Inspirational Woman Magazine - Character Edition by Inspirational Woman Magazine

A Publication of

The International Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leadership Association

Mother Teresa

Character

Character Issue Table of Contents

Mother Teresa Beth Johnston

25 ‘Contrast’ is the Key to Living the Life We Want Suzana Petrozzi

03 Letter from the Managing Editor 04 Editors 06 TheIWLA New Member List 18 Top Female Designees 32 Crossword Puzzle 44 Answers to Crossword Puzzle

28 34 37 40

Who Are You? Becky Paroz

You Don’t Impress Me Chrissy B

What A Great Character! Georgina Waterhouse

Woman, Know Thyself! Elcho Stewart

Letter from the Managing Editor Dear IWM Readers, Throughout history, women have made great contributions in all aspects of life in their times. Such contribution often came with great sacrifice, yet women have always done their best to impact the quality of life for themselves and for generations to come. It is said that ‘character’ is what you do when no-one is watching. ‘Character’ is what one willingly does with no expectation of repayment. We use words like honesty, truthfulness, integrity to sculpt how we define the character of a person. Yes, at their depths, these are big words. Beyond that, it is the purpose, the passion and the action taken in the truest sense of these words that truly reveals the character of any of us; of all of us. At TheIWLA, we speak with women from around the world who share their stories, sometimes not recognizing their own strengths, their own gifts, their own core values; their own true character. For this we again salute all of you who are part of this community and we urge you to share this edition with others. Perhaps interestingly, I remember the rise of the Feminist Movement and “the characters’ a (very!) young Western women in New York City came to be familiar with through the media. Revolutionary, activist, even social mis-fit were how those women were often tagged at that time. They were daring. They were, in the minds of some, out-spoken. Indeed, they spoke their minds, they said what they meant and the meant what they said. Revolutionary? Perhaps. Yet, as with all women of great character, they were honest, they not only spoke but acted with what they believed was moral, ethical quality. As with many persons of great character, they may not have been truly appreciated in those moments, even in their own time. Sometimes we associate the word ‘character’ as the person one is pretending to be as in the theater when one portrays a character. We applaud actors who do a great job in their role as they take on the characteristics of another. Easy? Difficult? Probably a bit of both. I dare to guess in many cases it may be less challenging than playing that role for real! It takes courage to live with character; it takes character to live with courage! It takes courage, commitment and character to do the work necessary to develop one’s authentic reputation, let alone to be remembered for having done so – often while making it look effortless – yet always worth t! Take a look at some of the notorious female characters who, one way or another, should be remembered for contributions we may have forgotten or never knew; contributions forged by other women of outstanding character… As always and with true appreciation, Beth Johnston Executive Director TheIWLA

Meet the Editors

Beth Johnston Managing EditoR

Beth Johnston is an entrepreneur of the truest kind. Known for her creative thinking in tandem with a strong mathematical mind, Beth has started and sold 3 businesses, consulted, coached and been an invited speaker at graduate-level classes and business events. As the oldest daughter in a large family, Beth says she was born in to management and learned good listening skills sitting around the dining room table. A believer that need and opportunity are a winning combination, Beth is eager to take on new solution-based projects that serve large communities and fill niches. At her core is the belief that cooperation trumps competition and that collaborative relationships are not only smart, but sensible: team-work promotes engagement, empowers and leverages oppor-

tunities for faster growth, production and output. Beth is the Founder of The International Women’s Leadership Association (TheIWLA) and currently serves as its Executive Director and continues to do motivational coaching. As the Managing Editor of Inspirational Woman Magazine (IWM), Beth sees yet another opportunity to be of service to women around the world through IWM’s thematic editorial format combined with articles featuring outstanding women of leadership. This is yet another way TheIWLA promotes ongoing communication….

for women by women about women Laura Messenger layout editor and proofreader

A writer and researcher originally from the US, Laura has lived in Geneva, Switzerland since 2001 and splits her time between Geneva and the mountains of France’s Haute Savoie. In addition to her work with Inspirational Woman, she has written on aspects

of life abroad for JetSettlers and Hello Switzerland magazines. Her interests include travel and dance. Find Laura on Twitter @lauratheexpat and LinkedIn.

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

TheIWLA proudly welcomes our newest members: Fana Abraha Evy Aburto Ruth Adams Ingrid G. Adams Kathleen Adams Patricia Adams Elizabeth Adekoje Ann Albano Debra Amaro Jahness V Ambrose Sherri Anderson Amy M. Andrade Stefanie M. Anna Paula S. Apsell Rebecca Arsham Carol L. Ater Lisa D. Atwell Paula M. Avila Virginia Avila Angela Bacarisse Evangelia Psanis Bakogiorgas Bonnie J. Ballister Monique Grissette Banks Ramona-Soto Barajas Anita F Barber Luciana P. Barbieri Patricia Baronowski Janet Batchelder Joyce Batcheller Kelly Bednar Paula Bell Barbara Bellissimo Kathleen Bender Trish Bender Linda D. Bensel-Meyers

Owner/Broker Financial Counselor Program Director Owner Educational Consultant President/Owner Assistant Director Vice President, Business Development-Travel Services Interim Director RN MDS Coordinator. RAC-CT Senior Director of Professional Services AVP of Research Vice President for Corporate Affairs & Governance Senior Executive Producer Global CADD Training Manager Project Manager Administrative Assistant Owner Laredo Community CollegeProfessor Professor AVP Manager Sr. Director Global Real Estate HR Director School Administrator Area Manager Real Estate Broker CEO Realtor Executive Nurse Advisor Senior Quality Control Laboratory Manager Owner Sr. Vice President Executive Assistant Realtor Professor/Secretary General

Nicole Bergstrom Lisa R. Bevilacqua Lois Elizabeth Bingham Cathy Bird Amanda R. Blair Rosina Blanco DeAnne R Boegli Danya M. Bogart Germaine Bomar Jacqueline Bond Laura Bonitto Ann Booth-Barbarin Booth-Barbarin

Rebecca Bouley Brenda E. Bowman Theodora Boyadjis Susan Boyea Martha J. Boykins Tanya Bradford Patsy Bradley Sally Brandon Elidrissi Lady S. Brown Judith K Brown Angel Brown Brenda Brown Katrina J. Brown Lisa M Brown Justina Bryant Connie Buchanan Betsy A Buckley Michele Budai Barbara Buie Kristie B. Burch Angela Burgett Karen M Burkhart Suzanne E. Burks Janie Burnett Natasha Busby

President Physician VP, General Counsel, Secretary and Compliance Officer Executive Director Teacher of Sp. Needs Business Manager National Corporate Communications Manager Partner Direct Service Worker Senior Communications Coordinator, Public Health Dean of Academics Sr. Counsel and Assistant Secretary Vice President of Loan Servicing and Collections Health Care Manager Principal VP Business Relationship Management Administrative Assistant VP Enterprise Solutions Broker-Salesperson President On Road Supervisor Professor Vice President/Market Manager Director of Operations Registered Nurse Contract Attorney Founder and President Procurement Analyst Founder and President Owner/Certified Movement Analyst Pastor Urologist Beauty Advisor Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Empowerment Life Coach President Owner Legal Assitant/Paralegal

Amy Butler Cindy S. Caldwell Tracey L Cantarutti Deb Carabet Margaret D. Carlson Gina Cartwright Belinda Cassettari Danita Y Caudle Rolanda D. Chambers Betty A. Chaney Nancy Chinski Martha J. Cichelli Georgette Cipolla Rosa Clay Andrea Cocco-Collins Sandra Cochran Jeanne M Coenen Brigette A. Colabella Valerie Colasanti Barbara A. Cole Bonnie Collins Jackie S Colucci Melanie Colusci Jennifer R. Conner Jane Conover Lonia Cook-Cogburn Rosa Covarrubias Raijanel S. Crockem Stephanie Crockett Ronda A Cross Tammela Crishae Crow Catherine Cuppett Ashley Cuttino Sarah Dahl MaryBeth Dailey Maryalice Daly

Executive Director Professor of Mathematics President Managing Director Executive Director Board Member Owner/ agent Assistant Principal Owner/CTC Teacher/Writer Central Specimen Receiving and Processing Coordinator co-owner Agent Commercial & Residential. Business Broker President, Owner Independent Associate R.N. Case Manager Senior TBM Sr. Analyst, Global Services HR Director of Employment and Social Services Employment Specialist Program Coordinator Benefits Advisor Certified Financial Planner Crew Manager President and CEO Owner, Chief Executive Officer Technology Director Packaging and Product Line Management Executive Director, Institutional Assessment, Planning & Effectiveness

Emergency Medical Technician Owner Minister/Counselor Director Pre-Award, Sponsored Projects Administration and Director of the Office for Proposal Enhancement Shareholder National Salon Educator VP & Relationship Develpment Officer Workforce Development Coordinator

Mary Darrah June Davis Pamela Davis Mary Day Carrie J Decker Tamonie D Denegall Carmen Diaz-Jusino Marla Dicandia Diane M. Diehl Carmen H. Dominguez Dr. Annette Mallory Donawa Laurel Dones Amy B Donnellon Susan Dosen Donna M. Douglas Janie Dowdy Dandridge Monica Drake-Love Patti Drinville Nancy S Duda Barbara DuFrain Betty Duncan Bernadette A. Dunphy Francesca M Durham Susan Dusz Theresa Edwards Karyn S. Eilber Diane Elbers-Keahey Sandy Emerson Laura Escobar Melissa Evans Romaine Evans Luna Excellence Melissa M. Feeser Keri A Ferguson Jacqueline C Fields Roxann Filaseta Mary Flick

Retired Certified Surgical Technologist Owner/CEO Coordinator Business Systems Analyst Auditor Senior Director of Program and Service Delivery Senior Vice President, Senior Partner Director Director Human Resources Assistant Dean, Office of Continuing Medical Education Owner Sr. Account Executive II Director ( retired ) Director of Operations Rev. Dr. CEO Vice President President Realtor Associate Professor of Computer Science Past Grand Matron and grand sec emeritus President Director/Founder Ohio Valley District North Division Manager Senior Vice Presidemnt Physician Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified

DVP, Supply Chain Sr. VP Principle President, Chief Executive Officer Nursing Director of National Accounts Banking Specialist Physician Director Special Assistant to the VP of Human Resources

Cornelia Flora Blanca Flores Sanchez Adrian L Foster Tawanna Francis Ginna Frantz Lauren Freedman Allison B Friedman Nicole Gaiser Donna Gallagher Sonia I Garcia Dr. Christine Georgallis Ann Marie Gilbert Ellen S. Gilbert Suzanne Gilliland Taly Glaubach Donna Gough Lisa M Grabowski Natalie Grant Tara Gray Cynthia S.L. Greene Leslie Grosshauser Cherie Guidry Yaira Gurman Michelle Habermann Linda M Hahn Lisa Hall R. Robin Hamrick Carolyn J. Hann Cecilia M. Harris Julia A. Harris Julie Harris Kathaleen Harris Rochelle Harris-Evans Barbara Hayes Delia Heck Kathryn Hernandez Wanda L. Hewlin

Distinguished Professor Manager President Life Coach ~Inspirational Speaker Chief Executive Officer, Founder Realtor Psychotherapist Senior Vice President of Recruiting Founder/CEO Charge Nurse/Staff Nurse Assistant Director of Accessibility Services Senior Accounting Manager Founder/ Director RN = Case Manager Pediatric Medical Doctor Chair & Professor Manager, Global Proposals Engineer & Social Entrepreneur Service Center Manager President, Owner Owner Owner/Lead Veterinarian Community Connector Corporate Secretary/Special Projects Realtor Business Success Coach President Lead Project Coordinator President/CEO VP Business Leader Internship Director/ CEO Founder President Emeritus IT Telecom Field Service Lead Labatory Manager Associate Professor of Environmental Science Finance Director Silver Consultant

Karen Hincks Tonya Hoch Mary Ann Hollingsworth Lori A. Holste Laurie A. Holverson Judy E. Hooper Rita Horwitz Toya Houston Rebecca Howell Alma Hoxhaj Nicole E Huber McKenzie B Hunter Sandra Hurst Niki K. Hyde Belinda Hyppolite Maggie Irvine Carvella Jackson Winifred Jackson Vicky C Jacobson Cathy L James Crystal Jaso Addie E Johnson Kathleen A Johnson Angela D. Johnson Karen Johnson lou ann jones Sharla Jones Tonya Jones-Clinton, PhD Holly Jordan Stacey A. Justus Margaret A. Kahler Jo M Kane Leslie Keib Amy Kenyon Monica Ketchum CarolLee Kidd

Senior Engineering Geologist Sr. Business Analyst Assistant Professor Executive Director Office Manager/Program Manager Manager, Human Resources Director Business Development & Operations Sr. Process Analyst Owner/Enrolled Agent Accountant General Manager Quality Assurance and Training Coordinator Author, Registered Nurse Quality Improvement Assistant VP, Student Development and Enrollment Services H.R. Manager Business Consultant/Trainer/Founder Chief Executive Officer College Librarian Director of Nursing Senior Manager - Contracts Community and Government Relations Specialist CEO/ Consultant VP, Planning & Chief of Staff Info Assurance Eng Vice President of Marketing and Development Doctor Area Coordinator Specifications Writer After School Counselor/Supervisor Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Retired Trainer Licensed Cosmetologist, Massage Therapist Director of Corporate & Organizational Partnershiips Professor Of History President

Andrea Kimberlin Janna King Jennifer L. Kinne Kollene J. Kipp Ruth A. Kjosa Maryann Klaus Wendy Kleefisch Sherri L. Knight Mary Korpi Marianne Kramer Linda Krein Lela LaCour-McNary Belle R. Landau Corina Latis Catherine Latta Lisa C Lazar Michele LeFrancois Carlene LeHenaff Mary L Lewis Marian Liang Nicole Lindsay Jessie J Lombardo Kathy J. Loshbaugh Rev. Dr. Tarasa B. Lovick Susan Loving Astrid H Lowery Ann Teresa Lubrano PhD Linda Luzier Joan Mailloux Patricia Ann Maines Kebreten F. Manaye Cristina Manfre DeBora Mapp Tamara Hesser Marcolongo Teresa C. Marhelko Carolyn Martin

Executive Assistant to President General Counsel Manager, Total Rewards & HRIS In Home Care for Seniors/Retired Client Services Manager Prpincipal Associate Owner Sergeant/Detective Newmont Mining Corporation Franchise Owner Owner Owner Executive Director M. Ed. Owner Real Estate Agent Chief Compliance Officer Regional zdirector Registered Nurse President Credentialing Coordinator Associate Director Vice President ICT Teacher, Speaker, Author Billing Specialist II Professor Emeritus Dean/Director of Education Healthcare Education & Consulting President, Chief Executive Officer Retired Professor and Chair, Department of Medicine Senior Associate Performance Consultant Owner/CEO Independent Consultant Operations Accountant

Celia E. Martinez Christine Martucci Katherine Maruri Barbara Staab May LaVerne (McConnell) Johnson Sharon McDaniel Mary T. McDermott Liz McEwan Danielle McGraw Jane McGregor Maggie McKinley Shirley J. McLaughlin Iris Meck Marta Membreno Donna O Mendez Karen K Meyer Mekeva N. Miller Vickie Jo Miller Deisire A Mills Dorothy Minter Geraldina Montanez Wendy J. Moran Stacie Morfe Kathi L. Morgan Chelsea Moyers Deanne Murphy Toni Anne Nagin Beulah Neveu Joanna Newsome-Gonzales Linda Neyman Megan Noble Laurie B Nordquist Mary Lou O Keefe Christine Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Lisa J Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hayre Linet Obura

Principal Operations and Quality Assurance Manager Senior Vice President, Client Services & Solutions Hearing Specialist/ Audioprosthologist President/Curator CEO and President Special Education Coordinator President Escrow Officer Realtor Senior Associate Director of Athletics Realtor President Business Operations Manager Clinical LPN/ICC Author Owner Sales/Office Manager/Internet Sales Sonar Technician Author, Realtor Production Manager Vice President Real Estate Agent Knowledge Management Leader Supply Chain Analyst Training and Project Manager Assistant Director, Refund Processing & Compliance Owner, Publisher, Author, Poet CEO/Owner Regional Operations Coordinator Partner EVP Adminstrative Coordinator Director, Human Capital Consulting Intake Supervisor Senior Accountant

Cathy Oerter Patricia Ottati Sylvie Ouellette Frances Ozur Cole Wendy M Pagaduan Tracy L. Palmer Betty M. Park Priscilla L. Parker Jennifer A Parks Lynn Patterson {Sarah} Pamela Paul Pierina Pena Tracey Penny Cynthia A Perkins Susan Donna McMillion Perkins

Natalie Perrone, ABR, SRS Rachel Grace Perry Amy Peytons Sonja R. Pfab Christy E. Phillips Marie A Piazza Ginelle Pidwerbesky Wanda M. Pierre Gabriele Pietz-Vogel Rachel Plecas Ruth Polivka Elena Polukhin Rona M Popal Laurie Popovich Christine Pratt Debra A. Prestage Kimberly (Kim) A Purdy Lauren T. Rabinovic Patricia Ranch Nicoletti Rasizzi Deborah Rauch

Chair/CEO Relocation Director Sr Puchasing Agent Owner/Principal Designer Founder Owner CEO ASN, RN, RN-BC Professor Emerita Owner Diveristy & Inclusion Senior Advisor CEO Vocational Instructor Owner VP Finance and Admin Realtor Graphic Designer Owner Owner NNP Charter Representative Area Business Manager Executive Office Administrator Executive Assistant to the President & Advisory Board Support Manager

Owner Regional Sales Manager Medical Director Executive Director Broker Associate Partner VP, Assistant Controller Co-Owner Teva Pharmaceuticals Continuous Improvement Manager CEO Director of Culture & People Development

Karen L. Reffner Evelyn Pettie Reid Phyllis T. Reid Katherine Reiter Barbara Rembiesa Regina V Reyes Christina Ricci Aida Riley Lisa Roberson Danielle Robertson Alissa Robinson Catherine Rocheleau Cherie L. Roeth Elizabeth Rosso Betsy Rothley Julia L. Samples Andrea Sanchez Leidy Sanchez Sumali Sanyal Joyce Scheinman Rhonda Schenk Linda Schreiber Astrid B. Schreuder, PhDD Tricia M. Schweiss Kelly Scully Margaret Shaklee Terry Sharpe Pamela A. Shaw Karen M Shearly Karen Sheldon Michele E. Sifakis Jenny Sim Hazel Beatrice Simmons Melissa A Simon Sara Siso Diana Smith

Partner Author Owner, CEO Regional Trade Compliance Manager CEO/President Director Wholesale Planning President Account Manager Teacher Assistant Catering Manager Soldier Founder & CEO Library Director Systems Services and Support Analyst EVP, Client Relations First grade teacher and Math Leader Certified Medical Assistant/Medical Secretary Family Nurse Practitioner EVP, COO, Portfolio Manager President Executive Assistant Owner Senior Analyst/Research Engineer Vice President Marketing Owner/President Chair-Elect Physician Owner/Director TEKsystems Corporate Director,Global Sales Realtor Vice President, Global Sourcing Administrator Vice Chair and Professor Raw Plant Based Healer R.N. Educator

Tiffiney Smith Burge Smith-Lyons Gayle Spulniak Minakshi Srivastara Dagmar El. Stark-Bastin Amanda G Steele Angela Sternreich Georgia M. Stovall Nina Strachimirova Kelley Stuck Catherine J. Sturtevant Liliana Suarez Karen J. Sullivan Linda F Sverdrup Aimee Symington Robin M. Tackett Donna Tamburo-Wilson Linda Taylor Carolyn A. Taylor Jacki C Taylor Vivian Teel Mary Terzian Marie Thomas Foster Carla Tomaszewski Camille Tomlin Rosalind Y. Tompkins Tiffany Toussaint Catherine Trani Lauren E. Trapp Brandy Tressler Laura Troyer Pat Tudor Catherine Tukes Jana Tzinberg Susan Uchitelle Carmen Enid Velez

CSR CEO Owner Vice President Managing Director Speech Language Pathologist Assistant Presenter Clinical Strategist Principal VP Human Resources Manager LA Portfolio Manager at Hewlett-Packard Financial Services Owner Deputy Director, Process Improvement and Integration CEO Owner President/CEO Academic Dean/Dean of Nursing Lead Programmer/Analyst Executive Director Account Manager Author, Writer, Blogger, Poet Artistic Director President, Art Director Professor President Founder/CEO Senior Manager Global Delivery Project Manager Regional Director Patient Care Consultant Senior Engineer, Project Manager Life Coach/Owner Owner Former Board Member And Initiator Of All The Schools Deputy General Manager

Orna Wachtel Charlene C. Walker Barbara J. Wallace Cheryl Ward Hazel Washington Deborah Y Watford Gwendolyn Watkins-Jones Mary Elaine Weber Maryanne Weeks Carmella Wehrle Linda Weingust Marilyn Weishaar Gwendolyn Wells-Hill Sabrina D. Whiteman Andrea Williams Dana Williams Rhonda S. Williams Morgan Williford Robin F. Winsett Nicole M Wise Courtney F. Witherell Deborah S Woodward Roxie Wright Linda Kay Wuelling Lynn S. Yaeger Cindy Young Donna L Zekonis Cathy Lynn Zorilo

CEO House Supervisor Vice President Security Officer Chief Executive Officer, Behavioral Agent President Yeshuaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Second Chance Foundation Retired Director of I.T. Systems Sr. Marketing Manager, Strategic Accounts Owner Senior International Tax Accountant Owner Longshorwoman, Crane Operator Site Director Administrator Proprietor President Vice President HIE Consultant Comal ISD Quality Manager Owner/President Office Manager Cancer Center Manager Assistant Vice President Nurse Practitioner ARNP

TheIWLA is proud to announce the following members as among Top Female Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneursâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; representing continued excellence in their area of expertise.

Dr. Delrita Abercrombie Lisa Adams Eva Dolorosa Adolfo Sandy Albanese Martine Altieri Kathie Anderson Beverly Aplikowski Rose Ayres Sarah Bailey Daphne Bain Janice Baylis Dorothy Bernal Pyatok Sara Blackburn Jeanne Blevins Connie Brennan Anne Brent Kanesha Brown Judith Budd Tracy Ann Campbell Dr. Lynne Celli Bernadette Charles Kathleen Conforti-Caldwell Patricia Corbett Nannette Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Imperio Stacy Deere-Strole Maryanne Doherty

Medical Psychologist-Field of Psychiatry Operations Manager Educator Realtor,Broker Associate,GRI Physician Assistant School Social Worker Chief Executive Officer, President RN, CCRN Vice President Paralegal II Retired Educator Educator First Mortgage Operations Manager Faculty President, Owner Receptionist/Administrative Assistant Architect Associate Publisher Founder, Chief Executive Officer Associate Dean of Graduate Education Physical Education Teacher Executive Territory Manager Social Worker Instructor in Computer Science Architect, Owner Interim Chair of the Department of Elementary Education

Linda Dunbar Patricia Dykstra Lamiaa Elfassi Judith Flandreau Dievendorf Debbie Floyd Susan Francis Miranda Franks Stephanie Gainous Susan Ganz Marieliz Garcia-Lopez de Victoria

Annette Gibbs Rashara Givhan Darlene Haist Judy Harsch Shana Haughton Christine Herrington Diane Hollenbach Elizabeth Honig Juliet Howland Marsha Jackson Mary Ann Jesse Linda Johnson Kimberly Johnson Daisy Jones-Brown Carol Kessler Valerie Keyes Elizabeth Keyloun Stephanie King Bonnie King-Rose Ann Krause-Hanson Barb Kunkel Tatania Kurbatov

Investment Director President Assistant Professor Owner, Chief Executive Officer SIS/Student RecordDirector Community Activist/Artist Attorney Sr. Human Resources Generalist Financial Navigator Chemical Application Advisor Vice President, North American Work Health Strategies Technical Lead Sales Leader Group Leader Owner Partner Owner Director Private Tutor Owner Enrolled Agent Program Manager General Agent/President Owner Acupuncturist, scientist Government Sales Associate Communication Coach Financial Services VP of Strategic Marketing, Innovation and Effectiveness President Founding President

Shelia Lamb Sharon Langham Linda Larabee Evie Lindberg IrisJane Lubas Susan Malpiedi Irene Manning Katy Marier Deborah Martinez Debbie McCloskey Neena Mehta Leslie Merklin-Barber Julia Miele Lydia Migus Cheryl Moore Rana Moufti Marium Murad Katherine Myers Peggy Nairn Linda Neilson Elaine Ninberg Margaret Njuguna Cheryl Noti Andrea Nouryeh Josephine Pallard Jeanne Pincha-Tulley Annmarie Pinkham Kathi Pletzke Diane Pomerance Mary Praitano Marjean Purinton Daveda Quinn

Owner Owner/Trainer Vice President of Asset Management Associate Professor Founder Legal Nurse Consultant Clinical Liaison Major Capital Projects (RN) Executive Director Co-Principal Senior Sales Consultant Chief Nursing Officer Diabetes Program Coordinator Executive Director Executive Director Controller Pension & Benefits Manager Founder, Medical Doctor, Nutritionist, Yoga Teacher Assistant Technology Specialist Chief Operating Officer Attorney Real Estate Sales Representative CEO/Partner Professor Emerita Education Program Director Forest Fire chief Director of Corporate Appeals Director of Transparency Technology Owner Chaplain Professor of English Supervisor of Industrial Pre-Treatment Program, Chemist

Leonor Ramiscal Vernetta Rascoe Sallie Robinson Marti Rodamaker Rebecca (Becky) Roe Ella Ruggles Amy Sampsell Christine Schairer Yvonne Schmitt Linda Schultz Jennifer Seate Hazel Showell Julia Siffrin Amy Slonaker Jennifer Smith Dawn Solomon Virginia St. Hilaire Anne Stiles Laurie Sullivan-Sakaeda Alka Swarup Linda Thompson Paula Villabonna Jillian Warner Carol Weber Barbara Westergaard Jennifer Whiteaker-Hevelone Jamila Williams Barbara Williams Hardy Jane Wingate Josephine Ann Zanghi Mandy Zellmer

Med Lab Scientist EHS Manager Lead Teacher CEO Program Director/Co-Founder Video Technology Program Coordinator Owner Professional Services Specialist Owner Realtor, Broker Partner Owner Plumber Oncology Service Line Clinical Manager Senior Manager Sr SAP Business Process Analyst Case Manager Professor, Director Director Chief Executive Officer Published author President, Founder Adjunct Faculty Sr. Engineering Project Team Leader Writer, Editor Executive Director Travel Club Membership Specialist Director, Diversity & Inclusion Owner/EVP Retired Clerk Vice President of Human Resources

On the Cover

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

Mother Teresa August 29, 1910 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; September 5, 1997

Mother Teresa founded a congregation of women dedicated to helping the poorest and the sickest. Less well known as an educator, Mother Teresa taught geography and history to young girls believing that education was their way out of poverty. Recipient of the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, Mother Teresa stands out as one of the greatest humanitarians of the 20th century. She combined unwavering empathy and a deep commitment to her cause with incredible organizational and managerial skills that allowed her to grow a global organization of dedicated persons to help impoverished people around the world.

Character

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

Character

‘Contrast’ is the Key to Living the Life We Want S u z a n a Pe t r o z z i

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves questioning the very essence of it. We wonder what life is really about and whether we are on track with what we are meant to be doing. If you find yourself feeling a little dismal about your own life, you’re on the right track. It’s not so much whether we question life and what we experience throughout our lives that can lead to problems. What’s more important is what we do

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

with what happens in our lives. When they experience contrast between the lives they want and the ones they are living, people gripe, judge, panic, and revert to reactive, sabotaging patterns of behavior. They judge their lives as bad, not good enough, or somehow wrong. And it’s this reactive behavior that ultimately prevents people from moving on and living better lives.

questions: “Is this what you want in life? If this is not what you want, then what do you want?” She needed some refocusing when it came to this question because she was so used to focusing on things not working out. When I started to ask future-focused questions, she started to see possibility and started implementing small steps to pave a way for a new life.

I remember a client I worked with who came to see me because she was at the end of her tether in her corporate job. She was overtired, stressed, and anxious about most things. She wasn’t very trusting of people. She had gotten herself in a big rut and hit rock bottom. In fact, in most sessions she came in feeling disgruntled and was ready to pick something apart. She was focused on what was wrong in her life and found it hard to see the horizon.

Instead of believing, “This is too hard,” “people can’t be trusted,” “I don’t deserve success,” or “It’s other people’s fault,” she started to hone in on the life that she really wanted. She realized she played a big part in maintaining an unhappy life by hanging onto sabotaging beliefs that had reached their use-by-date. In place of those beliefs she found her truth: “I am capable,”“I am strong,” and “I want to make a difference.”

And yet, the contrast she was experiencing was an opportunity to check in with her and ask these

We need to remind ourselves to use contrast between what believe we have and don’t have as an opportunity to evolve and

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

prosper by asking the following six questions: 1. Am I living my ideal life? 2. If not, why not? List reasons. 3. What kind of life do I want to live instead? 4. Why do I want to live this life? Why would this be important to me? 5. What beliefs do I need to let go of in order to start living my preferred life? 6. What’s one thing I can do right now to implement this change? Instead of getting caught up in doubt, anxiety, frustration, or even despair, use intense emotions as a reminder that you need to check in with what is important to you and take small steps every day to help you live life around your needs, wants, and dreams. Don’t settle for anything less!

Suzana (Suzi) Petrozzi is a wellness psychologist, sought after speaker, and an expert in the field of wellness psychology and human potential. Her true passion is empowering women to reconnect to their presence, power, and purpose so they can take on the bigger picture in life. Her dedication to personal development inspires her to keep growing and living a more fulfilling and prosperous life. You can learn more about Suzi at www.suzipetrozzi.com

Character

Who Are You? Becky Paroz

Do you have a funny bone, a magic touch or a stiff upper lip? Do you plot and plan the details of the upcoming family trip? Are you the one all turn to when the chips are down and played? Are you the one cleaning up the mess because no one else has stayed? When your friends describe you, the person that they know Are you the one that they say is always on the go? Are you the quiet achiever or the big production coordinator Or are you the one that says â&#x20AC;&#x153;for sure but I will get to it much later!â&#x20AC;? Do you have a large locked safe packed with secrets rare? Are you the one that gets told the things that others dare? Are you the encouragement; the forever available cheerleader? Or are you the one that cooks for the all, the favorite, the feeder?

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

Is it staunchness or resilience that gives you the will to continue;

And believe that if you don’t believe there awaits a lifetime infernal?

Is lovable and generous traits that bring you a devoted retinue?

Do these things make you whole or are they just small parts?

Do you laugh and others follow no matter where you roam,

Does being able to read science make you bad at arts?

Or are you the one that people love to visit and stay, cozy in your home?

Do the things we want and what we do make the sum of us

Can you be counted on no matter what the state

Or is everything preordained and nothing worth the fuss?

The one that always maintains the steady, slow heart rate;

What drives us on and makes us develop in spirit and in power

The one who takes charge and make what needs to happen occur

What makes a person over another wish to tower?

The organized and the strategic wit to whom others do defer?

What creates the hate, the lack of care, the disdain that some might show

Are you the trustworthy friend no matter what you are told?

When others choose, no matter what, to use what happens to grow?

Are you the one to always be dared, take the action so bold?

What is it called, this elusive thing that I seek, now to grasp

The one who leaps off edges and plummets through time and space;

It seems quite hard to hold; and my skin it seems to rasp

The one who loves to run quite fast through this human race?

I cannot quite outline it clearly and I think it’s that way for a reason

Do you like the quiet and ponder over life and mysteries inherent?

For if you forget how hard it was to win, you might get lazy after a season

Or is the concept of science too vast, complex; to learn it’s a deterrent?

For character comes, as all things do, from life and having lived it

Do you prefer to have simple faith and trust in something external;

From fully engaging with our surrounds and refusing to be diffident

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

From seeking to learn and applying judgments sound

The idea, the mind-worm, the never give up concept that awakes and gains in traction

And remember that we all walk on this earth with our feet upon the ground

The part to play in the game of life that you pick or that chooses you

That “made of steel” and “tough as nails” come after the fire that burns

The point you get to when life hits and you don’t know what to do

And sometimes in the grip of this we forget the world still turns

That’s the time you draw deep breaths and focus on the game

We buckle up, we soldier on, we strap in, oh! and we lean

The situation that you face that you must needs to tame

The end of the process started, it can never truly be seen

It’s what you do when all else is gone and the rest has faded away

But try we do and move on we must as that’s called maturation

It is the gaze that you align on the goal so very far away

But holding on and paying attention for the entire duration

Your character is all you have when your goods and chattels are gone

That’s what we use and what we define as the thing that makes us who we are

When family and friends have left and you wander alone, forlorn

That core inside that we use to describe ourselves, our unique character!

Your character, the choices you make, the only thing you can own

The live for the moment – can’t wait for the rush – I don’t want to be here – reaction

The final say is who you were and what you did when that final trumpet is blown

Becky Paroz is known for her use of humor to challenge everything. She is motivated to pass on her lessons learned to assist and educate the next generation of leaders to become high achievers like herself. She challenges herself racing cars, learning stand up comedy, and studying quantum physics in her free time. She is now published around the world in several books she has co-authored and is releasing two of her own books this year. Becky just released her Facebook page – The Words of Bek. Connect there with her personally to find out she just keeps swimming!

Character

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

Teamwork and Leadership Skills

Across

Down

A person who takes responsibility for moving the team forward 5 Receiving positive feedback gives you 6 This is a democratic process in which decisions are made 7 Involves working with others to achive a common gole 9 A solution that's not totally satisfying to anyone, but that everyone can live with 10 A person who asks questions

1 This person helps the team deal with conflicts 3 A variety of skills that various team members bring to a project 4 A agreement by the entire group 8 This person sets an example for others

11 Someone who assigns tasks to other team members 12 Members can encourage one another 13 Projects can be completed in less time when people work together 14 A person who has creative ideas

Answers on page 44

Character

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

You don’t impress me Christoulla Boodram

What makes us stand out? Our talents? Our achievements? Our lifestyle? These things can certainly be noticeable but alone won’t ever cause me to admire someone. Working in the TV industry, I’ve come across some unscrupulous characters who are only interested in one thing - themselves. I have no problem with people being ambitious and building a good life for themselves. What I do have a problem with is the way some people go about it. Here are some examples:

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Lying

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Walking over others

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Making others look bad to make themselves look better

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Using people

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Pretending to care

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Not keeping promises...

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

…These are just a few elements of someone with a bad character. As soon as I detect any of these things, I distance myself. I don’t want to work or be associated with anyone with these character traits. True success for me is when a person achieves things without using any of the methods I described. Do I expect perfection? Of course not, but what I do expect is integrity. I admire people who stay true to their values and beliefs and uphold morals and principles, no matter the circumstances or outside pressure, who think about others and not just about themselves, who are honest, and keep their promises. It’s not easy and you are not always popular, but eventually, it’s your integrity and good character that make you shine.

“Our character is defined by what we do when we think no one is looking.”

I remember once interviewing on my TV show a super successful entrepreneur who was sharing some of his secrets to making it big. He told me of a business deal that would have generated a very large amount of money for him. To most people, it was a no-brainer, but for him, there was a problem. It involved something that went against his principles and values. I really admired his honestly when he said he was very tempted, but he turned the offer down. Has this affected his success? Not in the slightest, because he is admired for who he is and not just for what he has achieved. He can enjoy all his success without the guilty conscience. Remember, just like someone once quoted: “Our character is defined by what we do when we think no one is looking.”

Chrissy B is the TV presenter of the Chrissy B Show, a talk show whose underlying theme is to bring people happiness within themselves, their careers, health and relationships. www.chrissybshow.tv.

Character

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

What a great character! G e o r g i n a Wa t e r h o u s e

You may already know this, but I am a real sucker for quotes – my Instagram and Pinterest accounts validate that. Photographer Yousuf Karsh has said that “Character, like a photograph, develops in darkness,” and this really struck a chord with me. I took a moment to reflect on my life and career so far. I can recall and relish the uplifting moments I’ve had (which is wonderful, of course!). However, I am in no doubt that it has been the more difficult times that have shaped and molded my character.

So what is character? According to many dictionaries I delved into, it is “the particular combination of qualities in a person or place that makes them different from others.” This must be just another word for personality, right? Wrong! Character traits, as opposed to personality traits, are based on beliefs, which are very hard to change. In addition, it seems that personality is easier to assess in other people. I might meet you and think you are energetic, confident and hardworking. Your character, however, will be much harder to figure out. I

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

would need to get to know you better and understand your views and reactions to things and situations. Why does this matter? I am writing this article shortly after International Women’s Day, and I think character is key for our daily lives. We need to know what kind of people we surround ourselves with and who we work with on a daily basis. I think it is especially important for entrepreneurs looking for business partners, collaborators, and investors. While someone’s personality may fit yours, it doesn’t necessarily mean his or her character does. So how do you assess if someone has a good character? Short of asking for references left, right, and center, the secret is to reserve judgment and take your time. Ask yourself these questions:

Do they frequently fly off the handle? If so, there are some underlying issues they need to address.

Are they kind? Time for yet another quote. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.”

Can they hold their hands up? By this I mean the following: Are they honest and admit their mistakes?

Do they listen to others? I mean really listen? And when they do talk – is it all about them and boasting about their own achievements?

Being a good judge of character isn’t as easy as it may first seem, but remember that character, just like happiness, integrity, and respect, is just one of those things money can’t buy.

Georgina Waterhouse is a British writer living in Italy following a six-year stint in Zurich, Switzerland. She is the founder of The W Agency (the-w-agency.ch) – a communications and copywriting agency working with retail, finance, and sports brands to develop content, taglines, and advertising campaigns. When not writing, she is furiously pondering what she needs to write while sipping tea and eating way too much Italian food. Her favorite quote about passion is from Eve Sawyer (author and writer): “Never underestimate the power of passion.”

Character

COMMON C€NTS

Woman, know thyself! Elcho Stewart

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

There is a well-known story about a frog and a scorpion that wanted to cross to the other side of a river. The scorpion proposed to hop on the frog’s back for the swim across and promised the frog, emphatically, that it would not sting it on the journey. Alas! It broke its promise. When asked why by the wounded and dying frog, the scorpion simply said that it was his nature. Our financial character generally aligns with our nature – who we are. Whether we are saving or investing, spending or borrowing, our relationship with money is revealed in the behavior we exhibit, which will include honesty with ourselves and others and the willingness to seek advice and act on it, as well as proper planning.

Spending: “Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like” (Will Rogers). Most people go back and forth across the line of spending more than they earn with the hope that it all balances out in the end. When overspending or impulse spending become a habit, however, our physical and psychological as well as our financial health get compromised. Our value system, self-control, entitlement, and in some instances, even our mental health then come under scrutiny. Borrowing: “Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you want more: Your money or your friend.” One of the foundations of sound financial security planning is to eliminate or control debt. However, even the most averse to borrowing find it difficult to live without debt nowadays. For starters, there can be lost savings opportunities when one does not have a credit card, since many retailers offer rewards or discounts if their credit card is used for purchases. Also, some online purchases, such as hotel booking and car rental, can only

be paid for with credit cards. Lastly, big-ticket items like houses or cars are rarely purchased without mortgages and credit. Character comes into play with how we plan and acquire our debts and how we view our obligation to pay our debts in a timely manner without ruining our relationships and our credit score. Investing: “Lose money for your character, but don’t lose character for money” (Zainab Shahzadi). Each of us has an investment profile that, when assessed properly, indicates our investment tolerance level, ranging from aggressive to conservative with different combinations of each in between. It is always a curiosity when wealthy investors, especially, are caught with their “hands in the till.” In passing judgment, some people accuse them of having a superiority complex, a sense of entitlement, or plain greed. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding their behavior, it usually comes down to a lack of honesty, trust, and integrity. In other words, their financial dealings are intrinsically linked to their personal being; therefore, they lack “good” character.

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

Saving: “Do not save what is left after spending but spend what is left after saving” (Warren Buffett). Although most people can agree that it is important to save, we hardly give a thought to the character-building benefits of having savings, which include the following: •

Savings reduce stress when you are sick

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Savings help you to make informed (vs. impulsive) purchasing decisions

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Savings allow you to be philanthropic with family and community

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Savings allow you to not worry about securing the basic necessities of life

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Savings allow you to be ready to take advantage of opportunities when they arise

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Savings give a sense of independence and overall good sense of wellbeing

To continue a character-building exercise toward financial integrity, take these measures if you identify a deficiency or problem with respect to your

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

saving, borrowing, spending, or investing:

“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like” Will Rogers

Admit that there is a problem

Want to change

Seek psychological counseling to address any underlying problems that trigger overspending, impulse shopping, or entitlement

Identify the triggers: Unresolved issues with work, friends, family, childhood, depression, or health issues, for example.

Sit with a financial security advisor and/or accountant and work out a plan to change your spending habits. Your plan might include giving yourself a daily cash allowance, keeping track of spending, reviewing your budget, incorporating a process to approve larger outlays, having an accountability partner, and making allowance for slip-ups and recovery.

The two pillars of financial character, whether with consumers, financial institutions, or financial brokers, are honesty and responsibility. All things being equal, there should be no moral dilemma of having to choose between money and character. The popular saying, “(The love of) money is the root of all evil,” best shows the importance of money in our lives. Our character determines how we treat ourselves and others, and it really surfaces in the way we deal with money.

Elcho Stewart is an Independent Advisor in the financial sector specializing in individual and small business financial security planning. With 19-years experience, Elcho uses a common-sense approach to Key-man, partnership funding, critical illness, long term care, RRSPs, savings, education savings, and life insurance solutions for “…everyday people planning for the financial security of their families, businesses, communities, and countries.” Her natural thirst for knowledge and being guided by the Golden Rule contribute to Elcho’s high level of integrity, honesty, and loyalty to the customers she serves.

Character

Character Issue 2016 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

Teamwork and Leadership Skills

Across 2

Down 1 This person helps the team deal with conflicts 3 A variety of skills that various team members bring to a project 4 A agreement by the entire group 8 This person sets an example for others

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