Atlanta Women Magazine - Molly Fletcher by Rich Borell

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We Support Diversity and Gender Equality – An Issue Greater Than Just “Equal Pay in the Workplace” The story behind Atlanta Women Magazine and Website has always been to empower, inspire and support women in our local communities and the workplace. We believe in diversity and gender equality, equal pay for equal work and believe that no woman should have to be in fear of harassment or assault in her community or workplace. Women have made unquestionable advances — from American boardrooms and courts of law, to political and sports arenas — but inequality remains, especially in poor or rural areas. By simply being inclusive of an equitable number of women in an organization, it has availed itself of a larger talent pool, increased its attractiveness to potential talent, increased its ability to retain talent and has brought an insightful eye to market to potential users and clients of the organization’s products or services. While outcomes of equality in the workplace should be achievable equally among genders, these outcomes may not necessarily be the same for all. Still, it’s essential to advance the trend of acceptance and advancement in gender equality to ensure that access and enjoyment of the same rewards, resources and opportunities are available to all. This includes freedom from gender discrimination and its stereotypes, pregnancy and parenting, freedom from discrimination in fields of employment where women have traditionally been excluded or discouraged and the systemic undervaluing of work traditionally performed by women. Workplaces need to provide equal opportunities and pay for equal work; there is no justifiable reason based on gender not to do so. There should never be limits to the equal participation of women in the workforce. All should have access to all positions and industries; including leadership roles regardless of gender. Women represent nearly half of the U.S. workforce and the number of women in politics is increasing rapidly. At some point in their career, one in four women has been subjected to harassment at work. Management has a responsibility to ensure they act early to both identify and stop harassment, but unfortunately, in many companies, occurrences are often ignored. If there are signs of harassment taking place within the workplace– no matter how big or small – it should be rectified immediately, and preventative processes reevaluated to avert such occurrences from happening again. Organizations have a responsibility to maintain an environment that is free of sexual harassment. Today we are asking that our communities’ most prominent workplaces and community organizations take a step to join Atlanta Women Magazine and its website to advocate for respectful, fair and digni-fied treatment of women. Thank You Rich Borell Founder & Publisher

We Support Diversity and Gender Equality – An Issue Greater Than Just “Equal Pay in the Workplace” The story behind Atlanta Metro Women Magazine and Website has always been to empower, inspire and support women in our local communities and the workplace. We believe in diversity and gender equality, equal pay for equal work and believe that no woman should have to be in fear of harassment or assault in her community or workplace. Women have made unquestionable advances — from American boardrooms and courts of law, to political and sports arenas — but inequality remains, especially in poor or rural areas. By simply being inclusive of an equitable number of women in an organization, it has availed itself of a larger talent pool, increased its attractiveness to potential talent, increased its ability to retain talent and has brought an insightful eye to market to potential users and clients of the organization’s products or services. While outcomes of equality in the workplace should be achievable equally among genders, these outcomes may not necessarily be the same for all. Still, it’s essential to advance the trend of acceptance and advancement in gender equality to ensure that access and enjoyment of the same rewards, resources and opportunities are available to all. This includes freedom from gender discrimination and its stereotypes, pregnancy and parenting, freedom from discrimination in fields of employment where women have traditionally been excluded or discouraged and the systemic undervaluing of work traditionally performed by women. Workplaces need to provide equal opportunities and pay for equal work; there is no justifiable reason based on gender not to do so. There should never be limits to the equal participation of women in the workforce. All should have access to all positions and industries; including leadership roles regardless of gender. Women represent nearly half of the U.S. workforce and the number of women in politics is increasing rapidly. At some point in their career, one in four women has been subjected to harassment at work. Management has a responsibility to ensure they act early to both identify and stop harassment, but unfortunately, in many companies, occurrences are often ignored. If there are signs of harassment taking place within the workplace– no matter how big or small – it should be rectified immediately, and preventative processes reevaluated to avert such occurrences from happening again. Organizations have a responsibility to maintain an environment that is free of sexual harassment. Today we are asking that our communities’ most prominent workplaces and community organizations take a step to join Atlanta Metro Women Magazine and its website to advocate for respectful, fair and dignified treatment of women. Thank You Rich Borell Founder & Publisher

Founder& CEO

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Khatera Ballard

Chief Marketing Officer

Honeysuckle Gelato

Ponce City Market

Q: Can you tell us about the training you did to prepare yourself for the 2008 Paralympic Games? MS: I moved out to Colorado Springs and the Olympic Training Center to train full time in hopes of making it a reality. I swan thousands and thousands of laps and lived and breathed swimming. I am proud to say all the hard work paid off. The training for 2016 and 2020 was just as intense, your days revolve around it! Q: When you were growing up, did you ever dream you would become a world class athlete? MS: I always wanted to be an Olympic gymnast. I was at the elite level but never at the top. So, when I got injured and found out about the Paralympic Games it was almost like I had a second chance to compete on the worlds biggest athletic stage.

Melissa Stockwell

The Power Of Choice, Her Journey From Wounded Warrior To World Champion Q: Did you have any idea that you would be deployed to Iraq March 2004? MS: After Sep 11, 2001, I knew I would most likely be deployed at some point. So, when orders came down that my unit would be deploying in early 2004 it wasn’t a big surprise.

A first lieutenant, Melissa Stockwell was the first female soldier to lose a limb in the Iraq War. She lost her left leg when a roadside bomb exploded when she was leading a convoy in Baghdad. For her service in Iraq, she was awarded the Q: As first lieutenant, you were the first Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Q: Why did you decide to join the ROTC at the University of Colorado? MS: As soon as I knew what wearing the uniform stood for I wanted to wear one. To give back to a county I felt had given me so much. Freshman year I saw cadets around campus and decided to become one of them sophomore year. I never looked back!

female soldier to lose a limb in the Iraq War … can you share with our audience how that day started out for you? MS: It started out just like any other day over in Iraq. We are always up early. Getting ready for the day and then getting our daily briefing for the day and casualties from the previous day. Then we went over our mission for the day, got into our vehicles and we were off.

Q: Tell us what it was like to join former President George W Bush on Bush’s W100K ride for wounded military veterans. MS: An incredible experience. Myself alongside 20 other wounded Veterans and the President on a three-day mountain bike ride on his ranch down in Texas. President Bush holds himself accountable for the lives of the Veterans that served under him and does what he can to let us know that we are not forgotten. Whatever you believe in politics, he is an incredible man, and I was honored to have him as my commander in chief. Q: Your Co-founder of the Chicago-based Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Can you tell us how it started and the services it provides? MS: I co- founded Dare2tri with two friends back in 2011 with the mission of getting athletes with physical disabilities into the sport of triathlon. We knew the impact sports could have on anyone’s life but especially someone with a disability. We take away all the barriers someone has for getting into the sport: expensive adaptive equipment, coaching, training, sometimes just transportation to the

race and the self-confidence and self-worth our athletes get is incredible. Our athletes inspire many both on and off the racecourse. Q: Tell us how you manage your work life balance? MS: I find what I’m passionate about and put my hours into that. I have an incredible husband who wants me to go for my dreams. I have a team of family and friends that believe in me and support me in any way they can, and I just feel like the luckiest girl to get to do what I love! Q: What would be the title of your autobiography? MS: I have one! It’s called the Power of Choice and it was released last year. The Power of Choice is so applicable in all of our lives, and we can all choose to live the life we want regardless of the obstacles that come our way. My choice to accept the loss of my leg propelled me into a life I never could have imagined.

Melissa Stockwell

Brief History

What is Femtech?

Femtech is a health and software movement started by a group of women who wanted to make better digital products for women. Founded by Ida Tin, her goal was to create technology that would serve the needs of their gender, and Femtech has since grown into an industry with billions of dollars in revenue.

Meaning and Importance of Femtech

Femtech is a large tech industry that helps women in different ways. The industry is helping to empower women’s health by working with doctors and others from the medical field to create more effective solutions that help women manage their health issues more efficiently.

These ways include:

Better Birth control: Femtech companies are developing better birth control. Glow is a period-tracker and fertility app that notifies women when they are fertile based on their cycle, so they know when to have sex. Lighter Periods: The moon cup is a reusable menstrual cup that gives a woman more freedom and privacy during her period. She doesn’t have to worry about leaking pads or tampons because she can wear them to swim, work out, and run around without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable. Better Flexibility: Fundtech is flexible to women’s varying schedules and lifestyles. They create apps that are compatible with a woman’s schedule, and they offer an easier way to deal with health issues. Better Medicine: Femtech is also helping women and doctors work together to create better medicine. Femtech brings women into medicine because they can understand a product better. After all, it’s for them. Sex Tech: Femtech is also an option for people looking for a sex robot, and manufacturers are trying to find a way to make sex toys more accessible and of good quality. Motivation: Femtech companies are also trying to change women’s mindsets to be more motivating in their lives. They are trying to help women be better at work by making them feel more motivated and less stressed out. Education: This is also an essential part of Femtech because it changes people’s minds about education. Women are less likely to pursue higher

education and technology because of their gender, so Femtech is helping change that mindset. Better Fitness: Femtech is also working to empower women by helping them reach their fitness goals. The female fitness tracker works with women who are concerned about their weight and fitness level because it helps them monitor everything they eat and exercise. Better Home Technology: Femtech is making the home more comfortable, and it’s also allowing them to be more efficient in their daily lives Better Office Technology: Femtech is helping to change the office by making it more comfortable and less stressful. It helps women feel better in their job because they feel less stressed. Better Health Tracking: Femtech is also creating a better way for women to track their health by making more efficient products for them and for doctors who want to help them. Women’s health is a global issue, not just a ‘feminist’ issue. The lack of women in STEM fields and business is a global issue. It is important to note that Femtech has been used as a tool to solve problems that have dominated the healthcare industry for years now. Still, Femtech has also been used in many areas within society due to its role in marketing women’s products and services. It has helped solve issues for women that have been persistent for years within the healthcare industry. Femtech has been a way to lean into and fill in the gap that has always existed in the male-dominated tech industry.

Conclusion

FemTech is a global industry that is changing how technology is used in women’s lives. It helps women to take control of their health and allows them to focus on their well-being. The FemTech industry will continue to grow as more and more women wake up that technology can be a significant player in their personal growth and happiness, not just in the workplace. It has helped solve issues for women that have been persistent for years within the healthcare industry. Femtech has been a way to lean into and fill in the gap that has always existed in the male-dominated tech industry. However, this is still not the case with FemTech, as the industry still has a long way to go until it reaches its full potential. The second wave of FemTech is coming, which will help move the industry into another level of connection with women.

Brief History

What is Femtech?

Meaning and Importance of Femtech

These ways include:

Conclusion

An Exclusive Interview With Former President of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons,

Dr. Lynn Jeffers Q: You recently served as President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Can you tell us what this meant to you and did you accomplish what you set out to do? LJ: Being President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons was an honor and a privilege. Despite the COVID pandemic, we were able to accomplish what we set out to do. At the beginning of my presidency, I wanted to focus on technology/innovation/disruption and on valuing our physician members. I created a presidential task force on technology that will build an infrastructure within ASPS that will not only address technology used by the society in our work, but also support our members interested in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We are also looking at the big ideas such as artificial intelligence, biosensors, block chain, etc. and making sure that we keep our society well-positioned to address potential opportunities and threats. In addition, we had a deliberate focus on making sure to recognize and engage our volunteer physician leaders. At the end of the day, this is a member organization, and we are thankful for their dedication and time that they give to ASPS and our specialty. Of course, we could not have anticipated COVID-19 and I am very proud of ASPS’s response to this pandemic. We were able to set up a COVID resource page for our members with regular webinars. We set up a clearinghouse for members to offer PPE and ventilators to other facilities in need. This caught the attention of the White House COVID Task Force which ultimately led us to help source over 6 million masks to New York alone as well as working with FEMA and other governor’s offices. When it was time to consider reopening, we responded to our members’ needs for access to PPE by having ASPS buy PPE in bulk and thus allowing our members access to PPE. Ultimately, I am so proud of the response of our physicians and our staff in coming together, being proactive, and responding effectively to the COVID pandemic. Q: Why is it important for a plastic surgeon to be a member of ASPS? LJ: The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world. We are here not only for our plastic surgeon members but also our patients. Our advocacy, research, education efforts (of the public as well as plastic surgeons) promote patient safety, ethics, and excellence in plastic surgery. We continue to promote collaboration and science not only in the US but globally with our global partners. We continue to support important

initiatives such as our clinical registries, task forces, and research endeavors that will lead to data that we need to better address topics such as implant safety, surgical safety, proper training, and best practices. ASPS is here also for our members to provide resources for their everyday practices both operationally as well as clinically and also helps to facilitate communication, networking and camaraderie among our members. Q: Can you tell us about your current positions as Chief Medical Officer at St John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital, and Medical Director of the Integrated Breast Center at St. John’s? LJ: I currently serve as the Chief Medical Officer at Dignity Health St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital which is a part of CommonSpirit Health. During the COVID crisis, I covered an additional hospital while their CMO was out. The Integrated Breast Center offers a community-based team-based approach to breast cancer care. The Center is nationally accredited and has been the recipient of a number of national grants. For the last 11 years, we have held a Breast Symposium that has grown from 30 attendees to 300 attendees last year. This year, of course, we will host a virtual symposium, but we look forward to being hold one in person next year (hopefully!). Q: Tell us about your private practice you have as a plastic surgeon in Ventura County, Calif, and why you chose to become a plastic surgeon. LJ: I am in solo private practice and share the office with my husband who is an Orthopaedic surgeon . I specialize in breast surgery, as well as non-invasive and minimally-invasive procedures such as injectables (Botox/fillers). I was drawn to plastic surgery because in plastic surgery, you create and rebuild. That really appealed to me. One of my first exposures to plastic surgery was watching one of my research mentors in the operating room build an ear for a patient who was born without one, using the cartilage from her rib. It was fascinating and I was hooked. Today, I am so grateful to be able to help people every day. Many of my breast cancer reconstruction patients, I have known for years and there really is no comparison to the satisfaction you get, knowing that you make a difference in people’s lives. Q: Most of your medical education was done in Michigan … how did you end up in Southern California? LJ: I grew up in southern California. I went to Michigan because I was accepted into medical school out of high school

AMA meeting during her first campaign for a seat on the AMA Council on Medical Service and thus did my undergraduate education, medical school education, and residency training in Michigan. I returned to California after finishing my training, and I now live in the same community in which I grew up. Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance? LJ: It is definitely a day-by-day, even hour-by-hour, adjustment. I am fortunate to have a very supportive family including having my parents living nearby. My husband and I joke that our children did ok, DESPITE us. For better or worse, we were too busy to helicopter parent our kids and they had to learn independence and resourcefulness early in life. I have many stories that we laugh about now. Balance is a moving target, but I would say that it starts with self-assessment and being aware of what is really meaningful--what are your real priorities. I don’t sleep much, but even so, more recently, I find that I have had to set limits and recognize that you can’t do all things all of the time. Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? LJ: Never underestimate the importance of relationships. It is the personal connections that not only make the work we do meaningful but also, I believe, personal connections are the key to success. I also believe in the importance of leaving things better than you found them both in terms of the organization itself but the people. I have certainly benefited from the mentorship of many people and I hope to be that for others. Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments in your career? LJ: Some of the most meaningful milestones in my career

were starting my own practice, spearheading the Integrated Breast Center, assuming my Chief Medical Officer (in addition to my practice), being elected as one of 11 members of the American Medical Association’s Council on Medical Service, and most recently, my term as president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In fact, at the end of my presidency, I was chosen for two awards: the ASPS Patients of Courage and the Young At Heart award that really meant so much to me as it really reminded me why I do what I do -advocating for my patients and mentoring those after me. Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today? LJ: Sometimes, women may have a difficult time finding mentors and seeing role models in leadership, depending on the arena. Also, it can take some work to understand how to navigate a particular environment and finding ways to be heard that are effective. Studies have shown that women cannot employ the same tactics in the boardroom as men do, as they are not as effective for women. With more recognition of these differences, more work is being done as to effective strategies specifically for women, we can promote better functioning teams and organizations. Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue a career as a Doctor? LJ: Being a physician is such a rewarding profession. Every day you can look in the mirror and know that you can help people directly. However, know that the number of years of education, training, and sacrifices can be daunting, so find your mentors and find your “why”. Make sure to pay attention to self-care and to not neglect the other portions of your life as those are just as crucial to a whole, meaningful life.

An Exclusive Interview With Former President of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons,

Q: You acknowledge that you’re a trailblazer. For women entering the sports agent field, do you feel that there are any fewer hurdles to overcome than when you started? If so, what are they? MF: I would say there are fewer hurdles, but they still exist. Visibility matters and I think seeing other women thrive in the space has opened the doors for others and broken down some of the barriers. Overall, I think people are starting to understand the business value of diversity. Sports has been slow to evolve, but now we are seeing women in the front office and on coaching staffs. That’s important, because for today’s athletes that’s now the norm not the exception. We still have a ways to go, but there is a powerful shift happening!

Hailed as the “Female Jerry Maguire,”

Molly Fletcher

Joins Us To Talk About Her Career as a Sports Agent & Motivational Professional

Q: Your website mentions working with big egos. What is the most powerful skill to possess when guiding a talent toward what’s most beneficial in the long run versus what might provide immediate gratification? MF: It all starts with the ability to connect with people, and I think you do that by showing up, adding value and shooting straight. In the world of pro sports, it’s easy for athletes to get surrounded by “yes” people. As an agent, you have to be able to tell your clients what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear. Storytelling is a powerful vehicle because it helps show them why it’s important to play the long game. If you give them real examples of the “one and done” who focused on the short-term gain or made bad decisions in the moment, they connect with that. Most athletes made it to this level because of their discipline, so helping them understand they might have to make short term sacrifices for long term gain is something they understand.

Q: If you were still a sports agent today, what do you think you would miss most about the way business was done when you first entered the field? MF: When I started in the space, there was no social media. It obviously has tremendous advantages in terms of being able to tell your story, connect with your fans, and get deals—but I think most of us can relate to having days where we wish it didn’t exist! It’s definitely an added pressure for them to navigate.

MF: I don’t love the word “balance” because I think it creates a lot of unrealistic expectations and guilt for people. I am big on energy management more so than time management. Energy management starts with clarity around what matters most to you, and then having the discipline to say “yes” or no” based on the clarity you have created. In my book, The Energy Clock, I walk people through an energy audit to help you get clear on what gives you energy and what drains your energy and how to make the adjustments you need to make. The book was a result of my own experiences being overscheduled, Q: How many of your athlete clients are still working 24/7, and feeling at times like I wasn’t my your clients today? best self with the people in my life who mattered MF: I no longer represent clients as a sports agent; most. If you don’t decide where your energy goes, however, I am grateful to stay connected with most the world decides for you. personally as friends. Today I spend the majority of my time as a speaker, author, podcast host, and Q: Has there been a client with whom you founder of the Game Changer Training company. just couldn’t connect? How did you negotiate your separation and what might you Q: 60+ keynotes a year! Tell us about your have done differently? time management, i.e., your Energy Clock– MF: Yes, earlier in my career there was one or two how you balance your personal and work but not many thankfully. Whenever you feel disconlives? nected, I see that as a signal to shift from defensive-

Molly Fletcher speaking at Leadercast 2017. She will be speaking again this year at Leadercast 2022.”

Hailed as the “Female Jerry Maguire,”

Molly Fletcher

Joins Us To Talk About Her Career as a Sports Agent & Motivational Professional

Molly Fletcher speaking at Leadercast 2017. She will be speaking again this year at Leadercast 2022.”

Molly Fletcher coaching clients on how to up their leadership game.

ness to curiosity. It’s easy to get defensive in those moments; it’s much more productive to get curious. Curiosity creates connection. You also have to be willing to embrace difficult conversations so that you can attempt to align on expectations and move forward. And know that sometimes, it’s OK to walk away. Q: Do you expect your online training to continue post pandemic? MF: Absolutely. Nothing is more important to me than meeting people where they are and the demand for learning is higher than ever. For individuals, we will continue to offer our virtual group coaching program, Game Changer Leadership Huddles, and we will be launching our first on demand course in 2022! For organizations, we’ll continue to offer both our Game Changer Negotiation Training and The Energized Leader Training virtually and in person.

“Molly Fletcher leading a Game Changer Negotiation Training™ workshop based off of her experience negotiating over $500 Million in contracts a sports agent.”

Q: Who have been a few of your favorite guests on your podcast, Game Changers with Molly Fletcher, and why? MF: Now this is a tough one! We’ve been blessed with so many amazing guests and there’s nothing better than getting the emails, texts, and comments from listeners about how a conversation impacted them personally. But to answer your question, Matthew McConaughey was special, because he was so engaged, so present and so real. The conversations I’ve had with coaches like Dabo Swinney (Clemson), Tom Izzo (Michigan State) and Geno Auriemma (University of Connecticut) were so enlightening from a leadership perspective—just their authenticity and willingness to share, you really see why they are so successful. I always love getting inside the mindset of world class athletes, like soccer star Carli Lloyd, WNBA champion Candace Parker, NFL Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, and World Series champion Dansby Swanson. And given the amount of

resilience needed in our world right now, I’d also recommend my conversations with Angela Duckworth on grit and Inky Johnson on overcoming adversity. It’s almost like the last one is my favorite because the insight, inspiration, perspective from all our guests is just awesome and to share these conversations with the world is what it is all about! I guess you have to listen to them all! Q: You have addressed some very noteworthy big businesses. What’s the best way for an individual or small company to access your skills and knowledge? MF: We work with organizations of all sizes! Beyond keynote speaking and training, there are lots of ways to engage. My podcast, Game Changers with Molly Fletcher, is a great free resource for anyone who wants to up their game. I’ve written five books, most recently The Energy Clock, and we’ll be launching our first on-demand digital courses in 2022. My website mollyfletcher.com is

the best place to start and you can follow me on all the social media channels @MollyFletcher for more free content! Q: How do you keep your own delivery sharp and which of your programs trains others how to stay on top of their game? MF: I take the athlete mindset to preparation! I do a lot of reps and spend a lot of time preparing on the front end. Every keynote is customized to address the behavior change we are driving for with the audience—that’s important to me. All of our programs at the core are about helping people up their game—whether that’s a keynote, a digital course, or our negotiation and energy management training. Stay tuned for our first on demand course, coming out in 2022!

Molly Fletcher coaching clients on how to up their leadership game.

“Molly Fletcher leading a Game Changer Negotiation Training™ workshop based off of her experience negotiating over $500 Million in contracts a sports agent.”

Atlanta Nonprofits

Working Together For The Common Good, By Transforming Our Mutual Beliefs And hopes Into Action.

e salute the many non-profit organizations in our region. They may be robust operations that perform heavy lifting with big rograms. They may be feet-on-the-street teams that distribute small luxuries to nsure a sense of dignity among the needy. They may even be swabbing the kennel floors of our four-legged friends that eagerly await to find their final loving home. They are energized by selfless individuals who think of nothing but giving back and paying forward. They are unsung heroes who we wish to recognize and applaud. Let’s tip our hats to the following remarkable Atlanta Nonprofits!

Atlanta Nonprofits

Working Together For The Common Good, By Transforming Our Mutual Beliefs And hopes Into Action.

Brought To You By

Atlanta Women Magazine The Atlanta Women’s Foundation supports organizations that improve the lives of economically vulnerable women and girls in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties.

As the only public foundation in Georgia dedicated solely to women and girls, The Atlanta Women’s Foundation’s mission is to be a catalyst for change in the lives of women and girls. We strive to ensure that all women and girls in metro Atlanta live safe, economically self-sufficient, successful lives. www.atlantawomen.org

The absence of economic self-sufficiency is at the heart of critical issues faced by women and girls in our community. Access to resources plays a major role in determining the choices women and girls make. AWF supports organizations that lift women and girls up and out of poverty by increasing their access to services and opportunities for advancement. One of the ways we accomplish this is through strategic grantmaking. AWF awards local, grassroots nonprofit organizations financial grants to help them deliver critical services to low-income women and girls. Our areas of focus are mental and physical health services, education, and life skills. In order to achieve the greatest impact with the funds AWF invests in the community, we have incorporated a collective impact approach into our grantmaking. Through this approach AWF brings together our grantees in order to do the most good for the largest number of women and girls. As the backbone organization, AWF guides the vision and strategy of the project, maintains communication, ensures all data is collected and measured in the same way, and provides supportive activities including annual convenings.

Brought To You By

Atlanta Women Magazine Camp Horizon was founded in 1982 when a handful of friends decided to find a way to positively impact the community. They agreed that changing the lives of abused and neglected children living in foster care would be valuable to the children as well as the community. And so it began in the summer of 1982, supported by a shared goal of investing in the future of our community. The challenge of our new organization was to reach out to the “bruised and broken-hearted.” From our humble beginnings of only eight campers sleeping in tents in a parking lot of a local church, to our current week-long and year-round programs at a state of the art camping facility, our mission has remained the same. Each child we serve through Camp Horizon gives clearer vision to our course: that new day, that better day, lies before us.

Camp Horizon is a registered 501c3 public charity organization offering year-round programs to Metro Atlanta’s youth in foster care. We work to restore dignity and hope to children, teens, and young adults who have been abused and/or neglected - empowering them to make good decisions and lead healthy, productive lives. www.camphorizon.net

After that first weekend retreat, we realized that we needed to build a stronger partnership with the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in order for Camp Horizon to continue to provide this amazing experience for children living in foster care. With their cooperation, the retreat was expanded to a week-long summer camp. For the first seventeen years, programming consisted of a summer camp and a holiday party in December. hallenged by the transient nature of foster care placement, C it quickly became a high priority for us to keep as many kids consistently involved as possible and make our programming year round. In 1999, Camp Horizon expanded its programming by adding the Leadership Development Program for campers ages 1218 who had previously attended Summer Camp. Year-round events were also added. These programs include a holiday party, an annual family reunion, and several opportunity days which include life skills development and recreational activities for everyone. Our newest program created in 2010 is the Camp Horizon Adult Mentoring Program (CHAMPs). It is designed for our graduate campers ages 18-23. The CHAMPs program focuses on real world life skills and continues to cultivate the family that these graduate campers have been a part of for so long. Camp Horizon is dedicated to preparing our youth with the skills and relationships they will need to manage the process of aging out of foster care. Overcoming the effects of childhood abuse and/or neglect is a life-long process, but Camp Horizon’s oneto-one mentor matching program, intentional life skills lessons, loyal volunteers, and family-like environment, help our campers by addressing the challenges and allowing them to consistently beat the dismal odds.

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Atlanta Women Magazine We need your support to help us fund programs that help pre-cancer survivors, breast cancer survivors, and postbreast cancer survivors. Pre-breast cancer survivor: The everyday person who might be concerned about their health and decides to go and get screened. After getting screened, they get diagnosed with breast cancer and need financial assistance for medical costs, nutritional food, health care products, living costs, and travel costs. Or they do not have breast cancer but may carry the BRCA gene and we want to help keep their risks down. Or they do not carry the gene and do not have cancer, we still want to help ensure the recommended activity and proper nutrition are in place to reduce risks.

Our mission is to provide economic support, prevention education, and health & wellness services to those at higher risk and affected by breast cancer. www.iwillsurviveinc.org

Breast cancer survivor: The thousands of breast cancer survivors in the state of Georgia have survived breast cancer according to completing treatments and no longer having a malignant tumor. They however, still need education on preventing the tumor from returning and emotion healing, sometimes Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can occur or Depression. Financial assistance may still be needed to get nutritional food in the home, cover medical costs, health care products, travel costs to health care facilities and more. Several, nationally, are dealing with Affordable Housing issues, Employment issues, and more. Let’s work together to reduce Generational Poverty and Situational Poverty locally, nationally, and internationally. Global initiatives begin in 2020. Post breast cancer survivor: According to health care professionals, once you pass a certain amount of years after the removal of malignant tumors – you are considered a breast cancer survivor. After three years you still need educational training to provide for your self and your family, ongoing support, and possible financial assistance to keep an emotional stability. After five years you still need those services. Too often, breast cancer survivors get affected by a tumor returning in the breast or end up getting a new cancer (ovarian cancer is the most common connection and they are both hormonal cancers). Our programs are Economic Support, Prevention Education, and Health and Wellness Services. All three categories above can be accepted into one or all these three programs on a case by case basis through an application process.

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Our mission is to provide economic support, prevention education, and health & wellness services to those at higher risk and affected by breast cancer. www.iwillsurviveinc.org

Brought To You By

Atlanta Women Magazine We foster the “Heart to Succeed Youth Mentoring and Leadership Development Program” which focuses on empowering youth and young adults both male and female through group mentoring, prevention, opportunities, education and life leadership skills design to build self-esteem and character for life-long success.

Saving Lives. Building Futures Jared’s Heart of Success Inc. is dedicated to advocating for gun violence prevention through education and youth empowerment. www.jaredsheartofsuccess.org

JHOSI provides prevention and empowerment programs to youth and young adults male and female. We strive to enhance the lives of individuals through enrichment programs that serve and inspire individual advancement. Our programs result in the increase of self confidence, educational and personal development. Jared’s Heart of Success work also consists of Advocacy. We currently partner with organizations to advocate on behalf of public safety measures that can protect people from all forms of violence and gun violence. Our goal is to bring awareness to gun violence and to educate and empower individuals with knowledge and strategies needed to help save lives.

Brought To You By

Saving Lives. Building Futures Jared’s Heart of Success Inc. is dedicated to advocating for gun violence prevention through education and youth empowerment. www.jaredsheartofsuccess.org

Marina Gavric

Marina Gavric Health & Fitness Training www.marinagavric.com

Age is Nothing But a Number Y

ou don’t spend 20 years in the fitness industry without learning a few things about numbers. A valuable term I learned early on, and attest to, is the age old adage that “Age is nothing but a number”. Each of us has a calendar age and a biological age. We’ve all seen this … Often I will see a 30 or 40 year-old who may look and feel considerably older than his or her actual age … or a 60 or 70 year-old who may look and feel considerably younger. How and why is that? Good health and well-being, so much of it is in our mind. Also our diet and exercise. It includes an attitude, our habits, our way of life. Healthy and vibrant, the good news is we don’t have to be stuck, where we might not be happy. The choice is ours and there are things we can do to improve. We should control our health rather our health control us. Health, fitness and wellness, no matter what our age, is a great recipe that works … and is everyone’s best reward. When and how did those years get stuck within layers of unhealthy fat, lining our frames? Can you pinpoint the time you became older than you really are? Think back. Was it when you were 12 trying to get out of gym class? Maybe in college when all your time was spent studying and socializing over noodles

and cocktails? Perhaps your fitness years were lost when the children began ruling your world or work sucked you in to the career abyss? Is it possible you just haven’t found your way out. Resolving when you began losing those years is key to getting them back. No matter what your current age or fitness level, taking action in changing your fitness age, to grow younger as you age, to become a fitter and wiser you, begins with some simple, clean life choices we can all make. Ask yourself: How old am I? How old do I feel? What is my fitness age? If I have lost years of vibrant life, when did I lose them? How can I get them back? And when do I begin taking action in the fight to take them back? Don’t let your “real” age rule or get the better of you. You can do it ... let your fitness age take the spotlight! … Stay Hydrated, Stay Focused, Stay Fit!

ANN GATTI CHEF/OWNER

DOUGHNUT DOLLIES MARIETTA WEST MIDTOWN

PB: Practicing law was not always my career goal. I’ve always enjoyed being a student. When I finished my B.A., I began my studies at Police College. After graduation, I enrolled in graduate school and attended classes at night and on my days off. After completing my master’s degree, I enrolled in law school. That was a bit more challenging to manage because I was enrolled in law school full-time (they didn’t allow part-time studies), and I was working full-time as an undercover police officer. I couldn’t tell my professors or classmates what I did for a living, which made conversations interesting, especially in my criminal law classes. I married my undercover partner in what we jokingly call our government prearranged marriage. Fortunately, I graduated from law school just as we were starting a family. Being an undercover police officer is not a very mom-friendly job, and my law degree allowed me to leave policing and begin a career as a prosecutor. Q: Tell us about the responsibilities you had as a Federal Prosecuting Attorney.

Pamela Barnum

A Trust Strategist, Body Language Expert, Former Undercover Police Officer & Federal Prosecuting Attorney

Q: After high school, where did you feel your career path would take you? PB: After high school, I attended university to study politics and economics. I wanted to have a degree completed before entering law enforcement. My grandmother and mother did not have the opportunity to attend college or university. They were adamant that I go and at least get a bachelor’s degree before becoming a police officer. I was the first person in my family to attend university. Q: What was your first job? And how did it shape or impact you? PB: I had several part-time jobs and full-time summer jobs while I was a student. Everything from being an operator for the phone company to working at a bookstore and a beer store. However, my first “real” job was as a uniform police officer. I know from experience that policing is one of the most challenging and underappreciated jobs there is. But it is also the most rewarding. One moment you may be in a life-threatening situation, and the next, you’re responding to a call about a minor event. In policing, you learn a lot about people, and

at the same time, you learn a lot about yourself. Specifically, that you can accomplish more than you ever thought you could because you have to. You’re the police. You can’t wait for someone to come and save you – that’s why you’re there. Q: Can you share with our audience about the opportunity you had to become an undercover police officer? PB: I started my policing career as a uniform patrol officer. I worked with a great platoon and had the opportunity to respond to everything from murder to traffic stops and everything in-between. But I was always drawn to criminal investigations, especially narcotics work. After completing three years in uniform, I was transferred to the drug enforcement section, where I worked as an undercover officer. Working as an undercover police officer is not for everyone. You’re required to work odd hours and live away from home for months at a time, which is probably one of the reasons why I was one of two women in a unit of eighty-nine officers. Q: While working full-time undercover, you also completed law school … was this always your career goal?

PB: I primarily prosecuted drug offenses like trafficking and importing. It was an exciting career, and I enjoyed the new challenges that came with it. My experience as an undercover police officer gave me a perspective that most attorneys do not have. Q: You’re writing a book and are doing a lot of speaking engagements … what else do you have on the horizon? PB: I am currently writing a book about the negotiation and communication techniques I learned and developed over a twenty-year career in the criminal justice system. Pre-COVID-19, I traveled throughout North America, delivering keynotes on negotiating, communicating, and building trust through intentional communication and body language. Now, I am delivering virtual keynotes and workshops. Although I miss the live interaction of in-person events, I can manage more events now that I don’t have to leave my home studio. Q: What’s your advice for women in male-dominated fields? PB: Care more about being respected than being liked. Being heard and seen in male-dominated professions is more effective when you communicate confidence and empathy with what you say and with your body language. Q: What do you like doing in your spare time? PB: I love spending time with my husband Kevin and our son Kaleb. We enjoy hiking and skiing in the beautiful Rocky Mountains where we live. I also enjoy reading mystery novels and anything by Malcolm Gladwell.

Pamela Barnum

A Trust Strategist, Body Language Expert, Former Undercover Police Officer & Federal Prosecuting Attorney

BONNIE RICH

An Effective Leader with a Passion for CausE

he Fights for the people in her district because she never stopped being one of them. Believing in herself and her own leadership helps her serve others. She serves In the Georgia House of Representatives as a member of the Judiciary Committee, Retirement Committee, Ways & Means Committee, and the Special Committee on Access to the Civil Justice System. She also serves as the Chairman of the Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment Committee.

Q: Why did you decide to attend law school? BR: I started college as a business major, but was intrigued with my Political Science 101 class. I started taking other political science classes, including one that was set up to emulate a law school class. I was hooked, and I changed my major to political science. Q: What expectations did you have after graduating and receiving your law degree? BR: I expected to go to work at a law firm as a young associate and work long hours, and that’s what happened. But it didn’t feel like work. I worked long hours alongside other young lawyers. We had coffee together in the mornings before others came into the office. Sometimes we had dinners together at the office while we worked; other nights we went to the gym together and then had an even later dinner. We knew that the more we practiced (worked), the better we would get at our trade. What we didn’t realize is that we were building lifelong bonds. Some of my best friendships were made during those years. Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law you specialize in? BR: I represent small businesses, from formation to contracts to litigation. My entire career I’ve worked in civil litigation, and for the last 10 years I’ve represented clients in federal income tax controversy matters. Q: What was your first job? And how did it shape or impact you? BR: My first job was when I was 14 years old and babysat an entire summer for two young children in my neighborhood. I rode my bike to the front of the neighborhood at 7am, and I took care of the

children until the first parent came home around 5pm, Monday through Friday, from the first day of summer vacation until the last day. I earned enough money to buy all of my clothes for the upcoming school year. I reveled in the independence, even though it was just a small bit at that age. I worked every summer after that until I was 16, when I began to work during the school years as well. Work never felt like work to me, because I always found something to enjoy in it, including being really good at whatever it was I was doing. I have to admit, though, that the jobs leading up to working as a lawyer were oftentimes more about the financial freedom of having a paycheck! Q: What inspired you to serve your community as a Politician? BR: I took what I call a “mommy sabbatical” from my career during my children’s baby and pre-school years. When I returned to work I did so as a part time law professor, which allowed me to drop off and pick up my children from school and to volunteer at their school. As my children got older and volunteer opportunities at their school were fewer, I started my own part time law practice. Before I was ready, I had one child driving, and my carpool duties were greatly diminished. I started to think and pray about what I wanted to do with my career. I knew I didn’t want to go into academia full time. I wanted to do something to directly benefit my community. There were opportunities everywhere, but which was right for me? I wanted to use my education and experience as a lawyer and as a small business owner, as well as my life experience as a parent. I considered various nonprofits, starting my own nonprofit, and working for a public interest law organization. I not once considered public office, until February of 2018 when my State House Rep-

resentative who had held the seat for 26 years announced he would not run for re-election. I knew within minutes of reading the press release that this is what I’d been looking for. Q: Can you share with our audience, what your platform is and what you hope to accomplish as an elected official? BR: I want to continue the great work that has been done in our state over the last decade. Georgia has built an economic climate that has earned its rating as the best place to operate a business for 7 years running. We’ve created opportunities for Georgians, and we’ve attracted other entrepreneurial, skilled, hard working people to our state. I want to work on legislation that values and supports small business, our youth, and the elderly and disabled. My community enjoys low crime rates, exceptional schools, and successful businesses. That didn’t happen by accident. Thriving communities are built on intentional, conservative, and compassionate leadership. We will always face new and evolving hurdles. I’m determined to implement policies that allow more families coming along behind me to enjoy the benefits my family did. Q: Why do you think women remain underrepresented in business and politics? BR: For a while women just were not present in those fields, for societal and cultural reasons. They didn’t pursue the education or careers that prepared them for business and politics. Today, many women like myself sideline our careers for a period of time for our children and families, whether it is leaving their careers altogether for a period of time, taking a less intense job in the profession, or working part time. That can put us behind on the career path. I believe, however, that time spent caring for children or elderly or sick relatives produces invaluable experiences and life lessons that should be used in crafting good public policy. It seems to me that many others, including men, believe that as well. Q: What advice do you have for young women

who want to pursue a career in politics? BR: Think about why you want to be in politics. If it is for any reason other than to serve, don’t do it. Ambition is the worst reason. If you find you sincerely want to serve, then always be true to that and the people you represent. Q: What is one skill you believe that women should have to facilitate a successful career in politics? BR: Learn to extract the valuable nuggets of criticism and to forget the mean-spirited, valueless portions. Q: What has been your greatest achievement as an elected official so far? BR: The passage and Governor’s signing of SB 375, which imposes penalties for selling vape products to youth, restricts internet sales and delivery, and requires licensure of vape retailers. I learned of the need for regulation as a result of my own life experience. I worked on the development of a solution for over a year, consulting with parent and student groups, schools, law enforcement, the courts, and members of the vape industry. I was determined to craft legislation that protected our youth while placing as few restrictions on adults as possible and supporting our small business owners. Q: What’s your advice for women in male-dominated fields? BR: I forget I’m in a male dominated field until someone says it. Focus on your work, on being better prepared than anyone else. Be yourself. That advice goes for anyone, male or female, in any profession. I believe the men with whom and for whom I’ve worked over the years like and respect me for my abilities, values, and work ethic. They all have mothers, most have wives, and many have daughters. I have never once felt denigrated because of my gender. I have never once used it to explain away a failure, and I have never once tried to hide my femininity and my affinity for all things domestic and maternal.

BONNIE RICH

An Effective Leader with a Passion for CausE

SARAH GILLESPIE

A Proven Leader and One of Georgia’s Top Agents. She Delivers a Concierge-Level Real Estate Experience to Match Clients with Luxury Mountain Lifestyles Q: How long have you been working in Real Estate? SG: I have been a licensed REALTOR for over 15 years. I obtained my license in 2005 and worked in the Intown Atlanta market prior to relocating to the mountains of North Georgia where I grew up. Q: Do you specialize in certain types of properties? SG: I specialize in selling luxury homes on Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, Seed Lake and Lake Yonah. I also sell mountain homes, large acre tracts, farms, local commercial and investment properties. Q: If we interviewed all your past clients … what is “one” common word that comes up when they describe working with you? SG: Knowledge. My clients trust that I am a go to source for both market knowledge and local connections/expertise. Whether they need to better understand recent sales data or if they want to discover a new hiking trail in the area, they know they can count on me to deliver sound guidance. Q: What are the ingredients that help you remain a top REALTOR® year after year? SG: For me, maintaining status as a top REALTOR® in Georgia means maintaining relationships with my clients that extend long after a closing. I consider my clients friends. A large part of my business is built on referrals from past clients. I also pride myself on offering honesty, integrity, and data-driven guidance so that my clients can make informed decisions about buying or selling a home. By being a local market expert, my clients know that they can turn to me for market guidance and local expertise. Q: Can you share with our audience what Buyers & Sellers can expect when they work with you? SG: I strive to provide every client with a luxury real estate experience. Since I work in a second home market, this also means going above and beyond the duties of a typical real estate transaction. I offer a concierge level of service assisting my clients with every aspect of buying, selling, renovating, building, or maintaining a home. In my opinion, everyone deserves the highest level of customer service no matter the price point. Q: Why did you decide to relocate your life and career to North Georgia? SG: I was living and working in the corporate world on the West Coast for a couple of years. My time spent there opened my eyes to the future growth potential of the South-

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east and especially in small, rural towns within a couple of hours of Atlanta. My family has called the mountains of Rabun County home for over 200 years, so it was a natural transition to come ‘home’. I enjoy the deeply rooted sense of community, the beauty of our natural environment and the opportunities for our future growth. I feel inspired to help ensure our community grows sustainably while protecting our natural resources and local heritage. That takes vision, organization, and effort. I serve as a board member of The Chattooga Conservancy and City of Clayton Planning and Zoning. The old adage is true that you must be the change you want to see in the world! Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? SG: I have learned that it’s wise to anticipate the unexpected, to embrace change, and to never count your chickens before they hatch! Q: What women inspire you and why? SG: I could name several famous women, but truly, I’m most inspired by women entrepreneurs. I’m even more impressed by women entrepreneurs who are also single/divorced mothers. These women are the ultimate multitaskers of the world! To manage a business, children, and a household successfully is no small feat. Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers? SG: Be tenacious! Stand up for what you believe in even if you’re “going against the grain” of other people’s opinions. Follow your passions, be assertive and if there is something that you don’t have an answer for don’t be afraid to ask a knowledgeable person for guidance or advice. Q: If you had ten million dollars, what would you do with it? SG: I would assist my immediate family with paying off any debts and ensure their secure financial future. I would create a local foundation to help fund the protection of our local wild and agricultural lands. I would establish a fund to support female entrepreneurs who’s focus is to build and grow small, cottage businesses in our local community. Sarah Gillespie Harry Norman, REALTORS Luxury Lake and Mountain Mobile: 404.735.6157 Office: 706.212.0228 www.rabunhomes.com

SARAH GILLESPIE

Q: Flying a plane, walking a tightrope – when do you first remember challenging yourself to do things the typical person never attempts? JC: I don’t see myself as someone who does things because other people don’t do it. My mom overcame extreme poverty to graduate from college, immigrate to the United States, she traveled the country as a nurse and she never sat still for very long. In my mind, my drive to try new things and go on adventures comes more from her spirit. Q: How often have you encountered naysayers in your abilities to accomplish your goals and what has been your response? JC: Every day. While it’s not always blatant, it’s obvious in how people react to me. It challenges me to try to prove them wrong. It fuels me. You only need to look as far as some of the comments on my YouTube videos to see the pushback people give for me flying or being a black belt. Q: Describe how you encourage your audience to find their motivation to achieve their goals? JC: I find that most people are well motivated, but they allow excuses, over-complication, and habits to get in the way. Normally, motivation isn’t the problem, it’s the perceived limitations that often aren’t as difficult as we make them out to be.

Jessica Cox

The World’s First Licensed Armless Pilot, and First Armless Black-Belt in The American Taekwondo Association Cover photo by Jessica Korff | Feature images Amy Haskell

Jessica is best known for becoming the first armless pilot in aviation history. Her achievement earned her a Guinness World Record medal, invitations from six continents, and featured on TV programs like Ellen, Inside Edition, Fox and Friends, Oprah Winfrey Network, CNN, CBS Evening News, and the BBC. Described as a speaker “no one will ever forget,” she shows audiences around the globe how to inspire enthusiasm and build authentic confidence. With the goal of showing people how to go home from work every day feeling excited for tomorrow, she teaches how to courageously tackle new challenges with creativity and unrelenting drive. Since she was born without arms, she became fascinated by the limitless ways the human body can adjust to a variety of circumstances. As she learned to conquer physical barriers, she developed mental skills that allowed her to go on to achieve the seemingly impossible in her own, unique way.

Q: Have you ever had to modify a goal and how do you address this subject to your audiences? JC: Every goal was modified at one point. As long as you get the job done, it doesn’t matter which way you attack it. In my speeches, I talk about “thinking outside the shoe.” It’s a metaphor for when I learned to first tie my shoelaces. I remember watching my Kindergarten teacher show us how to tie our shoes with her foot inside her shoe and using her hands to tie her laces. Since my feet have become my hands, I couldn’t simultaneously have my foot inside the shoe and tie the laces. I could have given up, but who said your foot has to be inside the shoe when you tie them? I eventually figured out how to tie my shoelaces with my toes and then slip my foot inside the shoe. The goal shifted from tying my foot inside the shoe to simply tie the laces loose enough for me to later slip my foot in. Q: One aspect of your motivational speaking addresses diversity, can you tell us more about that? JC: Diversity has become a regular part of social justice conversations and those conversations have become more common, which is great. The problem is that while we talk about race, gender, or orientation, disability is often forgot-

Jessica Cox

The World’s First Licensed Armless Pilot, and First Armless Black-Belt in The American Taekwondo Association Cover photo by Jessica Korff | Feature images Amy Haskell

ten or diminished in the conversation. I often remind people that the disability community is the only minority that you could join, not everyone is born into it like me. We also make up 25% of the US population and more than 1 billion people globally will experience a disability in their lifetime. That is a lot of people that need to be in more conversations. Q: The obvious question, have you and your team done anything unique to adapt to the COVID videoconference environment? JC: Everything has switched to Zoom and other platforms, so I did too. I think I had a head start because I was already recording video content. We upgraded some equipment and our bandwidth to make sure my clients received the best possible stream. Not traveling meant that I had a little more time on my hands - or feet - so I’ve been expanding my coaching services. I’ve worked with amputees in the past to be a mentor for them but now I’ve opened up my one-onone time to the general public. Q: You write an occasional blog, including one on inspirational porn, probably not a subject that a lot of people have studied. What would you like to say about it and how has it evolved? JC: I’m more than happy to inspire someone because I fly an airplane, earned a black belt, surf, scuba dive, and slack-

line. Inspiration porn is when someone’s inspired because I can function as a human being. I once had a woman in the checkout line at the grocery store say, “It’s inspiring to see you, people, out and about.” People shouldn’t be inspired because someone with a disability eats food and needs to buy toilet paper. I think it comes from an assumption that people with disabilities are inherently unable to do regular things or the person without a disability assumes they couldn’t cope with the disability they see. In reality, the disability community is the only minority you can join and represents about twenty percent of the global population. Inspiration porn only exists because we as a society haven’t a normalized disability. Q: Do you ever give in to asking someone to do something that’s somewhat difficult for you – difficult, but something that you’re capable of doing? How does that feel? JC: Yes, I do. For example, with my husband, but I think it further perpetuates laziness and is a disservice to me because then my ability to do something can be impacted. I’ve been asking my husband to reach for things that were at the edge of my flexibility. Unfortunately, as a result, I’m not stretching my limits and therefore my flexibility has lessened. Q: You’re a Third Degree Blackbelt – without it would you ever feel physically vulnerable?

JC: It’s sometimes hard for even me to believe but I’m a fourth-degree black belt. I started training when I was 10 because I had some anger issues as a kid and sometimes kicked my siblings or my bedroom door. Channeling that energy certainly helped. I think without a black belt I would feel vulnerable because people would see my armlessness as a vulnerability. Despite being a black belt, though, I naturally maintain a higher awareness of my surroundings and try not to present myself as an easy target. Q: Of your many avocations, which are your most enjoyable and which are you most proud of, and why? JC: My most enjoyable activity is cycling because it’s a sport where I can just relax and enjoy the breeze on my face. I usually find myself always moving so it’s an activity that matches my personality, I think. I’m most proud of learning to fly. It not only challenged me physically but also emotionally. It represented one of my greatest fears and I had to overcome that to fly solo. I’ve been a certified pilot for 12 years now and no one can say I didn’t earn it, and no one can take that achievement away from me. Q: Aside from martial arts, is there a particular activity that you and your husband enjoy most together?

JC: We both love to travel and unique experiences. I’ve visited 26 countries so far and he’s been with me for most of them. We’ve had ginseng chicken in Korea, flown in small planes all over Alaska, had fish and chips outside the Tower of London, been invited by princes, had breakfast with a baboon in Kenya, and even fed hyenas in Ethiopia. Q: In the trailer for your documentary, Right Foot, you mention that you wouldn’t have chosen to have arms because of the many people you’ve met and whose lives you’ve touched. If you had been born with arms, how do you feel that your life would have been different? Do you think you would have been equally motivated and had the same interests? JC: Nick Spark deserves the credit for the documentary. It was his vision; I was just the one in front of the camera. I think there would have been some things that would have stayed the same, like the sense of adventure in me. But whether I would be equally motivated is something I question. Those naysayers fueled a certain level of motivation. My mom was the youngest of thirteen kids in an impoverished family in the Philippines. She beat the odds and immigrated to the United States as a nurse. Even after her cancer diagnosis, it was hard to slow her down. I’d like to think I got a lot of my drive from her.

www.jessicacox.com

A Special Conversation With Dana Brownlee,

A Dynamic, Energetic, Results-Oriented Corporate Trainer & Speaker, Ms. Brownlee Provides Thought Leadership in The Areas of Antiracism, Leadership, And Individual & Organizational Effectiveness. Q: Can you share with our audience about your Fortune 500 corporate experience in project management and business strategy consulting? DB: I started my career in the telecom industry and transitioned into management consulting after obtaining my MBA. As a business strategy consultant, I managed and supported large IT projects primarily in the media and entertainment sector. These roles were a natural fit for my academic and professional training (math, industrial engineering, business, project management) and provided invaluable real-life experience (and tons of hilarious anecdotes) for my next chapter – speaking, writing, and training. Q: Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur? DB: After about a decade of traditional corporate experience, I gravitated to the role of trainer/facilitator. This new role would afford me the opportunity to leverage my subject matter expertise but now instead of doing the work, I’d be teaching and guiding others. At this point in my career, I’d developed enough expertise to now consciously choose the type of work that I wanted to do, and I truly loved facilitating and training (which I’d done frequently during my work as a business strategy consultant), so I dove in headfirst. I’d also grown accustomed to a significant level of autonomy working with a high performing consulting team, so I wasn’t eager to transition back into a traditional, highly structured corporate setting. I knew I was an amazing trainer, so I decided to hang my own shingle and give it a shot. 18 years later I’m so glad I did. Q: Tell us about what led to the writing of your book “Unwritten Rules About Managing Up” DB: Most people tell me that it’s so hard to find a publisher. In my case, my publisher (Berrett-Koehler) found me. I’d been speaking on the general topic of “managing difficult bosses/personalities” for nearly a decade when a publisher reached out to me to tell me they wanted to attend my talk at an upcoming conference. I wrote the book pulling on many years of experience as a project manager having to satisfy and navigate many different senior leader personalities. I conducted a survey as part of my book research and was shocked to receive over 1100 responses in a few short weeks. There was a ton of interest in the topic. I definitely feel that managing up/managing challenging stakeholders is a real problem that doesn’t get discussed enough in public settings. Q: What led to your decision to become an executive speaker? DB: After focusing most of my entrepreneurial career in training, about five years ago I decided to pivot to focus more so on speaking. It was a slight pivot with tremendous upside. I’d essentially be taking some of the most exciting parts of my training session (usually the stories and anecdotes) and just repurpose them into a 1-2 hour talk (instead of a 5-6 hour training event). It made the events more exciting and less labor intensive. With two small kids at home, that slight shift in my business model made it easier for me to conduct an event out of town in the morning and still make it back for afternoon carpool. Q: What is it about your job that most excites you? DB: In the past few years, I’ve become much more of a writer. While

I’ve been published in many outlets over the years, I’ve been a Forbes Careers Senior Contributor for more than two years now, and it’s been quite thrilling actually. It’s such an honor to be able to participate in the national discourse on current events, trends, etc. as well as interview many leading voices and thought leaders on such a wide range of topics. Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to purse their dream and start a business? DB: I think that starting a business can sound glamorous, but it’s often harder than you think so I’d advise one to definitely pursue your passions but also be strategic and practical. Save at least enough to support yourself while the business is getting off the ground for the first year. Optimize your business model to maximize profitability (e.g., targeting corporations vs. individuals or developing offerings for groups vs. individuals, etc.). Remember that just because you’re great at something doesn’t mean that you can run a successful business doing it. Monetizing a skill or hobby isn’t the easiest thing in the world. That said, there are often great ways to turn a unique skill or talent into a profitable business. You just have to be methodical and strategic in determining what that business model should look like. Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments your career? DB: I think that the first time I was quoted in The Wall Street Journal back in 2012 was pivotal for me. My business is focused around my subject matter expertise and credibility as a thought leader so my bio is everything. While I’d conducted training events and talks in several countries and I certainly knew my stuff, there’s a certain confidence that develops when you begin to be cited in major, well-respected publications. That specific article led to an appearance on CNN. Then over the years, I received citations in many publications like FastCompany, the Economist, Redbook, etc. and published articles in Working Mother, Entrepreneur, HuffPost and Forbes. In many ways it was my very first citation in The Wall Street Journal that boosted my confidence and allowed me to begin to truly view myself as a thought leader. Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance? DB: I think that one of the biggest mistakes people make is allowing everyone else to dictate their calendar (then trying to find time for our personal priorities with what is left over). Instead, I try to flip the script and focus on my key commitments, then work everything else around those. One of my best moves though was deciding to work for myself. While entrepreneurship can be all consuming (particularly in the early years), it does typically offer tremendous autonomy and flexibility. I think that if one parent has tons of flexibility, it makes running a household (with children in particular) much easier. While I was single with no kids when I started my business in 2003, years later with a family I was really grateful to have the flexibility that entrepreneurship provides.

A Special Conversation With Dana Brownlee,

et’s first ask why someone might want to become an attorney. One reason might be that it affords the opportunity to help others. Pro bono and public interest work can be very fulfilling for some. Many lawyers go on to serve in academia and government to influence local, national or worldwide thought and policy. The intellectual challenge of being an attorney appeals to many for the diverse practice areas and careers to which the learning can be applied. And so, we seek the advice of these experts because we can’t always rely on our own smarts for critical challenges in our lives. One aspect might be when we need assistance to ensure that we are in compliance with the law – to protect ourselves or others. We search for those who have applied themselves with rigor to pass the bar exam. There are many kinds of examples of situations when you might overlook the valuable guidance that might be offered by a qualified attorney. Would you think to hire an attorney if you won the lottery? What about a complicated real estate transaction or settling the estate of a loved one? Certainly, if you’re a business owner, you might sometimes need help in reviewing a contract or with a merger or acquisition. Lawyers are the experts that know the best way to avoid problems by following proper protocols and filing the right documents. A lawyer who specializes in your case can help you avoid costly mistakes. Be sure to feel comfortable sharing all of the details relevant to your concern. Challenging evidence against you or calling witnesses and other experts is best left to a professional. Consider the knowledge, integrity, experience and, yes even, the fees. Gain an understanding of how you can help or hinder your objective. Let’s tip our hats to the following remarkable women!

Julie Oinonen An Honors Graduate of Emory University School of Law, Ms. Oinonen Assists Employees, The Injured, And Has An in Depth Understanding of Business Owner Concerns. Q: When did you know you would pursue a career as an Attorney? JO: Prior to my career as an attorney, I was working in higher education in Los Angeles as a university administrator and was admitted into the Doctorate of Education program at UCLA so I faced a crossroads…whether to remain in academia or to go to law school. I chose to become a lawyer because I felt that I could help more people being in the trenches so to speak and my goal was always to become a plaintiff’s civil trial lawyer. I specialize in wrongful death, civil rights, serious injury, employment, and education. Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law you specialize in? JO: Yes, we represent the underdog, the person who has been seriously injured by someone’s negligence, the employee who is being discriminated or wrongfully terminated by their employer, or families who’s loved one has died due to someone’s wrongdoing. As a civil trial attorney, we do all types of civil cases and specialize in civil rights, wrongful death, employment, injury, and education. We also help small businesses and nonprofits ensure that they do the right thing, comply with the law, and avoid the risk of being sued. Q: What aspects of the daily job of being a lawyer interest you the most? JO: My favorite part of practicing law is the chess game of litigation, figuring out how you are going to beat the other side, and I enjoy being in a courtroom trial or cross examining someone in a deposition. Q: Can you share with our audience the type of pro-bono work you do? JO: Yes we represent a lot of poor people who are oftentimes single mothers in bad situations with their landlord or their employer. Those cases we will often take on a contingency or pro bono, meaning the person doesn’t have to have a lot of money to pay a lawyer upfront and sometimes won’t even have to pay at all. Q: If we interviewed all your past clients … what is “one” common word that comes up when they describe working with your law firm?

JO: Passionate---all my clients describe me as passionate regarding my cases, my clients, and helping them win. Q: What was the most challenging part of law school for you? JO: Once I got into Emory Law School, it was all a joy for me. I loved every bit of it and highly recommend Emory University School of Law. Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue a career as an Attorney? JO: No matter how smart you think you are; everyone needs to take an LSAT prep course. Good ones are through Testmasters180, Kaplan, and Princeton to name a few. The $1500 dollars or so you will invest will mean the difference between a full tuition scholarship and no scholarship or getting into a Tier One school vs a much lower ranked school. Q: Were there moments in your career that were pivotal to getting where you are today? JO: Going to Emory Law School was the best thing that I could have done. Getting into the Emory Law Mock Trial Society and the Kessler Eidson Trial Techniques program was truly pivotal in terms of helping me practice law and know how to try a case out the door. Q: What expectations did you have after graduating and receiving your law degree? JO: I graduated during the economic implosion of 2009 where everyone was losing their legal jobs, so my classmates probably thought I was really crazy to have turned down the six figure big law job in D.C. to start my own law firm in Atlanta. But it was the best thing I ever did, and I haven’t looked back. Q: What are the best practices you have employed to build a successful career? JO: I got lucky with the best paralegal I could ever hire, Michele.

I try my very best to treat her right, so she won’t quit on me. Treating people right whether it is the court clerks, the bailiffs, or your employees is essential to success. Put the investment in to get your return by following the golden rule and treating people—no matter what their class or status in life—as you would want to be treated will come back to you tenfold. Q: What has been the most interesting legal issue you’ve dealt with in your legal career? JO: All civil rights work, particularly race discrimination cases in South Georgia. Q: What is it about your job that most excites you? JO: Winning. Q: What’s your advice for women in male-dominated fields? JO: Embrace who you are and be confident. Put in the hard work and preparation. You will soon be running circles around mediocrity. Help each other and be kind. Q: What’s the greatest fear you’ve had to overcome to get where you are today? JO: The LSAT was a really hard hurdle that was really scary to take and much harder than any law school test including in my opinion, the bar exam. Q: Which woman inspires you and why? JO: Women lawyers who have gone into public service in either the executive, legislative, or judicial branches have inspired me. People like Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg to name just a few. Also, fellow Atlanta lady boss lawyers

like Amanda Farahany, Cheryl Legare, and Janet Hill are just a few of these women I have looked up to and admire. I think the trick is finding the good in others that you can seek to emulate while learning to avoid shortcomings and mistakes. All of us have good/bad, strength/weaknesses and we can all learn from each other. Last, the team of women that are a part of our law firm are an incredible inspiration to me. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with Esther, Muna, Michele, and Chanel. We all make a great team. Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance? JO: Making sure I exercise everyday if I can. Movement is medicine and the endorphins help heal our physical as well as mental health. I’m a big proponent of therapy, every lawyer should use their six free sessions per year to manage stress. Why? Because the law is a jealous mistress as they say and can be all consuming of your time—meaning, no matter how much you devote to it, there is always more to do. Making sure you are able to step away and enjoy life is essential. Taking the time to smell the roses—spending time with friends and loved ones, travelling, seeing art and beauty in this world. All of that is important to bring joy in our lives. Life is more than work. It is about the relationships and connections we make here on this earth by being kind to others, helping people, and doing our part to make this world a better place. We can do so in our career as lawyers but in order to be our best as human beings, it is important to learn how to step away and disconnect. www.goodgeorgialawyers.com | (404) 654-0288

Tera Reese-Beisbier

She Will Help You Navigate The Challenges You Face & Protect What Matters to You. Her Law Firm is Dedicated To Providing Quality & Affordable Family Law Services With Compassion. Q: When did you know you would pursue a career as an Attorney? TRB: I knew I was going to be an attorney at age 12. My father and I were discussing something (I believe I was arguing with him) and he stopped me and told me that if I did not become a lawyer, he would be shocked. He told me that I always stick up for the underdog, and I always argue my way out of punishments at home. I did not know any attorneys at the time, but thought he was right. So, that was the path I pursued from that day forward. Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law you specialize in? TRB: Reese-Beisbier & Associates is what is considered a boutique firm, in that we specialize in one subject matter. For us, it is all things family law. At this stage is my career, I tend to specialize in higher end divorce matters. Due to our location, our clients or their spouses tend to own businesses and our firm is well versed in cases where a closely held business is involved. However, there are four attorneys here and with us having different years of experience, our firm can also handle any divorce, custody or family law matter and still make it affordable. Q: What types of cases do you handle? TRB: At Reese-Beisbier & Associates we handle all family law litigation. This includes uncontested divorces, contested divorces, custody actions, modifications of custody and support, family violence actions (protective orders), post judgment contempt issues, such as nonpayment of child support or alimony, legitimation and paternity of children born out of wedlock, and adoptions. Reese-Beisbier & Associates also handles and encourages pre-nuptial agreements and post-nuptial agreements. Q: What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case? TRB: At Reese-Beisbier & Associates we are clear with all clients that family law issues are very personal and emotional. Many people can run companies or represent the interests of others, but when they are getting divorced or arguing over custody, advocating for themselves can be difficult and sometimes overwhelming. It is often hard for people to stay calm and rational since this is such a personal, intimate matter. Our approach here at Reese-Beisbier & Associates is to help our clients stay calm and be true to themselves. We ask our clients to let us be their

sounding board for all matters so that good decisions can be made. We ensure our clients are provided all the information they need to make sound decisions for themselves and their families. Our moto is we want our clients to get the best results possible in the fastest and least expensive way possible. Q: What was the most challenging part of law school for you? TRB: This dates me as I haven’t been in law school since May of 1998. I recall trying to adjust to a new city and to a rigorous class schedule and study schedule while also trying to maintain a part time job. I had to put myself through law school as my family worked hard but were proudly blue-collar workers. I was born and raised in and around Madison, WI, so when I drove (by myself) to New Orleans to attend Loyola Law School I had no idea what I was stepping into. However, I truly enjoyed it and would not change a thing. Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue a career as an Attorney? TRB: Growing up, I did not know any attorneys. I would suggest reaching out to attorneys in their area to learn about their career and what they like and do not like about it. I would attempt to get internships as early as high school so the concepts of litigation, contracts, property closings, criminal cases (whatever they are interested in) are not new when they enter law school. Q: What’s your advice for women in male-dominated fields? TRB: In 2021 it is wonderful to see so many women enter the field of law. In 1998, I remember walking into courtrooms all over North Georgia and being one of the only female attorneys. I had to set boundaries quickly and show that I am not intimidated. I teach my young female attorneys that they have worth. They need to advocate not only for their clients but for themselves. When negotiating their terms of employment, they need to be prepared to ask for more. Women, in general, are bad at advocating for themselves but great at doing it for others. As hard as it may seem, women must speak up for themselves and demand respect and compensation to match their contributions to the firm. www.rbafamilylaw.com | 678.947.2988

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Tera Reese-Beisbier

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Bethaney has handled nearly every type of serious injury matter. She has single handedly settled and collected large settlements on behalf of her injured clients. This unique experience has afforded Bethaney a comprehensive knowledge of the practices and procedures of insurance companies. Simply put, she uses her knowledge to make certain that her injured client’s rights are protected by obtaining maximum favorable results.

clients, to build long lasting relationships with my peers and the clients we serve and to stay positive, prayerful, and grateful in tough times.

Q: What aspects of the daily job of being a lawyer interest you the most? BEJ: I love being my own boss. I enjoy the flexibility and autonomy that I am afforded with owning my own law firm. I also enjoy deciding what legal matters fit within our firm’s culture. As a personal injury attorney, I enjoy assisting our injured clients with receiving the treatment that they need to rehabilitate their bodies so that they can resume a normal healthy life, if possible, based on the type of injury they have suffered. If they are unable to resume a normally healthy life, we work hard to ensure that they get the treatment that they need and the financial resources to be able to move forward with their lives.

Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? BEJ: One lesson that I have learned in my career is to make strategic connections that are reciprocal. There will be several points in your career where you will need to lean on others to advance in your career.

Q: What’s the greatest fear you’ve had to overcome to get where you are today? BEJ: One of the greatest fears that I have overcame is public speaking. I have never enjoyed speaking in front of people that I do not know personally but being an Bethaney’s dedication to your satisfaction is second to none. It is the goal of The Embry Law Firm to provide attorney has allowed me to step outside of my shell to our clients with the services they need to get the results speak in front of jurors, speak as a panelist and speaker they want. When you choose the Embry Law Firm, you at several conferences. choose to have your interest protected with sincerity and Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most integrity. memorable moments your career? Q: When did you know you would pursue a ca- BEJ: The most memorable moment in my career was reer as an Attorney? handling my mother’s personal injury case in 2010. At BEJ: My mother worked at the local courthouse in my the time, I was not handling personal injury cases, but I hometown. So, I grew up watching lawyers handle all wanted to make sure that my mother received the best types of cases in the courtroom. I decided when I was in legal services during her time of need. So, I studied the 7th grade, that I wanted to pursue a career in the law. personal injury law in order to negotiate my mother’s Q: Can you share with our audience, the types claim. The arduous work paid off as I was able to assist my mother in receiving the most compensation that of law you specialize in? BEJ: At The Embry Law Firm, LLC we specialize in she could have received under her circumstances. It was serious personal injury matters such as Car Wrecks, Slip memorable because I was able to give back to the one and Falls, and Trucking cases. Additionally, we handle person who had given me all of the knowledge, advice and love that had guided me throughout my life. adoption matters.

Bethaney Embry Jones

An Effective & Compassionate Attorney Who Guides Her Clients Through a Difficult Process. Her Practice Areas Include Personal Injury & Adoption.

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Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance? BEJ: There is no secret to work life balance. Everyone will have a different journey to obtain a work life balance that works for them. There will be times when what one has created as a work life balance will need to be recalibrated. I currently manage my work life balance by deleQ: What are the best practices you have em- gating as many tasks as I can to achieve the overall work product. To effectively delegate, you must have the right ployed to build a successful career? BEJ: The best practices that I have employed to build team in place. my career as an attorney are to treat everyone with the www.embrylawfirm.com same level of respect that I desire, to stay abreast of the 1-844-44EMBRY changes in the law so that I can effectively represent my

clients, to build long lasting relationships with my peers and the clients we serve and to stay positive, prayerful, and grateful in tough times.

Bethaney Embry Jones

An Effective & Compassionate Attorney Who Guides Her Clients Through a Difficult Process. Her Practice Areas Include Personal Injury & Adoption.

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have always been service oriented with a desire to help people solve problems. In college, I sort of figured out that the best way to pursue my passion for solving problems, pursuing justice, and helping myself and others was via a legal education. I am not really sure if it was the only way in hindsight, but it was one of the ways I could do so.

Ms. Brinson has organized seminars for State Bar of Georgia Continuing Education including Jury Trials Seminar 2010. She was also featured in a book published by the American Bar Association: The Road to Independence-101 Women Journeys to Starting Their Own Law Firm. In addition, Ms. Brinson was selected by the State Bar of Georgia Women in the Profession Committee for the Award Commitment to Excellence in 2009.

Q: What’s the greatest fear you’ve had to overcome to get where you are today? VB: Fear is always present in one’s growth process. I use my faith to process my fears. Some of my fears became a reality such as the death of my parents. I have grappled with the fear of losing my parents as I put so much time in addressing the wrongs of society. I do not know if you ever totally overcome various fears. I believe that you learn to cope with your fears and move forward in spite of them.

Q: When did you know you would pursue a career as an Attorney? VB: I attended law school so I could better help myself, family, and community. I decided that I would make a meaningful difference, primarily for my parents and those folks most vulnerable in our community … as well as to contribute to the betterment of the community via my advocacy and solution oriented skills. Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law you specialize in? VB: I have been operating my law office since June 1, 2003. My practice consists of appellate/post-trial matters, civil, and criminal law broadly. To break my areas of practice down regarding civil law (all that’s noncriminal), I engage in certain family law cases, personal injury, some estate matters, and general litigation. I am also looking into certain other areas of law; I am developing an interest in other areas too. Q: What aspects of the daily job of being a lawyer interest you the most? VB: In my current practice, one of the aspects of my daily job of being a lawyer which interest me most is the ability to think creatively about legal problems and solutions. As a solo entrepreneur, I like the ability to make independent decisions about cases. Additionally, I enjoy the aspect of putting plans together to help individuals or groups move forward.

Veronica Brinson

Her Practice is Committed to Making a Difference in The Lives of The People She Serves.

I like discovering those injustices which I can attempt to rectify for others, such as the ability to advocate for people who cannot always best advocate for themselves. I enjoy being a mediator in a sense indirectly in looking at two sides of an issue and finding or helping to find solutions where both parties feel comfortable moving forward. Q: Why did you decide to attend law school? VB: There was never a magic moment when I knew I would attend law school. I think the character traits which draw one to a legal education became apparent in maybe grade school. I have always had an interest in a sense of genuine justice. I

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments your career? VB: One of the most memorable moments of my career was being sworn in as a lawyer with my parents present in Albany, Georgia where I was serving as a federal law clerk. I was sworn by a Superior Court judge in that county. It was a significant experience for me and my parents who come from humble backgrounds to see their daughter became a lawyer after graduating college and law school. They were significant in helping me as a single mother on said journey. Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? VB: One of the lessons I have learned in my career is to look at the big picture. How will I think about this decision, this tactic, down the road? Often, particular folks young in their careers may think about just winning and ignore the dignity and respect of others in handling cases and dealing with other human beings. Humbling experiences in law can teach you to better appreciate the dignity of other people. It can take many years for some folks to grapple this concept. Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance? VB: I manage my work life balance via an appreciation of wellness personally and professionally. Such appreciation has to undergo consistent reevaluation. As a female, solo entrepreneur, it has been easy to put myself last. One has to learn that often to successfully help others, you have to prioritize putting yourself first at times too. I manage my work life balance via my faith, exercise, reevaluating various wellness techniques, and applying certain principles in the book I wrote, “60 Gems of Wisdom.” Q: What would be the title of your autobiography? VB: One of the titles of my autobiography would be: Bullies, Bitches, and Battles: The Veronica Brinson’s Story. www. attorney-brinson.com (866) 698-2323

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Attorney Veronica Brinson is a native of Macon, Georgia. She grew up in the inner city in South Macon. She contributes who she is today to her upbringing in South Macon in which she states tough situations and her desire to push forward in the face of challenges and obstacles made her the person she is today. Ms. Brinson has organized seminars for State Bar of Georgia Continuing Education including Jury Trials Seminar 2010. She was also featured in a book published by the American Bar Association: The Road to Independence-101 Women Journeys to Starting Their Own Law Firm. In addition, Ms. Brinson was selected by the State Bar of Georgia Women in the Profession Committee for the Award Commitment to Excellence in 2009. Q: When did you know you would pursue a career as an Attorney? VB: I attended law school so I could better help myself, family, and community. I decided that I would make a meaningful difference, primarily for my parents and those folks most vulnerable in our community … as well as to contribute to the betterment of the community via my advocacy and solution oriented skills. Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law you specialize in? VB: I have been operating my law office since June 1, 2003. My practice consists of appellate/post-trial matters, civil, and criminal law broadly. To break my areas of practice down regarding civil law (all that’s noncriminal), I engage in certain family law cases, personal injury, some estate matters, and general litigation. I am also looking into certain other areas of law; I am developing an interest in other areas too. Q: What aspects of the daily job of being a lawyer interest you the most? VB: In my current practice, one of the aspects of my daily job of being a lawyer which interest me most is the ability to think creatively about legal problems and solutions. As a solo entrepreneur, I like the ability to make independent decisions about cases. Additionally, I enjoy the aspect of putting plans together to help individuals or groups move forward.

Veronica Brinson

Her Practice is Committed to Making a Difference in The Lives of The People She Serves.

solve problems. In college, I sort of figured out that the best way to pursue my passion for solving problems, pursuing justice, and helping myself and others was via a legal education. I am not really sure if it was the only way in hindsight, but it was one of the ways I could do so. Q: What’s the greatest fear you’ve had to overcome to get where you are today? VB: Fear is always present in one’s growth process. I use my faith to process my fears. Some of my fears became a reality such as the death of my parents. I have grappled with the fear of losing my parents as I put so much time in addressing the wrongs of society. I do not know if you ever totally overcome various fears. I believe that you learn to cope with your fears and move forward in spite of them. Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments your career? VB: One of the most memorable moments of my career was being sworn in as a lawyer with my parents present in Albany, Georgia where I was serving as a federal law clerk. I was sworn by a Superior Court judge in that county. It was a significant experience for me and my parents who come from humble backgrounds to see their daughter became a lawyer after graduating college and law school. They were significant in helping me as a single mother on said journey. Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? VB: One of the lessons I have learned in my career is to look at the big picture. How will I think about this decision, this tactic, down the road? Often, particular folks young in their careers may think about just winning and ignore the dignity and respect of others in handling cases and dealing with other human beings. Humbling experiences in law can teach you to better appreciate the dignity of other people. It can take many years for some folks to grapple this concept. Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance? VB: I manage my work life balance via an appreciation of wellness personally and professionally. Such appreciation has to undergo consistent reevaluation. As a female, solo entrepreneur, it has been easy to put myself last. One has to learn that often to successfully help others, you have to prioritize putting yourself first at times too. I manage my work life balance via my faith, exercise, reevaluating various wellness techniques, and applying certain principles in the book I wrote, “60 Gems of Wisdom.” Q: What would be the title of your autobiography? VB: One of the titles of my autobiography would be: Bullies, Bitches, and Battles: The Veronica Brinson’s Story. www.Brinsonvblawoffice.com www.attorney-brinson.com 478-745-2323

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Q: What was the most challenging part of law school for you? AM: To be honest, I loved almost everything about being in law school. Of course, I have always been a giant nerd who really loved school. Even so, I was nervous about taking that leap and changed my mind about going so many times. I was a single parent, in my 30s, with a stable job and there were not any law schools near my home. I had to quit my job and move to a new state away from my family. But then I got there, and everyone was in this new situation too. It was amazing how quickly you form bonds with other students, form a new support system and fall into new routines. So, I guess the most challenging part was deciding to do it; everything after that seemed to work itself out.

Amy Martin

She Prides Herself on Guiding Families Through The Challenges of Family Law Litigation & Mediation With Knowledge, Strength, & Expertise. Q: When did you know you would pursue a career as an Attorney? AM: For me, becoming an attorney was a goal that came full circle. As a child, I always said I wanted to be a lawyer and would dress up as one for school career days. But that was back when I had a very basic understanding of career options. I think everyone said something like doctor, lawyer, teacher, fireman. As a college student/young adult, I changed my mind A LOT. I wanted to be an actress, a social worker, an anthropologist (yes, really; I even majored in it for a year). I worked in public relations & marketing for a few years before getting a job as a paralegal. I ended up not stating law school until I was 30. In fact, I was halfway through a graduate level business program when I signed up for the LSAT.

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Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law you specialize in? AM: I handle mostly family law cases, and a little bit of real estate litigation. Most of my files are related to divorces, child support and child custody but I also do some landlord/tenant disputes. Q: What aspects of the daily job of being a lawyer interest you the most? AM: I really love getting to work with so many different people. A lot of family law clients are going through one of the hardest phases of their life. That part can be challenging, but I do enjoy how much client interaction there is. You get to meet a lot of diverse people, and really learn a lot about them, their family, and their backgrounds.

Q: What’s the greatest fear you’ve had to overcome to get where you are today? AM: Most people call it fear of failure or imposters syndrome, but if I am being honest with myself, I would better describe it as fear of not being perfect. That was especially hard in the first year of practicing law because people were hiring me for a job that I did not entirely know how to do. I felt like I was bothering the more experienced attorneys every time I had a question or made a mistake. I was really concerned that even simple tasks were taking me way too long to complete. But they knew I was new at my job and remembered what it was like to still be in training. I was the only one with an irrational expectation that I would be perfect. Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments in your career? AM: This one is easy. It was my first eviction defense case for the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation Saturday lawyers’ program. At that point, I had only represented creditors, mostly banks and corporate landlords. I was not used to having my client present, much less having a client that was truly emotionally invested in the outcome. It felt like a lot of pressure, and I did not want to be the reason this lady lost her money and her home. First thing I noticed is that I was the only attorney there representing a tenant, which I think really shows the importance of this program. We did not even

make it to the hearing; just settled. Afterwards, the client kept crying and hugging me and thanking me for being there. Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue a career as an Attorney? AM: I would give anyone thinking about pursuing a career as an Attorney the same advice. First, I would highly recommend working in a law office in some capacity before making that decision. I was a paralegal for a few years after undergrad, but even a summer answering phone or working as a runner is a good idea. If you are thinking about going into litigation (court appearances), sit it on a few hearings; court is generally open to the public. I say this because a legal career in the real world can look very different than one on TV. I think a lot of people take on extra debt and school without knowing what they are getting themselves into. If after that, if is something you want to do, my best advice is do not get in your own way and never compare yourself to others. Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance? AM: Probably not very well sometimes. Technology is both the best and worst thing that has happened to work life balance. I was at a Pilates class with some friends a couple weeks ago and had to step out to take a phone call. I could hear one of my friends tell the instructor, “This happens all the time. She’s an attorney.” Ended up being a delivery driver that could have waited for an hour. So, I know we hear it all the time, but the main thing is to unplug after hours and on weekends. No one really needs to be checking work emails on a Sunday afternoon. Or at least turn off your notifications so you aren’t hearing it in real time. www. amymartinattorney.com 404-590-0673

Amy Martin

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A Special Conversation With Empowerment Author & Speaker,

Zeeda Michele

Q: Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur? ZM: I don’t believe it was something that I set out to do I just knew I had a creative force in me that was supposed to be doing something independently, and opposite of what everyone else was doing, and with that being said I needed to be able to control the narrative of my creativity without restriction. And just like that Making Power Moves was born! Q: Can you share with our audience more about your career and your brand Making Power Moves? ZM: Making power moves is a women’s empowerment movement that consist of books, apparel, empowerment events, interior design, event planning, and décor. There are so many intricate details to MPM that it can’t just be summed up in a title or a few sentences, it’s about empowering women and even men on levels that are not mediocre on levels that are super creative! And some in different areas as I mentioned above. Q: Tell us about what inspired you to write the book “From Pain to Power” ZM: Growing up I had an extremely rough life that consisted of me being molested as a child, being a high school dropout, teen pregnancy, mental, physical, and sexual abuse, also selling drugs in so much criminal activity which led to my incarceration, and also even being a negligent parent… a young negligent parent, and even being suicidal. There were so many layers of pain that I experienced but through God, my husband and writing, the book From Pain to Power was where my healing begin. Not to mention being a Christian hip-hop artist that shared her testimony before performing on stage, after each performance I was often told why you don’t write a book, so one day I picked up a pen and I begin to write! Q: Tell us more about the meaning behind “I am not what I’ve been through … I am who I was called to be? ZM: Often society labels us… you know Zeeda?! Ida’s daughter the one that always gets in trouble lol, Or the little girl that got pregnant at 16, the thief, drug dealer… the drop out, who was molested as a little girl. All those things I just named above yeah all that happened to me, and people like to label you! yes, I did that, I’ve been through that, but let me enlighten you I also came out of all that! So, honey I’m not what I’ve been through! I was called to be something greater, and the greater call is Everything that I’ve been through all the bad was working for my good, it enables me to share with someone else …that yeah… all that happened but look who I am now I’m not what I’ve been through! I was called to be who I was created to be. When things are being created, we never know what the outcome is, but when we begin to pay attention to the intricate details of what’s being molded and shaped.…the end process is stunning, that’s the kind of God we serve, and though we start out one way, mushy, lumpy, ugly, scarred… in the hands of the Potter, we are created to be something extraordinary!

Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? ZM: Presentation is everything! How you present yourself how you present your product what you represent and what you stand for is important! I don’t care what you think they see you! even when you’re trying to pretend or cover up, they see you! Presentation is everything, be honest with yourself and who you are, but don’t ever allow the lines of communication to be blurred, never let anyone control the narrative of what it is that you are called to do. Listening to the voice of others put fear in me, and it also put doubt in me as well. There were things That I not only allow people to talk me out of it, but I talked myself out of opportunities, experiences, and potential deals. I’ve learned to be fearless and to take calculated risk! never start building without A blueprint! And make God the CEO…because he is!

Q: What would you say was your lowest point in life and why then did you decide to make a change? ZM: My lowest point in life was after a big fight with my sons’ father, who was very abusive, and who was abusing me physically and sexually for so long, behind closed doors… no one knew what I was going through, I was so tired of fighting and not just with him but with life, my life was in shams… and then one day the police knocked on my door and arrested me in front of my kids. I found myself locked up and pregnant… with no direction for my life, a single young black mom That just found out that I was pregnant again for a third time… pregnant and in jail!!!!. And right before my incarceration I had a failed suicide attempt… come on! Low couldn’t get no lower, I couldn’t even accomplish killing myself ! And as I sat on my prison bunk bed, I thought to myself there has to be more to life than this. I was not designed to live a mediocre life; my kids were not supposed to have a mediocre mom. So, when they see me! and they see me! In so many different lights … on so many different levels. Nevertheless, the beautiful, amazing thing about all of that is my lowest moment proved to my family that you don’t have to stay down anything is possible with God. What advice would you give to young women who want to purse their dream and start a business? ZM: Never share your dreams with people that don’t have vision, never allow anyone to put restrictions on the way you dream. Dream in HD on a movie screen! Your dream will definitely try to intimidate you whether that is with finances, resources, or manpower. But no matter what you keep pushing and you keep trying, and you step out on all the faith that you have even if that’s only the size of a mustard seed … believe God! you also have to invest in yourself, often time entrepreneurs start out working for others it’s called seed money. You need seed to grow anything! Also be mindful how you invest your seed. If you give me a dollar the average thinker would say “Oh I have a dollar” whereas I would say I have 4 quarters! I’m going to invest a quarter here a quarter their quarter here etc. scared money doesn’t make money! Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments of your career? ZM: The most memorable moment was when God first gave me the vision and the guts to give my first power gala. I remember standing on stage in front of 300 people, Yup the Power gala is what he told me to call it! This Power gala included a three-course dinner, Crystal awards, a live New Orleans style brass band, Stilt walkers, and a live DJ… all that at the time on a Zumba instructors’ salary, making only $27 a class at the time!!!! True story! On that night I stood before the people that night September 2016 and I said wow y’all came lol that was one of my proudest moments!

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? ZM: I honestly would have to say there are so many, but at this stage in my life the very young but powerful Sarah Jakes Roberts is the one that truly inspires me! she is fearless, and she does not care what people think of her, and she Gives you the good. News in a way that’s full of innovation and swag!!! I Absolutely love it!! empowering women, preaching the gospel and with style and fashion that isn’t the norm! woman evolve woman evolve!!! Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today? ZM: Being heard … I mean being really heard and being taken seriously by our male counterparts! in my 2nd book PowHerful … there is a chapter called the Oprah Stedman syndrome! It talks about how with the right man standing alongside of the right woman, not being intimidated by who she is but embracing the qualities of all God created her to be, that’s power! as the head he has the ability to ignite greatness in one of the most intricate beautiful complex but very strong creatures that God has created! And although people talked about Stedman He knew, and he knows what he has in Oprah Winfrey… that’s power! Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance? ZM: God, Time, and discipline. God has given us all an allotted time here on earth! There are a lot of things you can get back, you can get a refund, you can exchange a pair of shoes. but you see time, you can’t get that back, so I’m very detailed when it comes to time… my schedule is planned, from the time I get up in in the morning. I know I need at least 15 minutes of worship and just meditating. I know I have to take 30 minutes to walk and feed my dog, I have 45 minutes to work out, I have 30 minutes to shower and get ready. I have 15 minutes to get my coffee and pumpkin. Bread (guilty pleasure). And another 18 minutes to drive to work. If you are going to be successful at anything time is a resource that you are going to have to pay close attention to! And discipline is not something you’re born with it’s something you create!

A Special Conversation With Empowerment Author & Speaker,

Zeeda Michele

young age. I was a very precocious opinionated and argumentative child, when meant that adults would frequently comment that I would make a good lawyer. That stuck. Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law you specialize in? KL: I practice exclusively family law. Q: What types of cases do you handle? KL: Divorce, child custody, modification of custody and child support, and other family law related matters. Q: What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case? KL: The best cases are prepared with a long term strategy. Having worked for a Superior Court judge for a number of years, I understand that while judges expect people to behave poorly in divorce cases, they do not reward such behavior. I always strongly advise my clients to take the high road, especially when it comes to children.

Atlanta Attorney

Kyla Lines

Provides Understanding & Effective Legal Representation of All Aspects of Family Law. She Listens to Your Needs & Works to Craft Strategic Solutions. Sponsored Content

Kyla’s goal in handling her cases is to make a difficult situation better for her clients. When custody is an issue, she keeps the best interests of the children as her priority. When complex financial issues arise, Kyla strives to provide her clients with strategic, realistic, solution-focused advice. Kyla is a native of Marietta, Ohio. She graduated from Rutgers College in New Brunswick, New Jersey with Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Philosophy. She went on to obtain her law degree from the Georgia State University College of Law. While in law school, she was an active member of the Moot Court Board. Q: When did you know you would pursue a career as an Attorney? KL: I knew that I wanted to be a lawyer at a

Q: Can you share with our audience the type of pro-bono work you do? KL: I volunteer for pro bono divorce cases with Atlanta Legal Aid, and I serve as volunteer Guardian ad litem for both DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation and Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation. Q: Were there moments in your career that were pivotal to getting where you are today? KL: In law school I interned for a Superior Court judge who became a friend and mentor. That internship is what got me my first job out of law school, working as a Staff Attorney in Fulton County Superior Court. That job formed the foundation for my career in family law. Q: What’s your advice for women in male-dominated fields? KL: Treat other professionals, women in particular, as you want to be treated. Learn to set firm boundaries for yourself and for others.

Q: What’s the greatest fear you’ve had to overcome to get where you are today? KL: I would not say it was a fear, but I used to be extremely nervous about speaking in public. In law school we had to video ourselves as part of a moot court oral argument, then provide feedback on our own performances. Watching myself made me realize that my nerves were not remotely as obvious to everyone else as they were to me, and that made all the difference. Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments your career? KL: Every trial lawyer has a list of amazing cross examination moments. I also recently obtained a rare summary judgment order in my client’s favor in a divorce case. That was pretty spectacular. Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? KL: Most every occupation boils down to customer service. This includes lawyering. I am still in the business of serving my customers each day, just as I was in that business when I waitressed in college. A law degree does nothing to change that. Q: Which woman inspires you? KL: That’s a no-brainer. Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today? KL: Even in the legal profession, women are often expected to be “people pleasers” and to seek approval of others. These expectations lead us to tend to apologize too much rather than saying what it is we want. We need to shift that. Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace? KL: Assertive is a good thing. Saying what you want is a good thing. Recognizing your strengths is a good thing. www.rblfamilylaw.com 404-888-3730

Atlanta Attorney

Kyla Lines

Provides Understanding & Effective Legal Representation of All Aspects of Family Law. She Listens to Your Needs & Works to Craft Strategic Solutions. Sponsored Content

Dana Pagan

Criminal Defense & Domestic Relations Attorney www.crawfordboyle.com

Focusing on criminal defense and domestic relations cases. Dana is involved in the community having served as a member of the State Bar of Georgia’s Disciplinary Panel; serving as a member of the Gwinnett County Public Schools Law, Public Service, and Education Advisory Board; and having graduated from the Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2019. Just as important as skill and experience is a lawyer who cares. Q: Why did you decide to attend law school? DP: I attended law school because I wanted to have a challenging career and I wanted to help people. My undergraduate degree is in Criminal Justice, so I have always had an interest in the criminal justice system and the theories behind crime and punishment. Q: What was your first job? And how did it shape or impact you? DP: Both of my parents owned their own businesses, so my first jobs were working for both of them as early as 12 or 13 years old. Watching my parents, I learned that success only comes through hard work and dedication to your profession. I saw my parents work evenings, weekends, and holidays in order to get jobs done. Working with my dad taught me how important customer service and your reputation for caring for your clients is in the business world. Working with my mother, I learned to pay attention to detail, to be precise in my work, and how to manage time effectively to reach deadlines without losing my sanity. My first “real” job outside of family businesses was working as a clerk at a plaintiff’s personal injury law firm in Washington, DC. There, I got my first taste of litigation, learned about how

to negotiate cases, and began to understand the value of having an amazing support staff in a law firm. Having the right team beyond the attorneys in a firm makes all the difference in how a firm runs, how attorneys are able to manage their cases, and the overall experience each client will have in the firm. Q: Can you share with our audience your experience working as Assistant Attorney General for the District of Columbia? DP: When I worked as an AAG in DC, I was assigned to the Mental Health Section of the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia. Our section dealt solely with individuals diagnosed with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) and/or developmental disabilities. My work focused primarily on adults with developmental disabilities and some dually-diagnosed individuals. While I technically represented the District of Columbia in commitment hearings where individuals would be committed to the care of the District due to their inability to care for themselves, I often found myself advocating for the individual’s rights and fighting for the individual to live in the least restrictive, most socially integrated setting possible and to have as many rights and freedoms as a non-developmentally disabled individual would enjoy. I filed a series of nine Writs of Mandamus asking that the judiciary be ordered to release individuals be released from commitment

to the District when it was no longer clinically appropriate to maintain commitment and when ending commitment would be the least restrictive legal status for the individual. Further, I served as the section liaison to the Public Safety Division and became involved in criminal cases involving developmentally disabled wards of the District. In addition, I worked with my dear friend and colleague, AAG Neha Patel, to help secure guardians or other healthcare decisionmakers for hundreds of wards of the District. It was an extremely varied and diverse position that exposed me to areas of law I didn’t even know existed when I took the job. Q: What has been the most interesting legal issue you’ve dealt with in your legal career? DP: The most interesting issue I’ve dealt with in my career has been the issue of voluntariness and consent in the DUI arena. This is easily the most heavily litigated issue in Georgia criminal law in the last decade. When I worked in the Gwinnett County Solicitor’s Office, we engaged in appellate litigation in over 30 cases in the three years between 2015 and 2018 with most of the cases centering on the issue of consent/voluntariness in DUI cases. What started out as a narrow issue of determining if someone gave valid consent to take a State administered breath test in a DUI scenario grew to questions of how Georgia’s protections against illegal search and seizures differ from the 4th Amendment protections under the U.S. Constitution, what amounts to a protected act under Georgia search and seizure law, and what the appropriate constitutional construction should be in search and seizure cases. It felt like issues kept sprouting out of each new case beyond the original questions presented and we were constantly having to reassess DUI cases considering changes and challenges to the law. There was never a dull moment when handling DUI cases in those years. Q: Tell us one of your most memorable moments in your career? DP: As a prosecutor, I tried a case involving a gentleman who was charged with his third or fourth lifetime DUI. It was clear that he had a significant problem with alcohol, but he was not ready to acknowledge that issue. I tried the case, the jury convicted the gentleman, and the judge sentenced him to jail. He was none too pleased with me at that point. About a year later, a man came up to me out in public one weekend and asked me if I remembered him. It was the man from that case. He shook my hand, thanked me, and told me I’d saved his life through that case. As a defense attorney, the most memorable experiences have been working with clients with SPMI or substance abuse issues. Seeing those clients finally take control of their issues and helping them work toward having stable, productive, happy lives is always a wonderful experience.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue a career as an Attorney? DP: I have told young women aspiring to be attorneys this many times over- be sure that being an attorney is what you want to do not who you want to be. Being an attorney can be an all-consuming career if you let it take over your life. When you allow “attorney” to become your identity, you can lose perspective and the client is no longer the center of the case. People come to us in their worst moments - when they have been victims of crime, when they have lost a loved one, when their marriages are dissolving, when they are fighting with their business partners, when they have been charged with a crimeand the weight of holding those chapters of another person’s life in our hands is insanely heavy. It is hard not to take your cases home with you when you leave the office. It’s hard not to let work bleed over into your family time. My advice is to take your cases seriously, value your clients, do good work, but also remember to turn it all off, step away, and just be human, too. Attorneys have some of the highest levels of burnout, substance abuse, and mental health issues of any profession. “Remembering that working as an attorney is what you do, but not who you are, lets you maintain some balance in your life.” A balanced attorney is best able to serve her clients and to live a happy life outside of work. Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? DP: Through my work, I have learned, in most cases, people just want to be heard. Whether working as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, or divorce attorney, the common thread in every case is that there is someone who simply needs to tell their story and be heard. Often, taking ten minutes to allow someone to say what they feel needs to be said can move a case forward toward settlement more than hours of litigation ever could. As a prosecutor, I had defendants thank me for at least hearing them out even when they were ultimately sentenced to jail. As a defense attorney, my clients have a story to tell and need help having that story told. In divorce cases, the parties each hold a different side of the same story and have a desire to have their version of the story told. In this profession, listening is far more valuable than talking. The same can be said for life outside of the courtroom, too. Q: Can you share with us the story behind your rescue dogs. DP: I absolutely love my four dogs! Scarlet was adopted from a rescue in North Carolina and Champ was adopted from the Society of Humane Friends of Georgia. Ranger and Sarge were found buried alive together in a drainage pipe in a rural area of North Georgia when they were puppies and I adopted them a few days after they were found. These are the four cuddliest, sweetest, funniest pack of dogs I’ve ever known. There is something special about the love of a rescue dog!

Dana Pagan

Criminal Defense & Domestic Relations Attorney www.crawfordboyle.com

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While you can Take Every Step to Protect Your Future, When Unforeseen Disputes Arise, you want to be able to Protect Your Rights in Court. The Wright Law Firm can Provide Civil Litigation Counsel for Business & Individuals. Meet Atlanta Attorney, Heather C. Wright. Her Law Firm can handle Cases Through any Legal Means Necessary Including Litigation, Negotiation, or Mediation & She will use Her Years of Experience to Achieve the Best Possible Outcome. Q: After high school, where did you feel your career path would take you? HW: Honestly, at the time of completing high school, I was focused on getting to law school and having a career in law. Specifically, I wanted to have a well-rounded education for my undergraduate degree, so I studied finance at the University of Georgia, and then went straight to law school at Mercer University. I knew that I wanted to practice law but did not know exactly what the “practice” would look like. I thought that my career path after law school would entail working for a prestigious firm in Macon, Georgia, for the duration of my career, but those plans changed several times before I found my path as a business owner with my own law firm. I never could have predicted how my career path would form when I was in high school. It has truly been a fun journey. Q: What was your first job? And how did it shape or impact you? HW: My first job was bagging groceries at our neighborhood grocer. That job impacted me in so many ways. I learned how to work hard and quickly to service our customers. I learned that you show up for work, rain, or shine, without fail. And, I got a chance to work with people of all walks of life, because a grocery store has a very diverse clientele. I also found out what FICA can do to an hourly paycheck. And, I learned that my paycheck didn’t go as far as I needed it to go. It was eye-opening and I am so glad that I worked at such a young age. Q: Why did you decide to attend law school? HW: I was also interested in government and justice. I have always been an advocate for causes, so law school appealed to me at an early age. Although I have a degree in finance, my talents are stronger in advocacy, argument,

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and story-telling, so law school was a natural fit. Q: If we interviewed all your past clients … what is “one” common word that comes up when they describe working with your law firm? HW: Commitment. Our team is committed to being available, approachable, honest, and tough, as befits the Client’s particular needs. Because we have a general civil practice, handling different areas of law, we remain flexible for the changing conditions of a Client’s needs. We take a team approach, letting each person’s talents best assist our Clients. We know when to be tough and we to relent with our opposition. And, we are always committed to giving the Client’s the best advice for their circumstances, even if it means walking away from a bad situation. We are committed to being there for our Clients and solving their problems through honesty, fidelity, and caring. Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law your firm specializes in? HW: We handle a variety of civil litigation, corporate matters, real estate disputes, and family law. We are truly a general civil practice, serving a variety of client needs. And, we have great contacts with trusted professionals who specialize in the areas of law that we do not handle. We make every effort to ensure that anyone who contacts our office gets the help they need, whether it is our Firm or another expert. The lawyers in our Firm have more than 40 years of combined experience and have tried cases in every local and federal court. Consequently, we have ample experience to make sure that any client or potential client gets an answer or the assistance that they need. We have handled everything from simple contracts, mass tort litigation, land boundary disputes, construction

litigation, divorces, and custody matters to exhuming bodies, repossessing storm-trooper costumes, and more. Because our practice is comprised of experienced attorneys with the flexibility and skill to handle diverse conflicts, we get referrals from attorneys in more traditional, specialized practices. In other words, we get the case referrals that other attorneys do not know how to or are not specialized to handle. We find these cases to be an interesting challenge that really lets us be creative in seeking solutions for Clients. Q: If you turn back time, what would you’ve done differently in your career? HW: Nothing. Every experience that I have had has made me the person that I am today. I absolutely love my practice, even on the awful days. I love that I have the ability to help others solve problems, build businesses, and help their families. And, I hate math, so that finance degree was never going to be my true calling. Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today? HW: We still live in a male dominated world that pays

little attention to the perspective of women, so it is always going to be different for women in the workforce and society at large. I still get treated poorly by men in my profession simply because I am a woman. It is frustrating and I do not see things changing quickly for women, especially in the workforce. There are always going to be “those guys,” and rather than fight it, I just seek to learn from it and use those attitudes against them. Actually, I prefer it when men underestimate our team. It just makes winning that much sweeter. So, yes, while I see challenges for women, I chose to pick my battles, so that our Clients and our team can succeed. Q: Do you have a hidden talent? HW: I sing. It isn’t so “hidden,” since I am a member of my church’s choir. I love to sing. I have even been known to sing absentmindedly in the office, especially when I am drafting a really good legal brief. The Wright Firm, LLC (470) 361-2250 www.thewrightattorneys.net

Q: If we interviewed all your past clients … what is “one” common word that comes up when they describe working with your law firm? HW: Commitment. Our team is committed to being available, approachable, honest, and tough, as befits the Client’s particular needs. Because we have a general civil practice, handling different areas of law, we remain flexible for the changing conditions of a Client’s needs. We take a team approach, letting each person’s talents best assist our Clients. We know when to be tough and we to relent with our opposition. And, we are always committed to giving the Clients the best advice for their circumstances, even if it means walking away from a bad situation. We are committed to being there for our Clients and solving their problems through honesty, fidelity, and caring.

Q: What was your first job? And how did it shape or impact you? HW: My first job was bagging groceries at our neighborhood grocer. That job impacted me in so many ways. I learned how to work hard and quickly to service our customers. I learned that you show up for work, rain, or shine, without fail. And, I got a chance to work with people of all walks of life, because a grocery store has a very diverse clientele. I also found out what FICA can do to an hourly paycheck and that my paycheck didn’t go as far as I needed it to go. It was eye-opening and I am so glad that I worked at such a young age.

Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law your firm specializes in? HW: We handle a variety of civil litigation, corporate matters, real estate disputes, and family law. We are truly a general civil practice, serving a variety of client needs. And, we have great contacts with trusted professionals who specialize in the areas of law that we do not handle. We make every effort to ensure that anyone who contacts our office gets the help they need, whether it is our Firm or another expert. The lawyers in our Firm have more than 40 years of combined experience and have tried cases in every local and federal court. Consequently, we have ample experience to make sure that any client or potential client gets an answer or the assistance that they need.

Q: Why did you decide to attend law school? HW: From a young age, I was interested in government and justice. I have always been an advocate for causes, so law school appealed to me at an early age. Although I have a degree in finance, my talents are stronger in advocacy, argument, and story-telling, so law school was a natural fit.

We have handled everything from simple contracts, mass tort litigation, land boundary disputes, construction litigation, divorces, and custody matters to exhuming bodies, repossessing storm-trooper costumes, and more.

Because our practice is comprised of experienced attorneys with the flexibility and skill to handle diverse conflicts, we get referrals from attorneys in more traditional, specialized practices. In other words, we get the case referrals that other attorneys do not know how to or are not specialized to handle. We find these cases to be an interesting challenge that really lets us be creative in seeking solutions for Clients. Q: If you turn back time, what would you’ve done differently in your career? HW: Nothing. Every experience that I have had has made me the person that I am today. I absolutely love my practice, even on the awful days. I love that I have the ability to help others solve problems, build businesses, and help their families. And, I hate math, so that finance degree was never going to be my true calling. Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today? HW: We still live in a male dominated world that pays little attention to the perspective of women, so it is always

going to be different for women in the workforce and society at large. I still get treated poorly by men in my profession simply because I am a woman. It is frustrating and I do not see things changing quickly for women, especially in the workforce. There are always going to be “those guys,” and rather than fight it, I just seek to learn from it and use those attitudes against them. Actually, I prefer it when men underestimate our team. It just makes winning that much sweeter. So, yes, while I see challenges for women, I chose to pick my battles, so that our Clients and our team can succeed. Q: Do you have a hidden talent? HW: I sing. It isn’t so “hidden,” since I am a member of my church’s choir. I love to sing. I have even been known to sing absentmindedly in the office, especially when I am drafting a really good legal brief. The Wright Firm, LLC (470) 361-2250 www.thewrightattorneys.net

JD: That I am always learning new things. Being a law-

Attorney Jennifer L. DeLoach Understands the Many Legal Issues that a Family Can Face. She Offers Compassionate & Experienced Legal Counsel Regardless of the Situation, by Fostering Relationships Through Effective Communication.

Q: After high school, where did you feel your career path would take you?

JD: As a small child and all the way through high school, I aspired to become a novelist. I was always a big reader, and still am. I wanted to write historical fiction, especially, and in college I majored in history and English. It wasn’t until the end of my college career that I realized I probably wasn’t built for the career uncertainties of being a professional fiction writer, and that’s when I started thinking seriously about law school. Q: What was your first job? And how did it shape or impact you?

JD: My first job was working at Pretzel Time at Gwinnett Place Mall, which was still very much the place to be in the mid-90s. I still sometimes have dreams about folding pretzel dough into perfect knots! I only worked there for one summer, but I learned a lot. Mostly, I

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learned that the people you work with will make or break any job experience, no matter what you’re doing, and that ‘people skills’ are a very important part of any job. Q: Why did you decide to attend law school? Why University of Georgia School of Law?

JD: I was a bookworm, and so many of my literary heroes were lawyers. Atticus Finch, right? I was always drawn to movies, shows, and other stories about lawyers and court cases. I felt at that time that becoming a lawyer was a good way for me to leave the world a little better than I found it. I was well aware of UGA Law’s excellent reputation, and that their affordable in-state tuition made them a far better option than other law schools. Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law your firm specializes in?

JD: Personally, I do a lot of family law – divorces, name changes, adoptions. I also do a lot of estate planning – writing wills and trusts and other estate documents, guardianships, and intestate administrations. Our firm is full-service, so we also handle civil litigation, criminal defense, immigration, trademarks, and other business issues. Q: If we interviewed all your past clients … what is “one” common word that comes up when they describe working with your law firm?

JD: “Helpful.” I think that’s the thing that stands out. We know who all of our clients are, and we know their stories. Our mission is to get to know the clients and their goals and then help make those goals a reality. Q: What aspects of the daily job of being a lawyer interest you the most?

yer means you’re constantly meeting people from all walks of life and are therefore learning about different jobs, different subjects. I really appreciate that no two days look the same for me, and that I have the chance to keep learning. Q: What are the plans for the firm’s future?

JD: We’d like to continue expanding. At the beginning of last year, the firm had only two lawyers – myself and Robert Bexley. We then brought on Meighan Vargas, who brought experience in criminal law and immigration, so we were able to offer more services to our clients. I’d like to keep growing and expanding our fields of practice. Q: Which woman inspires you and why?

JD: Women in general inspire me! I’m lucky to have been shaped by a lot of phenomenal women. On a personal level, my mother inspires me because she’s really demonstrated the concept of keeping your head up and getting on with it, even on the bad days, and on the good days there’s really no one I’d rather share the happy times with. On a more macro level, a famous woman who has always inspired me is Queen Elizabeth II. She’s sort of the world’s grandmother now, but she represents a constancy and stalwartness that I think is great. She enlisted and served her country in World War II and embodies a lot of what we admire about the Greatest Generation. Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today?

JD: We’re still dealing with the same double standards that have been around for years. Assertive women are labeled “hard to work with” when what people ought to say is “hard to push around.” Friendly women are labeled as “soft” or “too nice.” We’re asked to justify our personal lives and choices on a regular basis, which doesn’t happen to our male counterparts. My name is in the firm’s title and on the door, but sometimes clients and opposing counsel automatically assume my male law partner is my boss. We still have work to do!

BEXLEY & DELOACH, LLC (770) 689-6006 www.bexleydeloach.com

JD: That I am always learning new things. Being a law-

Q: After high school, where did you feel your career path would take you?

BEXLEY & DELOACH, LLC (770) 689-6006 www.bexleydeloach.com

Q: What was your first job? And how did it shape or impact you? TK: My first paid job was in high school – I was as a waitress at a local restaurant known for its pie. I’d say there were three good lessons that came from that experience. First, that I had to serve whoever sat in my section – be it someone I liked or didn’t like or felt awkward around (like the most popular girl in the school). I had a job to do and couldn’t let personal biases get in the way. Second, that it’s good to laugh at myself. One night, I ended up with blueberry pie all over my khaki pants and couldn’t go home to change. I told my customers that they could laugh with me, but not at me – and that caused us all to laugh. I think I earned more tips that day than ever before. Third, that if I could be a waitress, I could hopefully always be able to find a job and earn money (even if it wasn’t my dream job). Q: When did you know you would pursue a career in the legal field? TK: I went to law school on a bit of a whim. I had been working with international students at Kaplan Test Prep for about a year when I realized that I was hearing the same questions over and over: “I got married, what do I do?” “I want my mom to come and visit – can you help with that” or “I got a speeding ticket and want to know if it’ll impact my student visa.” Every time, I would answer with “I’m not an immigration lawyer – I don’t know.” I got tired of saying that, so at the beginning of 2005, I took the LSAT and applied to the Georgia State University College of Law. I started classes in August 2005. Q: What expectations did you have after graduating and receiving your law degree? TK: I was fortunate to have a job already lined up with the firm I’d worked at as a student, so I knew what kind of work I was getting into and what the work environment would be like. I don’t think I expected to eat in my car as much as I do, though. Being a lawyer is a lot of running back and forth between meetings, court, and the office so I’m always on the go. Q: Can you share with our audience the type of law you practice and the kind of cases you handle? TK: Our law firm handles only immigration cases with a focus on family and humanitarian cases. I do a lot of work with immigrant victims of violent crime and domestic violence. I also enjoy working on cases where U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has misapplied the law and getting them to see things in our clients’ favor.

Compassion, Understanding & Knowledge: Attorney Tracie Klinke Provides Immigration Legal Services of the Highest Quality with Uncompromising Commitment & Exceptional Service.

Q: What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case? TK: To always listen to my client. Sometimes they want a long-term solution and sometimes they want something that may work today, but not lead to a US citizenship. My role is to listen to what they want – not what I think they want – and craft solutions around that.

Q: If we interviewed all your past clients … what is “one” common word that comes up when they describe working with your law firm? TK: I hope they would say that we are honest. There’s a lot of misleading information about immigration out there and it’s hard to know who to trust. If there’s nothing I can do for someone, I will tell them and explain why (just in case they go somewhere else and are promised something much better). If the odds of success are low, I’ll let them know so they can make an informed decision on whether or not to try. Even on cases that are clear-cut, I never guarantee success because so much depends on the immigration officers involved. All I can promise is to do our best. Q: Tell us about your move to Lodz Poland in 2003, and what impact it had on you. TK: It was my first time living abroad and it showed me the struggle that people have when moving to a new country. I didn’t speak the language, I didn’t know the cultural norms and had to learn how to navigate things like grocery shopping, public transportation, and renting an apartment. I had to rely on awkward smiles, gestures, and colleagues for help. I think about this time a lot – how it felt to be a complete stranger and reliant on others for small things that I could have done on my own had I been in the US. I hope I carry this compassion and understanding with me to every client interaction. Q: Which woman inspires you and why? TK: I have always been a big fan of Amelia Earhart. She was from Kansas, like me. She inspired women to dream their own dreams – not to live the dreams of others or force oneself to conform. Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? TK: Don’t wait to be offered something – just ask! You are your own best advocate, and no one can read your mind. If there’s a leadership position you’d like, a board of directors you’d like to serve on, an esteemed colleague in your field you’d like to meet for lunch – just ask. You don’t get what you don’t ask for. Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue a career as an Attorney? TK: To say you’re sorry only when you mean it. I’ve gone to several meetings in Washington, DC with government officials and became known as the woman who says “I’m sorry” a lot because I would start my questions with that phrase. I shouldn’t be sorry for my questions and it stung to know that was my reputation. I have learned to use the power of “I’m sorry” for when it’s truly something I should be sorry for – a misunderstanding, an error, something that I should apologize for.

klinkeimigration.com 678-713-4255

Compassion, Understanding & Knowledge: Attorney Tracie Klinke Provides Immigration Legal Services of the Highest Quality with Uncompromising Commitment & Exceptional Service.

klinkeimigration.com 678-713-4255

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As a Former Prosecutor, She has a Great Deal of Experience in Criminal & Immigration Defense. She’s Experienced, Respected & Gets Results! Meet Atlanta Attorney, Meighan L. Vargas Q: Why did you decide to attend law school? MV: Law is a calling for me. I love trial practice and some of the puzzles we have to solve. So, I decided I wanted to attend and then move on to help people using my education and skills. It sounds cliché but it’s absolutely true, to this day. Q: Share with us your experience as a prosecutor and why you decided to leave. MV: I have experience as both an Assistant District Attorney and an Assistant Solicitor General, so I have prosecuted major felonies as well as misdemeanors. I feel it gives me a well-rounded approach and some additional skills I apply to my clients’ cases. I chose to leave because it was right for me at the time. I have enjoyed practicing on both sides.

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Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? MV: ALWAYS do the right thing. All the time, even when nobody is looking. It matters. Q: Which woman inspires you and why? MV: My mother is a great inspiration for me. She is a consummate professional but also a great human. I’m grateful every day for her lessons. Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today? MV: There are still so many, particularly in a profession which appears to maintain noticeable gender bias in many facets.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to purse a career as an Attorney? Q: Why did you decide to join a boutique law MV: Be strong, be determined, be honest, and firm? work hard. MV: I prefer a boutique law firm. The attention to clients is always personalized and we have a Bexley & DeLoach LLC unique approach to helping our clients. (770) 689-6006 www.bexleydeloach.com

She Barely Survived a Deadly Mountain Plane Crash That Took The Lives of 160 Passengers. Making Her Second Chance of Life Count, An Exclusive Interview With Motivational Speaker,

Mercedes Ramirez Johnson

they weren’t more careful and mindful of their responsibilities. But after months of prayer and therapy, I grew to accept it wasn’t because of bad intentions. I didn’t want to live the rest of my life as a jaded negative person; because that’s NOT the type of person I’d like to be WITH, so why would I allow myself to BECOME that? The pilots were two good men who just had a really bad day at work that day. They had friends and family that were devastated by their loss just as much as I was devastated from losing my parents. Q: When did you realize that you wanted to become a motivational speaker? MRJ: I would never have pictured myself being a “motivational speaker.” Just the title makes me cringe… it makes me think of smoke machines, thumping music, and crazed audiences willing to pay half of their life savings for some guru to tell them how to live their life. I’m a storyteller; I’m an eternal student — my favorite part of my work is researching my clients’ industries, victories, and problems, then crafting a program that catapults them to working and living with a clearer outlook better tools to succeed. In 1996, a schoolgirl scout troop invited me to share my story about my plane accident in the basement of a church, which happened just weeks after being released from the hospital. From there, my career as a storyteller blossomed. It’s inspiring to see how it’s turned into such a fulfilling career. It helps give me so much purpose.

In 1995, Mercedes Ramirez Johnson narrowly survived a commercial airplane crash where about 160 people died, including her parents. As one of only four survivors of this tragedy, she vowed that she would make her second chance at life count… and that she has – not just for herself, but also for the tens of thousands of people who have heard her story and her message. Mercedes has received national awards for her work, influence, commitment to helping others. People Magazine’s Spanish edition, People en Español, named her one of the country’s top young Hispanic up-and-comers. INROADS, Inc., an international organization dedicated to developing talented minority youth, voted her Alumni of the Year. She was also awarded Volunteer of the Year for Christ Haven for Children, a Texas-based home for neglected children. In memory of her parents, she established a scholarship for minority students at Northwest Missouri State University, where she actively served as an Executive Member of the university’s Foundation Board. Q: Every year, we’re incredibly lucky to have and celebrate our birthday. For you, it’s also an anniversary of an incredibly sad event that happened on your 21st birthday. Is there something special you do for your birthday that you can share with us? MRJ: Every year, my birthday is always bittersweet. The reason for this is that I feel a little guilty celebrating my birthday since it’s the anniversary of my parents’ death. But my birthday is also incredibly life-affirming since on that very day in 1995, I was given a second chance to live life with my heart and mind wide open. It has taught me to appreciate the beauty of life, family, friends and fulfilling my dreams, not just for myself but for my family. Q: What type of injuries did you sustain and how long was your recovery?

MRJ: I was hospitalized for nearly three months after the plane crash. Initially, the doctors in Colombia told my family I had a 2030% chance of survival due to the severity of my injuries. I broke my right femur bone, fractured my lower spine, broke quite a few ribs, and sustained massive internal injuries in my stomach, so I had to undergo many surgeries to repair the fractures, skin grafts, and do some rerouting of my intestinal tract. Q: Do you still keep in contact with your fellow survivors? MRJ: No, unfortunately, I lost track of most of the survivors. Occasionally, I see family members of Mauricio Reyes, but I’d love to get reconnected with them all. I know that everyone has accomplished success in their lives, and I consider myself privileged to be a part of such a remarkable group of people who have made the most of their life. Q: How long did it take before you felt you could fly again? MRJ: I used a baseball game in St Louis against my favorite team, the Atlanta Braves, as an excuse to board a plane just about a month and being released from the hospital. It was terrifying, but it was under an hour-long, and I knew I needed to start the process of getting over my newfound fear of flying. Every little bump and dip felt frightening, but every flight from that point forward became a little less scary. I’m glad my sister convinced me to take that first flight because the world is too beautiful of a place to not enjoy it with the people I love. Q: What was your first thought when you learned the flight crew had failed to adequately plan and execute the approach to runway? MRJ: For months, I was filled with bitterness and anger. I was trying to make sense of it all, trying to figure out what would have led to their numerous mistakes and oversights. I kept wondering why

Q: Can you share with our audience when and to whom your first speech was given? MRJ: The first time I openly talked about my plane crash to a group was the girl scout troop, but my first real speech was in Chicago at a collegiate Hispanic leadership conference. It hit close to home because I was a member of this same Hispanic leadership organization throughout my high school and collegiate years. I felt like I was in the audience watching myself. It was emotionally overwhelming, and I had to regain my composure to finish the speech through tears. After that, I realized I had to learn how to give a genuine, emotionally compelling talk while at the same time emotionally removing myself from the talk. It’s too painful not to. Q: You’ve given many speeches since that terrible accident over 25 years ago. Is there one question that you’ve been asked that is still difficult to answer?

MRJ: The first time someone asked me if I felt guilty that I survived and not everyone else really threw me back. Honestly, at first, I felt insulted because I thought that person was insinuating I could have done something to save others, which I couldn’t. I was knocked unconscious at impact and didn’t wake up in the wreckage until the following day. But instead of guilt, I feel responsible for living a life of kindness, generosity, and adventure. I feel that if I live a FULL life, that it’s a life worth being proud of. Not just for me to feel pride, but for all the people who would were denied that second chance to live out their days. Q: Tell us what the Second Chance Living concept means and how it has helped those you’ve shared it with. MRJ: God, the universe, and all the rescue/medical staff that played a role in saving my life are responsible for the second chance at life I was given. Sadly, it took losing my parents, nearly losing my own life, and living through the hell of a plane crash to make me realize that every day on this earth is a precious gift. Each day we wake up, we’ve been given a brand new second chance at life. What an incredible opportunity that is! To wake up with a clean slate and a fresh start to right your wrongs and be the truest version of yourself that day. When we value each day as a new chance, that’s when we can muster the courage and the energy needed to slay the dragons in our way and make our little slice of our worlds better by our actions, our words, and our interactions by being intentional. Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted you and your family? Have you made use of video conferencing to continue speaking? MRJ: This is going to make me sound so weird, but I LOVED being home with my sons. These past few years, I went through many changes in losing two sons that were born with a genetic terminal condition, ending my marriage of 21 years, and navigating motherhood of two teenage twin boys. So, quarantine gave me a chance to finally breathe. I had been running nonstop for so many years that this gave me a chance to focus solely on people in my inner circle. It gave me time to grieve, time to heal and celebrate the loves in my life. From March until early summer, all my speaking engagements had been canceled or indefinitely postponed. Then little by little, my clients came back with revamped conference and meeting plans, and my master bathroom has now been permanently transformed into my live virtual keynote studio. I’ll be all dolled up in a suit, full makeup, great lighting, and using all kinds of professional jargon to make myself sound smart — but my client has no idea that it’s all smoke and mirrors in front of my bathtub just a few paces away from my toilet! Although I miss interacting with my clients in person at their amazing events, it’s still a blast to play a role in their endeavors. I’m looking forward to the day where I can meet and hug my audiences again. In the meantime, my bathroom studio has been a hit which I’m grateful for! Q: Is there a lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? MRJ: Without authenticity, gratitude, and drive, there won’t be anything such as long-term success or happiness. When

She Barely Survived a Deadly Mountain Plane Crash That Took The Lives of 160 Passengers. Making Her Second Chance of Life Count, An Exclusive Interview With Motivational Speaker,

Mercedes Ramirez Johnson

where you are today? MRJ: My biggest fear after the plane crash has been losing the people I love. Sadly, my youngest set of twin boys were born with a rare genetic terminal disorder (Mucolipidosis Type 2). According to the doctors, they were given a life expectancy of 3-7 years when they were born. Wynn lived to be six years old, and Dorian lived to be ten. Those sweet little angels transformed me into a better human being. They made my two older sons more empathetic and caring. They made their father more appreciative of the little things since little victories were all we had with them. I think God gave me those two earth angels because he knew I could handle it, that I wouldn’t drown myself in all that was “wrong,” and that I’d take the time to relish all that was right. I’m so thankful the Lord entrusted me with those boys for the short time that we had them.

you are REAL, then you’re trusted; you go within yourself to fight for your dreams and experience success by being true to yourself. When you have a grateful heart, you are able to savor the milestones (big and small) along the journey and feel so much more fulfillment in the process. You can forge your own path, set your own goals, and break your own barriers when you have drive; without it, there is no direction, and you feel like the never-ending hamster in the wheel. Q: What advice would that you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace? MRJ: Don’t make yourself small for ANYONE. Not in your personal life, not in your professional life — nowhere. Don’t wait till you meet all the qualifications, have enough confidence in your own abilities to learn as you go. Speak up! Quit apologizing! Don’t ask for a seat at the table. Take it. Spend your time with people that speak words of goodness and encouragement, with people that bring out the best in you. You don’t have to use money to invest in yourself. Instead, to broaden your perspective and deepen your knowledge base, you should listen to podcasts, watch documentaries, and attend free online classes. Find a hobby of your OWN that brings you joy that doesn’t revolve around your partner or your children. Buy the shoes, the suit, or the lipstick that makes you walk with a bit more swagger when you’re about to walk into a room or situation that scares you. You’ll feel like you own the room by the time you leave, and you’ll wonder why you were ever intimidated in the first place. Q: After high school, where did you feel your career path would take you? MRJ: I majored in International Business in college, so I hoped I

would be in a fast-paced career traveling the world. My father used to work for TWA, so as a family, we used to fly around for free, so that was a big reason why I went into International Business was to incorporate my love of traveling, my drive for business, and my knowledge of foreign languages for life. Q: What was your first job? And how did it shape or impact you? My very first job was in high school when I worked for a family-owned jewelry store. My friend in high school’s parents owned the store, so I worked there as a cleaner. I was surrounded by gorgeous jewels, so my eyes are always sparkling since I inherited a love of jewelry from my parents. It taught me about receiving instruction/constructive criticism in a way that I didn’t take it personal. The first time my boss told me I didn’t clean the display cases well enough, I remember I went down to the basement of the jewelry store and bawled my eyes out since my parents used to have me do chores around the house all the time, so I always consider myself a cleaning and polishing expert. This first job also taught me that I am terrible at time management. I couldn’t handle working there and getting all my homework and studies done to the level I was accustomed to. However, I quit the job after three months. Q: If we interviewed all your clients … what is “one” common word that comes up when they describe working with you? MRJ: Real. I’ve had so many clients afterward tell me, “when you were on stage, I felt like you were talking directly to ME.” I’ve been told that they felt like I was a friend who was having a one-on-one conversation with them. There are all kinds of speakers/experts who go on stage and have a certain persona or branding that they stick to, and it feels like an incredibly awesome production, but sometimes people may think, “I wonder what they’re really like.’ Well, when people see me, they get the real me, scars, bumps, limp, and all. That’s just the truth. Q: What’s the greatest fear you’ve had to overcome to get

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance? MRJ: Work-life balance is a beautiful myth because our brains cannot do more than one thing at a time. Instead of trying to juggle it all, have it all, and do it all; I’ve learned to say no. I’ve learned to focus on one thing at a time. If I’m watching a movie with my sons, I’m going to ignore the email alerts or the phone calls, and I’m going to enjoy that movie with my boys. Suppose I’m prepping for a client’s keynote. In that case, I’m going to lock myself into my room with a sign posted on the door that says “don’t come in here unless you’re bleeding or in need of immediate medical attention” because my of pride in helping people, and I always had so much fun watching sons wouldn’t call their dad and expect him to drop a client meeting how she had this magnetism that drew people to her, made people laugh, and knew how to make people feel loved and welcomed. And to ask what’s for dinner so why would I let them do that me? my sister, Sylvia. She’s nine years older than I am, and she took on the Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that role of caretaker and comforter for me after our parents died. Amid her own grief, she took care of me, and she’s never stopped caring for you can share with our audience? MRJ: Sometimes your biggest failures or biggest sources of fear can me since. I’ll never be able to truly express how much she means to turn into the most rewarding opportunities. You can’t be scared, me. I wouldn’t be me without her. intimidated, or overwhelmed. You can FEEL scared, intimated, or overwhelmed, but don’t BE those things. You feel it, then release it Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today? and get back to the business of being badass. MRJ: Being a woman isn’t meant for the weak. I don’t need to remind Q: Can you tell our audience one of the most memorable women of the insurmountable expectations we put on ourselves to the moments in your career? mama bears of our family, the school volunteers, and community/ MRJ: The first time I spoke in front of a huge audience was social action leaders, the leaders in the workplace, and rock a swimsuit life-changing. While I was still a college student, I was asked to speak at the pool. I would still come back as a woman in my next life, just at the National Catholic Youth Conference. They were anticipating that this time, I would just come back as a woman who didn’t care 15,000 attendees. I had to go to my college speech professor and what other people feel or think of me. How freeing that would be if we asked him, “how do I craft a speech for 15,000 teenagers?” He pa- all just frolicked around being kind, doing what makes us happy, and tiently coached me through the process. The night before I gave the making our world a better place with our heads held up high. speech, I had a dream that I was in a lecture hall giving a presentation in class in school, and while I was giving the speech, I was going row by row, making eye contact with all of my classmates. When I Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to got to the 3rd row, I saw my parents sitting there smiling and watch- succeed in the workplace? ing me proudly. In my dream, I said, “Oh my God! What are you MRJ: Learn as much as you can, find a mentor, hang out with sucguys doing here!” and I wanted to run up and hug them, but they cess-minded people, and bring your full self to work. Don’t create a put their fingers over their lips in a gesture to be quiet, and they both work persona — be your true self. waved their hand to signify carry on. I could remember waking up that morning from that dream in tears, but when I hit that stage, I Q: What is your coaching philosophy for success? didn’t feel a single once of nervousness because I could feel their love MRJ: Make yourself proud every single day. and encouragement with me on that stage. Q: Which woman inspires you and why? MRJ: My paternal grandmother was an incredible woman — brave, loving, kind, tenacious in caring for her children, and humble. My mother — she was a joyous person, courageous to come to the United States without knowing a soul, and she took care of her family in Nicaragua financially until the day she died. My mother took a lot

Q: How do you know if a client is right for your service? MRJ: I work with clients that have open hearts and open minds. It’s like being in a relationship — if you meet someone that already knows it all, why would they need to hang out with you? Same with clients — all organizations have blemishes and problems they need to fix. If they are honest enough to address them, then we can roll up our sleeves and be brave enough to fix them.

Our Exclusive One-on-One Interview With, Branding Expert, Coach, Strategist, & Consultant,

Lydia Pierre A natural entrepreneur since her childhood, Lydia started out her career early. A cosmetologist by trade, she believes her journey and experience in various jobs and roles has helped her to be more diverse in her skillset to make her a better brand manager. “I went from being a licensed cosmetologist to becoming a billing specialist and office manager at a chiropractic office to planning and decorating weddings, to working in public relations at a nonprofit to becoming the director of communications at the Chamber of Commerce to working as a marketing specialist at a bank. This resulted in me have an understanding of these industries allowing me to work with clients in those spaces today as well as equipping me with a unique set of skills and understanding that you may not get from a typical marketer.” Lydia started building her reputation as a brand manager in 2011 and went by the title of Ur Beauty Liaison which focused on Beauty and Entertainment. In that capacity, Lydia branded makeup artists and hairstylist and also worked as a Media Personality while branding a high-end fashion magazine. She interviewed celebrity guests such as Actress LisaRaye McCoy, Singer Lyfe Jennings, Singer Sheila Raye Charles and daughter of Ray Charles, the legendary Huff & Gamble, among others. She has had the pleasure of working in affiliation with individuals such as NFL’s Michael Vick; Celebrity Stylist, Dwight Eubanks; and Reality star, Erica Dixon to name a few. She later expanded the business and rebranded as Pierre Branding Group so that she can serve a broader scope of clientele and industries with Ur Beauty Liaison becoming one of the five industries they serve. Her niche market is Executives, whom she counsels through the process of maintaining, improving, and upholding their reputation right where they are as they build their brand. Lydia knows a thing or two about this, being someone who has had to transition quite a few times herself while building her own brand. After seeing how doing so positioned her for success in the corporate world, she dedicated herself to not only working with Executives and Industry Professionals but also helping them turn their passion to profit.

Q: Tell us more about your business. LP: I am a branding coach and consultant who provides services aimed at empowering entrepreneurs with skills and strategies to reach new levels of leadership. I started Pierre Branding Group, LLC., also known as PBG, which is comprised of a network of industry experts who come together to deliver quality work at flexible, boutique agency prices. As the Lead Brand Manager, I’m often tasked with managing all identity aspects of a product or service, as well as overseeing advertising and marketing initiatives to ensure that they’re in line with the brand’s identity and messaging. The nature of the role requires frequent interfacing with other roles and departments including research, development, marketing, external creative agencies, and more, so it’s imperative that a brand manager is a team player and an exceptional communicator who can bridge these varied interests and create a unified message for the brand. Not only do I serve as CEO of Pierre Branding Group, but I’m also involved personally in the training and development of all our clients to ensure that every client receives the highest level of service in the industry. Q: What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned from being an entrepreneur? LP: That you cannot and should not do this by yourself. Choosing an entrepreneurial path is a very risky life choice which can lead to many life setbacks. Entrepreneurs need strong support and advisory system in order to turn their startup ideas into valuable businesses. The support of family and friends is very important for entrepreneurs and startup business owners. They are already sacrificing a lot of their personal time which can affect their relationships with the others. Being able to create community is so important. Entrepreneurs by themselves need to understand the importance of support, connections, and networking. Mentoring and leadership development in order to obtain knowledge and ideas can be a huge first step which entrepreneurs can take in order to flourish.

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Our Exclusive One-on-One Interview With, Branding Expert, Coach, Strategist, & Consultant,

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education will give the next generation a better life. Haitians are warm, friendly, and generous. Their tradition of hospitality is clear in how they treat guests. No matter what society’s conditions, Haitians celebrate life with joy, laughter, and dancing. Urban families might have three or four children, while rural families have ten or more. My father is one of ten siblings, and my mother was one of nine. The basic unit of society is the extended family. Relatives may also fill the role of godparent, which entails responsibility for a child if a parent dies. My mother passed in 2012 from cancer. Her passing is actually what triggered my move to Atlanta. I needed to get away and get a change of scenery. I didn’t have any blood related family here in Georgia when I moved but my “auntie” from Philadelphia lived here, and she took me in and helped me get acclimated.

Photographer: Dontez Akins | Stylist: Darlene Felix | Makeup: Brie “The Amazon” Location: Atlanta, GA | Branding Agency: Pierre Branding Group

Q: What are some of the key challenges in marketing and branding that most startups face? LP: Money. Being an entrepreneur has its challenges and giving up the stable job and regular paycheck is one of these challenges. Being able to afford marketing. For the typical startup, any marketing expense feels like the brink of bankruptcy. Newer companies should allocate more to marketing, to help speed up growth. But many times, they just don’t have it. It is suggested that business owners make their marketing budget a percentage of revenue, but a lot of time, they do not even know what they’re working with.

working with her and building her personal brand, we were able to position her as a CEO, Entrepreneur, Logistics Consultant, Speaker, Diversity & Inclusion Trainer, and a Subject Matter Expert when it came to Logistics & Supply Chain. Now she is sought after for speaking engagements, podcasts, interviews, partnerships and more. Seeing her success has made me so proud to be in the position to help others see the value in themselves and take it to the next level, then the level after that and the level after that. Branding is an amazing journey and to be able to go on that journey with these amazing clients, is a privilege and an honor.

Q: Can you give us an example of how you took a brand and then made it successful? LP: One of my biggest success stories is Hope White. Hope White is the CEO of HD White Logistics and the Founder of Hope White Consulting. She was referred by the Henry County Chamber of Commerce to me and when we first spoke her words were, “I don’t want to be seen as a mom & pop shop anymore”. At the time, all she had was a website that needed much improving and her drive. She was ready for change and through

Q: Tell us more about your cultural background? LP: I am a Haitian American native of Brooklyn, New York, raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and now residing in Metro Atlanta. Haitians are very proud of their culture and history. The stories of past Haitian heroes are not forgotten by today’s youth. Some claim this is because the present offers no heroes, but others believe the past gives hope for the future. Everyday life is hard for most people, so parents strive to send their children to school, though it is very expensive, trusting that an

Q: How do your cultural experiences impact the way your run your business? LP: Being Haitian has impacted the way I run my business greatly. In Haiti, the people have what we call a village mindset. Family and community support are common within Haiti. Often times, a child is raised not only by his or her immediate family but also by their village which includes extended family members and supportive members of the community. Even though I was born in the United States, this was still the case as we were very involved in our church community and had other Haitian families that lived in the neighborhood with whom we were able to somewhat continue these common practices in the United States. They became my aunties and sisters, even though we weren’t related by blood. Growing up like that influenced the way we run PBG because we do with the frame of mind that this is family. Everyone from the Team of Consultants and Creatives to the Clients and Customers...we are all family. We even incorporate the word within our messaging and in the way we make clients feel. We encourage our clients to do the same and create that culture by creating opportunities for them to work together, support each other and hang out on their own. Seeing it play out that way and how everyone interacts with one another, brings me joy like no other. It makes my heart smile. In addition, Respect and obedience are characteristics that are valued by Haitian families. Consequently, Haitian children tend to obedient and respectful. I have continued to value those characteristics to this day, and it shows in the way that I carry myself. Not to mention, it has become part of the reason that I am able to walk into any room and be able to command respect. It is because I was raised to respect myself and my family no

Lydia with Jacob Thomas and Joe Russo, co founders of RockSteadyATL, a Haitian owned fine dining restaurant in Atlanta who Lydia works with as part of her Corporate Socialite Partnership Program. Location: Atlanta, GA | Branding Agency: Pierre Branding Group

matter where I am because I am a representation of them. In the branding space, I help client realize that their brand is not only a reflection of them but of their family. It is part of their legacy, so it is important that it remains intact. Q: If there was one piece of advice that you could give to any business trying to build a brand – what would that be? LP: Whether it is by design or by default, everyone has a brand. We are constantly building a perception of who we are in the minds of those around us. This is Branding. This is why it is important to be consistent and authentic— because you are a brand. If you truly want to be successful in life, you must consider yourself a brand and act accordingly.

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Photographer: Dontez Akins | Stylist: Darlene Felix | Makeup: Brie “The Amazon” Location: Atlanta, GA | Branding Agency: Pierre Branding Group

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African American film critics. Being accepted as a member meant a lot because we get access to the team and talent behind films that mean the most to our culture.

Wycleff Jean interview at Andrew Young Leadership Awards.

Our Exclusive Interview with Influencer

Kim Ford

Kim Ford Is A Keynote Speaker, TV Host & Media Consultant. She Has Appeared On CNN As An Entertainment Correspondent Where She Shares Her Take on What’s Relevant in Film, Television, & Celebrity News. Q: After college, where did you feel your career path would take you? KF: Honestly, I wasn’t really sure. All I knew was I wanted to live in Atlanta. I knew I’d figure it out when I got there. It took a while, but I finally figured it out. Q: What was your first job? And how did it shape or impact you? KF: My jobs after college were random and all over the place. I first worked at Macy’s in the handbag department

until I locked in a “real” job after college. After Macy’s I entered the Management Trainee program at Enterprise Car Rental. Working there taught me a lot about owning a business, sales calls, and teamwork. The hours were long and sometimes I had to wash cars in my suit. I hated it back then. Now I understand the lesson was to get the job done no matter how uncomfortable I was. That’s a skill I use today. Q: Can you share with our audience some details about your role as a CNN/Headline News entertainment contributor? KF: I appear as a guest Entertainment Contributor on CNN/HLN to give my take on what is relevant regarding film and television. Typically, when there is a special segment. Q: In March 2019 you were accepted into AAFCA (African American Film Critics Association). Can you tell us what it meant to you? KF: AAFCA isn’t an award. It’s the world’s largest organization of

Q: Tell us about Jubilee Mag, how it started and where you see it going. KF: Jubilee Mag was an online mag I started in 2007 that covered faith, culture, and style. I created it because I saw a void in the industry for positive media. I built my own website and gained access to events like the BET Awards, Essence Fest and countless press junkets affiliated with NBC, CBS, Sony, Warner Bros, and many others. In March 2020, the growth of my audience led to me to leave Jubilee Mag behind and evolve from just an online magazine. My audience wanted more of me as a personal brand instead of a magazine. As a result, I launched iamkimford.com covering entertainment, personal development, and lifestyle. Q: You must keep a hectic schedule between speaking engagements and TV commitments. How do you maintain a healthy work life balance? KF: It’s all about prioritizing. The commitments my children have come first. I schedule everything else around that. My kids are older, so that makes it a lot easier. Q: What’s the greatest fear you’ve had to overcome to get where you are today? KF: Since I didn’t study media in college, I was concerned about what I didn’t know that should know. I’m in grad school now, but for many years it was a concern in the back of my mind. It’s definitely possible to do it without grad school, but it was a personal goal of mine.

NBC press dinner for ‘This Is Us’. Q: Which woman inspires you and why? KF: It’s hard to narrow it down to one woman. There’s definitely a village of women I admire for various reasons. A few are: Oprah, for obvious reasons. Myleik Teel for her entrepreneurial journey. J Lo because she’s been timeless for decades. Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today? KF: I’m actually writing a book about that right now. It’s called “It’s Never Too Late”, releasing late summer 2020. A lot of women think just because they’ve had major setbacks, it’s too late to pursue their dream life. If God called you to it, “It’s Never Too Late”. Q: What is one word of advice you can offer to young women who want to reach your level of success? KF: Do your research. Pay attention to the greats. Find your lane and dominate.

African American film critics. Being accepted as a member meant a lot because we get access to the team and talent behind films that mean the most to our culture.

Wycleff Jean interview at Andrew Young Leadership Awards.

Our Exclusive Interview with Influencer

Kim Ford

Damsel in Defense: A Brief History of Women in the Military

ince this country was founded, women have proudly served as active members in the U.S. military. From battlefield nurses to full members of the military, their active roles in the armed forces have inspired change for women across the board.

Despite the passage of the 19th Amendment, ladies were not recognized as full military members until 1948. President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act into law following the second World War. This act formally recognized women as members of the armed services.

Military contributions by females go all the way back to the Revolutionary War. Although they were not able to enlist as soldiers, women at the time still served their country as combat nurses and caregivers in camps.

Since the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act was passed, many influential females have made a career for themselves in the military. Among those incredible women is retired U.S. Army Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody.

It wasn’t until the Civil War that females began to enlist in the Army. However, women were forbidden from serving in the military. Many ladies of the day disguised themselves as men to pass through the recruiter’s station.

Dunwoody was directly commissioned into the Women’s Army Corps in 1975 following graduation from college. In 1992, she became the first woman to command a battalion during the First Gulf War. She also became the first woman to ever reach a four-star offer rank in the United States military.

During the Civil War, over 400 women enlisted as secret soldiers. One of the most famous secret soldiers of the Civil War was Pvt. Cathay Williams. Williams initially served in a support role against her will because of her status as a captured slave. It wasn’t until 1866 that she became the first black female to enlist in the U.S. Army under a male pseudonym, William Cathay. She was eventually honorably discharged in 1868 after a physician discovered her status as a female. Throughout the 19th and early 20th century, females were viewed as merely caretakers for servicemen. The Great War changed the country’s perspective on women in the military entirely. Their service helped push for the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1919, which guaranteed women the right to vote.

Another woman with an impressive military career is Jennie Marie Leavitt. Leavitt blazed a trail for women in the Air Force through a series of firsts. She was the first woman to graduate from the Air Force Weapons School and became the first woman to control the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base. Today, she is a Command Pilot with over 3,000 in the F-15E under her belt, including over 300 combat hours. Women in the military have come a long way from where they started. Today, women account for about one-fifth of the officers in the military and represent about 17% of the total armed forces. Standing on the soldiers of giants, servicewomen today are encouraging and empowering the military women of tomorrow.

Damsel in Defense: A Brief History of Women in the Military

Annika and players at the gala dinner to kick off the ANNIKA Invitational USA presented by Rolex hosted at the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Having Been Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame as One of the Greatest Winners in LPGA History, Our Exclusive Interview with Golf Legend, Annika Sorenstam Annika is often regarded as the greatest female golfer of all-time. During her 15-year, Hall-of-Fame career, she rewrote the LPGA and Ladies European Tour record books, won countless awards, and changed the way women’s golf was played, viewed and covered.

when she became the first woman in 58 years to play in a PGA TOUR event at the 2003 Colonial Invitational. Annika stepped away from professional golf after the 2008 season to focus on her family and the ANNIKA brand of businesses, which include the ANNIKA Collection of high-end women’s golf apparel and ANNIKA Course Design. In 2007, she created the ANNIKA Foundation, which provides golf opportunities at the junior, collegiate and professional levels while teaching young people the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition.

She amassed over 90 worldwide victories, including 72 on the LPGA and 10 Major Championships. Annika holds a record number of Rolex Player of the Year awards (eight) and Vare Trophies for the lowest scoring average in a season (six). As the only female to break 60 in an official event, she has been nicknamed “Ms. 59.” Perhaps most notably, Annika received worldwide media attention The Foundation annually conducts six major tourna-

ments in the United States, Sweden (2), China, Argentina and New Zealand for aspiring junior girls along with the ANNIKA Intercollegiate presented by 3M, a college tournament featuring 12 top Division I schools. It has annually enjoyed the strongest field in all of college golf since its inception. With the support of Stifel and the Haskins Commission, the Foundation created the ANNIKA Award presented by Stifel in 2014, which is given annually to the best collegiate female golfer. Her global success in golf and knowledge of business has enabled her to become the first and only female golfer to create a successful brand of businesses, as featured in Duane Knapp’s book BrandStrategy, Inc. Annika’s brand has also been featured in Brandweek, the New York Times, Fortune Magazine, SportsBusiness Journal, Success Magazine, USA Today, and Wine Spectator to name a few non-golf publications. Annika still tops the LPGA’s All Time Money List despite not competing since the 2008 season. She represented Europe as a player in eight Solheim Cups, as a vice-captain three times and captained the European team in 2017. Annika has received many accolades throughout her life. She was the recipient of the Patty Berg Award in 2003 for her contributions to women’s

golf. She was the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year from 2003-2005, and the Golf Writers Association of America Female Athlete of the Year in 1995, 1997 and from 2000-2005. In 2008, Annika joined Arnold Palmer as only the second Ambassador of the United States Golf Association. She and Jack Nicklaus were named Global Ambassadors by the International Golf Federation to help with golf ’s successful bid for inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Games. Annika won the USGA’s prestigious Bob Jones Award in 2011, which is presented annually to someone with distinct character on and off the course. In 2013, she was named the First Lady of Golf by the PGA of America. The following year the LPGA, in partnership with Rolex, created the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award. It recognizes the player who, during a current LPGA season, has the most outstanding record in all five major championships. In 2015, Annika was named the top female athlete of all-time in her home country of Sweden. In 2016 Annika received the KPMG Inspire Greatness Award from the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit advisory council, with the support of the PGA of America and the LPGA. In 2016 Annika received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the business of golf at the HSBC Golf Business Summit. She is also the

Annika and players at the gala dinner to kick off the ANNIKA Invitational USA presented by Rolex hosted at the World Golf Hall of Fame.

provide golf opportunities at the junior, collegiate and professional levels while teaching young people the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition. It has partnered with key organizations to promote healthy, active lifestyles for children. Some initiatives are SPARK, the Florida Hospital for Children in support of its Healthy 100 Kids initiative and The First Tee in development of the Nine Healthy Habits curriculum for children.

Annika and her family having fun at a photo shoot.

first female golfer and only the third female in sport to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Annika is a very popular motivational speaker and many corporate executives, CEOs and meeting planners utilize her talents to entertain important clients, reward top performing employees, and build camaraderie amongst their teams. Annika is a driven, leader with a vast network of contacts throughout the world of business, sports, and entertainment. In addition to expanding her brand and growing the game, Annika and her husband, Mike McGee, have two children, Ava (9/1/09) and Will (3/21/11). Annika represents world-class companies like 3M, AHEAD, Callaway, Cutter & Buck, Cabot Saint Lucia, Golfing World, Lexus, Mastercard and Rolex. Her Twitter handle is @ Annika59 and Instagram handle is @annikas59. For more information: www.annikafoundation.org. Q: You started playing Golf at a young age, what

inspired you to pursue it professionally? AS: As a kid, I loved all sports. I played soccer, badminton, did downhill skiing and my first love was tennis. I didn’t start playing golf until the age of 12 and was introduced to it because my parents played a lot. My sister, Charlotta and I would ride my parents’ pull carts like a horse and get ice cream at the turn. I didn’t take it seriously until the age of 16. That’s when I focused on golf, rather than tennis. Fellow Swede, Liselotte Neumann won the US Women’s Open in 1988 and that really inspired me. If she could do it from our small country, why couldn’t I? I continued to work hard and went to the University of Arizona on a golf scholarship and after two years there I decided it was time to turn professional and give it a shot. Q: For those in our audience not familiar with the Annika Foundation, tell us what kind of opportunities it provides for young women. AS: We started the ANNIKA Foundation in 2007 to

The Foundation annually conducts six major golf events for aspiring junior girls. They are the award-winning AJGA tournament, the ANNIKA Invitational presented by Rolex at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla.; the ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills, the first all-girls junior tournament in China; the ANNIKA Invitational in Europe; and the ANNIKA Cup, a team event for the top juniors in Sweden. In partnership with The R&A, the Women’s Amateur Latin America, and the ANNIKA Invitational Australasia at the famed Royal Wellington Golf Club in Wellington, New Zealand. With the support of Stifel, the Haskins Commission and Golfweek, the Foundation created the ANNIKA Award Presented By Stifel in 2014. It is given annually to the best collegiate female golfer. In concert with the award, the Foundation launched the ANNIKA Intercollegiate Presented By 3M, a college tournament featuring 12 of the top Division I schools. This tournament takes place at Royal Golf Club and has had the strongest field in all of college golf since its inception. Q: Have any of your alumnae gone on to pursue a professional career in Golf ? AS: Each year we have over 600 girls from over 50 different countries compete in our global events. We have had over 60 of our alumnae play on the LPGA Tour, and over 150 on the Symetra Tour. Q: You’ve accomplished so much as a Professional Golfer, Businesswoman, and mentor to many young women. Has it been a smooth road? AS: I think the lessons I have learned from golf certainly

apply to life. It teaches you integrity, how to overcome adversity, how to make goals and accomplish them. There are a lot of correlations. Each day brings you new challenges. Some days you get good breaks and some days bad ones. I stepped away in 2008, which in hindsight was a difficult time to start businesses. There have been ups and downs and we have learned a lot. I enjoy working with my husband, Mike on all of our businesses. We have a great team around us, and we have narrowed our focus to the foundation, the ANNIKA Collection of clothing with Cutter & Buck, and golf course design. Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? AS: My dad taught me when I was a young girl that there are no shortcuts to success. It was raining and I didn’t feel like practicing, so I called my Dad to pick me up. As we drove out of the course, we passed the driving range, and there were still kids hitting balls in the rain. My dad turned to me and said that to me. I will never forget that, and it still drives me to this day. Q: Can you tell us one of your most memorable moments in your career? AS: I have been fortunate to have a lot of very memorable events of which I’m proud. I would say shooting a 59 in 2001, playing against the men on the PGA TOUR in 2003 at Colonial, and being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace? AS: I would tell young ladies in the workforce to find their passion. Life is too short to do something you don’t love. Work hard and put in the time. Again, there are no shortcuts to success. Surround yourselves with good people and network as much as possible. Q: What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone? AS: I am a normal Mom and wife. I love to hang with our family and kids. I cook probably six nights a week and love it. I enjoy housework and chores and am constantly busy.

Annika and her family having fun at a photo shoot.

Emmy Award Winning Journalist & Best Selling Author, Leeza Gibbons, Shares Her Insights on Today’s Challenges For Caregivers & Maintaining a Positive Outlook. Photography by Caroline Greyshock & Jeff Annenberg

Q: It’s safe to say that you’re best known for your TV work on Entertainment Tonight, Leeza, and 2015’s Celebrity Apprentice. What thoughts come to mind about that body of work? LG: I’m a lucky girl. I have had a career that has been challenging, fulfilling, and fun! I studied broadcast journalism and have been on a path of wherever the stories took me ever since. After reporting in TV and radio news, I became an entertainment correspondent and anchor before the advent of social media, which allowed celebrities to break their own story. Until then, it was pretty much right what they used to say about ET, that we provided an “all-access pass” to all things Hollywood. One of my early professional dreams was to have some of Dick Clark’s abilities to host virtually anything and make audiences feel welcome. I was blessed to have met Dick, worked with him, and become his friend. Now, when I host something like The Rose Parade, I often keep his mentoring in mind. Even though I have a Ph.D. in drama avoidance, I loved being on Celebrity Apprentice! Competing on the show allowed me to use my business skills to win the grand prize and invest it in opening Leeza’s Care Connection in my South Carolina hometown. It was a dream come true to offer our free services for family caregivers in Columbia, where I grew up.

Q: Tell us how your education contributed to your success and how that path is the same or different for new journalists? LG: I was trained as a broadcast journalist. Barbara Walters was one of my big inspirations. When I began reporting at ET, I was accustomed to a reporting style that was objective; providing only a conduit through which the stories made their way to readers, listeners, and viewers. When I was hosting and producing a single topic talk show, The LEEZA show, the format required that I editorialize and offer an opinion and lead with it too often, it was liberating and allowed for the kind of passionate energy that I admired about Barbara Walters. Many storytellers take a variety of paths to get to where they want to go. I believe how you do one thing is how you do all things, so if excellence is your goal, buoyed by curiosity, then you’ll get there. Q: Did PBS’s My Generation, which addressed a more mature audience, represent a shift for you; if so, why? LG: It was a deliberate choice to address topics that were relevant to an audience that found itself at a turning point ...an audience like me. Boomers are reinventing and eager to explore all kinds of transformations. We believe that who you were yesterday is not who you have to be tomorrow, so we’re looking for the inspiration to recreate ourselves.

Leeza with her Dad looking at one of his poetry books. “Pops has written thousands of poems, so I began putting them together in books. We’re up to Volume 8, but he’s only 92, so he’s got a lot more writing to do!”

“My Generation” delivered the stories of celebrities and others who had accepted the challenge to re-boot and re-create their lives and re-write their narratives. Q What do you see that is different from interviewing styles from the period you were on the air to today? LG: Today, things are much more transparent than when I first began Viewers’ insatiable appetites to “get inside” and “lift the veil” led to more raw reporting and a genuinely authentic exchange preference.

terviewers to uncover more than “just the facts” and interview subjects to drop any facade and get real. Today, the best way to do that is to bypass a reporter and go straight to fans through social media.

From skilful politicians to creative celebrities of all kinds, intimate relationships are built on social platforms, but interviews with reputable outlets or with interviewers who have perceived gravitas can often maintain, boost, or augment them. Look at Donald Trump Twitter was more important to his victory than his political advisors and mainstream media exposure. However, There is still brokering for interviews and nego- events like the interviews with Lester Holt and tiating for access. Still, the expectation is for in- George Stepanopolis can still do damage.

“Breathe, Believe, Receive” is our mantra at Leeza’s Care Connection. This is a group of caregivers making that philosophy come to life at our Providence St Joseph Medical Center location in Burbank.

Q: You have published books about having a positive attitude and self-care, particularly for caregivers; would you remind our readers what those books are about and what they represent to you? LG: On our journeys through life, I often need to remember that our strength comes from being vulnerable. Our power comes from how we are connected. My books honour those connections; whether it’s a daughter caring for a sick parent, or a divorced woman who needs a Take 2, we can all find our strength by giving ourselves permission to change and grow.

LG: A couple of years ago, I wrote a book called FIERCE OPTIMISM and nowhere is that more relevant than when applied to our community at Leeza’s Care Connection. We help families cope with Alzheimer’s and other chronic illnesses by offering tips, resources, and coping strategies. We are a community of those who understand the journey, and we’re dedicated to making sure that no one walks alone. Caregivers have to be fierce, optimistic, and radically resilient to move forward. This past year, we all learned how to pivot and redirect, but caregivers are used to those things. They have to be.

Q: Tell us about Leeza’s Care Connection.

My mother died of Alzheimer’s disease, the

Q: Tell us about Leeza’s Care Connection.

My mother died of Alzheimer’s disease, the

same as her mom, my dear Granny. Our family struggled with the same emotions as every other; we were stressed and depressed, isolated, and sad. When you become a caregiver, you take on an enormous assault on your emotions and your immune system. You often unravel and deplete spiritually, physically, and financially. When that started happening to our family, I created what we wish we had, and that became Leeza’s Care Connection. I promised my mother I would tell the story of our struggle, and I would use it to help others. It is the most rewarding work I have ever done, and I feel blessed to be able to do it. Q: Does writing energize or exhaust you? LG: Both! I think it’s true that we often write what we need to learn. Valuing self-care and finding empowerment is a lifelong pursuit. When I write about the power of kindness or the benefits of optimism I am fortifying my commitment to those values. I have kept journals, on and off, since the ‘70s! At the tune, I was travelling quite a lot for Entertainment Tonight and interviewing the biggest names in the business. I was also young in my career, and I took notes from others about how to find balance and grace to go along with my ambition. I have discovered that writing helps us find answers (and better questions) to guide our actions. It shows us patterns and ways that we sabotage or subvert. I recently facilitated a Leeza’s Care Connection virtual course on journaling for caregivers. It was an exercise of self-awareness, self-care and gratitude for our

Proudly holding an Emmy for Best Host for the PBS show, My Generation .

gifts and our burdens. Our everyday experience provided the solace of a support group and the benefits of clarity and stress management that come from writing. Q: What was an early experience where you learned that language had power? LG: I was competing in an essay contest in high school. We were given a speech topic and an hour to prepare before delivering our speech in front of judges and attendees. The topic was “What’s Right About America”. I believe I won the competition because of my ability to appreciate and express language, which made my oration memorable. At that time, I also had

“Memories Matter. When someone you love has Alzheimer’s disease sharing those memories in scrapbooks can be very soul-satisfying”

quite a thick southern accent which was either ated that concept was evil and cruel! If we seek a distraction or an endearment! the ever-elusive middle of the see-saw, we will be bitter and disappointed. Instead of balancQ: What is your favorite childhood book? ing time, I think of investing time. As with any LG: I loved The Secret Garden - it was magical business venture, I look for dividends. For exand sad and uplifting all at once. Shel Silver- ample, if you’re a working woman (there’s a stein’s “The Giving Tree” was a favorite too, redundancy for you!), you may not always feel but it’s The Velveteen Rabbit that resonates that you have the ideal balance. Still, you’re deeply still because of its message about what providing for your family, setting an example of the value of work, and growing into the next real love is. phase of life when you may feel you have more Q: You’ve maintained a hectic, career, autonomy. You’re investing in your future, and can you share with our audience how those dividends will come due. you manage your work-life balance? LG: I gave up trying to balance! Whoever cre-

Proudly holding an Emmy for Best Host for the PBS show, My Generation .

“Memories Matter. When someone you love has Alzheimer’s disease sharing those memories in scrapbooks can be very soul-satisfying”

has done extensive research on monetary and fiscal policy from the time of the Great Depression to the present day. In 2008, she joined the Obama Administration as the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors. Professor Romer currently teaches at the University of California Berkeley Department of Economics. Thea Lee was the first woman ever to be named as the President of the Economic Policy Institute. She began her career working as a trade economist at the Institute during the 1990s and later worked with the most prominent labor organization in the country, the AFL-CIO. She earned an appointment to the Congressional United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission in December 2019. The commission was established in 2000 to oversee the details of the trade war. As a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center, a non-profit organization, she assisted with finalizing the details of the Green New Deal, proposed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Women & the World Economy

Trade is one of the significant factors that stabilize the world economy. However, some countries have been economically excluded from advances in technology, the creation of jobs, and expanding supply chains across borders. Natural disasters, climate change, and geopolitical tension among nations is a risk to emerging countries. Despite the setbacks and turmoil in many regions, there is some good news for the worldwide economy. Women around the globe are engaged in economic activity, which could increase the GDP to $28 trillion as soon as 2025. Here are some of the prominent women who affect the world economy.

Christine Lagarde is a French lawyer and politician who began serving as the President of the European Central Bank in November 2019. She previously held the positions of Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Industry, Minister of Commerce, and Minister of Agriculture and Fishing. Lagarde was the first woman to be named the Finance Minister of a GB economy. As a prominent labor and anti-trust lawyer, she was the first woman to be appointed Chair of Baker & McKenzie, a leading international law firm. In 2019, Lagarde was named by Forbes as the Second Most Powerful Woman in the World. Christina Romer is the former vice-president of the American Economic Association; She earned her Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She worked as an assistant professor at Princeton before accepting a position as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley. Romer

Dr. Stefania Paredes Fuentes is an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Warwick. Dr. Fuentes is a noted lecturer who coordinated Economic modules at undergraduate and post-graduate levels. She is involved with research in Macroeconomics and Development Economics, Institutional Economics, and Economics and Economic History of Latin America. In January 2020, Dr. Fuentes is organizing the first workshop of its kind on Economics for Women Students at the University. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez majored in economics and international relations at Boston University and graduated cum laude in 2011. Her platform includes free trade school and public college, a federal jobs guarantee, Medicare for all, and abolishing the ICE agency. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts co-sponsored the Green New Deal legislation which addresses the issue of economic inequality among different countries and groups of people, and the long-term effects of global warming.

Women & the World Economy

Ursula Evans Leading Women in the Adventure of Self-Discovery! Author & Certified Life Coach for Women Around The World “Life isn’t about wait ing for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain” Q: What made you want to write a book about self-love/care? UE: I had first-hand experience of being a doormat woman, a woman with no identity and a woman who didn’t fully love herself. Through my own personal growth, my spiritual foundation and using coaching techniques I knew I wanted to help other women who had similar debilitating issues overcome these challenges just as I had done. I want to see women free from limiting beliefs, debilitating thought patterns, self-sabotage and so much more! I wanted women to know that there is a way to combat low emotional-health and self-love is a practice which will allow women to implement each and every day. In Chapter 9 of Heart Work I share that “…real self-love/care has very little to do with “treating yourself” and a whole lot to do with parenting yourself and making choices for your long term wellness.” Q: How did your career impact the writing of your book? UE: As an Emotional Health Coach, I have an understanding what my tribe wants and needs and this is incredibly important. Most of my clients are on the go,

Ursula at a Networking Event- Panelist Speaker speaking about Heart Work Emotional Health and Self Love so they want to read content that gets straight to the point, solves real-world problems, and helps them learn new things quickly. In writing Heart Work, knowing this I keep my topics focused, and formatted my book to appeal to my target audience. As an Emotional Health Coach, I listen to my client’s aches/pain points and I wanted to use my book to address women at large who may suffer from some of the same challenges such as setting boundaries, learning more about self-validation, and learning or renewing their own self- love journey. Q: How would you describe the Heart Work process? UE: The Heart Work process begins with cleansing, discovering areas in your life that may be hindering you from loving yourself fully or simply identifying areas for growth and improvement. Time spent in the cleansing phase may bring up old wounds but this is a great phase to deal with these challenges head-on. The next phase is appreciating, where you will deal specifically with self-care, making you a priority and loving yourself from the inside out. It is necessary to appreciate yourself, reading these appreciating chapters will give the reader resources and tools to use to continue this practice long after reading Heart Work. Finally, by the end of the Heart Work process you will deal with surefire ways for you to continue your self-love journey and continuing growing even after reading Heart Work. Once, you complete the growing chapters you are armed with an arsenal of ways to keep growing and evolving. Q: Why would you say emotional health is important? UE: Emotional health is important because it is essential to living a full, and balanced life. If you do not attend to your

emotional needs, your quality of life suffers, your relationships suffer, your work suffers and your physical health also suffers. It is important to give credence to your emotional health just as you would your physical health. Emotional health is about your approach to life, and your ability to live a life of wellness. Building your emotional strength doesn’t mean that life will be easy, or perfect, or that you won’t have negative thoughts. Instead, it means being able to navigate life’s ups, and downs with confidence, and resilience, and bouncing back when things don’t go to plan. Being able to manage your emotions, thoughts, and feelings empowers you to make better decisions, and approach life with optimism. The journey to building your emotional health is one of personal growth. Q: How do you maintain your self-care/love routine and what tips do you have for others? UE: I add me to my calendar… and it’s a non-negotiable appointment with myself. One that I never cancel or “re-schedule”. It’s important to me to check in with myself and carve out space to do the things I love. The truth is if we don’t make time for self-care/love, we probably won’t find the time for it. Make self-care a non-reschedulable appointment with yourself. Schedule it in your calendar and set reminders if you need to. For example, block off 30 minutes in the morning to do yoga and 30 minutes at night to read. Tell your family or roommates what times you will be unavailable. Make it as official as possible. It can even be something as simple as planning ahead and

laying your clothes, bag, and lunch out the night before to alleviate some stress in the morning. When you plan ahead and schedule self-care/love in, it becomes easier to fit it in your days. In Chapter 9, Love on You, I encourage others to say No to the people and things that get in the way of self-care and start saying YES to yourself! Q: What’s next after Heart Work? UE: I most certainly have more than one book in me; so there will be more books of inspiration and empowerment in the future. My next immediate project is a community book project. There are many women who have dreams of becoming an Author and I want help bring their dream to reality through my anthology book project. This project will be announced August 2020 and our Signature Coaching Program will be announced in September 2020 Q: What was your first job? And how did it shape or impact you? UE: I got my first job when I was 15 years old working as a Cashier at Hardees. Working at Hardees shaped me because I learned invaluable principles about leadership, collaboration, and service. I worked for a great boss who believed in mentoring and pouring into his employees. These values have stuck with me and I’m happy to say I learned these ideologies early in life. Q: What’s the greatest fear you’ve had to overcome to get where you are today? UE: The greatest fear I had to overcome was putting myself out there. My Heart Work success and growing from the inside out required me to be vulnerable, transparent and open with my tribe. Overcoming my fear of worrying what others thought of me, my platform, or what I had to say allowed me to share my heart with women who I wanted to see be set free and liberated; walking in freedom on their emotional health and self-love journey. Q: How do you maintain a healthy work life balance? UE: Chapter 8 in Heart Work talks about Boundaries. I say, “There are times when you may have to push your limits and take on a lot for a period of time, but make sure you check in with yourself. Are you feeling run down? Do you need a break? Did you mismanage your time and overcommit when you should actually be refueling yourself? Always evaluate where you are. Give an honest gauge of your output.” Personally, Boundaries are my best friend. Boundarieees help me keep things easy + light. I do not over commit or over extend myself. I leave work when I say I’m going to leave. I exercise when I’m supposed to, and I tell friends and family No! With a smile of course. I respect my time and activities. It’s important to maintain these balances for the positive effects, including less stress, a lower risk of burnout and a greater sense of well-being. Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? UE: Focus on developing and using your strengths. Finding out what you enjoy doing and what you’re truly good at as well

as how to develop those areas is an important lesson I learned in my career. While it may take time, determining where you excel can be one of the most rewarding gifts of having a job and something you can’t learn outside the workforce. Find what you enjoy doing the most and work to develop your strength in that area. Keep in mind that no one is an overnight expert and that you’ll have to work hard to get to where you want to be. Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments in your career? UE: One of my most memorable moments in my career is a client success story. I was coaching a woman who had been suffering with self-identity and emotional health challenges. It was so rewarding and memorable to see the great strides and work she put in to make positive changes in her life. Her determination met with coaching support and accountability, she was able to see the root of her self-identity challenges and from that point on it was moving to watch her grow in areas where she was once challenged. Q: Which woman inspires you and why? UE: I’m inspired by Marshawn Evans- Daniels. She is a reinvention strategist and life coach mentoring women all over the world to live a BOLD life. She left a high powered law firm and turned her passion for people into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. I absolutely admire her and her mission. She’s proven it can be done. She is my light. Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today? UE: I hear the same thing over and over from my busy professional clients. These women are all busy with career, parenthood, marriage, and some caregivers. The resounding challenge women face is carving out time for self-care/self-love and feeling guilty when they do commit to self-care/self-love. Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace? UE: At companies where women are underrepresented, it might seem tempting to fall into the trap of competing with other women. But that misses the point. One easy way to support other women is through a mentorship relationship. A good mentor can provide career advice, counsel during stressful times, and unwavering support. And you don’t have to be a member of the C-suite to provide guidance to another female employee, either. Women should seek out mentors who are only one step ahead in their career — their advice can be invaluable since they made it to the next step in the management hierarchy fairly recently. My best advice to young women who want to succeed in the workplace is to seek out mentors with varied experience to get varied perspectives on your career. Always Stand in your Truth. What I have learned, in my humble years as a woman, is that being a strong woman means being unapologetically, fiercely and wholeheartedly YOU no matter what. Q: What self-care tips do you recommend during stressful times?

Ursula with a Group Of Women Sharing their Final Self Love Vision Board UE: When you’re stressed, self-care is often the first thing to go. Fortunately, there are several pathways to self-care, and none of them need to be difficult or take a lot of planning. I recommend starting with the following: Address unmet needs. When you can’t meet a certain need it can be exceptionally frustrating. Silently acknowledge that you’d like to satisfy this need in the future. Addressing your needs — even when they can’t be met — is a significant form of emotional self-care that can help hold you over until the storm passes. Check in with yourself. Self-care is all about listening. My biggest tip, is to sit still and pay attention. Literally, just sit for five minutes — somewhere quiet and cozy – and do a quick check-in physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually, asking what do I notice?’ What do I need?’ in each area. Ask for help. When your plate is too full, remind yourself to reach out. Precisely, ask: “Can someone else do this?” Q: When people book a coaching session with you, what can they expect? What is the recommended number of sessions to see results? UE: Coaching with me is honest and loving. The battery of questions asked WILL challenge you and equip you for success. Coaching is a powerful conversation and support system that empowers you to experience your potential more quickly, easily and joyfully. It provides accountability, a sounding

board, and a way to overcome fears or challenges. Coaching is an ongoing tool that empowers you to move from where you are now to where you want to be. Coaching focuses on where you are presently and where you are headed, with a goal of helping you gain clarity, eliminate obstacles to your success, and accelerate the pace of growth. Coaching with me is forward focused. I recommend a minimum of three months for clients to establish a coaching relationship and begin to see significant results. Q: What would you tell younger you (10 years ago? 5 years ago? Last year?) UE: Ten Years Ago: Accept yourself as God made you. I spent too many years fighting this battle and it took a long time to surrender, and by that time it carried extremely painful ramifications. How I wish I could tell the young me that it is okay to be true to yourself. Because God does not make mistakes. Five Years Ago: I would advise my younger self to just say ‘yes’ to every opportunity that comes your way. No responsibility is beneath you. These are all stops on the path to your career, and don’t be that person that just waits for their turn to talk. Listen, care and then react. Last Year: Bless others. Be a positive influence in any way you can. Even simple little supportive acts can make others — and you — much happier.

What Does it Mean to be a Successful Woman in Business?

he U.S. Census Bureau in its Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs notes that women owned 20 percent of all employer firms in 2016. The number of women who are starting their own companies in the U.S. continues to grow. These women find that entrepreneurship offers a unique opportunity to use their talents, expand their influence and increase their wealth. Although starting and maintaining a successful business is not always smooth sailing, women often find the endeavor not only suits their personalities, but also their personal goals.

Creating an Enterprise That Reflects Your Own Values

you get to determine your own level of financial success. Your ability to earn is only limited by your own efforts to maxStarting a business is often an uphill imize profits. This requires doing a sigclimb that many people never even attempt. The corporate world offers many nificant amount of research and understanding important features of your area perks and financial benefits, but you of the economy. In addition, successful must always bow to the “vision” of the corporation. For some women, this effort woman entrepreneurs know that you can can be too limiting. They may be able to never rest on past laurels. They always see other aspects of the market that need keep an eye out for new opportunities to addressing, and the chance to tackle the expand their markets, increase their customer base and refine their operations. task in your own way offers personal gratification at the highest level.

The Freedom to Manage Your Own Finances Having your own business also means

Becoming an Expert in Time Management

Women have a natural aptitude for multi-tasking, and this quality can be of

significant benefit when they are running a business. Women prioritize activities to schedule work efficiently and keep the most important aspects at the forefront of their actions. Managing a workforce well is a critical part of success in business, and women often have the “people skills” needed to maintain high efficiency and productivity.

Dealing with Harassment & Discrimination

comfortable situations. In addition, you may still feel acquiring loans, getting important contracts and maintaining your competitive edge still requires you to work harder in order to be judged as equal to a male-owned company. However, as you develop a record and reputation for success, this need to “dance backwards and in high heels” tends to diminish.

Being a woman in business offers a chance to forge your own path in your own way. Unfortunately, the downside for women continues to be frequent incidents of sexual Although the obstacles can be daunting and harassment and discrimination that may oc- often reflect institutional prejudices, being a cur at both personal and institutional levels. woman also offers a variety of natural adLearning ways to skillfully deflect unwanted vantages that can help you excel in business. attention can help you manage these un-

What Does it Mean to be a Successful Woman in Business?

Creating an Enterprise That Reflects Your Own Values

The Freedom to Manage Your Own Finances Having your own business also means

Becoming an Expert in Time Management

Women have a natural aptitude for multi-tasking, and this quality can be of

Dealing with Harassment & Discrimination

Equal Pay for Women in Sports

s the United States women’s national soccer team was making its dominating run to the 2019 Women’s World Cup title, more and more coverage was focusing on the team’s push for equal pay relative to the men’s national team. This was coupled with chants of “Equal Pay!” at its post-championship celebration in New York.

However, one important aspect of this issue is oftentimes overlooked. What causes these athletes to not receive equal pay in the first place? Although reports later surfaced that the team may already be paid roughly equal to the men’s side, they don’t address the core issue with this squad and with other women’s teams. How are these athletes and the events that they participate in being marketed? Although most would expect the percentage of the marketing pie going to women’s athletes and sports to be low, many are shocked that it’s as low as it is: 0.4%. The common argument for those criticizing this argument for equal pay for female athletes is that they don’t garner the ticket sales and

other sources of income that male players do. However, if 99.6% of the marketing budget is being focused on the men, how will prospective fans be able to learn the storylines and other aspects of the female athletes that will cause them to regularly attend matches? It should be noted that pay gaps don’t exist in all sports, but there are significant ones in team sports. The extreme ends of the spectrum tend to the equally paid tennis players and the vastly unequally paid basketball players. Fortunately, progress is being made. For example, in 2017, Norway announced that it would pay its male and female national soccer players equally. However, the amounts of money that these sets of players earn for their club teams

Equal Pay for Women in Sports

Dr. Rebecca Johnson Osei, ABPP, CEO

Dr. Chrystyl Tutt

Boutique Psychotherapy and Life Coaching www.conciergepsychology.com

Dr. Tara Pasha

Dr. Catherine Reynolds

Dr. Thomas A. Vance

Dr. Rebecca Johnson Osei, ABPP, CEO

Dr. Chrystyl Tutt

Boutique Psychotherapy and Life Coaching www.conciergepsychology.com

Dr. Tara Pasha

Dr. Catherine Reynolds

Dr. Thomas A. Vance

Hailed as One of Atlanta Metro’s Top Agents, Meet Realtor Debbie Faulkner. She Offers Unparalleled Market Expertise & Personal Service to Ensure You Make the Right Decision! MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PRODUCER INSTRUCTOR - AMERICAN REAL ESTATE UNIVERSITY INVESTOR. INVESTOR INSTRUCTOR. CONSULTANT. Q: What made you decide to have a career in Real Estate? DF: I have been part of the industry for most of my life. My dad owns and operates a concrete construction company. He’s been in business for 58 years now. His youngest sister at one point had the largest Black real estate operation in the world. That’s where I got my start and mentorship. My brothers all work in the industry indirectly. One brother owns and operates a grading and hauling company, another operates a lawn care service, and one owns a trucking company that delivers building materials to various major construction operations. Q: Can you share with our audience what Buyers & Sellers can expect when they work with you? DF: Four Things: Honesty, Integrity, Competence, and Trustworthiness. As a Realtor, this is the expectation. Purchasing a home or making an investment in real estate is huge. It’s important to be there serving my client from start, to finish and beyond. There is nothing so important than knowing my client has confidence in me and know that I have their best interest in heart. When I instruct C.E. classes to other real estate agents, I always emphasizethat we are not practicing real estate, we are professionals. That’s what I give to my clients as well, Professionalism. Q: What do you think are the ingredients that keep you as a top Realtor year afteryear? DF: My faith and perseverance. I serve my client as unto the Lord, praying for them and being led by God. I always leave an impact on past clients by giving them good and professional service. They are the ones that will refer you to others. Proverbs says: A man that has friends must show himself friendly. I am professionally friendly. I am not an agent that serves you and abandons you afterwards. I

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believe in checking on my clients and lettingthem know to reach out to me beyond the closing if they need anything. I will do all I can to help. I am willing to serve to the fullest degree possible. I am not a secret agent, and those that know me, know I enjoy what I do. I am always enrolled in classes to stay updated on changes in the industry. I am always learning! The moment you stop learning, you stop living. I am a C.E. Instructor with the American Real Estate University. I enjoy leading classes for other professionals in this industry. I am a mentor to other agents within the American Realty Professionals of GA. I know my business. When you know your business, you can talk about it, and you can execute it. People come back to you for service and they refer you to others. People look for you when they hear about you. ‘#iamaRealtoreveryday’ is my #. Q: If we interviewed all your past clients, what is “one” common word that comes up when they describe working with you? DF: Whew, that was a hard one so I asked my clients. The responses have blessed me and the words were many. Here’s the list: Hardworking, Resourceful, Helpful, Passionate, Tenacious, Knowledgeable, Awesome, Trustworthy, Dedicated, Experienced, Diligent, Obliging, Tireless, Valuable, Precise, Genuine, Honest, Professional, Phenomenal, Confident, Informative, Personal, Approachable, Dependable, Thorough, and Reliable. After receiving these responses, this makes me more humble and desiring to rise to serve in those ways everyday! Debbie Faulkner Associate Broker - License # 296481 Direct: 404.384.6519 Fax: 706.923.1187 Email: realestatewithdebbie@gmail.com

Salt n’ Sauna Wellness is a luxury wellness studio that offers complete body detox for achieving optimal health and wellness with Halotherapy (Dry Salt Therapy), Infrared Sauna Therapy, and Reflexology. Detoxing is the foundation for being healthy, staying healthy, and the key for living a longer, healthier life today, and should be a part of everyone’s health routine. Clients can enjoy their Salt in a peaceful, individual private suite, getting salted in a stateof-art, personalized salt therapy glass booth. Salt therapy is not a one-size fits all approach, each session can be fully customizable. Halotherapy is one of the oldest therapies to date, as ancient healers and philosopher’s recommended salt inhalation for the respiratory system and health problems centuries ago. A standard Salt session is 20 minutes at Salt n’ Sauna Wellness. Clients can enjoy their Sauna in a peaceful, individual private pod suite, sweating with the most effective infrared sauna heater on the market. Clinically proven that 95-99% of the energy being produced from sweating is in the therapeutic range to increase core body temperature 3° for a deep, detoxifying sweat…the active ingredient for natural healing and prevention. A standard Sweat session is 30 minutes at Salt n’ Sauna Wellness. ur bodies are wired to heal and be healthy, you just have to find a way to let it by giving O it the right tools. Salting and Sweating is the body’s safe and natural way to a healthier you by detoxing your respiratory system, detoxing your body at the cellular level, and detoxing your skin...a complete body detox inside and out!

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Female Ground Breakers in Professional Sports

Michele Roberts: National Basketball Association

Michele Roberts was ranked Numero Uno by a panel of sports insiders for the top spot on a list of “The 25 Most Powerful Women in Sports,” and for good reason. As the current executive director of the NBA Players Association, Roberts represents the interests of over 300 of the best basketball players in the world. Michele is the first woman to ever hold the position and is first woman to head a major professional sports union in the United States. A graduate of UC Berkeley Law and former trial attorney, Roberts success is an inspiration to women everywhere.

Sarah Thomas: National Football League

NFL Down Judge Sarah Thomas has made making history a habit. In 2007 she was the first ever female official to work in a major college football game. Since then Sara was the first ever female official to work a college football bowl game, the first ever full-time female official to work in the National Football League and in January of 2019 Sarah became the first ever female official to participate in an NFL playoff game. Aside from making football history, Sarah lettered five times playing high-school softball and received a basketball scholarship to the University of Mobile where she was an academic all-American.

Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird: Women’s National Basketball Association/Team USA

Legends in the making and double trouble for opposing teams, point guards Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury and Sue Bird of the Seattle Storm account for a combined eight Olympic and seven FIBA World Cup gold medals and will again team up for the 2020 Olympics. Taurasi was the first WNBA player to score 8,000 points and is the league’s all-time leader in field goals. One of the highest paid female athletes in the world, at 38 years old Sue Bird is still a backcourt phenom with ball-handling skills that rival those of any basketball player, male or female, at any level. Unless one of them breaks a leg, the 2020 gold medal should be a lock for Team USA.

Alex Morgan: Women’s Professional Soccer

Women in sports have come a long way since the inception of Title IX in 1965. In an industry that had for so long been dominated by men, women have assumed their rightful place as being able to hold their own both on the field and in the front office, even obliterating the glass ceiling in some instances. Here are just a few cases in point:

Very few players can start out at the top and stay there, but Alex Morgan has made it look easy. Soccer fans will never forget Alex Morgan’s game-winning shot in overtime that beat Canada and sent the USA Women to the gold medal match vs Japan in the 2012 London Olympic Games. Since her juggernaut debut, Alex has played professionally at home and abroad, including a stint with the French Olympique Lyonnais, where she helped the team win a French Cup and UEFA title. Most recently, in July of 2019, Morgan once again help the U.S. team win the FIFA Women’s World Cup and was awarded the Silver Boot.

Serena Williams: Professional Tennis

Ranked as Number One in the world eight different times, Serena Williams has won more combined Grand Slam tennis titles then any active player, with 39 major victories. Serena is the most recent female player to hold all four of the singles Grand Slam titles at once, is only the third player in professional tennis history to do it more than once and is also the most recent player to win a championship on hard court, grass and clay in one year. With over $28 million in earnings in 2016 and again in 2017, Williams was the only woman to make Forbes’ list of the 100 highest paid athletes. At 37 years old in 2019, Williams is ranked 8th in the world and will arguably go down in history as one of the greatest female athletes of all time.

Female Ground Breakers in Professional Sports

Michele Roberts: National Basketball Association

Sarah Thomas: National Football League

Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird: Women’s National Basketball Association/Team USA

Alex Morgan: Women’s Professional Soccer

Serena Williams: Professional Tennis

They often say that the future is female, and they’re not wrong at all. Women are beginning to truly take the world by storm. They’re covering many different sectors, too. Women are starting to become bigger forces in everything from athletics to business. If you look around, you’ll probably notice that there are more small businesses owned by women than ever before. Things are changing in rapid and meaningful ways all over the United States and globe. It doesn’t look like things are going back ever again, either.

Small Businesses and

Female Owners

Women of past decades and centuries were often kept down by societal standards. They in many cases felt as though they had no option but to lead certain types of lives. It wasn’t uncommon for women to believe that they had no option but to remain at home. The situation is totally different now, however, and without a doubt for the better. Women are rapidly discovering that they have more options than ever. It doesn’t matter if a woman wants to pursue a life as a small business owner. It doesn’t matter if she wants to go after a rewarding career as a staff member for a massive corporation, either. Women are gaining major traction in all sorts of career divisions. They’re setting fantastic examples for young girls that are part of newer generations, too.

Small Businesses and

Female Owners

Representing the Citizens of District 10 as an Established Community Leader, Meet Atlanta City Councilmember,

Andrea L. Boone Atlanta native Andrea L. Boone is serving her first term as a member of the Atlanta City Council representing the citizens of District 10. She is the daughter of the late civil rights leader Rev. Joseph E. Boone and longtime Atlanta Public Schools educator Alethea W. Boone. As the young daughter of activists, Councilmember Boone found herself immersed in the fight for social justice. She quickly acclimated to her assigned role in the Civil Rights Movement as she courageously marched alongside her father during multiple protests. The idea of service is not new to her. As Chief of Staff to the former Dean of the Atlanta City Council, C.T. Martin, she spearheaded his efforts to increase affordable housing, improve public safety and empower youth throughout District 10. She also served for over seven years as the Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services where she worked alongside and in partnership with churches, senior centers, neighborhood associations, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure elected officials never lost focus on the needs and issues faced by the citizens of Atlanta. These years of experience have given her an in-depth knowledge, expertise and first-hand understanding of the inner workings of large municipal budgets, as well as tax and fiscal policies. As a councilmember, she has assisted the Atlanta City Council and Mayor’s Office in reaching its goal of hiring 2,000 police officers and successfully balancing the city’s last two budgets without increasing taxes.

Councilmember Boone is a proven advocate who has worked to keep the Atlanta Public School Board, Atlanta City Council, and various mayoral administrations focused on prioritizing the needs of residents and neighborhoods in her district. A graduate of Frederick Douglass High School and Tuskegee University, Andrea is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Committed to her father’s legacy, she is a lifelong member of Rush Memorial Congregational Church. Q: What advice do you have for young women who want to pursue a career in politics? AB: Get involved. Make your voice heard. Whether it is at a neighborhood meeting, a zoning board hearing, a school board meeting, volunteering for a candidate or organization that is advocating for an issue you care about, join in. You will meet people who inspire you and from whom you can learn. You will gain knowledge and experience. And don’t ever compromise your integrity. Q: What is one skill you believe that women should have to facilitate a successful career in politics? AB: It’s more a group of skills that one needs. Chief among them is the ability to genuinely listen to and respect others. And then the ability to bring disparate sides of an issue together to hammer out, to work through, a solution. Crafting public policy is the art of compromise. That doesn’t mean you leave your passions and beliefs at the door. It means you go in with an open mind. Sometimes the negotiation fails because you may be asked to compromise your values or your integrity. That’s a deal-breaker.

Councilmember Boone is joined by community members attending the Financial Empowerment and Homeownership Workshop. She hosted the event in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and BB&T Bank. The workshop was free to the public and provided city residents with much needed information regarding down-payment assistance programs, closing costs, home inspections, credit readiness, and various financing options.

Q: When will women in politics become the norm? AB: We still have a very long way to go. But progress is being made. Of the fifteen members with whom I serve on the Atlanta City Council, seven are women. As well, our Council President and Mayor are women. And although numbers remain low in the Georgia General Assembly where 30 percent currently serving are women, that is up from 20 percent in 2008. In Congress, the highest number of women in our history - 127 – are seated. But that is only 24 percent of the entire Congress. The change is slow, but it is steady, growing, and inevitable. Q: Why do you think women remain underrepresented in business and politics? AB: I think women are less likely to be encouraged or recruited as a potential candidate when a position opens. That is often because men dominate the political field and pull from their own ranks when looking for candidates. As women in politics – both in front of and behind the scenes – grow in numbers and influence, you will see this continue to change. Certainly, the gains made in Congress have shown that women are viable and winning candidates.

Q: What has been your greatest achievement as a council member so far? AB: I began my first term in January 2018, and immediately sought to address pay equity in our public safety departments. We had seen pay stagnate terribly for our public safety employees. To the point where they were working two and sometimes three jobs to make ends meet. The physical and emotional toll that the jobs have on police officers and firefighters is enormous. Their life expectancy is shorter than the U.S. population at large. Working closely with our Mayor and my Council colleagues we were able to pass equitable pay and raises for the City’s police and fire employees. The passage of which has brought a marked increase in morale and, frankly, has created a safer city. Q: If there’s one wish you could be granted to change the way congress works ... what would that be? AB: The ability for both parties to work across divides. The beauty of a legislative body is that cooperation and compromise are the markers of success. Passing legislation is a negotiation that requires give and take on both sides. Congress must retreat from its debilitating partisanship and work together.

Representing the Citizens of District 10 as an Established Community Leader, Meet Atlanta City Councilmember,

Councilmember Boone rolls up her sleeves and helps bag litter during one of the many community clean-ups she hosts every year. Combating blight and its effects on Atlanta neighborhoods is a paramount priority for her. In addition, Councilmember Boone, in partnership with Atlanta’s City Solicitor’s Office and the Atlanta Police Department’s Code Enforcement Section, regularly hosts symposiums to educate residents on how to fight blight. As well, Councilmember Boone holds an annual scrap tire drive. This year over 500 illegally dumped tires were collected and transported to recycling facilities.

Councilmember Boone joins volunteers as they build raised bed vegetable gardens in Atlanta’s historic Westside neighborhood. The effort was part of a day of service sponsored by Young Generation Movement and the Lions Club.

Sunny View’s Annual Benefit Dinner, Lynn North, Chair of the Foundation

Councilmember Andrea Boone greets an Atlanta Public School parent during her annual Back 2 School Bash. Hundreds of parents struggle every year to provide the necessary school supplies for their children. To help meet this need, Councilmember Boone hosts an annual event to ensure children start the school year ready for success. In previous years, backpacks and school supplies for over 700 students have been provided.

Q: If you had the power, what one Government policy would you reverse? AB: Recently, we have seen a host of good environmental policies (e.g. the ban on dumping waste from mining into streams, tighter automotive fuel efficiency standards, regulation of ozone standards, and limits on fracking) reversed. I would like to see many of these policies brought back. I would want to reverse these reversals! Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments your career? AB: Before I ran for office, I served as the City of Atlanta’s Commissioner of Constituent Services. In that role, my staff and I solved myriad problems and challenges facing City residents. One instance, in particular, has stayed with me. The landlord of a large apartment complex made the decision to shutter and sell his property. In the process he evicted some 100 tenants all of whom were very low-income, and most of whom were elderly people with medical

issues and single mothers with small children. They were all being put on the street. My staff and I worked around the clock – literally – finding housing, healthcare, food, and other forms of assistance for the residents. We helped moms enroll their children in their new school districts and made sure refrigerators were stocked and utilities were turned on. We did not stop until every single person was re-housed and safe. It was a remarkable effort that required coordination among many different government agencies. A bureaucratic nightmare that required patience, persistence, compassion, tenacity, and creativity to solve very complicated problems. I am still in touch with many of them today. Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? AB: The importance of communication. Getting elected is the first step in your political career. In order to get things done for those who have entrusted you to represent them, you must build trust with your constituents, colleagues,

other elected officials, department heads, etc. Be reliable, responsive, and transparent. Q: Which woman inspires you and why? AB: The late Fulton County Commissioner Emma Darnell. She was a warrior, a fierce and compassionate woman who fought for the elderly, the poor, the disenfranchised. She was an advocate for people who had no voice. Sometimes she spoke by herself, but she knew she was not speaking alone. Commissioner Darnell was one of the strongest, smartest, toughest people I have ever known. She entered office when women – especially African American women – were not seen. She was a trailblazer for all who came after her. I am here because I stand on her shoulders. Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today? AB: Women still face a choice between family and

career. Women are the caretakers in families – whether for their children, grandchildren, or aging parents. As such, they often must put their careers and ambitions on hold. Men do not face these same constraints, putting women at a disadvantage for promotion/advancement. Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace? AB: Finding a mentor is extremely valuable. I have been mentored, and I have mentored many women in my professional career. Through mentoring, women support each other in many ways. You will need encouragement and support, but you also need someone who will be honest with you and push you to grow. Q: What’s your advice for women in male-dominated fields? AB: Never ever believe you are less than any man in your field. Fight for your place at the table.

longer taking others telling them that they cannot accomplish certain objectives. Women are not sitting back and settling for things. They’re standing up for themselves. They’re speaking up about the things on the planet that make them feel the most passionate. It’s happening in women across many different walks of life. It’s happening in women of many different age categorizations as well.

Women and Small Businesses of All Kinds Little girls are growing up with so many positive female role models around them. It isn’t hard to come across female small business owners in this day and age. If you visit a bakery or general dining establishment in your community, there’s a strong chance that it’s owned and operated by a hard-working woman. Women are quickly learning about all of the ins and outs that are associated with keeping businesses running smoothly. They’re figuring out the fundamentals of getting their hands-on business loans of all kinds. They’re figuring out the logistics that are part of recruiting staff members. They’re figuring out how to train their team mem-

bers. These things are only the beginning. There are many women nowadays who have bosses and who appreciate their careers. There are also many women who are having serious epiphanies. They’re realizing that they can opt to be their own bosses if they wish. They’re realizing that there are choices that go beyond being part of a company’s staff. They can make pertinent choices that relate to staffing. They can make meaningful choices that relate to getting their hands-on supplies and tools. What makes things so different for women who are keen on the concept of entrepreneurship as of late? Women are no

Women are becoming more supportive of their fellow female entrepreneurs, too. It’s not atypical to see women giving their full support to other businesses that are owned and managed by female aficionados. Sisterhood is more than alive in the United States. It’s more than alive all around the planet, too. Young girls in elementary schools are learning that sisterhood is a wonderful thing. They’re starting to make it a huge priority in their existences. Women have a lot of potential. The future may revolve around women and all their possibilities. They’re making enormous waves in all sorts of fields and industries. They’re thriving in science. They’re thriving in politics. They’re thriving in many sectors that go beyond those as well. It’s going to be fascinating to see where women will go next. Small businesses that are run by women are going to become even more ubiquitous.

Want to Advance your Career?

Find a Mentor! By Dr. Frumi Rachel Barr

Lux was a top performer. In the 20 years before I met her she was always considered a high potential employee. In her two decades in the IT department of a large financial institution she progressed slowly but steadily through the ranks. If there were a complex problem to resolve –Lux would get it done. And then she got stuck. She couldn’t understand why she was overlooked time and again to achieve a top position. The reason was simple – she never asked. Sometime being good at what you do can be what prevents you from getting ahead. Why would anyone advance Lux further when she was doing such an excellent job just where she was? And for her part, she never let anyone know that she had her eye on a very senior position. The game changer for her was the suggestion to find a Mentor. She chose the CFO of the organization who was both flattered and interested in being her guide. Within a very short time, after expressing her interest in moving up the ladder, and following her mentor’s suggested roadmap to success, she achieved her objective of being a senior V.P. And now it’s your turn. A Mentor is a wise and trusted counselor and guide. In “traditional” corporations an executive or senior person is assigned a “high potential” to assist in his or her development. A Mentor has a body of knowledge that a Mentee would like to learn. For example, in an accounting firm, information regarding technical matters and professional development are often transferred from Mentor to Mentee. There are many reasons why having a Mentor can acceler-

ate your career. Here are three for you to consider: • Guidance regarding how to navigate corporate politics. For women, it sometimes helps to have a Mentor who is also female. Your role as a Mentee is to be open to the feedback, suggestions, and critiques that are offered to you. This will maximize the effect of the support you receive. • Assistance finding connections, the “whos” who can help you get where you’d like to be more quickly. The question to ask is “who do you know who….” • And thirdly, guidance in how to improve your skills. Within the context of a mentoring relationship the Mentor assists an individual fill a particular knowledge gap by learning how to do things more effectively. In your search for a Mentor, it’s a good idea to choose someone working in the same functional area as you are, as well as someone who shares your values. Professional organizations in your field, whether they offer formal mentoring programs or not, can be excellent sources of Mentors. Test the waters by asking for advice first. Be open to sharing your concerns and fears. Mentors are most likely to invest themselves in those in whom they see a little of themselves. Don’t think that you, as a Mentee, get all the benefits from the relationship. In my experience mentoring is a rich and rewarding experience and I’ve learned more about technologies from my Mentees than I would ever have learned on my own! Having a well chosen Mentor to guide you can be a game changer in accelerating your career. Do it now! DrFrumi@Scaling4growth.com www.Scaling4Growth.com

WWW. FACEBOOK. COM/ AMERI CASWOMEN MAGAZI NE

www.kadan.org | 770-396-8997 Linda Kadan is a visionary and a trail blazer in the in-home non-medical care field. Long before Americans were retiring at a rate of 10,000 per day and prior to approximately 117 million Americans needing assistance to care for themselves, Linda started a private duty home care company – Kadan Homecare. Today, Linda’s family, including daughter Dina Kadan-White, works with her to continue the tradition of quality care. Q: What led you to start a home care company when it was a fairly new industry? LK: Before starting Kadan Homecare, I was raising my four children while also caring for children from war-torn countries while they were having surgeries in the U.S. In the early 1980s, I started a business providing nannies and housekeepers to Atlanta area families. One of my client’s had a parent with health issues and needed assistance. I offered to help and found a qualified caregiver to work in the parent’s home, relieving the caregiving burden on the client. Being able to help two generations with a single referral was extremely satisfying and I wondered if it was possible to feel this fulfilled every day, so that’s when Kadan Homecare was born.

credibly proud to have my family at my side as we continue to build a company dedicated to quality, private duty home care. Q: Why did you decide to rejoin the family business after your career initially took you elsewhere? DKW: For most of my life, I have watched our caregiving team exceed the highest standards because that’s who they are - the heart and soul of Kadan Homecare. I definitely want to continue that legacy and be a part of this caring community that makes a difference in people’s lives.

Q: How has working with your mother inspired you? DKW: You’ll never find someone more passionate Q: What sets your business apart from other about this business than Linda. She is driven to providers? provide the highest level of care for every client, LK: The Kadan difference is the intensity and obevery day, while ensuring our caregiving family is session with which we care for our clients. Today, happy. It has been gratifying to work closely alongmany of the largest providers of in home non-med- side her assisting with the oversight of day-to-day ical care in America are corporations. Kadan operations and strategic planning for the company. Homecare continues to buck that trend by being It has been her example that led me to serve on the family-owned and family-operated. I started this WellStar North Fulton Hospital Regional Health business more than 35 years ago with a desire to Board. care for families as if they were my own. I’m in-

A Conversations with

Katie Jacobs Stanton,

CMO of Color & Former Vice President of Global Media at Twitter Q: Can you share with us your experience working at the White House and State Department?

nities. I’m thrilled that the Gates Foundation has committed $170 million towards improving economic

KJS: Working in the Obama Administration was the honor of a lifetime. At the White House, I served

leverage for women worldwide. According to Melinda Gates, “when money flows into the hands of

as the Director of Citizen Participation, trying to make it easier for citizens to engage with the govern-

women who have the authority to use it, everything changes.”

ment using digital platforms like Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. At the State Department, I worked in the Office of Innovation, helping the government use 21st century tools to address 21st century challenges. For example, we organized Town Halls for the President in China where participants could Tweet and text questions (even when these tools were blocked in China).

Q: What are some strategies that can help women achieve a more prominent role in their organizations? KJS: 1. Build your own personal Board of Directors. Cultivate relationships with people you admire, seek

Q: Of the 8 countries you’ve lived in, which was your favorite and why?

out their advice and collaborate with them on projects you’re passionate about. For example, I’m a

KJS: I’ve greatly appreciated all the countries I’ve been fortunate to spend time in, but

founding partner of #Angels, which I started with five of my friends from Twitter. We share access to

I’ve always felt a strong personal connection with France. I like the way Thomas Jeffer-

deals, networks and opportunities. I also lean on entrepreneurs and execs including Tina Sharkey, Dan

son put it; “a walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty and the point of life.”

Rosensweig, Dick Costolo and Elad Gil for career and industry advice.

Q: What was your experience like working as Vice President of Global Media at Twitter? KJS: Twitter was one of the highlights of my career. When I joined, we didn’t have any employees, offices, revenues or partnerships outside of the U.S. My role was to help build our teams globally and then lead the Media team which was responsible for partnerships across government, news, sports, music, and TV. We brought the best content from each of our markets to the platform and tried to help build the most vibrant and safest digital town square. I worked with exceptional people at Twitter and I’m proud of how much we were able to achieve. Q: You were an Angel Investor for Color Genomics … what made you decide to step in as Chief Marketing Officer? KJS: There are 4 core values that help me decide on new roles:

2. Pay it forward - help women at all levels. I’m pretty sure I’m going to work for the women on my team at Color one day and am really excited about that! 3. Make sure women’s voices are heard and presences are felt. Work to ensure that they’re seated at the table and included in the conversation. 4. Have conviction in your beliefs and share them. Don’t be afraid to bring new ideas forward. 5. Be passionate about what you’re doing. Life is short. 6. Choose wisely. Look for a manager and team that help you be your best self. 7. Don’t worry about the job title - do your best work and the title and prominence will follow. Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career? KJS: My media team at Twitter had a great motto: Dream big, do big, act big. Follow these principles as a leader and you can’t go wrong.

1. Are the people smart and ethical? 2. Is this a product I would use?

Q: What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?

3. Is this an opportunity I would be proud of?

KJS: There is still plenty of gender bias in our society and structural barriers that make it difficult for

4. Can I make an impact?

women to rise to the top: lack of access to paid leave, affordable childcare, and equal pay. We’re making progress, but not fast enough. We need to keep pushing and make it easier for women to stay in

Color checked all of these boxes. Othman Laraki, our CEO and co-founder, is one of the smartest and most ethical people I’ve ever known. Cancer has hit my family, as it has so many others, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join a movement to help beat cancer and other hereditary conditions. Q: Can you share with us some of the advancements and discoveries Color Genomics has made? KJS: When you buy a car, a home or a phone, you get an owner’s manual. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with our bodies! Color is making it easier to unlock the DNA inside of us to make it easier to stay healthy. Specifically, Color has made access to medically actionable genetic testing easier and more affordable. We’re empowering people to learn their risk of hereditary conditions and use that early knowledge to take control of their healthcare and develop personalized plans to prevent illness or detect it early.

the workplace, advance quickly, and get paid fairly. Q: Can you offer advice to parents with daughters graduating from high school? KJS: Not yet! My older daughter graduates this year. Please send me advice on Twitter: @katies! Q: Tell us about your hobbies outside of work? KJS: I love Zumba with Ula Ghosheh. She’s the best instructor. I’m the worst in the class. Q: Is there an interesting fact that most people wouldn’t know about you? KJS: I wanted to be a pilot and was briefly in Air Force ROTC in college. Maybe one day I’ll finish getting my pilot’s license!

Q: What would you like to see Color Genomics accomplish in the next 5 years?

Q: How do you achieve work-life balance?

KJS: I would love to look back in 2023 to see that Color helped eliminate all hereditary conditions,

KJS: There’s no such thing as a balance - it’s more of a mashup. I try to prioritize the most important

including breast and ovarian cancers, caused by genetic mutations.

things and be present wherever I am.

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? KJS: My daughters, Ellie and Kiki. They’re passionate, fearless, strong, curious, and funny. Most importantly, they are focused on making a positive difference in the world! Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today? KJS: One of the biggest challenges for women is economic power. It’s also one of our biggest opportu-

Q: What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment thus far? KJS: I can Tweet reasonably well. :) Q: What do you enjoy most about living in the Bay Area? KJS: The Bay Area is a magical place filled with smart, optimistic people who want to make the world a better place and have the skillset to have massive positive impact at scale.

A Conversations with

Katie Jacobs Stanton,

CMO of Color & Former Vice President of Global Media at Twitter Q: Can you share with us your experience working at the White House and State Department?

nities. I’m thrilled that the Gates Foundation has committed $170 million towards improving economic

KJS: Working in the Obama Administration was the honor of a lifetime. At the White House, I served

leverage for women worldwide. According to Melinda Gates “when money flows into the hands of

as the Director of Citizen Participation, trying to make it easier for citizens to engage with the govern-

women who have the authority to use it, everything changes.”

Q: Of the 8 countries you’ve lived in, which was your favorite and why?

out their advice and collaborate with them on projects you’re passionate about. For example, I’m a

KJS: I’ve greatly appreciated all the countries I’ve been fortunate to spend time in, but

founding partner of #Angels, which I started with 5 of my friends from Twitter. We share access to

I’ve always felt a strong personal connection with France. I like the way Thomas Jeffer-

deals, networks and opportunities. I also lean on entrepreneurs and execs including Tina Sharkey, Dan

son put it; “a walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty and the point of life.”

Rosensweig, Dick Costolo and Elad Gil for career and industry advice.

3. Pay it forward - help women at all levels. I’m pretty sure I’m going to work for the women on my team at Color one day and am really excited about that! 4. Make sure women’s voices are heard and presences are felt. Work to ensure that they’re seated at the table and included in the conversation. 5. Have conviction in your beliefs and share them. Don’t be afraid to bring new ideas forward. 6. Be passionate about what you’re doing. Life is short. 7. Choose wisely. Look for a manager and team that help you be your best self. 8. Don’t worry about the job title - do your best work and the title and prominence will follow. Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career? KJS: My media team at Twitter had a great motto: Dream big, do big, act big. Follow these principles as a leader and you can’t go wrong.

1. Are the people smart and ethical? 2. Is this a product I would use?

Q: What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?

3. Is this an opportunity I would be proud of?

KJS: There is still plenty of gender bias in our society and structural barriers that make it difficult for

4. Can I make an impact?

Q: What would you like to see Color Genomics accomplish in the next 5 years?

Q: How do you achieve work-life balance?

KJS: I would love to look back in 2023 to see that Color helped eliminate all hereditary conditions,

KJS: There’s no such thing as a balance - it’s more of a mashup. I try to prioritize the most important

including breast and ovarian cancers, caused by genetic mutations.

things and be present wherever I am.

The founder of this movement is Tarana Burke, who started spreading awareness in the early 2000s. According to Burke, the phrase has a deeper meaning. First, it is a bold statement by the victim of sexual harassment. He or she is not ashamed of what has happened. That’s why they dare to speak out. Second, it acts as a solidarity mechanism for all victims of sexual harassment. They are united and will support each other through tough times.

How the Me Too Movement is Helping Women?

This is Why the Me Too Movement is So Important The best way to find a solution to a social problem is to create awareness. Social media has helped in spreading the message across. An example of a life-changing movement created on social media is the ‘Me Too’ campaign. What is the Me Too Movement? It is a platform that encourages victims of sexual harassment to share their experiences with the rest of the world. The phrase gained popularity in 2017 after Alyssa Milano encouraged people to share their stories about sexual harassment and discrimination on Twitter using the words ‘Me Too’. However, Alyssa borrowed these words from some else.

The attitudes of people towards women are changing. Thanks to the ‘Me Too’ movement, women are more respected. If a guy or another woman inappropriately talks to you, you have every right to speak up or report that person to the authorities or superiors. It is not normal for a person to talk about your body just because you are a woman. It has created a forum where women share experiences and empathize with one another. This support system has allowed most women to regain their confidence and self-esteem. As a result, there are more empowered women in society. Women feel like they belong thanks to the ‘Me Too’ movement. They no longer feel isolated and alone because of their negative experiences. These women know that they are not alone,

and they can get justice for negative treatment. Women can hold perpetrators responsible for inappropriate behavior. They can say what they have experienced, and people won’t judge them. Everyone has a right to be heard. Women feel safer in the workplace. The office is notorious for inappropriate behavior. Since the majority of workers in an organization are mostly men, women are afraid of pointing out inappropriate behavior. The good news is that things are changing. Organizations are taking sexual harassment cases more seriously. They are changing the way workers conduct themselves to protect women from inappropriate behavior. Women have the support of their families and friends thanks to the ‘Me Too’ movement. Since women are speaking out and making their family members aware of how they feel about certain situations, there is a sense of unity. For example, parents are feeling more responsible for their daughters. The ‘Me Too” movement has helped modern society progress as far as values are concerned. There is nothing too embarrassing not to talk about. As long as it affects you, it can affect the other person. Speaking out prevents the vice from spreading. It’s time to make our voices heard!

How the Me Too Movement is Helping Women?

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