Women@Work by Times Union Magazines

Want to get involved? Learn all about local nonprofits looking for help on page 23.

JULY/AUGUST 2014

Equal Time, Equal Pay Understanding the pay gap

YES, Headshots

Matter

Prepping for

Video Interviews

Margaret Smith

President, Airosmith Development, Inc.

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Publisher George R. Hearst III Editorial Janet Reynolds, Executive Editor Brianna Snyder, Associate Editor Katie Pratt, Editorial Intern Design Tony Pallone, Design Director Colleen Ingerto, Emily Jahn, Designers Dave Jacobs, Design Intern Contributing Writers Kristi Barlette, Steve Barnes, Deb Best, Molly Belmont, Corey Jamison, Stacey Morris, Anne Saile, Genevieve Scarano Contributing Photographers/ Illustrators Jeanne A. Benas, Joann Hoose, Colleen Ingerto, Emily Jahn, Tyler Murphy Sales Kurt Vantosky, Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing Kathleen Hallion, Vice President, Advertising Tom Eason, Manager, Display Advertising Michael-Anne Piccolo, Retail Sales Manager Jeff Kiley, Magazine Sales Manager Circulation Todd Peterson, Vice President, Circulation Dan Denault, Home Delivery Manager Business Nick Gagliardo, Chief Financial Officer TimesUnion.com Paul Block, Executive Producer Women@Work Advisory Board: Anne Saile†, chair; Marri Aviza†, Kristen Berdar†, Debra Best†, Nancy Carey-Cassidy†, Andrea Crisafulli-Russo†, Kathleen Godfrey†, Tammis Groft, Ann Hughes†, Julie Massry Knox, Theresa Marangas†, Frances O’Rourke, Lydia Rollins†, Curran Streett†, Joella Viscusi, Karen Webley, Kirsten Wynn †

Advisory Board founding members

Capital Region Women@Work is published six times per year. If you are interested in receiving home delivery of Capital Region Women@Work magazine, please call (518) 454-5768 or visit capregionwomenatwork. com. For advertising information, please call (518) 454-5358. Capital Region Women@Work is published by Capital Newspapers and Times Union 645 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12212 518.454.5694 The entire contents of this magazine are copyright 2014 by Capital Newspapers. No portion may be reproduced in any means without written permission of the publisher. Capital Newspapers is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hearst Corporation.

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pg. 42

Contents July/August 2014

www.capregionwomenatwork.com

@ WORK 10 Bitstream

46 Ready for Your Close-up?

Business tidbits for all

Headshots aren’t just for actors anymore

15 Tips from the Top

48 Face to Face

Shhh … W.A.I.T. … one minute

Why you need to get savvy about Skype interviews — now

16 On the Cover Margaret Smith celebrates 10 years of running her specialized business

18 I Did It Lori Selden brings her Mexican Radio franchise to Schenectady

58 The Last Word What’s the best way to let your boss know you’re going to miss a deadline?

@ HOME 50 Moms@Work Meet our new bloggers!

23 Making a Difference Get to know your local nonprofits

52 Meals on the Go Every meal is a memory for chef Ellie Markovitch

42 Crunching the Numbers The pay gap is real, ladies. Very real.

54 Getting Away Manchester, Vermont

“

The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.

”

— Margaret Smith’s favorite quote

 ON THE COVER: Margaret Smith of Airosmith. Photo by Joann Hoose. 6 | women@work

Is your company in this issue? Aberdeen Group ��48 Airosmith Development, Inc ��16 Albany Institute of History and Art ��23, 38 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region ��23 The College of Saint Rose ��42 Double H Ranch ��23, 36 Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York ��23, 40 The Guilderland Chamber of Commerce ��58 The Homeless and Travelers Aid Society ��23, 32 Make-A-Wish Foundation ��23 Mexican Radio ��18 The Mohawk Hudson Humane Society ��23 Perceived ��48 Pierce Communications ��46 Pinnacle Human Resources, LLC ��58 Ronald McDonald House ��23, 38 Saile Group, LLC ��15 Salvation Army ��23, 32 Schenectady ARC ��23 St. Paul’s Center ��23, 36 The Pride Center of the Capital Region ��58 Timothy H. Raab & Northern Photo ��46 Tressmerize ��58 Troy Center for the Arts ��52 Tully Rinckey PLLC ��42, 48 Upstate Photographers ��46 Walrath Recruiting, Inc. ��46, 48 World Awareness Children’s Museum ��23, 40

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Giving Back A

t one point in my life, I was on seven boards of directors. I was a publisher at the time and that kind of involvement in the community was something I considered an important part of my job. Being part of the community was about more than simply reporting on the issues of the day and advertising dollars. We walked the walk and I wanted to make that clear. It was exhausting — I feel strongly that board members need to participate and work on committees rather than just show up occasionally — and not a path I’d go down again willingly. Two boards? Sure. Seven? Bordering on masochistic. I took a different approach when I came to the Capital Region. I decided I would only serve on one board at a time. My

board of choice for three years was the Empire State Youth Orchestras (esyo.org) because I am passionate about music and feel creating musical opportunities for our youth is critical. I loved it. Now my attention is focused on mental health. While our healthcare system is still fairly broken, those with mental health illnesses are particularly underserved and often cast aside. They need people to speak out when they can’t speak for themselves. While we feature a story on a nonprofit each issue, this magazine marks our third time of celebrating several simultaneously. (See page 23.) You don’t need to be on a board to help the region’s many deserving nonprofits. But I hope you’ll be inspired to get involved. We’re in this together. W

Janet Reynolds Executive Editor jreynolds@timesunion.com

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BITSTREAM By Katie Pratt

Water Works S

heryl Sandberg has — and she wasn’t ashamed of it. In a 2012 speech at Harvard Business School, Facebook COO and pioneer of the Lean In generation revealed, “I’ve told people I’ve cried at work. … I try to be myself.” Mika Brzezinski, co-host of “Morning Joe” on MSNBC, disagrees. “Being in control of your emotions gives you much more power at work ... much more control over any situation ... and much more dignity. I suggest never, ever, ever crying at work.” So what is the deal with workplace tears? Three other female leaders, quoted in the Huffington Post, weigh in on the water works. Vanessa Loder, founder and CEO, Akoya Power

Making the Grade

new study from the University of Miami shows that while high school grade point average (GPA) is strongly correlated with income in adulthood there is a big gap in personal earnings in relation to gender. Although a one-point increase in GPA corresponds to a 12 percent boost in earnings for men and a 14 percent boost for women, a woman who received a 4.0 GPA in high school will only be worth about as much, income-wise, as a man who got a 2.0. The chart below illustrates the complete findings of the study.

Nanette Lepore, fashion designer

PERSONAL EARNINGS 50k

“There’s a lot of crying around my studio leading up to fashion week. Eighteen-hour days with no time off for weeks on end creates a lot of stress and exhaustion, so it’s expected. But normally, it’s just awkward.”

45k - Men

40k

“When I worked in finance, especially on Wall Street, I never wanted to be ‘that woman,’ you know, the one who cries during her review. … I was concerned that it diminished my power or caused him to view me as some irrational, emotional mess. If you feel safe, I think it can be very powerful to cry and let people see how you really feel.

- Women

35k 30k

Frances Hesselbein, founder, The Frances Hesselbein Leadership Institute, former CEO, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.

25k 20k

“I believe that tears should be very private and no matter what issue, or what situation, we should have a very dignified demeanor. Be open and as helpful as possible, but tears belong within the family.”

15k 10k 5k 0k GPA 0

source: tinyurl.com/ww14gpagap 10 | women@work

1.5

2.5

3.5

Read more: tinyurl.com/ww14balancingout

9 to 5

By Jeanne A. Benas

capregionwomenatwork.com | 11

BITSTREAM

Workplace Blues

source: tinyurl.com/ww14workplaceblues

QUESTION (Agree or Disagree): The climate for female faculty is at least as good as the male faculty?

43%

of female faculty disagreed

20%

of female faculty agreed

62%

of male faculty disagreed

QUESTION (Agree or Disagree): I have to work harder to be perceived as a legitimate scholar.

35%

QUESTION (Agree or Disagree): The School/ Department makes genuine efforts to recruit female faculty.

of male faculty agreed

Women professors that reported to have formal mentor:

20%

35%

of male faculty agreed

QUESTION: Roughly how many hours per week do you spend engaged in household, childcare, and/or adult care duties?

79%

of female faculty agreed

72%

In 2007

in 2013

Female professors reported

Male professors reported

a week

40 hours

20 hours

Like Father, Like Daughter N

ew research from the Association of Psychological Science suggests that young girls who see their dads carrying out traditionally “feminine” household chores are more likely to want jobs in higher-paying, maledominated fields. The association writes, “while mothers’ gender and work equality beliefs were key factors in predicting kids’ attitudes toward gender, the strongest predictor of daughters’ own professional ambitions was their fathers’ approach to household chores.” If there is one thing to take away from the study, Croft notes, it’s that “dads must ‘walk the walk’ as well — because their daughters clearly are watching.” Read more: tinyurl.com/ww14fatherdaughter

12 | women@work

Photos: Workplace, Illustration by Emily Jahn; Father Duaghter, MR & PR/GettyImages; Negotiation Gap, Ikon Images/GettyImages.

arvard University released its 2013 Faculty Climate Survey on May 27, revealing a notable difference in perception of the workplace climate among its faculty. While 81 percent of faculty members are satisfied overall, women and minorities report more negative feelings about Harvard’s atmosphere than men and nonminorities. Here are a few of the most interesting statistics from the survey in which 72 percent of the faculty participated.

Closing the Negotiation Gap

ith women across the United States earning, on average, 77 cents for every dollar men earn, the wage gap is a shameful but well-known reality for working women in 2014. (See our story on page 42 for more details.) As researchers continue to delve into the wage gap conundrum, they often describe another troublesome gap: a discrepancy in negotiation between the sexes. Given that in the workplace many women face a “double bind” in which she is perceived as either “hyper-masculine” in her competence or a “soft pushover,” it’s unsurprising that female workers still find negotiating to be a difficult and thorny science. Here are several negotiation tips from salary.com to help women earn what they deserve. 1. Assume that your salary is negotiable. Many women have trouble negotiating because they don’t realize that their salary is negotiable in the first place. Women are not bad negotiators but they

often avoid the bargaining table altogether, eliminating any chance of a raise via negotiation. 2. Know your own worth. Going into salary negotiations of any kind, it’s helpful to have done your research. Start by looking at companies geographically close to your prospective place of work and note the salaries of their employees. 3. Go in with a positive, optimistic attitude. Try to minimize nerves or pessimism going into negotiations. It’s an understandable compulsion to “lower the bar” in the hopes that it will maximize the chance of getting a raise of any kind, but if you’ve done your research, don’t concede to a minute increase that still leaves you underpaid. 4. Try a collaborative approach. Using a cooperative strategy during negotiations shows your boss how what is being asked for will benefit all parties, putting pressure on him or her from below, while creating a powerful camaraderie among coworkers. Read more: tinyurl.com/ ww14negotiate

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TIPS FROM THE TOP Anne Saile is an award-winning CEO, entrepreneur, executive coach, author and owner of the Saile Group LLC, a leadership and business consulting company. For more information, visit sailegroup.com. Photo by Andrea Uvanni

Shhh…W.A.I.T. …one minute

By Anne Saile

hen you’re deciding if a colleague is good at her job, chances are that you consider how effectively she communicates. You think about how often she contributes meaningful suggestions, how relevant what she says is to the topic at hand, and how much you look forward to hearing what she’ll say about something that’s important to you. But have you ever been in a conversation at work where the other person talks at you? When you finally have a chance to speak, you have the feeling he isn’t hearing a word you’re saying because he’s too busy thinking about what he’s going to say next. Have you ever been in a meeting that’s so completely dominated by one person that your mind can only ponder ways to make the person stop talking? There’s a saying: “What you’re doing screams so loudly, I can barely hear what you’re saying.” This happens when someone’s actions are so overbearing — when they talk so much — they send a message (whether they intend to or not) that other people’s opinions just don’t matter. This type of conversation happens all too often. What should we do when we encounter this type of situation? Here are a few suggestions: (1) Monitor yourself to see if you’re an offender. Ask yourself: Is what I’m about to say relevant to the conversation? Has it already been covered? Am I repeating myself? Am I only talking because I’m nervous or want to fill silence? Do people

tend to lose focus while I’m speaking? Does the person running the meeting often say to me “let’s hear from some other people?” If at any point you find yourself answering yes to one of these questions, you might be an offender. (2) Remember the saying, “silence is golden.” The silent space that’s created from the time we end our thought until the time the next person chimes in is an opportunity for better ideas to be presented, for team buy-in to be established, and for people to share thoughts that otherwise might be stuffed under constant chatter. In sales training, it’s taught that the amount of talking done by the salesperson directly influences the probability of closing a deal. You must build a relationship — which means two people must be able to meaningfully contribute to the conversation. And the invaluable time that businesses set aside for internal meetings can be much more productive if conversations are focused and people aren’t allowed to go off on tangents. (3) Practice active listening. Can you recall what the last person said? If not, it could mean that you’re too focused on what you’ll be saying next. Active listening is the process of looking someone in the eye, being silent while she speaks, and really hearing what she has to say. It’s the practice of keeping your mind focused like a laser on the importance of someone’s comments, without being distracted by your own thoughts, your cell phone, or your computer. If you can’t resist the temptation to check some electronic

device when someone else is speaking, it means that you’re not giving the conversation your full attention. A recent study said simply having a cell phone placed on the table diminishes the chance of having meaningful conversations by almost 50 percent. (This is true for both business and personal conversations.) (4) Need help dealing with a person who can’t (or won’t) stop talking? Try giving her this non-verbal cue — when she goes on and on, look down at the table or away from her. This usually causes a natural break in conversation for even the most talkative person. Have you ever tried to carry on a conversation with someone who isn’t making eye contact? It’s almost impossible. (5) What can you do if you’re the one who can’t stop talking? Paste W.A.I.T. in a place you will see often. It stands for “Why Am I Talking?” The next time you are about to chime in at a meeting, you’ll be more likely to take a moment and WAIT — to ask yourself, Why Am I Talking? (6) Think about how often someone you know has intentionally paused after finishing a thought, and because they paused someone else jumped in to fill that silence with a thought that solved a major problem. Words are powerful tools, and the greatest leaders of our time understand both this and the power of silence between thoughts. They know that when both are used wisely, profound results ensue. W capregionwomenatwork.com | 15

ON THE COVER

Finding her Niche Margaret Smith celebrates 10 years of running her specialized business By Brianna Snyder | Photo by Joann Hoose

t’s been 10 years since Margaret Smith founded Airosmith Development, Inc., in Saratoga Springs. Airosmith serves a fairly-new niche field: wireless contracting. When wireless companies — Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, for example. — want new cell towers, they can get in touch with Airosmith, whose employees scout locations, lease sites, deal with zoning and legal issues, and arrange for construction and engineering, or anything else a company might need to expand its coverage. “It definitely is very young,” Smith says of this field of work. “There aren’t a ton of people out there who know how to do it.” It’s not exactly the career Smith envisioned when she got her bachelor’s de-

“

The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.

”

“My parents had a plaque that hung over our kitchen table that said, ‘The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.’ To this day I find that to be very true. The more rushed I am at doing something, the more mistakes I make and have to fix. Sometimes I have to remind myself to slow down; quality is always No. 1.”

The Download on

Margaret Smith Title: President, Airosmith Development, Inc., and C4E Corporation Age: 44 Hometown: Albany Family: Husband Mark (45),

16 | women@work

daughter Casey (3) and son John (11 months) Guilty Pleasure: Slot machines and cigarettes … but don’t tell anyone that! Both are rare. How about horse racing? I love the race for the Triple Crown and six weeks of track season in Saratoga. My husband and I

are 25 percent owners of a horse that is currently racing at Belmont and will be here for August (Lemon & Honey). We had one run at Saratoga last August and it won. Elusive Act. She was claimed; it was sad to see her go. Surprising Fact About You: I’m a twin. I have a twin

easy chic www.evokestyle.com gree in political science from LeMoyne College in 1992. She started working for Assemblyman Dick Gottfried in Albany. She grew up in Albany and lived there until she was 27 before moving to Cape Cod, then Boston and then Saratoga, where she lives now with her husband and two children. Throughout her 20s and 30s, Smith worked with her mother, who ran her own business teaching training courses to state employees. “Mom was a big inspiration,” Smith says. Working as a teacher and trainer gave Smith many skills that would be crucial in her development as a business owner and leader. “If you can teach a training class, you can give a great presentation to a zoning board,” she says. Smith took some classes to learn about renewable energy and then launched Airosmith (not a reference to the band, by the way; it was intended, Smith says, as a play on wind and air — “Now it’s 10 years later and I’m stuck with the cheesy name,” she says, laughing). After a few years, Smith discovered the local wind-turbine industry wasn’t going to cut it, so she began to expand into wireless contracting. “We’ve grown from me by myself above my garage to 30 employees now,” Smith says. Airosmith takes on work

brother. My parents actually had two sets of twins. There’s five of us: twins (Mimi and Joe), a boy (Timmy), and then twins again (Eddie and me). We say the one in the middle got twice the brains — he’s really smart — and we had to split one. What excites you about your job: Getting things

around New York State, the Northeast and the country at large. “Truly, 10 years later, every day I learn something. Every day it’s get up and go. It’s exciting and challenging.” And as a woman in this field, Smith was used to being in the minority at meetings. “It’s really changed over time,” she says. “In the beginning it was like 10 percent women and 90 percent men. It was predominantly maledominated because it’s engineering and construction and even commercial real estate” — a notorious boys club. “I would say it’s still pretty heavily male dominated, but as long as you know what you’re doing it doesn’t matter if you’re male or female. But it can be difficult to get there.” Smith attributes her remarkable work ethic to her 4th-grade paper route. “Delivering the Knickerbocker News — which is the Times Union now — was so important to me. Honestly, having that job, starting in 4th grade, taught me discipline. I had to come home and deliver the newspaper. [The Knickerbocker was an evening paper.] That just started my whole work ethic and career. I’ve had a job since then! I have worked since I was 10 years old,” she says. “Oddly enough, that started the whole thing.” W

done. Setting goals and making them. Everything we do has a goal and timeline associated with it. It’s great to be able to check things off your list. Any wireless tips for all us cell-phone junkies? DON’T text and drive. It can wait.

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Top Tip for Success “I have found that being a hard worker with a positive attitude and good communications skills will pretty much get you where you want to go in life. Being able to write and talk with a smile and delivering a clear, consistent message works well in most professions.” photography fby Joann Hoose

I DID IT

On the Mexican (whoa-oh-oh) Radio Lori Selden brings her MexicanÂ Radio franchise to Schenectady

18 | women@work

Retirement isn’t free.

By Steve Barnes | Photos by Colleen Ingerto

(However, this booklet is.)

“I

was never great in math in school, but I’ve learned to add, subtract and divide like a genius,” says Lori Selden, who is the chief financial officer of the growing Mexican Radio restaurant group. She is also the company’s CEO and its de facto CAO, or chief aesthetic officer. In other words, she uses both sides of her brain, crunching numbers and making almost all decisions about the design of every aspect of the extravagantly decorated Mexican Radio, which she founded with her husband, Mark Young, in New York City almost 20 years ago. There are now three locations: Manhattan, Hudson and, new this spring, Schenectady.

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The Electric City Mexican Radio was a massive undertaking, requiring about four years and $4 million to turn three connected downtown buildings, where an Off Track Betting complex was once located, into what Selden playfully calls “world headquarters” for Mexican Radio. It covers 25,000 square feet; the patio alone has more square footage than the current Manhattan restaurant, which itself is six times larger than the first location in New York City.

continued on page 20

Kathleen Godfrey, President

www.godfreyfinancial.com A woman-owned business. Since 1995.

I DID IT continued from page 19

Selden and Young both had careers in the performing arts before becoming a couple: Young was an actor and Selden was the bass player and songwriter for an all-woman band that nearly made the big time. Within 18 months of their relationship starting, they opened Mexican Radio because, as they often say, they couldn’t find any decent Mexican food in New York City at the time.

They fled the metropolis in 2001 for a circa-1690 Columbia County farmhouse, though, given their spread-out business locations, it’s often little more than a place to sleep and to store the Mexican-themed furniture and decorative and functional pieces Selden has collected over the years. Many of her 6,000 Mexican tiles went into the Schenectady restaurant, including as cladding for what otherwise would have been

“

I’ve learned to add, subtract and divide like a genius.

”

— Lori Selden

eyesore-worthy ductwork, and thousands more Mexican clay pots are finding new homes as well. Young’s reaction: “I can finally have my basement back!” Friends have told Selden and Young that, as business as well as romantic partners, they spend more time in each other’s company in a year than most couples do in a decade. They work well together, Selden says, because each recognizes and defers to the other’s strengths. She develops the recipes, designs the restaurants and handles the books; he’s the operations director, responsible for making sure the equipment, facilities and staff all work. “There’s so much to do [that] the division of duties is pretty clear,” says Selden. “He never pays attention to the money at all.” At one point, Young inquired about making a modest purchase. Selden says, “I told him, ‘Are you kidding me? Do you know how much we just spent in Schenectady? Yes, you can afford new shoes.’” While many of her contemporaries may be thinking about retirement — or already have — Selden instead is looking to use the Schenectady location, with its expansive office space on the floor above the two restaurant levels, as a base from which to expand and franchise Mexican Radio. 20 | women@work

Lori Selden and Mark Young, co-owners of Mexican Radio

“We’re a well-established brand by now, and it’s time to start exploring the offers we’ve had for years,” she says. With a laughing reference to one inquiry to open a Mexican Radio location, she adds, “I’m not moving to Oslo.” The enormity of the Schenectady project sometimes looms. She says, “When you get to this point in life, you start thinking things like, ‘How am I going to pay all of this off before I die? I can’t be doing this when I’m 85!’” But, mostly, she and Young focus on the immediate when we meet, on getting the 78-member Schenectady staff trained before Mexican Radio’s late-spring opening and making sure every item on the construction to-do list is finished. Although Selden has been in business for herself since she sold velvet pillows from the back of a car in Greenwich Village as a teenager, and later as the owner of a San Francisco record shop, she on occasion still feels the affront of male presumption and privilege. Young is more sensitive to it than she is. In meetings with construction, mechanical and equipment contractors during the long gutrenovation of the Schenectady location, Young says, “There were many times when she was the only

woman in the room. Sometimes she’d say something, and it was like they didn’t hear it until I repeated it.” To their staff, the couple are unified and equal partners. “They give you direction and like to be very informed, and if there’s something they have definite ideas about, they’re very specific about what they want,” says Dave Wisniski, one of three managers of Mexican Radio in Schenectady. He continues, “But they’re also very willing to delegate. They leave the small stuff to us.” As an illustrative example, Selden says that when reviewing sales figures, “I only look at the first number.” One evening’s receipts might be $5,195, for example, while another’s might be $5,995, leading a manager to boast, “Look, we did $6,000.” Says Selden, “I tell them, ‘Nope. The first number is a 5.’” Selden says she looks at a balance sheet like a mandala, the Hindu spiritual symbol that represents the universe or a microcosm of the whole. She says, “Numbers don’t lie. It’s all there. You can see it. It makes sense.” W

The download on

Lori Selden Title: CEO, CFO and chief designer, Mexican Radio Age: 62 in August Lives: A farmhouse in Stuyvesant, Columbia County, that was the birthplace of the maternal grandmother of Martin Van Buren, eighth president of the United States. The author Washington Irving was a frequent visitor to the home, which is said to have inspired Irving’s story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Favorite color: Purple. Her home stove, a handbuilt Rolls-Royce of a range from an artisan manufacturer in a rural Burgundian village in France, is a 5-foot expanse of brass, cast iron and enameled purple, or, more properly, aubergine.

when the building that now houses Mexican Radio-Schenectady was shuttered, Selden and Young found $19 in bills, 5 pounds of quarters and dozens of packs of stale cigarettes. On being welcomed to the neighborhood: The owner of a nearby salon in Schenectady, noting Selden’s taste in color and Mexican kitsch, stopped by with a gift. Selden says, “You know you’re being accepted when they give you a purple skeleton with feathers.”

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The Palace Theatre • 19 Clinton Avenue (at North Pearl Street), Albany, NY 12207 • www.palacealbany.com

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

What’s Inside 24 Big Brothers Big Sisters

The Mohawk Hudson Humane Society

Make-A-Wish Foundation

Schenectady ARC

Salvation Army

The Homeless and Travelers Aid Society

Double H Ranch

St Paul’s Center

Albany Institute of History and Art

Ronald McDonald House

World Awareness Children’s Museum

Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York

With a Little Help from our Friends

By Brianna Snyder

ou won’t find a shortage of volunteer opportunities in the Capital Region. And that’s a good thing — for your personal fulfillment and for your career. According to the nonprofit resource site helpguide.org, the benefits of volunteering can include making new friends and contacts, increasing your social and relationship skills, enhancing your self-confidence and battling depression, among others. The careeradvancement benefits can include

learning job skills and making connections — and it doesn’t hurt to have it on your resume, either. We want to help you get out there and volunteer. Part of the mission of Women@Work is to promote community involvement, and we’d like to draw your attention to the organizations in these pages as top choices for doing just that. You can learn more about all of them in our special online supplement at capregionwomenatwork.com. continued on page 24 capregionwomenatwork.com | 23

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT continued from page 23

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region 1698 Central Ave., Albany · (518)-862-1250 · bbbs.org

2014

marks the 50th anniversary of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region. The chapter is an affiliate of the national Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, an organization that pairs volunteer adult mentors with particularly vulnerable children. Bigs and Littles, as the adult mentors and the children they work with are called, attend community events, play or watch sports, go to movies, take hikes, or even cook together. “We hold ourselves accountable for helping children who face adversity achieve measurable, positive outcomes and we demonstrate outcomes in three critical areas for our Little Brothers and Little Sisters,” Houser writes in an email. “1) Socio-emotional competencies (e.g. higher aspirations, greater self-confidence, and better relationships), 2) avoidance of risky behaviors, and 3) educational success.” Ninety-nine percent of the children served by the organization come from single-parent backgrounds, live in lowincome families or have an incarcerated parent, according to Houser. Children are eligible for the program between the ages of 6 and 14, though their Big Brother or Big Sister partnerships can continue through high-school graduation. “We provide quality one-to-one mentoring relationships for children in need, based on a proven model that includes careful matching and ongoing support for mentors, youth and parents/ guardians,” she says. The organization is always looking for volunteers (who must be at least 18 years old and willing to commit for at least one year), committee members and board members.

24 | women@work

The Mohawk Hudson Humane Society 3 Oakland Ave., Menands (518) 434-8128 · mohawkhumanesociety.org

he Mohawk Hudson Humane Society is the largest animal-care facility in the Capital Region, and takes in nearly 6,000 animals a year. Besides ats, dogs, hamsters and bunnies, they also receive snakes, birds, fish, horses and, if you can believe it, llamas. With satellite locations in Glenmont, Latham and Clifton Park, executive director Brad Shear says, “We’re constantly working on adoption.” They run spay, neuter and vaccination programs for low-income owners to ensure pets stay healthy and out of the cages of the animal shelter. The society — which has been saving pets since the late 19th century — also runs a program called STAR, or Steps To Adoption Readiness. With STAR, untrained dogs are brought to the Albany County Correctional Facility, where prisoners are taught to train them. This is mutually beneficial to the dog and to the prisoner; studies have shown that working with animals facilitates rehabilitation, and a trained dog is ultimately a more-adoptable dog in the eyes of wary potential adopters who may worry about taking on an unruly shelter dog. Mohawk also runs a Safe Haven program in cooperation with Unity House in Troy and Equinox in Albany, where they house pets of domestic violence victims. “When victims get away from their abuser,” Shear says, “they often want to protect their pets, too.” Safe Haven holds these pets until victims find a new home, “which can often take months,” Shear says. When disaster strikes — such as a really bad storm — Shear says the Mohawk Hudson chapter sets up pet-friendly shelters so that people aren’t faced with the impossible decision of leaving their pets behind. “What we found is a lot of people won’t leave [their homes in times of crisis] unless they can bring their pets,” Shear says. “And then first responders have to go and rescue them.” That puts not just those people and their pets in danger, but first responders too. You can help by donating or volunteering, or, of course, adopting your next pet from a shelter. The society is also always collecting redeemable bottles and cans for its Empties for Animals program, according to Shear. Last year Mohawk Hudson earned over $100,000 from bottle and can redemption thanks to volunteers and people who brought containers to the shelter. continued on page 28

Faith, 9 cystic ﬁbrosis I wish to swim with dolphins

SHARE THE POWER OF A WISH

As a volunteer for Make-A-Wish® Northeast New York, you can help us in our mission to grant wishes for local children facing life-threatening medical conditions. Our more than 200 volunteers, ranging from board members to wish granters, are key to the 90 wishes we grant each year to children and teens across the 15 counties of the 518 area code. We’ve granted nearly 1,400 local wishes since our founding in 1987, and each wish starts with a volunteer dedicated to helping make a positive impact on children and families with the Power of a Wish®. Wish granters are trained to meet with a qualiﬁed child to discover, plan, and fulﬁll the child’s one true wish. Wish granters commit their time to make the wish as unique as each child and a lasting memorable experience for each wish family. We have regular training sessions throughout our chapter territory, and we’re happy to talk with you about the rewards of being a Make-A-Wish volunteer wish granter. Just call us at (518) 782-4673, or email cconley@neny.wish.org.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT continued from page 24

Make-A-Wish Foundation 1 Mustang Dr., Cohoes · (518) 782-4673 · neny.wish.org

he Make-A-Wish Foundation got its start with one little boy: In 1980, a 7-year-old with leukemia named Christopher James Greicius, from Arizona, expressed his desire to be a police officer when he grew up. To make his wish come true, a group of troopers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety brought him a police uniform and swore him in as “first honorary DPS patrolman in history,” the story goes. They brought him for a ride on a helicopter and took him to a police training course before presenting him with his own DPS badge. He died three days later. Since then, Make-A-Wish has granted nearly 300,000 wishes across the world; the Northeast New York chapter of Make-A-Wish has granted 1,450 wishes since it began formally in 1987, and 50 wishes in the last year alone. Chief Executive Officer William Trigg says Make-A-Wish’s mission is to find more wishes to grant this year. “Make-A-Wish’s vision is to grant the wish of every eligible child,” Trigg says. “We would like to grant more than 100 wishes in 2014.” As it stands now, children who qualify must be under the age of 18 and over the age of 2 and a half. And — this is important — they must be facing a life-threatening illness. But Trigg says they’ve stricken terms such as “terminal illness” from the general Make-A-Wish vocabulary — about 80 percent of the children whose wishes they’ve granted over the past 27 years are still alive today. “We’re looking to raise awareness about our mission so that we can grant more wishes,” Trigg says. “In simple terms that’s our business cycle: raise awareness, grant more wishes, then raise more money to grant those wishes.”

28 | women@work

Schenectady ARC 52 Market St., Scotia · (518) 372-1483 · arcschenectady.org

ixty years ago, when a child was born with a developmental disability, a physician would often tell parents, ‘Your best choice is to put your son or daughter in an institution,’” says Schenectady ARC executive director Kirk Lewis. For many of the generation that fought in World War II, Lewis says, that choice was not acceptable. So, in 1952, a group of families with developmentally-disabled children got together to form Schenectady ARC — “advocacy, resources, choices.” Schenectady ARC is part of NYSARC, Inc., a private, not-for-profit organization that is the largest organization of its type in the country. Today, Schenectady ARC supports hundreds of families, operating residences, work programs, respite programs, employment services and clinical services in Schenectady. Lewis says the ARC supports people in every aspect of their lives, from finding work after high school to dealing with their senior years and issues such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Lewis says the picture today is very different than it was 60 years ago: schools have special-education programs and people are more aware of developmental disabilities than they ever have been. But awareness is key to ensuring everyone gets fair treatment and access to resources. “Employment is the next big challenge,” Lewis says. “Increasing the number of people with developmental disabilities who are employed in the community will happen once employers learn the great potential that the people we support have as employees.” continued on page 32

Our mission is to end homelessness within Albany County and the Capital Region. We meet the immediate need for emergency shelter, food and clothing in addition to addressing the long-term need for affordable housing and employment assistance. HATAS PROGRAMS INCLUDE: • 90 units of permanent housing for mentally ill households • 24/7 emergency homeless housing services • Mental health services • Homelessness prevention and rapid-re-housing services • Employment assistance • Back packs for hungry school children • Code blue • Veteran homeless housing assistance Last year HATAS assisted over 11,000 homeless, at-risk and low-income households with housing, employment and mental health services and since 1983 HATAS has assisted over 155,000 Capital Region households. www.hatas.org • info@hatas.org • (518) 463-2124 • 138 Central Avenue Albany, NY 12206 “HATAS is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit working to end homelessness within the Capital Region”

127 years matching pets with people who love them.

Animals

Advocacy

n o i t p o d A

Become a volunteer, walk dogs, socialize with cats, foster a homeless animal, help plan a special event, plan an adoption event or pet supply drive, hold an Empties for Animals bottle & can drive, help at off-site adoption clinics, adopt a pet and more. Learn how you or your company can become involved and help homeless and abandoned animals by calling Nancy Laribee, Marketing & Development Director, at 518-434-8128 ext. 206 or nlaribee@mohawkhumame.org Mohawk Hudson Humane Society 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204 518-434-8128 mohawkhumane.org

You can help make a difference in the lives of homeless animals.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT continued from page 28

The Salvation Army 20 South Ferry St., Albany · (518) 229-2548 SalvationArmyEmpireState.org · twitter.com/SalArmyEmpire

“T

32 | women@work

The Homeless and Travelers Aid Society 138 Central Ave., Albany · (518)-463-2124 · hatas.org

he Homeless and Travelers Aid Society (HATAS) “is committed to ending homelessness within the Capital Region,” according to Liz Hitt, executive director. “HATAS provides access to shelter and food 24/7,” she says. “Ending homelessness, however, requires an affordable place to live, living-wage employment, and education.” HATAS has 89 units of affordable housing, an employment center and programs that help with mental illness. Hitt quotes a formerly homeless woman in Albany named Joy, who describes her experience: “Last year, I lost my job and my apartment. After staying with friends for a couple of months I ended up here. HATAS helped me find a place to stay in the short term and also helped me find an apartment I could afford. I used the employment center at HATAS to find some job prospects online and, thankfully, I found a good job with one of the local hospitals.” In addition to housing and employment, HATAS coordinates the Code Blue emergency winter homeless project. This past season Code Blue assisted 1,449 homeless people. Last year the program helped 279 people, said Hitt. Annual events at HATAS include Katie’s Koats, the KeyBank Diaper Drive, a wooden toy drive and Home Sweet Gingerbread Home. “Our fundraising efforts are crucial to our success,” Hitt says. “Public funds support the rental subsidy for our 89 households while private funds established the employment center. … We can’t end homelessness without both housing and employment.” continued on page 36

HATAS photos by Colleen Ingerto.

he Salvation Army is much more than thrift stores and Red Kettles,” says Christine Gray, director of communications for The Salvation Army Empire State Division. The organization provides several services to those in need in the Capital Region: emergency shelter and disaster relief, after-school care, tutoring, clothing, summer camps and even music lessons. The Salvation Army also meets critical hunger and housing needs in the region, providing over 250,000 meals annually through soup kitchens, food pantries, a mobile feeding unit, free food distribution and holiday meals, Gray says. She adds that “our two shelters in Schenectady and Albany offer more than 22,000 nights of respite, related to alcohol, drugs and physical, mental and emotional abuse.” More than 200 children from the Capital Region also participate in a Salvation Army camping trip in the Finger Lakes, part of the many youth programs the S.A. offers, along with after-school activities, youth development and character-building. The Salvation Army welcomes volunteers to lend a hand with its many programs and services. That includes everything from ringing the bell during the holidays to delivering food and packing groceries.

The 16th Annual Ronald McDonald House Charities

Saratoga Fashion Show

Presented by Natalie Sillery owner of Saratoga Trunk

Thursday, August 21st • 11am Saratoga Race Course, At the Rail Pavilion Tickets start at $155, tables of ten at $1,500 Event info can be found at

www.saratogafashionshow.com This event will sell out! Call Chris Turner today at 518-438-2655 to order your tickets.

Join our Honorary Chairperson Nancy Bambara and 500+ guests as we celebrate “the House that Love Built” and raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House of Albany. Natalie Sillery will once again be presenting a dazzling fashion show featuring the latest styles from Saratoga Trunk. A number of world renowned designers including Don O’Neill, creative director for THEIA, will be in attendance.

www.rmhcofalbany.org

AN EMERGENCY SHELTER For Moms And Kids Who Are

WITHOUT A PLACE TO CALL HOME.

“Going to a shelter was scary… I’ve never been in a shelter before.” - Isis, age 11 “I didn’t like going at all, but still, I have a roof over my head. It got better after a while. There are a bunch of other kids to play with.” - Kairi, age 7

To support our families and St. Paul’s Center’s efforts to address chronic homelessness, donate online at www.stpaulscenter.com If you prefer, write or call us at : 947 Third Street • P.O. Box 589 Rensselaer, NY 12144 • 518.434.2910

Welcome to the ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY & ART The mission of the Albany Institute is to collect, preserve, interpret, and promote interest in the history, art, and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley from the 17th century to the present day. Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art has been collecting for over 200 years. Its collections document the Hudson Valley as a crossroads of cultures, influencing the art and history of the region, the state, and the nation. With more than 35,000 objects and one million documents in the library it is an important resource for the region, giving our community a sense of the part the Hudson Valley played in the American story, and their own place in history.

Small + Seductive: Contemporary Art from the Albany Institute’s Collection. Spring 2014.

Permanent and temporary exhibitions are open year round and create a sense of place, allowing visitors to meet the people who helped shape this region. 25,000 people visit the Institute every year, enjoying the collections, workshops, school programs, and lectures, helping to build an understanding of the history and culture of our region. Among the museum’s best-known and most loved collections are the 19th century Hudson River School landscape paintings by artists like Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, the 19 th century sculpture collections, and, of course, the famous Albany Mummies that came over from the Cairo Museum in 1909 and have been on view ever since. Unconsciousness, by Launt Thompson (1833-1894), marble, c. 1881, gift of Latham G. Reed, 1940.8

JOIN THE ALBANY INSTITUTE The Albany Institute welcomes visitors and volunteers of all kinds! Consider stopping by, becoming a museum member, or joining one of our volunteer committees. Please feel free to call us at (518) 463-4478 or email us to learn more. Barbara Collins General volunteering and museum docents ext 405, collinsb@albanyinstitute.org Nicole Peterson Corporate advisory committee ext 414, petersonn@albanyinstitute.org Aine Leader-Nagy Marketing and PR committee ext 408, leader.nagya@albanyinstitute.org Elizabeth Bechand Museum Shop ext 455, museumshop@albanyinstitute.org Elizabeth Reiss Special events committee ext 402, reisse@albanyinstitute.org

Ariantje Coeymans (Mrs. David) Verplank (1672-1743), attributed to Nehemiah Partridge (1683about 1737), oil on canvas, 1718 or 1722-1724, bequest of Miss Gertrude Watson, 1938.5 Believed to be the first life-size, full length likeness of a woman in colonial America.

125 WASHINGTON AVENUE, ALBANY, NEW YORK 12210 ● WWW.ALBANYINSTITUTE.ORG ● (518) 463-4478

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT continued from page 32

Double H Ranch 97 Hidden Valley Rd., Lake Luzerne (518)-696-5676 · doublehranch.org

hen Charles R. Wood and Paul Newman founded the Double H Ranch in 1992, it was decided that Double H would never charge for services, says CEO Max Yurenda, who’s been with the program since its inception. The Double H provides specialized year-round programs and medical services for children and families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Yurenda praises his staff for their work with kids who’ve had a wide variety of diagnoses. The Double H provides a safe and accepting environment where children can be creative, independent, and establish new friendships. Parents, meanwhile, get a little respite from full-time caregiving. “The community has embraced our mission since its inception and has generously supported the program to ensure that the experiences are completely free of charge,” Yurenda says. The Double H Ranch hosts over 900 children in its summer residential camping program and a total of 2,200 children and family members participate in programs such as the adaptive winter sports program, family-based support programs and hospital outreach services. Yurenda says that over 1,600 volunteers support the organization “on every level imaginable.” The organization’s focus in 2014 is to continue building awareness in the community, establish more corporate partnerships and build program capacity and sustainability.

36 | women@work

St. Paul’s Center 947 3rd St., Rensselaer · (518) 434-2910 · stpaulscenter.com

t. Paul’s Center for homeless women and their children began in 2001, when St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Rensselaer merged with St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in North Greenbush. The church administrators weren’t sure what to do with their space so they looked into the community’s needs. They discovered that shelter beds for homeless women and children were the most critical need in the county and they provided 19 beds for local women in need. In 2005, the St. Paul’s Center became its own (nonsectarian) entity and opened its doors to residents. (The organization does still receive support from several local churches, community service groups and local businesses.) According to Tracy Pitcher, executive director at St. Paul’s, the shelter can serve up to 26 women and children, and that “unfortunately, we’re often quite full.” Those beds are in high demand for all kinds of reasons: women lose jobs and houses, have to leave an abusive relationship (though Pitcher notes St. Paul’s is not a domestic violence shelter, “many of the moms who come have been victims of domestic violence”). On average, women stay at the shelter for about a month. Counselors and advisers at the shelter help these women find permanent housing, which can be tricky especially in Rensselaer County, where low-income housing is becoming more scarce thanks to RPI student housing expansion. St. Paul’s doesn’t want to move these families into unsafe buildings that aren’t up to code or that can cost more than what the families can afford. They also connect them with community resources and social programs and GED classes to help mothers get back on their feet. “We’re working to develop programs in-house and collaborating with other organizations to deliver educational programs,” Pitcher says. “We have a nutrition specialist who is delivering workshops around healthy eating and building nutritious meals on a budget. We’re also working with CAPCOM to deliver financial literacy programs. So we build the skills that are going to make a much stronger life going forward.” continued on page 38

sponsor a summer residential camper! Here's your chance to make Double H Ranch history... it's bound to be the best year yet! Each summer at the Double H Ranch, more than 900 kids dealing with life-threatening illnesses enjoy a carefree summer camp experience in the Adirondacks. Campers come FREE of charge, because it is your donation that makes it possible.

Gabe looks forward to going to the Double H Ranch every summer, Gabe says, “Buzz Light Year said to ‘infinity and beyond', I say Double H is better than infinity and beyond.”

ATE DONLIN E ON

MAKE A CAMPER HAPPY, BE A HAPPY CAMPER! www.doublehranch.org

The Double H Ranch

97 Hidden Valley Road, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846

518-696-5676

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT continued from page 36

Albany Institute of History and Art 125 Washington Ave, Albany (518) 463-4478 · albanyinstitute.org

38 | women@work

Ronald McDonald House 139 S Lake Ave, Albany · (518) 438-2655 · rmhcofalbany.org

amilies of young children suffering from life-threatening illnesses have many hardships. Among them is being relegated to hospital waiting rooms and eating vendingmachine meals as they wait — often for hours — for their child’s many treatments and exams. In Philadelphia in 1974, Philadelphia Eagles player Fred Hill and his wife Fran found themselves in those waiting rooms as their daughter Kim was being tested for leukemia. In the three years the Hills spent in and out of the hospital waiting room, they encountered many other parents who’d traveled long ways to wait in the same areas because they couldn’t afford hotel rooms. They started to organize and raise funds and enlist Eagles connections and then support from McDonald’s to help them open the first Ronald McDonald House — a “home away from home for families of ill children.” Today, more than 250 houses are in 26 countries. They’ve provided support to more than 10 million families since 1974. The Albany Ronald McDonald House opened in 1982 and in 2001 the Albany Medical Center opened a family room in the hospital itself. Now, Jeff Yule, executive director of the Albany Ronald McDonald House, says they’re expanding. They’ve just bought another house on South Lake Avenue and have added rooms and renovated the houses to be more accommodating and up to date. Yule says they’ll be finished this summer. “We have volunteers who come in and cook dinner every night, helping families with whatever they need,” he says. “Our philosophy is we don’t ask families to pay for any of the services we provide.” Which means they rely heavily on donors and volunteers to keep the houses in operation. Another service the organization provides is the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, which drives to schools to provide dental services to underserved kids in Albany. (That service is provided by St. Peter’s.) Yule says Ronald McDonald House is always looking for volunteers to cook and help families in the house. continued on page 40

Albany Institute photo by Aine Leader-Nagy.

he Albany Institute of History & Art is one of the oldest museums in the U.S. It was founded in 1791 and from 1998 to 2001 was completely renovated and expanded to bring the galleries and facilities up to 21st-century standards. Tammis Groft, executive director of the Institute, started as an intern in 1978, so she’s seen the huge transition. This summer another transition will be made as the long-running Mystery of the Albany Mummies exhibit ends. In its place will be a contemporary photography exhibition featuring works by five local photographers. Also famously on view at the Institute are the Hudson River School Paintings. You can also see a new exhibit in September, Under Cover, which explores decorative motifs found on quilts, coverlets and bed covers. And look for a new exhibit this summer called Small + Seductive — a collection of works by local artists who’ve been challenged with creating art that conforms to a certain dimension. The Institute provides artist talks and gallery receptions, summer art programs for kids and lectures on art and culture. And though the Egypt exhibit is closing, the permanent Ancient Egyptian Gallery will reopen in early September and include rare pieces from all over the world. Groft says the museum relies on donations to help them acquire new technologies “to broadcast educational lessons from museums galleries.” Donations also fund free admissions.

GIVE BACK MAKE A DIFFERENCE BE A ROLE MODEL NO NEED TO CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULE Become a Girl Scout Volunteer Today! Being a volunteer is designed to be FLEXIBLE and able to work with your schedule. With more than 30 roles, you can volunteer weekly, monthly, afterschool, in the evenings or on weekends. Volunteers guide girls as they make Being a volunteer is a REWARDING EXPERIENCE.

It’s a great resume builder, an opportunity to be a role model to girls in your community, and a chance to see girls grow into conﬁdent young women.

a difference in their community and explore their leadership potential through Girl Scouts. To learn more, please contact: Email: volunteering@gsneny.org Phone: 518-489-8110

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT continued from page 38

Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York 8 Mountain View Ave., Albany · (518) 489-8110 · gsneny.org

89 Warren St., Glens Falls (518) 793-2773 · worldchildrensmuseum.org

s globalization becomes our new normal, it’s more important than ever that children (and adults!) today understand the ways other cultures are both different from and similar to ours. The World Awareness Children’s Museum opened in Glens Falls in 1995 with a mission “to inspire curiosity and foster understanding and appreciation of worldwide cultural diversity.” Heather Hickland, director of the museum, says the facility has four basic parts: an interactive space where kids can create travel adventures, design crafts, play games, hear stories and make puppet shows; an international youth art exchange, where more than 7,000 pieces of original art made by children from more than 81 countries is on display; and an outreach program that comes to schools or sites to teach entertaining and educational lessons and themes from around the world; and tailored art exhibits culled from the museum’s collection to suit your space’s needs. (The art is also for sale.) Hickland says this September the museum will unveil its first museum-wide installation, Kaleidoscopes: Mirrored Views of the World. “We’re really excited,” Hickland says. “There’s going to be a kaleidoscope in every part of the museum.” The kaleidoscopes come from a Capital Region donor who has a robust collection of the toys. The museum is open six days a week and has daily programming and workshops for kids throughout the summer. “We are looking for anyone interested in educating children about global awareness, promoting worldwide cultural appreciation and embracing diversity to join our Kaleidoscope Club,” Hickland says. Funds raised from this program will help create and support the kaleidoscope exhibit. 40 | women@work

World Awareness Museum photo courtesy of Sheileen Landrey, Museum Educator.

World Awareness Children’s Museum

e often associate the Girl Scouts with cookies. But Chief Development and Brand Marketing Officer Nancy Bielawa says the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York organization has plenty more going on. “Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York provides adult volunteers with the opportunity to be role models for girls grades K-12,” she writes in an email. “All it takes is enthusiasm and dedication and volunteers can guide girls as they make a difference in their community and explore their leadership potential through Girl Scouts.” Today, the Greater Capital Region is home to close to 11,000 Girl Scouts across 15 counties. Each has the opportunity to earn enough merit badges in various categories of study and activism — environmental issues, healthy living, global leadership, for instance — to win a “gold award,” presented to a handful of top-performing Girl Scouts in the country. So why should you become a troop leader? To pay it forward. “You can probably point to at least one woman who along the way was a role model or a source of advice that gave you the self-confidence, character and conviction to shape the adult you are today,” says Mary Buszuwski, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. “It could have been your mother, grandmother, teacher or a Girl Scout troop leader who took the time to share her knowledge and wisdom with you. … Girl Scouting gives girls the chance to explore who they are and find what may lie ahead.” Being a leader can help these girls answer some of those questions. W

Two culinary competitions, one culinary treat for all! Our 2013 Chef ’s Challenge Champion, John Ireland of Saratoga Golf and Polo Club will cook head to head against our 2013 People’s Choice Champion, Joe Mazza of Prime at Saratoga National with our secret ingredient for the 2014 title! Our head to head competition will be judged by international blogger, Jon “Doc” Sconzo, Steve Barnes, Times Union blogger, and Patricia Novo, owner of Crush & Cask in Saratoga. The fourth judge’s seat will be auctioned off at the event!

CHEF’S CHALLENGE JULY 31, 2014 6-9PM Excelsior Springs Saratoga Springs, NY

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region’s 3rd Annual Chef ’s Challenge $60 for GA $110 for Honorary Committee Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region

The following restaurants will sample their signature dish or drink for YOU, our guests, to vote on our 2014 ‘People’s Choice’ Champion: FOOD COMPETITORS: DUO, Saratoga Springs Cafe Calabria, Guilderland Carney’s Tavern, Ballston Lake Lucas Confectionery, Troy Carmen’s Cafe, Troy Capital City Gastro Pub, Albany Excelsior Springs, adjacent to the Marriott, Saratoga Springs Reel Seafood Co., Albany COCKTAIL COMPETITORS: Brown’s Malt Room, Troy NEW TO 2014! We have expanded our People’s Choice competition with a cocktail portion! Also new in 2014, we will be offering a VIP happy hour for our Honorary Committee members, including light hor dourves, wine, and the first tastes of our cocktail competition. To purchase tickets and more info visit:

www.chefschallenge14.eventbrite.com Contact erica@bbbscr.org to RSVP T HA N K YO U T O OU R G OL D, P R E SE N T I N G SP ON S O R :

A N D T O OU R SI LV E R SP ON S OR S :

BIGS! Buy one General Admission ticket, get a second 50% off. Purchase one Honorary Committee ticket, get one free.

Crunching the Numbers The pay gap is real, ladies. Very real.

WOMEN MAKE 77 CENTS TO EVERY DOLLAR MADE BY A MAN. That’s an (accurate) statistic — reported by the 2012 Census — often quoted to underscore the urgency of the gender-paygap problem. But reducing the pay gap issue to one statistic unfairly simplifies a complicated, nuanced reality for women in the working world. To try to better understand the pay 42 | women@work

gap — after all knowledge is power and can help us all effect change — we talked to Corinna A. Ferrini, an attorney of employment law for the firm Tully Rinckey PLLC, which is headquartered in Albany, and to Dr. Janet Spitz, a professor of business at The College of St. Rose.

Let’s start with that 77-cents-onthe-dollar figure. Is that literal? “It is a generalization that is accurate, but it doesn’t tell the story, which is actually even worse than that [number] indicates,” says Dr. Spitz. “Much worse.” When you look at data provided

by the Economic Policy Institute (epi. org), you can see a clear and unexpected disparity: the wage gap is wider — among educated women and men over 25 working full-time, year-round jobs. The wage gap narrows when comparing low- or minimum-wage workers. That means women suffering the harshest pay disparities are the higher-level professionals. Women and men working low-wage jobs are paid more comparably (though men still consistently are paid more). “When you look at the wage gap by educational level — looking at high school to high school; college to college; master’s

Photos: Man and Woman on Briefcase, Andrew Bret Wallis/ GettyImages; Infographic by Emily Jahn.

By Brianna Snyder

New York: WOMEN VS. MEN In New York full time annual incomes are MEN

WOMEN

$49,174

$40,584

$8,590 DIFFERENCE

With that money you could buy...

64 weeks of food 4.4 months of mortage and utilites 9 months of rent OR 3 years of family health insurance premiums

2,000 gallons of gas Source: nywaepcnyc.org/wp-content/themes/redaccent/ images/2012/03/NY-wage-gap_what-it-would-buy.pdf

to master’s, etc. — then you really see the problem,” Spitz says. “Because the only reason that the wage gap is as small as 77 cents [to a man’s dollar] is because everybody’s thrown in there together.” In other words, the wage gap is actually much worse than it seems.

“Typically, men start at a higher wage,” Spitz says. “And men get more promotions and raises. So any starting discrepancy [between men’s and women’s salaries] — and even if there’s no discrepancy — quickly widens into a measurable discrepancy over the first eight years.”

Why is this happening?

Why does the pay gap persist?

Discrimination is a big factor. The other huge part is that it’s taboo in most workplaces to discuss wages. So most women have no idea they’re making less money than the man next to them doing the same work.

“Lack of transparency in regard to wages makes the pay gap a shadow foe,” Ferrini says, “particularly in the private sector.” She adds that sex discrimination and gender stereotyping are still a big problem for women in the workplace. “There

THINGS ARE WORSE FOR WOMEN OF COLOR According to the National Women’s Law Center, women of color experience a far greater wage gap than their white, non-Hispanic counterparts. The typical African-American woman who works full time, year round makes only 64 cents, and the typical Hispanic woman who works full time, year round only 55 cents, for every dollar paid to their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts.

capregionwomenatwork.com | 43

Can I talk about my salary or wages in the workplace? The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 protect “some” employees “from retaliation by their employers for discussing/ disclosing information about their pay,” Ferrini says. “But not all employees and not all discussions.” In other words, only some privatesector non-supervisory employees are protected under the act such as federal, state and local government employees, domestic workers, employees of railways and airlines, agricultural laborers and independent contractors. And, according to Ferrini, “supervisors don’t enjoy the same protection and can legally be disciplined for disclosing information about their pay (if such a disclosure is prohibited by the employer).” “On April 8, 2014, President Obama signed Executive Order 13665, prohibiting federal contractors from retaliating against employees who discuss their salary with coworkers,” Ferrini says. “Although these employees were already protected under the NLRA, this EO is 44 | women@work

significant because it places violating employers at risk of losing their government contract and of being barred from contracting with the government in the future. That is a steep penalty. In contrast, under the NLRA, the employer can only be ordered to rehire the employee with applicable backpay.” In short, Ferrini says, “there are too many exceptions for an all-inclusive statement that employees are permitted to freely discuss salary in the workplace.” So if you want to broach this subject, make sure you’re protected and maybe even consult a lawyer specializing in labor and employment matters.

What can a woman do, if anything, to ensure she’s being paid as much as she’s worth, or as much as her male counterparts? “Pay disparity in the workplace is usually a silent offense; women do not typically realize how much more their male counterparts earn until long after they begin working at their jobs,” says Ferrini. “Some women may be able to determine how much similarly situated male workers are or were paid by looking at wage information included in job postings. Sometimes women learn pay information through the office rumor mill.” But finding out — safely — if there is a pay gap is the first step toward mending it. “If a woman learns that she is not earning equal pay for performing the same work as her male counterparts, she may wish to approach her employer to discuss the reasons why she is entitled to a higher salary,” Ferrini says. “Women

should enter these negotiations with a focus on their strengths and contributions to their workplace. Studies have shown that women traditionally set their salary expectations much lower than males. If women enter these negotiations knowing that males are being paid much more for the same level of work, they should be able to adjust their expectations and demands accordingly.”

What are some other infuriating issues to note about the wage gap? How about that the overwhelming majority — about two thirds, according to the National Women’s Law Center — of minimum-wage workers are women, mostly poor women who are also single mothers. So, basically, the minimum-wage debate is also about fair pay for women. “The thing to remember about the minimum wage is that women tend to work disproportionately in lower-wage jobs,” Spitz says. “So when you have an increase in the minimum wage it tends to affect more women than it does men. That’s another piece of the pay-gap puzzle, that women — particularly lesseducated women — tend to be clustered in minimum-wage jobs, whereas less educated men tend to be clustered in building trades, construction or warehouse work, which may not be paid like a goldmine but it’s not being paid at the minimum wage, either. Low-education women have to be clustered in places like WalMart or retail sales, as clerks and low-level office workers. … It’s just one more way our society discriminates against women.” W

Photo: Andrew Bret Wallis/GettyImges.

are many studies showing men and women negotiate wages differently, but that does not make the pay gap excusable,” Ferrini says. Spitz says women still receive strong cultural messages that women should be agreeable and men should be “assertive and go-getters,” she says. Women are faced with a choice, which Bette Davis famously put this way: “When a man gives his opinion, he’s a man. When a woman gives her opinion, she’s a bitch.” “Women don’t fight as hard for wages because there is a big penalty for fighting for wages that men don’t face,” Spitz says. Women are also more likely to accept common managerial excuses for not awarding a raise. Think of the old “We’d give you a raise, but there’s just not enough money in the budget right now.” Men tend to respond to that more confrontationally: “Look, I have a family to take care of. You need to pay me more.” “A woman also has financial obligations, but we still have the stereotype that says maybe she shouldn’t be working to begin with,” Spitz says.

Welcome to Whiskers Here at Whiskers we believe every life is meaningful and worth saving. We go the extra mile to do whatever it takes to make each cat and kittenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life we commit to the best it can be. Every cat or kitten we take in gets Whiskers lifetime pledge to be there for them for their entire lives if need be. Over the years, Whiskers has been, and continues to be, unique among other cat shelters in the region. First of all, we are an all-volunteer group: every penny donated to our organization is directed to the welfare of our cats and kittens. As a private shelter, we do not receive government funding, and rely on our friends and supporters to help us advance our work. Second, as a strictly no-kill shelter, Whiskers provides a safe, loving, sanctuary for cats who are chronically ill, diagnosed with FIV or FeLV, feral, very old, abused, or otherwise not considered easily adoptable to the general public. While we believe that virtually all of our cats are adoptable to the right person, the fact of the matter is that some of our cats will live out their entire lives in safety and comfort in our shelter. Third, unlike many other shelters, Whiskers is a free-roaming facility, with almost all of our cats loose and uncaged, unless they are ill or new to the shelter. As Whiskers Animal Benevolent League enters its fourth decade of providing care and aid for homeless cats and kittens throughout the Capital District, we are grateful for the dedication of our volunteers, those who support us with their generous donations, and many others who assist us in continuing our important mission day by day, and we are looking forward to the years to come, and the kitties to come!

Making a Difference for Over 30 Years!

The gift of life is wrapped in your support... Thank you from all of us.

Whiskers Animal Benevolent League PO Box 11190, Albany, NY 12211 â&#x20AC;˘ (518)458-CATS (2287) www.ewhiskers.com â&#x20AC;˘ admin@ewhiskers.com

T Close-up? Ready for Your Headshots aren’t just for actors anymore By Molly Belmont

Image is everything. That’s why more and more people are turning to photographers for professional portraits. After all, when it comes to promoting your professional brand, don’t you want it to look … professional?

AT LEFT AND ABOVE: Photography by Timothy Raab, principal of Timothy H. Raab & Northern Photo (timraabnorthern. com), a studio that specializes in headshots and personal portraits. 46 | women@work

hanks to the Internet and social media, colleagues and customers increasingly see your image long before they meet you in person, and that is how they form their first impression of you. “We live in a world where people look to your image to make a decision about whether they want to do business with you,” says Brenda Rose. Rose and her partner, Paul Grupp, own Upstate Photographers in Troy, and over the years, they have seen an increasing demand for professional portraits, or “headshots,” as more and more people realize that they should see a photographer to produce a professional image. “A headshot is a particular thing. It’s not an image you’d share with your friends. It’s a professional image that allows you to market yourself,” says Rose. And like any marketing tool, it requires specific elements to be effective. “Selfies,” the casual self-portraits people snap on their phones, and mug shots, the quick photo a colleague grabs of you standing in front of an office wall, just aren’t suitable, Rose says. How you present yourself matters, says Renee Walrath, president of Walrath Recruiting, Inc., a staffing and recruiting firm with offices in Albany and Saratoga Springs. During a job search, photos can become a factor, Walrath says. “It’s not about beauty contests; it’s about how you present yourself,” says Walrath. Potential employers aren’t looking for “Barbie dolls or Mr. America,” but they do want to see that you know how to present yourself to people, she says. “Your image, how you dress, how

you present yourself is very important and I always advise clients to put their best face forward,” says Jo Ann LeSage Nelson, vice president of client services for Pierce Communications, a public relations firm in Albany. Photos snapped at backyard barbeques or on family vacations just don’t make the grade, she says. Neither do selfies. “I would say never use a selfie. You can always tell that someone has just taken a photo of themselves, and that’s not appropriate,” she says. Whether it’s about landing a job or making a sale, good headshots can make a big difference. “It’s a door opener,” says Timothy Raab, principal of Timothy H. Raab & Northern Photo, a studio that specializes in headshots and personal portraits. People want to see who they’re going to be working with; it makes them feel more comfortable, as if they know what they can expect. “It’s not about looking like a movie star; it’s about looking like a nice approachable person to work with,” Raab says. Raab has done headshots of many notable professionals in the Capital Region. His portfolio includes political figures, attorneys, judges, and CEOs. His clients use headshots on everything, from business websites to social networking sites such as LinkedIn, from annual reports to email signatures. In an era where image is ubiquitous, it simply doesn’t make good business sense to skimp on this area, he says. “I’m always surprised when people think they can afford to have less than a good polished personal portrait,” he says.

or Raab and Rose, polished portraits begin before the photo session even starts, with conversations with the subject about how to dress and prepare. Raab advises clients to wear simple, classic, understated clothing with a yearround look. Hair and makeup should be done, but not overly done. After all, this is not a glamour shot. “You want the portrait to look like you’re just having a great day,” he says. “And you had a lot of sleep the last few days,” he adds with a laugh. At Upstate Photographers, Rose gives clients the option of having their hair and makeup professionally done in the studio, an option she strongly recommends because it makes clients feel more confident about how they look. She also advises clients to bring multiple outfits so that they can review the choices together. “Your image is about you, whatever it is you want to bring forward,” she says. Whether it’s a black T-shirt and jeans, or a colorful scarf, your pieces have to be carefully chosen — and right for your profession. “Your wardrobe says a lot about you.” At the shoot, photographers choose lighting and backdrop based on a subject’s profession. Professional photographers know what demographic you’re going for and how to appeal to that demographic, and use pose, background, and lighting angles to nudge viewers in the right direction, Rose says. “We wouldn’t put a CEO on steps in jeans,” she says.

Photographers typically shoot for about 30 minutes, producing a number of images to choose from. It is the subject who makes the final selections, usually with the photographer’s assistance. Most photographers will also offer post-production work during the session. Post-production touch-ups can happen right in the studio, with advice and consultation from the subject. The best retouching is inconspicuous, giving viewers the impression that you’re well-rested and composed. Raab uses Photoshop and other software to make small almost imperceptible adjustments. “Subtle is where it’s at,” Raab says. “My job is to make people subtly more attractive.” The most common modifications include acne clean-up, removal of under-eye lines, repairing bloodshot eyes, and whitening teeth. Raab shies away from total makeovers because they’re not credible. “It’s got to look like you,” he says. Rose agrees. “Our goal is not to turn you into someone you’re not, because then it’s not a headshot, it’s a work of fiction,” she says. At the end of a session, images are given to clients via email or through an online gallery. The rest is up to you — but one good headshot can go a long way. “You’re going to be more confident in promoting yourself, and if you truly feel more confident you’re going to project it,” says Raab, “and unless you’re overly pushy about it, that’s a good thing.” W

BELOW: Photography by Brenda Rose and Paul Grupp, owners of Upstate Photographers (upstatephotographers.com).

capregionwomenatwork.com | 47

Face to Face Why you need to get savvy about Skype interviews — now

By Kristi Barlette

s recently as five years ago, preliminary job interviews were often conducted over the phone. Candidates could be in bed with their dog at their feet, surrounded by day-old food containers. Clothing was optional. These interviews tended to be more relaxed, since appearance, body language and eye contact weren’t up for critique. Now, though, those early screenings — and even final interviews — increasingly are happening face to face via Skype or other two-way video messaging programs, changing up the interview process from that first introduction on up to a formal job offer. “We found it was an easy and quicker way of meeting with people,” says Greg Rinckey, a partner with Tully Rinkey law

firm in Albany. “Initially people thought it was strange. Now when we are setting up interviews people ask ‘Can we Skype?’ instead of being on the phone.” Organizations are embracing these video interviewing methods to improve

companies invested in video interviewing in 2013. That’s up from 21 percent in 2012. “You can bring in the person you think is a rock star and in five minutes you know it won’t work,” says Renee A. Walrath, president and CEO of Walrath Recruiting in Albany. “On Skype, you can cut them off. That’s hard to do during an inface interview.” Walrath finds that using Skype interviews is increasing at local companies at about the same rate as on a national level. Several local companies say they use this method as frequently as 50 percent of the time. Perceived, a public relations and brand management firm based in Albany and Fort Lee, New Jersey, is one of those companies. The firm taps Skype for in-

Video interviewing is also a great testament to — and test of — a candidate’s tech-savviness.

48 | women@work

efficiency, save money and standardize the recruitment process, according to Madeline Laurano, the research director with the Aberdeen Group, a market research firm. Aberdeen found about 32 percent of

Smart Skype Prep

terviewing potential Perceived staff as well as for being interviewed by clients who may want to hire Perceived to represent them. Not only are you able to get an idea of a person’s demeanor and personality when you conduct these video interviews, but you can also see the person’s work, says Juliana Lam Dreweck, owner of Perceived. A candidate interviewing for a design job, for instance, showed Dreweck some of her recent work during her on-camera interview. (She was hired.) “Thanks to Skype I felt we had met face-to-face in person,” says Dreweck. “You look at creative folks and the work he or she is doing — it is very interactive.” Because of the nature of what Perceived does and offers, the firm hires people who may end up in front of the camera. Those Skype interviews allow Dreweck to see how someone presents him or herself “on air,” so to speak. “When talking to someone who may be a spokesperson or talk to clients on your behalf, I would like to see them before even considering to work with them,” Dreweck says.

Photos: OJO Images RF/GettyImages.

ideo interviewing is also a great testament to — and test of — a candidate’s tech-savviness, say experts. With technology knowledge considered a part of just about every job these days, it’s important that candidates know the basics — or know where to go to get some help to handle what has become everyday technology. Skype and similar programs are fairly intuitive and, as a result, basic. Tully Rinckey regularly uses Skype to interview potential employees. It’s especially useful when interviewing

candidates who live overseas, or when people from the company’s various offices need to “meet with” a candidate before a formal job offer is made, says Rinckey. He’s interviewed people from as far away as the Middle East. Rinckey likes that Skype offers the chance to make eye contact with candidates and, like Dreweck, looks for traits such as professional demeanor, how well a candidate is paying attention (see box) and whether the interviewee will fit with the culture of the firm. But, he cautions, video interviewing is not a substitute for meeting in person and, ideally, an in-person interview will occur if a candidate seems as if he or she has promise. “It’s not a substitute to meeting in person, but it allows multiple people to be involved in the hiring process,” Rinckey says. “I can have someone in Albany and someone from DC both interviewing a candidate.“ W

TIP: Pick a quiet, clutter-free space. Ideally, you’ll be in a home office or similar space.

Just as with an in-person interview, presentation is key with video meetings, say Walrath, Dreweck and Rinckey. They offer these tips: n Make sure your Internet connection is strong, and plug in (rather than relying on Wi-Fi or 4G) if possible. High-speed Internet is a must for a clear Skype call. n Test the connection an hour or so before the official call with an IT person or someone else on the staff at the company where you’re interviewing. n If you do get disconnected during the interview, try one more time to connect. If there are further issues, discontinue the Skype call and finish the interview over the phone. n Make sure your computer (or your tablet or smartphone) is charged. n Use a professional-sounding Skype name (ideally your name). HotDaddy69 may have seemed entertaining when you set up your account, but it will reflect poorly during a job interview. n Remove distractions. This includes email and social media notifications. Also, shut off the ringer on your cellphone and landline, if you have one. n Pick a quiet, clutter-free space. Ideally, you’ll be in a home office or similar space. Coffee shops or your car are not ideal due to background noises and other distractions. n Lighting is important (you want the person on the other end to be able to see you). So is camera angle. If only your nose is visible, due to a tight shot, you will come across as unprofessional and lacking in tech smarts. n Sit up straight. Just as if you were inperson, posture is important. n Speak clearly, especially if you’re doing an overseas call where the connection may not be as strong. n Dress the part. Pants are not optional as you may end up having to stand up and walk around during the interview — especially if the interviewer asks to see work or some other paper or document. n Have the job description and your resume nearby.

capregionwomenatwork.com | 49

MOMS@WORK

Meet Our New Moms@Work Co-Bloggers!

Corey Jamison Deb Best

Corey (Left) & Deb

e’ve got new Moms@Work bloggers. They’ll be posting every Tuesday and Thursday at blog.timesunion.com/momsatwork. Here’s a little about who they are. About Corey My blogging partner, Deb Best (linkedin. com/in/debrabest), and I are thrilled to share this forum with you — a place to talk about work, family and everything in between! Both of us want to encourage your comments, questions, ideas. Write us, email us — we are here to join you in this world of work and life, trying to fit it all in, make it all happen without guilt, and with some fun (and possibly a good night’s sleep once in a while). The facts: I’m 47, and happily married to my husband, Jon. We both had a short run of practice marriages before we found each other, so this isn’t our first rodeo. And thank goodness, because when we met, I had three children and Jon had three children and then we had one together, so feel free to (briefly) hum the Brady Bunch theme. I have been working as an organizational consultant for 25 years, and recent50 | women@work

ly left a high-pressure, high-power, highstress and high-travel role in a bigger firm to start my own practice (coreyjamisonconsulting.com). I work with leaders and teams to help them get to the next level of performance through executive coaching and team development. I have worked with women as a developmental coach for years, and I am a professional speaker on topics ranging from work-life integration, to manufacturing best practices, to courageous partnerships and organizational inclusion. I’m also a doctoral candidate, and starting my dissertation this year. At home in Troy, our seven children range in age from 6 to 18, with our oldest college bound to Skidmore in the fall. We have three dogs and 19 chickens. Our youngest and oldest children are girls, with five boys in between. Finally, it is seemingly the case that I AM the only one in the house who knows how to change the toilet paper roll. Ironically, my mantra to the women with whom I work is: Lower the bar and drop the guilt.

About Deb Greetings! I’m honored to join my dear friend and colleague, Corey Jamison (linkedin.com/in/

coreyjamisonconsulting), as co-blogger for Moms@Work. In large part because I’ve been careerfocused since the age of 4 thanks to my salesman dad and I graduated from the University at Albany with a degree in English into one of the worst recessions of the 1980s with the goal of being a career writer, I am a quintessential late-bloomer: • Discovered / expanded my vocational / career path at age 28; • Met and married my wonderful husband Joel at age 31; • Gave birth to my one and only child, our son Noah (age almost-13), at age 40; • Started my business (DebBest.com) almost 5 years ago at the age of 48. My experience as a late-bloomer mom with significant life and career experience under my belt prior to giving birth to Noah is at times both similar and very different to my own childhood experience, and at times very different from that of my friends and colleagues who are also mothers at all stages of life and career paths. I look forward to sharing my experience, strength and hope with all of you; and hearing your stories and questions in return. How about you? Are you a late-bloomer career mom, too? What’s the best advice you can give to those of us who choose motherhood later in life, while balancing/maintaining the career path that sustains you and your family on so many levels? Corey and I look forward to our conversations with you, here and in social media. W Join Corey and Deb’s conversations at blog.timesunion.com/momsatwork, and in the collective social media channels: Corey on Twitter: @CoreyJamisonLLC Deb on Twitter: @debmbest Follow us @CRWomenAtWork

Transforming the Health of America SEMINAR September 6th, 2014 As busy professionals we often ﬁnd ourselves wearing many hats and working so hard to support others that we end up sacriﬁcing our own physical and emotional health because of stress, inadequate sleep, poor nutrition, lack of exercise and little time for ourselves and those we love. If someone offered you optimal health, would you take it?

Join Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen (speaker, author, Optimal Health Practitioner) and other business leaders at the Transforming the Health of America seminar on September 6th, 2014, in Albany, New York. Meet colleagues who have created optimally healthy lives and learn how you can create a life for yourself that is healthy, fulﬁlled, and balanced.

For more information and to register for this seminar, visit www.DrAEvent.info.

MEALS ON THE GO

Recipe Stories

Every meal is a memory By Brianna Snyder | Photos by Tyler Murphy

Top Tip for Healthy Cooking Pair a seasonal vegetable with grains. And eat seasonal foods. “Because everything that’s fresh will give us more vitamins and nourish our bodies. And it will taste better that way and it will look fresh.”

Chef and photographer Ellie Markovitch 

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or Ellie Markovitch, every meal is a story or a memory. You won’t hear her complaining about people who Instagram their food — in fact, she’d like to show you how to take better photos of the food you’re eating. “I realized my most visceral experiences were in front of a dish at home,” she says. “So I said, ‘What if we brought people together and made big pots of tomato soup? And what if photography could be part of the storytelling? And what if we created a space for people to build new memories?’” Markovitch grew up in Brazil and came to the U.S. for college before traveling around the country and spending three years in France with her husband. She worked as a photojournalist for a few years and she got her master’s in electronic arts at RPI. She lives with her 4-year-old daughter and husband and teaches cooking classes at the Troy Center for the Arts. And within those courses, she includes other elements of the cooking experience: She and her students walk to local farms, get to know farmers and the food they’re growing, make recipes based on those local, in-season foods and then she teaches students how to photograph the food they make. It’s an enriching experience, which helps underscore her thesis of food and photography. Those recipes you made with Markovitch in her class, and the photos you took? Those encapsulate new memories. Every time you see those pictures or recreate that dish, you’ll remember that busy day. (Hopefully, anyway.) “There’s a lot of people saying, ‘Oh, who wants to see a picture of your coffee in the morning?,’ but I think that there is so much storytelling that happens in a frame,” she says. “How are you filling that frame actually says something about you, about the food, how it was grown, how it moves you. Yes, we can all take a snapshot of sourdough bread — and I

Moqueca (Brazilian Fish Stew) From Chefs Consortium and Story Cooking Ingredients 2 lbs of white fish fillets 3 cloves garlic and salt (use a

mortar and pestle to crush the garlic and salt together into a paste) ¼ cup lemon juice ground black pepper 2 tablespoons palm oil (You can find palm oil in Albany at the African Market on Central Avenue, but olive oil can be used as a substitute.) 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 1 green and 1 red bell peppers, chopped 2 cups tomatoes, chopped 1 tablespoon paprika 1 14-ounce can coconut milk

For Cheiro Verde (green smell)

¼ cup of scallions ¼ cup parsley, chopped 1 large bunch of cilantro, chopped

For Garnish (or serve inside a pineapple) olives urucum (Annatto) olive oil cheiro verde Method 1. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper and pour over the fish. 2. In a dutch oven or stone pan, coat the bottom with olive oil, sauté onions, bell pepper and paprika. Cook for a few minutes. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cheiro verde. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, uncovered.

post often about sourdough bread; I’m quite proud of it — and people are like, ‘There she goes again!’ But you know what, a lot of people send me private messages and say, ‘You know, I’d really like to make sourdough bread.’ So you can start a conversation.” She arrived at food and photography when she realized she was calling her mother back in Brazil and having long conversations with her about the nuances of recipes she’d eaten while growing up. Those are powerful memories, she says, and she loves the idea that they can be in some ways preserved. Like most good cooks today, Markovitch is passionate about local food and says as a cook she really only makes (and eats) food that incorporates in-season produce. “It has taken me time to say, ‘OK, let’s just eat of the seasons, because the food is going to be delicious.’ It takes more effort but it’s worth it,” she says. Markovitch is also passionate about food waste and teaches budget cooking that incorporates ways of minimizing food waste and making the most of a buck. “Cooking rice and beans for yourself and some of this basic, basic

3. Arrange the fish pieces on a bed of vegetables to steam. Sprinkle the fish with salt and pepper. Pour coconut milk on top of fish. Cook for another 7

minutes on low, covered 4. Adjust seasoning. Serve with rice or crusty bread and hot pepper sauce on the side.

cooking — that can really stretch a dollar,” she says. Markovitch encourages her friends and students to make a recipe that’s important to them — in fact, make it five, six and seven times — and send her pictures. Lots of pictures. “This is the best of social media and blogging,” she says. “You can start by enticing someone with an image and actually really grow it into a tremendous experience. Sometimes I post a picture and I’m already apologizing for it. So just in case you’re going to scream at me, just know this recipe is something I’ve been working on. It’s a recipe that my mom made.” W

Must-Have Pantry Items BEANS of all kinds NUTS — because you can make delicious broths and toss some salads CHEESE ALMONDS of all kinds

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HILDENE MANSION Photo by Shiran Pasternak

Getting Away: By Stacey Morris

Manchester, Vermont

isitors usually are lured to Manchester, Vermont, for more than one reason. With the town’s mosaic of qualities that include retail outlet heaven, luxury spas, outdoor sports, upscale dining, and vibrant arts scene, it’s easy to see why. As Lana Hauben puts it, “Manchester is synonymous with the total experience. It’s an historic town with a phenomenal shopping district, beautiful inns, and fine dining.” She and her husband, Ben, founded the Manchester Designer Outlets 25 years ago when some deemed the operation a gamble. Today, the famous collection of retail outlets is known as Madison Avenue North, and attracts visitors from around the country with names such as Armani and Kors. Prestigious designer names aside, the crowning glory of the Manchester shopping experience is tax-free clothing. 54 | women@work

Unlike some retail shopping centers, Manchester’s is alive and not dwindling. The latest addition is The Marble Mill, a 4,500-square-foot space that houses four anchor retailers, including the newly opened Eddie Bauer. Manager Cari Donovan recently made the move from the Saratoga Springs store to oversee the Manchester operation. “It’s such a huge difference in price here,” says Donovan. “40 percent off, plus no tax, really adds up. We get customers from all over because of it.” But don’t let the glitzy retail offerings give the wrong impression. Manchester is every inch a quaint New England village, and is divided into two districts. Manchester Center contains factory outlets, art galleries, coffee shops, and bistros. Its centerpiece is the iconic Northshire Bookstore. Directly in front of the bookstore is a brand new traffic circle, which replaced

the blinking traffic light once known as “Dysfunction Junction,” and its lines of grid-locked cars in every direction. The village now has several rotaries, and traffic jams are officially a thing of the past. Manchester Village is a quietly elegant row of white-columned Colonial buildings and Victorian Inns, including The Equinox Resort and Spa and The Inn at Manchester. There’s also the artistic factor that’s every bit a part of Manchester’s fabric as are the outlet stores and nearby ski resorts. Galleries abound, and many of them, such as the Manchester Hot Glass Studio and Gallery offer hands-on classes. At $50 for a half-hour class, you can try making a self-crafted pint glass or paperweight. Add to that a spa treatment, new wardrobe elements, plus a few good meals, and you have the perfect escape to New England.

Must-Sees Hildene 1005 Hildene Road (802) 362-1788 · hildene.org The Colonial Revival mansion set on 412 acres was the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln and his wife, Mary Harlan Lincoln. Built in 1905, it became home to President Lincoln’s descendants until 1975. Open to the public since 1978, Hildene is practically a day trip in itself, with its picturesque gardens, working farm that includes Nubian goats and a cheese-making facility, exhibitions, and programs for school-aged children. The 1,000-pipe organ in the mansion’s entrance was a gift from Lincoln to his wife and is played daily. The property also has eight miles of walking trails. Guided tours are available by appointment. Southern Vermont Arts Center 930 Southern Vermont Arts Drive (802) 362-1405 · svac.org Renowned for its traveling exhibitions by world-class artists, as well as shows comprising local and tri-state painters and sculptors, the 100-acre mountaintop campus features the Wilson Museum, Yester-House, Arkell Pavilion, a sculpture park, the Madeira Education Center, and the Boswell Botany Trail. The Wilson Museum houses the center’s 800-piece permanent collection and the 400-seat Arkell Pavilion offers concerts and lectures throughout the summer and fall.

Outdoor Activities Cycling Manchester is a great biking area, hosting the annual Vermont Challenge (vtchallenge.com) Aug. 13-17, a charity event that traverses southern and central Vermont over a four-day period. If that’s a little too rigorous for your liking, the region offers plenty of trails for cycling at your leisure. traillink.com/trail/lye-brook-falls-trail.aspx Fly Fishing Because the Batten Kill River is famous for fly fishing, uncountable books and paintings have been rendered on the subject. If you’re in the mood to catch your own dinner, check out John Morawski’s guided expeditions. At outdoorswithjohnmorawski.com. Manchester is also home to Orvis headquarters (orvis.com), the fishing and sporting goods retailer, which also has its own fly-fishing school

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Best Places For Couples Manchester Designer Outlets Routes 11 and 30 manchesterdesigneroutlets.com The 35 retail outlets in the town’s center offer everything from the haute couture of Armani and Ann Taylor to the family-friendly Gymboree and J. Crew. And in between are Brooks Brothers, Vineyard Vines, Polo Ralph Lauren, Yankee Candle, and Not Your Daughter’s Jeans. There’s also Yves Delorme, the Parisian linen purveyor, the designer handbags of Kate Spade and Michael Contact: magcirculation@timesunion.com | 518lifemagazine.com

CHISELVILLE COVERED Bridge (in Arlington, Vermont) Photo by Doug Kerr

Kors, and the Mediterranean furnishings at Depot 62. The Dorset Theatre Festival 104 Cheney Road, Dorset (802) 867-2223 · dorsettheatrefestival.org If you’re looking for bold and innovative theater, this is it. For more than 30 years, the Dorset Theatre Festival has brought Broadway performers to the Green Mountain state, offering works by modern and classical playwrights. This year’s productions include Out of the City (July 10-19), All in the Timing (July 24-Aug. 9), The Mouse Trap (Aug. 14-30), and Travels with Mark Twain (Sept. 18-20).

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall months are ideal for opposite reasons: the temperate, blossom-filled spring is Vermont’s slow season, and crowds will be fewer and hotel rates likely lower. Fall foliage turns the Green Mountains stunning shades of reds and oranges, but be prepared to brave the crowds of fellow leaf-peepers.

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The campus includes the cafe, Art Place, which features a locavore menu and a rotation of works by area artists.

Best Family Attractions Bromley Mountain Alpine Slide 3984 Route 11 (866) 856-2201· bromley.com No snow is no problem at Bromley with its Mountain Adventure Park that includes the famous nearly mile-long alpine slide, trampoline things, climbing wall, miniature golf, space bikes, giant swing, big splash waterslide, twin spin, and a kidzone fun park. A scenic chairlift

Try to Avoid

If you’re an avid skier, you’ll probably ignore the disclaimer to avoid a visit to Manchester in the winter. The nearby ski resorts will likely be packed and lodging is usually at a premium when the slopes are well-trafficked.

ride to the summit is the crowning glory. There’s also the Aerial Adventure Park with various zipline courses, and Sun Mountain Flyer, New England’s fivestory-high and longest zip-rider which reaches speeds of up to 50 miles per hour — not for the faint of heart. Merck Forest and Farmland Center 3270 Rupert Road, Rupert (802) 394-7836 · merckforest.org Set on 3,162 acres, the property includes a 3,100-acre managed forest, certifiedorganic sugaring operation and a 62-acre farm complete with ‘you-pick’ berry patches. The center serves as a non-profit educational entity with a mission to teach sustainable methods of farming and forestry with on-site demonstrations, apprenticeships, and workshops. Also available are recreational activities such as hiking and horseback riding. Northshire Bookstore 4869 Main St., Manchester Center (802) 362-2200 · northshire.com For generations, this flagship in-

Events Concerts on the Green July 8-Aug. 20 Manchester’s town green becomes a stage and features live music ranging from folk to bluegrass.

Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show www.vt-summerfestival.com Equestrian shows and competitions throughout July and August.

dependent bookstore has offered a wealth of books, innovative gifts, and creative toys, as well as a rotation of nationally acclaimed authors visiting for lectures and book signings.

Dining Brasserie L’Oustau de Provence 1716 Depot St. (802) 768-8538 · brasserieloustau.com Named the sixth top French restaurant in the country last year by Travel + Leisure magazine, owner Michel Boyer has created a gastronomic gathering spot that showcases his interpretations of French favorites such as pommes frites, onion soup, Croque Madame, roasted chicken, and locally sourced vegetables such as Haricort Verts and fingerling potatoes. Depot Cafe 515 Depot St. (802) 366-8181

Manchester Sidewalk Sales Aug. 7-11 More than 50 retailers participate in this annual bargain fest.

and The Hungry Hiker: a medley of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and home fries that’ll have you fueled for a day of trekking the Green Mountains.

Lodging The Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant 39 West Road (802) 362-2568 · reluctantpanther.com It’s either a small luxury hotel or a large B&B, depending on your viewpoint, but the 20 rooms are designed with both elegance and the town’s history in mind. The restaurant, which is open to the public, features contemporary American cuisine and a slew of Wine Spectator awards.

Photo courtesy Manchester and the Mountains Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Equinox Resort and Spa 3567 Main St./Route 7A (800) 362-4747 · equinoxresort.com Famous for its understated luxury, the resort has 200 rooms and suites in five separate buildings, including the Charles Orvis Inn with its vaulted ceilings and fully equipped kitchens. There’s also a 75-foot indoor pool, fitness center, and a spa with 10 treatment rooms in the main building. W

MANCHESTER, VERMONT is approximately 90 minutes by car from the Albany region. For more information, visit visitmanchester.com.

EQUINOX RESORT AND SPA Photo by Rolf Müller

Located within a Mediterranean-themed furniture store, the café offers brickoven pizzas and Turkish favorites such as braised leeks, lamb stew baked in clay pots, homemade pita bread, and hummus. Up For Breakfast 4935 Main St. (802) 362-4204 Home of the hearty breakfast. Signature items include sourdough French toast, turkey hash, a towering pork roll and egg sandwich, capregionwomenatwork.com | 57

THE LAST WORD

Compiled by Genevieve Scarano

nowing what to do in sticky situations is one of the hardest parts of being a manager. Each issue of W@W we’ll feature a tricky issue with answers from area HR professionals, managers and business owners. If you have a question you’d like answered, drop us a line on Facebook, facebook.com/capregionwomenatwork, or send an e-mail to bsnyder@timesunion.com. Your question will be kept confidential.

“If you know you are going to miss

a deadline, let your supervisor know as soon as possible. Prepare for that conversation with a brief explanation — not excuse — of why you cannot meet the deadline and then focus the conversation to solutions. This can include an achievable deadline for the quality completed project, what other priorities may be shifted to meet the deadline, or what other support you may need to come in close to the initial deadline. It is far better to prepare than surprise your supervisor!” — Curran Streett, Executive Director, The Pride Center of the Capital Region

“What I would suggest to someone

who is missing a deadline is to be honest right from the get-go. If you feel that the project will not be completed on time, it’s best to inform the boss right away and to take the responsibility so that there are no surprises. If there is a team involved in the project don’t blame anyone because others might get offended, but find ways of explaining in a nice manner why the project is going to miss the deadline. After notifying the boss, it’s also the best to let the other side know, whether this is a client or publication so that they are aware that the deadline will be missed as well.” —Emina D. Sehovic, Founder / CEO, Tressmerize

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— Erika Gauthier, InterimPresident,The Guilderland Chamber of Commerce

I believe honesty is the best policy

when you know you’re not going to reach a work goal or meet a deadline. Try, whenever possible, to list all the pieces of the project that have been accomplished and specify all the remaining pieces that will not meet deadline. Most importantly, give your manager a clear idea of when to expect the work. (The new deadline.) That’s really what the manager needs to know. If you’re lucky, you may not have to explain why it’s late. Be sure not to blame others! If you’re not meeting your deadline because of another employee, point out “the thing” that you are waiting for and not “who” you are waiting on. You may want to review the process with the manager if the workflow is causing repetitive deadlines not being met. With all things being equal, the manager will know “who” is behind the “thing” and you don’t look like you’re passing the buck. — Rose Miller, SPHR, President, Pinnacle Human Resources, LLC

Question:

What’s the best way to let your boss know you’re going to miss a deadline?

“Being open, and honest, and telling your boss as soon as you know in case damage control has to be in place. Be sure to be clear on why it happened and steps you will take on making sure it will not happen again. Letting the boss know you are taking this seriously and will try to correct the problem can go a long way. It is also important to try not to point fingers and take responsibility for your own actions.”

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