20 Exceptional Women 2017 by Billings Gazette

20 EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN

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About Kathy Best Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and editor of the missoulian and ravalli republic. Best was previously the editor and vice president for news at the Seattle times. in that role, she helped lead the newsroom to two Pulitzer prizes and multiple national print and digital journalism awards, including for video and multimedia presentations. She’s known for her commitment to significant watchdog and investigative journalism, innovative explanatory reporting and engaging storytelling that illuminates the heart and soul of a community.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS The Exceptional Women award is presented annually by The Billings Gazette. Nominations are submitted by mail and online. This is the award’s third year, and nominees were selected from a group of more than 175.

Exceptional Award Winners Dee Dee Baker ��3 Maria Beltran-Jensen ��8 Lisa Cords ��4 Lori Cote Miller ��4 Lisa Donnot �� 7 Cathy Grider ��21 Margo Haak ��9 Lisa Harmon ��6 Jeri Heard ��6 Margie MacDonald ��14

Lauren Mansfield-Wright ��19 Jani McCall ��8 Flo McMasters �� 10 Heather Meier �� 10 Bea Ann Melichar ��11 Kelly Norwood �� 15 Arlene Priest ��14 Carol Roberts �� 15 Tina Volek ��16 Audrey Walleser ��16

Other articles Angels Among Us ��3 Featured Speaker ��12 Considering career changes ��18 Cues from successful women ��18

Post-maternity return to work �� 20 Millennial women in the workforce ��22 Unruly women ��23 Female CEOs top male counterparts ��23

Staff

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2017

PUBLISHER Mike Gulledge

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Ryan Brosseau

GENERAL MANAGER Dave Worstell

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY Meg Oliphant

WRITERS Tara Cady Darrell Ehrlick

There are angels among us

t’s cliche to start a column with a cliche. I get it. And I am probably going to be kicked out or at least put on probation from my fraternity of fellow skeptics for this. But I mean this without snark and without schmaltz. There are angels among us. DARRELL And, these are their EHRLICK stories. For the third year, The Billings Gazette presents its 20 Exceptional Women award. But these women are more than an exceptional group — they are inspiring. Without a doubt, they should have received praise long ago for making this community — and world — a much better place. The irony is that because they were exceptional, they never sought the spotlight or hounded the publicity. In other words, they were doing the right things

for the right reasons. Yet news and newsgathering is too often a practice in what is broken or what is out of the normal. We expect our fellow Montana neighbors to be good and do good, just like we expect our children to behave. It’s only when it doesn’t happen that it becomes noteworthy. That means there are a lot of great stories that don’t get told because we live in a good place with good people, ergo good things, right? This award and these stories do two important things: They allow us to spotlight the good, angel-like work that takes place everyday without fanfare in this community. It allows us to spotlight what is right and hopefully by doing so, allows a community to say, “thanks.” Maybe these stories even inspire others to do likewise. It’s also a chance for us to tell wonderful stories. As a journalist, you cannot fi nd better material than these 20 women who have lived exceptional lives, each

in their own way. One of the common themes that comes through in these stories is that many have taken overwhelmingly horrible situations and transformed them into experiences which steeled their resolve to do good. Some of the grief, pain and experiences are simply beyond my imagination. For the past two years, I have gotten the chance to interview most of the award winners. (Reporter Tara Cady contributed two wonderful profi les for this year’s edition.) Truly, it has been my honor to try to do justice to their work and service. But it’s more than that. Despite the role of the journalist, which often includes a healthy dose of skepticism, tough questions and sometimes controversy, these are the stories that help smooth some of the sharper edges of the job. These are stories you want to write because they don’t involve some of the darker sides of our community. These stories are a great collection

and even better reminder that, even though memorable headlines focus on politics or tragedy, the truly big stories for the community are sometimes the ones that don’t get the spotlight. Here’s what I mean: What would this community be without someone like Bea Ann Melichar who has been serving Yellowstone County’s senior residents for decades? What about Margo Haak who has taken more than 100 students that could have fallen through the cracks and made them college bound? Or Lisa Cords whose experiences with a daughter with medical needs caused her to develop products for other parents in similar situations? What would downtown Billings look like if not for Lisa Harmon? And how much more money would you spend on taxes if not for the careful fiscal management of Tina Volek? Well, you get the idea. I invite you to read the rest. The angels aren’t just among us. They’re hard at work.

Having enough drive and enough vision By TARA CADY tcady@billingsgazette.com Someone once described DeeDe Baker as a bulldog with a bone that it doesn’t want to release. The canine analogy is fitting. Baker is the founder of nonprofit Dog Tag Buddies. DeeDe Baker If Baker were to go into a room where there’s a puppy and a baby, she’s going for the puppy. She said if they could all go home with her, they would. Instead of hoarding hounds, Baker has found a way to connect with canines on a regular basis and share that puppy love with veterans. For her innovative work to address two needs – dog rescue and veterans’ mental health care – Baker is one of the 2017 20 Exceptional Women honored by The Billings Gazette. Baker’s love of pooches probably started around kindergarten, when she brought home a wandering St. Bernard. The young Baker wanted to become a veterinarian. Neither determined her fate. She’s not much of a planner.

survived. “I remember the day,” she recalled. “I remember the time.” When Baker’s husband returned home, she remembered the sigh of relief; the feeling that everything is OK. “As time progresses, you realize it’s not OK,” she said. Baker’s husband went through demobilization, a process of reintegrating back into society; a time where doctors offer medication to cope with hidden illnesses like posttraumatic stress disorder. Those suggestions weren’t helpful for Baker’s husband, who doesn’t even like to take aspirin. What helped was Baker’s mini schnauzer, Watson. Ironically, Baker’s husband wasn’t fond of dogs, despite him saying before deployment, “Take good care of Watson and make MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff sure nothing happens to him.” It’s like he knew Watson would play an DeeDe Baker important role in his life after Iraq. “Life just kind of happens to me,” Baker He had never been active duty, but changes Watson passed away not long after Bakadmitted. to traditional roles came in the aftermath of er’s husband returned home. Another mini And it did. Sept. 11. schnauzer and a beagle took his place. Baker’s husband was deployed in 2004 to In 2005, Baker got the call. An improPlease see Baker, page 5 Iraq as part of the Montana National Guard. vised explosive device went off. Everyone SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2017

Fight when you should be breaking By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com Some people dream of having that one big idea — that one thing or discovery that will make them successful. Lisa Cords just didn’t have one of those ideas. Lisa Cords She had at least three. And her hope is that those ideas won’t just be successful for her, but that they’ll help parents and kids dealing with medical issues or disabilities. Her ideas seem simple: Design bags, bracelets and even clips that can be used for children with disabilities. These products will make it easier to travel and enjoy life, thereby lessening the burden — sometimes literally — of the parents. Cords’ idea started when her own daughter was born with a rare congenital heart defect called Transposition of the Great Arteries. Before Cords’ daughter, Lily, was even a month old, she had already had three heart surgeries to correct the problem. As they traveled back from Denver to Red Lodge, the weather was awful. Cords

Lisa Cords

wondered what would happen if they were in an accident — how would emergency crews know about her daughter and the stockpile of medications in her bag? And

way to notify first-responders. There had to be better gear for parents with children with medical needs. Obsessed with that idea, she started researching on the Internet. About the closest thing she could find was stickers that could be placed on a car seat that would notify a responder in case of an accident. But a sticker? How could she write all the medications and mention her daughter’s condition on a little sticker? Few bags had the cubic capacity to hold medical equipment. And only coolers had any hope of keeping medications at a certain temperature. So, Cords set out to design and develop items to correct this gap in the market. From that, Medikids was born. For her work helping kids and parents with medical needs, Cords is one of 2017’s 20 Exceptional Women. Though the staff at the Denver hospiMEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff tal was great, she said, she remembers the long hours, not being able to hold her child because too much stimulation could have speaking of that, all the backpacks and lug- killed her. She remembers at one time 32 IVs gage didn’t hold the medications well. and machines hooked up to Lily. Those two thoughts stuck with her and Please see Cords, page 5 she was determined there had to be a better

‘I kind of paved my own way’ By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com By now, Lori Cote Miller is used to the questions. People notice her husband wearing a “Yellowstone Electric” baseball hat and want to talk with him about the business. He’s just wearing the cap. Or people ask Miller if her father was an electrician. Nope. Lori Cote Miller Miller is the principal owner of Yellowstone Electric and isn’t an electrician. She didn’t come from a family of electricians, and she didn’t inherit the family business. Instead, she came to Yellowstone Electric as an accountant — and a single mother with two children who was recently divorced. She worked her way through the organization, buying into it, and eventually buying the majority of shares. She is a highly successful woman in an

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industry dominated by males. She’s also one of the 20 Exceptional Women chosen by The Billings Gazette in 2017. Breaking into the business wasn’t just about understanding electricians or the business. At first, it was convincing people in her own department she belonged. In 1994, she was hired at Yellowstone Electric. The company’s accounting firm said it needed a certified public accountant, and she was selected. “My first introduction to the office was, ‘This is Lori. She’s an accountant. Do what she tells you,’” Miller said. Her first task was to help computerize accounting functions. Not all the staff wanted to use those beige boxes on their desks. “I had to show them that they could save time,” Miller said. In the process, they began to trust Miller and see that she could help the business. Meanwhile, she was learning new things like job costing, inventory and warehousing. “Accounting is all about using historical

data to project and move forward,” Miller said. “But it’s hard to know what construction is out there for next year, so there are variables and I had to learn those.” In a business predictably built and mostly run by electricians, almost all of whom were male, there weren’t exactly a lot of role models. However, that doesn’t mean Miller felt isolated. “I don’t know if I had a one-on-one mentor. I kind of paved my own way,” Miller said. “But I had a lot of support of the people around me and the owners always supported me.” As she moved into ownership, she had to realize something additional — something that’s not taught in accounting textbooks or in the electrical trades necessarily. “A lot of people are depending on me to make good choices,” Miller said. “Most of the other owners came up as electricians. That’s a challenge but it’s been a good challenge. They know what I bring to the business by having an accounting background.” Lori Cote Miller

BRONTE WITTPENN, Gazette Staff

Cords Continued from page 4 “Every day, I would count the IVs,” Cords said. “Well, she’s got one less pump — that’s a good thing. Then one less pump.” Eventually, she was allowed to put lip balm on Lily, and she could touch her feet. “You hear about those people who have lifted cars (to save their children)?” Cords said. “Well, that’s what it like. You are allowed to fight when you think you should be breaking.” Those experiences didn’t leave her and she was determined to lighten the burden, making it easier for other parents in similar situations. Today, she’s continuing to grow Medikids. “This gives them one less thing to worry about,” Cords said. “Sometimes, these disabilities can become their lives. So, anything I can do to make their lives easier — just a simple thing like being able to go to the park and enjoy it, or being prepared for a babysitter.” For now, the company and the products are still growing. She’s working with a manufacturer and a designer. She’s spoken with the Easter Seals and

“Sometimes, these disabilities can become their lives. So, anything I can do to make their lives easier — just a simple thing like being able to go to the park and enjoy it, or being prepared for a babysitter.”

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Lisa Cords several children’s hospitals. It’s Lily that keeps her strong. “She doesn’t realize all the things she’s been through. She just oozes vitality and curiosity,” Cords said. She hopes, in turn, others will do the same things she’s doing — see a gap and find a solution. “When others see that despite facing extreme challenge, you persevere and remain positive, that has power to inspire others,” Cords said.

“ The

empowered woman

is powerful beyond measure and beautiful beyond description.”

Baker Continued from page 3 For the next four to five years, Baker’s husband used dogs as his coping mechanism. They were his grip on reality. The couple’s kitchen table conversation slowly turned into, “Wouldn’t it be really cool if other veterans could have relationships with dogs?” Baker shared these ideas with her dog’s obedience trainer, Julie Myers, at Kotas Kennels. “And she says, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m in,’” Baker explained. With no prior experience with service dogs or nonprofits, Baker reached out to organizations across the country, gauging their interest in becoming involved. No one responded. Between 2010 and 2015, there was only research. Then, an AmeriCorps VISTA was in Billings looking for a service project involving veterans and dogs. Baker was back in action. She formed an interim committee and filed for nonprofit status with the IRS. They gave her the green light seven weeks later. Dog Tag Buddies began connecting rescue canines to veterans in January 2016. To date, 18 dogs and 12 veterans have gone through 10 weeks of training. One veteran and his pooch have completed the program, which has evolved since its onset.

Baker, who works full time as a business analyst for the State of Montana, has been volunteering her spare time to develop, put on and expand Dog Tag Buddies. “I enjoy knowing that what I do every day makes a difference,” Baker said. “Watching (dogs) grow alongside the veteran is very rewarding.” Dog Tag Buddies’ 10 weeks of basic training for veterans and dogs builds a relationship between them. “You learn trust, build self-confidence,” she said. An added byproduct of the program is veterans establishing relationships with other veterans. “They call it the brotherhood for a reason,” Baker said. Seeing veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries have a better quality of life with a canine companion makes Baker’s heart sing. She realizes that dogs are not a fix-all. “Has the dog taken care of everything? Absolutely not,” she said. But the free program does create less chaos in families. It helps veterans become better spouses, fathers and employees. “(It) happens by virtue of the veteran having better days,” said Baker. Baker’s dream is to grow the program statewide and across the region. She is 1 ½ years into her three-to-five year goal. “I think I can do it,” she said. “I have enough drive and enough vision.”

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It’s about kindness By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com

Lisa K. Harmon

MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff

Look what we did

By TARA CADY tcady@billingsgazette.com Worldly wisdom has shaped Lisa Harmon’s life. First it was her father. He became an American citizen and made a career in the Lisa Harmon Navy. That allowed Harmon to travel often in her youth and embrace diversity and culture. Then it was her early college work with the United Nations, and specifically Jean Gazarian, one of the UN’s first employees, who taught Harmon about diplomacy and civility. From these encounters, Harmon began planning for a place where diversity, culture, diplomacy and civility could be practiced. For her work using downtown Billings as her canvas, The Billings Gazette selected Lisa Harmon as one of 20 Exceptional Women in 2017. Harmon once taught high school French and German. That experience helped her access the best things about herself, like her mentoring ability. Then, as a small business owner, she developed leadership qualities and became a business advocate. These skills made Harmon eligible for the Downtown Billings Alliance’s director position, a title she has held for the last 12 years. Harmon considers her work an “absolute honor.” “You don’t always get to see the best of what you can be,” she said, not referring to herself, but the Billings community she’s

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called her home for 24 years. Improving downtown has been her mission, and Harmon has worn many hats and shaken many more hands to bring together a collaborative effort for positive change. She is a chairwoman on the Billings Family YMCA board of directors. She is the co-chair of Community Innovations, Inc. and Spare Change 4 Real Change, two programs she helped realize. She was a board member on the Mayor’s Committee on Homelessness and the International Downtown Association. She was a founding board member of the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter and is a past chairwoman for Billings Cultural Partners and the MetraPark advisory council. She created the first business improvement district in Billings and is an ad hoc board member for the Billings Chamber of Commerce. In her spare time, she teaches traumainformed yoga to women in treatment at Passages. Harmon is grateful to be able to impart things she has learned from mentors like DBA colleague Greg Krueger. “He mentored me about the importance of an urban center,” Harmon said. Equally important to her is social equity. “I remember who I serve, and I serve our members,” she said. “I’m in service to the community.” She uses a holistic perspective when defining downtown areas of improvement, not solely focusing on whether it’s economically competitive, but whether she’s leaving people behind. Please see Harmon, page 9

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Jeri Heard, the principal of Boulder Elementary in Billings, one of the largest elementary schools, knows every student by name. That’s because she makes a point of being in every class. And she’s been through the Jeri Heard class picture book dozens of times making sure she remembers the name that goes with every face in her school. She literally studies it. She takes time to learn if a student plays a sport, or what they like. But those are all the things that anyone spending just a minute or two inside the school could see. What most will never see is Heard finding a way to get a bike for a student who needed one, but couldn’t afford it. You wouldn’t see her making sure that a family has access to food. You couldn’t guess that she’s taken students to see a parent in jail just to make sure she does everything she can to keep families together. For her work as an outstanding educator and the role model she is to hundreds of students, The Billings Gazette has selected her as one of the 2017 20 Exceptional Women. She remembers playing school with her two younger sisters, always being the teacher. Her father was a teacher and football coach so it probably came naturally, Heard said. There was never any doubt that she would go onto Montana State University and become a teacher. She was always the one to babysit. At family reunions, she’d get the kids together for games and crafts. She said she became a principal because she could have a bigger vision of what school could be — a place where family involvement was encouraged, where teachers saw her in the classroom and Heard could practice servant leadership. “I wanted to focus on the teachers — because if we could better support the teachers, all the students could go to a higher level,” Heard said. Heard said she intentionally makes more rounds into classrooms than normal, not to spy or criticize, but to learn and support. “I try to ask, ‘What do you need? How can I support you?’” Heard said. She said at other times, she’s learned that a simple note of praise goes a long way. She’s taken her inspiration from being surrounded by amazing teachers herself. “I think if I went back into the class,

Jeri Heard

MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff

I would be the best teacher hands-down because I’ve gotten to watch so many great teachers. I always find myself wondering, ‘Why didn’t I do that?’” Heard said. It’s that desire to get better that she hopes to pass along to her staff. She said the other important part is getting family involvement — something she learned from having her own kids in school. “I always wanted to know if something happened in school, so I try to make sure our relationship with parents is strong,” Heard said. Sometimes that means a call to parents when the situation requires it. Other times, it’s simply getting to know the families at school. “I don’t want the first time they hear from me to be when that students hits (another),” Heard said. “The parents are the school because they have to reinforce what we teach.” And it’s those students who are struggling that tug at Heard’s heart. “I have a heart for those kids who don’t have a choice for what kind of environment they come to us from,” Heard said. Even when most kids have forgotten their elementary principal by junior high or high school, Heard still keeps track of a throng of students. She still makes sure they’ve got the things they need and they’re doing well in school. She still remembers their names. “I want to be a role model to them,” Heard said. “It’s not so much about the math and reading, it’s about the kindness and working hard to develop good relationships.”

Lifting people from generational poverty By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com Lisa Donnot doesn’t just know about poverty or homelessness because she works to get families out of poverty and into a more stable life. Donnot knows about generational poverty and homelessness because it was the life Lisa Donnot she was born into. Donnot’s parents were migrant laborers, living in the back of a camper. Wherever the fields and crops were in season, that’s where they’d go. Like most kids, she thought that her childhood was pretty normal — that is, until she was around 7 and went to school. That’s when she began to see that the life she led was far different than most of her classmates. “Your mindset is different. Growing up you think whatever is around you is normal,” Donnot said. “But things were different — like how to act and react.” After a career spent in law enforcement, she decided that she needed something more to help families and individuals in need. “I got to see what really works and I knew what the barriers really were,” Donnot said. That’s where Family Promise comes in. Through Family Promise, she was able to help transform the lives of families going through crisis and poverty. She began to see her clients go from living without shelter or a job to buying their own homes, and holding a regular job. She doesn’t mind that Family Promise has become a central hub for distributing diapers in the community. And she’s rightfully proud that when clients enter her program, 26 different aspects of the individual’s life are considered from credit records to parenting. And every success, from the monumental purchase of a house, or the smaller ones, like a makeover for a job interview, are celebrated. Those joyful moments are part of the reward that comes from Family Promise, Donnot said. For her work in the community, Donnot has been selected as one of the 20 Exceptional Women of 2017 — an honor given by The Billings Gazette. One particular person whom Donnot helped was Felicia Burg, who had spent years in generational poverty and substance abuse. Burg said she had tried other programs to turn her life around and end the “chaos,” but none had worked. “Lisa was there for me from the very beginning, teaching basic life skills to help me succeed, celebrating with me when suc

“When you see people you think are homeless on the street — that just an estimated six or seven percent. That’s what people see. The rest are called ‘the hidden homeless.’ ” Lisa Donnot cesses did happen, crying with me during hard times,” Burg said. “I could call her at night with my troubles and never felt like a burden. “Lisa leads by example in how to be patient, responsible and kind. She and the staff showed me love that I had never known and sometimes that was tough love, not letting me settle for just anything but building in me a drive to accomplish more in my life. She has inspired me to be a blessing to others because I too have been blessed.” It’s hard when Donnot sees a family that is just not ready for the hard work it takes to Lisa Donnot work out of generational poverty — often needing to hold down steady employment, saving for a deposit or even paying off debts. And yet, it’s also inspiring. Already this year, two families that worked with Family Promise have purchased their own homes, and two others are in process. “To see them have something — the pride of ownership and an asset,” Donnot said. “That’s amazing.” And, there’s still plenty of work to do in the Magic City. “When you see people you think are homeless on the street — that’s just an estimated six or seven percent. That’s what people see,” Donnot said. “The rest are called ‘the hidden homeless.’” The bulk of homeless residents are living in a car or maybe in a motel or couch surfing. Family Promise helps intensively — from anger management, to working on finances to parenting to cooking. Those programs were given a huge boost when Family Promise was able to move into a larger building and have space for families and programs. “We completed the capital campaign within two years. That’s because of tons of community support,” Donnot said. That’s given the organization a chance to expand services, even with a tight budget of just around $300,000. “We become like family,” Donnot said.

MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff

Congratulations to all of the exceptional women in the Billings community. You inspire us daily.

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I was once in the same position By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com Maria Elena Beltran-Jensen can still recall that elementary school teacher who told her that she’d never amount to anything. She’ll always remember that teacher telling her that she’d better get used to the backbreaking labor she’d come to Maria Elena know in the beet Beltran-Jensen fields of southern Montana because she could expect a life of working with her hands. And Beltran-Jensen believed that teacher. She dropped out of school in the seventh grade, got married early, had a couple of children then found herself in need of getting a divorce. She felt alone, trapped and like there was nothing she could do. But then, because of a high-powered lawyer who agreed to take her divorce case if she made payments, she received a divorce. It wasn’t long after that she found herself working for Legal Services, helping similar migrant farm-working families. She understood their plight because she, too, had come from the same background. Able to speak both Spanish and English fluently, she became an invaluable part of the staff in the early 1980s — at nearly 50 years old. It shocked her when a supervisor asked her if she’d considered going to college after completing her GED. In fact, he was so

MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff

Maria Elena Beltran-Jensen

adamant, he gave her the afternoon off to go to what was then Eastern Montana College and check out a night course or two. Beltran-Jensen came back with a full course load and began to take early morning classes, late night classes and anything else that allowed her to go to school and take care of her growing family. By then she had remarried and had kept quiet about attending Eastern. She always thought she would eventually fail, so never told people about going back to school. But after years of tak-

ing courses, Beltran-Jensen received a degree in secondary education and Spanish — a fitting combination because she continued to work with migrant farm workers. At the office, she was enamored of the degrees hanging on the lawyer’s walls. She admits she was intimidated by then until she was asked, “What about law school?” So, at the age of 53, Beltran-Jensen enrolled at the University of Montana and started her journey toward becoming a lawyer, helping those families and workers she had known all of her life. And so nearly five decades after a teacher told her she’d never make it, she graduated with a law degree and set out helping workers who may have been taken advantage of. People were surprised to see her — a female lawyer who could not only speak two languages but truly understand what it meant to thin a row of sugar beets. She moved to Huntley Project when she was just 5, so she also knew plenty about the area. “I always considered them my people and I became their advocate,” Beltran said. For her tenacity, dedication and work with farmers, Beltran has been named one of 2017’s Exceptional Women. The mother of nine children, who now has 45 grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren, said even she doesn’t know how she managed to pull through law school and turn her life around. “Looking back, I don’t know. I had a very supportive husband,” Beltran-Jensen said.

“I’ve always operated with little sleep so that helps, and being a non-traditional student in law school you don’t need as much from a social life. I also think I had to work harder because I wasn’t coming right from college.” Even as she took college courses at what was then Eastern Montana College, she loved secondary education because she knew the power of good teachers, and that poor teachers could also make a huge impact, not always for positive. “I wanted to teach the students whom only a mother could love,” said BeltranJensen. So when she returned from law school to resume her work as an attorney, working with disputes between workers and producers, she felt completely comfortable. “I could relate to them because I was once in the same position,” Beltran-Jensen said. “I knew what a grower could demand and what a grower was responsible for.” She said at times it was uncomfortable, being threatened more than once. At other times, she’d have to meet with growers or workers at all hours of the night because the growing season in Montana is short and daylight hours are precious. “My conviction was doing the right thing,” Beltran-Jensen said. “Who was there to make sure the right thing happened? I was meant to be there for people not just to keep wages from being taken, but for their dignity and that goes to all the things that really count.”

We have to work together By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com Jani McCall has spent her lifetime lobbying and advocating for organizations she’s believed in because she knows the difference having someone in your corner can make. Jani McCall McCall, a former Billings City councilwoman, believes in fighting for services for children, especially mental health services. She’s proud of the work she’s done on behalf of the City of Billings and organizations like the Billings Clinic because those are entities that directly touch the lives of everyday residents. And she believes in the work they do so she was proud to fight for them as a lob-

8 SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2017

byist at the state capital in Helena, and she loved serving in city government. McCall believes a lot of that passion comes from being a child who knew both devastation and unconditional love. McCall was raised by her grandparents after her father died in a mysterious accident. Her mother was only present in her life sometimes, and McCall was also abused. A tough family circumstance and abuse could have meant a life destroyed. But it was the love of her grandparents, who took her and her brother in and raised them, who everyone in the community knew as “Ma and Pa,” who showered her with support, that made all the difference. Because of the love and support they showed her, she decided to help fight for others so that those who didn’t

always have a voice would still have an advocate. For her work and advocacy, McCall is being named one of the 20 Exceptional Women in 2017. She learned to take care of people by being raised on the ranch with her grandparents, Helmert and Tillie Arthun. It didn’t matter if it was taking care of horses or sheep or cattle. They taught her love and respect. That led her to begin sticking up and caring for children at high-risk, and the Montana Children’s Initiative. “You can go through really difficult times — really difficult — but if you know Please see McCall, page 13 Jani McCall

MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff

Never ever give up on a child By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com For more than 30 years, Margo Haak has loved being a special education teacher. She has a sort of tenacious patience that makes her determined to see her students succeed — no matter the obstacles. Only one thing makes her purse her Margo Haak lips, and raises her hackles. “Never, ever, ever give up on a child,” Haak said. After a career spent in public schools, Haak decided to open her own school, giving parents an alternative for some students who fell through the cracks. She has a dozen kids at the Billings Educational Academy. Many of those students have autism, some have other disabilities and have struggled in other settings. Yet patience isn’t just a word, it’s a statistic for her. Of the 114 students who have passed through the Billings Educational Academy, 107 have gone on to college. For her work as an educator and advocate, Haak has been selected as one of the 20 Exceptional Women of 2017. She had always wanted to be a teacher — something she got from her father, a local college professor, Aaron Small. She went to his college classes as he taught literature and English. “He was and still remains the smartest person I’ve ever met,” Haak said. She wanted to be like him — to make the connections he seemed to make with his students. She assumed she would be a teacher, but it was after being asked to help out with a swimming class for children with disabilities that something special happened. Haak knew then that her life’s work was going to be special education. She came home and told her father. Her eyes were gleaming and she was ecstatic. “He said, ‘Go for it. I have never seen you this excited,’” she remembers. From that point on, she dedicated herself to special education. “I saw a need and I truly felt it,” Haak said. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” After founding her own school that has become specialized at taking students who have struggled in a traditional setting, she hasn’t drawn a paycheck, but says she’s been rewarded by seeing her students’ success. She credits her husband with supporting her, allowing her to pursue her passion. “Somewhere along the line, for these kids, learning stopped being fun,” Haak said. Instead, she has seen her students go

Margo Haak

on to amazing careers. One of her students just earned her master’s degree. Another current student speaks, writes and reads Greek fluently. “I want our students to also be self-directed — that’s key,” Haak said. “I tell them in class, ‘No one will be telling them when they’re adults, “Did you pay your bills or get your car fixed?’” Another success story was a student who, before coming to her school, needed tranquilizers on Sunday night just to make it to school on Monday morning for another week. Before long, he was off the medications on Sunday completely. At the academy, Haak stresses a code of conduct in every room, for every situation. Hats off in the building. A napkin in the lap is required for lunch. “One of the things that I am really big on is respect and manners,” Haak said. “And they know that and I know they don’t want to disappoint me because I also let them know how much I love them. I know they need a lot of love and I give them that affirmation daily.” She credits active parents and volunteers who help carry out the curriculum as the reason she’s been able to keep the doors to the Billings Educational Academy open. “I see the difference. I see success. I see happiness,” Haak said. “I am where I am supposed to be.”

MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff

Harmon Continued from page 6 Harmon paraphrased a Bible verse she received from Billings First Congregational Church’s Rev. Mike Mulberry: “At the end of the day we’ll all see we’re compassionate.” “I think (compassion) is a muscle. I think you have to work it,” she said. Teaching yoga flexes that muscle for Harmon. “(It) gives me that ability to teach, be compassionate, to mentor,” she said. “It’s about helping these women to feel beautiful for an hour on Wednesday.” When Passages residents “graduate” to another floor, Harmon misses them. She wants the women to know “the inherent ability to correct the course of their life.” Her passion to uplift individuals parallels her faith in downtown Billings. “I believe downtown has that limitless possibility,” she added. With less than a year left in her role as downtown director, place-maker and community builder, Harmon is feeling the call to serve in a different way. Still undecided in specifics, she’s trying to be very intentional of where her next step is. “I’m an entrepreneur at heart,” she said. Harmon’s modest about her legacy. “At the end of the day you want the community to think, ‘Look what we did.’ Not Lisa Harmon,” she said. “‘Look what we did, not what she did.’”

Offering a Quality Choice in K-12 Education

Margo Haak

Billings Educational Academy’s Executive Director

named one of 2017’s Exceptional Women in the Billings community!

billingsedacademy.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2017

The drive to give back By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com

Flo McMasters

MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff

Just go do it

By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com It got to the point where Flo McMasters’ boss would see her come into his office and he’d cover his eyes, ears and mouth. He had grown accustomed to her tenacious pitches and he rarely if no. Flo McMasters ever“Isaid don’t want to hear about it, just go do it,” McMasters remembers him saying. Her boss, Kevin Flock, a longtime manager of Walmart in Billings was used to McMasters finding causes and unmet needs in Billings. And he trusted to her to figure out how to help. Walmart had already donated to plenty of good community causes and encouraged its employees to volunteer. But McMasters took it to a new level. You wouldn’t know she retired years ago because she keeps on showing up to fundraising and charity events. She still goes back to help with Relay for Life or Toys for Tots or as a member of the Joliet Lions. For many, age would slow them down. She’s 76. But not age, nor having beaten cancer, nor having to live with multiple sclerosis has stopped her. “I had a very wise doctor who told me once that you can’t think about two things at once,” McMasters said. “So as long as I keep busy, I can’t think too much about other problems.”

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For her tireless efforts at volunteering, McMasters has been named as one of the 2017 Exceptional Women, an award given annually by The Billings Gazette. McMasters said that she had always given back, but her drive to give even more started by a chance encounter in the toy aisle of Walmart. A woman standing, looking for toys near Christmas was clearly frustrated. “May I help you?” McMasters remembers asking. It was a woman with the Cheyenne Nation completing Christmas shopping for the children on the reservation. No one was helping, so McMasters volunteered. It became the start of a years-long relationship making sure Cheyenne children had something for the holidays. That kickstarted her volunteerism, which now includes honoring Joliet students for academic achievement, Relay for Life and her involvement in the Honor Flight and the Yellowstone National Veterans Cemetery. “I remember the day Bill Kennedy came in to talk to my manager and me about the project,” McMasters said. “I started right away with fundraising. We were able to purchase the Marine flag and have the money for them to build the building.” Raising money for the project included getting donations from customers, barbecues, bake sales and applying for grants. Walmart already had a relationship with Please see McMasters, page 13

Heather Meier grew up in Columbus. In fact, she jokes that half the people in the Stillwater County town have the last name of Meier. So when she bought the local coffee shop, Beartooth Beanery, she wanted to give back to the place she’d always Heather Meier called home. “Every time someone needs something, I couldn’t give a lot of money, so I decided to use the coffee shop,” said Meier. Her idea was simple: Hold fundraisers where coffee would be discounted, a portion of the proceeds would go to worthy causes, and collect money in the tip jars. She named the event a “Rally” after her daughter who helps run the cash register at the Beanery. The first rally raised $900 and Meier was hooked. Several years later, the events grew bigger — the last one raised $2,200 — and she is still able to serve the community and other worthwhile causes, for example, raising money for victims of cancer. For her efforts, Meier has been named one of the 20 Exceptional Women of 2017. The rallies aren’t just limited to helping community members in need; some of the fundraising goes to organizations that her two daughters, Aiden Rose and Rallie, love. Those two organizations, Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter and Montana Grizzly Encounter, also help animals. The first rally started shortly after Meier had purchased the coffee shop. A boy born shortly after Rallie had a genetic condition that would require a lot of ongoing support and care. Beartooth Beanery held a rally every Friday for a month where all tips and 10 percent of the daily total went to the family to help offset and defray costs. Since then, the coffee shop has done five more rallies and upped the percentage to 20 of the daily total. And the community knows that whatever goes into the tip jar goes directly to the families or organizations. Meier said she was blown away when a $500 check appeared in the tip jar. Now, it’s become a common practice for folks to pick up a cup of coffee and leave a check in the tip jar. The latest fundraising effort netted more than $2,200. In total, the Columbus coffee shop has raised more than $8,000 for people struggling with medical expenses or for animals. “We’re a tight-knit community and we

Heather Meier

MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff

all just kind of support each other,” Meier said. Meier loves the Columbus community, but learned about giving back from her father. He was a single father who raising five children. He worked for 29 years at the Stillwater Mine, and Meier saw how much he sacrificed to raise the children. “He always taught us that hard work and respect will get you anywhere in life,” Meier said. “He spent so many years doing so much for us and doing so little for him.” Now, Meier is showing her kids a way to improve the community. “I think it’s a learned behavior,” she said. For example, during one fundraising rally, there were orders for 387 cups of coffee that had to be prepared. Her children helped put the stickers and sleeves on all of the to-go cups. Meier and her daughter, Aiden Rose, also run a Facebook page called “Change For Critters by Aiden Rose” that has helped raise more than $5,000 for YVAS. “She’s pretty good at telling customers, ‘My name is Aiden Rose and I am raising money for homeless animals, would you like to donate?’” Meier said. For Meier, seeing her daughters get involved comes back to the two anchors in her life: her family and her community. “As I grew older, my community lifted me through some hard times and in doing so gave me the drive to give back. Between my father, family and incredible community, I learned that with a little creativity and a lot of hard work, you can accomplish anything. I chose to give back because without them I would not be who or where I am today.”

What would you do if you could not fail? By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com At 61, Bea Ann Melichar decided to cave into the pressure of her daughter and participate in a half-marathon. That was six years ago. Ten half-marathons later, she’s literally still going. In so many ways that tenacity and dedication have perfectly mirher years leading the Bea Ann rored Adult Resource Alliance, Melichar a group dedicated to supporting senior residents and connecting them with services. Melichar loves working with older residents and describes herself as stubborn enough to find a way to get things done. Among her crowning achievements while working with the ARA is getting three county mill levies passed. Those three levies, all overwhelmingly supported by voters, ensured that services will continue to be there to help older residents. For her work with the Adult Resource Alliance, Melichar has been named one of the 2017 20 Exceptional Women by The Billings Gazette. Her journey toward a lifetime of helping older residents came naturally for her. She grew up in the same house as her grandmother and often loved going into town to visit “the grandmothers” — older women in the small farming community of Moore, Montana. “I was taught to respect your elders and I was enthralled with their stories,” Melichar said. “I learned things I didn’t know I was learning.” Since 1976, she’s been an advocate and a community leader. Some of the things she’s proud of have been visible, like getting a permanent office for the alliance on Avenue D. Other things, not many people saw — like early in her career when a man who had recently had his wife die came through the doors. “He was the caregiver and after she passed, he was lost,” Melichar said.”He knew he needed to get out and do something.” Melichar was able to connect him with a few volunteer opportunities. After that, he found a few more. Before long, he was deeply connected to the community. “His whole outlook changed,” Melichar said. From the Meals on Wheels Program to transportation services to the more traditional senior center, Melichar said

“Dedication is a word I’d use, but there’s some stubbornness in there, too. I am the person who is always saying, ‘OK, if this won’t work this way, let’s find another way to get it done.’” Bea Ann Melichar the Adult Resource Alliance continues to evolve as the very definition of aging changes. For example, Melichar said the bubble of Baby Boomers aging has been coming for awhile and so the alliance has worked on programming. For example, the organization has held classes about Medicare. What began as four or five people in a classroom has now blossomed to 30 to 40. She said that finding a permanent building for Adult Resource Alliance has meant that it will always have a home base. Bea Ann Melichar Three successful mill levies in Yellowstone County mean that even when she herself retires, older residents will have support in the future. She credits those successful projects with building community relationships for years. “We have always wanted people to know what is going and you can’t build these relationships without partnerships,” Melichar said. She said her 96-year-old mother as well as her grandchildren give her plenty of inspiration and that she’s pretty determined when it comes to finding a way to get things done, even when funding and resources are strapped. “Dedication is a word I’d use, but there’s some stubbornness in there, too,” Melichar said. “I am the person who is always saying, ‘OK, if this won’t work this way, let’s find another way to get it done.’” That kind of dedication is noticeable to others. “Her constant compassion, understanding and drive to better the lives of seniors and futures seniors is never ending,” said Kelli Skaggs who nominated Melichar. For her part, Melichar said she tries to live her life by a saying that has inspired her again and again. “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?”

MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff

Congratulations Bea Ann Melichar

You have made such an exceptional impact on the lives of seniors in Yellowstone County. Your dedication, passion & perseverance inspire us!

406-259-9666

1505 Avenue D, Billings MT 59102 SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2017

Pulitzer prize-winning journalist featured at annual awards event By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com Pulitzer Prize winning editor Kathy Best believes now is the perfect time for more women to trust their voices and become active. And she should know. The current editor of The Missoulian Kathy Best has been a journalist for some of the largest newspapers in the country, including helping her team take two Pulitzer Prizes in her role as the managing editor and then the editor of the Seattle Times. She has made a career out of telling other people’s stories and seeking out voices that need to be heard. Best believes that more women need to trust their stories and draw upon their experience to make a difference in their community. “Stop being quiet about what is exceptional,” Best said. “We need talented women to let their voices be heard. The country needs them. It doesn’t matter what political party you support, it’s about the need for smart women.” Best will be the featured speaker at the Exceptional Women Event which will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Sept. 29 at the Northern Hotel in Billings. Best said the key to becoming exceptional is pursuing a passion. For her, it came unexpectedly. Though she grew up with her family running the local newspaper in a Central Illinois town, she never thought she’d wind up in the family business, so to speak. In fact, she can remember her 16th birthday. Her favorite dinner was just being served, her parents and brother gathered around the dinner table. Then, the town’s fire alarm went off because an inmate had set the local jail on fire. Her parents left to cover the big news and so did her brother, who was shooting photos for the paper. She was left alone on her 16th birthday, not necessarily surprised because that is just what happens when ink runs in your family blood. When she went to school at University of Illinois, she wanted to study pre-med.

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Missoulian Editor Kathy Best speaking with a reporter in the Missoula newsroom.

“After calculus, I realized that I probably didn’t want to become a doctor that badly,” Best said. She drifted for a bit, wondering what she’d become. She was interested in many things. “I realized that the conversations around the dinner table were the most interesting I’ve ever heard,” Best said. So she transferred to Southern Illinois University, which had a better journalism school. Those conversations ranged from tax policy to politics to agriculture and science. “I realized that I didn’t have to decide and as a journalist, I could be interested in everything,” Best said. That interest and that passion has led her to achieve remarkable success. She

said she was able to feed those interests, learning state politics in the rough-andtumble world of Springfield, Illinois. She also moved to the Baltimore Sun to become the Sunday and national editor — because she was curious what that job was like. “The wonderful thing about journalism is that it lets you learn something new every day,” Best said. One of her greatest joys is helping to foster that love and curiosity in reporters and editors in her newsroom. That same mentoring was given to her early in her career while she was a cub reporter in Springfield, Illinois. Just down the hall from where she worked, a talented environmental journalist from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, a

Rebekah Welch

paper she’d later work for, awed Best with his work. She wandered down the hall and asked him for help. “How do I do what you do?” she asked. That’s the same kind of help she hopes to give. “When I became an editor, I tried to pay that back,” Best said. Missoulian and Billings Gazette Publisher Mike Gulledge, who asked her to speak at the event, said she’s a perfect pick for this annual awards ceremony. “We are so fortunate to have Kathy leading our content efforts in Missoula. She’s engaging, thoughtful, tenacious and has terrific judgement. Her career successes are phenomenal and has already made a huge impact on how we create and deliver content in Montana,” Gulledge said.

McCall Continued from page 8 someone is there for you and really loves you, there’s a sense of hope,” McCall said. And it’s that sense of hope that she tried to give whether advocating for children or working as a member of the Billings City Council. She jumped into city government after going to Helena wasn’t possible anymore because of her husband’s illness. “To keep my hand in politics, I decided to run for the city council and termed out after eight years,” McCall said. She called local municipal government a passion. “It’s the best level of government because that affects the day-to-day quality of how people live,” McCall said. And, she hopes that the bitter partisan divide can be bridged by the legislators and politicians who helped give her a shot in Helena years ago. “Even here in Billings, we are a microcosm, right?” McCall said. “There’s an inability to compromise and work together. I’ve been around long enough to know the great things that can happen when we work together. There were great legislators on both sides of the aisle. So often, we were able to get things done by saying, ‘There could be a different way.’” McCall administered the Montana Children’s Initiative, the statewide children’s mental health provider association for eight years and the Montana Association of Community Disability Services for six years. She said that she’s been the beneficiary of encouragement from family and friends.

McMasters Continued from page 10 the Marines because of the successful Toys for Tots program, so getting behind the Marines, the cemetery and the Honor Flights just made sense. McMasters said one of the highlights of her life was being able to be one of the volunteer coordinators who flew with the veterans on one of the Honor Flights. “I was afraid to fly, but my job was to keep track of people — make sure they got on the plane and the bus,” McMasters said. “What a neat thing that was. I wasn’t a veteran, but I’ll never forget that.” Fundraising for veterans projects, McMasters helped Walmart in Billings raise more than $80,000. McMasters also said that even though

“I’ve been around long enough to know the great things that can happen when we work together. There were great legislators on both sides of the aisle. So often, we were able to get things done by saying, ‘There could be a different way.’ ”

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Jani McCall “I have made mistakes, including destroying a first marriage that could have been successful,” McCall said. But the setbacks she’s experienced haven’t overcome her. In fact, when she says the word “driven,” her jaw tightens and squares up. “No matter what happens, you can always make a difference somewhere,” McCall said. “There are always people in need.” Even though she’s stepped back from much of her involvement, she still continues to advocate and write project grants for organizations which she has a passion. “I’m inspired by the sky — I mean I look at it every day here and say, ‘There is a God and it is beautiful and there every day,’” McCall said. “There’s goodness and hope and that reminds that we have to work together.”

she’s proud of some of the larger projects, many of the things she got to do, few people knew about. “Whenever there was a big fire, I could call them and find out what they needed,” McMasters said. “Food, water, rubber gloves — we sent them by the truckload.” She doesn’t think there’s anything special about volunteering, it just takes the first step. “If you think you should have done something, then yes, you should have,” she said. McMasters inspires others because even though she retired from Walmart after 24 years, she still continues to volunteer. “Flo’s energy level has been compared to the Energizer Bunny,” said Susan Wolfe, who nominated McMasters. “I know no one more deserving of recognition for her dozens of volunteer roles across the Billings area.”

Henry’s Garage, 12 Garden Ave., Billings, MT To register go online: www.thetransitionnetwork.org/events/bil Deadline: September 15th For more information: Call Evelyn @ 657-1226

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From Glendive to the Legislature in Helena By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com All those city council meetings in Glendive really had an affect on Margie MacDonald. MacDonald never served on the council in Glendive. But, her mother was the first woman elected in the eastern Montana community. Because she saw Margie MacDonald her mother get involved, even taking on the “good ol’ boys” establishment in order to get the first water treatment plant there, it left an impression on her. As an adult, MacDonald would go on to find her own way to make an impact on her community, becoming involved with the Northern Plains Resource Council and then helping to lead the Billings community as it responded to a string of hate crimes in 1994. The Billings response later became worldfamous as “Not In Our Town.” MacDonald has continued that passion as she’s went to work as legislator. For her community involvement and work, MacDonald has been selected as one of the 20 Exceptional Women of 2017. Though her mother had taught her the value of involvement growing up, it wasn’t until she became a mother herself that she got active. “You cannot insulate your children from the deep tears in the fabric of the community,” MacDonald said. Increasing poverty rates in the 1980s had frayed the safety nets and crime was on the rise in Billings. “In a way, it was selfish,” MacDonald said

Margie MacDonald

MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff

of her involvement. “But I wanted this to be a happy and wholesome place for my kids and grandchildren.” But that wasn’t so unlike her mother who went on a crusade to get better water in Glendive, a hard sell to the conservative community even when Hepatitis B had contaminated the water in the area. She remembers her mother also being active in local history, seeking out the last remaining homestead families to collect their oral histories. “She would drag me around the countryside to interview the homestead families as she gathered histories,” MacDonald said. That gave her a sense of community and

place that MacDonald has used as she’s advocated for better communities and Billings the Legislature. “It was a family that was rich with social capital,” MacDonald said. “There was support and solidarity and they raised adults who worked hard and wanted to give to the community.” When the hate crimes in 1994 hit Billings it was that same sense of community that rose up and led her to become active. “I didn’t want that to define our community and I didn’t want us to delegate it,” MacDonald said. She was worried that leaders or the community might try to downplay or dismiss the racially motivated crimes. “We had to own it,” MacDonald said. “We couldn’t say, ‘Well, that’s terrible for the African American community or the Native American community.’ It had to be terrible for all the community.” She credits then-police chief Wayne Inman with also taking a strong stand against the racism. She said that by the police chief speaking out, it made it acceptable for others to talk about it. The law enforcement community was joined by the faith community for a powerful reaction that became a national movement, Not In Our Town — a group that teaches other communities and organizations how to stand up to intolerance and racism. “I was hugely proud,” MacDonald said. “This is my town and my home and I loved that people showed up.” Her work in the Legislature was a natural progression because she had always worked work with the ranching community, even

in the 1970s and 1980s helping the Northern Plains Resource Council work with the agricultural community to craft better state policy. “Seeing the Legislature up close — it was so dramatic and exciting,” MacDonald said. “It was also so consequential. It forged relationships I had for years. I kind of got the bug.” When she was first elected, she thought that she was put on the Judiciary Committee because of her work with Not In Our Town. Instead, she found herself drawn to the work because of criminal justice reform. For example, she has helped rewrite some of the criminal justice statutes which allow for more drug court and intervention, while also addressing some of the mental health issues that come along with the courts. She hopes that the conversations which centered on politics around the dinner table growing up can be a path forward in the future. “It was always respectful, not destructive,” MacDonald said. “We were always trying to find where we had common ground.” She counts inspirations as diverse as Barack Obama, Tom Towe and Pope Francis. “Tom Towe is brilliant and he’s done amazing things,” MacDonald said. “He was a lightning rod for hostility, but he never let the criticism get to him or take it personally.” Because of his work with the poor and the his reminders about living in community, MacDonald said she looks to Francis for wisdom. “He’s message is prophetic and it’s important for caring for the planet as life-giving as a practice of faith,” MacDonald said.

Still making Marc proud By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com Arlene Priest is a lot of things — a passionate believer in Compassionate Friends, an advocate, an accountant, and possibly the biggest BillSenior High fan Arlene Priest ings you’ll ever meet. Her most important role is Marc Priest’s mother. Marc died on Aug. 31, 1981 — a talented college student who came down with what was originally believed to be the flu but turned into a month-long battle and eventual death from encephalitis. Priest, a single mother, was devastated

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to lose her only child. For several years the pain of the loss nearly incapacitated her. “I would crawl into bed, pull up the covers at night and pray to God not to let me wake up because the grief is so bad,” Priest said. “It takes all you have to survive a child’s death. I thought it would kill me.” At 90, the pain and grief hasn’t killed her, but the experience has helped her comfort and support countless other parents who have endured the same hell of losing a child. Priest is largely credited for building the Compassionate Friends group in Billings and several others around the state. Please see Priest, page 17 Arlene Priest

BRONTE WITTPENN, Gazette Staff

Healing the world By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com

MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff

Kelly Norwood

Focusing on what matters By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com Kelly Norwood remembers driving home. It was about midnight and her mother’s 70th birthday party had just finished. she drove Kelly Norwood up As72nd Street West, she noticed headlights in the rearview mirror. They seemed distant, nothing to be concerned about. “Plenty of time,” she thought before continuing. And that’s the last thing she remembers before waking up in the Intensive Care Unit at a Billings hospital. What she cannot remember is being rear-ended. She doesn’t remember her car spinning out of control on the side of the road or it coming to rest in a field, well off the road. When first responders first came to the scene, they didn’t even notice the dim headlights of her crashed car in a field, yards away from the crash. It was only an off-duty officer who noticed them. She was wearing a seatbelt, but the impact of the crash was so powerful that it had actually knocked the entire seat frame into the back seat. Norwood was in such serious condition that they called for a helicopter instead of an ambulance. When she awoke, she suffered no broken bones, a handful of scratches and very

serious head trauma. Her family gathered around her bed, not certain whether she’d make it. Months of rehabilitation followed — occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy. During that time, she would give up her career in real estate. She’d also face divorce and have to raise three daughters as she recovered. Norwood has been named one of 2017’s 20 Exceptional Women. It was difficult putting a shattered life back together. Physically she was damaged, emotionally drained and facing the prospect of being a single mother. She faced long rehabilitation and intense, debilitating headaches. She didn’t know if they would ever go away. She remembers the frustration of being able to know what she wanted to say, but not being able to put the words together. It took nearly a year, but as her body healed, the headaches started to diminish. During that time, the case against the man who hit her wound its way through the court system. Norwood was surprised to see that a few years after her accident, the same driver was charged with another DUI. “When I got to the courthouse, they wanted to know what I thought about having him serve jail time during the weekends. He worked construction and they thought that jail would interfere with his life,” Norwood said. Please see Norwood, page 17

Carol Roberts gets her strength from her family. And, it’s because of her family that she has given selflessly to other organiCarol Roberts zations that help build and repair families, whether it’s working with La Leche League, Family Services or Family Promise — all have the same goals — to make families stronger. For her work in the community for more than 30 years, Roberts has been named one of the 20 Exceptional Women for 2017. Roberts’ sense of purpose comes from a deeply rooted faith. In addition to being the president of her synagogue Congregation Beth Aaron, she has applied a key concept of Judaism, tikkun olam. The phrase means to repair the world; the concept is to help the world by acts of kindness and standing up for those at a disadvantage. For Roberts, there’s no better way to heal the world than by having strong families, something she’s been blessed to know her entire life, she said. As an example, Roberts has been a supporter of the La Leche League, an international group that promotes and educates about the benefits of breastfeeding. “I figured after about two years, I’d move on to something else, but I never did,” she said. “But I don’t think there’s anything else — volunteer or paid — that is more important to helping a mother and a baby achieve a relationship that lasts a lifetime. With a supportive father, that’s a solid foundation for a family.” She also gives to Family Service and Family Promise, two local organizations aimed at helping strengthen and repair families. Roberts credits Family Service with providing an array of support programs to help stabilize and help families. “Family Service is the larger, broader program,” Roberts said. Roberts likes how the organization is able to address so many needs from transportation to housing to food. She was first introduced to the organization by her accountant. “She said, ‘I know your tendencies and I think you’d resonate with this one,’” Roberts said. Family Promise, on the other hand, works on a smaller, more intensive and individualized basis helping them stabilize and get out of poverty.

Carol Roberts

MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff

And it’s Roberts’ family who help champion her nomination for the Exceptional Women award. “She was the co-leader of the fund drive for Family Promise and helped raise more than $600,000 for their new building,” said her husband, Dr. Don Roberts. It was also Roberts’ family who gave her the initial drive to help heal and repair the world. She grew up in a close-knit family in Cincinnati. She remembers her father being dedicated to his faith and her mother’s dedication to the arts. “I know that there are people who don’t have a family like ours and that saddens me,” Roberts said. “I can’t imagine that.” Her mother, who is 91 and getting ready for another international trip, helps serve as an inspiration to Roberts, who believes that tikkun olam is really about finding something that ignites a passion. “Get involved with something you’re interested in — if you love kids, find an organization that helps kids. If you love music or the arts, get involved there,” Roberts. And she should know. In addition to Family Promise, Family Services and La Leche, Roberts has been on medical mission trips to the Philippines and Tanzania and worked with the Billings Education Association, Yellowstone Art Museum and Montana Audubon Conservation as well as given to the YMCA, YWCA, the Boys and Girls Club and the Boys and Girls Ranch. SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2017

Lobbyist in heels, Wonder Woman in fire boots By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com It’s hard to track down Audrey Walleser during the summer for a good reason. You may have to call late at night or early in the morning. Maybe there’s cell service where she’s at. Maybe not. She works as a wildland Audrey Walleser firefighter, advocate, philanthropist, lobbyist, wife and mother. Did we mention Wonder Woman? That’s what her husband and son think of her. For more than 15 years, she’s served as a firefighter. She’s also worked as a fire lookout attendant, forestry technician and a wildlife rehabilitation specialist before moving up the ranks of a normally maledominated field to become an engine boss, public information officer and fire instructor. It is for her work as public education advocate that helped make Walleser one of the 20 Exceptional Women of 2017, an award given annually by The Billings Gazette. “After returning from the 2016 season and seeing the death and devastation of wildland fire in the Great Smokey

Audrey Walleser

Courtesy photo

Mountains, she decided that fire education weren’t enough,” said her husband, Josh Russell, who nominated his wife for the award. Walleser had been disturbed by the story of young children who ran into those forests to escape the blaze. They had run right into the fire they had hoped to avoid. Blaze, she thought. That sparked an idea that could only come from a person who has been both a

firefighter and communications specialist. She and her son, Colt, came up with “Blaze the Bison” a mascot she hopes may someday become as iconic as Smokey the Bear. Instead of emphasizing prevention of forest fires, Blaze will help educate parents and children about evacuation and what to do when a fire strikes outdoors. Like Sparky the Fire Dog, which focuses on house fires, or Smokey the Bear, Blaze would fill the knowledge gap about wildland fires. “When you put the information in a mascot like Blaze you make it easier and more attractive for kids, but you also get adults’ attention. You don’t insult their intelligence because it’s something meant for kids, but the message is simple and effective,” Walleser said. This fall, Walleser will travel to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to give the first Blaze the Bison to the father of the children who perished in the fire last year. Working on campaigns is something Walleser does when she’s not out on the fire lines. As her husband said, she trades her fire boots for heels and goes to Helena to advocate and lobby for causes she believes in. Since becoming an advocate and lobbyist, Walleser has been a part of more than

100 campaigns ranging from political candidates to causes. When the Legislature isn’t in session or fire season isn’t raging, she has worked on a program for summer lunches for kids who needed food but didn’t have school lunch during the off months in Carbon County where she lives. She’s also expanding that to a school supply assistance program. She’s also looking at ways to get meals to seniors. “A lot of people are proud and don’t want to ask for help,” Walleser said. “But we want to create these programs because they not only help, but they build a sense of community.” She said that her program uses a lunchand-learn format held in public places like the park. That way, residents of all ages can come an go, and all are welcome to food. That helps remove the hand-out stigma. “I grew up very poor and I had amazing teachers who believed in me and gave me chances to really make something of myself,” Walleser said. “Sometimes, it’s the smallest acts which have the greatest impact.” Those impacts haven’t gone unnoticed on her 9-year-old son. “She is a Wonder Woman and does everything but jump buildings,” the nomination read.

Billings’ longest serving administrator By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com Quietly and without much fanfare, Billings City Administrator Tina Volek has become the longest serving city administrator in nearly five decades since the Magic Tina Volek City changed its form of government. That’s kind of by design, though. Volek said that her key to success has been stability and communication — not necessarily as attention-grabbing as new buildings or controversial plans, but every bit as important. When she was named city administrator 13 years ago, Billings’ bond rating had slumped and its reserves were depleted. Since then, she’s been able to help boost the bond rating to AA and the reserves have been rebuilt, putting the city on very solid ground for the next administrator. For her leadership and her service, Volek

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2017

has been named one of the 20 Exceptional Women in Billings for 2017. Volek said her passion for service started by observing her parents and teachers. Her father grew up in Billings, so coming to the Magic City was really a homecoming. And her father was able to spend his final year of life here, in his hometown, watching his daughter lead the city as its top official. “I got to spend a year with him that I didn’t expect to have,” Volek said. Robin Hanel, wife of Mayor Tom Hanel, nominated Volek for the award and credits her knowledge with helping guide the council, even though turnover happens constantly as the 11-member council cycles in and out. “Tina has displayed tremendous leadership during her time as city administrator for many years and through the growth of Billings,” Hanel said. That growth would not be possible Please see Volek, page 20

Christina Volek

MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff

Priest Continued from page 14 The group supports parents who are grieving the loss of a child. She doesn’t remember how she got started in the group. It was sometime in 1982. Priest describes her grief as all-consuming. She had been invited to a group that was meeting at what was then Billings Deaconess Hospital (now Billings Clinic). The leaders of the group would ask for help. “No one would raise their hand,” Priest said. “When you grieve a child, it takes all your energy just to make it.” At one of those early meetings, the couple leading the meetings brought a box of supplies — it was all the materials Compassionate Friends had. They put the box on the table and announced to the group they didn’t have the energy or time to keep the support group going. Then, they walked out. Priest remembers the rest of the group looking around — stunned, wondering what to do. Even though she describes herself as a “behind-the-scenes” worker, she volunteered, and the group continued. One of the first things she did was start a newsletter to offer support and organization. She worked during the day at her job and typed the newsletters at midnight. Following Marc’s death, Priest kept in contact with his college girlfriend. It was while they were sharing “Marc stories” that Priest learned her son told his girlfriend, “You know, I am proud of my mom.” “It was there that I said, ‘I’m going to

Norwood Continued from page 15 She remembers being enraged. “His life?” she asked. “What about my life? He interfered with my life.” In addition to physically rehabilitating, she also had to refocus her life. During that time, she didn’t know if she’d ever get back to work. She and her daughters went to counseling — they had to overcome the horrifying panic of possibly losing their mother. “They were sure I was going to die,” Norwood said. “But I was raised not to give up.” At first, she got a part-time job. Then, she gradually went to full-time, rebuilding her life along the way. “These three girls needed me to be strong,” Norwood said. “I couldn’t get back to self-pity.”

do something to make Marc proud of me again,’” Priest said. Since then, she started other Compassionate Friends chapters, called hundreds of parents, went to conferences and continues to send birthday cards to parents on their child’s birthday, letting them know they haven’t been forgotten. “It’s usually the family and friends who don’t want to talk with the parents about the children because they’re worried they’ll upset them and they’ll start crying. Well, we’re crying anyway,” Priest said. “What people don’t understand is that hearing their child’s name is like music to a parent’s ears.” And so she’s tried to support parents and advocate awareness. Compassionate Friends put up a brick walk at Rose Park in Billings with names of children. It planted two blue spruce trees so that they could be decorated for Christmas. An angel statue was placed there so that parents could have a place to remember their children. “Many parents have their children cremated so they don’t have a place to go to, like a cemetery. This and the bricks gives them a place to go to,” Priest said. She credits her work to Marc, who she said never really left her life. She still remembers the last interaction she had with him. A typical kiss on the top of her head as the six-foot, three-inch Marc bent down to say goodnight and an “I love you.” For her work with Compassionate Friends, she has received the one of the 2017 Exceptional Women Awards. And she has most definitely given Marc something to be proud of again. And again.

And that’s when she had her epiphany. “Figure out what you’re living for,” Norwood said. “For me, it was the girls. I had to be strong for them. God kept me here for a reason. And when I looked at my three daughters, I knew I wasn’t finished raising them at that time. It was a wake-up call that made me realize I needed to focus on what was important, and let the other stuff go.” That experience has also helped give her a new perspective in her current job. She works for the State of Montana as a regional administrative assistant supervisor for the Developmental Disabilities Program. “I believe I was meant to be in that position,” Norwood said. “I had to struggle and that’s what they have to do. I get to help see clients succeed and they are happy. Those are things that I used to take for granted. I thought I really cared about those things before, but after (the accident), I really did. I did not just say, ‘I love you.’ “I meant it.” SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2017

Tips for women mulling a career change By Gazette wire services Women considering a career change may experience mixed emotions. The excitement elicited by such a decision may be tempered by fear. Such fear is natural when embarking on a new path and leaving behind some security and professional equity, but that fear should not be the deciding factor when women mull whether or not to change careers. The decision to change careers is something that requires careful thought and ample consideration of a host of factors. Women facing such a decision can consider the following tips to ensure they make the best choice for themselves.

Consider your motivation before pursuing a change.

The motivation behind a career change can go a long way toward determining if that change is ultimately successful. Money can be a great motivator, but if money is the only thing driving a change, then women might be better off pursuing new opportunities within their existing field rather than changing careers entirely, as staying within the field will allow wom-

en to capitalize on the professional equity they have built over their careers while also providing a new challenge. A genuine interest in another profession or a desire to find a better work-life balance might make for better motivators to change careers than simply switching to make more money.

Do your homework.

Career changes require hard work and, if extra schooling is necessary, a potentially sizable financial investment. Women should thoroughly research any fields they might pursue before making a change so they can fully understand the commitment they will need to make. Once they get an idea of what they will need to do make a successful career change, women should speak with their family to discuss the effects that their pursuit may have on family members. Such a discussion can make the transition to a new career easier, and the support a woman’s family provides along the way can serve as something to lean on if or when things start to feel overwhelming.

been at one time. When mulling a career change, don’t be afraid to seek help. Help might come from family or friends, but women shouldn’t limit themselves with regard to whose help they will accept. If a woman wants to become a college professor, she shouldn’t hesitate to contact a professor at a local college, explaining her situation and asking for any advice. Women have nothing to lose by reaching out and such help can prove invaluable. And women might be surprised to learn just how willing even strangers might be to lend a hand.

Give yourself time.

Career changes are rarely an overnight process. Successfully switching careers takes time, so don’t give yourself a quick deadline to make a change. Such pressure likely won’t increase your chances of making a successful switch, and you won’t enjoy the process nearly as much if you bury yourself in pressure. Changing careers can be exciting and nerve-wracking. Affording such a switch the considerDon’t be afraid to ask for help. ation it deserves and doing your homework Many people are dissatisfied with their can help make the switch as successful as careers, and those who aren’t might have you envision it being.

Photo courtesy of Metro Media Services

Take a cue from other successful women By Gazette wire services

their careers are more likely to overcome any challenges and stand out in the workWomen had another successful year in place. If your profession is not stoking any 2015. According to the Fortune 500 list, 2015 passion, explore alternate career opportutied the record set for the highest number of nities. female CEOs in America’s largest companies by revenue. Recognize your strengths. Twenty-four women, including Mary Today’s professionals are less likely than Barra of General Motors, Meg Whitman their predecessors to stick with one comof Hewlett-Packard and Ginny Rometty of pany or line of work for their entire working IBM, made the list. Although women make lives. But just because you change jobs or up 45 percent of the labor force and only career paths does not mean your past expe5 percent head Fortune 500 companies, rience is useless. women are making greater strides than ever Successful women know what they do before. For example, in 1998, just one wom- best, whether it’s public speaking, writan led a Fortune 500 company, according to ing or making sales pitches. Apply those Pew Research Center. strengths when looking for a new job or caCertain traits could help propel success- reer. ful women to the top. Here’s a look at some of the ways female professionals can overcome Know when to ask for help. professional hurdles and make their mark. Even the most accomplished women

have to learn from others. Sometimes the smartest way to overcome an obstacle is having several hands on deck to provide a boost. Thinking that the work is better left to you alone could be a mistake. Enlist help when you need it and never hesitate to ask for another perspective.

Make time for exercise.

A sluggish body can make for a sluggish mind. Successful people need to be sharp, and exercise can help them maintain their mental focus. According to John J. Ratey, Ph.D., a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, muscles send hormones rushing to the brain where they mix with a substance called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. BDNF plays a role in brain cell growth and learning. Without it, brains can’t absorb new information or have limitations. Asking for help when you grow and learn. Exercise also helps relieve Be passionate about what you do. need it can help you overcome those limita- stress, which can make resolutions easier to Women who maintain passion about tions. To be good at what you do, you first see and make tasks less overwhelming.

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Go easy on yourself.

While many successful people strive for perfection, achieving perfection is unlikely, if not impossible. Successful people often admit to being their own worst critics, but don’t beat yourself up if you endure some trial and error. Mistakes can be a great teacher, so use any you make to your advantage.

Don’t be afraid to take risks.

Successful women are not afraid to take risks. Many may have decided they don’t fit a specific mold and want to affect change. However, calculated risks are different from reckless decisions, and it is important to recognize the difference. A calculated risk may involve starting your own business after learning the ropes in a specific field and testing the waters. Reckless behavior would be opening that business with no relevant experience.

Getting involved and making a difference By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com Lauren Mansfield Wright didn’t just move to Billings. She’s immersed herself in it. And though she’s a long way from her native South Carolina, Billings hasn’t just become a place to live, it’s become a home and a passion. Really, her story in Lauren Billings starts with MisMansfield soula. She moved across the Wright country with her husband as he attended law school at the University of Montana. Not knowing anyone and being several thousand miles away from home, she decided that she could either sit around and mope, or get involved. She had a passion for children and community involvement — something that began with her mother who was a special education teacher. Family time was spent volunteering and going to different events while her mother used American Sign Language for churches and other groups. “I saw that as fun — getting dressed up and going to events and spending time bonding,” Mansfield Wright said. Getting involved in Missoula meant volunteering with Families First Missoula Children’s Museum and Imagine Missoula. Even before she had kids (she’s the mother of two), she had a passion for children’s museums. After law school, when her husband had a chance to move closer to his family, she embraced her new hometown of Billings and discovered it didn’t have a children’s museum, but one was planned. Serving on the Wise Wonders board, including as president, she’s seen the organization grow from an idea to an expanding downtown presence aimed at inspiring learning in children and giving families another activity in Billings. For her community service and volunteering, Mansfield Wright has been selected as one of the 20 Exceptional Women of 2017. Mansfield Wright’s other volunteer activities include being a member of the Junior League of Billings, Reading Rocks, Chicks in Science, Moss Mansion’s Spring Fest and Downtown Billings Association. “She has tirelessly volunteered her energy to enriching the lives of children and families while growing her own,” her husband John Wright said as he nominated her. Mansfield Wright continues to help shape Wise Wonders in the background,

MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff

Lauren Mansfield Wright

saying museum director Kelli Toohill does an amazing job of demonstrating to the community what a changing, dynamic children’s museum can be. “I never want a child or family to come to the museum and say, ‘Gah, I’ve already done that,’” Mansfield Wright said. Her desire to give back was borne from the deepest of tragedies and also an unexpected mentor. During Mansfield Wright’s junior year in college, her mother was found brutally murdered in her home. Devastated, Mansfield Wright struggled with the loss, but was determined to finish her degree at the University of South Carolina. She took a leadership course by retired Army Col. Patrick Hanly, “thinking it would be interesting and not too difficult.” That gamble turned out to be wrong. “I struggled immensely with some of the most basic assignments, which included personality testing, identifying personal strengths and weaknesses, writing my eulogy and making one-, three- and five-year personal and professional goals,” Mansfield Wright said. “Through sobs and tears, Mr.

Hanly lead me through each assignment and helped me to process so many of the doubts and despairs I was experiencing.” After her mother’s funeral, she was amazed by how many people her mother had inspired — many of them unknown to her own daughter. “I wanted to live my life to influence and impact others the way my mother had,”

Mansfield Wright said. “(Mr. Hanly) has become my most cherished teacher and mentor. “Her homicide remains unsolved and we have not received the justice she deserves, but I find peace and pleasure know that she would be proud of the exceptional woman, mother and community leader I have become.”

Congratulations Lauren Wright!

(406) 702-1280 110 N 29TH ST BILLINGS, MT 59101

www.wisewonders.org SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2017

Tips to transition back to work after maternity leave By Gazette wire services

won’t know their employers’ point of view on working from home unless they ask.

The average length of maternity leave varies depending on geography, but the vast majority of new mothers take time away from work upon giving birth. Maternity leave affords women the opportunity to connect with and provide for their babies, while hopefully giving new mothers some time to recover from childbirth as well. When maternity leave ends, the transition back to work can be difficult. New mothers often struggle when the time comes to leave their babies at daycare, with a nanny or with a relative. Adding to that emotional difficulty, women also face the task of diving back into their careers and all the responsibilities that come with those careers. While returning to work after maternity leave can be difficult, the following tips might help women make the transition go more smoothly.

A 2013 study published online in the Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law found a direct link between the length of maternity leave and the risk of postpartum depression. Researchers followed more than 800 women in their first year after giving birth and found that women at six weeks, 12 weeks and six months of maternity leave had lower postpartum depression scores than their peers who returned to work. Postpartum depression can produce a host of unwanted symptoms, including a lack of interest in daily tasks and too little sleep, each of which can affect a mothers’ performance at work. By taking the leave afforded to them by their employers and/or local laws, women may reduce their risk for postpartum depression, which can make their transitions back to work that much easier.

Give yourself a grace period.

Take breaks during the day.

Even if you’re accustomed to going full bore at the office, the first days or even weeks after returning from maternity leave will be anything but ordinary. Give yourself a grace period upon returning to work, gradually easing back in rather than expecting to dive right in with both feet on your first day back. Not taking on too much too quickly can help you adjust to your new reality and give you time to cope with any emotions you might be feeling about leaving your child with a caregiver.

Another way to reduce the likelihood of being overwhelmed upon returning from maternity leave is to attempt to work remotely one or two days per week. Speak with your employer about making such an

arrangement permanent or temporary, explaining how even working from home just a single day per week might help you calm your nerves about dropping a child off with a caregiver. Thanks to the cost savings and advancements in technology, many employers are now more amenable to allowing staffers to work remotely. But new moms

Frequent, short breaks during the workday can benefit all employees, but especially new mothers returning to work after maternity leave. Returning to work can feel overwhelming, and routine breaks provide mothers with chances to catch their breath. Studies have indicated that such breaks also can reenergize workers, an especially useful benefit for new mothers who are likely not getting as much sleep as they were accustomed to prior to giving birth. Returning from maternity leave can be hard on new mothers, but there are ways to make the transition go smoothly.

dents interact with daily. “We can manage Billings for long-term growth,” Volek said. Because the city’s financial outlook is stable and because of its steady growth, Volek said it’s time for her to step out of the role. “Not only is it time for me personally, but now is the time for someone new, younger. We need someone more attuned to social media and the Millenials,” Volek said. For her, retirement will be bittersweet — leaving a staff she appreciates and calls the best in her entire career; but it also means knowing the city is undoubtedly running better than when she inherited it. Billings is Volek’s fifth job in public administration. She said growing thick skin is part of the job a city official learns fast to survive. Yes, she sees the criticism and letters to the editor. And she understands that every

resident in Billings believes he or she is her boss. “Because everyone is my boss,” Volek said. “It’s hard when people criticize you to not feel it. It hurts — I am not going to say it doesn’t. But when you go home and look in the mirror, you have to be able to say I did the best I could. “I expect people to ask questions and I understand that what is right for the community isn’t always right for every individual.” Sometimes she’s found herself at the center of a controversial issue at the city — like emergency response times or even snow plowing. That, too, goes with the territory. She lives with a simple rule for her and her staff when it comes to the city council. “You have to understand that every city council member represents a constituency — a constituency that has empowered that person,” Volek said. “So we must

listen to them and take them seriously and treat them with respect. They won that city council seat.” That has also meant that she has to make sure all the council members have enough information at the meetings to make informed decisions. Her background in journalism and communications has helped. “I send out huge information packets and live by the mantra of as few surprises as possible,” Volek said. She plans on staying in Billings. That is both a testament to the kind of place Volek helped build and the number of projects that await her at home with her husband who retired several years ago. “We also have a couple of pets that will be shocked to see me home,” Volek said. “Coming here — I am a Westerner by birth and breed. This is where the family considers home.”

Volek Continued from page 16 without solid financial footing, Volek said. And she credits the city council with making tough decisions to make sure it has adequate reserves and spends within its means. News like higher bond ratings or being named one of Wallet Hub’s best managed cities are hard to put in brochures and headlines, but it means that residents generally get high-quality services at a very reasonable cost, Volek said. “That’s important because the (bond rating) saves us a lot of money. Better bonds equal better interest rates,” Volek said. During her tenure, Volek said she’s been proud that the city has managed boots on the ground — getting more firefighters or police officers, the professionals that resi-

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2017

Take the full leave.

Photo courtesy of Metro Media Services

Arrange to work remotely one or two days per week.

Making Billings better for the next generation By DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com For Cathy Grider, what began as a letter from a little girl blossomed into a two-year volunteer effort to raise more than $80,000. Grider, a mother of three, was volunteering for the Sandstone Elementary PTA in addition to other groups. The Cathy Grider Sandstone PTA was moved by a simple request for a swingset on the playground. The simple request turned out not to be so inexpensive, though. However, it was the key motivator in transforming the Castle Rock playground. It would take Grider and her fellow volunteers two years to transform the playground. For her volunteer efforts, Grider has been named one of the 2017 20 Exceptional Women. “I just want to make this a place where my kids can live and where they want to live when they grow up,” said Grider, the mother of three. Grider also supports Dress for Success, the Billings Chamber of Commerce and the United Way. While the PTA organized a fundraising effort for a revitalized playground, it also made sure that normal yearly programs, including teacher classroom grants, weren’t neglected. At first, the project seemed like an impossibility. “We thought, ‘Are we nuts?’” she wondered. The group would need nearly $100,000 to fully build all three phases. “It wasn’t just one person, though. It was a whole bunch of people. I was amazed that there were community members who didn’t even have children there that stepped up,” Grider said. Grider said part of her involvement can be traced to her work as the marketing officer for Billings Federal Credit Union. The credit union supports different community organizations and sees giving back as part of its essential mission, Grider said. “It’s the feeling of giving back,” she said. “I may not be able to give back financially but I can give my time to help organizations in this community.” Grider and her husband grew up in Billings and wanted to make sure this continues to be a place that her three children can

“When attending community events, she is a face you can expect to see there supporting. Not only is she a leader withing her peers, she is the one of the first to step up when something is needed in the classroom, church or for a sports team.” Chrissy Blankenbaker, of Cathy Grider come back to when they’re adults. “When attending community events, she is a face you can expect to see there supporting,” said Chrissy Blankenbaker who helped nominate Grider. “Not only is she a leader within her peers, she is the one of the first to step up when something is needed in Cathy Grider the classroom, church or for a sports team.” Grider traces her passion for helping others back to her grandmother, whom she credits with selfless service. Her grandmother grew up in an orphanage and later became a nurse. Grider said that a childhood without family support caused her grandmother to treasure family and always care for others. “She was at everything. She would drop everything to help,” Grider said. “She was at all of our sporting events — if someone needed to keep score, she was there, or if they needed an extra team mom.” Her grandmother still continues to help neighbors grocery shop and she passed her love of volunteering to her daughter, Grider’s mother. Now, Grider said her daughter, who is in eighth grade, is beginning to look for opportunities to volunteer — something that makes her mother proud. “She’s always tagging along and she’s always pitching in,” Grider said. She’s picking up that this is fun and feels good.” And that goes a long way toward Grider’s ultimate goal. “This is my community,” Grider said. “I want (my children) to come back to it and be proud to be from Billings.”

MEG OLIPHANT, Gazette Staff

Congratulations Cathy Grider www.billingsfcu.org 760 Wicks Lane • 2522 4th Ave. N • 32nd & King Ave. W

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2017

Millennial women aren’t doing as well as women before them. Why? By ALISON BOWEN Chicago Tribune CHICAGO — When Courtney Winfrey, 30, graduated in 2009, she knew she might not get a dream job right away. Still, she hoped for more than what became her best offer after applying and interviewing during a recession: an unrelated sales job without benefits. But she accepted and was determined to work her way up. The same for the next job, and the next. Winfrey, who has since found a fulfilling job as a university recruiter, is one of many millennial women working their way through jobs after college graduation. A new report by the Population Reference Bureau found that many millennial women’s careers are stalled. Unlike generations before them, millennial women are not experiencing an improvement in well-being, according to the report. They face persistent poverty, and although they are more likely to have college degrees, that isn’t translating to high-paying jobs. The report noted that the poverty rate rose 37 percent between Generation X and millennials, a statistic that surprised even researchers. “When we started, frankly, we expected to see progress,” said Beth Jarosz, senior research associate with the bureau and coauthor of the report. But entering adulthood during a serious and prolonged recession, she said, “clearly has had an effect on earnings and on poverty for a whole generation.” Although the report referenced national data, stats she pulled for the Tribune reflected similar trends in Chicago. “We really are a microcosm of the world,” said Dorri McWhorter, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s chief executive officer. She said young women’s opportunities are not always translating to advancement. Millennial women face unique challenges. Many graduated in a recession-weary job market. Often, Chicago women said, they accepted jobs with lower salaries than expected or were unable to find a job at all. Some moved back in with their parents or juggled multiple minimum-wage jobs. At the same time, they face high student debt. Men, too, have dealt with effects of the recession and student debt after graduation. The reference bureau’s report does not compare women’s well-being to men’s, instead comparing millennial women only

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to women from earlier generations. But experts all noted that when millennial women enter the workforce, they encounter a stubborn wage gap and sexism. “Women are so highly educated to do all these wonderful things, but nobody tells them what the tricks are in order to succeed at work,” said Andie Kramer, an attorney who mentors young women and co-author of “Breaking Through Bias: Communication Techniques for Women to Succeed at Work.” When she graduated from law school five years ago, Bethany Whittles Harris, 32, like many of her peers, accepted a salary lower than what she might have received in a different economy. “A lot of people felt like they didn’t have a great bargaining position,” she said. Her experiences highlight the array of obstacles facing millennial women. Told as a girl she could do anything a boy could, she and friends were surprised to find persistent sexism at various workplaces. Harris and her colleagues have experienced everything from being pursued by bosses to being congratulated for their looks instead of their work. “There’s still people behaving in these

ways, there’s still this wage gap, and realizing that was a rude awakening,” said Harris, who now works at a firm where she hasn’t encountered any of these issues. “There’s still so much to navigate through as a woman professional that men just don’t have to.” Sexism, too, affects her earning potential, she said. “If you really valued me as a lawyer, as an equal, as an intellectual, as an advocate of our clients, then you wouldn’t be subjecting me to this behavior.” Women are severely underrepresented in high-paying jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Minority women are particularly underrepresented among STEM workers — in 2015, AfricanAmerican women made up 7 percent of the population of ages 25 to 34, but just 2 percent of high-earning STEM workers. Latinas were 10 percent of that population but just 2 percent of those high earners. The dour data don’t surprise millennial Sarah Labadie, a senior policy associate at Women Employed. Labadie, 33, said friends of hers struggled to find decent-paying jobs in their fields after college. Like Labadie, who began work at the nonprofit after graduating in 2006, the report notes female millennials might pursue

“do-gooder” jobs — careers that make a difference. Those jobs rarely carry salaries that afford a skyline view from a downtown apartment. Labadie adds that the gig economy — the prevalence of patchwork jobs with companies like Uber — contributes to lower earnings. And debt just compounds the problem. According to the American Association of University Women, women hold nearly two-thirds of the outstanding student debt in the U.S. “That kind of spirals out of control into more women living in poverty because they’re trying to juggle rent, student debt payments, all the costs of living,” she said. This stew of hurdles sounds familiar to Foram Sheth, 27, co-founder of Chicagobased Ama La Vida, a coaching company where she helps millennials who feel stuck. Women have more opportunities than ever before, she noted. But pursuing degrees can equate to loan debt, and marrying later means building a life on a single income. “There’s these consequences that have never been faced before,” she said. Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer works with young Chicago women through programs like her Off the Sidelines, which connects and supports girls and women. Millennial women face stubborn obstacles, she said, but they are also forging their own definitions of a fulfilling, balanced life. “The question is, are they worse off, or do they have a different definition of success?” she said. The reference bureau report suggests women need social and societal structures to excel. Here, too, is where McWhorter agrees. The YWCA counsels young women on skills like negotiation. It also started a Not That Complicated project pushing for pay equality. As a member of the YWCA’s Future Leaders Council, those resources, and working her way up and learning from each new role, helped land Winfrey her job at accounting firm Grant Thornton. She assists in recruiting a diverse workforce, including women and minorities. Like many millennials, she juggles jobs and goals. After work, she maintains a lifestyle blog, and she harbors hopes of becoming a motivational speaker. “As a millennial, I’m all about, make your own path,” she said.

Female CEOs see pay rise, but numbers remain small Associated Press For the second year in a row, female CEOs earned more than their male counterparts and received bigger raises. But only a small sliver of the largest companies are run by women, and experts say gender parity at the top remains way off. The median pay for a female CEO was nearly $18 million last year, up about 13 percent from 2014. By comparison, male CEOs’ median pay was $10.5 million, up just 3 percent from a NOOYI year earlier, according to an analysis by executive compensation data firm Equilar and The Associated Press. A pay hike doesn’t tell the full story

though. The jump is largely due to the small sample size: only 17 of the 341 CEOs analyzed by Equilar and the AP were women. That means any one CEO’s compensation — Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer’s nearly $36 million package, for example, or Mary Dillon’s 200 percent raise at Ulta — can skew the results. Of the 10 highest paid CEOs on the list, only one was a woman: Yahoo’s Marissa Mayer, whose own position is in jeopardy amid questions about the company’s future. The next highest-paid woman was Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo Inc., who earned $22.2 million. General Dynamics CEO Phebe Novakovic came in third at $20.4 million. The lowest-paid female CEO on the list was Lauralee Martin of HCP, a health care real estate investment

trust, whose pay package was valued at $800,000. The only black woman to make the list — Ursula Burns of Xerox — is giving up her CEO role soon to serve as chairman of the document technology company after the business splits in two. Women led companies in a variety of industries including technology, defense and aerospace and retail. While there are few women at the helm, they tended to be in higher paying industries or positions — making up 10 of the top 100 highest paid overall. A recent report by S&P Global Market Intelligence highlights the gulf between words and actions in hiring women as CEOs. “Despite all of the attention placed on increasing the number of female executives

at American companies, the needle on the gender gap has hardly moved,” the report’s author, Pavle Sabic, wrote. Sabic looked at the entire Standard & Poor’s 500 index from 2006 to 2015 and found the number of female CEOs rose from 16 to 21 — an increase of one new female CEO every two years. “The gender gap at the CEO level ... is not closing,” he wrote. To calculate pay, Equilar adds salary, bonus, perks, stock awards, stock option awards and other compensation. To determine what stock and option awards are worth, Equilar uses the value of an award on the day it is granted. For options, this includes an estimate of what the award could be worth in the future. Their actual value in the future can vary widely from what the company estimates.

New book an engaging study of ‘unruly women’ By ESTHER J. CEPEDA As someone who shuns celebrity “news,” gossip and whatever is “breaking the internet” on a given day, Anne Helen Peterson’s new book, “Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud: The Rise and Reign of the Unruly Woman,” was not a natural fit for me. But as a rich reality-TV star tweets policy from the White House, it seems warranted to consider celebrity as a lens through which to try to understand our current political moment. By this logic, it’s worth taking stock of female archetypes in our culture through the stories of some of the most talked-about women of the last few years — and Peterson does so in near scholarly detail. Her selection of so-called “unruly women” is notable and engaging for its seeming randomness. Peterson’s mix of profiles includes those who have been around so long — Serena Williams, Madonna and Hillary Clinton — that at first they seem unlikely to provide any new insight into the cultural moment. And then there are those, like Lena Dunham, Caitlyn Jenner and Kim Kardashian, who you may already be sick and tired of hearing about. But dig in and you’ll be treated to myriad aspects of famous women that you may never have considered. For instance, you might have thought the tennis champion Williams was strictly

a success story. But Peterson digs deep into the racial abuse and sexual snark that have followed Williams as she broke the mold of the traditional tennis ideal of understated, moneyed elegance that corresponds with upper-class America. Similarly, in Peterson’s investigation of rapper Nicki Minaj, readers are shown that beyond the tabloid frenzy surrounding her overtly sexual branding we find a woman who defines herself by her business acumen. She prides herself on her hard work, has found a way to play by her own rules in a music industry dominated by men, and calls out women who tear other women down. Describing an interview in which a female reporter, referring to an incident between some of the men in Minaj’s orbit, asked the rapper whether she thrived on drama, Peterson quotes Minaj: “That’s the typical thing that women do. ... What did you putting me down right there do for you? Women blame women for things that have nothing to do with them. ... To put down a woman for something that men do, as if they’re children and I’m responsible, has nothing to do with you asking stupid questions, but you know that’s not just a stupid question. That’s a premeditated thing you just did.” It was a relief to see at least one strong criticism of a culture in which female journalists, editors, writers, bloggers and consumers lead the charge in the judgment about whether a female celebrity is too fat

(actress Melissa McCarthy), too gross (actresses Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer) or too loud (novelist Jennifer Weiner). I wish Peterson had spent at least as much time exploring the ways in which women become the primary fuelers of the body-surveillance culture and chief critics of other women’s career choices, parenting styles and sexual preferences as she does blaming the “male

gaze,” “the patriarchy” and misogyny. Still, Peterson has written an intelligent and fascinating book that prompts us to make connections and subsequently allows us to reconsider how we judge women in the public eye. Because I tend to ignore anything Kardashian-related, I had been unaware of the direct connection between the social media-fueled images of maternity and childbirth perfection and the very real health crises that plagued Kim Kardashian’s highrisk pregnancies and caused her swollen feet to become trending stories. Similarly, Peterson’s chapter on Jenner’s transition — and the many ways in which it is not emblematic of an everyday person’s financial, emotional and societal struggles in being transgender — is a mini-masterpiece of LGBTQ history and how it clashes with the American ideal of the Olympic athlete. I truly enjoyed reading Peterson’s study of unruly women, but I do have to say it’s too bad no Asian-American or Hispanic women made it into her book. As a result, it feels like they were lumped together in a category marked “Too Invisible” or “Too Marginalized” and, surely, this can’t be. From Tiger Moms (Amy Chua) to the first female Doctor Watson (Lucy Liu) and any number of controversial or beloved Hispanic celebrities (Sofia Vergara and Selena Quintanilla spring to mind), unruly women come in all races and ethnicities.

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