Reflections

Once again, the W2W Conference + Expo in April proved to be an incredible day of inspiration, learning, networking and…donuts! Keynote speaker Betsy Hamm (CEO of Duck Donuts) regaled the gathering with her story, citing the role of the Circle of Success in her journey. 2023 ATHENA Award recipient Adelle Schade (Founder of Total Experience Learning® at Albright College) wrapped up the day recognizing the role that teamwork and mentors play in one’s growth, personally and professionally.

In between, women from community businesses and non-profits alike shared their stories with each other, seeking to learn from each other and lift up each other. In this spirit, W2W Magazine brings you some of these stories in the Summer issue, aptly titled Women2Know: The BOSS Issue! In the pages, we highlight:

• Inked Anatomy

• FIT4MOM Reading

• OCOA Beauty

• Harmony Physical Therapy

• and so many more!

Women2Women is about women who find ways to overcome fear, overcome obstacles, overcome perceptions and ultimately, get it done. Read about these amazing women and be inspired to take charge, to be BOSS!

Kirsten P. Haas

Kirsten P. Haas

Executive Director, Girls on the Run Berks County Managing Editor, W2W Magazine

The opinions expressed here by are solely the opinion of the author. They have not been read by nor approved by Girls on the Run® and do not necessarily represent the views nor opinions of Girls on the Run®.

Be The Boss

A few weeks ago, I met a friend for breakfast. She invited me out to discuss an idea she had for how our two organizations might work together. As we ate that morning, she described her idea calling it “a shower thought” (no explanation needed, right?) and she laughed as she told me she actively encourages her team to bring all such ideas to the table. And, I love it! I’ve had so many shower thoughts and why not. What better time to be inspired than when you’re engaged in such a mundane activity as bathing that your brain is free to think great things (or remember where you left your phone)?

Our discussion progressed, sometimes going delightfully off-topic, and as we wrapped up, I expressed my full confidence that her idea was so original and awesome that we can make it work. She concurred, saying how much she really wants to find the synergy in our organizations and telling me, “You live what you do, you live those values.”

And that, my friends, is what women can be all about: Bringing all ideas to the table, giving voice to all possibilities, supporting each other in distress and success and living what we do, living our values. So, think those shower thoughts, speak them aloud and make them real.

Be your boss, be THE boss!

Shout out to Tammy Dahms, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for the Reading Royals, for her Inspiration!

CONNECT GROW LEAD

Kirsten P. Haas, Managing Editor Rachael Romig, Editor-in-Chief

606 Court Street • Reading, PA 19601

Women2Women Council: Tracy Parmer, Chairwoman

Rosa Arroyo, Kristi Bonanno, Michelle Conway, Becky Eshbach, Sara Frassinelli, Carissa Johnson, Katie Johnsen, Sarah McDaniel, Tracy Parmer, Jes Prutzman, Alyssa Redding, Donna Reed, Regina Rinehimer, Rachael Romig, Brenda Rosado, Erika Ruelas, Adelle Schade, Trish Shermot, Alison Snyder, Emma Rose Strohl

Women2Women is Greater Reading Chamber Alliance’s catalyst for developing women leaders and connecting women from diverse backgrounds to learn, share ideas, and mentor each other. W2W offers a forum for women to create connections, gain knowledge, and build strategic alliances to foster their personal potential and career advancement. Joining the network is open to all who support women and Women2Women Magazine is a publication of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance.

To join: W2W@greaterreading.org

Stay connected: BerksWomen2Women.com

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