CELEBRATING WOMEN WHO KEEP LOCAL COMMERCE ALIVE.
What spurred you into the career path you’ve chosen? A:
One simple question, “I hear y’all are buying newspapers?”
My mom started as a reporter when I was about 9 years old and worked her way through the ranks to publisher, so I grew up in and around the profession. I went to college with the intention of having a photography business. Through a story too long for this space, my mom, sister and I made the decision to purchase the Port Lavaca Wave in 2021. After announcing the purchase in September 2021, former owner and publisher of the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch Cyndy Barton reached out with that “simple question ” Three months later, we closed on the purchase of Barton Publications
What’s your favorite place to go on a vacation?
A: Q:
Anywhere with friends or family
It’s only ever fun to me when I've got others around to share the moments with.
What impact do you hope to have during your career?
A: Q:
What would you be doing if you didn’t work at the job you currently have?
Q:
It’s difficult for me to think about what I would be doing if I wasn’t working for this publication because I’m truly grateful to have been here for three years. But if anything, I would still be writing in some aspect or doing something involving storytelling or photography.
What is your favorite form of self care?
A:
My favorite form of self care is sitting in a quiet area with tea or coffee and a good book It’s not often I am able to have silence so when I do, I feel at peace I also like to indulge in any new interests I have recently developed, whether it be a TV show or a new activity.
Q:
You can only pick one: coffee, tea, beer, wine. Which one and why?
A:
I feel like the best impact I can make is to be able to be there and help others in their endeavors. A: Q:
Q:
What is one thing you wish you could do more of?
I really wish I could do more things outdoors. I love to be in nature, preferably around water… However, heat sensitivity gets me every time.
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
A:
Definitely coffee. My best friend introduced me to coffee during our freshman year of college and I’ve loved it ever since.
Depending on how long of a day I’ve had, I like to sit outside with a glass of wine on my patio and watch TikTok and subsequently send them to everyone I know Sometimes, I like to read poetry and write in my journal (you know it’s been a particularly long day if I’m writing even after a full day of writing).
Tips to help you succeed and stay productive from your home office.
Page 11
Local business women share experiences, advice and inspirations.
Throughout
Pages 8 & 9
Page 5 Women & Education
Page 5
Women in STEM
Page 5
Disabled Women in the Workforce
Page 14
WOMEN WORKING FULLTIME ARE PAID 83 7% OF WHAT MEN ARE PAID
ON AVERAGE, WOMEN HAVE MORE YEARS OF EDUCATION, YET THERE IS STILL A SIGNIFICANT WAGE GAP
THE MAIN CONTRIBUTOR FOR THE WAGE GAP IS THAT WOMEN ARE MORE LIKELY THAN MEN TO WORK IN LOWER-PAYING JOBS
THE PAY GAP FOR OLDER WOMEN IS LARGER THAN IT IS FOR YOUNGER WOMEN
SOURCE: U S DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND CENTER FOR ECONOMIC STUDIES
TRADE JOBS ARE A VITAL COMPONENT OF OUR ECONOMY A TRADE JOB IS ANY OCCUPATION THAT TYPICALLY REQUIRES SPECIALIZED SKILLS LEARNED THROUGH ADVANCED TRAINING, SUCH AS A TRADE SCHOOL, APPRENTICESHIP OR ON THE JOB TRAINING, RATHER THAN AT A FOUR YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
WHILE WOMEN ACCOUNTED FOR 51.7% OF ALL WORKERS EMPLOYED IN MANAGEMENT, PROFESSIONAL AND OTHER RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN 2020 WHICH IS SOMEWHAT MORE THAN THEIR SHARE OF TOTAL EMPLOYMENT (46 8%) THEY ARE VASTLY UNDERREPRESENTED IN THE TRADE INDUSTRY.
IN 2021, RELATIVE TO THEIR SHARE OF TOTAL EMPLOYMENT, WOMEN MADE UP ONLY 29 5% OF EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING, 27 7% IN AGRICULTURE, 24 1% IN TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES, 14.5% IN MINING AND 10.9% IN CONSTRUCTION.
WOMEN DID, HOWEVER, MAKE UP 44% OF WHOLESALE JOBS AND 47% OF RETAIL TRADE JOBS
SOURCE: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
WHAT SPURRED YOU INTO THE CAREER PATH YOU’VE CHOSEN?
I have always been very interested in wellness and spirituality. After watching the challenges that the COVID pandemic brought, I was inspired to move forward with it. Our
society needs options for taking care of our body, our mind and our souls.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FORM OF SELF CARE?
Being in nature!
WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE DURING YOUR CAREER?
I hope to give people relief and comfort that they haven’t been able to find in other avenues. I also hope that I can teach more people to be brave enough to listen to their intuition and follow through with what it is telling them.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO UNWIND AFTER A LONG DAY?
Sitting in the woods, or on a beach with my bare feet on the ground, just soaking up all the natural energy around me.
WHO WAS THE MOST IMPACTFUL TEACHER OR EDUCATOR IN YOUR LIFE AND WHY?
Mrs. Linda Miller, 5th grade.
She taught me real authenticity. She was very real with us.
WHAT ARE 3 WORDS YOU WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Loud, loving, and loyal
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ENTERING TODAY’S JOB MARKET?
If you are willing to work hard, you can make anything happen.
WHAT WAS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED IN YOUR LIFE?
The world doesn’t revolve around you.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST JOB YOU EVER HAD AND HOW DID IT HELP YOU CAREERWISE?
I started at The Salt Lick when I was 16. It was wonderful, we were a family. I believe that job taught me the strong work ethic I have today!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF?
What others think about you doesn’t matter! It shouldn’t even enter your mind.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW OR MOVIE AND WHY?
All the Muppet Movies. There is great wisdom in them, if you pay attention.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE FACED IN YOUR CAREER. HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?
Spreading the word so that I could build clientele.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OF?
I wish I had more free time with my family.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY IN 10 YEARS?
I will be in perfect health, happy, content, abundant, and surrounded with husband and family all the time!
Q:
Where do you see yourself professionally in 10 years?
In a dream world, I would work at a political journal and report on what happens in Congress I think that the bills are the most interesting part of the government. They literally decide how our nation runs, so I would love to be in “the room where it happens ”
Q:
A:
What was the first job you ever had and how did it help you career-wise?
Inserting newspapers at the Port Lavaca Wave. Growing up in and working my way through the ranks of the newspaper taught me the true value of this industry and why it is important for me to continue to adapt, change and give back to keep community journalism alive
Q:
What is your favorite TV show or movie and why?
My favorite movie is “Love Actually,” the characters are just so relatable and there are great comedy moments and as the individual stories converge it becomes a great “feel good” movie
A:
What was the last book you read and why did you choose it?
A:
The last book I read was Atlas of the Heart I have been following Brene Brown and her research and theories for about ten years, and her latest book absolutely did not disappoint
Q:
Where do you feel women in business are today?
After being in this industry for more than a decade, I feel like women have come a long way
At Barton Publications in particular, we support each other on those bad days and lift each other up for our accomplishments the unique experience of being in an allfemale newsroom! That isn’t to say we don’t have a long way to go, but I feel progress has been slow and steady for females in business and we continue our onward march forward!
A:
What advice would you give a young professional entering today’s job market?
A:
I wish somebody told me when I was a young professional entering the job market that you can not compare your success to somebody else’s success Your path may look different and that’s okay
What was your major in college and did it help you in your career?
A:
My majors in college were English and government. I use my English degree every day when I write and my government degree was truthfully just a degree I got for fun, so I don’t really use it professionally Although I don’t actively use it, my love of government is actually what made my career goals change from publishing to journalism when I realized I wanted to eventually be a political journalist
Q:
SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR BLOG
A:
SINCE 1970, WOMEN WHO HOLD DEGREES HAVE INCREASED 4X WHILE MEN WHO HOLD DEGREES HAVE ONLY INCREASED 2X
IN 2020, 4 8% OF WOMEN IN THE LABOR FORCE HAD LESS THAN A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, DOWN FROM 33.5% IN 1970
SOURCE: U S BUREAU OF LABOR AND STATISTICS
Q:
Hospitals
Q:
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A:
Health Services
Q:
I am DEFINITELY a night owl I tend to get things done when everyone else is asleep It’s helped a lot during late night projects
Social Assistance
WOMEN EMPLOYED
TOTAL EMPLOYED
WOMEN EMPLOYED
TOTAL EMPLOYED
WOMEN EMPLOYED
TOTAL EMPLOYED
0 2,500,000 5,000,000 7,500,000 10,000,000 12,500,000
IN 2021, WOMEN MADE UP 77 6% OF HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE WORKERS
SOURCE: U S BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
I’ve always had compassion and empathy for people, especially those that face the challenges associated with hearing loss. My brother was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma later into my career. I was thankful to have gone into audiology to assist and guide him for proper treatment. Additionally, I am passionate about education and have enjoyed working with hearing aid manufacturers to offer continuing education seminars in Kyle and surrounding communities.
With motivation and determination, anything is possible. Pick a career that aligns with your natural talents and is rewarding to you both personally and professionally. For example, I have always found the
act of caregiving rewarding and as an audiologist I am routinely afforded the opportunity to provide for those in need.
Success follows persistent fortitude in the face of life’s struggles. The field of Audiology is incredibly dynamic and I have been told to never take no for an answer when looking for hearing solutions for my patients if I want to continue to have a positive impact on their lives. I am incredibly grateful to have experienced firsthand the advancements in hearing aid technology over the last decade of my career. I plan to do my part in contributing to the community by providing unparalleled hearing healthcare.
Women have created a movement for equality in leadership roles. It’s encouraging to see more women in positions of authority while also advocating the importance of a healthy family and work life balance. I hope to continue to see more female mentors and advisors who create a network of support for future female entrepreneurs.
My wish for future female entrepreneurs and female business owners is that they have a strong emotional balance of career, and personal success. I will always be present to
guide my daughter and future female colleagues with the lessons I have learned and will continued to learn during my professional career path. Hold your head high, press onward, and hang on for the ride. Life is short and you need to give it all you have and most importantly, make a powerful impact.
In general, I particularly enjoy country music because of the stories told in the verses are often times relatable to life. The routine use of southern metaphors is also appealing. I’m a fan of the following artist: Jack Ingram, Jon Randall, Miranda Lambert, and Faith Hill. Living in the Austin area and having exposure to so many local artists is a plus for my audiology career and makes it even more enjoyable when fitting musician earplugs and hearing aids. Bluetooth capability allows streaming music directly to hearing aids with no hassle or extra devices.
I typically drink one Dr. Pepper a day as my daily treat. Caffeine just gives me that extra little push I need to get through my day. My daughter and I visited the Dr. Pepper plant in Waco, Texas where we became fascinated by the history of the drink and how it was originally marketed and manufactured. Dr. Pepper was created by a pharmacist, Dr. Charles Alderton, who thought outside of the box to create a novel
tasting drink. Just for the record, I never gave my daughter soda. Who knows, she may become a future female entrepreneur. It took a team to build and market Dr. Alderton’s famous drink and I am thankful for the strong women in my family who have formed and created a team of support for myself and my daughter.
My inspiration to succeed came from deep within my soul, an influential family, and life experiences good and bad. My family always encouraged me to get an education because it is something no one can take from you and it opens many doors. This helped to give me a desire to strive for high goals in life. When life gets tough or I have enjoyable experiences I remind myself of how far I’ve come and what I’ve had to endure to be where I’m at both personally and professionally. I’ve learned to never withdraw when faced with life’s most difficult battles. It’s during these times that you must negotiate life’s obstacles and persevere.
I am a “people person” and I truly value and respect the needs of the hearing healthcare community. Fitting the appropriate hearing aid technology goes beyond just determining listening needs; but also involves understanding a patient’s unique daily living activities. I care about my patients and I want them to know this each time they leave my office.
Comprehensive Ear, Nose & Throat Care for All Ages
Diagnostic Hearing Exams - Hearing Aid Fittings & Sales
Ear & Hearing
Chronic Ear Infections
Ruptured Ear Drum
Hearing & Balance Evaluation
Tinnitus (Ringing in Ears)
Dizziness & Vertigo
Thyroid & Parathyroid
Ultrasound & Needle Biopsy
Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery
Allergy
Testing for Pollen, Mold, Dust & Pet Allergens
Allergy Shots/Drops
Children’s ENT
Ear Tube Placement
Tonsil & Adenoid Surgery
Minimally Invasive Sinus
Surgery
Allergy Testing
Sublingual Allergy Therapy
Nose & Sinus
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
In-office Balloon Sinuplasty
Throat, Head & Neck
Sleep Apnea
Tonsil/Adenoid Surgery
Hoarseness/Vocal Cord Dysfunction
Diagnostic Hearing Tests
Comprehensive Hearing Exams
Immittance Testing
Otoacoustic Emission Testing (OAE)
Video Nystagmography (VNG)
Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)
Hearing Aid Services
Hearing Aid Sales
Programming
Fittings, Cleanings & Repairs
Tubing Changes
Earmolds
Custom Ear Plugs
Hearing Protection
WOMEN 46.8%
MEN 53.2%
LABOR FORCE SPLIT
40.5% OF WOMEN ARE THE PRIMARY OR CO-BREADWINNER FOR THEIR FAMILIES NEARLY 1 IN 10 WOMEN WORKERS ARE IN A UNION, ACCOUNTING FOR 46.3% OF ALL UNION WORKERS
WOMEN HAVE BEEN DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTED BY THE PANDEMIC
THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR WOMEN AGE 20 AND OLDER IS CURRENTLY 3 6%, HIGHER THAN IT WAS IN THE MONTHS LEADING UP TO THE PANDEMIC FOR WOMEN OF COLOR, THE RECOVERY HAS BEEN EVEN SLOWER. IN JANUARY 2022, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR ADULT BLACK WOMEN WAS 5 8% AND 4 9% FOR ADULT HISPANIC WOMEN
WOMEN HAVE MADE MAJOR STRIDES, BUT THERE IS STILL ROOM TO GROW
WOMEN HAVE MORE JOBS OPTIONS THAN 100 YEARS AGO WHEN THEY WERE LARGELY CONCENTRATED IN DOMESTIC AND PERSONAL SERVICE, CLERICAL AND TEACHING POSITIONS THERE ARE MORE CAREER OPTIONS, BUT WOMEN ARE OVERREPRESENTED IN LOWER WAGE INDUSTRIES LIKE CHILDCARE AND UNDERREPRESENTED IN HIGH WAGE INDUSTRIES LIKE FINANCE PAY GAPS PERSISTS DESPITE THE EQUAL PAY ACT, WITH WOMEN MAKING 82 CENTS FOR EVERY DOLLAR EARNED BY A MAN
EXISTING LEAVE POLICIES DON'T MEET THE NEEDS OF TODAY'S WORKING FAMILIES
ONLY 23% OF PRIVATE SECTOR WORKERS HAVE PAID FAMILY LEAVE AMONG THE LOWEST WAGE WORKERS, WHO ARE MAJORITY WOMEN AND PEOPLE OF COLOR, ACCESS TO PAID FAMILY LEAVE IS LOWER IT'S BEEN ALMOST 60 YEARS SINCE THE PRESIDENT'S COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN IDENTIFIED PAID MATERNITY LEAVE AS "ONE OF THE MAJOR REMAINING GAPS IN THE PROTECTION OF WORKERS AGAINST LOSSES OF INCOME" BUT THE UNITED STATES IS STILL THE ONLY ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION & DEVELOPMENT COUNTRY WITHOUT A PAID PARENTAL LEAVE POLICY
SOURCE: U S BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, U S DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, "LEAVE EXPERIENCES OF LOW-AGE WORKERS" AND AMERICAN WOMEN 1963
FOR ALL WOMEN, THE PROJECTED LABOR FORCE CHANGE FROM 2021 TO 2031 IS AN INCREASE OF 6.1%
2021 2031
The women’s labor force participation rate is projected to have a smaller decline than that for men, despite both groups likely experiencing falling labor force participation in 2031.
Ages 16 to 24
DECREASE OF 5.4%
Ages 25 to 54
INCREASE OF 6%
Ages 55+
INCREASE OF 13.2%
SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR BLOG
WHAT SPURRED YOU INTO THE CAREER PATH YOU’VE CHOSEN?
Growing up in the ’50s, women were told that we could be a teacher, a nurse, or a secretary. I chose to be a teacher. Fortunately, it was a good fit. I taught at LBJ HS in Northeast Austin
for 25 years. I also taught at ACC (all campuses) until 5 years ago. I loved teaching Public Speaking, Business Communication, and Debate.
WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR IN COLLEGE AND DID IT HELP YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Communications. My master’s degree was in Political Rhetoric with a focus on Presidential Speeches.
WHO WAS THE MOST IMPACTFUL TEACHER OR EDUCATOR YOU HAD IN HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE OR ROLE MODEL?
My brother. He was older. He taught me Spanish and math, to travel and explore, to be kind to others. He was a renowned professor in California and spoke 9 languages. He published scholarly books on language acquisition developing The Natural Approach and wrote college textbooks in French, Spanish, and German. He was a brilliant man.
WHAT MAKES YOU, YOU?
I’m a mother and grandmother. I am generous and kind, but I can be tough and demanding. I am competitive and strive to be the best in all I do.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR AND WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT IT?
A Karmen Ghia, blue. It was cute and sporty. Who doesn’t love a VW. For my 50th birthday, I bought a Toyota Celica convertible. Love sporty cars. Now I drive a Toyota Hybrid Camry.
WHAT WAS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED IN YOUR LIFE?
Pay It Forward was one lesson I took from the movie. I am a firm believer that if you are blessed in life, it’s vital that you help others and pay it forward. Do what you can to lift others. I fund KIVA loans to people all over the world to help them improve their lives.
The concept I believe in is If
you give a person a fish, he/she will eat for a day; if you teach a person to fish, he/she will eat for life. Give people the tools to succeed.
I have been successful with Rocking Horse Academy because of my staff. First, my daughter and partner, Rebecca Eichen, has been inspirational and amazing in leading the school. Her degree is in Early Child Development. I rely on her to run the school. (I manage the business decisions). She is patient and a people-person who keeps those family connections at the front of our business. Marissa Sanchez, my Assistant Director, and Cody Bench, my Accounts manager, both started with the company at 18. They have grown within the corporation and play a positive role in making decisions about the business and the school.
Many of my full-time staff have been with the company over 10 years. I owe them my depth of gratitude for making us the best child development center in the area (maybe in the state!).
Founders Jane Terrell and her daughter, Rebecca Eichen, collaborated and designed Rocking Horse Academy after the need for quality childcare became evident while Rebecca and her sister, Rachel, were pregnant with their first children. Rebecca received her degree in Early Childhood Learning from Southwest Texas State University and Jane retired from Austin Community College as a speech professor after spending her career as a speech and honors English teacher at LBJ High School.
Flexible working arrangements, hybrid or completely remote, are becoming more popular for several industries, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Remote work can take some getting used to when you are only familiar with being in a physical office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., five days a week. The following tips can help you succeed and stay productive from your home office.
You may be inclined to start working immediately from the comfort of your pajamas.
But actually getting ready for the day, as if you were traveling to the office, can help you stay productive. It’ll be like a signal that it is a work day because of how you present yourself.
This can include picking out a comfortable yet work-appropriate outfit, taking a shower, doing your hair and putting on a little bit of makeup. Plus, depending on your specific job, you might be required to ‘show up’ for virtual meetings.
This will depend on your specific job and the hours you need to maintain, but sticking to some kind of routine in the morning is key.
Everybody’s routines look different so it’s all about what’s going to help you get the job done. We already talked about getting ready for the day, so that can be the first step in your morning routine. What’s next? It may be brewing a cup of coffee, journaling or making some breakfast before heading over to your computer.
However your morning routine looks, it will help you get started for the day.
Sitting in front of your computer for eight hours every day of your work week is exhausting.
Communicate with your employer and team when you are going to be taking breaks, whether it be a consistent/scheduled time each day or if it will be ever-changing. Most likely, they will be understanding as long as you get your
work done.
Let’s say you began working at 9 a.m. and you start to get hungry for lunch around 11 a.m. or noon, take a few minutes (or however much time you are allotted) to take a lunch break. This may be longer, but don’t be afraid to take some other smaller breaks that are 10-15 minutes to stretch or walk around.
You need to give your mind and body a break sometimes or else your energy levels will go down.
If you are working remotely, it can be difficult to separate your work and living spaces. Sometimes, you just need to leave your home to get some new scenery and be in a different environment for a little bit.
This can look like walking around your neighborhood, going to a coffee shop to use that as your workspace for the day or even running an errand to the grocery store if time allows.
When you are not in the same office with your colleagues, but also in general, it can be difficult to remember what you need to do throughout the day. That’s where to-do lists come in.
If you’re like me, writing the list down on a physical piece of paper or in a notebook is more productive than putting it on your phone. Then, it requires you to check the items off when they are completed.
Calendars and planners are also helpful. This is where your phone and/or computer can come in. If you haven’t used Google Calendar, you are missing out. You can color code meetings, set up alerts and share the calendar with your team.
Working remotely requires you to hold yourself accountable for getting your assigned work done and prioritizing your time accordingly.
Your employer values you as an employee and the work you do. Build trust with your managers so when you need to take an extra long break, or when you need to
take a day or two off, they are more willing to grant it to you.
Because you aren’t sitting next to a team member, or at least in the same office, you need to almost over-communicate with them. Ask questions that you have about assignments, details, meetings and anything else you may be unsure of.
Using a communication platform like Slack can be helpful. But if you are still unclear about something, ask for your coworker(s) to hop on a Zoom or phone call. More than likely, they will appreciate that you are asking questions and paying attention to detail.
It can be easy to feel like you need to work past your scheduled time, especially if you are prepping for the next day or finishing a project/ assignment. And if your job involves social media, it’ll feel like your work is never-ending because you are constantly scrolling through the platforms.
Of course, working after hours (whatever that looks like with your company) when necessary is okay, but turning it into a habit can lead to burnout and general exhaustion.
If your mind and body are telling you that you can’t get work done to the best of your ability, it’s time to put work away until tomorrow.
More resources for working at
home include www.betterup.com/ blog/working-from-home-tips, blog.vantagecircle.com/workfrom-home-tips/ and www.pcmag. com/how-to/get-organized-20tips-for-working-from-home.
Megan Navarro is the editor of the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch and has been working remotely from her home office for at least two years. These tips are given based on her experience and research found.
Get ready for the day as if you were traveling to the physical office This can be picking out an outfit (not pajamas), taking a shower and applying makeup
Sitting in front of your computer 8 hours a day can be exhausting Take 10-15 minute breaks
To-do lists will be your best friend in any work capacity, especially at home, so you can stay on top of your tasks
You need to almost overcommunicate with your team Ask questions about anything you may be unsure of
Working after hours when necessary is okay, but turning it into a habit can lead to burnout and general exhaustion.
Whether serving on the Board of Directors, taking a leadership role in Chamber events and activities, these women are leaders of the Chamber and leaders in Buda.Kimberley Shoemaker 2023 BACC Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient, Kyle Family and Injury Chiropractic
What type of music do you like?
Q: What was the best advice you’ve ever received in your life?
“You can’t be Batman to all the Robins ” My dad told me this after diagnosing me with a bleeding heart in my teenage years. I wanted to save everyone, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve taken poet Mary Oliver’s “The Journey” to heart: “ … there was a new voice/which you slowly/recognized as your own,/that kept you company/as you strode deeper and deeper/into the world,/determined to do/the only thing you could do /determined to save/the only life that you could save ”
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Who was the most impactful teacher or educator in your life and why?
A:
Q:
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Born and raised in Texas, I’m a die-hard country music fan Q:
I was lucky enough to have a lot of impactful teachers in my life but two that always come to mind are my technical theater teacher Mrs. Meek and my computer programming teacher Mrs Kayfez While Mrs Meek got me to be more creative and think outside the box, Mrs Kayfez helped me learn how to not fuss over my problems too much and take things slower when things go wrong, which helped a lot in both computer programming and in life
What was your first car and what do you remember about it?
I’ll never forget my first car because it was my dream car and it got totaled after I had it for 11 months. His name was Anthony Taehyung, two of my interests inspired the name, and he was a gray 2016 Mazda 6- Touring I felt so cool and so grateful to have the car I wanted at such a young age I guess I learned that you should appreciate what you have while you have it because there might be someone from out of town that doesn’t know which lanes turn and T-bones you.
Q:
Who is your favorite superhero and why?
My favorite superhero is Superman I don’t know a whole lot about superheroes, but my favorite person under 10 LOVES him, so I choose him, too.
Q: A:
As a kid, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up? A:
The earliest I can remember, I wanted to be a firefighter Once I figured out that I was not cut out for that profession, I began the search for something that felt right Admittedly, I could not nail anything down I decided photography was a satisfactory option I went to school, started a business and then changed course I always felt “weird” to not have a definitive idea of what I wanted to be, but I have come to realize that life has a way of working out how it’s supposed to and I could have never dreamed of being where I am today
Q:
A:
Who was your first crush?
A:
Hands down, Cullen Zalman I was probably in the first grade Funnily enough, he married my childhood best friend and they now have a beautiful family
THERE ARE ROUGHLY 1.9 MILLION MORE WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES THAN MEN, BUT DISABLED WOMEN STILL MAKE UP LESS OF THE WORKFORCE. OF THE 15.9% MILLION WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES, ONLY 17.5% PARTICIPATED IN THE LABOR FORCE.
My mom worked for Austin Regional Clinic in the busi-ness office and I was always around her work friends and providers. Everyone was always so friendly. I got to see a lot behind the scenes and that’s when I knew I wanted to be part of this team and have been now for 19 years.
Time away from work and the kids to have a nice man-icure and pedicure and of course a Starbucks.
One of ARC’s mottos is to Start With Heart and I try to do that every day. We never know what the other person is going through and why they may be acting the way they are. But putting yourself in someone
else’s shoes and taking the time to understand why goes a long way, and that’s something I try to encourage to give back.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE FACED IN YOUR CAREER AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?
Knowing when to stop working. It is very easy to keep going even when you’re physically not at work. This career is 24/7 and that can be a challenge mentally. But learning how to mentally clock out of work and clock in to home life has been one of the biggest challenges I work through on a daily basis.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OF?
Being able to spend more time with my kids. I have 3 children and working full time and being a full time mom presents its struggles. Your kids are only kids for so long and we never want to miss a moment. But my kids know why I work so hard and I am teaching them that you have to work hard when you do something you love.
WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE IT?
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. Referred from a friend, and I chose to read it because it gives you hope for change, and also you see that things aren’t always what they seem. Change happens in a positive way and that’s a greenlight, you keep going. Sometimes we get stuck or things don’t work out and that’s a red light. In life we
learn from both green lights and red lights and after reading that book I catch myself in situations to stop and think okay that’s a greenlight.
WHAT ARE 3 WORDS YOU WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Dependable, funny, approachable WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ENTERING TODAY’S JOB MARKET?
Make sure you know what you’re getting into and how much of your time and energy that you have to put into your job. Nothing great is easy, and if it is, then it’s probably not that great. You will make mistakes, but learn from them and try not to repeat.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO GO ON A VACATION
It will always be the beach for me. The water, the sand and the sun always calls my name.
WHAT WAS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED IN YOUR LIFE?
If things were easy then everyone would be doing it. The true test is if you can hang in there until the end.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST JOB YOU EVER HAD AND HOW DID IT HELP YOU CAREERWISE?
My first job was in high school when I worked for Target as a cashier. I worked there for the summer and I was saving to buy my first my car. It helped me learn to communicate with people face to face
and also to handle money.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL IN LIFE AND WHY?
My father is my role model. He taught me to never give up and to work hard for what you want. Not to ever let anyone tell you can’t and to work hard at showing them you can.
If I had to have a favorite it would be Stranger Things. I know that’s looked at as a younger generation’s show, but it’s become one of my guilty pleasures. Plus, I can watch it with kids so that’s always a plus, and the music on there, I just love!
I feel that there are very strong women in the workplace. We have worked hard to get where we are today and I have been lucky enough to follow in the footsteps of many. I have had great mentors who have taught me I can do this. What I can speak to is that women who work and also have families – it can be a struggle to balance both. It will never be perfect, but for me each day, I know work has to end at the clinic in order to be successful at home. As women, we can be doing 5 things at once, but it’s finding the balance in order to get the job done.
Sitting on the back porch in my comfy pajamas with a nice glass of wine.
