14 years as a product manager, and she began her career at Walgreens as a pharmacy technician in 1999.

In her spare time, Emily enjoys fishing and spending time with her family.

Month

WOMEN OF THE

Emily E. Larson

Owner | Al-mighty Airmax & More Homeland Security. In her spare time, Stasia enjoys camping and spending time with her family.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

My husband worked for UPS. They went on strike, and as a result he went to HVAC school and got certified. I opened the company and he started working for me part time while still working for UPS. The business took off from there.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

It is a seasonal career. Changes in the weather are our biggest obstacles.

In the winter months, residential HVAC slows down. Fortunately, we were able to collaborate with some commercial contractors and sub-contract their work when residential business gets slow.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Women are still portrayed as unequal to men physically and mentally What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means becoming stronger and more confident in controlling my own life. www.al-mightyairmax.com

President | ED Group & TFS Customs Brokers Inc. ED Group Transportation Inc. How did you get started ico, Eduardo Diaz and he in your field/industry? agreed to take me under I started working part his wing. Customers were time as a high school not afraid of trusting their student. The company I shipments to me because I worked for went unhad the support of a large der. As a result, it was firm. suggested that I handle What do you feel are some the accounts I serviced of the biggest challenges directly. The company that women face today? that first believed in me was Gerber The logistics/transportation inProducts Mexico under the managedustry is still dominated by men. It ment of a friend, Guillermo Montoya. takes us triple the effort to win the What are some of the biggest chalrespect of employees and clients, but lenges/obstacles you faced in your it can be done. career?

What does the word empowerment As a 19-year old, my age was an mean to you? obstacle as well as being a woman.

Empowerment is granting myself Then I met the largest and most the power to be in control of my deciprofessional customs broker in Mex- sions and actions and trusting them.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 33

T

regaye Fraser is an Atlanta native and seasoned chef who likes to twist old fashioned recipes with her own unique flair. Chef Tregaye has a passion for the untraditional. She is very passionate about teaching others how to eat better for health which is why she does cooking demos for all Piedmont Hospital cancer wellness centers in Atlanta as well as her annual junior chef summer camp. She learned the basics at Le Cordon Bleu, but soon realized her love for cooking came from her youthful soul and love for fusion cuisine.

Chef Tregaye prides herself in creating new ways of creating masterpieces, whether it is a gluten-free menu or down-home cooking. She is a successful self-employed mother who relates best to a younger generation. Being a wife and a mother, her passion is ensuring that parents learn fun ways of preparing their child’s favorite dish in a healthier, fun, and exciting way.

Growing up eating her grandmother’s farmfresh cooking, Chef Tregaye developed her love for the culinary arts. With her very unique and uber creative way of designing masterpieces she became known nationally for taking everyday foods 34 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

and turning them into whimsical cuisine or food fusion. Being skilled in creating dishes from 24 different countries has afforded her the opportunity to prepare dishes for the likes of Food Network, then-Senator Barack Obama, The Prince of Saudi Arabia, actor Carl Anthony Payne, and rapper T.I. The business-savvy chef has also opened restaurants as a restaurant consultant for Mad House Restaurant and Bar. Chef Tregaye is the winner of season 12 of Food Network Star. She is the first African American woman to win the contest. After winning Food Network Star, she became a host on the Food Network TV show “The Kitchen Sink.” Along with winning The Food Network Star, Chef Tregaye is a winner and 2-time competitor of Cutthroat Kitchen and Guy’s Grocery Games.

Currently, Chef Tregaye is the owner and chef of Chef Tregaye-N-Company. Chef Tregaye-N-Company offers personal chef services, catering, cooking classes, TV and event hosting, and a delectable variety of plant-based butter. Along with her thriving business she is also the owner of a nonprofit called Playing the Game Tour.

Jerk Salmon Tacos with Mango Salsa Ingredients

1 tspn. ground coriander ½ cup wet jerk seasoning 1 tspn. ground allspice 1 tspn. ground thyme ½ tspn. smoked paprika ½ tspn. ground cumin 1 tspn. brown sugar 1 Tbsp. olive oil 4 skinless Coles Australian salmon fillets 12 small tortillas, warmed Mango Salsa 1 mango, stoned, peeled, finely chopped ½ red onion, finely chopped 1 long red chili, finely chopped (optional) ½ cup coriander leaves 1 lime, juiced

Cabbage slaw 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage ½ cup mayonnaise 1 lime juiced 2 tspn. cilantro 1 avocado, stoned, peeled, thinly sliced Directions:

Add cabbage, mayonnaise, lime juice and cilantro together.

Keep avocado aside.

Directions:

• Combine the wet jerk seasoning, coriander, allspice, thyme, paprika, cumin, brown sugar and oil in a large bowl.

Season the salmon and turn to coat both sides evenly.

• Heat a barbecue grill or chargrill on medium-high. Cook salmon for 2-3 minutes on each side for medium or until cooked to your liking. Set aside for 5 minutes to rest.

• Meanwhile, cook the tortillas on the grill, turning after 1

Breakfast Quinoa Ingredients 1 cup quinoa, rinsed if possible 1 cup frozen berries 1 ½ cups coconut milk, from a box, not a can 1 cup of oat milk Pinch of salt 1 tspn. cinnamon ½ tspn. vanilla 1 tspn. brown sugar 2-3 tspn. maple syrup, to taste ¼ cup walnuts chopped Instructions

Rinse the quinoa and add to your pot with the coconut milk, oat milk, salt, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil.

Once the quinoa starts to boil, reduce to a simmer and cover until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and maple syrup.

Topping Cook frozen berries with brown sugar and vanilla. Simmer until thick, about 5 minutes. Top quinoa with berry sauce. Add chopped nuts and enjoy.

minute, or until lightly charred and heated through. Divide among serving plates.

• To make the mango salsa, combine mango, onion, chili (if using), and lime juice in a bowl. Allow to sit for 10 minutes for flavors to distribute evenly.

• Coarsely flake the salmon. Next, divide slaw, avocado and salmon among tortillas. Top with salsa and serve.

Avocado Crab Deviled Eggs and Gourmet Caesar Salad

Ingredients 24 eggs ½ cup mayonnaise 2 cups avocado puree 3 cups sweet relish 1 lb. crab meat 1 lemon zested and cut into wedges Salt and pepper to taste Micro greens for garnish Directions Hard boil eggs until cooked through about 10-12 minutes. Peel the eggs; then cut the eggs in half and remove the yolks into a bowl. Place the egg whites on a tray.

Mix together the egg yolks, mayonnaise, pureed avocado, half the crab meat, relish, salt and pepper. Mix this filling until smooth. You should have a thick creamy texture. If the mixture is too dry add more pureed avocado.

Fill each egg white half with filling. Top each egg with more crab meat and micro greens.

Squeeze a little lemon juice over each egg, then top with lemon zest.

Gourmet Cesar salad Ingredients 4 whole romaine lettuce 1 cup Cesar dressing 1 cup shaved parmesan cheese 1 cup tear drop tomatoes, halved Balsamic glaze (for drizzle) Parmesan crown (recipe below) Asparagus tips

Cut the tips of the asparagus and blanch by boiling in hot water for 60 seconds. Immediately place the tips in ice cold water.

Cut tomatoes in half, then cut each whole romaine in half vertically. Lay one half of the romaine on a plate then place tomatoes, parmesan, and asparagus tips on the plate and place the parmesan crown on top. Make dots of Cesar dressing on the plate.

Parmesan Crown

Take shredded fresh parmesan cheese and place in a circle about 4-6 inches in diameter.

Bake on a silpat at 375 for about 10 minutes. As the crisp cools, form into a tube by wrapping it around a cylinder bar or rolling pin. Place the salad inside the tube and serve.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 35

Dana Richards & Jamie Kovelman Owners Miami Gorgeous

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amie Kovelman is originally from New York but has lived in Miami, Florida for the last ten years. As a mother of two who lives on the beach, her beauty needs shifted to meet this lifestyle. With a love and passion for beauty, as well as an intent on filling a void in the market, Jamie teamed up with Dana to create better and cleaner products and market them appropriately. The products are made for their Miami lifestyle, specifically to protect your skin from the harsh sun and environment.

D

ana Richards was born and raised on Long Island, New York and moved to Miami almost ten years ago. As a licensed esthetician with experience in product development and distribution, she saw a void in the market for beauty products with clean ingredients. She partnered with Jamie Kovelman, who was a businesswoman, and together Miami Gorgeous was born. As someone who loves Miami’s culture, the beauty of its landscape and people, it’s the perfect inspiration for a beauty brand.

M

iami Gorgeous is a leading manufacturer of natural, quality products such as sunscreen, self-tanners, after sun care and skin care products. We aim to save your skin from not only the harmful effects of the sun, but also chemicals found in many other skin care lines.

We believe that beautiful skin should never come at a price which is why our products are specially designed to protect all living creatures, as well as our precious planet. The Miami Gorgeous range is gentle and kind to your skin, meaning that it is always paraben-free, gluten-free and contains no harmful chemicals. All of our products are made in the USA with the highest quality formulas.

Additionally, we use only the purest vitamins to nourish and care for your skin and our ingredients are natural.

We use coconut oil, argan oil, vita36 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

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Info@MiamiGorgeous.com

Right Dress, Wrong Year I

t was a bright and sunny Monday morning on March 4th, 2020. I was feeling hopeful that I would find my perfect wedding gown at Lotus. I arrived promptly for my appointment and within the hour I became hysterical and was in tears as I decided I was calling off our wedding.

Thoughts were spinning around like a whirlwind in my head: I’ll just tell my fiancé that I had a change of heart and have a small intimate wedding, with just the two of us in Bali. I’d wear a swimsuit and a sarong around my waist (all in white of course).

Thoughts of self-doubt, self-criticism, and self-loathing were at the forefront of my mind. I was far from feeling like the self-empowered woman of love and acceptance that I had worked so hard to be since my mid-30’s. I spent years making peace with body image, weight, worth, dating all the wrong men, and wondering when it would be my time for true love. I did all the modern-day self-help work including therapy, sweat lodges, spiritual retreats, and journeying to India to overcome false belief systems I created in my own head. The truth is we all hold the key to self-love.

So-I stood there in front of the mirror wearing only my undergarments. The young salesgirl was frozen. The manager heard me sobbing and came out of her office. Within a moment, she held me in her embrace, and I was promised that it would be okay. I had collapsed into her arms, a grown woman, calling for her beloved mother and repeating “I’m not having a wedding.”

The manager, Bobbi, has been in the business for some time and is very experienced with brides of all ages, shapes, and sizes. After my good cry, she looked me in the eye and promised me the perfect gown. Basically, she told me to get a hold of myself and put my big girl panties on. (Seriously-no pun intended).

A couple of gowns later, I put a dress on, and it was the one. I looked and felt absolutely beautiful. It fit, it zipped right up and was absolutely stunning. It was age appropriate, perfect, simple, elegant, and sophisticated. Was it time to say “Yes” to the dress?

After sharing my news with my older sisters, they wanted to exhaust all options including going to the famous Kleinfeld Bridal, and trying on the new Ashley Grahams’ curvy collection. We had a great NYC bridal experience, only to return to Lotus later the same week. Intuition always knows best.

I approached the appointment looking my best with a fullface of makeup, my rich beautiful brown hair flowing, my Spanx smoothing over each curve, filled with anticipation. The moment arrived. I walked out of the fitting room and heard a slight gasp from all. We knew I had found my dress. I did say “yes” to the dress! I love it exactly how I look in it now. Any hey, if I happen to lose a few pounds, great-or not.

Who knew this would be such a tough task? I waited a lifetime for the moment of selecting the perfect gown and feeling like a princess (or queen) for my September wedding. The first couple 38 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

By Francesca M. Caputo of outings, I couldn’t try on a single dress. They were all too small; all a size six or eight. Nothing fit over my curvy birthing hips of a size 1214. How could this be, living in the biggest and best metropolitan city of New York?

I have an average body type and I am quite healthy. My challenge has been a lifetime of gaining and losing weight and dealing with emotions. I am not alone, as many women struggle with the same issue. However, I have found a place of peace where I feel good. As a health coach, my purpose is to help others with similar issues. My first-hand experience and compassion allow me the authenticity of sharing my own journey.

I was feeling excited and elated about my upcoming wedding to a man who was truly heaven sent.

This is my first marriage at 56 years young, and I waited a long time.

As I write this with a heavy heart during the peak of this pandemic, I may have to wait even longer. I am learning the greatest lesson of life: patience.

We may have to wait a bit longer than expected and rethink our original plans. The Coronavirus has taken much of the joy and excitement out of planning our beautiful, long-awaited day. There are so many unknowns. Even though the big day is a few months away, no one knows what tomorrow will bring.

We cannot retain music, flowers, or invitations, and who knows what the travel situation will be. My fiancé and I do remain hopeful that no matter what, we will get married on September 20, 2020. We may even have to say “I do” through a zoom video call.

Regardless, what I realize is that this time in life is so much bigger than our little wedding. This is a world crisis that no one has ever seen

in our lifetime, our parents’, and maybe even our grandparents’ time.

Yet, at its worst, and with so much loss of life, it could be worse. There is no famine. We have electricity and running water. We are all connected through a plethora of social media platforms, and we are free to move about in our own surroundings. The most important thing has been to stay safe and healthy.

My wish for everyone is to look inward, dig deep, and see the blessings in our lives with reverence and gratitude, and to have faith. We need to realize what idealizations, preconceived notions and thoughts need change, and how to shape our future lives. Some attachments may fall away for the better, as we have no control over them. That’s been the hardest part- the lack of control.

So, with each new day take control of what you can, including the choices you make with each breath, each meal, each moment, in prayer and meditation. You must make positive changes, think right, act right, speak right, and show up for yourself and others in ways that allow you to shine. The world has changed and much good will come out of it. I promise. As my spiritual teacher always reminds me, “Have unshakeable faith.”

We vow to share some wedding pictures, whatever size the dress is, and remember after all that has been said and done, I said yes to the dress!

Francesca M. Caputo is a certified Holistic Health Coach, Conscious Cooking Educator and Spiritual (Yoga/Meditation) teacher.

Her company, Live Light with Francesca, focuses on teaching others how to live a lighter life, in body, mind and spirit. www.LiveLightwithFrancesca.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 39

Melissa Alcantara M

Trainer | Fit Gurl

elissa Alcantara is a high-profile trainer and all-natural athlete who’s shaped the physiques of familiar names including Kim Kardashian.

Melissa came to fitness later in life when, after many attempts, she finally buckled down and turned her post-pregnancy body into a spartan goddess physique through trials and tribulations, many failures and successes, and of course tons of work and dedication.

After losing 40 pounds in 60 days, and realizing she had total control of her mind and body, Melissa started training for bodybuilding competitions, and shared her fitness journey on social media.

Since then, she has earned bodybuilding titles, competed in and won Jiu Jitsu competitions, and gained over one million followers who she brings daily inspiration to through her authentic no-nonsense fitness and wellness knowledge, self-development, and commitment.

Melissa is also a published author.

In her book titled ‘Fit Gurl’, she breaks down how to create healthy habits that lead to wellness... and abs that will never leave you.

Melissa Alcantara’s

Overnight Oatmeal

Ingredients 1⁄3 banana 1-2 Tbsp. of chia seeds 1⁄2 Tbsp. nut butter 1 cup of almond milk 1 Tbsp. unsweetened coconut flakes Dash of cinnamon 1 tspn. raw cocoa nibs Dash of nutmeg 1 tspn. hemp seeds 1 date Directions

Before you go to bed, place chia seeds in 1 cup of almond milk with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg and half a date. Let soak overnight. Add warm oatmeal to bowl. Top with your fresh overnight-chia pudding, then add the rest of the ingredients.

40 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Oatmeal Preparation 1/3 cup rolled oats 1/3 cup almond milk 1/3 cup water Dash ground cloves Boil 1⁄3 cup rolled oats with 1/3 cup almond milk and 1/3 cup water at medium low heat until soft (5-10 minutes) in a small pot. Add a dash of ground cloves. *Optional: add 1⁄2 scoop of protein to your oatmeal.

What was the catalyst for your change to a healthier lifestyle?

I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. After waiting for the perennial “Monday” to start my lifestyle change and not doing anything, I decided that even if I had to dig deeper than the earth’s core, I’d get up and do what I needed to do. I had a plan, I had the desire, and I was going to do it. Then six weeks went by and I didn’t do anything. So, I dug deep, set my alarm for 5 a.m., and this time I got up and worked out in my kitchen to a home program by Shaun T. (we’re friends to this day).

Holy moly, I thought I was going to die of a heart attack or drown in my own sweat, but I got through and I loved it. After 60 days and a bunch of pounds off later, I knew that my life would never be the same. I quit my job as a photography producer and decided to work out and be healthy and live the life I had always wanted to live. I had a family to take care of, rent to pay, etc., but you can’t start by finding the issues, you already know those. So I focused on the goal and figured out how to make it happen as I went along.

Was it hard? You don’t want to know. But, doing this put me in control of my life and now I was living by choice and not because of circumstances.

How do you keep yourself motivated on days when you just want to crawl back under the covers?

Do you ever feel motivated to brush your teeth or swipe a credit card at the grocery store? I haven’t met anyone who needed motivation to do those things; they are truly rational decisions. I have bad days and good days, just like everyone else. I don’t wake up and expect the motivation to do the things I need to do. I just brush my teeth and swipe that credit card so to speak. This means that I try to feel whatever I feel, but go and do what I need to do, what I want to do, what I set out to do, without so much emotional back and forth.

Motivation means: If every day you wake up at 7 a.m., regardless of what you did the day before or what

you will do today; if after you wake up you immediately get out of bed; if you make your bed every single day after you get up, without even trying to do anything else until you complete this task, you won’t need motivation to do your bed. You will have created a habit for successful living, which is the real game changer. Motivation is cool for a pick me up here and there, but taking that and making it into a positive habit is where it’s at.

What types of foods do you recommend to your clients to see better results at the gym?

I recommend them to not change anything, and instead take pictures of everything before they eat it. Also, to track how many calories they’re eating and what they’re drinking on a daily basis. This is usually enough to put some reality in front of people.

Then, I ask them to remove all the calories coming from processed food and nutrient poor junk and replace them with calories coming from regular food. People who consistently eat 2,000 calories of processed junk will have a hard time eating 2,000 calories of actual food. Most people can keep eating the same or even more calories while losing unneeded fat. Yes, you do need some fat to be healthy. If you add some workouts to that, the sky is the limit.

Tell us about your new book “Fit Gurl.”

I can tell you of the many different times I didn’t think it was going to happen, of the gut wrenching moments about my life that I poured into the book, of the tears on my keyboard, about laughing hysterically, and about revisiting those moments when I had to dig to places where I’m not sure I can go ever again. That’s “Fit Gurl” for you. I wrote this book because my life experiences and what I preach is crap unless I can reproduce these results. Besides being an entertaining story, “Fit Gurl” is a practical step by step field manual for taking control of your body, so that you can take control of your mind, you can take control of how circumstances affect you, and so you can live a better life right now.

What are some exercises that people can do at home to help them get more fit and work towards a body like Kim Kardashian’s?

Better than that, you can follow my program called Built at Home, which is 100% home based and uses body weight and minimal equipment. You can also check out my super simple exercise database on fitgurlmel.com and see hundreds of exercises that you can do with or without equipment.

Name one fitness trend that excites you.

The trend that excites me the most is the fact that people are becoming more knowledgeable and realizing that wellness and sustainability are more important, more achievable, make you happier, and deliver better results than following the latest fad that you can’t sustain. As a rule of thumb, if you can’t follow a diet or exercise program for a year then most likely it is not sustainable for you and you won’t get the results you’re looking for.

What does the word power mean to you?

I’m looking for the power to accept what I cannot change, and to change what I can to live a more fulfilling life. To me, power means control. The more I take control of what goes on in my mind and in my heart, the more power I feel. www.fitgurlmel.com P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 41

Cover

STORY

CARRIE

C

arrie Ann Inaba is a dancer, choreographer, producer and television personality. She serves as a host on “The Talk,” CBS’ daytime Emmy award-winning talk show that examines topical events and contemporary issues through the eyes of five female hosts, alongside Eve, Sharon Osbourne, Marie Osmond and Sheryl Underwood.

Carrie has served as a judge on ABC’s award-winning competition series “Dancing with the Stars” for all 28 seasons since its debut in 2005. As an original judge, she has appeared in every episode to date. She was later featured in a spinoff series with fellow judge, Bruno Tonioli, titled “Dance Wars: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann.” Carrie began her television career in 1990 when she landed her first major role on “In Living Color,” becoming one of the first Asian Americans to perform contemporary dance on national TV as one of the Fly Girls. She was also a featured solo dancer during Madonna’s “The Girlie Show World Tour” in 1993. She began performing professionally at age 18, when she moved to Japan and released three singles as a recording artist.

Behind the camera, Carrie has choreographed and staged performances for “American Idol,” “American Juniors,” “Dance Fever,” “TV Land Awards,” “Kids’ Choice Awards,” “American Music Awards,” and “Miss America” pageants, which she hosted last year. Her additional hosting credits include Game Show Network’s “1 VS. 100,” TV Guide

42 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Photo: ABC/ DWTS

Network’s live red-carpet coverage at award shows, as well as “Fashion Wrap.” Carrie has been a recurring guest co-host on “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” filling in more than any other talent, with almost 30 appearances to date. She has also appeared on the big screen in “Austin Powers in Goldmember,” “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me,” “American Virgin,” “Monster Mash,” and as a dancer in “Boys and Girls,” “Showgirls,” and “Lord of Illusions.”

Recently, Carrie launched The Carrie Ann Conversations, a personal empowerment blog sharing information and personal stories with women around the world. In 2015, she was inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame, and in 2009, she received the East West Players Visionary Award.

She serves on the board of directors of the Coalition of Asian Pacific’s in Entertainment. Carrie was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, and lives in Los Angeles.

ANN INABA

Dancer, Choreographer, Producer, Television Personality “The Talk” and “Dancing with the Stars”

What made you transition from pop singer to dancer?

I have danced my whole life. I went to Japan when I was 16 and was scouted. It was a tough transition for me. The pressure of being “the star” made me uncomfortable. Being the main act as opposed to a dancer as part of a collaborative team was a change, since when you are the lead, all the pressure is on you. Also, what I didn’t expect was that everyone had the ability to make comments on the way I looked- and everyone did comment. Suddenly, the space between my eyes wasn’t right; the

proportion of my head to my body wasn’t right. In Japan, they measure beauty by scientific means, and it was challenging for me coming from Hawaii where your beauty comes from your heart. I was used to beauty being measured by how warm and compassionate you were, how you interacted with others, how you loved nature, and treated animals.

That is how I was used to beauty being measured.

It was very hard for me to be scrutinized while I was a pop star, so after two years of not really enjoying it, I decided to go back to the United States. I was attending Sophia University, which is a wonderful international university

where I met people from all over the world. I will say that it was the most positive and best part about being overseas. Going to an international school and meeting people from all over allowed me to expand the way I looked at the world. While I was a pop star releasing music, I was also dancing background on a show called ‘Night Hits Deluxe,” a two-hour live show. I loved that show because I never wanted to or meant to give up dancing, since it’s always been such an enjoyable part of my life.

After those two years, my career was in trouble, so I found an application to the University of California- Irvine (which I had gotten into before I went to Japan), reapplied, and they accepted me. Once I was accepted I went to the record executives and said “I know I have a seven year contract, but I am not happy, and if I am not happy you aren’t going to get the best product out of me and nobody will be happy.” This came from a naïve young woman who didn’t know how the business worked, and I think they were shocked that I just came in and spoke to them so boldly. So, they let me out of my contract, and I moved back to the U.S. and stayed with my brother in Irvine. I started coming up to Los Angeles and took dance classes between school at some great studios including Debbie Reynold’s and I found my way back to dancing.

How does it feel to be a judge on one of America’s top-rated shows, “Dancing with the Stars?”

At first it was challenging. When I grew up there was no job title of P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 43

Photo: ABC/ DWTS

Photo: CBS/The Talk

Photo: ABC/ DWTS

“judge” on a reality show. There weren’t even reality shows. Then Paula Abdul was on American Idol, at the same time I was working on the stage and choreography, and that sort of paved the way for us.

It’s challenging to go from being a performer to someone who is judging the performers. I had to learn how to always be encouraging while also being truthful. Being a judge has helped me find my voice and has helped me be comfortable to speak in public. As a child I had to go to speech therapy, so I was more comfortable using my body to express myself than my voice. Being a judge isn’t always great since you get both love and hate from the fans. But, being a judge did help me feel comfortable speaking in public and led me to other jobs like my job on “The Talk” as a moderator and co-host. DWTS brought me a lot of great things in my life and I am very grateful. It is also wonderful to watch people learn to express themselves and tap into their emotions. DWTS allows me a front row seat into that and to be a part of how contestants find themselves through the journey of dance.

What dancing style has always been your favorite?

44 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Lyrical Jazz has always been my favorite style of dance. It’s what I love to perform the most. There is freedom, full expression, and there aren’t a lot of rules. It’s about getting those emotions out of your body. It’s like storytelling with your body. There can be a lot of stories told with dances, but I think the most open forum is through lyrical dancing because it allows you to speak, connect, and tell a story that is aching in the heart.

It’s not about specific technique but telling a story through movement.

With so many strong female personalities on “The Talk,” how do you maintain respect for each other’s opinions?

It is wonderful. I go to work every day and I am inspired, motivated, challenged, and loved by the other four women on the panel. I feel connected and honored to be a part of it.

It is an amazing experience to have intimate conversations on various topics with women that are successful from all walks of life that have risen to the occasion. To cry and laugh together is a wonderful opportunity every day.

I wake up and I am so grateful for them. In these times of Covid-19, as we broadcast from home, even though I miss the ladies, I am thankful we

can continue to do what we do in the “new normal.” They say this virus is about being adaptable. You are going to have to adapt if you want to survive. That is what we are doing.

We are adapting together as a show and a group of five women. We want to continue to bring joy and light, get to the heart of topics, and encourage discussion- especially in times like this when we are being challenged and feel overwhelmed. Having the show is a great way to help, as well as be prepared to face what is coming.

Having a voice is an honor and I want to make sure I have a positive voice that helps others.

Do you plan to increase your work in film production and theater in the future?

I am a Capricorn, which means I am forever creating things. I have been creative since I was a child. It’s what my mind does. I love to solve problems and create things. I have other projects that I am working on, but during this time I have the opportunity to continue writing.

Now is not the time to put shows on, due to the pandemic, but instead, it’s time to create things that help people. This led me to create Carrie Ann Conversations, which is a blog

you’re alone with your thoughts forces you to be in tune with yourself. I find this also with my health issues, so I write a lot about them. We are working out the best way to deliver the podcast as well as some digital shows. I want to keep doing talk shows. I like helping people, listening to people, and I find being on a talk show allows you opportunity to learn and to grow every day.

How do you balance your demanding career of hosting “The Talk” and then going live with “Dancing with the Stars” given your health issues?

I am fortunate that in the last six years or so, I have found a way to live a life that works for me. I have found the right ways to eat (even if I don’t always follow them), to take care of my body, my spirit and my soul, and to take care of the way I think. A lot of what keeps us healthy is how we think and how we approach things. I was really managing my health well before the pandemic. However, the level of stress and managing basic life through the pandemic really caused everyone stress and pressure. I try to work out a few times a week and eat well.

That doesn’t always happen- especially when things like the pandemic hit.

I was in a lot of pain. I am now just resetting and finding my way back to myself. My journey of wellness is a continuous one, so I have learned to be gentle with myself. I am a

strong woman, and I have faced a lot of challenges, but they have all been opportunities to find more strength and courage. Each one of us has our own unique power and courage.

Some have compassion, others have patience, and some have physical strength. I think it’s how you use all of them together that enables you to know yourself.

What does the word power mean to you?

The word “power” is interesting.

It’s a feeling. When I hear the word, I feel like a wave is crashing on the shore. It’s courage, but like a wave, it’s also fluid. Power is not a stagnant forceful energy. It does not require force. People that don’t know their power and don’t understand their power use force. Force is not power at all. Power is compassion.

It’s being able to breathe through a challenging conversation you don’t want to hear. Power is having patience when all you want to do is finish and be done. Power is showing love when you feel anger. Power is taking time to understand and not just fight. It is so many things, including being able to bend and flow with life as it comes at you. During these days, I think we should all take a breath, and flow with life. We should all do the best we can and be okay with ourselves. It’s being okay with who you are. www.carrieannconversations.com Photo: Ashley Burns

that is going to become a podcast.

The blog is a destination for people to come to get information on how to cope with life. As a young woman, I often felt I didn’t have a guide on what to do all the time. I had questions and nowhere to ask them.

As someone who struggles with autoimmune conditions like Sjogrens disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia, as well as health issues like stenosis and iron deficiency, I struggle with a lot of health issues.

I have struggled a lot with anxiety and depression because often you are misdiagnosed and left feeling confused and uncertain. So, the Carrie Ann Conversations is a space to go to for people who are looking for help.

Speaking of The Carrie Ann Conversations, can you tell us a little more about your new blog?

I tend to write for people with autoimmune conditions as it’s such a unique way of life. It takes you from being a type A go-getter and achiever to someone who is hurting and has to face defeat. The challenges are not easy to deal with. This affects your self-esteem and self-worth, regardless of your personal achievements.

Autoimmune illness is similar. You have to redefine yourself, go slower, take a new path, check in, and see who you really are. Social distancing makes you look at yourself and assess who you are as a human being- your worth, etc. Who you are when

Photos: CBS/The Talk

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 45

Alma M. Callan Founder, CEO, Publisher, Celebrity Wine Consultant Wine Media Advertising LLC and BuyWine.com

T

o the average 16-year old girl, selling encyclopedias in London, England doorto-door might be daunting work, but for Alma “Lady A” Callan, it was an invigorating introduction to the world of sales. That was just the beginning of her career. Alma went on to work in every imaginable media entity, doing it all, from outdoor advertising, direct mail and radio to newspaper, television, and internet sales.

A vigorous multi-tasker, spending her childhood on a small farm in Ireland’s County Louth ingrained in her an appreciation for hard work and the simple value of just getting it done.

Currently, Alma is the president of Wine Media Advertising LLC. Her career efforts earned her recognition (twice) as the Honorary Mayor of Rancho Cordova, California (on behalf of the Rotary Club), and the attentions of a billboard company, who asked her to join their salesforce. During her tenure selling outdoor advertising, she began acquiring billboard properties and ultimately built a dynamic outdoor advertising company which she eventually sold. Over the years Alma has continued to polish her sales, marketing, promotions, and public relations skills working for other media companies such as Yell Global and AT&T Advertising Solutions.

Alma also spent numerous years working in the wine business and with wine media. In 1989, she was in a gondola heading up to Sterling Vineyards Winery in Saint Helena, California, when she called her parents in Ireland and told them about the stunning view she was looking at.

46 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

She shared with them how magnificent the fields of grapes were. Then she said, “I don’t know how, but one day I’d love to do something in the wine industry.” These would prove to be prophetic words indeed.

With the launch of BuyWine. com, Alma brings her combined passions for media and wine together in one space. Listening to consumers over the years, she consistently heard the need for a single, easy-touse space to learn about wine. After seven years of research, she launched BuyWine.com, a global marketplace for wine lovers and wineries alike. One day she hopes to sell her business and be on the front cover of Forbes Magazine. Alma believes that anything is possible if you work hard.

What led you to combine your sales and media background with your interest in wine?

I fell in love with food and wine after travelling the world. We all ask questions to find out what’s in the food we eat, and I questioned where my wine came from. In 2006, I started to do research asking people at different Costco’s and at Giant Baseball events, “What do you know about wine?” It was shocking that about 87% said they knew hardly anything. It was then I knew my idea would be a success.

As a result, after nearly seven years of research, I found a space where people really could get knowledgeable. BuyWine.com became a reality.

My slogan is: “Quench Your Thirst For Knowledge.”

As an entrepreneur, what is one failure you had and how did you overcome it?

I trusted the wrong tech people, who took advantage of me, and I lost a lot of money. My advice is: Don’t believe in written resumes of tech companies. Call their clients directly and ask them questions. Also, learn every aspect of your business. Keep learning so you can do it yourself and not depend on anyone.

What is it about celebrity events that excites you?

First off, I love them. I was born with the privilege of having wellknown family members. My mother is a very well-known musician in Ireland. You could say it’s in my blood to be around lights, cameras, and the who’s who. For the last 20 plus years I’ve had the opportunity to work with athletes, musicians, and actors in some way. Over the last five years of celebrity events, I owe a great deal to publicist Doris Bergman of Bergman PR. She has taken me under her wing and guided me. I’m a better person and entrepreneur today because of her.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

I was able to come from Ireland with only £20.00 (pounds) in my pocket on a one-way ticket to America and live out my dreams. I have shown my 21-year old daughter, Victoria, that her mother was brave, and is amazingly strong, confident, and

hasn’t let anyone stand in the way of her dreams. I have shown her that she can achieve anything she puts her mind to do as well. If you work your ass off to get it done and believe in yourself, everything is possible.

What do you do to escape and recharge?

I love antiques and restoring them.

I grow my own herbs and vegetables and enjoy cooking. I iron nearly everything, and it actually relieves stress for me. I also enjoy driving, going on road trips, and seeing this beautiful country. My last trip was from Napa, California, to Nashville, Tennessee, with my daughter while taking her back to Lipscomb University in her car. It was great to spend time with her. We had a brilliant time seeing each State.

Tell us about the book you co-authored, “A Wine Education Made Easy,’ to help people understand the grapes and wines we love.

After doing nearly seven years of research, I knew I needed something else, so I came up with the idea of having a wine academy on my site BuyWine.com. After days of searching, I found a man who knew wine and had written before. I asked him if he’d write for me and he said no. I told him, “I’m Irish and I don’t take ‘no’ for an answer!” He responded, “Why didn’t you tell me you were from Ireland? I love the Irish.”

Nine months later I had what I was missing to add to my wine academy.

I decided I wanted to write a book, so I got one of my team members to

take everything that I wrote and add it to what my wine academy person wrote, and he put it all together and we created a book so people could have an understanding about the grapes they love and the wines that they drink.

How has the coronavirus affected you as a small business?

First, I feel terrible and sad for all small businesses around the world.

As for us at Wine Media Advertising and BuyWine.com, we are okay. We are paying our bills and can’t wait to be super busy real soon. On February 28th, 2020 after four and a half years, I got my retail wine license.

At the moment, we’re building a very nice wine store, where anyone can purchase a bottle of wine from a minimum of $5.00 to –well, let’s say if you have to ask... It will be up and running very soon. I’ve also been working on our custom wine labels, which is a fun part of my business.

Everyone loves to see themselves, so for any occasion, weddings, anniversaries, celebrity events, corporate events, holidays, you name it, we can put anything on a wine label (no XXX or drugs). The wines come from prestigious Napa Valley, and include Rosé, Sparkling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot and a few other varieties.

They are great for any occasion with pricing starting from $15 per bottle with a minimum order of 120 bottles, depending on the wine variety and quantity.

BuyWine.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 47

“Quench Your Thirst For Knowledge”

Buy Wine Learn About Wine Custom Wine Labels 860 Napa Valley Corporate Way, Suite S, Napa, CA 94558 USA 844-4 BUYWINE

916-833-2560

WHAT’S

Trending WITH

By Sara Anne Huenke Contributing Writer

Sara Anne

sara.huenke@powerwoe.com Instagram: @Saraanne122883

The “New Normal” Edition Bridal Face Masks COVID-19, but make it bridal!

Many bridal salons now require a mask for shopping. I suggest purchasing a mask the color of your bridesmaid’s dresses for each of your maids as a gift. They come in all different styles. Tina Demel Boutique in Roslyn, Long Island carries designer-inspired masks to keep you stylish while staying safe.

I also adore bridal designer Claire Pettibone’s masks. Picture wearing an ivory covering accented by lace butterflies and silk ties. This is a classic yet romantic option for the Tie-Dye Gets Elevated to altar. Plus, for every mask sold, Claire is donating one to healthcare and frontline workers. ClairePettibone.com Luxury Status Tie-dye got an upgrade for 2020 and we love it. Ombre meets tie-dye. This pattern is fun to wear as a beach-side maxi dress in soft blue hues or a classic ombre T-shirt coupled with hot pants. Lyst reports that tie-dye is one of the fastest growing fashion search keywords of the year so far.

The hippy print of the 70’s is all grown up and we love it!

Monster Towel Beach please! While social distancing, it’s important to have your own space, especially as the beaches begin to open up. Monster Towel is advertised as 10’ X 10’, larger than a king-sized bed. What makes this even cooler is that it rolls up into a small compact duffel, making it very easy to carry. $89.95, MonsterTowel.com

Roll with Me: Roller Skating & Rollerblading are Back What’s old is new again (isn’t that how the saying goes?). Many of us have become more active since the world paused, and an old school favorite is roller skating. I love just about anything rose gold, and the Impala Quad Skate in rose gold is on the top of my list. Pair it with a Thousand Heritage Helmet and you’ll be riding through your neighborhood in style while burning calories at the same time.

Zoom Makeovers Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook filters have been preparing us with virtual makeovers for years. Now that board meetings have become Zoom conferences, we need to look camera ready at all times. The ‘Touch Up My Appearance’ option retouches your video display with a soft focus. This can help smooth out the skin tone on your face to present a more polished looking appearance when you display your video to others.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 49

Women R

OF THE MONTH Leora C. Hartman

Independent Broker

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eora C. Hartman is an independent broker with almost 42 years experience in the real estate field. Leora has some college. She specializes in residential and horse property sales in the Denver, Colorado area. She is experienced as a buyer’s and seller’s agent, and has worked with estate sales and those going through divorce and bankruptcy. She belongs to the National Association of Realtors, Denver Metro Association of Realtors, Colorado Association of Realtors, and the local Chamber of Commerce. In her spare time, Leora enjoys reading and movies. www.leorahartman-realestatewithyouinmind.com

Rhonda Davis

honda Davis is a realtor with Keller Williams Crystal Coast and an independent consultant with Arbonne. With five years experience, she is responsible for sales of residential properties in the area of Morehead City, North Carolina. She also consults on natural skincare products and health supplements for Arbonne International.

As a consultant, she is responsible for selling and educating clients about their health and wellness using botanically based beauty products. Rhonda earned a B.A. in Home Economics and Fashion Merchandising from Meredith College in 1989. She belongs to the Carteret County Association of Realtors. In her spare time, Rhonda enjoys reading, going

Realtor | Keller Williams Crystal Coast Independent Consultant | Arbonne

to the beach, and spending time with her family.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

In 2015 I earned my Real Estate License while living in Raleigh, North Carolina. I sold real estate there for about six months until I was needed to run a restaurant purchased by my father for three years. I then moved to Morehead City in 2019 and decided to return to real estate. I have worked for Keller Williams Crystal Coast since April of 2019 What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

Time management is the key to a suc-

Donna Marie Gordon

cessful career. Keller Williams has an incredible coaching platform that has taught me that by doing the tasks I need to do daily, regardless of the market, I will benefit in the long run.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

It’s all about communication and putting yourself out there.

You’re selling yourself first and your services second. If you want the business, you must do the work and go after it. It is an equal playing field for everyone.

Some are better than others at selling themselves. They are usually the ones that end up with the most business.

Owner

Survival of the Fittest Health and Wellness Programs, LLC; Survival of the Fittest Senior Dancers

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ith almost 30 years experience, Donna Marie Gordon is the owner of Survival of the Fittest Health and Wellness Programs, LLC which provides exercise programs and an integrated experience to healthy living, and owns and oversees Survival of the Fittest Senior Dancers. Donna provides fitness programs for seniors, individuals with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, military personnel, corporate programs, competitive fitness programs, and individual programs for the mentally challenged and disabled. She helps her clients keep physically fit, and stay healthy.

Donna is contracted as an independent health and wellness facilitator with Rackspace Corporation, Superior Health Corporation, Alamo Area of Council of Governments, Carol Ann’s

50 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Place, Seasons Alzheimer’s, Westover Alzheimer’s, Heart to Heart, Heavenly Heart Alzheimer’s, and adult daycare.

She is also employed as a fitness specialist for senior programs with the Walzem Family YMCA of Greater San Antonio, where she provides inclusive senior programs. Donna oversees the Annie Ruth Statham (Harriet Tubman) I Care Memory Endowment, in honor of her mother who passed away from Alzheimer’s.

Donna earned a B.A., magna cum laude, in Education with a minor in Learning Disabilities in 1983, and a M.Ed. in Adult Education with a minor in Art in 1984, both from the Universi-

ty of the Incarnate Word. She studied Mid-Management at Our Lady of the Lake University in 1987. Donna is a retired educator and part time college GED instructor.

She is also a Fitness Guru-Competitor body builder.

Donna belongs to the Who’s Who of College Students, The Society of Distinguished American High School Students, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She won an Education Leadership Award. In her spare time, Donna enjoys her family, art, dancing, and designing clothes.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is dignity of being a woman of self-pride, grace, and identity.

I find the silver lining in many clouds.

Janet Lynas Westley

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Owner | Natural Heal Practitioner and Hypnosis Mind-Body Connection Hypnosis

Westley has written numerous articles and a book titled “Guilty Prayers.” Her practice is international in scope. She is a member of the National Guild of Hypnosis. Dr. Westley has received the Heart of the Virginia award three times.

In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and reading.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I wanted to provide my clients with a proven alternative to health care. It’s rewarding for me to see instant results for my clients during and after the hypnosis session.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

r. Janet Lynas Westley has almost 50 years experience in health coaching and therapeutic hypnosis. She is the owner, a natural healing practitioner, and hypnotist with Mind-Body Connection Hypnosis. She provides health coaching through a natural health protocol and healing through therapeutic hypnosis. Dr. Westley gives workshops and lectures. She started her career as a L.P.N. She then received her A.S.N., R.N., B.S.N., and M.S. in Healthcare Administration and a Ph.D. in Natural Health from Clayton University in 2006. She is certified in therapeutic hypnosis and has advanced training in regression hypnosis. Dr.

Senior Director Patient Access Community First Medical Center

LaKira S. Sostand

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aKira S. Sostand is a senior director patient access with Community First Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. She has been with them for almost ten years. LaKira is responsible for the management and oversight of all daily operations of the patient access team and covering all the admissions and registration actions in a defined functional process. This includes effective planning and coordination of patient registrations, QA, insurance

Denise B. Gibson

D

enise B. Gibson has over 25 years experience in human resources.

Currently, she serves as Omnitrans’ human resources analyst/recruiter and was recently the drug and alcohol program manager. She was responsible for implementing the agency’s drug free workplace policy and previously administered the FTA regulated drug/alcohol program.

Denise has developed and coordinated training programs that are FTA regulated as well as trained employees in the areas of sexual harassment, diversity, and office ergonomics. She is responsible for recruiting, training, and oversees all aspects of human resources. Denise drives 100 miles daily to work. When asked why, she said, “I love my job.”

Denise earned a B.S./B.M. from the University of Phoenix and a Personnel Management and Labor Relations Certi-

It is a challenge to get people to see past the Hollywood perception of hypnosis.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

I think that the biggest challenge for women is the negative self-talk. Once a woman or man changes negative self-talk, they are able to accomplish anything they want to.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is giving one’s self the permission to look beyond the illusion of limits/mountains.

verification, central scheduling, denials, compliance, employee productivity, and upfront collections. As the department leader, she specializes in collections, staff training, hiring, overall patient services, and medical billing. LaKira is experienced in working through an electronic health care system in the hospital and throughout the healthcare industry. She is skilled in data entry, HIPAA, patient safety, and certified in Healthcare Information Technology Medical Billing and Medical Coding from the Allen School of Health Sciences, Brooklyn, New York campus. In her spare time, LaKira enjoys travel, dancing and creating writing. www.cfmedicalcenter.com

Human Resources Analyst/Recruitment | Omnitrans

fication from the University of California- Riverside. She also holds FTA Drug/Alcohol Certifications. She is a member of S.H.R.M. In her spare time, Denise enjoys walking with her four dogs, kayaking, and her family.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I started my career with the City of Hemet as a HR clerk in the human resource department. I reported to the assistant city manager, Pamela Easter, who was an amazing mentor guiding me on the right path to become a human resources professional.

What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in your career?

Like many women, I worked full-time, went to school to obtain my degree, and

was a single mother.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

I believe that keeping the home stable for your children, continuing your education, and working full time in a very competitive workforce are some of our biggest challenges.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in pursuing one’s goals and claiming one’s rights. It means accepting the challenges a woman faces in life.

Omnitrans.org

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 51

CarolAnn Peterson, Ph.D. Full Time Lecturer | University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

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r. CarolAnn Peterson has been an adjunct faculty member with the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work for 14 years and a full time lecturer for the past two years. She teaches courses on domestic violence, leadership, policy and advocacy, diversity, and global violence against women. She advocates against domestic violence and consults. Dr. Peterson earned her M.P.A. from Loyola Marymount University and her Ph.D. from Sanctus Theological Institute. She is a former legislative advocate for the California Federation of Business & Professional Women. She was appointed as a member of the Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Death Review Team and served as a team advisor/ trainer for the California Statewide

DV/Medical/Forensic Training Team. She was a consultant to the Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Unit, as well as a consultant for the City of Tel Aviv, Israel and the City of Los Angeles joint project on workplace domestic violence.

Dr. Peterson was appointed as a member of the Los Angeles Mayor’s Domestic Violence Steering Committee. Her memberships include the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, California State Task Force, appointed member of the Los Angeles County Family Violence Task Force, and she was appointed member of the California Senate

Letty Gaskins

Project Manager | Adelante Development Center

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etty Gaskins is a project manager with Adelante Development Center, a nonprofit agency. With eight years experience, Letty oversees programs, the community, and the management of the center. She helps individuals with disabilities. She serves as part of an Ability One contract which requires 75% of the employees to be for people with disabilities. Letty has her M.S. in Psychology and is currently a candidate for her Ed.D. She is a member of the A.P.A. and Women of the Moose International. She was the first recipient of the Sheila A. Moore Scholarship in 2018 and won the Federal Civil Service Award in 2020 from Source America. In her spare time, Letty enjoys helping others, reading, education, and working with her kids.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I volunteered with the New Mexico Department of Labor. I worked there for seven years, which allowed me to

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Task Force on Family Relations Court.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Women face oppression by the hierarchy of corporate America. They aren’t paid the same with the same background and job title; women of color are paid even less.

This economic disparity makes it difficult for women to be self-sufficient.

Women are still considered less valuable in many jobs that are thought of as traditional women’s work. This lack of respect for the work that women in these fields do places all women in a position of having to choose between family and career. www.carolannpeterson.com

meet the current project manager. When the alternate project manager position was open, I applied and was hired. After six years I was promoted to project manager.

What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in

your career?

One of the biggest obstacles is being young and in the leadership position. People don’t believe you have the skills or knowledge for the

position. In a male dominated work force, you have to earn the respects of your peers. As a female you have to work twice as hard to earn the same amount of respect from peers.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Women face the challenge of having to be perfect in all facets of their lives.

They are under a great deal of stress to earn a living, raise children or grandchildren, go to school, stay young and beautiful, and often do so alone.

Women don’t make the same amount of money as their male counter parts.

Thomala Jacqueline Hollingsworth Dispatcher | Spectrum Cable

T

homala Jacqueline Hollingsworth is a dispatcher and work order support provider with Spectrum Cable in Raleigh, North Carolina.

With 12 years experience, she is responsible for dispatching and routing jobs, and providing work order support to employees. Jacqueline earned a B.S., cum laude, in Business Administration from Strayer University. She is a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha and the Abundant Life Christian Center. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, playing piano, and participating in church activities.

President | Kansas City Credit Services

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onna L. Perkins is a credit expert and consumer advocate with almost 30 years experience in the credit industry. She specializes in credit repair and restoration, credit reporting, credit scoring, and debt restoration. As a credit expert, Donna has appeared numerous times on news programs broadcast with ABC, NBC, Fox, and others.

Donna is the president of Kansas City Credit Services, a credit repair organization based in Kansas City, Missouri since 1991. Under her leadership, they have helped over 110,000 nationwide customers restore their lives by improving their credit profiles. Donna oversees the operations and is frequently asked to speak at credit education events hosted

WOMEN OF THE

by the company and others. She stays in touch with the needs of her clients by advising them on credit repair matters and assisting with judgement resolutions. She also teaches consumers how to establish new credit and how to prepare for real estate purchases.

Along with her team, Donna trains attorneys nationwide on various consumer protection statutes such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and Telephone Consumer Protection Act. She teaches attorneys how to leverage these laws to help consumers whose rights have been violated by credit reporting agencies, debt collectors, creditors, and more. Donna also provides strategic business consulting

Month

Donna L. Perkins

services to companies in the financial arena, where she assists with planning and sales strategy development.

Donna is a member of the American Fair Credit Council, and the vice president of the local chapter of the National Association of Credit Repair Advisors.

Suzette B. Belgarde

Equine Assisted Coach | Yellowbirds Healing Horses

Megan M. MacLeod

Travel Agent | Cleod 9 Travel

S

uzette B. Belgarde has been an equine assisted coach with Yellowbirds Healing Horses for seven years. In this capacity, she works with Native youth and Native women with complex PTSD. They use horses to assist and help heal others. Suzette performs the groundwork needed along with various activities to build confidence and trust between horses and her clients. She earned a B.A. from the Native American Educational Services College in 2004. Suzette is an equestrian expert and advocate

M

egan M. MacLeod has over ten years experience as a travel agent. As the owner of Cleod 9 Travel, Megan is a Certified and insured travel agent and is Disney certified, and a Carnival and Princess Cruise specialist.

She is also a Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island expert. Megan is responsible for assessing all travel needs for her clients.

She provides a variety of travel for business, leisure, school, corporate, church, family vacations and special events. She specializes in saving her clients time and in most cases money. Megan also serves as the assistant manager of the Hook Bar and Grill in Mackinaw City. She is currently a candidate for her B.B.A. in Hospitality Management from American Intercontinental University. She received

of equine-assisted therapy.

She feels that horses make particularly good healing assistance animals because they can closely mirror and accurately respond to human behavior and emotions. She is a member of the E.A.C. In her spare time, Suzette enjoys horseback riding and downhill skiing.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I grew up with horses and have always had a spiritual connection to them. I began doing therapy for complex trauma about 15 years ago. Equine therapy was

her Travel Agent certification and is currently studying to be licensed in contracting.

Previously, Megan was the owner and director of the Miss Cheboygan County Pageant for girls age three through 20.

She mentored a generation of women to encourage confidence and generosity. Many keep in touch with her and inspire her through their continued community involvement. In her spare time, Megan enjoys being the mother of three, travel, dancing, sewing, crafting, building and construction, mixology, and being a makeup artist.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

one of the modalities that I tried, and it seemed to really help with my anxiety, fears, and trust issues. I researched online, read books, and talked with others in the field. I then found a certification program that fit my goals.

What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in your career?

I continue to do intensive therapy for my own CPTSD. I still have a hard time believing in myself and that I can succeed; it’s a work in progress. The clients that I really want to help have their own fears, anxieties, and trust issues. They may not have the financial means to get the help they need.

I’ve been booking travel for family and friends for years and decided to become certified and make a career of it along with being able to take my kids to travel the world and see the things that most dream of.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

The biggest obstacle that I’ve faced in my career thus far has, like most others, has been the COVID-19 pandemic. It has put a temporary hold on all travel agents and even my career as a restaurant manager. It is only temporary and has given me time for more certifications. www.evotravelagent.com/cleod9travel

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 53

Women

OF THE MONTH Leah D. Jenkins

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eah D. Jenkins is the owner of Salon Me Wax, a home-based business producing eyebrow hair removal waxing stencils. She is experienced in the cosmetology and medical fields. The combination hair removal and eyebrow stencil was inspired one afternoon when she introduced her 89 year old mother to stencils. Due to her age, they were not comfortable with the traditional methods of shaping eyebrows with tweezers or using warm wax on skin. Leah realized she could clean up and shape her mother’s eyebrows without damaging her fragile skin. Her drive to develop and market new products is not limited to Salon me waxing stencils. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, she recalled an experiment that she conducted with others when a friend was diagnosed with HIV. After discovering that it is widely known that electricity was the only way to kill a virus, they found a safe mechanism through the use of electromagnetic energy put into her friend’s body. Their application was to place particular type D batteries inside leg and ankle weights on extremities, along with magnets and quartz crystals, for 30 consecutive days creating

Wilma J. Brown-Foreman

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ilma J. Brown-Foreman is the owner of Academic Initiatives for Biblical Literacy in Secondary Public Education, which is an educational service targeting biblical literacy. Wilma is a Minister who provides a variety of community services and works with children being raised by single parents. She is responsible for the curriculum of the institution and specializes in literature. Wilma emphasizes the importance of adding biblical education to public schools. She earned her Ed.S. in Teaching and Learning from Liberty University in 2012.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

centrifugal force. To their astonishment, he was diagnosed HIV free. Leah believes the same concept could be effective in eradicating COVID-19.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I attended the Barbizon School of Modeling, and then worked as a model, cosmetologist and in the medical fields. I was always searching for effective products.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

Finding reliable trusted products to use for personal and professional beauty care.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Finding a balance between personal and professional life along with clear paths for self-enrichment.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

The ability to make your own choices and willingness to accept responsibility for your actions. www.salonmewax.com

Owner | Academic Initiatives for Biblical Literacy in Secondary Public Education

Fulfilling a lifelong dream, I began teaching secondary English at the age of 23. To equip myself academically, I have earned my B.A. in English and three graduate degrees, a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, a M.Ed. in Administration and Instruction, and an Ed.S. Educational Specialist degree.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

Teaching was most challenging when

Donna E. McDaneld Accountant | Donna McDaneld Tax Service

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onna E. McDaneld is an accountant with 25 years experience. She specializes in tax preparation and general accounting. Donna oversees the operations of the service from start to finish. She received a B.A. from Purdue University and has taken additional accounting courses. In her spare time, Donna enjoys golf, hiking, and bike riding.

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Owner Salon Me Wax

strengthening my students’ literacy skills by connecting Western literature to the wisdom, literary themes, techniques and history found in the Hebrew Bible. Rampant biblical illiteracy problems exist among public high school students.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

I have discovered that the majority of administrators, teachers and parents do not understand, appreciate nor recognize 1st Amendment rights (religious liberties) on public school campuses. As a black Christian female, I was not able to impart this most valuable information.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is the process of enabling someone to think, act, and control decision-making about their goals and purposes in life. Knowledge is a type of empowerment. Today’s public educators should empower students to learn and practice their 1st Amendment rights in secondary education.

Bonnie M. Albrecht

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onnie M. Albrecht is the owner and the office manager of SRI Technologies Inc., a recruiting and staffing firm specializing in engineering contractors and temporary workers. She has 40 years experience. Bonnie received an A.S. in Biology and an A.A. in Elementary Education from Harper College.

As the owner and head recruiter of the agency, she is responsible for recruiting and staffing efforts targeting engineering contractors and other temporary workers in a variety of industries. She volunteers for WINGS (Women in Need, Growing Stronger), a charity for homeless women that also provides domestic

Julia A. Lucero

J

ulia A. Lucero is a banker, an entrepreneur, and a writer.

She has been with the National Bank of Arizona for four years and is responsible for new accounts, loans, refinancing and notarizing documents. Julia earned her A.A. in General Studies from Northland Pioneer College in 2017.

She recently got her business license for her company, Effortless Connections LLC, and intends to market and distribute cups and travel mugs with educational materials on the benefits of cannabis to all corners of the world. Julia is the author of two

violence help. She also works with Citizens for Conservation.

In her spare time, Bonnie enjoys her pet cats, and making plastic mats for the homeless.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I started out in HR in the permanent employment industry and saw a need for the temporary employment industry. I invested time, money, and belief.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

S

Being female in a male dominated industry in the 70’s - 90’s was difficult. Getting banks to believe in you wasn’t easy, but at times, loans were necessary to stay open.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Current challenges include getting enough support and backing.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is believing in yourself, and not being too proud to accept help when it is necessary for moving forward. It is strength in knowing you can do it.

Banker, Writer, Entrepreneur | National Bank of Arizona different blog sites and is working on her first short story for publication. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, running (she finished her first marathon in 2020), travel, and spending time with her family How did you get started in your field/industry?

I have wanted to be in banking since I was about 16. There was an opening at the bank next door to my office and I had asked the ladies there to let me know if they were hiring, even for part-time. I went in to deposit my paycheck and was told that they were indeed hiring, so I went for it. That was four years ago.

Susan A. Jenning

usan A. Jenning is a sales coordinator with Maximum Performance Inc. She helped develop the marketing and sales for Maximum Performance Horse Supplement for breeders, improving fertility in mares and stallions, reducing OCD’s, and repairing OCD’s if they develop in young horses age one through three years of age. With her help, Maximum Performance has 58 dealers in ten states. This supplement also has had the Horse of the Year for the last two years,

Owner | SRI Technologies Inc.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

One of the biggest challenges has been working in a male dominated field and feeling like I have had to prove myself twice over for the same amount of respect that is afforded to our male counterparts.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

For me, empowerment is a feeling more than a word. It feels a lot like confidence and luck all rolled into one. To be empowered is to know your worth and go after what you really want, even if you’re scared of the outcome. www.nbarizona.com

Sales Coordinator | Maximum Performance Inc.

with a six-year old mare being the oldest Horse of the Year in 2019. Susan sells nutritional products containing calcium and mineral supplements for horses, dogs, and people.

With the Coronavirus in progress, she has seen amazing results for many large communities that were sick (for one week two years ago, and this last year) miss no school or work. It was noted that someone who took the

supplements was only ill with COVID-19 for two days instead of two weeks.

Susan attended Ball State University and holds a Series 6 License. She belongs to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, which is a voluntary philanthropic organization. In her spare time, she enjoys horses, dog rescue and travel. www.maxperfeq.com www.maxprosupplement.com P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 55

Women

OF THE MONTH Maria Martino

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aria Martino enjoys the challenge and fulfillment that a career in real estate offers.

As a Realtor with Signature Premier Properties in Babylon Village, New York, Maria has a reputation for her integrity, honesty, and professionalism that she brings to every deal.

As a mother of two, Maria grew up in Dix Hills and has owned several homes. After living in Babylon Village for 17 years, she recently moved to the Brightwaters area.

Most of her focus is on the South Shore of Long Island as

Donna A. Horton

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onna A. Horton is the owner of Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens of Port Republic, Maryland, and has spent her entire life in the funeral industry. A native of Washington, Donna was raised in the mortuary business. Her father was a funeral director and he and her mother built their own business, Horton’s Funeral Home, in Washington, DC. A Registered Cemetarian, Donna is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the cemetery, the maintenance and upkeep of the facility and grounds, liaising with and assisting families with preparations and burial services. She received a Certificate of Achievement in Land Management and Grounds Operation from I.C.C.F.A. and is on the advisory

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Licensed Cemetarian | Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens

board of the University of the District of Columbia Mortuary Science program.

Donna is a member of the board of directors for Horton’s Funeral Home. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

My parents were funeral directors. They owned and operated Horton’s Funeral Home in Washington, D.C. My first job was the hearse driver at funerals. Owning a cemetery was the next logical step.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

The biggest challenge for me was

Whitney L. Miller

hitney L. Miller has over ten years experience in educating, mentoring, and leading. Two years ago, she founded her coaching business, Transcend Health & Wellness, to empower her clients to change their lives and health through running. She has over 25 years of running and athletic experience. Whitney works with clients on transforming their negative thoughts, mindset, and habits so that they can heal their relationship with themselves and with their running. She advises clients how to be powerful and present in their lives. As clients transform their relationship with themselves and their running, other areas of their lives begin to

Realtor | Signature Premier Properties

well as Dix Hills, Commack, and surrounding areas.

Maria understands the emotions of buying and selling a home and how the process can be overwhelming, so she prides herself on constant communication, realistic guidance, and support. She manages to tune into her clients’ needs while maintaining a focus on the best return on investment.

Along with a vast background in real estate, Maria’s spiritual side and compassion has created lasting bonds with her clientele. She’s also of the mindset that “the right house will find you.” She is always humbled and excited at the prospect of taking on brand new clients in their journey to a new phase in life. www.signaturepremier.com

making a name for myself while continuing the legacy of my parents. It is a challenge to change people’s perception of what a cemetery should be to what it can be for all people- not just the bereaved.

It’s challenging to keep final disposition affordable for families, and to continue to grow and improve in the industry.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

It is a challenge for women to be the bread winner, the boss in the workplace, and a wife/mother at home. The roles are different, and it is not always an easy transition. www.chesapeakehighlands.com

Coach | Transcend Health & Wellness, LLC

transform as well. Whitney coaches runners from 5k to Ultra-Marathon distances, customizing training plans per client and race goals.

Through their transformation and training, clients are able to uncover the best and most complete version of themselves. Whitney loves what she does and strives for greatness in all of her client relationships.

Whitney earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Indianapolis in 2008. She is the co-founder of the entrepreneur leader group, Rise Intentionally Decide to Elevate. Whitney specializes in running coaching, health and life coaching, mindset coaching, and business coaching. She conducts

workshops and serves as a speaker and a consultant. In her spare time, she enjoys running, cycling, Yoga, traveling, reading, and hiking with her husband and dogs.

What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in your career?

The largest challenge I’ve faced has been letting go of the stability of a very secure job to create the business and life of my dreams.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means trusting the innate wisdom and intuition withinsaying yes to yourself and knowing that you’re investing in your soul’s happiness.

It means redefining the barriers you see for yourself and creating the life you’ve imagined.

TranscendHealthAndWellness.com

Shop BellStarVintage Vintage Costume Jewelry with Glitz, Glamour and Class https://www.rubylane.com/shop/bellstarvintage

A M A N DA Fashion Consultant, Stylist

A

manda Sanders is a distinguished fashion consultant and is among the most trusted personal shoppers in New York City. As well as being a personal shopping and style expert, she is the lead stylist for New York Image Consultant, an image and wardrobe consulting company.

As one of the most sought-after personal shoppers and fashion stylists in New York, it’s no wonder that Hollywood has come knocking on her door. While lending her style expertise through appearances on the “Today Show,” Amanda is also a TV personality on Bravo where she starred on the “Love Broker” as the image consultant and appeared on “The Real Housewives of New York City.”

A native of NYC, Amanda attended undergraduate school at the prestigious School of Fine Arts at Boston University and graduated magna cum laude with a B.F.A. in costume design. Specializing in creating signature looks for celebrity and other high-profile clientele, she has experienced tremendous success in both TV and film by styling the biggest names in Hollywood and designing costumes for countless blockbuster movies and hit TV shows.

Amanda also stays busy as an executive personal shopper and as a style contributor to newspapers including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and magazines including Forbes, Real Simple, Glamour, People, Us Weekly, and Life and Style. She is currently enjoying helping clients find luxury properties to match their style in New York City with Compass Realty.

Whether she is dressing distinguished clients for a movie premiere or lending her style expertise to brands, Amanda remains an inspiring, energetic, and unforgettable figure in the world of fashion.

C L I E N T S

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S A N D E R S New York Image Consultant

What about costume design excited you early on?

The idea of designing clothes to a story was very compelling to me. Creating garments from the undergarments outward taught me a lot about the construction of clothing and taught me about fabrics- especially how they drape on the body.

Why did you decide to become a personal shopper to the stars?

Working with celebrities is like designing clothes to tell the story of their life. I turned my love of shopping into a career and was fortunate to have known lots of stars from my costume design background.

Do you have one item that you consider mandatory in styling a wardrobe?

Spanks! Not only do they make a woman stand taller and more confident, but they give a smoother foundation in order for the clothes to fit and drape better.

Who is one of your favorite designers?

Alexander McQueen- I always find that his clothes to have an unexpected twist about them. They’re dark and mysterious.

Tell us about your jewelry collection in collaboration with BlingJewelry.com.

Accessories are always the exclamation point on an outfit. I never feel that a look is complete without jewelry. Bling Jewelry was a natural fit.

Is there something you haven’t accomplished yet that you still want to do?

I’d like to write a book about style and all that I’ve learned over my 20 years of work.

What is the best $100 you recently spent and why?

I can never get enough designer sunglasses. They are not only functional but they’re stylish and mysterious.

What does empowerment mean to you?

To me, empowerment is entering a room and never feeling intimidated, no matter who the audience may be.

And of course, doing what you love for a living. www.amandasanders.com

Living the American Dream and Continuing Tradition

By Maria Lindh

M

y parents decided they were coming to America from Italy in March of 1974. After staying near family for a few years, we purchased a home and two years after that, my mom (who didn’t speak a word of English) found herself a widow with four children ages ten, eight, four and two. She wanted to maintain the house so she got three jobs, working in a bakery, selling pots and pans, and working at a radio station as the host of her own radio show. Eventually, Mom only did the radio work and was invited to MC parties and street fairs. I was so proud of my mom. I remember going shopping on 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst and a woman heard her voice and shouted, “Are you Silvana?” She recognized her voice from hearing it on the radio. Despite the fame she experienced, she always put her children first.

My mom became a radio show producer at ICN radio. She was there for 30 years. During that time, she founded the Festival of Song USA singing competition and teamed up with Gianni Contino from Palermo, Italy, to have an exchange of winners performing at each other’s shows. Today I am continuing this singing competition, and dinner and dance show.

She lived to host the show for 20 years. We are now preparing for the 26th annual show in January, 2021. Our website is www.FestivalOfSongUSA.com. The first prize is a round-trip ticket and five day/four night stay in Palermo, so they get to perform at the show that takes place there. We have been featured on Italian radio and on both U.S. and Italian TV. As a high school senior, I was in 13 clubs holding officer positions in most. I was accepted to St. John’s University and was part of the student council and book exchange program. I graduated and became a mathematics teacher. I then earned a master’s in education and an additional professional degree. I taught until my second son was born and life took me in a new

direction. I got my real estate license in 1999 and started my own real estate company in Lynbrook, New York, called Next Level Real Estate, which will be celebrating its ten-year anniversary. I am also a divorced mom of two amazing boys.

In gratitude for my getting through my horrible divorce, I became more involved in charity work.

I am co-vice president of the JETS of America, an organization that raises money for families that have children with life threatening diseases. We give 100% of our proceeds from fundraisers directly to the families. Our board members pay dues and we pay to attend our own events. We have an annual comedy night in March; in May we have an annual golf outing; and in September, I host our date auction, Donations for Dates. It’s loads of fun. I also do clothing drives in the spring and fall, collecting clothes, shoes and coats for the homeless.

I am the assistant director of the National Association of Divorce Professionals and hold a Certified Divorce Specialist certification. I help divorcing couples. I do my best to give back because I understand hardship all too well. I got through it with the grace of God. My faith is my strength. My boys are my motivation and my mom is my inspiration. If she did it widowed with four kids, a new mortgage, no driver’s license, and not speaking English, I have no excuse for not making it happen.

We make your Dream Home a reality!

Maria Lindh, Broker/Owner

192A Hempstead Avenue | Lynbrook, NY 11563 • info@NextLevelRealEstateNY.com P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 59

Top Stress Management Expert

Author and Stress Management Expert

T

You began practicing mediation at an early age. What made you decide to start meditating?

I started meditating in my early childhood when my brother was terminally ill. Through meditation, I began developing tools and techniques to help cope with the stress, anxiety, and fear of his illness. I was too young to handle the stress and fear that surrounded my daily life and consumed both my family, and myself. Developing these tools and breath techniques was my true escape.

What influenced you to become a public speaker, stress management expert, and author?

It all stemmed from my brother’s illness and my awareness of suffering and anxiety that affects the entire world. I knew I had to create a way to handle these struggles, not only for myself and my family, but for those in need globally. Stress is known to be the #1 cause of disease in our world today. That’s why I am so passionate about helping others to alleviate stress. As I always say, “Short breath, short life. Long breath, long life.”

What advice would you give others who are struggling with stress, anxiety, and trauma?

Remember these keys factors: You are never alone; When you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or a specialized professional; Remind yourself it can always be worse; Instead of asking yourself, “Why me?,” remember that it’s not your fault; Develop proper breathing techniques. (For example, inhale through your nose to the count of eight, hold your breath to the count of eight, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat three times or more for best results to alleviate stress.)

What projects do you have currently in the works?

I am currently republishing my book “Color Me Love” a children’s guide to healing through colors and their meanings, as well as publishing my book “Energy to Success.” Additionally, I am teaching a Willpower Manifestation seminar for adults as well as a Vibe Up curriculum which is a stress management program for children and teens currently being implemented in charter schools.

I host a free global meditation every Saturday at 11 a.m. PST to bring everyone from around the world together to unite, de-stress and stay connected.

You can find more information at TsikkiThau.com.

sikki Thau is an author, meditation, and stress management expert with over 30 years of experience worldwide. She is a featured expert on Fox 5 “The More Show,” Channel 13, Channel 3, Live to Give TV, Edutainment TV, “The Ed Bernstein Show,” “Spotlight on Vegas Business,” MyVegas Magazine, and Real Vegas Magazine. Tsikki is considered a foremost authority in mind-over-body techniques, merging science with tools and breath techniques to overcome any obstacle.

Tsikki is the visionary behind S.N.A.P. - an instant stress relief method, The Will Power Seminar, and Vibe-Up, all scientifically based, proven technologies designed to reprogram the mind to a achieve a positive state of being.

Her mentorship and guidance has transformed the lives of clients of all ages, worldwide. She is the author of “Color Me Love,” a project designed to alleviate anxiety in children and promote communication through color.

Tsikki’s ultimate vision is to implement a stress management and meditation curriculum in education systems and corporations worldwide to eliminate stress and anxiety and promote positive ways of thinking.

In acknowledgment of her community service, she has received several awards, including: The Beauty in, Beauty Out Award for Outstanding Holistic and Emotional Support, the Give-Back Award (News Channel 13), Heroes’ of Today Making a Difference through the Pandemic (Live to Give TV), Children’s Stress Management Expert (Edutainment TV), The Best of Las Vegas Holistic Excellence Award, and the Las Vegas Small Business Excellence Award (2016, 2018, and 2019).

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ro Darkness to Light From Overcoming molestation, depression and assault and coming out on top

I

have what I think is a motivational story to tell, to hopefully empower just one other woman to overcome what some may deem impossible. The darkness came nearly every night from the age of five to 15 in the form of child molestation from my stepfather. The shame, guilt, and mental anguish endured in carrying this secret until I was 20 years old was pure darkness. Darkness came again at the birth of my only child who was born with Down syndrome, mental retardation, and autism. My shock at having a child with so many disabilities while only 20 years old was pure darkness.

The darkness came after serving 22 wonderful years in the Army, and to then get assaulted by my former supervisor. It came after my entire chain of command attempted to cover it up, followed by retaliation and discrimination against me for reporting a military sexual trauma.

This incident caused me to prematurely retire from the army because I lacked trust and confidence of military leadership. The darkness came when my existing depression intensified, and I was diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety.

The darkness came after enduring multiple failed marriages because I was broken on the inside, had an absent biological father, and complete lack of positive male figures in my life. I was ignorant as to what a decent man was, and how to deal with men at all.

Home schooled and isolated most

By Shareefah Waters

approximately $3 million.

The light came when as a soldier in the U.S. Army, I served time in Iraq, Kuwait, Korea, Thailand, and Hawaii. One of my passions is traveling. I have had the pleasure of vacationing in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Trinidad, China, of my childhood, I read Brazil, Bahamas, a lot. Reading was my Cayman Islands, outlet to escape my life, Mexico, Canada, sadness, and pain. I obAruba, Ghana, Mali, tained my GED at 16. My France, Senegal, Dubai, homelife was sheer misery and all I Cuba, and Germany. could do was count down the days The light came in 2019, when until I turned 18. At 18, I did a lot a childhood friend contacted me of soul searching to figure out how to (having been retired from the army escape my hometown and take care for three years) to ask if I would serve of myself. The army was the best de- as the human resources director for a cision I could have made at the time. start-up company in California. This The light came when I came to the was an opportunity I couldn’t resist, realization that I must get counseling as the company is currently in the as I could not overcome the darkfinal stage of releasing a next-level ness alone. I am proud to say I have music platform. In addition, I am sought counseling consistently for working directly and indirectly with the past 22 years. The light came in some of the world’s most respected 2013 when I obtained my master’s and celebrated musicians. degree in Human Resources I share my story not for sympathy, Management. but to hopefully empower a woman The light came in January 2014, who is enduring abuse, depression, when I was selected as an executive anxiety, hopelessness, or suicide to officer (deputy director) after 22 have hope. I experienced all these years of military service. I managed symptoms at multiple points in my everyday functions including operlife which included bouts of hospiations, human resources, logistics, talization for depression. I am not information technology, security, and ashamed of my darkness anymore. training programs for the organizaI have been empowered through tion. I reported and coordinated di- life lessons, counseling, medication, rectly with the director/president to meditation, prayer, education, and plan long term strategies to achieve my creator. organizational goals. I managed the annual budget and expenditure of P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 61

Book

CORNER Love McPherson Why Didn’t THEY Tell Me?! (Relationship / Self Help): 5 Truths Everyone Should Know About Love

Have you ever wondered why your relationship started out so promising, only to encounter countless bumps in the road? If you have ever found yourself wondering, “Why didn’t they tell me?,” then this book is for you.

In this book, I share five powerful truths that are essential for the success of every relationship. This book will raise your awareness on the things that really matter in a relationship. These truths are just as essential for the single person before they say, “I do,” as they are for the married people who have already said, “I will.” This book will set you free to give and receive love in a way that you have never experienced before. Don’t spend another day trying to navigate through the maze of lies, fairytales and myths about relationships.

Use the simple, straight forward and clearly written principles of this book to guide you to your relationship success.

Tracy Tutor Fear Is Just a Four-Letter Word: How to Develop the Unstoppable Confidence to Own Any Room

From the first female real estate broker on Million Dollar Listing LA, here is a no-nonsense guide to analyzing big egos, deflecting power plays, and taking control of any room.

Behind Tracy Tutor’s on-screen persona is an uncanny knack for projecting confidence in the most intimidating of circumstances. The breezy, tough-talking, utterly inimitable businesswoman has rivaled her male co-stars to land increasingly high-profile deals in the world of LA real estate.

Now, Tracy is leveraging her years of experience to write the go-to manual for any woman struggling to convince people she’s in charge.

If you get thrown off course by narcissistic personalities or freaked out by high-stakes situations, don’t assume you’re weak. When fear is running the show, you get wrapped up in your head and start missing important cues. Yes, the people you’re dealing with seem scary, but they’re more predictable than you think.

Once you understand them, it’s easy to push the right levers of influence to get what you want.

Through candid, hilarious stories of her rise through a world of misogyny and cutthroat business dealings (text message screen shots from creeps included!), Tracy offers a crash course in the psychology of power dynamics and social signaling. You’ll learn: • What five things you should always find out about someone before you meet them • How to choose the perfect outfit for an important meeting, even when dressing on a budget • When and how to use humor strategically to lighten the mood and command authority This book is a must-read for any ambitious woman who wants to win her next business confrontation before she even walks into the room.

62 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Danielle Forbes Destiny

Destiny didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in her mouth by any means. She was born to a single parent named Maureen. Maureen experienced things that no young girl ever should. However, she was not going allow history to repeat itself.

Maureen was determined to raise Destiny to be a child after God’s own heart, but when Destiny reaches her teenage years, she decides that she wants a different life for herself. That’s when Destiny leaves life as she’s known it and returns to her old neighborhood, to show her “schoolgirl crush” Romeo that she is no longer the little girl that lived across the hall. That is where the life of the sweet choir girl ends, and all her problems begin.

From start to finish, this book will grab you and never let you go! Destiny will have you on the edge of your seat! Danielle Forbes is brilliant as she tells a story that any parent, teenager and adolescent can relate to.

Your heart will pound as you read the story of a single mother, solely depending on her faith in God to free her only child from the hands of a dangerous man, but Romeo isn’t giving up that easily.

He is determined to show Destiny how to survive and live life on the streets by any means necessary.

Melissa Alcantera Fit Gurl: The Total-Body Turnaround Program

What do you want? To have biceps, a butt, and defined abs? To wear anything? To feel resilient and capable? These things are about one thing: work. If you’re ready to put in the time, commitment, and dedication, Fit Gurl will change your body and your life.

Fit Gurl features: • Melissa’s day-by-day ‘Turnaround’ program that worked for her & will work for you • Melissa’s unbelievable story of transformation, going from post-pregnancy, fitness newbie to shredded athlete and full-time personal trainer • Over 40 recipes for healthy meals, smoothies, and sides including poke bowls, pancakes, and more.

This isn’t just about your body. Fit Gurl is a path to self-discovery through fitness and a plan for going from one way of life to another with purpose and intention. Melissa did it and so can you.

Christa Katherin Roy Beautiful Creations: Crochet from Plastic Bags

This manual contains items crocheted from plastic shopping bags and garbage bags and instructions including photos.

There is also a introductory page to Kindle explaining a link to u-tube to the Video explaining how to cut the bags into strip.

Areva Martin Make It Rain!: How to Use the Media to Revolutionize Your Business & Brand

What if you could get in front of millions of prospects with the avid endorsement of famous influencers--without spending a dime?

It’s happening right in front of you every day. Guest experts on TV, radio, podcasts, blogs, and live streaming are getting local and national exposure for their business and brand that they could never have afforded to reach with ads.

For a decade, Areva Martin has used the media to build a huge platform that expanded the influence and power of her brand exponentially. Media appearances on Dr. Phil, Anderson Cooper 360, The Doctors, CNN, MSNBC, FOX, and more have virtually eliminated the need of a marketing budget for her thriving law firm and nonprofit organization, while securing her place as one of America’s most sought after thought leaders.

In Make It Rain! Areva breaks the silence to reveal what insiders know about the power of media appearances to revolutionize a business and brand and get your core message out to the people who need it most. You’ll learn how to: • Match your brand to the right audience and media venues • Craft pitches producers can’t resist • Jump on breaking news shows • Pivot and speak in soundbites like the pros • Amplify every interview with social media • Turn appearances into platform and become a rainmaker Never before have there been more ways to build a presence that matters. Whether you are the executive of a corporation, the author of an upcoming book, the owner of a rapidly growing small business, or the public face of a local nonprofit or association, if you have a business to build or people you want to help, nothing beats using the media to create the visibility, influence, and power you need. Are you ready to Make It Rain!?

CarolAnn Peterson Interpersonal Aggression: Complexities of Domestic and Intimate Partner Abuse One in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Interpersonal Aggression: Complexities of Domestic and Intimate Partner Abuse is a practical guide that provides necessary information for anyone who knows or works with victims/survivors -- attorneys, law enforcement, social workers and therapists, family and friends concerned about loved ones, members of the judiciary and clergy-- basically any helping profession.

Author CarolAnn Peterson takes the reader through the various aspects of a victim’s encounters, the history of domestic

abuse, the legal system and law enforcement, workplace domestic violence, religion, the intersection of the LGBTQ+ community and intimate partner abuse, domestic abuse in the military, how culture influences victims’ decisions, batterers/abusers and intervention programs/counseling, and the impact of domestic violence on health and mental health of victims and children.

Dr. Peterson examines why victims stay and when they leave, what help is available, why abusers abuse, and what happens to the children, among other important topics. She offers comfort to anyone working with victims of domestic and intimate partner abuse -- no matter the role they play.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 63

Dr. Doris Dalton D r. Doris Dalton is a renowned specialist in wellness and chiropractic medicine focusing on treating the body, managing stress, and anti-aging. Dr. Dalton received her D.C. in Chiropractic Medicine from Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa in 1986.

She then founded Delaware Valley Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

It was at this time that Dr. Dalton found herself being both the patient and the doctor when she was diagnosed with Hurthle cell carcinoma in late 1999. She faced a stranger in the mirror that just wasn’t herself. Her skin was ravished; most of her hair and brows were gone; and it was in that moment she found her true purpose.

Dr. Dalton went to battle for herself and other women like her to reclaim not just her beauty, but her sense of self. She wanted to feel beautiful and trust the makeup products that she was using on her incredibly delicate skin. Those products didn’t exist at the time, so she created Doll 10 Beauty. Doll 10 Beauty is a line of easy-to-use products that are developed as proven beauty

64 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Owner Doll 10 Beauty

solutions in which women can steal ten minutes out of their day to get “Dolled Up,” no matter what they’re going through. Using her expertise and understanding of the body and the skin’s ability to heal itself, she used her findings to pioneer the development of bioceutical ingredients in the cosmetic industry.

Dr. Dalton has developed concepts for cosmetics and skin care based on solving the problems within our skin that are usually a result of a systemic imbalance within the body. Each product in the Doll 10 Beauty line is cruelty free and developed using a handcrafted recipe of ten skin repairing ingredients that act as nutrition for the skin. It’s a revolutionary approach, which focuses on the therapeutic use of the skin’s natural regenerative process of renewal, restoration, and growth.

Currently, Dr. Dalton resides in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. When she’s not in the lab, or traveling the world educating, she can be found at the local animal rescue shelter where she founded another passion project, the Dolls 4 Paws initiative.

Summer Makeup Tips I think everyone looks better with a glow. Don’t be afraid of bronzer.

It adds a healthy hint of color without the damaging effects of the sun.

I love using our Golden Pearl Face and Body Bronzer on my forehead, cheeks and jawline to give me the look of summer sun. I also use it on my arms and legs for a glow without the commitment of a tanner. It’s the perfect color “bronze” and won’t transfer once you’ve applied it.

What made you switch from chiropractic to the cosmetic field?

Actually, I never planned to get into the beauty industry at all. To make a long story short, I developed a rare form of cancer and didn’t recognize the woman looking back at me in the mirror after treatment.

I lost my hair and my brows, and I wanted to look and feel like me again. All of the makeup on the market at the time was just way too harsh on my extremely fragile skin.

As a doctor, I knew what the body and the skin need to heal, so I went to work creating products that would allow me to get dolled up, feel beautiful and be good to my skin.

Explain what you mean when you say that Doll 10 Beauty works backwards from how most beauty companies work.

We don’t think of what will “sell,” or what trends are. We look at ourselves, what we want for our skin, and what beauty related problems we can solve. We develop our products as solutions and as skincare first; color is secondary. I’m always in the lab and working on new ingredients to help the skin preserve and repair itself. Our newest launch, Dollskin™ Anti-Stress Skin Perfector is a great example of our beauty solution philosophy. Stress is aging us at a rapid rate, so we created something to counter that process and the effects it

has on the skin.

What makes your cosmetics different from other brands?

I’m really proud of the fact that we’re committed to changing the way women feel about themselves, and makeup is our vehicle for doing that. It’s about so much more than makeup for me. It’s really and truly about creating a feeling of confidence that makes any woman unstoppable.

I’m on a mission to give every woman the feeling that she can conquer the world ten minutes at a time with clean products.

Tell us about Dollskin™ Anti-Stress Skin Perfector.

Oxidative stress and its effect on our cells is aging us ten times faster than any generation before us. It’s pretty wild when you look at the data. I created the Dollskin™ Anti-Stress Skin Perfector to be the solution to stressed skin. It’s a full

coverage, long wearing skin soothing treatment formulated with ten powerful ingredients that will give your skin the instant coverage you want and the extra TLC it craves. In true Doll 10 fashion, it’s a skincare and makeup hybrid, and it goes to work immediately erasing imperfections, smoothing away texture, and fighting skin-stress, while leaving skin with a radiant finish.

With your cosmetics being available on your website, HSN, QVC, and now sold in stores like Sephora, what are future plans for Doll 10 Beauty?

There are so many incredible things on the future horizon. We just launched our first retail store at Dunnes Beauty Hall in Ireland, which is very exciting. The biggest thing coming in the future has to do with skincare, but I can’t talk about it yet.

What does the word power mean to you?

I very much believe in personal power and taking control of your destiny. I want to empower my community to be confident, be personally powerful, and make their dreams a reality. I’ve always felt that confidence is not about how you look, it’s about how you feel. Every time you apply one of my products, I want you to be reminded that your confidence is your superpower, and no one can take that away from you.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 65

Darcy Knapp-Fricks President, Co-Owner Knapp Sisters Rental, Ltd., Knapp Sisters Cattle Company, D&S Investments

D

arcy Knapp-Fricks serves in a variety of industries including real estate, investments, cattle production, ranching and self-storage. She is the President and Co-Owner of Knapp Sisters Rental, Ltd., started with her sister, Shelly Knapp, in 1999, which specializes in land rentals. They also own Knapp Sisters Cattle Company which focuses on cattle production and ranching and D&S Investments.

Darcy is responsible for land rentals, agricultural and ranch management. She provides, maintains and manages rental properties and real estate.

In addition, Darcy and Shelly own The Knapp Sisters Self Storage which consists of five self-storage building facilities.

The self-storage facility is a AAA business which consists of five self-storage buildings, with the largest of the five being climate

66 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

She was featured in an article regarding her family donating land to make a historical park. In her spare time, she enjoys time spent on her ranch in South Texas and travel.

Darcy’s advice to others is to always go with your gut feeling; it will not steer you wrong. There is nothing too big or too small for you to accomplish. If you believe controlled. They are open 7 days in yourself and whatever your a week. Their business was rated plans are, you can be successful. the #1 U-Haul dealer in the State She feels strongly that you should of Texas and #3 U-Haul dealer in never let anyone take your dreams the U.S. away from you. When she got the Darcy and her sister are memidea to build the self-storage facilibers of the Texas Self Storage ty, she had made up her mind that Association, the Texas and South- it was going to be different from western Cattle Raisers Associothers. Even though she knew ation, the Arlington Historical nothing about the storage busiSociety, the Mansfield Chamber ness until then, Darcy listened to of Commerce and the Better Busi- her gut that told her to go with it, ness Bureau. Darcy attended the and it has been a success.

University of Texas at Arlington www.knappsistersselfstorage.com and Texas Wesleyan University.

Knapp Sisters

Self Storage

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100 Newt Patterson Rd., Mansfield, TX 76063

DEALER IN TEXAS

(Located across from the Post Office, on Main St. near Downtown Mansfield)

Knappsistersselfstorage.com

68 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Marjorie A. Graf Vice President and Chairman of the Board of Directors Graf & Sons Inc.

M

ajorie Graf is the president and chairman of the board of directors of Graf & Sons Inc. which is a wholesale sporting goods store based in Mexico, Missouri. They sell sporting goods, hunting products, ammunition, shooting, and reloading materials on a national scale. Graf & Sons, Inc. was founded in 1957 by Arnold Graf, his wife Velma, their two sons Bob and Howard, and their spouses. What has become known as “The Reloading Authority” first started as a gasoline service station in Mexico, Missouri that sold boats, motors, hunting, and fishing merchandise. Bob and Marjorie Graf became sole owners of the business after the passing of co-founder Arnold Graf in 1972 and the retirement of Howard Graf in 1981. In 1986, Bob and Marjorie started to advertise across the board and began to sell internationally. In the beginning they shipped just 1,000-2,000 products a year but with the creation of their website, www.grafs.com, in 2001, the product lines expanded to fit the need.

Today, Graf & Sons stocks over 20,000 products and ships both nationally and internationally by mail order, phone sales, and internet sales. The company has many extremely competent employees including Marjorie’s two sons who are also involved with the business. Marjorie specializes in finance and the overall operations. She also oversees the exporting side of the business, customer service, and sales. Previously, Marjorie served in sales and service at Mexico Refractories and Kaiser Refractories for over 16 years.

In 2013, Graf and Sons Inc. was recognized by the Mexico Chamber of Commerce for their leadership in business, their retail business, and their philanthropy, and was honored at the 29th annual Commerce & Industry Appreciation Dinner. In January 2019, Marjorie received the Mexico Chamber of Commerce Presidential Award. Recently, she was the 2019 inductee “as an individual” into the Missouri Trapshooting Association Hall of Fame on May 17, 2019 at Linn Creek, Missouri. This was quite an honor as she has always enjoyed the shooting and hunting sports.

Sadly, Marjorie’s husband Bob passed away in 2018. In her spare time, she enjoys family activities with her four children, five grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. Marjorie also enjoys shooting, camping, hunting, fishing, cooking, and church activities. www.grafs.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 69

P.O.W.E.R.

Sandra Hollis

Tiffanie B. Flanagan

MANUFACTURING Quality Assurance

COACHING Life Coach

True Sports

T. Vision Consulting

Sulligent, Alabama

Houston, Texas

VIPs Michele Briscoe

Briscoe Investment Enterprises REAL ESTATE Entrepreneur

Donna M. Torbico

Heal & Grow for ACoAs MENTAL HEALTH CARE Therapist New York, New York

Brooklyn, New York

Deborah C. Ransmeier

Formka R. Johnson

Deborah’s Devine Designs

Advanced Behavioral Health

Silver Spring, Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland

APPAREL/FASHION Owner

MENTAL HEALTH CARE Therapist

Kelley Gardner

Laurie M. Johnson

HEALTHCARE Nurse Anesthetist

HEALTHCARE Consultant

Kelley Gardner, CRNA, Inc.

Revenue Cycle Solutions LLC

Stateline, Nevada

Julie A. Webster

Danielle A. Hareland

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Reiki Practitioner

APPAREL/FASHION Model

Reiki Healing With Julie Dorchester Center, Massachusetts

Victoria A. Fedor

Great Healthcare Solutions DENTAL Dental Hygienist

Jackson, New Jersey

Sarver, Pennsylvania

EDUCATION Teacher

Ann Elliott

Crye-Leike Executive Realty REAL ESTATE Real Estate Agent

Bowling Green, Kentucky

70 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Canfield, Ohio

Canandaigua, New York

Belinda Perry

Sedona Rocks Cleaning Service CLEANING SERVICE Cleaner Cornville, Arizona

Marina C. Silvestri

Mahoning County Career and Technical Center

Quickbook Agency

C. Susan Keen

Julieanne R. Rasmussen Booz Allen Hamilton

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/IT Engineer Augusta, Georgia

C. Susan Keen, Esq. LAW/LEGAL SERVICES Lawyer

Santa Monica, California

P.O.W.E.R.

Linder B. Washington

Gabrielle Hawthorne

CLEANING SERVICE President

APPAREL/FASHION Designer/Artist

Be Washington Maintenance Bronx, New York

Rachel Jean Samuels Knox Community Hospital

HEALTHCARE Respiratory Therapist

VIPs Kimberly D. Hebert

Doris L. Wood

MLMIA / Multi Level Marketing International Association

Gail Rider Collection Designer Art Wear

Kimberly Dawn Photography and Art

Ewing, New Jersey

Scott, Louisiana

NETWORK MARKETING Networking Marketer

Kelly L. Hostetter

Maria Jesionowski

Tammy A. Zeledon

REAL ESTATE Real Estate Agent

MANUFACTURING Controller

HQ Real Estate, LLC Summerville, South Carolina

ART Artist

Irvine, California

WITTENSTEIN

T Zeledon Consulting, LLC

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/IT Consultant

Lombard, Illinois

Ontario, Ohio

Crystal P. Schuyler

Buena Ventura Lakes, Florida

Candice L. Johnson

Terri O’Rorke

Legacy Dogs, LLC

Flexcare Medical Staffing

The Traveling Salon

Bothell, Washington

Saint Helena Island, South Carolina

Keene, New Hampshire

PET CARE Dog Breeder

HEALTHCARE Nurse

RETAIL INDUSTRY Jeweler

Goshen, Indiana

BEAUTY/COSMETICS Hair Stylist

TALENT MANAGEMENT Coach

New Providence, New Jersey

Alexis D. Jones

Darlene L. Petrat

Dee’s Jewelry Designs

Marian L. Lordi

Talent Management Coaching

Christine Papaspiridakos

Long Island Jewish Hospital HEALTHCARE Nurse

Bayside, New York

Catalina Post Acute and Rehabilitation HEALTHCARE Nurse

Tuscon, Arizona

Joanne M. Crawford American Leak Detection

CONSTRUCTION/BUILDING Contractor Gardnerville, Nevada

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 71

VIPs

Sarah Person

Iris Allyn Klipp

Carolyn R. May Widdowson

MENTAL HEALTH CARE Psychotherapist

PUBLISHING Author

CONSTRUCTION/BUILDING Contractor

Person Psychotherapy

Freelancer

Brooklyn, New York

Statia Gordon Barterupbiz

La Jolla, California

Stephanie E. Strawbridge

BARTERING Trade

Wyandanch, New York

Strawbridge Memorial Chapel FUNERAL HOME Funeral Director Cleveland, Ohio

Cassandra C. Hawkins

Minda Burr

Dependent Tax Services Inc.

Estero, Florida

Polkton, North Carolina

Dawn Jackson

AUTOMOTIVE Business Owner

Apopka, Florida

The Auto Shop LLC

Stephanie E. Strawbridge

Elureka P. Osaseri

FUNERAL HOME Funeral Director

BEAUTY/COSMETICS Model

Strawbridge Memorial Chapel

Los Angeles, California

Santa Monica, California

Cleveland, Ohio

Jeanette L. Hayden

Blooming Grove Independent School District

Melissa Skiendziel MRM Agency INSURANCE President

EDUCATION Educator J. Waters Shareefah

Chelsea, Michigan Soruba “Rani” Kuusto

HUMAN RESOURCES/HR Human Resource Director

HEALTHCARE Nurse Consultant

Waxahachie, Texas

Music 360

Delaware, Ohio

Adrienne Hampton ONPASSIVE

ENTERTAINMENT Elizabeth A. Whitmer Executive Coaching

FloridaNew Southwestern Bronx, York State College HEALTH SERVICES Educator

Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Ruth B. Garver

Quality Suites and Sleep Inn HOSPITALITY Assistant Manager Norfolk, Virginia

Image Outlook

Buena Park, California

Elizabeth Hamilton Quality SOS, LLC CONSULTING

Betty A. Goldsmith Engineer

Hands OnTennessee Nursing Hendersonville, HEALTHCARE Nurse

Brandywine, Maryland

Ryan Alexeev

North County Legal, APC LAW/LEGAL SERVICES Lawyer

San Marcos, California Jacqueline A. Gates

Freelancer PUBLISHING Author

Lapeer, Michigan

Jennifer L. King

Physicians Primary Care Clinic

Tammy Lou DeVenturi HEALTHCARE

DeVenturi Enterprises, Inc. Health Practitioner

PROPERTYNew MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENT Plymouth, Idaho Property Manager Pulaski, Tennessee

Brenda M. Julian

Brenda Julian Financial Consultant FINANCIAL SERVICES Financial Advisor Freeport, New York

Purple Diamonds Saint Louis, Missouri

Helen Sarah Kouassi

Hope Health Care, LLC HOME HEALTHCARE CEO

Stratford, Connecticut Renita A. Duncan

U.S. Air Force GOVERNMENT Consultant

Los Angeles, California

Leggie L. Boone

Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Beverly Harvey GOVERNMENT

Harvey Careers, LLC Law Enforcement CONSULTING Lakeland, Florida Executive Coaching Pierson, Florida

Debbie E. Allen

Ella I. Greene U.S. Army

GOVERNMENT Medical Logistician Frederick, Maryland

72 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Fire Dispatcher

Carbondale, Illinois

Minda Burr Jewelry JEWELRY Jeweler

FINANCIAL SERVICES Tax Preparer

Ida Marie Rennison

Child Evangelism Fellowship South Bay RELIGION Director

Cynthia M. Williams

Freelancer

VIPs

P.O.W.E.R.

Elements for Travel TRAVEL Travel Agent

New York, New York

Carolyn R. May Widdowson

C

urrently retired, Carolyn R. May Widdowson was the owner of CTD Builders, a residential construction company, where she oversaw operations for 13 years. She then served in commercial construction with Norwood/Rouse Company where she was responsible for building interior spaces for a variety of companies. After leaving the contracting field, Carolyn owned a railroad air conditioning company with her husband, called Westcode Inc. They recently sold the company and retired. In total, she has over 50 years experience in a variety of industries including beauty, construction, contracting, and railroad air conditioning. Carolyn attended Brandywine University. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling.

Excellence

WOMAN OF

Owner | CTD Builders

TAKE ACTION & LIVE FREE Chimene Van Gundy, the ‘Queen of Mobile Homes’, shares her secrets to becoming a Mobile Home Millionaire.

Go to https://www.mobilehomemillions.com for webinar schedules.

Dr. Sarmela Sunder

D

r. Sarmela Sunder is a double board certified and fellowship trained surgeon specializing in facial plastic surgery. Dr. Sunder believes that you should put your best face forward. She dedicated years of training to the face and neck, knowing that a surgeon should properly focus on one field in order to be truly exceptional. Her extensive training combined with her innate sense for aesthetics gives her a distinctive approach for patient counseling and management.

Dr. Sunder studied at the Johns Hopkins University and continued her medical education at Cornell Medical College. In addition to earning her medical degree, she spent years doing research, and published several articles in leading scientific journals. Her academic excellence took her to an elite residency program at Stanford University culminating with her serving as chief resident.

During her residency, Dr. Sunder trained under the mentorship of a pioneer in rhinoplasty and a mentor who is a former president of both the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

She was able to merge her artistic ability with her passion for medicine when she was accepted to a prestigious fellowship accredited by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She trained under an internationally renowned facial plastic surgeon, and another past president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. Sunder’s surgical practice focuses on enhancing the face, with mid-face lifts, facelifts, neck lifts, eyelid lifts and rhinoplasty (both cosmetic and those procedures to correct difficulties with breathing). She also has a busy injectable, laser, and hair restoration practice. Dr. Sunder has been in practice for almost ten years.

In addition to dedicating herself to her patients, Dr. Sunder has devoted time and effort towards humanitarian causes in various parts of India, Ecuador, and the Philippines. Locally, she supports Girls Inc., inspiring young women to be strong, smart, and bold. She also supports The Independent Schools Alliance which advocates for the education of underrepresented children of color.

Dr. Sunder’s Advice: My advice is to catch up on sleep because it’s good for your skin, body, and mind. I also recommend using a retinoid every night, or every other night to boost collagen production and aid in cell turnover for glowing skin. Pair it with Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore, which is proven to nourish sensitive skin after retinoid use and correct signs of aging.

74 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Plastic Surgeon

FACELIFT PROCEDURES

Before

After

Before

What is the most requested face procedure?

The most requested surgical face procedures are blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), rhinoplasty, and facelifts. As far as nonsurgical procedures, injectable fillers and Botox are extremely popular facial procedures.

For people who can’t afford a facelift, what non-surgical treatment(s) do you recommend?

It really depends on what the issue is. For patients who have volume loss and feel like they look “deflated” injectable fillers are a great way to perk up the cheeks, under-eye areas and the nasolabial folds (the folds that run from the nose to the mouth). For people who are more concerned with lines and wrinkles, neuromodulators (such as Botox and Dysport) can help smooth out these lines and prevent them from forming in the first place. Finally, lasers and energy-based devices (radiofrequency) can help improve skin texture, soften lines, lighten pigment, and tighten skin to a certain extent.

What advice would you give to young girls dreaming of becoming surgeons who might be dealing with gender bias in their homes?

I get asked this frequently by

After

young women through Instagram and through various mentorship programs. While I had an extremely supportive family, I have dealt with significant gender bias from middle school on through residency. Surgery has traditionally been considered a male domain, so it is uncomfortable for many to see a woman in that role.

Believe it or not, it is uncomfortable for other women to see a woman in that role.

The only advice I can offer is one that I use myself. If it is your passion and something that you really want, then it doesn’t matter what other people think or say. Put in the hard work and don’t waver from your goals. Whenever someone told me that I couldn’t be a surgeon because I was a woman (and a person of color), I always used that as greater fuel for my fire. I always believe in re-channeling negativity into a positive goal.

Tell us about your efforts with Girls Inc. and The Independent School Alliance.

Girls Inc. was a wonderful way for me to interact with young women who are interested in a career in the STEM field. Women physicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, and lawyers were part of an event where we met

Before

After

with girls in high school interested in pursuing careers in these fields. We were able to offer advice about how to prepare themselves academically in pursuit of these careers. I love being involved with the independent school alliance, through which we can provide financial resources for eligible students of color to attend independent schools.

Why is it important for you to give back by participating in surgical missions abroad as well as pro bono through Face to Face for victims of domestic abuse?

At the core of every doctor is a desire to help and give back. Medical missions allow me to deliver specialized care to a population that wouldn’t have access to it otherwise.

Having myself been born in a developing nation with limited resources, I could see how I or some of my loved ones could very easily have been a patient in these scenarios.

What does power mean to you?

In its positive interpretation, power means the ability to use one’s presence to make a difference by empowering and inspiring those around them to make a positive impact on the world. www.drcassileth.com

RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURES

Before

After

Before

After

Before After P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 75

E M P O W E R E D Abaigail Nicole Serrette

Ann Denburg Cummis

Abbie G. Angel

Ann M. Fuller

Blue Horizons Daycare EDUCATOR

Ann Cummis, Ltd. CONSULTANT

Signature Healthcare NURSE

Akilah Williams

Northwestern Mutual FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVE

A.F. Designs DESIGNER

Anna Rose Cameron

TJA Publishing MARKETING/ADVERTISING SPECIALIST

Alfretta Quinn

Anna Krioukova

Tried and True Tarot SPIRITUAL ADVISOR

Anna Krioukova Real Estate REALTOR

Aliyah M. Perkins

Anne Emerson

United States Postal Service POSTAL WORKER

Dungarvin PERSONAL ASSISTANT

Amy L. West

Anne Glasscock

Amedisys NURSE

Kaufman Chamber of Commerce CEO

Anel Forrest

Annie L. Law

Freelancer INTERNET MARKETING

Angela Hughey Kynect CONSULTANT

Angela Rotella-Musella

Belinda Mairowicz

Kind Keeper Animal Rescue BUSINESS OWNER

C. Judith Ellis

Belinel Pagan Bette Novak

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Betty L. Drake

Multnomah University ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Social Economic Networker NETWORK MARKETER Life Path Associates LLC EXECUTIVE COACHING Betty D’s CEO

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Collage Crafts, LLC CEO

Beverly D. Jackson

Hearts in Motion Support Services, LLC NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT

April K. Fitzgerald

Beverly B. London

Arlene Carmel

Brooklyn Tidwell

Brooklyns Finest Tanning & Glamming BEAUTY SPECIALIST Zobele USA OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST

The Ekklesia, PLLC BUSINESS OWNER Century 21 Redwood Realtor REALTOR

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Kae’s Eye Nectar Collection OWNER

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GT Cleaning Service OWNER

Candice V. Wallace Carlie M. Holland

Carmela D. Sexton Chappell K-9’s PET CARE

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Bonnie M. Albrecht

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Breionne D. Carter

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Emory Healthcare PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR

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Community Connections / Golden Hearts Group Home LLC TARGET CASE MANAGER / NONPROFIT MANAGER

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Dr. Brittany N. Woodard

KK Charles Communications, LLC PRINCIPAL

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No Gaps Here Health Solutions Inc CONSULTANT

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Executive Advisory Forum EXECUTIVE COACHING

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The Fennell Group FINANCIAL ADVISOR Creative Kingdom NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT

SRI Technologies Inc. RECRUITER Frenchie DeAura RETAIL MANAGEMENT

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The Point of Health Wellness Center, LLC ACUPUNCTURIST

Carolyn T. Herbert Herbert’s Wine Jelly BUSINESS OWNER

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Cassandra N. Roscoe

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Cat Cora Inc. CHEF

Catrina L. Cook-McDonald Wings of Love Christian Ministry PASTOR

Cecilia Miranda-Almodovar NYC Board of Education SOCIAL WORKER

Chanda London

Stones Of Help International Ministries Inc. INTERNATIONAL EVANGELIST

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Sista 2 Sista / Candyland Place NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT

Charry N. Butler

Orchid Senior Concierge Care LLC CHIEF NURSING OFFICER

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Empowering Fire MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

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Thinkforward Solutions CFO

Cheryl Carter

The Boeing Company OPERATIONS MANAGER

Christa K. Roy Freelancer INVENTOR

Christina M. Vaughan

Crossview Mortgage PRINCIPAL MORTGAGE BROKER

Christine Agnew Freelancer COSMETOLOGIST

Christine Monohan

Monahan Pension Consulting ADMINISTRATOR

Chynna McIver Queen Chy Blue OWNER/OPERATOR

Cindy Landry

University of Louisiana at Lafayette MICRO SYSTEMS INFORMATION SPECIALIST

Claudia Noriega-Bernstein Claudia Noriega-Bernstein MARKETING SPECIALIST / LIFE COACH

Criss M. Lott

Uncommon Woman Ministries, Inc. MINISTER

Crystal Tillman

Purity Home Health Care DIRECTOR

Cynthia A. Campbell

Everlastingpathtocash.com / Campbell Janitorial Service BUSINESS OWNER

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Denise Long

Family Ties Reidential Services LLC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ZHell1 Clothing OWNER

Denishia L. Harvey

Deborah A. Beatty

Baptist Health RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Centric Consulting MANAGER

Denna De Berry

Deborah Dickinson

Debra’s Do’s and Makeup Too BUSINESS OWNER

Deborah K. Dymally Deborah L. Lemieux-King Tropical Smoothie Cafe & Smartstyle Hair Salons RETAIL

Diane Saulle

Deborah A. Roberson

Cynthia Williams

Deborah Rodriguez Franchises MARKETING/ADVERTISING SPECIALIST

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A.N.D. Multiservice BUSINESS OWNER

Darlinda A. Turner

New Light Little Angels EDUCATOR

Dawn M. Nevarez -McCormick

Deborah Maria Rodriguez Deborah S. Schroeder Schroeder Co. LLC ACCOUNTANT

Anytime Any Craft CRAFTER

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Kids World Academy OWNER

Doris A. Lew

Delicia Brandon

Dawn N. Savery

Demetra Gipson Bell

NorthPoint Staffing, LLC HUMAN RESOURCES

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Smith Accessory STYLIST

Dianne Jenkins

Dina M. Fontenot

Debra Newell

Nurses Touch Lives REGISTERED MEDICAL ASSISTANT

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Dianne Allen

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Endocrine and Diabetes Association OFFICE MANAGER Love Day Organization FOUNDER

Diabate B. Makouani

Global Quality Servies, LLC EVENT PLANNER Eat Clean Be Vital HEALTH COACH

Cynthia L. Serrano-Graaf

Living Differently Without Limbs NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT

Dhanashree Arole doTerra DIRECTOR

Daba-j BUSINESS OWNER

Roberson Personal Home Care PRESIDENT

People’s United Bank BANKER

Made by God GA LLC E-COMMERCE SELLER

Making Up MAKEUP ARTIST

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Young Women of Favor, LLC EXECUTIVE COACHING

Harris Construction, LLC / Soto’s Landscaping LLC CONTRACTOR

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Ekude Pendar

Elacomed Marketing Solutions MARKETING/ADVERTISING SPECIALIST

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Austin Lifestyle LLC FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

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P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 77

E M P O W E R E D Elizabeth C. Carter

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Jodi L. Silbermann

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78 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

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Lazena Johnson

D’Elegance Flowers FLORIST

Marisol Martinez-Tristani

Linda K. Miccio

Latosha L. Veney

Laura Posada LLC LIFE COACH

Marilyn Morris

SpartanNash PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST

Cosmo Professional Beauty Supply MANAGER

Caring Hearts and Hands HOME HEALTH MANAGER

Future Keys GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Maureen D. Power

Megan M. MacLeod Cleod 9 Travel TRAVEL AGENT

Lisa K. Farrell

Melanie L. Sutherland Bristol Myers Squibb BUSINESS MANAGER

Lisa Wartur

Melinda Currul

Two Moms Painting and a Paintbrush BUSINESS OWNER

Liza C. Kim

Designs by Liza Kim JEWELER

Melissa Ann Rudo Melissa Ann Rudo FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Loary V. Coates

Samaritan Counseling of the Gulf Coast COUNSELOR

Melissa K. Skiendziel MRM Agency PRESIDENT

Lori A. Bumpus

Michele J. Mahoney

Leah D. Jenkins

Cooper Bumpus Insurance Agency INSURANCE AGENT

Leggie L. Boone

Performance Enhancement LLC MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER

Salon Me Wax OWNER

Polk County Sheriff’s Office FORENSIC ANALYST

Lorraine M. Lee

National Guard Association of the United States MARKETING AND MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 79

E M P O W E R E D Michelle Beattie

Nelida A. Nicholas

Moneta FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Michelle Phelps Authenticom SALES ENGINEER

Che Gourmet Empanads BUSINESS OWNER

Nicole Heim

Nicolangelo Painting / Reclaince BUSINESS OWNER

Michelle C. Williams -Clemons

Nora Leighton

Rachel E. Smith

Renew Insurance Agency LLC CONSULTANT

Radiya Muhammed

Shar Gracelyn

True Career Freedom BUSINESS COACH

Sharla Nahring

Women Relief Alliance Foundation FOUNDER

Off the Road Bar & Grill RESTAURANT OWNER

Robin McGraw

City of Memphis MANAGER

Sharon B. Dowell

School District TEACHER

Nora’s General Accounting & Payrolls ACCOUNTANT

Robin McGraw Revelation ENTREPRENEUR

Monika G. Grear

Pamela Paschal-Trueblood

Cookie’s Learning Center EDUCATOR

Axis Insurance Agency INSURANCE AGENT

Roxanne R. Canaday

Beacon House PROGRAM SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Muanza Nicole Sangamay

Patricia Mazurkiewicz Freelancer ARTIST

Ryan Alexeev

North County Legal, APC LAWYER

Carousel Publishing, Inc. AUTHOR

Paula E. Fuller

Samantha Pucci

Empress Shoe Game CEO

Sienna Consulting Services, Inc. CONSULTANT

Fuller’s Home & Hardware, Inc. BUSINESS OWNER

Nadine Pierrette Cummings Align Your Heart LIFE COACH

Pauline E. Petsel

Appreciation Financial INSURANCE AGENT

Richard R. Pucci & Associates, Inc. VICE PRESIDENT

Samantha Waldrop

Sharon McLaurin Sharon Thayer Sheila Ingram

Shelly A. Harden Sassy Diva BUSINESS OWNER

Sherman Oaks Insurance INDEPENDENT BUSINESS OWNER

Pauline E. Petsel, Author/Photographer AUTHOR

Nai V. Colton

Pegah B. Jimenez

Samatha A. Wooten

Pejj Nunes

Sami L. McDermott

LonMar Learning Solutions BUSINESS OWNER

Nahid Mottahedi

Oklahoma Education EDUCATOR Samatha A. Wooten PERSONAL STYLIST

Shelly M. Thomas

Fit n Dance Shakin It with Shelly DANCE TEACHER

John B. Drake Elementary School EDUCATOR

i9 Sports PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Nancie Smith

Anisette Studios ARTIST

The Clint McLain Agency INSURANCE AGENT

Pharie L. Greer

Saurelee Wallace

Creative Women Enterprises OWNER

Piper Belmonte

Sedira M.C. Higgs

That’s Amazing Hair & Barber Salon HAIR STYLIST

Priscilla Giles

Seeta S. J. Deochan -McClain

Sonia A. Stinson

Nes Transport OWNER/OPERATOR

Nancy E. Kunsak Hopemakers LLC DIRECTOR

Faith Hope Love N Cherished EDUCATOR

Natalia Colon-Morales

KP&D Holdings, LLC CONSTRUCTION

Nazara Wilson-Darby

Complete Serenity Hair & Nail Studios OWNER

Global Service & Hospitality Consulting, LLC CONSULTANT Above & Not Beneath Ministries Workshop & Community Center PRINCIPAL

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Priscilla A. Soles AP Transports LLC OWNER/OPERATOR

Spiritual Advisor ADVISOR Tribal Curls LLC HAIR PRODUCTS

New York City Department of Corrections LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Shaquala J. Williams iOra RETAIL OWNER

Sheneka Carter

Shira Stallworth

Shree Lee Allison

All Skin Natural CO-FOUNDER/VICE PRESIDENT

Sophia A. Cousins Sophia Things FASHION

E M P O W E R E D Staci Frazier

Milestone Family Solutions THERAPIST

Stefanie A. Hageman My Tree Guy, LLC OWNER

Stephanie L. Jones

Stephie Posh Ambassador OWNER

Sueheidy A. Caul Savant Mind BUSINESS OWNER

Susan Criss

Criss & Rousseau Law Firm LLP LAWYER

Susan A. Jenning

Maximum Performance Inc. SALES COORDINATOR

Susan Y. Jones

Impact Detroit Magazine, LLC CEO AND PUBLISHER

Sylvia Benjamin

Tammy Marie Fitch

It’s Already Done Ministry NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT

Tammy E. Hoogstad Century 21 Redwood REAL ESTATE AGENT

Picky Peoples Cleaning Service CLEANER

Tania J. Acosta

Tkenya R. Miller

Women’s Health Massage Therapy MASSAGE THERAPIST

Tardanika A. Marshall

Tonya Williams Gospel Artist MINISTER

Sylvia A. Shu

Terri Melvin

Dancers in Motion DIRECTOR

Tamara Hubbard -Hightower Abundance Taxes ACCOUNTANT

Tamika Cummings

ACN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS OWNER

Tammie E. Ward Seed House, Inc. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

T & N Custom LLC BUSINESS OWNER

Theresa L. Ingram T.T.’s Divinely Guided Messages WELLNESS COACH

Tiffany Gavin

Collins Aerosystems LINEAR LEAD

Tiffany A. Hawthorne

A Servant’s Heart Training Institute, LLC NURSE EDUCATOR

Tiffany De Anne Ivy Humble Rootz, LLC OWNER

Tiffany R. Souza

Avon AVON REPRESENTATIVE

Vette D. Alston

Vicky M. Boyd

Tera Marie Buhlmann

Terramarie Dirodricco

She Hair Salon Inn HAIR STYLIST

Tomekia L. Brewer

Crossin Da Line BUSINESS OWNER

Mobile One Windshield Chip Repair OWNER

Veronica Martin

Small Blessings of Angels Learning Place BUSINESS OWNER

Tatiana Zadorskaia Victoria Realty Trust REAL ESTATE INVESTOR

Valencia George

M’Press V Natural Hair Creations, LLC BEAUTY CONSULTANT

The Growth Coach Heart of Chicago BUSINESS AND SALES COACH Treasures & Designs by T CRAFTER

T.T.’s Tasty Treats & Catering CHEF

Taheerah J. Allen

Tina M. Ferguson

Antionette’s House of Soulfood CHEF

Sylvia’s Flea Market RETAIL Reflections Real Estate Group and NAF Loans REALTOR AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR

Timesha A. McFan

Cameron’s Creamy Dreamy Pies BUSINESS OWNER

Tonia Presley

Tonya Williams

Lincoln Heritage Insurance Co. FINANCIAL EXPENSE SPECIALIST

Victoria S. Grundy

Americas Check Cashing and Tax Services BUSINESS OPERATIONS/ FINANCIAL MANAGER

Virginia Cardoza

Tracy Maria Reed

Dr. Tracy M. Reed DPM PODIATRIST

Affordable Mobile Pet Grooming PET GROOMER

Treshonda B. Seay

Vivian Heggins

Yvonne and Jimmie Cleaning Service, LLC OWNER

Treska Wilson-Smith

Born2serve CEO

Vivian M. McGhee

City of Petersburg, Virginia CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE

Local 137 Operating Engineers CONSULTANT

Trisha C. Maneiro

Wilhelmina S. Alpha

Remain Above Every Negative LLC FASHION DESIGNER

Tsikki Thau Tsikki Thau LIFE COACH

Tylar D. LeBlanc

Hair and Lashes by Tee BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Urvashi S. O’Toole

Sainatos at River Gate Restaurant RESTAURANT OWNER

Walpha Associaties LLC FRANCHISE OWNER

Wilma J. Brown -Foreman

Academic Initiatives for Biblical Literacy in Secondary Public Education EDUCATOR

Yueh-Ching Chung

Heights of Wellness, LLC ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 81

Diane Hartzel Vice President, Operations

D

iane Hartzel is the vice president, operations for Bonefish Grill. She is responsible for identifying sales-building opportunities, increasing revenue, and ensuring excellent operational standards in all 190 Bonefish Grill restaurants. Diane began her career at Bloomin’ Brands in 2012 as a joint venture partner for Bonefish Grill in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts markets. She was promoted to regional vice president in 2015 for the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Florida regions, and assumed her current position in 2019.

Prior to working with Bloomin’ Brands, Diane spent two years as the director of operations of TGI Fridays in Long Island, New York and New York City. She previously served as the chief operating officer for Molly Brannigan’s in Pennsylvania. Diane studied Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. She is a member of the National Restaurant Association and National Diversity Council Ambassador.

Penny Tabolt

P

Regional Vice President

enny Tabolt is the regional vice president for Bonefish Grill in the Northeast, MidAtlantic, and Florida regions. She leads a team of nine joint venture partners and 84 Bonefish Grill restaurants within their respective markets. Penny’s responsibilities include the development of top talent, ensuring growth in sales and profit, and delivering on operational excellence.

With over 30 years’ experience in the restaurant industry, Penny joined Bloomin’ Brands in 2013 as joint venture partner with responsibility for Bonefish Grill restaurants in the Sarasota, Tampa, and Orlando markets. She was then promoted to vice president of training, development, and strategic integration for the brand, contributing to numerous business initiatives, including redesigning the manager-in-training program, creating field training partners to better support the restaurants, and leading several teams to develop new programs and systems to increase productivity.

Prior to joining Bloomin’ Brands, Penny was the director of operations for Buffalo Wild Wings and spent several years in multi-unit operations at Brinker International. She is a member of the Women’s Food Service Forum and works with many charitable organizations.

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For further information, call us at (516) 365-3222 Ext. 209 or (631) 393-6760 Email us at info@powerwoe.com.

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I N

M E M O R I A M

Patricia Eva “Bonnie” Pointer 7/11/50- 6/8/20

It is with much sadness and respect that we honor the life of Bonnie Pointer.

We were delighted to have her as our first Cover Girl and feature her in the Spring 2018 Issue of P.O.W.E.R. Magazine. We will all miss this legendary singer and entertainer who was truly a woman of POWER.

P

atricia “Bonnie” Pointer was born on July 11, 1950 in Oakland, California. She’s the second youngest member of the hugely popular and successful Soul/R&B group, The Pointer Sisters. Bonnie began singing in the choir of her father Reverend Elton Pointer’s church. She also sang with her youngest sister June as a teenager. In 1969 Bonnie founded The Pointers (otherwise known as The Pair).

After her sister Anita joined the duo that same year, they changed their name to The Pointer Sisters and recorded several singles for Atlantic Records between 1971 and 1972. In December 1972, they recruited oldest sister Ruth and released their debut album as The Pointer Sisters in 1973. Their self-titled debut yielded the hit “Yes We Can Can.” Between 1973 and 1977, the Pointers’ donned 1940s fashions and sang in a style reminiscent of The Andrews Sisters. They also melded the sounds of R&B, funk, rock and roll, gospel, country and soul.

Anita and Bonnie wrote the group’s crossover country hit, “Fairytale,” in 1974, which also became a Top 20 pop hit and won the group their first Grammy for Best Vocal by a Duo or Group, Country. Bonnie and Anita also were nominated for Best Country Song at the same ceremony. In 1977, Bonnie left the group to begin a solo career. She co-wrote the song “Bring Your Sweet Stuff Home to Me” for Stevie Wonder’s album “Having a Party.”

In 1978, Bonnie signed with Motown and released “Heaven Must Have Sent You,” which reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She released three solo albums, including two self-titled albums for Motown, before retiring from the studio. Bonnie later appeared on Soul Train on March 2, 1985. She still continues to perform, and has reunited with her sisters on two separate occasions: when the group received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994, and during a Las Vegas performance in 1996 singing “Jump (for My Love).”

In 2008, Bonnie embarked on a European tour. She ended the year by performing at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City on Saturday, October 25, 2008. She also starred in Monte Hellman’s 2010 romantic film thriller “Road to Nowhere.” To date, she continues to perform all over the country and has appeared at several Gay Pride celebrations throughout the United States. During this time, she has continued to work on her autobiography.

In December 2016, “Billboard Magazine” ranked the Pointer Sisters as the 80th most successful Dance Artists of all-time. In December 2017, they also ranked them as the 93rd most successful Hot 100 Artist of all-time and as the 32nd most successful Hot 100 Women Artist of all-time.

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The Eudora Wilson House Assisted living facility in Pilot Rock, Oregon.

Providing basic care for seniors.

Coming soon.

Kari R. Wilson Director Healthcare practitioner Kari R. Wilson has cared for her mother-in-law, Eudora Wilson, since 2015. Once the facilty opens, Kari has been assured that her mother-in-law wants to move right in.