2018 PANEL DISCUSSION
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Welcome to NAWBO-Indianapolis Trailblazers 2018! On behalf of the NAWBO-Indianapolis Board of Directors and our chapter membership, I’d like to welcome you to our 2018 Trailblazers Awards. This year the event is particularly meaningful because NAWBO-Indianapolis is celebrating 20 years of connecting, supporting, and advocating for the women entrepreneurs who make us the vital organization we are today. NAWBO helps women grow their businesses by sharing resources and by creating a unified voice. A voice that often shapes public policy. A mere 30 years ago, NAWBO was instrumental in the creation of H.R. 5050 — the Women’s Business Ownership Act — which not only established the National Women’s Business Council to support women entrepreneurs, but also gave women independent access to business loans. Remarkably, until 1988, many states required that women have a male relative cosign a business loan. Women business owners have certainly come a long way, and NAWBO has played a vital role in blazing the trail! Today’s panel of exceptional women fully embody the trailblazer spirit. They are pioneers whose contributions have paved the way for women — and men — in business. As we listen to these business leaders, consider what you can learn from their stories and how you can collaborate with others in the NAWBO community to continue driving business forward.
Tammy Butler Robinson President, 2018-2019 NAWBO - Indianapolis Board of Directors
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NAWBO-Indianapolis
2018 Trailblazers Agenda
Welcome Tammy Butler Robinson President, NAWBO-Indianapolis Board of Directors
Lunch Trailblazers Overview Moderator Lauren Casey RTV6
2018 Panelists Barbara Coury American Red Cross
Deborah Daniels Krieg DeVault
Joyce Irwin Community Health Network Foundation
Myasha Smith McDonald’s
Rupal Thanawala Accenture
Raffle
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NAWBO-Indianapolis
NAWBO-Indianapolis
Founded in 1975, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBOŽ) works to strengthen the capacity of its members, promote economic development, create change in the business culture, build strategic alliances and transform public policy to benefit women business owners. NAWBO is the only organization that solely represents the interest of women entrepreneurs in all industries throughout the U.S. As the unified voice of America’s more than 10.4 million women-owned businesses, NAWBO leverages the unique attributes of women business owners and transforms the nation’s wide-ranging community of entrepreneurial women into increasingly influential and dynamic leadership roles.
The Indianapolis chapter was established in 1997 and is celebrating its 20th year of empowering women business owners. With over 250 members and corporate partners, the chapter is currently one of the largest in the country. Through its advocacy efforts, economic impact, diversity, influence, membership size and power, NAWBO-Indianapolis strives to impact, influence and propel Indiana to be a leading state for women-owned businesses. For membership information, visit nawboindy.org.
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Trailblazers through the years 2017 2017 Tavonna Harris Askew Health and Hospital Corp. of Marion County Allison Barber WGU of Indiana Mariama Carson Global Preparatory Academy Emma Hostetter The Borrowed Boutique 2016 Lindsay Boccardo Managing Millenials Anne Hathaway Hathaway Strategies Patty Martin Lilly Diabetes, Eli Lilly & Company DeShong Perry-Smitherman The AES Corporation 2015 Nikki Blaine Nikki Blaine Couture Susan Brooks 5th District, 113th Congress Carlie Irsay-Gordon Indianapolis Colts Cathy Langham Langham Logistics, Inc. Jan Long The Mr. Canary Company 2014 Elaine Bedel Bedel Financial Consulting Autumn Letendre Abby Adams Boutique Nichole Wilson Rehabilitation, and Sports Medicine, Community Health Network Honorary Chair/Panelist: Laura Burns McRobbie 18th First Lady, Indiana University 4
2013 Stephanie Fuhrmann Technology Integration Group, Telamon Corp. Kim Hendren CC Holdings, Inc. Maggie Lewis Indianapolis City County Council Linda Rendleman Women Like Us Foundation Jenny Vance LeadJen LLC Honorary Chair: Yvonne Perkins Citizen’s Energy Group 2012 Angela Brown International Opera Soprano Kelly Campbell The Village Experience; Executive Director, The Village Cooperative Allison Melangton 2012 Indpls. Super Bowl Host Committee Maura Robinson M.G. Robinson, Inc. Anne Sellers Sensory Technologies Honorary Chair: Dee Strum MDStrum Housing Services, Inc. 2011 Kathie De Voe Gilchrist & Soames Susan Haber Nonprofit Systems Solutions Angie Hicks Angie’s List Jennifer Satterfield-Siegel, DDS Special Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
NAWBO-Indianapolis
Mary F. Schmid Stewart & Irwin, P.C. Honorary Chair: Dr. Jo Ann Gora Ball State University 2010 Louise Dunn Riches Within; Author of The Soul’s Compass Abbe Hohmann Colliers Turley Martin Tucker Lisa Jeff L’Acquis Consulting Engineers Pat Koch Holiday World Dr. Amy Marckese Dental Spa Honorary Chair: Sue Ann Gilroy St. Vincent Foundation; Indiana’s first female Secretary of State 2009 Barbara Boyd Indianapolis’ first AfricanAmerican female television journalist Tina McIntosh Joy’s House Pamela Parker J.P. Parker Company Flowers Carly Swift and Mandy Swift Selke Just Pop In! Barbara Wynne Washington Township Schools Community Tennis Program; Indianapolis Chapter of the USTA Tennis National Junior Tennis League; Indy’s Child Magazine Honorary Chair: Kay Fleming Ice Miller LLP, and NAWBOIndianapolis Board Advisor
2008 Billie Dragoo RepuCare Inc. and RepuStaff LLC Beverly Middaugh Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple, Inc. Deborah Oatts Nubian Transport Management Carol Schwachenwald Integrity Document Solutions, Inc. Jean Wojtowicz Cambridge Capital Management Corp. Honorary Chair: Sally Stephens Spectrum Health Systems 2007 Martha Hoover Cafe Patachou and Petite Chou Restaurants Dr. Mercy Obeime St. Francis Neighborhood Health Center Dr. Ora Pescovitz Riley Hospital for Children Patzetta Trice Indianapolis Airport Authority Mary Weiss Weiss Communications, Inc. 2006 Alpha Blackburn Blackburn Architects, Inc., and Alpha, Inc. Susan Brooks U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Indiana Catherine Scionti BAA Indianapolis LLC Yvonne Shaheen Long Electric Maribeth Smith Maribeth Smith & Associates Honorary Chair: Sally Rowland Rowland Design
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2005 Cathy Langham Langham Sallie Rowland Rowland Design Rep. Carolene Mays Indiana House of Representatives
NAWBO-Indianapolis
Ann Murtlow Indianapolis Power and Light Company Patty Thornberry Security Home Inspections Honorary Chair: Amy Minick Peterson First Lady of Indianapolis
Partnering with diverse suppliers Through Supplier Diversity Development, Lilly aspires to broaden participation of small and diverse-owned businesses in the Lilly supplier base to levels more reflective of the diverse business community. Our Supplier Diversity Development program is focused on three key areas: » Commitment to seeking out and working with small and diverse suppliers » Community engagement » Compliance to our annual government goals. To learn about Lilly’s commitment to diverse suppliers and the services we purchase, visit supplierportal.lilly.com/Pages/SupplierDiversity.aspx.
©2015, Eli Lilly and Company. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
www.lilly.com
Bravo! Barnes & Thornburg applauds NAWBO-Indianapolis and its trailblazers for your creative inspiration. Take a bow, you’ve earned it!
Uncommon Value
ATLANTA CALIFORNIA CHICAGO DELAWARE INDIANA MICHIGAN MINNEAPOLIS OHIO TEXAS WASHINGTON, D.C.
btlaw.com
NAWBO-Indianapolis
14th Annual Trailblazers Luncheon Trailblazers began in 2005 as NAWBO-Indianapolis sought to have successful women business leaders in the community share their stories with other woman entrepreneurs. From that first panel of five women to the ones here today, Trailblazers has annually sparked conversations about how to grasp opportunities, overcome challenges, build successful careers and businesses, balance work and family and give back to community.
Each panelist’s willingness to open her heart and share her journey has had a lasting impact on other women. Their vision and determination are inspiring, and the trails they have blazed continue to move women forward everywhere. NAWBO-Indianapolis is pleased to present Trailblazers 2018, its 14th annual luncheon, in a continuing effort to empower, inspire and educate women of all ages, especially women business owners.
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2018 Trailblazers Emcee: Lauren Casey Weekday Morning Anchor, RTV6 Good Morning Indiana Lauren Casey is the Weekday Morning Anchor for RTV6’s Good Morning Indiana after spending the past 4 years as their morning traffic reporter and multi-media journalist. Lauren started working for RTV6 as an intern the summer after her junior year of college and was hired on by the station before starting her senior year of college. She enjoys telling the stories of people here in her hometown and supporting local businesses in Johnson County. Lauren is a 2010 graduate of Center Grove High School and a 2013 graduate of Franklin College. During her time at Center Grove, she worked alongside her coaches to start a dance team at the school, and continued on there as a coach and choreographer for many years after graduation. While at Franklin College, Lauren played an active role in the student publication, The Statehouse File, reporting on local and national government issues. She also took on the role of executive producer for Inside Franklin. Lauren graduated magna cum laude from Franklin in December, 2013. She received the esteemed Harvey Jacobs Award for Excellence in Journalism from Franklin upon graduation. Lauren now serves as a Board Member for the Indianapolis Press Club Foundation, helping to award scholarships to journalism students across Indiana. She enjoys living in Greenwood with her husband, Brooks, who is her high school sweetheart. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing with “Molly”, her rescue dog, camping, and trying new local restaurants around Indy.
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NAWBO Trailblazer Luncheon.indd 1
4/2/2018 2:10:45 PM
Your voice deserves to be heard. For the past 3 years, our inspiring and engaging panelists have been interviewed, prepared, and coached by Ellen Dunnigan. Learn how to tell your stories with conďŹ dence, competence, and charisma.
Schedule time with Ellen today. Executive Coach NAWBO Board Director Chair, Communications Committee Chair, Trailblazers 2018
www.AccentOnBusiness.net (317) 218-5111 | Ellen@AccentOnBusiness.net Executive Presence | Professional Communication Public Speaking | Emotional Intelligence | Customer Excellence
NAWBO-Indianapolis Entrepreneur Scholarship
Southwest Airlines Tickets Raffle Benefiting NAWBO-Indy
NAWBO-Indianapolis is committed to securing equal rights and opportunities for women who are visionary enough to pursue an entrepreneurial dream in today’s marketplace. The NAWBOIndianapolis Entrepreneur Scholarship was established to help busy women entrepreneurs continue their education, while simultaneously enhancing both personal and professional growth. Scholarships are awarded to NAWBO-Indy members who meet selection criteria and can be used for educational programs to help them better manage their business, obtain access to new markets, or recognize and capitalize on opportunities for growth and expansion. Today’s raffle tickets were conributed by Southwest Airlines, The Official Airline of NAWBO-Indianapolis. All of the proceeds from today’s raffle will go to support the NAWBO-Indianapolis Entrepreneur Scholarship. The Official Airline of NAWBO-Indianapolis
For more information about the Entrepreneur Scholarship, visit nawboindy.org.
Thank you!
In-Kind Contributers
Donations
Brassy Broadcasting
Regions
Cordis, LLC
Southwest Airlines
JP Paker Flowers Kelly Lynn Photography 11
NAWBO-Indianapolis
Barbara Coury National Director of Foundation and Federated Giving American Red Cross Barbara Coury is a recognized leader at the national level at the American Red Cross. She has not only helped raise millions of dollars, she has led fundraising for several natural disasters around the country. Barb received the Outstanding Fundraising Professional award in 2017, which is the highest honor that the American Fundraising Professionals’ Association bestows upon its members, recognizing effective, creative and stimulating leadership as well as the practice and promotion of ethical fundraising. Barb served as regional chief development officer for the American Red Cross in the state of Indiana prior to her current role. She currently serves as a member of the Tiffany Circle, a group of women leaders who advance the mission of the American Red Cross. Her extraordinary achievements at the Red Cross are just the latest in a long line of successful fundraising roles at a variety of different institutions. She began her career in 1998 serving as the assistant director of development for the Purdue University Krannert School of Management. She serves on several task forces examining fundraising productivity and major gift officer retention. She is a dedicated volunteer and advocate for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the Tocqueville Society, which is the highest level of support for the United Way of Central Indiana.
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MOST SIGNIFICANT BARRIER TO SUCCESS OF FEMALES TODAY . . . I think the most significant barrier to success today is that the top jobs in any industry tend to go to men. There are many reasons for this, some of which are externally-driven and some of which are internally-driven. If I had to drill down to the one thing I perceive to be a difference between professional men and women, it would be that women tend more towards self-doubt, which sometimes impedes audacious goal setting and attainment. Self-doubt can also be useful in that it forces introspection and ultimately a confidence when the process is concluded successfully; it only becomes a problem when someone gets stuck. The most important question any of us can ask ourselves is, “what if…” WHAT WOMAN HAS INSPIRED YOU AND HOW . . . I am very inspired by Gail McGovern, the CEO of the American Red Cross. When she speaks to a group, you could hear a pin drop as every word she chooses is impactful. She has a very quiet sense of personal power, which makes us lean in to make sure we get it all. The other woman who inspires me most is my current boss, Diane Naczi. There is nothing quiet about her personal sense of power, but this is also something I love about her. If you ask for feedback, you will get it (and even if you don’t ask); yet you will always know where you stand, she will always have your back, and she is 100% invested in coaching you up to the next level of your career. ONE CORE MESSAGE FROM A MENTOR THAT STUCK WITH YOU. . . So, two core messages I need to share: intentional listening and celebration. I think sometimes it is easy to get sidetracked by trying to do too many things at once. I used to be able to listen to colleagues while typing an email and scanning the next doc that needed to go out soon. Once I stopped doing the multi-tasking things, I was a better boss. When I focus on someone and intentionally hear what they want to share, I am better able to give feedback that is intentional and helpful. The end goal is not to get through the largest volume of work, it is to provide an honest path forward for the people that you lead. This process is not about you, it is about the people you serve on multiple levels. I also have come to realize that it is important to celebrate success steps leading towards goals. Everyone wants to feel appreciated and usually everyone contributes. If you find yourself taking your team out for a dinner that no one wants to go to once you hit a goal, you may want to rethink this strategy. There are so many successful steps that lead to goal attainment that you should build in regular celebrations. It could be as simple as a tea ceremony or a fun team building exercise along the way. There are a ton of options, but they keep your team engaged!
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Deborah J. Daniels Partner, Krieg DeVault
Deborah Daniels is a former U.S. Attorney and U.S. Assistant Attorney General, and has lengthy experience in criminal and civil investigations and public safety. Her work has included responsibilities at the U.S. Department of Justice directly related to the nation’s response to the September 11th attack on the U.S., data and communications interoperability, and the nation’s ability to detect, prevent and respond to future terrorist acts. Ms. Daniels served as the firm’s Managing Partner from 2015 - 2018. Her notable experience includes the assisting of major safety-net hospitals in obtaining critical funding to provide services to the low-income uninsured population. She was directly involved in protecting physicians from the inclusion in federal legislation of language devastating to their enterprise. She successfully negotiated favorable outcomes for multiple corporate clients of Krieg DeVault in civil investigations conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice. Most recently, she has conducted landmark internal reviews of the policies and practices of USA Gymnastics, recommending major changes in governance and culture in the wake of massive allegations. Ms Daniels has won several awards, including • Best Lawyers In America©, Municipal Law • Indiana Academy Inductee • Touchstone Award (Girls Inc.) Honoree • U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Management • U.S. Department of Justice Award for Law Enforcement Coordination • Antoinette Dakin Leach Award, Women and the Law Division, Indianapolis Bar Association • The Nancy Maloley Outstanding Public Servant Award, by the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series, and the • Indianapolis Business Journal, Influential Women in Indianapolis 14
NAWBO-Indianapolis
BEST AND WORST DECISION . . . Undoubtedly, my best decision was to take a chance early in my career, agreeing to deviate from my intended career path in order to work for a colleague/mentor who had been elected Marion County Prosecutor. It completely changed my life. It forced me into trial practice in high stakes cases, enhancing my tenacity and courage. More importantly, working on behalf of victims of crime, and with vulnerable populations, became a calling for me -- guiding me in many aspects of both my professional and personal life since that time. It led me to two Presidential appointments in the U.S. Department of Justice, and to focus my later private practice, as well as my philanthropic efforts, on helping others. I cannot pinpoint a single worst decision, but I know that my worst decisions have been to stay with the safe course rather than to take a chance that would have stretched me professionally. HABIT(S) THAT CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR SUCCESS . . . I am driven to help others succeed. That has translated, in leadership positions, to breaking down barriers so that talented people can do what they do best, moving the whole organization forward. With clients, it means that I seek to find innovative ways to improve their ability and that of their businesses to thrive. And – much like the members of NAWBO, I suspect – I simply refuse to fail. If I accept a professional role, I feel strongly – through some combination of personal pride and a desire not to let others down – that I cannot fail in that role. Finally, I realized many years ago, having pushed the envelope of what I originally thought were my own abilities multiple times, that if a person is not at least a little bit terrified of the next thing she tries, she is simply not stretching enough. ONE CORE MESSAGE FROM A MENTOR THAT STUCK WITH YOU. . . One of my local mentors once said to me, “We are at our best when helping others.” I quickly realized that this was not only a profound statement, but it was also descriptive of my own life. I have performed at my peak, and received the greatest personal reward, when I have been acting in the service of others. I strongly believe that we all need to be servant leaders, working for a purpose greater than ourselves.
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Joyce Irwin EVP, President, Community Health Network Foundation
Joyce Irwin has served as Community Health Network Foundation’s President and CEO since October of 2012. Joyce was born and raised in Seymour, Indiana, where most of her family still lives. At the age of eight, she contracted meningitis and was hospitalized at Riley Children’s Hospital, not expected to live. From that experience, one brother became a minister and the other a physician. Joyce has always had a love of healthcare and a purpose of giving back. This role is the fulfillment of two passions. She declares herself a diehard Hoosier after being raised in Indiana and graduating from IU for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare ranging from managing physician practices owned by hospital systems, to managed care management and regulatory experience in both pharmaceutical and diagnostics, Joyce has a wide range of experience. Joyce enjoys the healthcare profession because of the compassionate, caring people with high integrity. She is excited about the many challenges in the near future on how healthcare is financed and delivered. Joyce is very involved in the community on the executive leadership team for Go Red for Women, the Board of Directors for Women in Government, and as President of the Lugar Series for Excellence in Public Service. Having grown up in a very musical family and having studied voice at IU, she has had the opportunity to sing for several U.S. presidents and at governor inaugural ceremonies. President George W. Bush presented her with the honor of “Outstanding Community Volunteer” and she is also an Indiana “Sagamore of the Wabash” recipient. She has even experienced the excitement of landing on a carrier at sea. 16
NAWBO-Indianapolis
WHAT WOMAN HAS INSPIRED YOU AND HOW . . . I have many female friends who inspire me. I am often smiling at how lucky I am that I am blessed to have so many wonderful friends. However, the woman who has inspired me the most is my mother, Fae Stout. My mother was my best friend, mentor, guide, spiritual leader and disciplinarian. She instilled in me the belief that I could do anything if I worked hard enough, had the right attitude, was gracious in defeat and was loyal. She grew up in the Great Depression, owned and operated a small business, yet she was always there for the family. My mother taught me the “golden rule” and her life exemplified this every day. I witnessed in her the importance of integrity, helping others and thinking of others before yourself. Most importantly, I learned the importance of faith, family and friends. HABIT(S) THAT CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR SUCCESS . . . First, always be prepared. Review the content for a meeting or presentation. I always practice a speech, even if I have given the same speech several times. Invest the time, and it will reap rewards. Second, be adaptable in your approach. Looking at the world through another’s perspective can help you develop better solutions. Third, be bold and inspirational. My leadership stance is to be the unstoppable visionary partner who activates potential everywhere I go and in everyone I meet. Finally, develop a strong group of friends. I call these friends my “foxhole” friends, a reference from the military. When a soldier is under attack, those in the foxhole with them can mean the difference between life and death. When I face challenges, I look to my friends who I know will always be there and who would take a figurative bullet for me. ONE CORE MESSAGE FROM A MENTOR THAT STUCK WITH YOU. . . Do the right thing even if it comes at a personal cost and always be truthful. I learned this early in my childhood from both of my parents. I was lucky in my early professional career to have served in Governor Orr’s administration. There were several issues that Governor Orr and the team faced that were not necessarily politically expedient. However, he stressed to everyone to do the right thing for the citizens of Indiana. This type of leadership reiterated what my parents had emphasized in my developmental years and helped form my own leadership at an early age. Governor Orr was a remarkable leader who set the bar high and expected everyone to follow his example. Today, I am still grateful for his leadership and for what he taught me through his words and actions. 17
NAWBO-Indianapolis
Myasha L. Smith Owner Operator, McDonald’s
Myasha (Mya) Smith is the first female AfricanAmerican Next Generation McDonald’s owner and operator in the Indianapolis region. A native of Houston, TX, she began working at her father’s McDonald’s at the age of 13, where she developed her strong work ethic, accountability, discipline and focus. After graduating high school, she expressed an interest in becoming a McDonald’s Owner. Her father recommended that she finish college, get into her profession and experience life – and then if she was still interested, he would support her decision 110%. Smith took her father’s advice and attended college at the University of Houston where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, in 2001, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting & Minor African-American Studies. Upon graduation, she successfully completed the Certified Public Accountant Exam. She completed an internship at Deloitte & Touche, one of the largest accounting firms in the world. In 2002, Smith joined KCOH Radio Station as an Account Executive, and she was later promoted to Traffic/Continuity Director. She received various awards for the station. In 2005, while still working at KCOH Radio Station, Smith became an Independent Business Owner with Ameriplan USA. In record-breaking time of a little over four months, she successfully reached the top level of management. Smith was committed to helping others build their businesses by using biblical principles. Staff
In 2008, Smith was finally able to go after her life-long dream of following in her father’s footsteps as a McDonald’s Owner. She began the two to five-year process by taking the necessary classes needed to meet the minimum requirements for eligibility. While taking these classes, Smith was on the Dean’s List, and she received the Class and Archie Award in every class. As a General Manager, she was awarded Outstanding 18
NAWBO-Indianapolis
Restaurant Manager three years in a row, and she was a Ray Kroc Award Winner (Top 1% performers in the entire McDonalds system). Smith was focused and determined to succeed while also helping others. In 2010, while still working at KCOH Radio Station, she was promoted to a Supervisor in her family’s McDonald’s franchise, and soared, breaking several records. In 2016, Mya became the first African American in the McDonald’s Next Generation program to become an approved Owner Operator in the Indianapolis Region. She currently owns 3 restaurants. She hosts and coordinates “Family Fun Days” and “Back to School Days” with several local businesses in the community, to give back to the local community by giving away food, bikes, helmets, toys, games, gift cards, dental screenings and exams, eyeglasses, etc. She speaks to children local schools and youth programs. She has received numerous awards of recognition from the various organizations and schools. BEST AND WORST DECISION . . . The best decision I’ve ever made was to choose to trust God in every area of my life, because as long as I trust in God, all of the other things in life will be added to me. It brings me peace, confidence, and strength to trust in God for what’s best for me and his timing. The worst decision I’ve ever made was allowing the devil to get into my thoughts to sometimes doubt the process that God has allowed as development for my success. MOST SIGNIFICANT BARRIER TO SUCCESS OF FEMALES TODAY . . . I think the most significant barrier to success today is one’s “mind”. It is important for us to think of ourselves and our abilities in the way that God sees us and has created us. There is no reason for us to doubt ourselves, our God given talents and abilities. The mind is a terrible thing to waste, as someone once said. So be very protective of how and what you think! ONE CORE MESSAGE FROM A MENTOR THAT STUCK WITH YOU. . . The core messages that have stuck with me through the years are from my Dad. Stay focused; don’t let anything distract you from your goals. Success is not a destination, it’s a journey. Save! It’s all about cash flow. 19
NAWBO-Indianapolis
Rupal Thanawala Account Executive, Accenture
Rupal Thanawala started a biomedical equipment company in India after hearing of a new rule requiring physicians to own a pulse oximeter in their offices. While her company was successful, her husband accepted a position in the US. They immigrated from Mumbai (Bombay) India to the US in 1996 and became citizens. She and her husband have two sons, Ninad and Rahil, and they have lived in Indianapolis for 16 years. Rupal believes in community service. She is a Strategic Planning Committee Member of India Association of Indianapolis and also serves on the Community Service committee. She is very involved in multiple committees of the United Way of Central Indiana and volunteers in various youth activities for the Indianapolis Hindu Temple where she spearheaded a mentoring program for Asian American youth. Rupal has been an advocate, advisor, influencer and catalyst of change for organizations in need. She blogs on many forums to generate awareness and address issues in our community. Rupal holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University) and is an Account Executive with Accenture . She has over 20 years of experience in the Medical Device and Pharmaceutical Industry. She is serves as Diversity Leader for Accenture Indiana and Market Leader for the Indiana Chapter of ASUG (America’s SAP User Group).
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BEST AND WORST DECISION . . . The best decision of my life was to pursue my Biomedical Engineering degree despite hardship and lack of resources. There were only 10 girls in the entire university and I was the first woman to join the Biomedical program. I am a first-generation college grad in my family and my socio-economic situation was not very favorable. I was the only engineering woman in my entire neighborhood or family so there were no role models and the bar was very low for me. If not for my education, my life could have been very different. I don’t have one worst decision but I have learned a lot from my experiences -- some have been good and some not quite good. I am still learning. MOST SIGNIFICANT BARRIER TO SUCCESS OF FEMALES TODAY . . . The most significant barrier to success is fear of failure. It starts from childhood, we glamorize winning and look down on failures. It is this obsession with success that limits our ability to embrace failures with positive attitude. I look at my failures as steps towards success, an opportunity to redefine and restructure my approach and have better appreciation for my achievements. WHAT WOMAN HAS INSPIRED YOU AND HOW . . . I have been most inspired by my Mom. She is one of the most positive, compassionate, brilliant and hardworking persons. She stands strong and calm in some of the worst situations and always wears a smile. She could have been a CEO if she got the opportunity, but her situation did not allow her to study and realize her dreams. She spent all her life taking care of family and we were her only priority, so I knew that I could not let her down. She gave me the wisdom and courage to be who I am today, and she is my pillar of strength. Like my mom, there are so many women who have tremendous potential but do not get right opportunities or mentors. Many of them don’t even know that they can dream, let alone realize their dreams. They just need a little push and they will reach heights. HABIT(S) THAT CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR SUCCESS . . . I take time for myself and change routines. I take multiple breaks throughout the day and it helps me re-energize and be more efficient. Whether it is a short walk, time to self-reflect, meditate or lunch with someone. Monotonous patterns can limit productivity and creativity. I do not brag about being a workaholic because I am not. I work long hours, but I add lots of fun factors in my daily work and bring along people with me. Due to that, I have been able to learn new skills, change my career paths and broaden my outlook.
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Tammy Butler Robinson Managing Principal, Engaging Solutions, LLC President, NAWBO-Indianapolis Tammy Butler Robinson is co-owner and managing principal of Engaging Solutions, LLC. She has a strong background in health and human services, expertise in public finance and management, and a passion for improving communities and engaging stakeholders. As current President of the NAWBO-Indianapolis Board of Directors, Tammy believes strongly in bringing women together to cultivate success and she is the champion of our mission to “Think NAWBO First�. During her term as President, she has completed a three-year strategic plan, established a task force for the development of data intelligence and the promotion of organization-wide culture and brand, secured two new corporate partners, achieved a grant for chapter development, and strengthened the governance of the chapter through the further establishment of governance and foundation committees. The organization is the second largest in membership size, and a leader in achieving the national association’s awards for member retention and financial strength.
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Jessica Nickloy President and CEO, Etica Group President-Elect, NAWBO-Indianapolis Jessica Nickloy is the President and CEO of Etica Group, a professional consulting firm that provides architectural, engineering, building envelope consulting, construction inspection and land surveying services. Jessica has served as the President-Elect of NAWBO-Indianapolis, this year, and will become President in July, 2018. As a woman business owner, Jessica understands the environment and challenges that her counterparts face. Jessica began her membership with NAWBO in 2008 and has served on nearly all committees of the organization. She has chaired the Programs and Visionary Awards committees. Jessica is passionate about the advancement of women- and minority-business owners, and the vision and goals of NAWBO.
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NAWBO-Indianapolis
2017-2018 Board of Directors Executive Committee
Tammy Robinson President Engaging Solutions
Jessica Nickloy President-Elect the etica group
Lisa Purichia Vice President Sponsel CPA Group
Aimee Woehler Treasurer Sponsel CPA Group
Jennifer Ping Parliamentarian Bose Public Affairs
Carol Curran Past President Phoenix Data Corp.
2017-2018 Board Advisors
Billie Dragoo RepuCare
Jennifer C. Gross PNC Bank
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Kandi Hidde Frost Brown Todd
NAWBO-Indianapolis
Jamie Samuels Eli Lilly and Company
Board of Directors
Julie Ashmore Director Ashmore Consulting
Thresette Briggs Director Performance 3
Ellen Dunnigan Director Accent On Business
Cassandra Faurote Director Total Reward Solutions
Anne Hathaway Director Hathaway Strategies
Sharon Laukhuff Director Laukhuff Consulting Executive Director
Jan Long Director Mr. Canary
Tiffany Thompson Director DaMar Staffing 25
NAWBO-Indianapolis
Lee Ann Richardson Executive Director Phoenix Data Corp.
NAWBO-Indianapolis Diamond Corporate Partners
The Official Airline of NAWBO-Indianapolis
Platinum Corporate Partners
Table Sponsors Accent On Business / Hathaway Strategies Accenture Ashmore Consulting / Girls Inc. of Johnson County Citizens Energy Group (2) Community Health Network Foundation Community Health Network Eli Lilly and Company
Engaging Solutions, LLC Etica Group Faegre Baker Daniels Eskenazi / Health and Hospital Indianapolis Airport Authority Krieg DeVault Phoenix Data Corporation Regions Sapphire Strategy
Half Table Sponsors American Red Cross Barnes and Thornburg, LLP Cabello Associates CAD-Vantage, Inc. McDonald’s Northwestern Mutual Nubian Construction Group
NAWBO-Indianapolis Gold Corporate Partners
Gold In-Kind Partner
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NAWBO-Indianapolis Silver Corporate Partners
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NAWBO-Indianapolis
NAWBO-Indianapolis Silver Corporate Partners
NAWBO-Indianapolis Silver In-Kind Partners
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NAWBO-Indianapolis
Thank you!
Thank you to the 2018 Trailblazers Committee Ellen Dunnigan
Anna Flynn
2018 Trailblazers Chair Accent On Business
Heartland Prose
Jenn Golding Sapphire Strategy
Leslie Galbreath Magenta Communications
Kelly Lynn Kelly Lynn Photography
Schiela PeĂąa Regions Bank
Julie Salzman Heartland Prose
Jen Edds Brassy Broadcasting
Valerie Matheis Nelson & Frankenberger Law
Lee Ann Richardson NAWBO-Indianapolis Executive Director
Kim Borges Regions Bank
Exhibitors Girls Inc. of Johnson County
Southwest Airlines Raffle Table
Great Lakes Women’s Business Council
Stand Out Custom
NAWBO-Indianapolis Regions
Whatever It Takes Consulting
~SAVE THE DATE~ NAWBO-Indianapolis 2018 Visionary Awards December 12, 2018
Uncover your brand difference. Cordis Brand Messaging barb@cordisworks.com 317.222.4907
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