PHENOMENAL WOMAN MAGAZINE by Phenomenal Woman Magazine

MELICIA (MISSEY) MONTGOMERY

SUPERINTENDENT, THEAKATEAM

HOW TO CREATE A BUDGET WHEN YOU HAVE NO MONEY

CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF WOMEN

JACKLYN A. CHISHOLM, PH.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Step Forward

Beletu (Belé) Wondwossen

Founder / Publisher

Shelley M. Shockley

Managing Editor

Writers

Shelley M. Shockley

Marsha Walker Eastwood

Brittany Garrett

Rhonda Crowder

Creative

Belé Wondwossen

Jason Garrett

Cover Story: Shelley Shockley

Photos: Jason Garrett

The Blush Gallery

Contributing Writers

Rhonda Crowder

Michelle Phillips Fay

Marianna Marron

Letitia Nall

Stephanie Phelps

Kimberly Smith-Woodford

Advertising Sales ads@phenomenalwoman.me 216.702.0845

Phenomenal Woman Magazine A subsidiary of Atlantic Creative Productions 5247 Wilson Mills Road #141 Cleveland, OH 44143

ISSN 2330-2534 (Print) ISSN 2330-2550 (Online) Materialmaynotbereproducedinwholeorinpart in any form of this publication without prior permission from the publisher Produced and printed

FromtheEditor: Shelley M. Shockley

CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF WOMEN

I am declaring 2024 the year of women. You can join me if you like, but whatever you do, please celebrate your wins! On July 21, 2024, President Joe Biden's selfless decision to drop out of the U.S. Presidential race reinvigorated the country. Before his announcement, chaos ruled both political parties, and the nation was apathetic. With his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic nominee, a fresh breath of air filled the lungs of millions. To illustrate the increased interest in the race, within the first week of the Harris campaign, 170,000 new volunteers were registered and $200 million was raised. Zoom calls were held with a multiracial background, from Black Men for Harris to White Dudes for Harris.

The momentum shift has been drastic, and women have been propelled to the front line. No matter your political beliefs, there is hope in America for the first time in a long time.

So, no matter what you are doing in life, I want you to focus on the positive and celebrate your wins - no matter how small. I'm celebrating completing my commitment to this magazine despite the many challenges I've had in the last several weeks. I am also evaluating myself so that I can improve as a person.

One of my favorite activities is bicycling, yet I have only been on approximately three rides this summer. That's unacceptable, but I celebrated each of them and am committed to getting in several before the cold weather arrives.

I also ask that you celebrate the women's wins featured in this edition. We start with Melicia Montgomery, a superintendent with The AKA Team. Melicia was raised in the construction

industry, and after leaving the family business to pursue other interests, she recently returned to the construction world. Returning to construction, she enrolled in an apprentice program and hasn't looked back. Instead, she is thriving and winning with The AKA Team. Read this feature to learn about a career field seeking more female representation.

Our cover story highlights the career of Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm, the president and chief executive officer of Step Forward, the state of Ohio's designated anti-poverty agency for Cuyahoga County. Dr. Chisholm has held several executive-level positions in Cleveland, from Case Western Reserve University to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. She is an accomplished professional who has experienced her share of traumatic experiences, yet she has built a successful career. Her story inspires all women and is a win to be celebrated.

Protecting your financial health during a recession is important, and Columnist Marsha Walker Eastwood wants to help you celebrate financial wins when you learn to budget with minimal income. I know from experience that developing a budget when your bills are more than your income is challenging, but with a plan, you will experience that celebration. If you are searching for a financial win, read Eastwood's column for tips.

Finally, we have a fun feature on the WWE Summer Slam. The Slam was in Cleveland, and women were making a name for themselves - let's celebrate them!

Enjoy this edition and until next, celebrate your wins!

CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF WOMEN

HOW TO CREATE A BUDGET WHEN YOU HAVE NO MONEY

De’Ja Bruce, of Cleveland, OH, currently serving with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Great Lakes.

Maria Woodrum, of Chardon, OH, performs maintenance on a scuttle aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Pacific Ocean.

WWE SUMMER SLAM 2024

Jacklyn A. Chisholm, Ph.D.

MELICIA (“MISSEY”) MONTGOMERY

The con

uction industry is one of the main driving forces behind the US economy, providing jobs for more than 10 million people. However, the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that only 1.3 million women (10.8%) work in the construction sector Construction jobs offer some of the best career opportunities, but various challenges still hinder much-needed progress for women.

Phenomenal Woman recently caught up with Melicia (“Missey”) Montgomery to learn more about her successful career journey and understand her views about increasing the number of women in construction. ...More on page 10.

is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Step Forward, the state of Ohio's designated antipoverty agency for Cuyahoga County. The agency is tasked and trusted to lead the grassroots fight against poverty in the county. The nonprofit organization helps low-income individuals and families address immediate needs and build longterm skills to transform their lives through early childhood education programs, adult skills training, and other support.

The agency website outlines the organization's history, which started as the Council for Economic Opportunities of Greater Cleveland (CEOGC) in 1964 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty. This initiative established the nation's Head Start early education program and numerous initiatives designed to empower individuals to move beyond the situation they were born into or found themselves unintentionally a part of.

... More on page 16.

By: Marsha Walker Eastwood, BS.Ed, MSHSVC PWM Contributing Writer

HOW TO CREATE A BUDGET WHEN YOU HAVE NO MONEY

Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible ~ Francis of Assisi

Contrary to some beliefs, having no money doesn't always mean that you don't have two nickels to rub together It means that you are barely eking by with nothing left over after basic needs with no apparent means of generating extra income.

There is no shortage of financial gurus explaining various ways to create a budget. According to Investopedia, the rule is to split your after-tax income into three categories of spending: 50% on needs, 30% on wants, 20% on savings, 70% for monthly expenditures, 20% for savings, and 10% for debt repayment and donations. Other suggestions include the envelope method, where cash is put into several envelopes to cover rent, food, utilities, etc., creating several bank accounts to manage various financial tasks, and creating elaborate spreadsheets for disbursements. The main problem is that none of these are practical in today's economy

Envelope stuffing is a risky choice because it involves placing cash into several envelopes, making them vulnerable to a host of bad outcomes such as theft or fire. The funds are not connected to the most acceptable form of payment – the debit card. To have a debit card, a checking account has to be created. The spreadsheet is a virtual check register showing where your money goes each month. This method requires some knowledge of spreadsheet software and due diligence with data entry. This method also requires a computer or tablet.

But what's wrong with all of these scenarios? They are all based on the assumption that you have sufficient income for all of your expenses. But what if you are broke (AKA barely making ends meet)? What if your situation has been created by loss or a significant decrease in income even an illness, or perhaps an unanticipated emergency? Your budget now looks much different than those who have sufficient income, which allows them to save money as well. Your budget may be more akin to a hand-to-mouth financial situation. So, what can you do to turn things around and create a realisticfinancialsurvival plan?

The first thing to do is to establish priorities. Shelter and food are at the top of the list, in that order If you and your family can maintain a roof over your heads, then you are a step up. If you are already sufficiently housed, the rent has to be paid without interruption to avoid homelessness.

If that should occur, you will need to find suitable housing that fits into whatever income is available. According to Rent Café, the average rent for an 899-square-foot apartment is $1,713.00, and according to Zillow $1,916.00 for a two-bedroom apartment. Of course, these figures depend on where you live.

So, what can we do to make shelter affordable? You can apply for a federally subsidized housing voucher. If you are one of the more fortunate recipients, even though your rent will be based on your ability to pay, you will still have to come up with the security deposit, which can be more than $1000.00, along with a $35-$40 application fee. You can also contact social service agencies in your area that are often funded to help with securitydeposits.

In other situations, you can search for an apartment or house and attempt to negotiate with the potential landlord for reduced rent in return for lawn maintenance, snow removal, clean-out, and/or painting. Remember, pride goeth before the fall. The next part of the housing puzzle is keeping the utilities on. If you are dealing with potential or real disconnections, try connecting with the companies directly or the local family services agencies, who often have monies available for these situations. You can also apply for HEAP (government-funded home energy assistance program) or LHEAP (government low-income energy assistance program), which can help keep the heat and lights on. Most applicationscan be completed online.

The second priority is food. Due to inflation, the cost of food has skyrocketed. Everyone has been forced to change the way they shop There are a few ways to address the food issue. Take advantage of as many food bank opportunities as possible because distributed boxes include cereal, canned vegetables, fresh and canned fruit and vegetables, and other side dishes to build a meal around. This way, you can use whatever food cash is available for meat, eggs, and fresh milk. Dry milk and beans can also be used to create different meal offerings. Cooking more meals from scratch will make food go further and eliminate fast food offerings. Look for markdowns on coffee, meat, hot dogs, and chicken. You may also qualify for EBT benefits that would make your food budget less of a concern.

The next priority is addressing brand loyalty. Well-known brands create many store brands These include dishwashing liquid (washing by hand is cheaper than using a dishwasher because no electricity is used, but keep water off except to rinse….sewer bills can be a serious

EMY'S MARKETPLACE EMY'S MARKETPLACE

8247 Day Drive, Parma, Ohio 44129

216-624-9440

Emy's Marketplace sponsored by Simply Emy is a not-forprofit venture created to provide a brick-and-mortar location for micro businesses to expand and grow in an 8'x10' foot space that can be designed to meet their needs. Handcrafted items, new clothing, shoes, handbags, cottage bakery items, plants, jewelry, organic skincare products and more.

We are open: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday - 10am-6pm Friday and Sunday - 11am-6pm.

Closed Monday and Tuesday

expense!), toilet paper, soap, and shampoo. The main difference in brand loyalty is detergent. Cheaper brands contain more water and fewer cleaning ingredients. Always measure and wash full loads. This saves electricity

The same holds for generic medications when suitable. If you take medications for a chronic illness, there can be a significant difference between them and name-brand medications. Also, compare prices between OTC and prescription medications. Talk to your physician if you can get them at no cost with a prescription.

Now, let's talk about getting from point A to point B. Fuel prices often change like the weather Get familiar with gas stations close to you and watch their prices. You may have a favorite station, but if you leverage how far you have to drive to get cheaper gas, you will have spent more than you saved.

When it comes to credit card debt, you have a few choices. You can contact the company (companies) that issued the card(s) and ask for a lower interest rate or a lower payment. You can also suspend the use of the card(s) by removing it from your purse or wallet. If you have outstanding loans, you can ask the loan companies to suspend payments for two to three months and lower payments when they resume. The interest rate will continue, but the arrangement will give you time to work on an actual budget.

Speaking of that budget, think about ways you can increase your income. Selling some things that are collecting dust; on free social media marketplaces and yard sales. If you have a skill in making handmade items, sell them as well. It might sound trite, but people still like homemade cookies. Start with a dollar bag of mix from

Dollar Tree as a test, and take a batch to work or to that gas station. Remember, every nickel counts. If it is possible to find a part-time work-from-home job, there are more than a few that supply the necessary equipment if you don't have your own.

Some budget suggestions won't work because your goal is survival. Investopedia suggests ignoring the 10% Savings Rule for now Trying to save 10% of your income in a savings account is daunting when living paycheck to paycheck. Having $100 in a savings plan doesn't make sense if you are fending off debt collectors. Your piggy bank will have to starve until you can stabilize your finances. You can also use any extra nickels to establish an emergency fund. Start with a capped mason jar hidden in a place too difficultto visit routinely.

The bottom line here is that there is lots of pain, internal debate, and worry associated with being “broke.” I have been there, and there were many times when the light at the end of the tunnel was so dim that it seemed as if I was looking through cataract-laden eyes. At times, the worry was so great I felt as if my heart would stop beating, but then I looked around at the ones depending on me to figure it out. I became more resolute and more resourceful than I could have ever imagined I learned two exceptionally good financial lessons: be resolute, be resourceful, repurpose, reuse, and realize the benefits of the “new to me” rule. Second hand became firsthand. Used meant seasoned -the break-in work had already been done for me. I also took heart in these often-quoted words of wisdom: There is a difference between being broke and being poor. One is a temporary economic condition, and the other is a disabling frame of mind and a depressed condition of your spirit As the saying goes….this too shall pass! g

WOMAN W WOMAN Wphenomenal

A PLACE WHERE WOMEN ARE CELEBRATED!

URSULINE AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS TEAGLE FOUNDATION GRANT

With a new three-year, $100,000 grant from the Teagle Foundation, the Ursuline College English department and its Rust Belt Humanities Lab will reimagine its undergraduate core composition sequence. Since 2020, the College, through its humanities coursework, has encouraged students to examine the history and narratives of Cleveland as a “Rust Belt” city on the rise.

“Our students graduate with the intellectual framework to engage locally with the community as problem-solvers and critical thinkers,” explains Katharine G. Trostel, PhD, associate professor of English, unit chair of the humanities and founder of the Rust Belt Humanities Lab “We're building off this success to restructure these courses to add new context and pride to Cleveland's history while creating a unifying experience for our students.”

The grant redesigns two key courses in the college's core curriculum with enrollment of 70% of the College incoming first-year students. The other 30% of the students arrive with prior college credit and do not have to take these classes.

Trostel notes that Cleveland has been central to many of the social movements of the twentieth century: The Civil Rights, American Indian, and Environmental Movements.

She adds, “But when students are asked about the region—their hometown-- they define it as a place they want to leave. We want to encourage our students to stay in the area by unraveling the region's past and envisioning productive Rust Belt futures. The new course structure will help them write effectively from within and about their region using a language that is both rooted in place and history.”The grant, “Rhetorics of the Rust Belt: Framing Cleveland through transformative texts,” is funded by the New York-based Teagle Foundation's “Cornerstone: Learning for Living” initiative.

Valentino Zullo, PhD, assistant professor and Anisfield-Wolf Postdoctoral Fellow in English and the Public Humanities, notes that the majority of Ursuline's undergraduates focus on “the healing arts”—vocations such as nursing, social work, and art therapy “These professions require an understanding of the narratives—both painful and hopeful— that underpin so much of our lived experience in this Rust Belt region; the stories that we tell about place have real consequences,” states Zullo.

The Teagle grant builds off the successful work of earlier grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the Cleveland Foundation, and the Modern Language Association's Humanities Innovation Grant for the College's Rust Belt Humanities Lab

“Our hope is to inspire students to be civic actors with particular expertise in the problems and promises of the Rust Belt,” states Trostel.

The construction industry is one of the main driving forces behind the US economy, providing jobs for more than 10 million people. However, the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that only 1.3 million women (10.8%) work in the construction sector. Construction jobs offer some of the best career opportunities, but various challenges still hinder much-needed progress for women.

One could say that construction is in Melicia's DNA, beginning with her parents, who owned their own construction company, Lyons' Construction LLC. Melicia grew up in Shaker Heights and was exposed to the construction world as a teenager. She said, “My siblings and I would go to the job site after school to assist my dad. I was taught how to operate different machinery, such as the driving roller, the bobcat, and different types of hand tools, to name just a few. I also learned to drive dump trucks, assist with asphalt, and lay concrete.”

Upon completing her studies, Melicia was not sure of the career path she wanted to take, so she spent ten years working as a nanny. This extended period allowed her to

Melicia Montgomery Builds On Family Legacy In Construction, Shapes A Career

decide what she wanted to do in her life. Unsurprisingly, her early exposure to construction, coupled with a strong desire to carry on her father's legacy, convinced her to consider it as a career.

To fulfill her goal and enhance her knowledge in the construction field, Melicia decided to enroll in an apprenticeship program at the Laborers International Union of North America Local 310. She said of the training, “I was required to complete 4,000 working hours and 432 hours of construction school to earn my certifications which are required to complete the apprenticeship program.”

After working in the field as an apprentice for five years, Melicia progressively held different positions as various construction companies utilizedher services.

Armed with this experience, she joined The AKA Team in 2018 and worked as a journeyman laborer Later, she was deemed an essential worker during the pandemic in 2020 and served as a foreman overseeing several projects. Her hard work and efforts soon paid off, with a promotion to superintendent with The AKA Team in 2022.

“Being a woman in construction can be very challenging because some men feel as though construction is not a place for women.” Melicia said, “I enjoy my construction career, carrying out my father's legacy, and having the opportunity to be in an upper management position is such an honor.”

Various studies indicate that the construction industry lacks adequate and qualified staff as demand far outpaces supply A model developed by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) revealed that the construction industry will need to attract an estimated 501,000 additional workers on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2024 to meet the demand for labor As construction offers promising opportunities, steps must be taken to fill both the current and the projected demand.

Aware of this fact, some organizations and construction companies are taking bold steps to train and provide opportunities to women to enable them to pursue careers in the construction industry.

Melicia's employer, The AKA Team, led by its visionary leader, Ariane Kirkpatrick, continues to provide opportunities to women who demonstrate an interest in construction. Several women hold key positions. The construction company, named for Ariane and her two sons, Ali and Kris, was founded nearly 15 years ago. The company operates out of its headquarters in Cleveland and has successfully completed numerous projects for public and private clients in Ohio and beyond.

Kirkpatrick, a member of our Phenomenal Woman group (featured in our January 2015 issue), continues to build her construction company while also leading the way in engaging more women in construction. She is leading the charge on this issue and hopefully, others will follow. “I'm going to build a city. I'm going to build a legacy,” Kirkpatrick said one morning to a ballroom full of women in construction. “They said, 'no girl'… and she said, 'yes, I'm doing this.’ I believed I could, so I did.”

Another important organization is the Construction Employers Association (www.ceacisp.org), which offers several programs to help advance the construction industry. These include programs that help women and underserved communities thrive in the industry, connect workers to valuable apprenticeship opportunities, and introduce high school students to a broad range of projects and career options within the industry It's essential to make use of these resources.

The nature of construction is that no two days are the same, as each day calls for finding solutions to new problems. As a superintendent with The AKA Team, Melicia's typical workday starts at 7:00 AM. It includes setting up job sites, assembling a crew for general and final cleaning, delivering or picking up equipment, networking with contractors, conducting meetings, completing paperwork, and scheduling jobs for the next day. The challenge, she said, is “prioritizing when everything is a priority.”

Continued on next page ...

Women continue to make a difference in the construction industry, yet challenges such as hostile work environments, a lack of female mentors, lack of respect, health and safety problems, and a lack of support systems and opportunities deter them from pursuing careers in the field. As more construction companies strive to achieve gender equity, it's important to listen to and recognize the challenges faced by women in construction.

At the national level, initiatives such as the 'Million Women in Construction Community Pledge' can go a long way toward committing to and investing in solutions that help women and other underrepresented communities overcome barriers. By signing the pledge, industry leaders are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to increasing access to training, jobs, and leadership opportunities for women.

When asked how to ensure gender parity in construction, Melicia stated that “opportunities and training programs should be designed and implemented to encourage more women to join the construction sector.” From her own experience, she said, “We should continue to encourage women to enroll in programs such as the Local 310 Laborers Union apprenticeship program.”

Melicia is grateful to the many mentors and colleagues who helped her navigate the challenges that allowed her to achieve her current level of success. In particular, she is grateful to her parents and siblings who were the principal architects in molding her into the woman she is today.

“My father, Spike Lyons, Sr., and mother, Darlene Lyons, influenced me with the family construction business. My brother Spike Lyons, Jr. carried out the legacy of Lyons' Construction.” She continued, “My sister Rosalind Lyons enrolled in the Tile Layers Local 36 apprenticeship program as she encouraged me to enroll into the Local 310 Laborers Union apprenticeship program, which has allowed me to be the successful woman I am in construction today.”

With all her responsibilities that require timely responses, the natural question begs: How does she attain a healthy work-life balance? Melicia said, “I strike a healthy work-life balance by understanding the assignment and working hard to get the job done. This allows me to enjoy life after work with my family.” Melicia's hobbies include traveling, skating, music, dancing, and riding her Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Closing out the interview and extending her advice to women interested in pursuing a career in construction, Melicia said, “network with other women in construction, get enrolled into an apprenticeship program, and remember you can do anything that you set your mind to do. BE ENCOURAGED.” g

CLEVELAND NATIVE SERVES WHERE FUTURE NAVY WARFIGHTERS TRAIN

De’Ja Bruce

GREAT LAKES, Ill. - Sailors are some of the most highly trained people on the planet, and this training begins at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, otherwise known as boot camp. Every enlisted sailor starts their Navy journey at boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL), Illinois.

Petty Officer 2nd Class De’Ja Bruce, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, is currently stationed at NSGL serving with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Great Lakes.

Bruce, a 2016 graduate of Euclid High School, joined the Navy over two years ago.

“I joined the service to combine family tradition with personal growth and self-improvement,” said Bruce.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Cleveland.

“Growing up in Cleveland taught me to adapt to different situations and overcome obstacles, to have adaptabilityand resilience,” said Bruce.

During the 10 weeks at RTC Great Lakes, sailors learn five warfighting competencies – firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding, and small arms marksmanship.

NSGL is the Navy’s largest training installation and the home of the Navy’s only boot camp. Located on over 1,600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports more than 50 tenant commands and elements as well as more than 20,000 sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilianswho live and work on the installation.

Two commands at NSGL are Surface Warfare Engineering School Command Great Lakes (SWESC GL) and Surface Combat Systems Training Command Great Lakes (SCSTC GL). Every surface Navy engineer, quartermaster, boatswain’s mate and deck seaman attends SWESC GL for technical training. These sailors leave SWESC GL as surface warriors, ready to perform aboard ships operating around the globe. Instructors at SCSTC GL provide a culture of excellence and warrior toughness by building a surface warrior mindset to complement the technical and tactical skillsets.

“I enjoy the endless growth opportunities, learning leadership skills and networking both on the civilianand military side,” said Bruce.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Bruce serves a Navy that operates forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperityand security

“Serving in the Navy means having honor and duty to self by putting on my uniform and always being a leader and being ready to do the right thing at the right time,” said Bruce.

Bruce is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my mother, Sonji Deal, and my father, Donell Bruce, both Navy veterans, for their unwavering support throughout my Navy career,” added Bruce.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class

James Green

Petty Officer 2nd Class

Chardon native performs maintenance on a hatch mechanism aboard USS Nimitz

Legalman 2nd Class

Maria Woodrum

Legalman 2nd Class Maria Woodrum, from Chardon, Ohio, performs maintenance on a scuttle aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Pacific Ocean, July 26, 2024. Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hannah Kantner)

Dr. JACKLYN A. CHISHOLM,

LEADING STEP FORWARD WITH DIVINE GUIDANCE

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” – Maya Angelou.

BY SHELLEY SHOCKLEY PWM MANAGING EDITOR

Jacklyn A. Chisholm, Ph.D., is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Step Forward, the state of Ohio's designated anti-poverty agency for Cuyahoga County. The agency is tasked and trusted to lead the grassroots fight against poverty in the county. The nonprofit organization helps low-income individuals and families address immediate needs and build long-term skills to transform their lives through early childhood education programs, adult skills training, and other support.

Over the past 60 years, Step Forward has made a significant impact, helping low-income individuals and families address and overcome the causes of poverty specific to their situation. The work, however, is not done. Since 2015, Jacklyn Chisholm has been working to right the ship and continue to support the agency's mission “to propel educational attainment and economic selfsufficiency for multiple generations throughout Cuyahoga County.”

Phenomenal Woman recently sat down with Dr Chisholm to discuss her remarkable journey and goals for the organization. With natural light flowing from her windows facing Lake Erie, calm and peace surround her space. Adding to the tranquility are the positive affirmations blanketing the walls and shelves. The atmosphere aligns well with the agency's vision “to help people find hope, believe in their future, and take steps to make it a reality”

A native Clevelander, Chisholm was raised on the city's southeast side in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. The serenity she experiences and seeks today was not always present, but her desire for more and to be the best Jackie helped guide her to higher heights.

Growing up, the middle daughter of a single mother, Chisholm faced many of the challenges her clients face today. Before joining the ranks of a single parent, her mom endured an abusive relationship until one day, the hurt, anger, and frustration pushed her into action. Chisholm described her action as a “gangster move” by her mom as she prepared to leave her marriage.

PHOTOS: JASON GARRETT, The Blush Gallery

She said her mom was tired and fed up with her father's abuse, so one weekend, when he was off spending time with his other woman, her mom packed up the girls and left. Her mom suffered the consequences later, but eventually, her parents divorced. She said of that time, “I'm so proud of my mother for doing that because she asked us before if she could get a divorce, and we're like, no. We didn't want to be a broken family. But after a while, you go, you know what, let's just stop this.”

Years later, her mother remarried, this time to an alcoholic, and while he wasn't as abusive, it was not a healthy relationship She said her mother married him because he said he would buy a house for her and her children, and he did. However, her mother's history of heart disease and stress would lead to her passing away at the age of fifty-three.

Living in this environment impacted a young Jackie, who, at the tender age of 14, was involved in an unhealthy romantic relationship A romance so traumatic, she declared, “I'd rather be dead than doing this.”

Acknowledging the trauma did not immediately release her from the pain because she remained in the relationship while attending John F. Kennedy High School, where, despite the trauma, she earned all A's except math. The lone academic blemish stemmed from an encounter with one of her teachers in a Major Work class. She was having trouble understanding a concept, and instead of helping, he said, “If you don't know that, you don't belong here.” Hurt, mad, and dejected, Jackie moved to the back of the classroom and spent three years doodling - not learning.

Reflecting on that situation today, Dr Chisholm said, “Because of a decision I made, I can't even blame him. But because of the decision I made, it prevented me from getting into places I wanted to go to ” The place she wanted to go was Harvard University, a dream she carried from a young age. Admittedly, she said it was a stretch for me to go somewhere outside of Cleveland. Also, she said, “I was too busy being in love.” Not to be deterred, she set her sights on a single school - Case Western Reserve University(CWRU).

Childhood experiences, good and bad, have lasting impressions, and when Chisholm was nine or ten years old, she recalls visiting Severance Hall to see the Cleveland Orchestra. While in Severance Hall, she looked across the street, noticed a building, and asked what that was. An adult came along, replying, “That's Case Western Reserve, and a young Jackie responded, “I'm going there.” This memory was held in her subconscious until it was time to determine where she would go to college.

The same teacher doubted her abilities when she decided to apply, but she pushed forward and applied. She was not initially accepted, but the chair of the John F Kennedy Math Department interceded, asking Case officials to interview Chisholm before denying her the opportunity. Chisholm set up the interview and was offered conditional admission - she had to receive a 'C' or above during her tenure. Dr Chisholm proudly reported, “I received 'A's' at Case, but if she had not taken that step, I wouldn't have gone.”

This quiet act of kindness is something Chisholm has experienced throughout her life. "People believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself,” she said. That confidence propelled her to achieve and “prove them right.”

Her perseverance was also fueled by something her mother said when introducing her young daughters to

someone, she said: “This is my oldest, this is my youngest, and this is the smart one.” At that moment, Jackie said, “I realized my role within the family. That's why I say if an “A” is a possibility, an “A+” is what I'm shooting for because, in my family, I was the smart one.”

As a first-generation college student, she had a lot to learn. She says, “I was learning how to do college.” One of her first challenges was understanding that high school is drastically different, with one key difference being that there are no bells to indicate it's time to change classes.

Coming from an environment where ninety-five percent of the student population looks like you to one where you are the minority was a shock for Chisholm. She said, “All of a sudden, I'm going, wait a minute. It's everybody I knew it was a selective university, which wasn't surprising. But to suddenly realize that I was a minority, I felt like somebody dropped me in Oz, and only eight of us in this class.” This was her first collegiate course - Chemistry, held in a large lecture hall with 250 students.

That experience led to her first anthropology course. The offerings for the Global Studies requirement were either English, History, or Anthropology Chisholm chose anthropology, the systematic study of humanity. The professor was Charles Callender, and she fell in love with his teaching methods and took every class he offered. She would later choose a career as an anthropologist.

“ “

When I come to any organization, I don't look at it from the perspective of just the numbers or anything like that. I look at the culture that's being communicated there.

After ending the abusive relationship and beginning college, the bumpy roads were not yet in Chisholm's rearview mirror While attending Case, she met a young man and fell “in lust” when she saw him. She described him as a green-eyed Black man, traits she had never seen—traits that captivated her until she felt she was fishing, and reeled him in. The young couple met and married, but love and happiness were not a part of their contract.

She believed she had the handsome catch, and he saw her as his “Eliza Doolittle” and planned to teach her to be a lady. The most traumatic part of this marriage, she said, was she was no longer eligible for financial aid. College was her way out of a physically abusive relationship, only to now find herself in a mentally abusive situation.

In a short span, Jackie went from believing life would be better if she were dead to being suicidal. After separating from her husband and losing a baby, she felt nothing but pain. She was walking along Euclid Avenue, thinking, “Why don't you just walk in front of a bus? I saw the bus coming and thought this would all go away The only reason I didn't step in front of the bus was because I heard my mother's voice saying, 'If you kill yourself, you go straight to hell, and you can't come out of hell. So then I thought I have to figure out a way not to kill myself to God.”

Continued on next page ...

She made her way back to her dorm, and everything she was thinking began to spill out of her in a conversation with a girl she can't remember. Chisholm remembers matter-of-factly repeating what she had just experienced, and the young lady took her straight to the counselor's office. She describes the feeling as “You get to a point where you can't shove so much into a drawer, you can't close the drawer” The many traumas she had witnessed and experienced left the drawer overflowing, and only through counseling has she been able to unpack it and release the pain so the drawercould close.

Having felt death was the answer on two occasions, she said, “There were different points in my life where I didn't have to be here. So, I'm mindful of how blessed I am.” Periodically, Chisholm rides through her old neighborhoods to visualize how blessed she is. She says, “Sometimes you forget how blessed you are.”

With God and his Word as her guiding force, Chisholm said she is a “Servant leader,” I am here and anywhere I have been because God placed me there.” You can recognize her divine path as she describes her life, particularly her commitment to prayer and talking to God.

Entering Case, her goal was to become a cardiothoracic surgeon despite having an aversion to key components of that specialty. She explained, “I can't stand needles, I can't watch anybody take my blood, and I don't like blood. You have to do those things, right? But what I like is being a doctor.”

Chisholm's first two years of college were challenging both academically and personally. During that time, she left campus for a period, and her grades tanked, but her commitment to completing her education never wavered.

When it came time to declare a major during her junior year, she looked at her transcripts and remembered, " My “A's” were in anthropology I'm an anthropologist.” Further explaining her choice, she said, “I tell people all the time to follow your passion, and it became my passion.

Chisholm returned to school after her divorce, ready to end her undergraduate studies and begin medical school. The first step was to meet with Dean Davis, her pre-med adviser. She met with him and said, “I'm ready to go to medical school.” Davis looks at the folder holding her academic records and bluntly responds, “Not with shit, you don't.” Before bursting her bubble, he asked if he

could be honest, and she said yes. To enter medical school, he listed the classes she would have to complete and the grades she had to get before she could proceed.

Reflecting on that conversation, she said it all came back to “learning to do college” during her freshman and sophomore years. Understanding the reality of fulfilling her dream, Chisholm immersed herself into the collegiate life prior to marrying her second husband. To achieve her goals, she enrolled in all the supplemental classes offered. This included a speed reading class, note-taking and time management classes. Time Management helped her to complete her tasks from the beginning of the day at 6 a.m. and throughout the day - when to eat, sleep, and everything in between.

Sitting in the Student Union, she realized her plan was working A classmate approached her and said, “Congratulations.” Confused, she asked, “For what?” He told her she had made the Dean's List. She said she never looked back, and after eight years, she received her B.A. in Medical Anthropology.

After completing school, Chisholm was recruited for an Executive Training Program for the May Corporation, where she managed all aspects of three departments totaling $2 million in inventory, including marketing, budgeting, business forecasting, market research, stock distribution and allocation, vendor negotiations, and customer relations.

With a grounding in business, she would return to Case Western Reserve University as an Admissions Counselor in the Office of Undergraduate Admission. In this position, she was responsible for developing strategic marketing initiatives to increase undergraduate student enrollment and creating and presenting college admission workshops.

After two years, she was promoted to Coordinator of Recruitment and Placement in the Office of Minority Programs, where she had a chance encounter with a man from Reed College. During a break at a conference at Hampton University, Chisholm sat in deep thought admiring boats on the Chesapeake Bay when he approached and asked what she was thinking about, to which she replied, “I'm trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.” Further describing the meeting, she said, “I was told there was something to do next, and I didn't know what.”

What seemed like a chance encounter, Chisholm believes, was God preparing her for her next journey. After a fruitful conversation about what she liked to do, he asked if she had ever considered cultural psychology He explained what it was and why it was appealing to her, and he made plans to see if Case had a similar degree track.

Returning home, she made an appointment with Woody Gaines, an anthropologist, to discuss cultural Psychology. Gaines explained that they didn't have that program, but he was working on a master's and PhD proposal for something similar. He asked if she was interested, and she was, so Chisholm was in the first class and would receive a Master's degree in Psychological Anthropology.

To best explain psychological anthropology, she said, “In New Guinea, a woman comes to a doctor and says my heart hurts. In Western medicine, the doctor would start running a series of tests to rule out whether she is having a heart attack. In New Guinea, the doctor understands that she's telling him that her husband's cheating on her” Chisholm said it's all about understanding the culture.

Now that she clearly understood the direction she would take, Chisholm said that when she initially finished her undergraduate medical anthropology degree, it took eight years. During these eight years, life happened - the abusive relationship, separation, and divorce from her first husband, marrying her current husband of 39 years, and having a child.

She continued to work at Case while studying for both her master's and doctorate degrees, rising to Associate Vice President, specifically, the first Associate Vice President for Community Partnerships. Some of the key programs she oversaw included creating the Center for Community Partnerships, where she developed and implemented a university-wide strategy for integrating and coordinating community partnership and outreach activities. She also developed the Employer Assisted Housing Program (EAHP).

While serving as Associate VP and enjoying her seventeen-year job, which she believed she would retire from, God said it was time to go. Dr. Chisholm, the obedient daughter, asked for instruction. She was instructed to call three people, and one of those individuals served on the Board of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. This person told her there was a position that she would be a good fit for at the museum, but she wasn't interested. She explained, “I don't like rock music. So, for five months, she prayed before following the divine instruction.

To explain how this worked, she said, “Had I not gone there, I wouldn't have understood how a premier nonprofit functions. Terry took me under his wing and helped me understand the finances. I told him what I wanted to do, that I wanted to be a CEO. And so he helped me. He helped me understand what it meant to be a CEO. And I watched him. I spent a lot of time watching him, and he positioned me well.”

Jackie was more than a sponge learning from President and Chief Executive Officer Terry Stewart as the first Vice President of Planning and External Affairs; she led the strategic planning process, developed metrics, and assessed progress toward achievement. Additionally, she managed local, state, and federal government relations activities, identifying, submitting, and lobbying for competitive grants and appropriations and coordinating visits bydignitaries and legislators.

Part of her Rock Hall legacy was directing the development and construction of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum's Library and Archives facility (in partnership with Cuyahoga CommunityCollege).

Before taking the reins of Step Forward, Chisholm served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Music Cultural Center and is the president and founder of It's Worth It Consulting, LLC.

Dr Chisholm's latest God ordained position is as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Step Forward, a position she did not seek, but once and again yielded to God's plan for her life. This position, much like others in her life also afforded her the ability to use the training she received as an anthropologist.

To understand the process, Chisholm says “When I come to an organization, I don't look at it from the perspective of just the numbers or anything like that. I look at the culture that's being communicated.” To understand the culture at Step Forward, she interviewed almost every employee, explaining “It took me several years to do it, but the reason it was important to me is because every one of them has a piece of the culture, and they can tell you what it is.” She said, “If you look at it in terms of a quilt you sewed, I have all of these pieces and my job is to put it back together so that it's seamless.”

Continued on next page ...

Phenomenal Facts:

§ BA, MedicalAnthropology

§ MA, PsychologicalAnthropology

§ PhD, psychological anthropology with an emphasis in educational anthropology Case Western Reserve University

§ Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School of GovernmentAlumni

§ 1 Vice President of Planning and ExternalAffairs at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

§ At Case Western Reserve University:

st ¡ 1 Associate Vice President for Community Partnerships

st ¡ 1 Director of Community Relations

st ¡ 1 coordinator of recruitment and placement in the office of minority programs

§ Author of the book Leadership Lessons: Notes From and For the Journey.

§ Recipient of several executive education certificates from prestigious universities;

¡ The Harvard Business School

¡ Harvard Kennedy School of Government

¡ Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania

¡ The Samuel Curtis Johnson Grad. School of Management at Cornell University.

§ Serves as Board Chair of the Ohio Urban Community Action Network (OUCAN)

§ Serves on the Pre-KAdvisory Group of the Cleveland Foundation

§ Served as Co-Chair of the Families and Children's First Council

§ Served as Vice Chair of the Women of Color Foundation

§ Served on theAdvisory Boards of the Cleveland Early Childhood Compact and

§ United Way of Greater Cleveland'sAccountable Health Communities.

§ Recipient of numerous awards including

¡ YWCAof Greater Cleveland Woman of Achievement

¡ Crain's Cleveland Business Woman of Note

¡ YWCAof Greater Cleveland Woman of Professional Excellence

¡ Women of Color Foundation ISISAward

¡ Council for Opportunity in Education NationalTRIO Achiever

¡ Cleveland Educators ForumAlumniAchievers Hall of Fame

¡ Alpha KappaAlpha Sorority, Inc. Great Lakes Region Community Honoree

¡ City of Cleveland Black History Month Honoree

¡ Who's Who in Black Cleveland

¡ Alumna of Leadership Cleveland and a past member of

¡ The Western Reserve Chapter of Links, Inc.

Chisholm's goal for the organization is “to be the premier community action agency in Ohio, if not the country. I want people flying in to say how did they do that in Cleveland?” In assessing the organization, Chisholm wanted to determine relevance as an agency and how were they caring for the staff. The agency is needed and relevant because Cleveland is number one in poverty, the second part was a little harder. When talking about salaries she said, “We had positions where people that we were paying to the work have salaries that made them eligible to receive our services. That was problematic for me.” It has taken seven years, but she doesn't believe anyone makes less than a living wage today.

In nine years, Dr. Chisholm has worked to update the way the organization does business. She said, “This was an organization that needed to be revitalized, has been doing phenomenal work, and the staff are amazing. Many of the staff here either personally used our services or they have family members use our services. So they're passionate about the work.”

Organization she says was the missing link. She explained, “Many of our systems were antiquated systems. We were still doing manual stuff. And because I'm a systems person, I always say if we have to go around that tree twice, the third time better have a system because it doesn't make sense for us to keep doing that. And we were doing a lot of things like that.”

Step Forward's intervention programs have been well crafted to meet the important needs of our community. From Emergency Assistance Services, Head Start, Energy Assistance Programs, to Personal and Professional Development services, it has become a sought-after organization in our region. In 2023, more than 90% of Step forward's $42 million operating budget directly supported programs and services, enabling it to serve more than 29,000 people in our community.

Dr. Chisholm recently achieved a lifelong dream when she became an alumna of the Harvard Business School. Thanks to her extraordinary services, she has received numerous awards and accolades from distinguished organizations.

When she's not leading Step Forward, Chisholm spends time with her family which includes her husband of 39 years, two children and two grandchildren. Describing her husband she said, “My husband is my safe space. I don't have to pretend to be anybody with him.” She is a member of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church and serves as the chair of the Ohio Urban Community Action Network (OUCAN). She limits her commitment to outside organizations saying, “At the end of the day, I'm giving myself permission to do the things that give me joy, and what gives me joy is going home.”

Throughout her journey, Chisholm has leaned on God, sought professional counseling and worked with executive coaches. She believes that all of these are key tools we need to maintain and excel in the business world.

Dr. Chisholm's life story is a testament to hard work, dedication and devotion to family and self-belief. And life has taught her a few hard-earned lessons along the way. Her accomplishments make her truly extraordinary by even the most exacting, objective standards. But most importantly, this Phenomenal Woman strives to make a positive difference in people's lives, in line with the great words of Dr. Maya Angelou, “being a rainbow in some one's cloud.” g

SUMMER

WWE SUMMER SLAM 2024

By Letitia Nell PWM Contributing Writer

Cleveland Browns Stadium hosted the WWE 2024 Summer Slam events from morning to evening, where girls and women behind the scenes and in the ring, volunteered, cheered, and persevered with 57,791 guests in attendance. The day started with Meals of Hope, Volunteers, and Wrestlers packing 100,000 meals for those in need in Greater Cleveland. While Kaitlyn and Haidyn Carpenter packed meals, female wrestlers such as Chelsea Green and Bayley, visited and brought excitement to the 150+ morning volunteers. Male wrestlers such as Big E, Omos, Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, and the Miz also supported the food packing efforts. The friendly competition to fill the most boxes drove enthusiasm that prepared the wrestlers for the evenings' entertainment and festivities.

Although a male dominated sport in the past, WWE has become the home of female wrestlers around the world. Paving the way for females since 1986, shows like G.L.O.W. – Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling were the foundation that inspired so many ladies to compete. In the ring for the main events, Liv Morgan battled Rhea Ripley for the Women's WWE Championship, as crazy twists and turns unfolded. Additionally, Bayley wrestled top contender Nia Jax (Queen of the Ring) and Nia was victorious and also picked up a title belt. In the crowd, fans such as Bobbinete Carey, an independent Cleveland Wrestler, was in the audience with friends and family to celebrate this occasion. Carey states she is inspired by Nia Jax because “she is a body positive female wrestler.” Fans cheered the entire night and the fan fare was off the charts. There was a mass yet orderly exodus after the event as fans remained excited about WWE 2024 Summer Slam.

Volunteers, Kaitlyn and Haidyn Carpenter of Canton, OH

Female Wrestler Bayley

Female Wrestler Chelsea Green

Fans

Bobbinette Carey, Niles, OH and new friends she met at the event

Amanda Jones and Brooklyn Figueroa Oshkosh, Wisconsin

UPGRADE YOUR BEDROOM

This duvet is designed with different dreams in mind. Embrace the Vant Polaris Comforter for alternative comfort that still meets the highest standards of sleep.

Embrace the Vant Polaris Pillows for alternative comfort that still meets the highest standards of sleep. Visit ... https://vantpanels.com

For a modern touch, build a sleek leather headboard in a luxurious zigrino or vintage leather sheen. If you're after a plush, cozy experience, choose from suede, wool, or velvet headboard configurations. Add more panels to your display for an impressive, tall headboard or accent wall. Alternatively, keep your hanging headboard low and wide for a sweeping, inviting feel. https://vantpanels.com/pages/wallpanels-and-headboards

ANNOUNCING BACK-TO-SCHOOLING SEPTEMBER,

AN APPRECIATION MONTH FOR CLASSROOM EDUCATORS

Pre-K – College Educators Invited to Experience Greater Cleveland Aquarium for FREE September 1-30

You know which fish are the smartest?

The ones that spend the most time in schools, of course!

To salute some of the (sea) stars of learning, Greater Cleveland Aquarium is inviting all classroom educators to add a splash of fun to their return to academia with a FREE visit. During , teachers Pre-K – Back-to-Schooling September college are invited to enjoy a no-cost aquatic adventure. “The start of the school year can be a hectic time and we wanted to offer classroom educators a chance to unwind and leisurely explore nearby lakes and faraway oceans via our fresh and saltwater galleries,” says Education Coordinator Matt Debelak. In addition to free admission and parking (with validation), classroom educators who visit between September1–30,2024,10am–5pm,arealsoeligiblefor 10% off any level Annual Pass AND will be entered for a chance to win a $100 Staples® gift card to help with studentorofficesupplies.

After going nose-to-nose with native turtles, peering at poison dart frogs, marveling over moon jellies, spotting seadragons and standing under sandtiger sharks, educators have the opportunity to check out an array of educational, curriculumbased program and fieldtrip options that can help energize students' curiosity about the natural world. “It's a no-pressure,

monthlong open house that lets you experience what the Aquarium has to offer,” says Debelak. “Our fieldtrips are customizable by age, interests and educational goals, so hope this will give teachers both a small break and a little insight into the STEM learning opportunities here.”

This limited time offer applies solely to the educator and is not available online. To access free admission during Back-to-Schooling September, pre-K/elementary/middle/high school teachers and college professors must present proof of employment at the front Ticket Counter the day of their visit. Offer includes parking with ticket validation but does not cover family, friends or guests.

While the Aquarium regularly hosts Homeschool Family Days, one-day classroom educator open houses and virtual programs, Back-to-Schooling September is the first time the Aquarium has offered a month of free admission for classroom educators. “We're excited to give educators from across Northeast Ohio a chance to experience our space and to see how an aquarium visit can help advance students' understanding of food webs, ecosystems, animal adaptations and other topics,” says Debelak.

For details or questions, call 216.862.8803 or visit greaterclevelandaquarium.com.