WeWzine | March, 2015 by Kimberly Vaughan Events & Partnership Marketing

WeWzine WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN MAGAZINE MARCH, 2015 ISSUE

Successful Women of

Modesto Group WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN

CONTENTS 4

Woman on a Mission

Welcome New Members

Community Calendar

Last Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mixer

12 13

Meet the Council: Vaughan

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On Our Mind: Claudia Hagen

16 17

Applause for the Cause

Woman Owned Business of Modesto Hollis Associates

CONTENTS 18 19 21

Meet the Council: Davey

What Does Wellness Mean to You?

March Horoscopes

25 26 27 28

What is the Whole Woman?

Woman of the Month: Virginia Madue単o

Meet the Council: Bruce

Meet the Council: Hillsdale

Meet the Council: Dennis

Successful Young Ladies of Modesto

Woman on a Mission Women on a Mission are women who exemplify giving and helping in our community through fundraising, non-profit, and/or philanthropic work for the betterment of women and/or families in the Central Valley

Donna Stephens Title(s): American Cancer Society Volunteer Event Lead, Relay for Life Organization(s): Modesto Relay for Life www.Cancer.org

Donna Stephens is a Central Valley Broker and a passionate volunteer with the American Cancer Society’s Modesto Relay For Life. Stephens is also an Event Committee member for The Soiree of Central Valley (the American Cancer Society's Gala held on September 26). In addition to her community service and career, Stephens is a wife and a mother to two sons (23 and 26 years old). Her family and friends are very precious to her. Q. What do you enjoy most about your profession and why did you choose it in the first place? What was the inspiration for your company/organization/project? My career is in Real Estate. I started selling new homes in the Central Valley in 2002, and have since earned my Broker's license. Currently, I am a Broker-Associate with Century 21 M&M and Associates in Modesto. The thing that I enjoy most about my profession and volunteering with the American Cancer Society is meeting new people and getting to know the community and surrounding areas.

“The thing that I enjoy most about my profession and volunteering with the American Cancer Society is meeting new people and getting to know the community and surrounding areas.”

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We started my Relay Team (“Meet the Flockers”) in Modesto six years ago. My team was established in remembrance of my Dad, Don Moody, who lost his battle in 2009 to Kidney Cancer. We started with about 15 of us and we have since grown to 34 family and friends this year. We now walk to also celebrate our nine survivors. Q. Tell us about any new projects you have coming up (or recently completed). The Modesto Relay For Life is coming up May 16th & 17th at Johansen High School Football stadium. We also have our Relay Pre-event Survivor luncheon coming up on 4

Sunday, May 3rd at the Commemorative Air Force Hanger, Modesto Airport at 1:00pm. Q. What is a typical day like for you? My day begins around 5:30am and ends about 8:00pm, and I juggle real estate with Relay for Life business. I attend community events (Chamber Business Before Hours, Relay Leadership meetings, I present at local companies that request it with our Staff Partner, Kelly Kelly, Hospital Relay kickoffs, etc.). Then early evening I join a Flocking crew and we flock homes that have been ordered by residents to fundraise for our team (our Relay team goal is $15,000 this year).

Q. Tell us about your community involvement – what you are passionate about outside of work and home and why/how do you participate? I started as a Modesto Relay Team Captain in 2010. I jumped in and added Team Development Chair on the event committee where I sat for three years before accepting the Event Lead for the 2015 Modesto Relay For Life event. I also accepted a regional committee position this year with a new foundation, M&M Cares (scholarship opportunities

Successful Women of Modesto Member

beginning in 2016 for seven California regions). Q. What is the biggest risk you ever took professionally and/or the biggest obstacle you have overcome? The biggest risk would be starting my own Real Estate company in 2005, when the new home sales builder I worked with retired and left the area. I was successful for eight years and then in 2014 I joined Century 21 M&M and Associates. The biggest obstacle I have overcome would be public speaking. Q. From where do you draw inspiration? Who have been your role models, mentors, etc? My Mother, Shirley Moody, is the person I draw inspiration from. I also have a couple of ladies who have been mentors over the years.

Q. What do you do to keep yourself sharp? What one thing have you done in the past year that has made a significant difference in your life/your mission? I am constantly learning and meeting new people. One thing I have done that has made a difference in my life is stepping out of my shell and removing the self-limiting beliefs I held over myself. Q. What one thing would you like to learn this year and where do you see yourself in 5 years? I would love to learn how to knit. Five years from now seems so far awayâ&#x20AC;Ś I am sure I will be Relaying and volunteering and having fun enjoying life.

Q. What do you do for fun, relaxation, or entertainment? I love to craft. I attend local craft fairs with my mother and sister in the fall/winter where we sell our handmade items. I love family time, hanging out, planning murder mystery parties, etc. Q. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best way for our readers to connect with you? My contact information is below. I am also on Facebook under Donna Stephens. Donna Stephens Broker Associate CalBRE#01361758 Century 21 M&M and Associates 605 Standiford Ave, Suite D Modesto, CA 95350 209.262.8064 - Cell 209.552.7255 - eFax dstephens@c21mm.com

Submitted by Angela Dennis, Successful Women of Modesto Writer & Photographer

WELCOME SUCCESSFUL WOMEN OF MODESTO FEBRUARY MEMBERS

Amanda Hillsdale Angela Dennis Barbara Zavela Beverly Claussen Cheryl Davey Darla Nelson Deena Elliott Ginny Hollis Jocelyn Cooper Kimberly Vaughan Kimmer Sue Kristine Winter Laura Tosti Melissa Bruce Rose Firpo Sherry Wright Tanja Wright Taunna Thornton Taycie Taylor

Joann Delhart Judy Robinson Julene Tudor Julie Baker Kelli Davila Kelly Kelly Leslie Sousa Leslie Kazas Leticia Higares Linda Brown Lori Aderholt Lori Cole Maggie Okino Mandee Dunston Margaret Ramsay Marie Davis Marion Harrison Mary Farinacci Melanie Hernandez Melissa Nethercott Mia Abellar Michelle Thomasser Monica Vergara Nancy Moyer

Alice Juarez Anne Wright Astrid Zuniga Betty Martinho Beverly Sanchez Brandy Marable Carolyn Welch Carrie Lowery Cheryl Schultz Christi Kimball Christina Rodrigues Cindy Martinez Crista Swier Cynthia Gianola Darlene Nyswonger Debbie Svopa Meeuwse

Deborah Rose Dorinda Reedy Gina Montiel Ginny Perkins Hallie Wass Irene Cortez Jamila Barahona Jennifer Alves

Nancy Segura Narinder Bahia Rebekah Remkiewicz Rebekkah Sidwell Sarah C Martins Sheila Byous Shelley Schmidig Sheri McCoy Stephanie Lewis Suzie Q Mihaltan Tamara Wilcox Theresa Ferrari Twyla Reece Victoria Boyington Virginia Madue単o Wendy Stokes Williesha McGee

Deena Elliott Deena Elliott Design 209-614-3362 www.DeenaElliottDesign.UpperCaseLiving.net www.DeenaElliottDesign.com DeenaElliottDesign@Yahoo.com

(209) 577-5673

Successful Women of

Modesto Group WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN

March 2015 S

@5:30p SWM & SYL March Mixer Clarion Modesto 8

St. Patrick's Day

NOTES

February Successful Women of Modesto Networking Mixer

February 5, 2015 Clarion Hotel Modesto

KIMBERLY VAUGHAN

SUCCESSFUL WOMEN OF MODESTO GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kimberly Vaughan formed the Successful

The Vaughan home is a welcoming one.

Women of Modesto group in 2013 in an

From stray kittens to lost birds, the

effort to organize like-minded women in

household is filled with feathered and furry

the Central Valley and build a group that

creatures. A strong love for animals keeps

would discuss the needs of women in the

the children involved in 4-H and animal

community, as well as to create means to

science. A love for sports keeps summer

International Wedding Festival which is heading

give to the community.

filled with baseball games, trips to the

into its tenth year at the Modesto Centre Plaza.

river, swimming, soccer, road trips and The Vaughan family is blessed with six

dancing.

children and Kimberly is devoted to the

recent

years

Kimberly

broadened

her

repertoire to include partnership marketing with

development of her family. The family

Kimberly has spent the last 10 years

clients such as DoubleTree by Hilton Modesto. Her

businesses

organizing trade events and working in the

personal dreams were realized with the addition

publication industry.

of the Modesto Women’s Expo, as it has created

are

businesses. Vaughan’s

exactly Always

believe

other’s dreams.

that…

family

together,

the

supporting

each

Kimberly Vaughan

Events & Partnership Marketing produces

opportunities

the

philanthropic goals in the community.

area’s

largest

bridal 12

show,

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for

Kimberly

fulfill

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Claudia Hagen “Write what you know… When one door closes, another will open… Follow your dreams, seek your passion, find your joy… And, don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you are a woman!” Those statements have guided Claudia through a variety of life experiences: growing up on a wheat farm, frequent family moves, a 36-year career as a Critical Care nurse, earning her commercial hot air balloon pilot’s license then becoming the first female commercial balloon pilot in Central California, operating her own business, introducing hot air ballooning to the air show industry, then suffering a series of strokes that ended it all. Never one to sit still for any length of time and following her own advice of ‘one door closing, another opening,’ she picked up a pen and began writing. Although she had several articles published in nursing and aviation magazines, she never had the time or know how to pursue further adventures in writing, until the stroke diagnosis. She laughs as she remembers purchasing

Local Author & Aviation Enthusiast

“Self Publishing for Dummies” reading the entire book in one sitting. “It’s misleading to tell people you just sat down and wrote a book. There’s a lot you need to know beforehand that will save you time in the long run,” she advises. “Depending on your writing interests, you first need to decide if you want to write fiction or non-fiction. Then a mystery, love story, adventure, whatever… but any of those need a plot. Map it out in your head or an outline on paper. I can guarantee that once you start writing, things will change, you will get frustrated and go in a different direction than your original plot. That’s okay! Just go with it and see where it leads you!” Claudia has published four nonfiction books and is finishing the fifth. “I’ve learned a lot with each book and made mistakes that I try not to make again with the next one. That’s easier said than done! And that’s why you need a good editor.” An editor picks your manuscript apart for spelling errors, punctuation errors, sentence structure, and content. Is your story staying on track or deviating from your subject/purpose? “You don’t

need to pay big bucks for an editor,” Hagen states, “but you do need someone that has the educational background to do a good job. Many publishers will edit your manuscript as part of their package deal, but beware of the costs for those packages. Research is another necessity whether you are writing a mystery or a nonfiction piece. Get your facts straight and site your sources. “Research can be fun! The book I am working on now has taken over two years of research and interviews. Every little factoid I find leads me to another juicy little factoid and gets me excited about moving forward on the project. It really has been interesting and fun as well as educational,” Claudia says, “even if you’re writing a murder mystery, you need to research all kinds of things to make your story believable.”

“Never tell a red head she can’t do something she has her heart set on!” - Claudia Hagen

Local Author & Aviation Enthusiast Successful Women of Modesto Member

Claudia’s first book, “The Night A Fortress Fell To Fairfield,” describes the night of February 3, 1943 when a B-17 bomber tangled with a blizzard - the blizzard won - and crashed on her grandparents farm in Fairfield, Washington. The story tells many WWII home front details as well as the difficulties experienced by the family and residents of the tiny town while the military cleared the crash site.

“The Mystic High Adventures of Fannie Flame & Crew” is her second book, a memoir of her struggles and triumphs while floating over and through twelve years of ballooning adventures. Her ballooning nickname is Fannie Flame due to her red (then) hair! Hilarious, heart warming, and inspirational for anyone trying to pursue a dream while constantly faced with adversity. Never tell a red head she can’t do something she has her heart set on!

“Hanford’s Secret Clouds of Despair” reviews the history of the Hanford nuclear site, plutonium production used in the birth of the Atomic Age, and the atrocities secretly spread over the Palouse downwinders for decades. Written with a personal touch including stories of the author’s family, as well as many downwinders, unknowingly exposed to Hanford’s release of radioactive materials. Eye opening and educational.

“Our Grandma Flies A Hot Air Balloon” is Claudia’s first children’s book. A small, colorfully illustrated (by Teresa German Feemster) book about Brady & Morgan’s grandma who does something not many grandmas can do - she flies a hot air balloon called Our Wayward Wind. Dedicated to adventurous grandmas Everywhere.

For further information about Claudia Hagen or to order her books visit: www.claudiahagen.com

Applause for the Cause Successful Women of Modesto member Tanja Tyson is a clerical assistant at the Disability Resource Agency for Independent Living (DRAIL), a nonprofit that is making a huge difference in the lives of Central Valley residents with disabilities.

Tyson enjoys her work at the organization, and points out that often times, clients just need to know that someone cares and understands. She is typically the first person that a client comes into contact with, so she tries to put them at ease and let them know that she truly can relate to their struggles- Tyson herself is hard of hearing and legally blind. “When they find that out, it helps,” she stated. “They see that they are not alone and that others face challenges too; so they feel better about coming in for services.”

The mission of DRAIL is to provide assistance that will help its clients achieve more independent living. In addition to ADA advocacy, DRAIL provides resources and services to those in need. The organization helps to fund necessities such as grab bars, ramps, railings, doorbell alert devices, and more. DRAIL also helps consumers search for low-income, accessible housing, and provides no-fee assistance to those applying for social security benefits and filing appeals.

The Disability Resource Agency for Independent Living has a main office in Modesto, as well as offices in Sonora and Stockton. DRAIL is currently in need of members to serve on the Board of Directors and assist in decision-making.

To learn more about DRAIL and how you can help, visit www.drail.org or call 209-521-7160. Submitted by Angela Dennis Successful Women of Modesto Writer & Photographer

“There is no more value in one person and less in another, deep down we are all the same and we all need a hand from time to time.” - Tanja Tyson, Disability Resource Agency for Independent Living

W.O.M.B. Woman Owned Modesto Business

HOLLIS ASSOCIATES COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING

What happens when you combine a love of numbers and math with a piano? Just ask Ginny Hollis, the owner of Hollis Associates Computer Systems and Training in Modesto. Hollis knew early on that she loved numbers, and she credits her impeccable attention to detail to learning to play the piano at only five years old. “Playing the piano is math in expression,” she states. Hollis took her love of math, combined it with talent, hard work and perseverance, and made a very successful career. Hollis spoke with WeWzine about her profession and the challenges she has faced as a Woman-Owned Business.

Q. Tell us about how you chose your career/business?

I wanted to be a teacher from the time I was in kindergarten, and I love working with numbers and machines. I am also very detail-oriented, so bookkeeping and teaching employees to do bookkeeping on computers was a natural fit. I got tired of having employers tell me I couldn’t do inventory, bank reconciliations, prepare financial reports, etc. Even though they did not say it directly, I knew it was because I was a woman. Q. Can you share with us more about your company?

For 20 years I worked in clerical/data entry positions until I got bored, then I would seek a lateral move to another company about every four years. So I decided to establish Hollis Associates Computer Systems and Training/Bookkeeping in 1980, based in my home. My business consisted of traveling across the United States selling, installing and training employees on accounting systems and taking training classes myself. Now I use the Internet/Cloud to do those things. Q. What has been the biggest challenge or struggle in running and/or owning your own business?

In the early years, it was difficult being accepted in a predominately male field. I would be one of two or three women in most computer accounting software training classes I took.

Q. What has contributed to your success as a woman owned business?

Showing confidence in myself, and proving my expertise in my field. Q. Are there any people in your field you would like to meet and/or work with and have not yet had the opportunity?

I would have liked to meet Steve Jobs and Bill and Malinda Gates. Q. How has the community supported your business?

“You have to keep laughing and keep going and not worry about how your feel” - Ginny Hollis Q. What do you do for fun/relaxation?

I have been actively involved in the community and have met, and had the privilege of working with, several very successful business owners both women and men.

I have played the piano since I was five years old and I played a three-manual pipe organ for 48 years for church, weddings and memorial services until I had a stroke in 2011. I am also an avid reader. Authors John Paul Evans, Jeffrey Q. What are some of your favorite ways Archer, John Grisham and Barbara Taylor Bradford are favorites. I love the Kindle app on to network? my iPhone. Mixers and social media! Q. If you could share one piece of advice to another woman starting a business, what would it be?

Have ongoing support from family and friends. When should someone give up their dream of being a business owner? I don’t know that you should give up. I say “Live Your Dream.” I’m glad I followed mine!

Q. Any parting advice for someone who would like to follow in your field or industry specifically?

Be willing to work long hours and have patience. Most of all, enjoy what you are doing! Q. What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you?

Hollis Associates Computer Systems and Training Facebook : Ginny Hollis Phone: 209-577-5673 eMail: gohollis@gmail.com Mail: PO Box 1064 Modesto CA 95353

DAVEY

CHERYL

SUCCESSFUL WOMEN OF MODESTO GROUP ONLINE

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Cheryl Davey the owner and founder of Virtually All, which was established October 2007. She created her business because she wanted to get out of the cubicle and back to her family. Working for herself and from her home allows her the freedom to create the life that the Davey family desires. However, the Davey household is not a quiet one.

Cheryl and her husband, Bruce are raising their two young grandsons. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find the Daveyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home much on the weekends in the summer as they love to spend time up in the mountains camping, fishing and other outdoor activities. Cheryl has spent the last eight years helping other solo-prenuers create the business that they desire and deserve.

She is a self-proclaimed geek and many times can be found tinkering with software programs to help people grow their businesses online and make more money.

WOMAN OF THE MONTH VIRGINIA MADUEÑO

President, IMAGEN,LLC a public relations and marketing firm President, US Government Relations for the Sino American Trade Development Association Co-Owner, World Tile Design Commissioner, State of California Commission on Boating and Waterways Board of Trustees Gallo Center for the Arts Board of Directors Family Justice Center Advisory Board Member CSU Stanislaus Board of Directors Modesto Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

“As women, we have to be able to find balance and recognize that we aren’t going to be able to do everything with perfection - but we should always do it with the utmost humility and grace.” –Virginia Madueño On the outside looking in, one might be intimidated by the widely known and wellrespected Virginia Madueño. Let’s face it- she’s talented, intelligent, compassionate, and the list goes on and on. She literally manages three businesses, sits on the Board of Directors for numerous organizations; she’s a mother to three boys, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and an active politician in the middle of all of that. Madueño does it all, and she does it well. Once you actually meet Virginia Madueño, however, it doesn’t take long to realize she is just about as down to earth as a person can be. In fact, she’s simply a caring and passionate individual who is working hard to make a positive impact in the Central 19

Valley- and she just so happens to also be a woman.

In addition to her busy career, Madueño takes time to give back to the community through various avenues. She is involved in Hispanic outreach and education, as well as serving as an advocate for many women’s issues such as leadership training, health and wellness

Successful Women of Modesto Member

issues, domestic awareness, and more.

violence

Virginia and her family at her recent campaign launch event for the California State Assembly ..

For Madueño, being “the whole woman” who balances her career and personal life means recognizing that, among her other numerous roles, she is also an individual who has needs. Even if it’s just having a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, Madueño takes a few minutes a day to reflect on her own thoughts.

“We take on the role of businesswoman, mother, wife, significant other, etc. but when do we ever say ‘I am Virginia. I am a person too, and my needs are also important?’” she commented.

Being the “whole woman” also means being able to let go of what you can’t accomplish and learning to forgive yourself, Madueño says. Referring to a time she missed her son’s basketball game in order to attend a critical meeting, Madueño explained, “At the end of the day, we may achieve some things and we mail fail at some- and we need to be ok with that. I didn’t make his game, but I was there to welcome him when he got home. There are tradeoffs.” Through it all, Madueño is dedicated to empowering and building up other women from all walks of life. She is excited about the launch of the Successful Women of Modesto and sees the group as a great way for women to help one another. “It’s important for us to advance issues in our community that maybe sometimes we don’t want to talk about— whether it be emotional issues, physical issues like breast or ovarian cancer, mental issues like bipolar disease, domestic violence, unemployment, help with childcare… we should be a group that embraces it all,” she explained. “We should have a safe place to talk and have resources to help to advance each other and support each other as women.”

Tips from the Woman of the Month:

Forgive yourself. We are busy people, and we have to be ok with doing the best we can. Take “me” time each day. Find a few minutes to concentrate on you and nobody else. Always find ways to contribute in leadership roles. Always remember that there is a structure of government that we as women should have a voice in as well. Encourage one another and use the Successful Women of Modesto Group for resources – physical health, business, family, emotional health, etc. The group is a common venue for finding common ground among all of us! -Virginia Madueño

MELISSA

BRUCE

SUCCESSFUL WOMEN OF MODESTO GROUP COUNCIL SECRETARY Who am I exactly? I’ve been a wife and mother for twenty years, successfully raising two out of three boys to manhood, and GOOD men at that! Young men to be proud of. The third one is on his way to adulthood. I am a Psychic Medium and Astrologer, something that either captivates or scares the heck out of most people I come in contact with. I run a successful business, using these abilities to help teach others how to believe in themselves and reach for the stars, as well as teaching others how to

do what I do. I’ve run this business for five years now, and in that time have helped several people to literally change their lives and their perceptions, and I have helped others to become successful individuals.

Being the ruler of your own world isn’t easy, but then again no one ever said it would be. Juggling my life can be difficult, but I love every minute of it! The excitement of moving from one challenge to another drives me to do better every time, and through Astrology and everything else I do, I can take what I’ve learned and help others do the I’m also a very active “Band Mom,” same. supporting my husband in his band, a band that broke up fifteen years ago and I’ve worked with and helped people all over the came back together again a few years world, and as I do I continue to grow myself. I back. This is due in part to the very learn as I teach, and every day is a chance to supportive wives who begged, pleaded, learn something new, a chance to be reborn, and demanded, and finally asked the powers a chance to succeed in not just one thing, but in that be to intervene. And they did in EVERYTHING. absolutely AMAZING ways.

WELLNESS… What does that mean to you? It became very real to me, not long after becoming a coach, that I wanted to understand what that question means. I am now beginning to realize that WELLNESS means different things to different people! We are all UNIQUE! In a nutshell, to me it means, “knowing happiness in our physical, mental and social well-being.” Is WELLNESS being aware of what is working in your life, and improving upon it? Or, is WELLNESS being aware of what isn’t working and making a conscious decision to change what is necessary? Maybe WELLNESS means “good health” to you… but what does that entail? Does that include not only your physical self, but also your emotional and spiritual well-being too? I can tell you what Wellness means to me…and it is no longer being a perfect size six! I’m getting older, and although being a size six might sound pretty awesome, I don’t count my WELLNESS by that! But, I also don’t think that getting older gives you an excuse for letting yourself go. Good health and wellness to me, means always striving for good physical health, and trying to find the emotional and spiritual health I need to take care of myself. I can’t help my family or others if I am not in decent shape in all these areas. It means making sure I exercise every day, try to eat well (even when I don’t want to), and saying ‘no’ to things that aren’t important to me anymore. And none of this is easy. It takes discipline. What does WELLNESS mean to you? Are you up for the Challenge?

M ediumship Readings, Astrological Birth Charts, Classes and more! Book your personal session now at http://afaerymothersdream.webs.com/ . Join our FB group at facebook.com/groups/GreatfulFaeryWings for updates on classes and services!!! Don’t miss out on the Heavy M etal Psychic, Friday nights at 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern / M idnight UK!!! Like this page to see what’s coming up on the next show!!!!! https://www.facebook.com/HeavyM etalPsychic

Aries: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARIES!!!!! And Happy Birthday to all the Rams born in March!!!!! March is all about action as Venus and Mars start you off with a boost of energy toward your career goals, especially those goals that have the deepest meaning to you. This is not just some job, it’s your life’s work!!!! As they start off the month in Trine positions with both Saturn and Jupiter, and in conjunction with Uranus it’s definitely time to do things your way,

Mar 21 - April 19

learning the mistakes of the past and going with what works. The Moon comes into your sign on the 20th, just as the Sun is about to make his way into your sign, kicking off a Grand Fire Trine that sets the stage for big things to happen, and things you been waiting for to finally become realities! At the end of the month, Mercury joins in the party, and though all of these planets join Uranus’ Square with Pluto, showing challenges within the relationships of this triumph, it’s the Grand Trine energy that helps you to get through those challenges, creating success for all involved, while giving you the courage you need to walk away if you have to. The sky is the limit for you guys this week! Go big and be awesome!!!!! Lucky days 13th - 15th

Taurus: This month provides an awesome opportunity to really feel just how much you are loved!!!! Venus enters your sign mid-month, signifying the first of many planets to pass through in the next couple of months, joined by the Moon on the 23rd Trine with Pluto while getting a boost from Neptune as well, and you’ll find ample reasons to celebrate some of the beautiful relationships that make up this beautiful life, and might even find some extra spending money to celebrate! Both planets also find themselves in Squared position with Jupiter, proving that even this much happiness can sometimes be filled with beautiful memories, which can be painful as well as beautiful. But the pain is what makes the love worth it in the end, and lesson here is avoiding that love to avoid the pain is actually more painful than the pain itself. After all, you deserve to be loved! Lucky Days: 15th – 17th April 20 - May 20

May 21 - June 20

Gemini: This month you may find situations that mimic past events, or the feelings attached to past events, coming up around. Situations that can be very uncomfortable, especially for those who would rather avoid any kind of emotional “distractions”. The Moon comes into your sign on the 25th of the month, and though normally we see the Moon as an emotional train wreck, this time around she does more help than harm. Although her Squared position with Mercury may make communication toward your goals difficult for a moment, she brings together Uranus and Jupiter in a Grand Sextile that not only helps you identify where these feelings are coming from and let go of them, but use them for a purpose higher than your own, by sharing your lessons with others. As difficult as it seems at the time, this is an opportunity to rebuild a whole new awesome you, with stronger pieces that are more capable of holding together when things get rough. Lucky Days: 17th – 19th

Cancer: Get ready for the spotlight this month because it’s all about you!!! And it’s awesome!!!!!! This month, it’s

June 21 - July 22

time to crawl out of your shell just a little and showcase yourself; what you can do, what you’re all about, etc. This is not just about business, but even when it comes to networking in different interests or groups of interest. There seems to be something nagging that you’ve really liked to look into, but just “haven’t found the time and blah, blah, blah”. This month you owe it to yourself to step out of the excuse zone, face those fears and test out the water a bit. Yes it’s uncomfortable, but it’s necessary to keep growing!!! The Moon comes into your sign on the 27th, seeming to prove your theory that something always comes along to screw things up as she moves into T Squared position with Uranus and Pluto, and it seems as if there are those out to stop your progress, and it’s just always the way isn’t it??? It doesn’t have to be that way! She also favors Neptune and Venus in a Grand Sextile, helping you to see the deep love and support you have to get through the rough patches, and give you the strength you need to change the outcome of this situation for good this time! You can’t fail! Lucky Days: 19th – 21st

Leo: Big things are in store for you Leos this week!!!!! Mercury moves into Opposition with your sign at the beginning of the month, but once he moves out of that aspect after about a week it’s Opposition free with the exception of the Moon, signifying the end of a very difficult struggle. At the same time, Jupiter Trines with Venus and Mars as the month begins, with the Moon joining this aspect on the 2nd of the month for a couple of days, and it’s time to get a nice boost of energy toward some changes you want to make when it comes to your career. As the month moves on, Jupiter moves into this Trine with the Sun and by the end of the Month Mercury, and midmonth as he moves into position with Saturn this Trine turns into a Grand Trine of possibilities for the rest of the month! By the end of the month when the Moon comes back into your sign, it’s all about what you can achieve from here, creating awesome new possibilities as you go! It’s time to shine my friends, so slap those crowns on and shine away! Lucky Days: 21st – 23rd

July 23 - August 22

Virgo: This month the Lillith, or Dark Moon, will have looking at how you think about the changes that you make, especially in the beginning of the month around your home. How you look at the situation is important, especially as the Moon enters your sign on the 3rd in full T Square position with Saturn, the Sun and Neptune. Your goals and dreams are only as “far away” as you choose to see them, and you’ll find when you take the word “someday” out of the picture and make a plan of action instead, success does not seem so far away anymore! It also helps to eliminate the possibility of all of life’s little responsibilities getting in the way of what you ultimately want out of life. You truly can do both and be awesome at everything, you just have to learn to prioritize, and then see how much you can tackle, and with the right mindset, you can truly tackle just about everything!!!!! Go ahead, dare to see how far you can really go! Lucky Days: 23rd – 25th August 23 - September 22

Libra: It’s all about the comforts of home this month. Whether you’re in a Spring cleaning or organization fit, building the foundation for new plans, or actually just taking the time to enjoy this oh so important place, this month has ample opportunities to do all of the above and more! The Moon does come into your sign on the 6th of the month, moving into T Square position with Venus, Mars, Uranus, and Pluto causing a great big stir when you feel as if someone is forcing you make a choice between your career and your home, a situation that never sits very well with you at all! You may feel like you want to explode, but as always avoiding that is best for you and everyone else. At the same time, her aspects with Saturn and Jupiter provide those around you willing to help you eliminate this issue that seems to plague you often, leaving you free to enjoy yourself for the rest of the month and see what kind of awesomeness you can create within your sacred space!!!! Having your space the way you want it creates September 23 - October 22 the balance you need. Lucky Days: 25th – 27th

Scorpio: This month finds your focus drawn to those you love, and the Moon coming into your sign on the 9th shows you that it’s not always you giving to others. The Moon’s Trine with Neptune and Mercury helps you to communicate your needs when it comes to your goals, and sets you up for the deeper meaning you crave in your career, allowing you to do as you Scorpio’s do best, build on something that means something, helps others, provides what is needed, etc. Often how we care for those we love is a tool we can use in different situations, but it also shines a proof in how much your heart truly is in what you do when it’s important to you. The satisfaction is always in knowing that this important job was done, done well, and done by you, showcasing something truly awesome and magnificent to look back on at a later time. Lucky Days: 27th and 28th, 1st and 2nd

October 23 - November 21

Sagittarius: As the Sun and Mercury join Neptune’s Squared position with Saturn it can seem difficult to prioritize

your schedule and leave room for the things you want to accomplish this month, causing frustration even more when the Moon joins this aspect on the 11th and 12th. But she also gives you a sign of what is to come, as she moves into Grand Trine position with Uranus and Jupiter, and shortly after Saturn takes her place to provide that fiery energy throughout the rest of the month! This energy boosts your success, especially when it comes to your career, and with Mars joining Uranus in this aspect it’s time to move forward to big things ahead, while Jupiter’s retrograde energy helps you to think less and do more. If you use this energy correctly, you’re looking at awesome progress when it comes to some of your goals, and seeing the results of your hard work reflected in the faces around you, proof of what you can achieve if you put your mind to achieving it! There’s no room for old thought patterns here, forward November 22 - December 21 movement is what it’s all about. Second-guessing is for the birds!!! Lucky Days: 2nd – 4th

Capricorn: Pluto’s Squared position with Uranus becomes a little heavier this month as Venus, Mars, the Sun and finally Mercury take their places and join in this aspect, creating some difficulties when it comes to some of your relationships, specifically those surrounding your professional life. Everyone goes through phases where it’s difficult to see eye to eye, but this feels more like you’ll never be on the same page! When the Moon comes into your sign on the 14th, tempers may even flare as it just seems as if you’re working against the entire world. But at the same time, she gives you a bit of a boost as she aspects with Mercury and Neptune, showing you how communication on a deeper level is a huge help toward allowing others to understand where you’re coming from. This doesn’t mean it’s time to go crazy on everyone, rather it means that no one really understands what you truly go through unless you are completely open about the situation. This can help change a crappy communication in a relationship to an awesome December 22 - January 19 one that gets things done, helping you to move forward rather than feel stuck in a situation you have no control over. Then you have more time to get to work on all of those awesome things you’ve got planned, as well as more free time to enjoy life rather than live to work! Lucky Days: 4th – 6th

Aquarius: You goals and dreams, and the money to make those things realities is what it’s all about this month! As the month begins with Mercury in Opposition with Jupiter things are a bit tense when it seems as if things are moving in the direction you want them to go, but at the same time how you think about the situation means everything to the outcome! If you’re thinking on an emotional level, you’re communicating on that level as well, and the results may not be what you want at all. By the end of the first week, Mercury moves on, and major planet Oppositions are a thing of the past for a while! As the Moon moves into your sign on the 16th, she moves into Opposition with Jupiter again for a moment, causing a bit of a financial issue when it seems like the same old thing puts you in a tight position, but her aspects with Saturn help you see that responsibilities taken care of mean more than money in the bank, and help you January 20 - February 18 to remember for the remainder of the month that money isn’t the only thing that makes you successful, your own awesome personality and drive to succeed has a lot to do with it too! Don’t sell yourself short fussing over the little things, when in reality those things mean little to outcome in general. Lucky Days: 6th – 8th

Pisces: Happy Birthday to all the Pisces born this month!!!!! The Sun shines in your Goals and Dreams, boosting

February 19 - March 20

your career potential as he goes, but at the beginning of the month joins in Neptune’s Squared position with Saturn, causing a few difficulties when it seems like your daily responsibilities make it difficult to shine in other aspects of your life. But as he moves through your sign and gets ready to leave, his Trine with Saturn helps you to see where you can add what you want to do into what you need to do, helping to create a balance between both. As the Moon moves into your sign and joins this aspect with Neptune and now Mercury by the 18th, you’ll need this boost from the Sun to help communicate your needs in the least emotional way possible for often times communication that’s “too” emotional makes you feel as if you’re running circles around yourself. Speak with confidence, but not Ego, deep feeling but not overly emotional, to help you get ahead rather than feeling as if you’re crazy and everyone else would agree. You’re not crazy, you’re awesome, and as long as you remember that it can take you pretty far into where you want to go. Don’t be afraid to believe in your own power! 24 Lucky Days: 8th – 10th

The Whole Woman Concept WHAT IS IT? The Whole Woman Concept means every aspect of our lives are important and are inherently a part of who we are; in essence they are a part of our core self. While we prioritize our efforts, all areas that we invest ourselves in are clearly areas of importance and no one area can define our success as a whole person. If you are not in business does that mean you are not a successful person? If you are not a mom does that make you a failure in family? No! That is just crazy talk! We are not one-dimensional people. Success is not one-dimensional! We need to celebrate our successes, applaud our efforts, empower one another to achieve our goals… all goals. We also need to support each other when we are faced with challenges and coach each other with advice and care in every aspect of our lives. We are all in this together! The Whole Woman concept is more about us as multi-dimensional people intrinsically and has less to do with us externally; the concept is about making us who we are, not what we do. Nurture and encompass the whole woman you are! You are so much more than just your life status, your bank account balance, your family, your past, your future, your level of education, the last book you read, etc. We are not measured solely by any one area of our lives. Let’s embrace ourselves as whole women! Let’s refuse to make connections based on external offerings, but instead really look at the whole woman when getting to know your sisters! By learning more about each other and building core connections we embrace ourselves and shine. Every aspect of our multidimensional lives will improve ten-fold with the support and empowerment of each other. Don’t you believe that to be true? Do you believe in every man (or woman) for themselves, or do you believe in the betterment of women as a whole? The Whole Woman Concept takes that thinking to the next level of a life journey. Together.

TODAY, WE HAVE MORE THAN 800 MEMBERS, MAKING OUR MEMBERS 800+ STRONG!

You = 800+ 25

AMANDA HILLSDALE

SUCCESSFUL WOMEN OF MODESTO GROUP MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Amanda Hillsdale has had a successful career in the direct sales industry for the last 13 years earning several top sales performance awards.

“Speak in such a way that others love to listen to you. Listen is such a way that others love to speak to you.” This is the compassion - the light - we as women so desperately need in this world.

She strives to build a strong system of support within her community and business by helping others around her achieve the successes they desire.

That is why Amanda fully immerses herself in the development of the Successful Women of Modesto Group.

To bring the focus back to the development of the whole woman, and the many hats we juggle. As well as to empower her daughters to reach for something more. Amanda shares, “We grow each and every day, watching, supporting, and building as we go.”

ANGELA DENNIS

SUCCESSFUL WOMEN OF MODESTO GROUP

COMMUNITY & PUBLIC

RELATIONS DIRECTOR Angela Kindley Dennis is a contributing writer and photographer for WeWZine and a member of the Successful Women of Modesto group. Angela is originally from North Carolina, but as an Army wife of sixteen years, she has lived everywhere from Germany to Kansas. Angela looks forward to being an active part of the Modesto

community while she and her husband, Eric, are stationed in the area. She is very active in animal rescue and enjoys spending time with her pack of furbabies, all rescued from shelters across the country and all very spoiled. Angela holds an M.A. in Management and Communications from Towson University, and has spent the last six

years working as a freelance photographer and marketing / communications specialist. She is the owner of Fringe Photography Studio and Creative Services, and enjoys all types of photography, from travel to events to family portraits.

TAUNNA THORNTON

SUCCESSFUL WOMEN OF MODESTO GROUP

YOUTH DIRECTOR Taunna owns two successful home-based businesses: Trinity Fashion Handbags, and Trinity Professional Cleaning Services. A dedicated mother of twins, Taunna served as the Secretary of Twin Mothers Club of Stanislaus County. Her passion for children has been evident throughout her career. Her volunteer efforts include being the proud Cheer director of her Cheer dance team that took 7th place in the National Competition in Las Vegas NV. She also served as the President of eight Youth Football & Cheer League teams. Her passion for helping others continues with her dream to open a nonprofit organization to support the greater good of women and children.

Taunna loves cooking, camping, music, and spending time with her husband of 23 years, their seven children and eight grandchildren. Taunna became an ordained minister of Christian Theology in 2008 and is heavily involved in her church as the Convalescent Director. Her favorite quote is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love covers a multitude of Sins.â&#x20AC;? 1 Peter 4:8 Taunna will work on her next life dream, which is to write a book. Her position as Youth Director of the Successful Women of Modesto Council merges two passions: helping others and working with youth.