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Women2Women encourages women to create connections, gain knowledge, open doors, build strategic alliances, and much more. Our goal is to develop more women leaders in Berks County by providing a forum where women from diverse backgrounds can learn, share ideas and mentor each other. Membership is free and Women2Women Magazine is a publication of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance.
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Reflections
At our recent editorial committee meeting, when the topic of “dressing for success” came up, I initially brushed it off as a topic without much substance. John Powell once said, “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” Trust me, I have realized there is much to discuss when it comes to dressing in 2019. From professional garb expectations (have you heard of ‘dressing for your day’?) to trying out a clothing delivery service, this issue covers it all!
We are also giving you a full recap on the 8th annual Women’s Conference + Expo that took place in April. Look for yourselves in the photo section! Plus, our health partners have provided an in-depth look at the disorder of depression, which is more common than most people realize.
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
Jessica Bezler Reading Health System
Raquel J. Capellan Community Advocate
Heather Christie
Real Estate Associate Broker & Author
Sara Frassinelli
Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
Kelly Hancock Community Volunteer
Readers, as always, I would love to hear from you! Please drop me any thoughts, suggestions, or story ideas you may have via the email address below.
Here’s to a stylish + snazzy summer!
Sara Frassinelli, Managing Editor sfrassinelli@greaterreading.org
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I8th Annual WOMEN’S CONFERENCE + EXPO 2
f you were one of the 380 women who attended the Conference then you know what an inspirational, educational and fun day it was. Women connecting and leaning into the conversation of betterment, fulfillment and finding + creating new opportunities is what you can always expect at the Conference + Expo. The 8th annual Conference was bigger and better than before.
ATHENA Award
The best start to any day is celebrating someone who continuously gives back to their community, who has a smile for everyone and who radiates positivity to those around her. Alison Snyder checks all those boxes and was the recipient of the 2019 ATHENA award.
Alison shared many insights into how she became the woman she is today and thanked countless women and men who contributed to her success! She was joined that day by her supporters from East Penn Manufacturing, her father and some who traveled to celebrate her, which brought tears to her eyes to see them in the crowd.
“NOBODY CARES HOW MUCH YOUR KNOW, UNTIL THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE!”
Kym Gable
KEYNOTE Speakers
Kym Gable asked us, “What’s Your Story?” and opened up about hers. Kym, an accomplished on-air reporter from KDKA in Pittsburgh, gave us a look into her life and how she dealt with the fear of going “live” on the air. For someone who was so used to the camera, there she was getting faint and losing her vision when the “live” sign was about to come on. She shared, fear is fear no matter who you are and you must overcome it. She dealt with the fear head on with help from others and still manages it daily. She also is extremely philanthropic and gives back to her community in various ways including founding a local chapter of the charity support network Inspired Women Paying it Forward.
“Looking out into this crowd of hundreds of dynamic, empowered women was MY confidence booster. It was such a joy to share my story and encourage others to do the same.”
— Kym Gable
We wrapped up the Conference + Expo with Brenda Rosado of Enterprise Car Sales. When I say #mindblown about the tips she shared with us to become more organized, efficient and effective at managing our daily work and home lives it would be an understatement. Brenda shared with us how she came to PA, and how her husband stopped his career to follow her and her opportunities. Was this a love story? A little, and we loved it. Having a supportive network is extremely important when managing your work/life [strategy] balance.
Brenda educated us on “The Six D’s.” As a recap, those D’s include:
• Discard: “Don’t be a hoarder.”
• Delegate: “Have trust in your teammates.”
• Do: “If it takes 2 minutes or less.”
• Date: “If it will take more than 2 minutes, move it to a date & time when you will do it.”
• Drawer: “Everything has a place.”
• Deter: “Set yourself up to win.”
#mindblown tip – You can drag an email to your calendar (in Outlook) and it will automatically create a new calendar item where you can make a “to do” or set a reminder for yourself to check back on it later. What?! Brenda may have caught me pretending my head was exploding when she shared that tip and called me out for it in front of hundreds of women. But their minds were pretty blown too.
Brenda Rosado
Spotlight on
A A A T R AV E L
TA LK
BREAKOUT Sessions
Find out why people from all around the world come to experience Rocky Mountaineer ’s breathtaking Canadian Rockies journeys at a special presentation. July 31, 2019 3: 00 & 6 :15 A A A Reading-Berks 920 Van Reed Road, Wyomissing
Luxur y Travel Event
Meet representatives from the top names in luxur y travel: Cunard, Tauck , Oceania Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Insight Luxur y Gold Vacations, Rocky Mountaineer, Journese by Pleasant, Viking River & Ocean Cruises, AmaWater ways, Seabourn and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. September 5, 2019 6-8PM Reading Museum Founders’ Galler y, 500 Museum Road, Reading
Onstage Alaska
Live per formance by Alaska exper ts. Exquisite film footage of Alaska and the Yukon. Useful planning advice. Exclusive travel benefits. November 10, 2019 1: 00PM Inn at Reading 1040 Park Road, Wyomissing
Informative pre sent ations by experienced travel exper t s These events are free but you must R SV P 610.374.5 6 0 0
This year we featured four breakout sessions offering our attendees more opportunities to choose what they wanted to hear and learn. We received excellent feedback about the topic selections this year and we are proud to note that we mimicked the PA Conference for Women but at a Berks County scale.
Our breakout speakers tackled personal branding, how women rise to get that corner office, strategies for success and how to contribute to a dynamic and engaging workplace. A huge thank you to our speakers Andrea Folino, Amy Teal, Trish Shermot and Jill Scheidt for sharing their expertise with us!
Each breakout session this year was complemented with a book on the development topic. We featured these books in our newly added Book Nook which was a HUGE success. Our attendees raved about the chance to purchase these books at the Conference and we can’t wait to bring the Nook back next year. If you couldn’t buy a book that day, grab one online or in your local bookstore! In 2019 we featured:
• No Ego: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement and Drive Big Results – Cy Wakeman
• You Are a Brand!: In Person and Online, How Smart People Brand Themselves for Success – Catherine Kaputa
• Managing Up: How to Move up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss – Mary Abbajay
• Myth of the Nice Girl: Achieving a Career You Love Without Becoming a Person You Hate – Fran Hauser
• How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion or Job – Sally Helgesen & Marshall Goldsmith
REACHING New Audiences!
We were ecstatic to offer nine free tickets to the breakout sessions to Alvernia University students. The mission of Women2Women is developing the next women leaders of Berks and we couldn’t do that without reaching young women, connecting them with professionals in their industries and making development opportunities available to them NOW.
“ We were so pleased to partner with Women2Women to bring 9 of our female students to the 8th Annual Women’s Conference & Expo yesterday! Exposing our students to professional women’s organizations in our community is a critical step in their professional development and community engagement. Thank you to the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance and W2W for supporting the young and inspiring ladies of Alvernia University and the Alvernia University Women’s Council!”
— Alvernia Women’s Council
Vendors + Partners
A huge thank you to the W2W sponsors + women-owned businesses who joined us at our event with a vendor table. From massages, nail + hair services, and photos on a Harley to information on banking, self-defense and health screenings there was something for all attendees! For a full list of our sponsors and vendors at the 2019 Conference + Expo visit berkswomen2women.com.
“Herbein is proud to be a continued supporter of Women2Women and a couple of our team members had a great day attending the 2019 Women’s Conference & Expo.” — Herbein, 2018 W2W Gold Sponsor
We also had the pleasure of giving away 2 free tickets through a social media contest to two deserving women and friends who shared why the other inspired them and thanked them for their unwavering support. Diane Faye Zerr called out her friend Kristy Brown stating, “Kristy and I would love to come and represent the Reading Derby Girls and share why we feel women & girls in sports empowers them to become better leaders!”
Left to right – Reading Derby Girls – Starbuck & Skater Di
And another big thank you to Heather Christie of the Listen To Your Mother Berks production! She not only introduced our keynote speaker Kym Gable, but donated over $800 from the proceeds of her LTYM production that had another sold out crowd over Mother’s Day! Thank you Heather, and your partners, for the donation to the Women2Women organization and Lean In Circle scholarships.
To learn more about how Lean In Circles can grow YOU as a woman and business leader, visit our website or contact Rachael Romig at rromig@greaterreading.org.
What did you wear on the first day of your first professional job? A twin set? Midi skirt? A jacket with oversized shoulder pads? Leggings?
Depending on the decade you entered the workforce your choices were influenced not only by fashion trends, but pop-culture, politics, the economy, and workplace norms.
Regardless of the era, the business suit has been a staple for a woman’s professional wardrobe, according to Doreen Burdalski, MBA, Chair of the Fashion Department and Assistant Professor of Merchandising at Albright College in Reading, PA.
“If there is concern as to whether you’re dressed professionally, generally if you put a jacket on it, it looks professional,” Doreen said. “It’s a symbol of power and of achieving, and it comes from the menswear industry.”
Although a business suit is the quintessential professional look, different industries have different norms for how it is interpreted. The finance, accounting and law industries typically have more conservative dress codes while other industries are a bit more relaxed.
“If you work in the fashion industry, or in art, and in any creative field, you can break the general rules, but you have to understand the rules,” Doreen said. “There are certain rules that are followed if you look at any female business executive. It’s not too short, it’s never too tight, there’s no cleavage shown, and there’s no distracting accessories. Where you go from there depends on the industry that you’re working in.”
HOW HAS WOMEN’S FASHION EVOLVED OVER TIME?
The 1940s and 1950s
During World War II many women worked outside the home while the men were overseas battling in war. During that time regulations were placed on clothing that minimized the use of fabric. As a result, women wore more slender skirts and converted men’s jackets into women’s jackets to economize material.
When the men returned, there was a renewed optimism in the country. Many women who had been working outside the home resumed their traditional role as housewives. Fabric restrictions were lifted and the fashion world took advantage.
The Evolution
In the 50s women embraced an hourglass silhouette strongly influenced by Christian Dior’s “New Look.” The super-feminine style featured a very full skirt, short-sleeved knit top and tightfitting jacket that emphasized a tiny waist. The popular shoe was a pump with a 3" to 4" wider heel. The look was completed with stockings, typically held in place by a garter belt.
“Wool was very, very important,” Doreen said. “That was probably the most important business fabric.”
Undergarments helped women achieve the shape that the movie stars of the day – Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe and Lana Turner – were famous for. Women wore strapless or bullet bras to accentuate the bustline and balance the exaggerated hips and small waist. Girdles, the Spanx of their time, were rigid, uncomfortable and hard to get into, but essential in creating a smooth and slimming look.
The 1970s
The early 70’s were a period of upheaval in the United States with the Watergate scandal, the Vietnam War, and racial desegregation dominating the news.
“These were really troubled times, and I would say the biggest change in fashion at that time is that pants finally became acceptable for women,” Doreen said. “The pantsuit became business wear, and we shifted from wool into polyester.”
The mid- to late-70’s were influenced by the disco craze with wide jacket lapels, polyester blouses, and snug, flared pants. Skirts dipped below the knee to midi-length. Instead of heels, platform shoes were the norm. Pantyhose were still a standard accessory in the professional woman’s wardrobe.
ofFemale Fashion in Business’
The 1960s
One of the strongest influences on women’s workplace attire in the early 60’s was Jackie Kennedy, the wife of newly-elected President John F. Kennedy. The First Lady’s fashion choices including her iconic pink Chanel suit set the stage for women’s apparel.
Tailored suits with jackets cut to the waist and pencil skirts were de rigueur, and wool was still an important fabric.
As much as Jackie Kennedy influenced the look of the early 60’s, the emerging sexual revolution and a burgeoning “Youthquake” set the stage for mid- to late-60’s fashion. Youthquake was coined by Vogue magazine’s editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland in 1965. With the Youthquake, younger women started shopping at smaller boutiques instead of high-end fashion stores and didn’t necessarily follow what was happening in European couture.
“The dresses were tailored, but not necessarily tight. There was a lot of interest at the collar, either no collars or stand-up collars. But again, men’s fabrics, the wool fabrics, were really important,” Doreen said.
Women wore suit-like dresses in the workplace and the classic pump emerged, often with kitten heels. Pantyhose, stockings combined with panties, were embraced by women eager to shed garter belts and girdles.
The 1980s
Women’s workplace fashion in the 80’s was defined by the power suit, often paired with a pussy-bow blouse. As former eBay and Hewlett-Packard CEO Meg Whitman told PBS, “It was our attempt to be feminine, but fit into what was then a male world.”
“In the 80s, we went back to conservativism, and technologies were building. This is when women were really entering the workforce,” Doreen said.
The jacket featured strong shoulder pads, as famously worn by the characters on the wildly popular television show Dynasty.
“It was an inverted triangle silhouette with very large shoulder pads and nipped at the waist. The skirts went up a little bit, just above, or just below the knee. Some women still preferred pantsuits with an oversized jacket and high-waisted full pants.”
In the late 80’s color became more important thanks to another television show – Miami Vice. Women ditched oversized shoulder pads for an un-constructed jacket without any lining.
As color re-emerged, so did natural materials like wool, cotton and silk. Women paired their power suits with colored opaque tights made of a heavier fabric than traditional hosiery.
Another popular trend during the decade was wearing athletic shoes for the work commute and changing into heels at the office. Eventually shoe manufacturers caught on and began designing attractive, comfortable, low shoes that women could wear to and in the office.
The 1990s
Although power dressing was still in vogue, women continued to embrace the loose, baggy silhouette of the un-constructed jacket.
“If you bought one in white, you could throw it over a dress, you
could throw it over a skirt and a blouse, and it made you look more professional,” Doreen said.
After the robust economy in the 80’s, the early 90’s endured a recession that influenced fashion on a number of fronts. As companies tightened budgets, including significant employee layoffs, they looked for ways to give employees no-cost or low-cost perks which spawned dress-down Fridays.
“It meant, again, pants were acceptable for women. Men might be wearing polo shirts with Dockers. What’s the more relaxed women’s look? It would be a twin set, a matching cardigan with a sweater underneath it,” Doreen said.
Along with the more casual look came a more comfortable feel with the introduction of Lycra into garments.
The standard heel got lower as well, although with a very pointed toe, a style that still exists today. Mules also became important during that time, another nod to adding more comfort. Colored tights disappeared in favor of natural colored hose or a bare leg.
The 2000s
Unlike the previous decades that had distinct looks, since the early 2000s a greater variety of styles are considered acceptable professional attire.
“The 90’s introduced us to a more relaxed workplace and that continued into the 2000s,” Doreen said.
A significant event that impacted the trends of the early 2000s was the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
“The best brands at the best prices for looking my best.”
“When that happens, there’s a lack of interest in fashion. Whenever there is some kind of disaster, fashion is not important, and we go back to a more conservative feel. So in the early 2000s, people were not as interested in fashion,” Doreen said.
The election of Barack Obama as president in 2009 marked another cultural shift.
“I think this came from Obama, that we are more accepting of all groups. That there is an inclusion that’s going on. That’s also translating into fashion, which means that a lot more things are being accepted as appropriate business attire.”
First Lady Michelle Obama also
influenced the fashion norms as she dressed femininely, eschewing the need to dress “like a man” in order to project strength.
“This whole feeling of inclusion and also diversity, is having an effect on fashion where what is acceptable is really diverse,” Doreen said. “That freedom that we’re getting, or that inclusion that we’re getting, broadens the gauntlet of what’s acceptable in business.”
Regardless, the business suit remains a staple, particularly for female executives. But in most industries the norms have relaxed to the point that some industries, particularly the tech companies, give all employees the freedom to wear what they want.
“It goes back to the corporate culture,” Doreen said, reiterating that the industry and your position within the company often dictate fashion choices.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
“In fashion everything comes full circle,” Doreen said. “But I’m not so sure that we will retreat from this comfort zone that we’re in, in terms of dressing. I think that the casual, comfortable, less focused on what we consider to be traditional business attire, I think that that will continue,” including the addition of athleticwear like yoga pants.
“Leggings have come in and gone out since the 80’s. Now they’re here to stay, kind of yoga-inspired, or a takeoff of that whole athleisure wear thing, which I think is here to stay. The technology in fibers and fabrics leads us to the fact that we’re into comfort. The knits are important. And yes, now I want to wear yoga pants to work. It goes back to that comfort thing. During times that are particularly stressful, like now, people want comfort.
“However, at some point, there might be a contraction because it’s taken too far. Showing up in ripped jeans, for example; I think that there will still be boundaries in terms of what is acceptable. It goes back to some pretty basic rules of what being a professional is.”
Bottom line, if you want to elevate your look, add a jacket! 2
By: Karen Klein, Fulcrum Information Resources
STUBBORN WEIGHT?
Blame your hormones! Schedule your free consultation today. Broadcasting Road 610.750.5158 BeBalancedCenters.com
Definitions of Dress Styles
Ugh! What does it all mean? When it comes to dress codes in the office, the language is less than straightforward. Here’s our carefully deciphered cheat sheet (with a little help from Rent The Runway):
BUSINESS FORMAL
Dress pants or skirt with a matching jacket is considered business formal for women. Skirts should always sit at or just above the knee. The darker the suit, the more formal! A blouse or dress material top is recommended and should either be tucked in or fall just below your waistline.
BUSINESS CASUAL
Relates to or denoting a style of clothing that is less formal than traditional business wear, but is still intended to give a professional and businesslike impression. Put on a skirt, khakis, or dress pants paired with long sleeve or three-quarter sleeve tops. A casual dress and flats are options as well. When to wear it: company party, daily work attire, and business lunch meetings.
CASUAL FRIDAY had its origin from Hawaii’s custom of Ahola Friday, which slowly spread east to California, continuing around the globe until the 1990s when it became known as Casual Friday (according to Wikipedia). Casual Friday means something different for every company. In a more formal business environment where people typically wear suits, appropriate casual attire is khakis or business casual trousers; however, some companies allow denim and sneakers. When in doubt ask your boss!
By Heather Christie, Associate Real Estate Broker & Author
It’s Best To Be Adaptable! When Fashion Is Your Business
Ralph Lauren said, “Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.” Susan Golembiski, owner and designer at Frock, has made a career out of helping Berks County women discover that elusive thing that comes from within called style.
Golembiski’s story begins as a teenager at Twin Valley High School when she enrolled in Vo-Tech and learned how to sew. Upon graduation, she studied with master tailors and launched a sewing business out of her home. Her skills were quickly recognized and she worked at various bridals shops, mastering difficult techniques and earning a reputation as a consummate seamstress. In 2004, she opened the first incarnation of Frock in the Say Cheese building on Penn Avenue in West Reading. At the time, the retail market was experiencing rapid, industrychanging shifts from stick and brick storefronts to online shopping and then the economy collapsed in 2008. As a result, she closed the shop and again hustled, working out of her home as a seamstress and designer.
To stay current and to meet market needs, Golembiski reopened Frock with a multi-pronged strategy to create a solid business foundation that addressed the evolving, conscious mindset of younger fashionistas. The bedrock of her store is her original Frock Clothing Line, which marries her expertise as a designer and seamstress for sustainable designs produced in-house. Frock has three categories: Frock Up for up-cycled and repurposed clothing, Frock Vintage, for hand-selected, recycled fashions from yesteryear, and Frock Originals that are customdesigned garments executed by Golembiski.
Golembiski didn’t give up! Following her passion for fashion, in 2014 she identified the opportunity to purchase Berks County fashion mainstay Jan Rae’s book of business and secure the same space. Understanding the new market online realities, Susan knew she needed compelling grounds for customers to come into the store and she had to appeal to Millennials and she needed to change and adapt. She recognized that younger people wanted a reason to wear It’s important for them to feel culturally connected to their clothing’s manufacturing sources. The next shopping generation cares about the impact fashion has on the planet.
“The planet is choking,” Golembiski said when we sat down to chat. “Designers are now taught about sustainability. The trend is to repurpose and recycle clothing. People want real fashion, but they want to be responsible about how it’s supplied.”
In addition to maintaining and growing the Frock line, Golembiski buys one-of-a-kind pieces from New York designers, focusing on US manufactured lines. The only stipulation is that what she carries in the store can’t be found elsewhere in Berks County (lines like Alberto Makali, Damee, and Aidan Mattox). She also teaches in-store classes for small groups in the latest repurposing trends—think: ripped jeans with cool patches—and she offers one-on-one lessons for the beginner or advanced sewers. Most recently, she has added two cooperative partnerships to her store, showcasing men’s vintage clothing with Jag Vintage by Zach Lee and jewelry and accessories by Sara Achenbach. This summer, Frock will launch the super popular Instagram influencer, Candelaria’s Champion upcycled line. When Golembiski isn’t at the store, you can find her teaching in Alvernia University’s fashion department.
I asked Susan what the most important piece of advice she gives women about developing their style. She was adamant. “Invest in quality, classic pieces and let everything else be the exclamation point.” She paused and then added, “Buy quality and buy it once. Dress to your personality.”
Golembiski’s ability to read and adapt to the ever-changing fashion market has helped her create a thriving, unique business helping women develop their true style. Stop in to Frock the next time you need a special outfit! 2
By Heather Christie, Real Estate Associate Broker and Author
DRESS FOR YOUR DAY!
We tend to over think the simplest things in life. Hot topics over the years have been:
What should I wear for an interview?
What is proper business attire?
What should I wear to the office? What is the new norm?
What I have lived by and has worked for me – know your company culture. If your organization is formal, then wear formal business attire. If they have a casual business attire policy, follow the policy. If you are unsure, ask your HR department for clarity on the matter. Most importantly – dress for your day!
Our business world is forever changing and the days of wearing a business suit and stockings to work are long gone. Now, don’t get me wrong… there are still companies and positions that require Professional Business Attire every day, because of the work they do and the clients that they work with requires them to do so; but at East Penn Manufacturing, we have made the change to a “Dress for Your Day” guideline.
It allows employees to feel empowered, comfortable, and sometimes creative. That does not mean we have a casual Friday, but it does mean that our professional team does not need to wear a tie every day, unless they have a customer that wears a tie to the meeting. Same goes for wearing a jacket, unless they are going to visit or have specific customers coming in. It allows our employees to take the lead and develop that relationship with their peers and customers on a more equal playing field.
Does this mean we should dress sloppy or forget the golden principle that we have been taught for years? We still hear today, “Dress for the position you wish to have in the future.” It still holds true, but I will add this, it is not only your attire that sets you apart from everyone else, it is who you are, how you treat others, your skills and your ability to connect and help your organization grow, that allows you to be seen. So to put a different spin on ‘dress for your day’, I would say pick out a great outfit that shows you care about the tasks on your schedule that day, but, most importantly dress your attitude, your goals, your mind, and your thoughtfulness for others every day. Be that change you want to see in the world. 2
By Brenda Rosado, Employee Relations Coordinator
at East Penn Manufacturing, 2018 W2W Platinum Sponsor
HELP!
I Need a Personal Stylist.
Fashion Blogging to the Rescue
It’s 2019, and we turn to the internet for most everything we do: industry news, business advice, world news, education, shopping…where does fashion fit into that?
Fashion Blogging is a trend that can benefit all of us. There’s no need to spring for an expensive personal stylist or buy Vouge magazines to figure out that hot summer statement. Essentially fashion bloggers are regular people, styling outfits, taking pictures, and posting links to what they are wearing. This can be exceptionally helpful for those of us that don’t enjoy shopping, are looking for advice on pairing outfits, looking into the new trends, and hot deals.
Social media allows for bloggers to really promote themselves and their recommendations. Depending on the blogger, you can expect to find outfits that work well together, outfits that are currently on sale, or even a sponsored post by a Nordstorm, Macys, Kohls, or another brand working with that influencer.
No matter whether the blogger is doing a sponsored post or not, you can glean a lot of fashion and style from their posts and slowly incorporate the things you like in to your own style. 2
By Amy B. Klatt, Herbein + Company, Inc.
There are fashion trends for everyone, no matter the age, style, or dress code. Get started following for inspiration today; here are some of our favorite accounts to check out:
Blame it on the Deal www.facebook.com/blameitonthedeal
Fashion Over Fifty www.facebook.com/FashionOverFifty
Accidental Icon www.facebook.com/Accidental-Icon
Wear It For Less
www.facebook.com/WearItForLess11
Buy the Boots www.facebook.com/buythebootsblog
Drs. Jonathan Primack, Adam Altman and Kevin Shah have more than 45 years of combined LASIK experience and are the area’s only Board-Certified and Cornea Fellowship-Trained LASIK specialists. They are also the most experienced in Berks County with Bladeless Custom LASIK performed in the on-site laser suite in their Wyomissing surgery center. Plus, they have been voted “Best of Berks” in 2018 the fourth year in a row. That’s experience you can trust. So if you’re thinking about LASIK, insist on Drs. Primack, Altman and Shah at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania the LASIK experts.
DRESSING byDelivery
Can changing the way you shop for clothes improve your professional wardrobe?
For
less money than you spend now?
What’s the catch?
Ever since Jeff Bezos, founder of online shopping behemoth, Amazon, was named Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year” in 1999, there is little doubt that online shopping, and certainly online shopping via Amazon, has played a pivotal role in American commerce, including clothing shopping.
In 2016, Amazon started supplementing its virtual business with retail shops, bookstores, and pop-ups across the country. Within three years, there were nearly 100 Amazon brick and mortar shops, and one might have been tempted to believe that live-and-in-person shopping was making a comeback. That is, until just this past spring of 2019, when Amazon announced that all their retail shops would be shuttered, with a re-focus back to the exclusive online shopping niche for which Amazon has become famous. Online shopping it seems is here to stay.
Of course, one turn into the jam-packed King of Prussia Mall parking lot can persuade even the biggest skeptic that online shopping will never replace the live shopping experience. But beyond Amazon, “Dressing by Delivery” represents another significant trend in the online shopping world – particularly for professional women – that suggests many women would prefer to outsource their clothes styling and shopping, freeing up more of their already limited time.
Online retailers like M.M. LaFleur and Stitch Fix offer curated “trial” shipments of clothing while companies like Rent the Runway and Le Tote give customers the opportunity to refresh their wardrobe by “renting” items with the option of buying at discounted prices.
Which type of delivery service is for you? Well, consider the 3 C’s: the cost, the clothes, and the catch
TRY IT THEN BUY IT
Founded by Sarah LaFleur, a former finance professional whose closet was filled with – in her words – ‘blah-feeling pantsuits”, M.M. LaFleur bills itself as a luxury-quality clothing company that helps “take the work out of dressing for work.” The company offers Bento Boxes, curated boxes of 6-7 items to try on at home. Stitch Fix, another popular curated clothing/ accessory delivery service, will send you 5 items to try before you buy. For both services, there is no commitment to buy. Keep what you like. Buy what you keep.
THE COST?
For M.M. LaFleur – the cost is zero. Unless you buy. And then the cost can be steep. Separate pieces start at $75, and dresses start at $145. This is no discount clothing shop, but it can be a great way to jumpstart a professional wardrobe with pieces that will last. Unlike M.M. LaFleur, Stitch Fix charges a $20 styling fee, but they do credit that fee against purchases. Pricing of items in a Stitch Fix box are more flexible than those from M.M. LaFleur (starting at just $25 for some items), and Stitch Fix offers a 25% discount if you buy all 5 items outright.
THE CLOTHES?
M.M. LaFleur sells gorgeous, high quality clothes designed by Miyako Nakamura, former head designer of Zac Posen, that are both plus-size and petite-size friendly. (Writer’s note: I have a black M.M. LaFleur dress in my closet that has been a staple for cocktail and professional events for at least two years now. I’m definitely a fan.) Loyal Stitch Fix customers rave about the quality and styling of their “fixes” and the company even has a manufacturing arm in nearby Mohnton!
THE
CATCH?
The high cost and limited selections are a catch for the M.M. LaFleur Bento Boxes. The styles are meant to be classic, bucking current trends, while still being fashionable. That said, the collections are not for everyone’s fashion tastes. Stitch Fix pulls from a much deeper bench of popular and up-andcoming designers, and with pricing ranging from $25-$500, depending upon your personal “Style Profile,” but again, this is not a discount clothing brand. Both services have free and easy shipping and returns, but both also have limited return windows, so be careful to adhere to them, or you’ll end up being charged for your items.
RENT IT AND RETURN IT
One of the first online rental clothing companies is Rent the Runway, and it remains a strong force in the market, but other reputable companies like Le Tote have come on the scene in recent years to diversify this niche market.
THE COST?
Rent the Runway has several subscriptions, including RTR Update and RTR Unlimited. $89 per month gets you 4 items per month and $159 gets you 4 items per shipment, rotated as often as you ship them back – all month long. Rent the Runway also has an affiliate program that pays you $30 each time a referral orders a shipment. Le Tote offers subscription fees of $69-$119 per month for access to many of the same high-end designers featured by Rent the Runway. Shipping and returns are easy and free for both companies.
THE CLOTHES?
The rental market is full of high-end designer clothes, and high quality as well, as they must survive lots of wear and tear, literally. (Writer’s note: I’m a customer and fan of Rent the Runway and love the quality and selection of the clothes. I’ve worn labels I would never have splurged on and have refreshed my wardrobe many times over with much less harm to my wallet and the environment!)
THE CATCH?
Do you mind hand-me-downs or wearing other people’s clothes? Then this service isn’t for you. Worried you’ll fall in love with a piece and not want to send it back? Rental services usually give options for purchase, but the purchase prices will be tacked onto the subscription purchases. For your subscription price, you’ll actually reduce the number of clothes in your closet, rather than increase it. You’ll have to decide if that’s a dealmaker or a dealbreaker for you.
Have a “Dressing by Delivery” experience to share? Please do!
Email us your story at w2w@greaterreading.org. 2
By Amy Impellizzeri
TELL US A BIT OF HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN YOUR LINE OF SERVICE AND WHY YOU CHOOSE YOUR CURRENT
PROFESSION.
Alicia M. - I started helping people at a young age (girl scouts, church programs, animal rescues, etc.) and grew to love the feeling of giving back to the community. This prompted my decision to go to Alvernia University and obtain my degree in criminal justice. When people come to me and thank me for my service it makes the bad days bearable and the good days memorable.
Nicole - I started this career as a volunteer with Fleetwood Fire Company and Truck Crew in 2001 to join in on the fun with my family. My grandparents, father, uncle and sister were already Medics or EMTs. My nanny was a legend in the EMS community of Eastern PA; most EMTs/paramedics in the ’80s and ’90s were taught by her and my pappy. My sister also works for Life Lion as a medic. Those are the best days, when I get to work with her.
Heather - I had gone to Syracuse University for Communication Design and Illustration. During my senior year, I had a project to follow the fire department and create an illustration depicting their job. I learned great respect for them. A few years later when I moved to Collegeville, I joined as a volunteer Firefighter earning many certifications. After 9/11, the graphic design field decreased, and I felt a calling to become an EMT. I was a volunteer EMT first and eventually began a professional EMS career where I spent 15 years as a Firefighter EMT. After another few years, I decided to make my daughter more of a priority and I came back as a career paramedic, where I am now.
Alycia A. - I was working in a tourist town in Alabama and felt like I was going nowhere. I felt like I should be doing something bigger but never knew what I should do. I thought joining the military would be a way to do something not only bigger than me but would give me a sense of purpose as I was contributing to our country. I worked for 20 years in a “man’s” world learning how to navigate some of the most difficult situations. Coming into the corporate world, I am not only trying to apply all of those lessons, but I’m realizing that so many women in a multitude of careers/jobs seem to have had a similar experience. This has made it easier to bond with women in my new profession.
Retired Navy, Logistics Specialist First Class Business Banking, Wells Fargo
Alicia Matson Resides in Oley Deputy Sheriff-K9 handler with the Berks County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer with Middle Creek Search & Rescue
Alycia Adams Resides in Wernersville
ANOTHER ROLE THAT HAS NO TRUE UNIFORM IS A ‘MOM’. TELL US HOW YOU FIT THIS IN AND WHAT YOU’RE DOING TO DEVELOP MORE YOUNG WOMEN LEADERS IN YOUR HOME.
Alicia M. - I don’t have kids, but I believe that a career in law enforcement will equip me with the tools I need to tackle any obstacle that presents itself. Being in law enforcement takes a lot of grit. Parenting is difficult in and of itself, so adding a badge only intensifies the duties of a mom on and off the job.
Nicole - I have 2 kids, Thomas who is 3 years old and Lillian who is 1. My schedule is tough but now that I have a set schedule, home life is a little easier. Making sure everything is ready to go the night before work for me and the kids, cuddling in the morning before work, and normal mom stuff and playing afterward; no matter how tired I am. I hope that my kids see my work ethic, my compassion for others, and dedication for family every day so that they learn to have the same priorities when they are grown.
Heather - In my early years as a mom my job allowed me more time to watch my daughter grow, but as she got older and more active I noticed that my administrator role made my schedule unpredictable. I took the step back from administration and now enjoy family time and vacations while still enjoying patient care as a paramedic. I finally found balance. I mentor young EMTs and explain that balance is the key.
Paramedic – Eagleville, PA
Volunteer Firefighter –Chester County, PA
Alycia A. - A woman (in my opinion) seems to have it more difficult trying to be a career woman, a mom, a volunteer, a spouse… I do everything possible to make sure that when I am at work I focus on my work, when I am at home I am focused on my home and sometimes one needs more focus than the other. Woman need to support each other. My balanced life between all of that wouldn’t be possible if I wasn’t surrounded by amazing women in my life. And now I strive to be that for other women and teach others to do the same.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE YOUNG WOMEN WHO
WANT TO TAKE ON A ROLE THAT IS ‘NORMALLY’ MALE DOMINATED?
Alicia M. - Being committed to your education both on and off the streets is key to a successful career in law enforcement. The critical elements of this job involve street smarts, mental toughness, and intestinal fortitude. Physical fitness is also key in keeping a healthy state of mind on and off the job. Most importantly believe in yourself and never let someone tell you “You can’t.”
Nicole - My main advice to younger women is to have faith in yourself. Life does get better and when you need help, ask for it and get it. You’re worth it. Whatever your passion is, then you can do better than anyone in that field. It doesn’t hurt to have a strong female influence in your life in the same profession either.
Alycia A. - A few years after I joined the military and after enduring some of the difficulties as being a woman in the military, I started focusing on helping and mentoring young women coming up in the military ranks. Dealing with some of the stigmas of being a female sailor was hard for me and I wanted to assist other women going through the same process. I have mentored countless women and continue to do so as I think we should be raising one another up instead of knocking each other down. 2
By Rachael Romig
Nicole Missimer Resides in Fleetwood EMT, Penn State Hershey Life Lion EMS Berks Division
Heather Allwein Staley Resides in Reading
ON THE CALENDAR
Upcoming Events with the GRCA!
Interested in continuing to connect with amazing women (and men) this summer? The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, parent to Women2Women, provides year-long events for members and non-members alike. Perks of these events include networking, development and growth opportunities. Take advantage!
CHAMBER ANNUAL PICNIC
Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2019 (rain date 8/20/19)
Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: FirstEnergy Stadium
Join us for a last blast of summer for the annual Chamber Picnic when we take over the FirstEnergy Stadium! And who will be crowned the king or queen of our second-annual Berks business homerun derby?
When you aren’t watching the derby, you can mix and mingle with experiences only Baseballtown’s ballpark can bring. Take a selfie or a photo with your coworkers in the dugout. Let a Fightin’s ambassador show you where Mike Schmidt’s locker was back in his rookie days. Enjoy live music, the pool deck, and easy access to free parking.
Your ticket includes a picnic buffet menu, open bar (featuring beer, wine, and liquor) and non-alcoholic beverages.
BUILDING BERKS AWARDS + EXPO
Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Reading
Join us as we recognize construction and real estate development projects that have had a positive impact on the Greater Reading area and economy. Visit greaterreading.org to nominate a project & learn more!
ESSENTIALS OF EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT: DRIVING ORGANIZATIONAL RESULTS (FALL 2019)
Dates: 5 weeks on Tuesdays: September 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15
Time: 8:30am – 11:30am
Location: Chamber’s Center for Business Excellence
Cost: Find cost at greaterreading.org
The Essentials of Effective Management is designed for supervisors, mid-level managers, and high potential employees who want to accelerate their professional growth and development. The program provides a deep dive into competencies required to be an effective leader and high performer in today’s dynamic, fast-paced environment. The program has 5 sessions, each 3 hours in length.
Shrubs, Trees
Technology and the Job Seeker
In the not too distant past, when searching for a new job, the priority for most people was to create or update their resume. The resume was the main source of information that employers could review before interviewing candidates. Today, however, employers are turning more often to social media profiles in order to obtain a sense of what potential employees can offer.
Review the following tips on the use of social media in order to put your best foot forward during the job search.
DO SOME RESEARCH. Google your name and see what surfaces. If you have a personal website, check to see if it shows up at the top of the results page. Ask yourself if the remaining content that appears is upto-date, positive and relevant.
KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL. Your profile photo is the first thing that a potential employee will see on your social media accounts. Check all your accounts to make sure that your profile photos are of good quality and reflect your personality. For LinkedIn accounts, take it a step further and use a photo that shows that you are competent and professional. Have a friend take a photo of you at your desk or another backdrop that is common to your field. Better yet, hire or contract a professional to take photos of you. Also, make sure that your contact information such as e-mails, addresses and phone numbers are accurate.
Do You Know What Your Digital Persona Looks Like to Employers?
BE MINDFUL ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE POSTING. It should go without saying, but demonstrate appropriate communication skills by not posting negative comments about previous employers or your professors. Also, while you don’t need to delete accounts entirely, do keep your audience in mind and keep the content appropriate and clean. Feel free to post casually to show your interests and personality on your social media platforms but stay away from fiery political debates or other divisive content, which could impact the hiring process. Better yet, be proactive and share content that is relevant to your industry.
PRIVACY CONSIDERATIONS. While LinkedIn is designed for professional purposes and you’ll no doubt want to keep that account public, for other social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and
Twitter, go into the privacy settings and decide what you want to keep private and what you want to be public.
A September 2018 article from Careerfinders.com entitled 4 Social Media Etiquette Tips for Job Seekers states, “Think about how you want to come across to potential employers and emulate that through your social media content.” It goes further to explain, “How you sell yourself to potential employers is not that different than how a business markets to potential customers.”
Give employers every reason to move your application to the top of the pile by striking the right balance on social media between your professional and personal life. Your future self will thank you. 2
By Kelly Hancock
2KNOW
Meet BRENDA ROSADO:
Employee Relations Coordinator at East Penn Manufacturing
Q: Is there an “aha” moment or experience that defines who you are?
A: I have had several in my lifetime, however, the most impactful for my career was when we tragically lost an amazing woman, Sally Miksiewicz, the CEO of East Penn Manufacturing. She was our champion. It made me realize that she had taught us and prepared us for this all along, she opened doors at the company and created opportunities, but most importantly gave us a voice. Throughout the years that I worked with her, she always invited us to join in on conversations, projects, and major discussions beyond the scope of our jobs. I was in turn to do the same for others, make the connections, develop the relationships. With a great support from our executive team, we created our first Women’s Initiative Program at East Penn.
Q: What is the best advice you have received?
A: Do not give your power, your joy, to others, don’t allow others to set your self-worth. You have the power to make yourself feel amazing and you are valuable to yourself, to others and your family. It is within you to feel amazing every day. We are not perfect, but we are pretty close to perfection.
Q:
What words of wisdom would you offer to other women?
A: Be a voice, not only for yourself, but for others. Give opportunity to other women regardless of what age or position. Sometimes we forget that not everyone has the same opportunities to be in the room with the right audience (with your Department VP or the CEO or CFO of the company), so when you are in that room and one of your co-workers has something to say, help her or him by allowing them the floor and opportunity to speak. I was told recently by someone who just started with our company that they can see how supportive we are as women, how we help each other. My response was, we had a great mentor, teacher, coach, and champion, in Sally. She always gave us opportunities and would talk about situations that would be happening in the company and ask us to find solutions, which turned into making those contacts that would help us start building our network within the organization. Not only did she open the door, she set the stage for us to conquer and achieve our goals. She would encourage us to bring other women along with us as support and to learn. So today we have a culture of supportive women in our company. Not just by words but in action.
Q: Would you wish to acknowledge a mentor or friend who helped you aspire to this point in your life’s journey, and why?
A: My grandfather. I come from a very large family (18 aunts and uncles, so you can only imagine how many cousins!), but my grandfather and I had a special bond. He always told me, be an independent person, strive to be different, don’t follow the norm. I always felt empowered, unique, and amazing. He was always proud of me no matter what I did, even though sometimes it wasn’t the right thing, and even then he would say “as long as it was your mistake and not a mistake you made because of other people’s decisions.” He was a wise man.
Q: What is the most valuable way women can support each other?
A: Be kind, most importantly elevate, and support each other. Be someone’s champion, and do not compete with each other, there is opportunity for every woman, we all have different talents. Ladies, let’s compliment those talents. We sometimes don’t realize that by inviting someone to a meeting as a support person either for yourself or for the project that speaks volumes for you and your team. It creates an environment of trust, and confidence. We need to remember that there is room in this world for many successful women. Don’t compete, elevate each other, and celebrate your successes and your wins. Lean on each other and learn from each other. 2
LADIES AROUND TOWN
Vicki Floyd Clark
Are you a Wild Woman?! Nationally recognized speaker Vicki Clark shared with us what makes her a “wild woman” and the 11 Commandments you can take with you to succeed in business and life! Vicki specializes in nonprofit board development, inclusion and diversity, leadership development, strategic planning and effective communication.
We were MORE than lucky to be able to partner with Junior League of Reading, Girls on the Run Berks & VoiceUP for this sold out event!
“I really enjoyed the luncheon! W2W is an awesome group of women dedicated to helping other women succeed both personally and professionally!”
Vicki Clark Event Partners
Junior League of Reading
Girls on the Run Berks VoiceUP
Berks Women Leaders
We had the opportunity to hear from amazing women in our community, at different ages and stages of their lives. Carolyn Holleran joined us with her granddaughter Katie Williams, and Ramona Turpin and daughter Martha shared the panel stage. Moderator Julia Klein asked them about the successes and obstacles they had to overcome to get where they are today, and how things had changed for a younger generation. We were left with notes on what more there is to do for women in the workplace and a view of all that has been accomplished!
“I found a lot of value in the messages these women had to share. I’ve often felt some sort of sense of failure or falling short when my plans for my professional life don’t go exactly as planned. These women, through sharing their experiences and insights, helped me to redefine success in a healthy way that acknowledges the twists and turns of our professional and personal lives that lead us to new opportunities. And, it helps to hear from wiser women who have taken some drastic turns much later in life. It gives me hope that my future holds so much more for me than I could have ever imagined. But I think what stands out most of all is that these women show an unwavering dedication to serving their community, setting a powerful example for us all.”
-Amanda Funk, Abilities in Motion
Julia Klein, Carolyn Holleran, Katie Williams, Ramona Turpin, Martha Turpin
LADIES AROUND TOWN
De Mujer a Mujer –Datnilza Metz
Still attending Alvernia University, Datnilza blew the crowd away with her ambitious plans for her future, the future of our community and the women that made a difference in her life. Datnilza is a Business Management, Human Resource Management, and Political Science triple major on a PreLaw track. She also has three jobs this semester, and juggled several leadership positions and responsibilities on campus and yet she earned a 3.95 GPA and made Dean’s List again this semester. #getitgirl
“Creo Women2 Women ha cubierto hasta ahora todas las bases y propósitos de una organización encaminada a darle a la mujer las herramientas necesarias para su desarrollo personal y profesional. Gracias W2W!
I believe Women2 Women has covered until now all the bases and purposes of an organization aimed at giving women the necessary tools for their personal and professional development. Thanks W2W!”
De Mujer a Mujer –Destiny Perez
Destiny never gave up. Even when those around her told she was nothing, that nothing good would happen for her, she didn’t listen. Destiny inspired the crowd with her story of overcoming her obstacles, raising her son and we reveled in her pride with her as a business woman!
Datnilza Metz with her Mom
Debbie Roman, Chair, De Mujer Amigos Committee
Destiny hugging Karen Marsdale, one of her mentors
Karen Marsdale, Senior VP Special Program, GRCA
Destiny Perez
¡Vestida para el Éxito!
Crecer en una casa Latina sin una figura paterna me llevó a crecer con una madre muy estricta. Mirar hacia atrás tenía sentido ya que ella sentía que tenía que ser tanto el papá como la mamá. No fue fácil para ella ya que era una madre divorciada con cinco hijos, analfabeta y dependiente de la asistencia del gobierno. Pero ella tenía algo que se llama sentido común, ya que siempre la recuerdo diciéndonos “Solo porque somos pobres no significa que tengamos que lucir mal arreglados” y eso siempre se quedó en mi mente. Nunca podíamos salir de la casa mal arreglados como si ella no cuidaba de nosotros, de lo contrario seríamos castigados. Quería que todos supieran que ella cuidaba bien a sus hijos. Como pueden ver, aprendí a una temprana edad la importancia de verse bien puesto. Bueno, los tiempos han cambiado y la evolución del código de vestimenta ha cambiado con él. Algunos trabajos ya no requieren que los hombres se vistan con traje y corbata, o que las mujeres usen pantimedias, vestidos o faldas. Como Latina, sin embargo, a veces puede ser un poco difícil cuando visito a un cliente, ya que tengo que detenerme y pensar en lo que me voy a poner, dependiendo de a dónde me dirijo ese día. Por ejemplo si usted va a un negocio Latino y está vestido con ropa demasiada clase alta, pueden pensar que usted cree que es demasiado bueno para ellos. Para un Latino, la mayoría de las transacciones son muy personales. Y si usted parece un vendedor, es posible que ellos sientan que no pueden confiarle su dinero el que ellos han trabajado duramente por él. Por extraño que parezca, es un poco diferente cuando yo visito Puerto Rico porque me doy de cuenta de que allá, a los hombres y mujeres les encanta verse bien en el trabajo, sin importar si están ganando el salario mínimo o no. También trabajé en el sector bancario durante más de 20 años y tenía que vestir con tela buena, sin embargo, me complace decir que cuando se trata de mi atuendo actual (tengan en cuenta que ahora trabajo por mi cuenta propia) ya no me visto demasiada clase alta. No estoy diciendo que debas salir corriendo de la casa arrugado y sin arreglos, pero sí siento que deberías verte presentable pero cómodo y con esto quiero decir que tu ropa debe estar limpia y planchada y no debes volverte loco gastando más de lo que ganas. Sea creativo pero mantente dentro de tu presupuesto.
Al final del día, creo que todo tiene que ver con el sentido común y no importa dónde trabaje, todos los trabajos deben indicar por escrito su código de vestimenta, ya que esto evitará atuendos y problemas inapropiados. Habiendo dicho eso; No importa en qué condiciones de la vida venga, recuerde que se trata principalmente del sentido común y el hecho de que debe respetar la imagen de empresa deseada por el empleador en todo momento. 2
By Rosa Julia Parra, CEO, Palo Magazine
Dressed for Success!
Growing up in a Latino household without a father figure led me to grow up with a very strict mother. Looking back it made sense as she felt she had to be both a mom and dad. It wasn’t easy for her as she was a divorced mother of five children, illiterate, and dependent on government assistance. But she had something called common sense as I always recall her telling us, “Just because we are poor doesn’t mean we have to look poorly put together” that always remained in my head.
We could never leave the house looking like we weren’t taken care of, or else we would be punished. She wanted everyone to know that she took good care of her kids. As you can see I learned at a very young age the importance of looking put together. Well, times have changed and the evolution of the dress code has changed with it. Some jobs no longer require men to dress for work with a suit and tie, or women to wear pantyhose, dresses or skirts.
As a Latina however it sometimes can be a bit tricky when visiting a client as I have to stop and think about what I’m going to wear depending on where I’m headed for the day. For example, if you go to a Latino business and you are dressed way too sharp they may think that you feel you are too good for them. For a Latino mostly all transactions are very personal to them. If you look like a salesperson, then they may feel as they can’t trust you with their hard earned money. Oddly enough it’s a bit different when I visit Puerto Rico because I noticed that over there the men and women love to look sharp at work regardless if they are making minimum wage or not.
I also worked in banking for over 20 years and dressed the part, however, I’m glad to say that when it comes to my attire currently (keep in mind I’m now self-employed) I no longer dress up too stuffy. I’m not saying you should run out of the house wrinkled and ungroomed but I do feel that you should look presentable but also comfortable, and by this I mean your clothes should be clean looking and ironed and don’t go crazy spending more than you earn. Get creative but stay within your budget.
At the end of the day, I believe it’s all about common sense and no matter where you work every job should state in writing their dress code as this will avoid inappropriate outfits and issues. That being said; no matter what walks of life you come from remembering it’s mainly about common sense and the fact that you should respect the employer’s desired company image at all times. 2
By Rosa Julia Parra, CEO, Palo Magazine
Help Others DRESS FOR SUCCESS!
The most recent craze around decluttering your life, and closet, circles around Marie Kondo and her question, ‘Does it bring you joy?’. While this is a good question to ask yourself when you’re looking to revamp your closet, remember that while it might not bring YOU joy any longer, it can certainly bring joy to another. As you prep to donate your clothes this summer, consider one of the organizations below to help other women dress for success!
CAREER WARDROBE - BERKS
PA WORKWEAR services are provided by Career Wardrobe, partnering with independent agencies in Berks, Chester, & Montgomery Counties. Berks County PA WORKWEAR is run by Opp Shop, a service of Opportunity House, helping to improve the quality of life for children, adults, & families in Berks County.
Please consider donating new or gently-used items to help job-seekers make a great impression at their interviews!
• Professional clothing should be clean, contemporary, stylish, & suitable for today’s workplace
• Casual/formal clothing can be donated for resale that directly benefits our program
• For ease of transporting, we accept clothing neatly bundled in bags or taped boxes (no hangers, please)
Address: 430 N 2nd St, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: 610-374-4696 Extension 221
Volunteer Info: Please call the number above to inquire about volunteer opportunities
DRESS FOR SUCCESS - ALLENTOWN
Dress for Success is part of a global movement for change, empowering women to obtain safer and better futures. They aspire to a world that fully harnesses the power of women and recognizes their role in economic sustainability. They believe that achieving gender equality is imperative to developing a sustainable and just world for all, which is possible by acknowledging the crucial role that women play in the world economy.
What would you wear to a job interview? That is exactly the type of clothing we are looking for to distribute to our clients. Your fabulous suits and other professional apparel could furnish another woman with the confidence to enter or return to the workplace, make a great first impression and land a job that could change her life.
Address: 108 N 5th Street, Allentown, PA 18102
Phone: 917-838-6345
Volunteer Info: Please call the number above to inquire about volunteer opportunities
HEALTH2WELLNESS
D—DEPRESSION—
It’s okay to not be okay
o you have trouble functioning in your day-to-day life? Do you find yourself uninterested in activities or relationships that used to make you happy? Have you considered hurting yourself or someone else? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing depression.
Depression is a condition that is extremely common but not often discussed openly. An estimated 7% of people in the United States 18 years and older experienced at least one episode of depression in their lifetime. However, depression is often underdiagnosed or the diagnosis is missed about 50% of the time when presented to a medical provider. Many people present to a primary care provider with symptoms of depression. Depression can affect a person’s relationships both in personal roles and professional roles.
While sometimes depression is easy to diagnose in the case that somebody is very tearful and sad, there are more common symptoms of depression that may not be clearly linked immediately. Symptoms like difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, significant weight loss or weight gain, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, anger, irritability, or loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed. This is often complicated by the need to do additional testing to make sure there are no other medical issues going on simultaneously. Depression can affect a person’s relationships both in personal roles and professional roles.
Symptoms of depression can start as a response to stressful situations or spontaneously with seemingly no reason. Symptoms typically need to be present for a few weeks to be classified as depression. If symptoms have not improved with behavioral modification often prescription treatment or counseling will be recommended to improve symptoms. While many people experience depression at some point in their life, it is often not a long-term issue with many people experiencing one isolated episode lasting less than 1 year. However, some people may have lingering symptoms or more chronic depression.
One of the most significant issues that can stem from depression is suicide. Risks for suicide can include previous suicide attempts, comorbid medical conditions and psychiatric disorders, or family history. Suicide as well as depression can have genetic predisposition. Anyone with concerns for suicide or harming themselves should contact 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
Thankfully, there are numerous treatment options available for people with depression. First, your physician will conduct a common screening test to determine if you are depressed or whether your symptoms are being caused by another medical condition.
“I think the most important thing for people to know about depression is that there is no stigma around it,” says Suzanne Wenderoth, MD, Chief Clinical Officer and internal medicine specialist with Tower Health Medical Group. “Depression reflects a missing chemical in the body; nothing more. A patient with depression is no different than a patient with diabetes or another condition that is treatable.”
If you are diagnosed with depression, treatment will depend on the level of depression you are experiencing. Dr. Wenderoth says an important step in treating mild to moderate depression is for patients to try to modify their thought processes.
“The first step in treating moderate depression is to change what you do and how you think,” she notes. “Many of us walk around thinking negative thoughts. We can improve that by consciously replacing negative thoughts with positive ones and by maintaining healthy habits such exercising, getting enough sleep, and making an effort to socialize with family and friends.”
For people with moderate depression, psychotherapy can help improve symptoms of depression. There are three classic types of therapy: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on helping a person change their thought patterns; interpersonal
therapy, which addresses how a person behaves and interacts with others; and psychodynamic therapy, a more in-depth therapy that addresses unconscious patterns.
People with moderate depression may benefit from medication along with therapy. Depending on your level of depression, your physician may recommend an antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is used to treat depression and anxiety; serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which is used to treat more severe cases of depression; and norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), a third type of medication that has been shown to improve a person’s mood. In cases of advanced depression, hospitalization and more rigorous treatment might be necessary.
Dr. Wenderoth encourages patients just starting on a medication to keep a health diary to chart potential side effects such as headaches or stomach aches. Your physician may change the medication if the side effects become challenging.
“I encourage people to talk with their physician so that, together, they find the best medication to treat the symptoms,” Dr. Wenderoth says. “I tell patients that change is hard, and I encourage them to stick with it because it does get better.”
She also emphasizes, again, that medication for mild to moderate depression must be accompanied by changes in activities and thought patterns as well.
“I ask patients, ‘What is one thing you can do to improve how you feel?’ These little changes add up and can improve our mood,” she says. “Every time you think, ‘I am so dumb,’ replace that negative with a positive about something you’ve done well or a way you’ve overcome hardship. That method is as effective as medication for moderate depression.”
She also recommends that patients who are depressed read Feeling Good, by David D. Burns, MD., a highly regarded psychologist who offers techniques on how to improve your mood.
“I’d like people to understand that treating depression is similar to treating a condition like diabetes,” Dr. Wenderoth says. “It might take time and entail tweaks to the treatment plan, but together, a patient and their physician can get depression under control.”
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Article Contributors:
Nicole M Strohl, DO, Penn State Health
St. Joseph Spring Ridge Health Corridor
Suzanne Wenderoth, MD, Chief Clinical Office and Internal Medicine Specialist, Tower Health Medical Group
A BERKS HEALTH INITIATIVE: 6 YEARS GETTING GUTSY
The 6th annual Guts and Glory Digestive and Wellness Expo will be taking place on September 28th from 11am-3pm at the FirstEnergy Stadium. The Expo was originally created and hosted by nonprofit My Gut Instinct and is sponsored by Penn State Health St Joseph.
Guts and Glory is a free, large scale, non-profit communitywide celebration of health for all ages and showcases a farmer’s market, educational booths, community outreach, fresh locally sourced food made by local chefs, fitness zones, yoga, massage meditation, and wellness experts, to name a few features. We celebrate the spirit of health and wellness at our event and encourage our visitors to find inspiration at Guts and Glory to take an active role in their own well-being all year long.
This free admission, interactive, annual event for all ages is designed to educate the health curious, elevate the understanding of the health conscious, and raise community awareness of the importance of digestive health and overall wellness through the free exchange of information and resources. “We aim to provide people with health knowledge and empower them to take action to live healthier lives and become beautiful from the inside, out, because we believe beauty starts on the inside,” said founder Aparna Mele, M.D. “We also want to show the community that eating and living healthy is not only easy to do, but it can also be fun and delicious too!” Aparna Mele, M.D., is a board-certified gastroenterologist with Digestive Disease Associates since 2007.
Guts and Glory Digestive and Wellness Expo is a far-reaching, educationally inspiring, community-giving, and feel-good event held each year at the Fightins’ Stadium. The event has enjoyed extensive media coverage and public accolades for their health movement in the community. Numerous community sponsors and volunteers make the event possible. Event-day volunteers and participant registration for sponsors, nonprofits and food vendors is open and details regarding sponsorship types and on-line registration can be found on the website.
Dr. Strohl Dr. Wenderoth
What are your tips for dressing for success in an interview?
“I think that the workplace and ideas around company culture is everchanging, so it’s a smart idea for applicants invited in for an interview to find out what the dress policy is beforehand and to use their judgment when it comes to how they dress from that response. Many dress policies rely heavily on the industry and positions employees hold – however these days, most offices have moved to business casual. I don’t think a suit is necessary for a job interview if that’s not what the dress policy of the office dictates – in fact I think it probably makes the applicant feel more uncomfortable and nervous than they already are going into the initial meeting.
However, if the office is typically business casual, I don’t feel that applicants should then come in jeans for their interview – there needs to be some attention to how they present themselves in situations where first impressions make a difference.”
Carolyn Weaver, PHR, SHRM-CP Human Resources Director, EasyPak
“First impressions are so important! I always recommend a business suit to project professionalism and confidence at an interview. Don’t be afraid of being the best dressed person in the room.”
Melissa A Rebholz, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Human Resources Manager
“When dressing for a job interview, think simple: CLEAN & CRISP. As someone who has interviewed candidates for anything from manufacturing jobs to executive level roles, it’s safe to say that the standard conservative rules still apply no matter what industry or position you’re interviewing for. But there’s good news – there’s a lot more flexibility these days! Today, the term “business casual” applies to almost any work environment – there’s something to be said about being able to pair a simple blazer or dress shirt with dress slacks or a pencil skirt. For jewelry lovers, I say keep it simple and avoid anything that will create a distraction. For those with an exciting shoe collection, I always recommend more conservative closed-toe shoes.
Just remember it’s better to be safe – and comfortable, especially if it means one less thing for you to worry about for your next big interview!”
Kristi Gage-Linderman, COO Gage Personnel
Bilingual HR Professional & Workforce Development Enthusiast
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