P.O.W.E.R. Magazine Spring 2019

2019 SPRING ISSUE

T

rish McEvoy has loved beauty products since she was five years old playing in her grandmother’s perfumery. Born in Ireland, she lived with her grandmother in Germany until the age of 12. The name Trish McEvoy is synonymous with makeup and beauty. At the age of 25, she founded Trish McEvoy Beauty and turned it into a multi-million dollar company within five years. In 1978, she opened one of the nation’s first medispas in New York City, “The Dr. Ronald Sherman/Trish McEvoy Skin Care Center,” with her husband, a renowned dermatologist, as her partner. They pioneered the revolutionary marriage of beauty and science. Trish has served as the makeup artist of choice for many of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Angelina Jolie, Dame Judi Dench, the cast of CNN and Good Morning America among many.

www.trishmcevoy.com

Trish McEvoy Entrepreneur Makeup Artist Trish McEvoy Beauty

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You state that makeup has the power inside and outside. What do you mean by that?

Makeup has so much power on the inside and on the outside. It is such great fun. You can play with different moods and create different attitudes. You can change your entire appearance with makeup. The empowering part is that so many women feel the pressure of everyday life. I view makeup and skin care as a part of self-love and self-care. We often don’t think of our own maintenance and the importance of putting our best foot forward. Makeup provides the ability to present a rested look and a clear complexion. I think all of us have our private world and then we have our world that we show the world. Makeup can be empowering from the inside out. It can be your armor and prepare you for what the day has in store.

I heard that your grandmother inspired you. Tell me about that.

My grandmother was a very big part of my life because I lived with her when I was a young girl. She owned perfumeries and restaurants. I was fascinated with the women walking into the perfumery. They would walk in with one mood and walk out with another. There are very few fields you can go into where in an hour you can change someone’s entire mood. My grandma’s perfumery is where I discovered the magic of beauty.

What pushed you to make the switch from being strictly a makeup artist to creating your own product line?

My dream was to be an entrepreneur.

I had a tragedy in my life while working in corporate America and decided I needed to make a change and began working at a small pharmacy boutique.

I met the most amazing people and I developed my clientele. What I noticed when I was doing makeup is how difficult it was for women to apply their own makeup. The products being sold at the time had this useless, spongy applicator.

Rather than use them, I had my own hand-cut brushes created by a brush artisan. Everybody asked for these brushes.

At that time there were no high-quality luxury brushes available in the U.S. market. That was my foray into creating products that filled the need of not only other makeup artists but also my clients.

You and your husband worked together to create your skin care line. What challenges did you face when you started working together?

My husband and I had the unique experience of meeting each other, clicking and the clicking never stopped. It was a magical journey and we were very fortunate that I had my clients and he had his patients. We looked at their needs and collectively we put together what we felt was perfect for our clients, which was easy, effective skin care that showed results. We were the first that developed facials that didn’t take three hours. We developed the “come in, take care of the problem and you leave looking fabulous and feeling like a million bucks” type of facial. We were one of the first medispas in the country. It’s a journey of innovation and great fun.

Many women find that when they go through menopause, they see a change in their skin. What can they do?

I never saw change in menopause. I never had a hot flash or dry skin. I’m very lucky. Many women with menopause fear that their skin gets drier and what they focus on is putting more and more moisturizer on. What I always tell them to do is to ensure that they exfoliate properly so that their skin care products are able to better absorb. I also tell them to be very aware of facial hair. I’m a big believer in getting that facial hair off because if you have a lot of facial hair

your foundation doesn’t look smooth.

You have hairs that pop up. There are many different ways of removing facial hair including threading methodologies, waxing methodologies, and laser. You can simply tweeze as well.

How do you balance your professional and family life?

I compartmentalize everything. It’s very important to take the time to really enjoy and speak to your family and friends. Take the time to have things organized at home so that nothing becomes chaotic. Being organized and calm is the key. It’s important to set up a schedule to spend focused time together.

What advice would you give to women interested in going into the beauty industry?

If you love it and you’re obsessed with it, it’s going to be fabulous for you.

Research what you want to do. Then really look at the opportunities in that field. In today’s world it’s so easy. If you go into skin care, go to a beauty school.

Same thing with color, but when you’re finished with that then get a mentor.

The beauty field has many aspects of it, like any other field.

You have two books. Tell us about them.

I have “The Power of Makeup: Looking Your Level Best at Every Age,” which explains the power of makeup.

My second book was “The Makeup of a Confident Woman: The Science of Beauty, the Gift of Time, and the Power of

Putting Your Best Face Forward.” They both show the power of makeup, the power of confidence and the evolution of how you feel by wearing makeup. I explain the evolution of what a liner can do to make your eyes be more defined; the evolution of putting things in an organized manner; the evolution of applying fragrance. I’m a big believer in: “Beauty is a lifestyle.” When things go in order, your confidence builds. Both books speak of power and confidence.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means making someone feel good, being direct and teaching someone the tools to feel good.

Sometimes to empower someone is not very easy. It seems like everyone wants a compliment all the time and with empowerment, sometimes it’s not about compliments. Sometimes it’s a roadmap, and the roadmap to confidence is about feeling good about yourself.

Name one outstanding quality that you think people should know about you or remember you by.

Being direct. I like to be direct because I feel this way everybody has a true understanding of expectations and boundaries. I think everyone understands that self-respect is very important.

When you’re really direct then you are authentic, which is everything.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 3

Learn the Power of MakeupÂŽ and seize each day with Beauty Confidence.

www.trishmcevoy.com

Owner and Consultant Diva Business Solutions

RISING

Stars

Fran T. Romeo

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ran T. Romeo is the owner of Diva Business Solutions, a Florida-based company that provides a variety of small business solutions for start-ups and small businesses nationally including web design, web development, business consulting, branding, e-commerce web design, web site updates, logos, graphic design, promotional products, video marketing, blogging, social media, SEO and copyrighting services.

With almost 30 years experience, Fran oversees the operations of the company and serves as a consultant. She is a branding and promotional product specialist, marketing consultant, and commercial printer, with specialties in web design, web development, and graphic design. Fran belongs to the eWomanNetwork Foundation, I.A.W. and B.N.I. organizations.

In her spare time, she enjoys golf and fundraising. divabusinesssolutions.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 5

Table

OF CONTENTS

In the Limelight

Cover Story

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Trish McEvoy, Entrepreneur, Makeup Artist and Author

26 Inventor and Entrepreneur

J O Y

Patti Stanger, Professional Matchmaker and Entrepreneur

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With almost 20 years of successful sales, a best-selling novel, and a movie based upon her life, Joy Mangano is someone that every woman aspires to be: a self-made millionaire.

Read her wonderful story.

Mangano

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Dolores Catania, Cast member, “The Real Housewives of New Jersey�

86 Judith Ripka, Jewelry designer for over 40 years

P.O.W.E.R Awards Gala

Tonia’s Talk

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P.O

.W.E.R. is please d to ann ounce exception their aw al wome ards gal This wil n in diff a honorin l be an erent ind g evening ustries celebra and pro of dining ting all fession , dancin women s. g, net of P.O .W to benefit .E.R. The working, shopping Monda and re will ys at Rac also be Honorees ine Ca a silent ncer Ca auction will inc re lude som Founda tion. e of our outstan ding me mbers Wher as we ll as cele e: The Mansio brities. n at Oy ster Bay When in Woodb : May ury, NY 16, 201 Time: 9 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm For furt her info rmation call: 516 -365-3 222 Tickets are $12 5 per per Table of son 10 is $11 0 / per Table of son 8 is $12 0 / per Our sile son nt auction will ben efit Mo ndays provides at Racine complim cancer entary care pro ser vice s and sup gram, every Mo which por tive nday for therapies cancer patients.

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Woman of the Year 34 | P.O .W.

E.R. Ma gazine

Ruby Hernandez Kelley Gardner

Woman of Distinction

Gardening Tips

Marjorie Graf

It’s “Green Thumb” time!

Buy mulch, manure, and start saving egg shells...

Women of the Month

18 Elaine Swann

Kym Douglas

Regular Features P.O.W.E.R. Publicity Book Corner

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Women of Excellence

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66 50 Barbara

Steingas

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Italian Potato String Bean Salad, French Toast, Grilled Asparagus, Meat & Pasta Casserole

Rising Stars

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Trending in fashion: Asymmetric jeans!

Everything’s coming up coral, wedding confetti & other trends.

Spring Recipes

Mentor of the Quarter

P.O.W.E.R.ful Women

Laura Wasser

An evening of dining, dancing, & networking... to benefit Mondays at Racine. Details.

Sara Anne’s Suggested Trends

Lavinia Errico

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70 Money Power

Trish Regan

48

P.O.W.E.R. VIP List

76

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Empowered Women’s List

81

It’s Your Money!

Don’t Leave It Up to Anyone

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By Janet Lombardi

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 7

m

ondays at Racine is a nonprofit cancer care foundation located in 16 strategic areas across Long Island, New York, New Jersey and Indiana. Deeply affected by her family’s affliction with cancer, Karla Waldron created Mondays at Racine with her sisters Cynthia Sansone and Rachel DeMolfetto.

This network of salons and spas open their doors every Monday to provide beauty, health and wellness services to men and women undergoing treatment for cancer, all at no cost to the patient. Offering such services as head shaving, wig care, Reiki therapy, esthetics, cosmetics and massage therapy, this program is about treating the whole person, not just the disease.

Additionally, Mondays at Racine provides “Yoga For Cancer” classes in select areas. Their mission is to create a change in how people cope with and live with cancer.

They encourage a self-empowering, mind-body approach for treatment, in concert with traditional medicine, to ensure wellness and vitality. Their desired outcome is to help decrease the anxiety and disruptive nature of a cancer diagnosis. Since 2003, more than 8,000 patients have received complimentary beauty and wellness services. Mondays at Racine is a place where solace, support and a sense of community can be found. They are truly changing the face of cancer one Monday at a time.

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From left to right: Rach el DeMolfetto, co-foun der; Rosemar y Berger VP/program director; , Karla Waldron, executi ve di re cto r; Michelle Powell; Cynthi a Sansone, president/ fo un de r; and Annmarie Murph y.

Why was this organization created?

After opening our salon, Racine Salon and Spa, we had a unique proximity to the community and began to see more and more clients getting the cancer diagnosis. Remembering how our mother suffered while going through her own battle, in the mid-80s, we decided to open our doors one day a month and provide free beauty and wellness services to anyone going through treatment for cancer.

Do you provide services for all cancer patients or patients with a specific type of cancer?

Our services are available to anyone going through any kind of cancer.

We provide services for men and women.

How many hair salon partners do you currently have and in what states?

How would a salon go about joining this program?

We currently have 16 charter programs throughout New York, New Jersey and Indiana. Any salon, spa, yoga studio, acupuncture practice or wig specialist can provide the Mondays Program. We have created a model that can easily be adopted. There is a license agreement and an extensive training program before they can get certified.

How has being part of this foundation changed your lives?

Being able to help thousands of people get through the ravages of cancer and cancer treatments has had a profound effect on all of us. It is a gift to be able to empower and support men and women going through a very scary time in their lives.

How can donations be made to Mondays at Racine?

Anyone wishing to donate can visit: www.mondaysatracine.org/donate.

How has this program helped to empower cancer patients?

Our desired outcome is to help decrease the anxiety and disruptive nature of a cancer diagnosis. We have designed our protocols and services to decrease the side effects of medical procedures, reduce recovery times and enhance the body’s ability to sleep better and heal quicker. Overall, it is our mission to increase a sense of control for anyone going through cancer with targeted therapies and services designed to improve their overall well-being.

Here’s a link to a video we recently created - https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=VL8Pm883ZtI. This should provide a very clear and real look at what Mondays at Racine means to our clients and how it has impacted their lives. www.mondaysatracine.org

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 21

D

r. Gertrude B. Hutchinson has over 45 years experience in the nursing field. She is a lecturer and fulltime faculty at The Sage Colleges (TSC) School of Nursing in Troy, New York and an adjunct professor at SUNY Empire State College (ESC) in Saratoga Springs, New York. She teaches nursing theory, clinical fundamentals, and capstone students at TSC, and advanced pathophysiology and nursing theory online for SUNY ESC. She is the former director of history and education, and archivist at the Center for Nursing at the Foundation of New York State Nurses. Dr. Hutchinson also serves as an Archivist for the American Association for the History of Nursing.

After obtaining a M.A. in History from SUNY Albany in 2007, Dr. Hutchinson continued her education, obtaining a M.S.I.S. in NARA and Records Management from SUNY Albany in 2009.

She then obtained her Doctor of Nursing Science with a focus on Leadership and Education from The Sage Colleges-Sage Graduate School in 2016. Dr. Hutchinson is the Recipient of the Northeast Region New York Organization of Nurse Executives and Leaders Award in recognition of “creative and contemporary leadership in nursing practice.” Dr. Hutchinson is included in the most recent edition of International Who’s Who in Nursing.

Dr. Hutchinson is affiliated with the American Nurses Association, A.N.A.-NY chapter, the International Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International,

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Dr. Gertrude B.

Lecturer and Full-Time Nursing Faculty | The Sage Colleges Adjunct Professor | SUNY Empire State College and the American Association for the History of Nursing. She is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the New York Organization of Nurse Executives and Leaders, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, the American Association for the History of Medicine, the Nurses Educational Fund, the National League for Nurses and its affiliate Nursing League New York and the American Association for the History of Nursing.

In her spare time, Dr. Hutchinson volunteers at the Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church

and serves in many leadership capacities as a life member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, NENYONEL, and is a newly appointed board member to The Omentum Project Discovery Year Advisory Team. She enjoys knitting, crocheting, reading historical fiction, playing piano, walking, and family activities.

Dr. Hutchinson states, “I attribute my success to my inquisitive nature, wanting to help people, education opportunities and having gifts and abilities to leave the world a better place.”

ment is a skill I utilize to balance career, family, and self-care.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Flexibility in work schedules is important. When some women have to take “time off” from their career path for personal reasons, having the ability to work from home to stay on the career ladder would be a wonderful challenge to overcome.

What advice would you give to women starting out in your DNS, RN, MA, MSIS, CCRN-R industry?

Prepare for your career. Attend conferences. Set goals for How did you get started in your One of the biggest challenges I your career path – understanding field/industry? faced at the beginning of my cathat goals set at ages 25-30 may I started my career in acute care reer was understanding that nurs- change. Find a mentor in your nursing. After completing my es don’t know everything right field to help guide your acculturdoctoral studies, realizing I had away. It takes time to grow from ation to the healthcare environbeen teaching in non-convention- a novice to an expert. The same ment wherever you work. al settings my entire career, I was is true of teaching. The developName one outstanding quality hired at SUNY Empire State Col- ment of confidence and expertise that you think people should lege as an adjunct faculty for mas- grows with each course taught and know about you or remember ters-preparing nursing students. with each student encounter. you by.

Now, I am enjoying my career at What is some advice that helped In a conversation with friends Sage with pre-licensure students you juggle your career and fami- about “what would you write for while continuing to mentor and ly life successfully? your epitaph?,” I responded with educate the master’s preparing Advice I received early on was this statement: ‘She was real.’ students at SUNY ESC. to “maintain perspective and That is one quality that people What were some of the biggest manage your time well.” My fam- should know about me. challenges/obstacles you faced in ily time and religious life is very www.sage.edu your career? important to me. Time manageP.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 11

Hutchinson

H

ello spring! Seasons have the ability to change our moods, lives and outlook. Spring is a time for renewal. It can be symbolic for starting new projects and creating new ideas. Talk about ideas! In this issue, we feature amazing women entrepreneurs with million dollar ideas starting with our cover woman, Joy Mangano, who has invented some of the most unique and necessary home products such as the Miracle Mop, Huggable Hangers and My Little Steamer. Judith Ripka, a jewelry expert and designer, has designed fabulous eye-catching jewels that every woman wants to own.

Trish McEvoy, a makeup artist known for teaching the power of makeup, has created some of the best makeup brushes and tools to make every woman look beautiful.

Patti Stanger, a third generation matchmaker, has devoted her life to helping people find love. As star and executive producer of the reality television show The Millionaire Matchmaker and an author, Patti created and works with the clients of The Millionaire’s Club which is dedicated to helping wealthy and demanding men and women find the mate of their dreams. In addition to her role as one of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” Dolores Catania is an entrepreneur who owns multiple fitness centers and is a busy mother to her children and her rescue pets.

This caring woman is also a passionate philanthropist helping her community, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, local women and children’s shelters and animal welfare organizations. Laura Wasser is a renowned divorce attorney to the stars and author, who created “It’s Over Easy” which is an online divorce platform to guide you through every aspect of your case and make it easier to navigate through a divorce without breaking the bank. Lavinia Errico is one of the founders and visionaries behind Equinox Fitness Clubs

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Talk

TONIA’S

that help transform people’s lives both physically and mentally. Elaine Swann, known as the “Etiquette Lady,” is the owner of the Swann School of Protocol. She is the go-to person for everything etiquette, appearing on all the major television and radio programs, as well as in popular magazines. She shares tips on manners and etiquette for us and our children.

Kym Douglas is a television host, beauty, fashion and lifestyle expert, best-selling author, and comedy actress, as well as a breast cancer survivor. Her comedic appearances on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” teach us how important it is to live life to its fullest and not sweat the small stuff.

P.O.W.E.R. member Kelley Gardner is the owner and founder of Kelley Gardner, CRNA, Inc. She is a nurse anesthetist and is passionate about providing safe anesthesia for all patients. Barbara Steingas is a life coach, inspirational speaker and health and healing specialist. She believes harmony between the mind, body and spirit can positively impact a person’s ability to recover from trauma and live a full and healthy life. After following her own health regimen, she was able to regain her health from Crohn’s Disease.

If you have an idea or vision that you wish to achieve, these women are proof that with passion, dedication and hard work, it can come to fruition. We are women of P.O.W.E.R.!

TJA PUBLISHING, LLC

PRESIDENT AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tonia DeCosimo DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Syndi Reibman SENIOR EDITOR Susan Koop EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Ellen Gold PUBLIC RELATIONS Alison Swerdloff MEDIA DIRECTOR Jeremy Felber WEB DESIGNER & IT Chris Ziminski CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cris Bell EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Nicole Crumb Joan Leslie Heller ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Julia Abreu Shari Brozinsky Helene Kaye Sari Meyer Renee Rosenfeld Michele Siemion Jaqueline Winters Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized/P.O.W.E.R. magazine is published quarterly by TJA Publishing, LLC. All biographical information and photographs submitted by members, as well as questions and answers may be altered as necessary to fit our format. While every effort has been made to ensure that information is correct, errors may occur.

There is no guarantee of accuracy, timeliness, and completeness. We are not responsible for other’s opinions or views as expressed herein. P.O.W.E.R. magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials. Copyright 2019 by P.O.W.E.R. magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from P.O.W.E.R. magazine.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 13

Laura A. Wasser

A

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Attorney, Entrepreneur CEO, It’s Over Easy

ttorney Laura A. Wasser is an author, entrepreneur, and an expert in family law. As a high-profile attorney, Laura has represented celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Ryan Reynolds, Angelina Jolie, Maria Shriver, and Stevie Wonder. As a result of having successfully dissolved so many celebrity marriages, she has earned the moniker “Disso Queen.”

Regardless of the client, Laura feels that divorce is the great equalizer, since it terrifies everyone. She has made it her mission to change that through www.itsovereasy.com which is a website that educates and shows couples how to get divorced for somewhere between $750 and $2,500 total. The site provides key services to help clients with getting new medical insurance, finding a new house, and even offers advice for starting to date again in collaboration with the dating app Bumble. As the Founder and CEO of It’s Over Easy, Laura feels that the most important thing is that the site helps women who can’t afford to get divorced to leave bad relationships.

In addition to being a New York Times best-selling author and entrepreneur, Laura is first and foremost an attorney with Wasser, Cooperman & Mandles, specializing in California family law. She is considered something of a rainmaker, having brought in celebrities and high-profile clients for over 20 years. She earned a B.A. in Rhetoric from the University of California at Berkeley and a J.D. from Loyola Law School in 1994. She is a member of the California Bar, the Executive Committee of the Beverly Hills Bar-Family Law Section and Los Angeles Bar-Family Law Section.

In 2013, Laura authored the New York Times best-seller “It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way: How to Divorce Without Destroying Your Family and Bankrupting Yourself.” She launched the podcast “Divorce Sucks!” in 2018. She has been profiled and interviewed in “Vogue,” “Bloomberg News,” “Porter Magazine,” “The Wall Street Journal,” “Vanity Fair,” “The Hollywood Reporter,” “People Magazine,” “The New York Times,” and “The Los Angeles Times” to name a few.

Laura has been named one of the California Daily Journal’s Top 100 Lawyers and Southern California’s Top 50 Women Attorneys every year since 2012. In June of 2008, Laura received the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law Zephyr M. Ramsey Award, and in 2011, she received the Century City Chamber of Commerce Women of Achievement Award. In 2012 and 2013, she was listed as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers by the Los Angeles Magazine Super Lawyers. Laura received the Brady Center Advocate Award and was honored by A Place Called Home at their 2016 Gala for the Children.

What made you decide to become a family law attorney?

I decided to become a family law attorney more out of necessity than anything else. I was married very young after my second year of law school. After my third year, we realized that it probably wasn’t the greatest decision. At the time I had just taken my California bar exam and was waiting for the results while I was clerking for the Western Law Center for Disability Rights. I didn’t have any money and although my husband and I had kind of pooled our income to survive we didn’t really have any assets. I knew I wasn’t going to make it at the Center for Disability Rights, so I went to my dad who was an attorney with a law firm, and I asked if I could work for him. He said, “Absolutely! Your first case can be your divorce if you guys are splitting up.” I’ve been practicing for 25 years and never looked back.

You have a weekly podcast called “Divorce Sucks.” What made you decide to start a podcast with your busy life?

The podcast really goes handin-hand with It’s Over Easy. I do know some famous people and enjoy having them on to talk about what they went through. I also have people on who have been married for several years and we talk about how they make their relationships work.

I have people in the studio who are specialists in the world of finance and post-divorce budgeting. I have experts on discussing kids and the anxiety they face when their parents are going through a divorce. I just want to educate people. I want people to know that it doesn’t have to be so terrifying. It doesn’t have to be soul-crushing. It’s not going to be fun but we’re going to get through it.

Being a high-profile female attorney, what would you say are some of the biggest obstacles or challenges that you faced in your career?

I think my challenges are challenges that many women face just in terms of not being taken seriously.

I had to deal with the fact that not only was I a girl, but also the fact that I was a product of nepotism working for my father. People would often say, “Oh yeah honey, I’ve known you since you were a kid.”

They would underestimate me. I just turned it around and used it to my advantage. I also have seen different ways that women colleagues of mine have dealt with finding their voice in the past 25 years. I’ve seen female attorneys slam their fists on the table, curse, yell and scream. I’ve seen female family law attorneys who are very meek and burst into tears. That doesn’t work for everybody. I really believe you have to have some poise and respect for your opposing counsel, your client, and for your judicial officers. You don’t have to yell. One woman told me if you talk softly, they’ll have to lean in to listen. Have compassion and respect for all people. Most of the time it’s returned.

If it isn’t, you have to hold your head high and just move on.

What advice can you give to women who want to go into family law?

Family law is a great field for women. I remember when I first started practicing, I didn’t have any kids. I had been married, but it was over so fast that there were no support issues or division of assets or custody. I think that particularly as a woman starting the next chapter of her life, getting into family law is great. You can talk about kids; you can talk about home ownership and the related responsibilities; you can discuss what your marital lifestyle may have been like and you can relate to other parents- both women and men. One of the good and bad things about law is most of it’s public, so you can get experience just by going down to your local courtroom and sitting in. You can figure out what’s going on and see what judges

are deciding, what their temperaments are and how it’s working. Go to the self-help center and see if you can help people out. Everybody needs help.

Your book, “It Doesn’t Have to be That Way: How to Divorce Without Destroying Your Family and Bankrupting Yourself,” is a number one New York Times bestseller. Where can our audience find your book?

Get it on Amazon. I’m about to do an update, because when I wrote that book, same sex marriage was not legal. We also did not have the new tax laws that went into effect January 1 of 2019. I’ll definitely be doing a little tweaking to it and probably redistribute it.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to go to the beach and be with my two sons. www.itsovereasy.com wcmfamilylaw.com/attorneys/ laura-wasser/

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 15

I v y S l at e r

I

vy Slater is a professionally certified business coach, speaker, best-selling author, and podcast host. After owning and operating a 7-figure printing business for 20 years, she started Slater Success Coaching (SSC) in 2008. SSC, now celebrating a decade in business, focuses on developing great leaders and facilitating business growth and expansion. Ivy hosts masterminds and retreats with her private client base and provides corporate training on communication and strategic planning. She speaks nationwide on the topics of leadership, sustainable growth, and sales.

In her book “Conquering Your Fear of Money: A Woman’s Guide to Business Success,” Ivy provides a guide for women to follow as they grow their businesses. She encourages them to create specific goals, develop action plans and ensures they have the tools and systems to achieve success. She recently released a second book, “From the Barre to the Boardroom: Choreographing Business Success Through Authentic Relationships” which is a guide to creating a great business through the strength of your relationships and provides a variety of business tips for success. Ivy hosts a weekly podcast, “Her Success Story,” where she interviews gutsy businesswomen and some great men on their success journey.

Owner Slater Success Coaching

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You spent 20 years in the printing industry which is a very male-dominated field. As a woman, what challenges did you have to overcome in order to be successful?

The biggest challenge was in building a book of business. It was still an all-boys club. I ended up finding my way by reaching out to a base of women and building an amazing network of clients.

What led you to move from the printing industry into coaching?

I hadn’t properly mourned my father’s passing.

I was stuck in a rut. Then one day, I was working out with a personal trainer friend of mine, Miranda, and she told me I should be a coach.

You have become a very successful business coach and speaker. How have you grown your business from a start-up to a full-time career?

I did everything wrong for a few years, until I started learning from the best coaches in the industry. I eventually hired my own coach, made a plan, started taking action and everything began to flow from there.

Your new book “From the Barre to the Boardroom” was just released on Kindle. Why did you decide to write this and what do you hope readers gain from it?

My greatest, longest and most profitable accounts have come from relationships and I knew this message and story needed to be shared. This is not a fancy formula; it is simple and it works.

I wanted to share my experiences forward.

What are the top 5 tips you can give to women looking to either start a new business venture or become more successful in their chosen career?

Know your what and your why. Create a plan. Establish specific goals with 90-day action plans. Get in action around activities to bring in sales. Track and know your numbers. Bonus tip: find practices to keep you focused and grounded.

Who is your favorite author?

Napoleon Hill wrote “Think and Grow Rich,” which was the first mind expansion and business development book that made the biggest impact with me. My father was a Dale Carnegie fan and said every salesperson must read it. slatersuccesscoaching.com

Kym Douglas K

ym Douglas is a television host, beauty, Television Host fashion and lifestyle expert, best-selling Actress author, and comedy actress. Additionally, Author she is a sought-after contributor to editorials and magazines around the country. For the past 11 years, she has been delighting viewers with her antics on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Her career started at the age of 16, when she started working as an intern at the local station WJBK in Southfield, Michigan.

She eventually moved on to WLUC in Marquette, Michigan to anchor the evening news.

Kym met her husband, Jerry Douglas, (John Abbott, The Young and the Restless) in 1983 when she hosted the ‘Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon’ in Las Vegas. Jerry was the telethon’s ‘celebrity host from LA.’ Kym made the bold move to ask Jerry if he would let her interview him for her small-town news station in Michigan. Jerry agreed, but only if she would go out to dinner with him, and their instant love story began. They have been married for 34 years.

Like a chef cooking up a new recipe, Kym can often be found using her kitchen as a “beauty lab,” creating a face mask or lotion from things she finds in her cabinets. She often tries out newly concocted products on her son and his friends before sharing them with the world. Kym is a self-proclaimed “Girly-girl.” She loves to wear pretty party dresses, pink lipstick, and she admits that she can never have too many shoes.

With a smile, a laugh and a lot of silk and taffeta, she always manages to add just the right dose of humor as she inspires, informs and encourages people to feel good, find their inner bliss, and become the best version of themselves that they can possibly be.

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They say you are a cross between Goldie Hawn and Lucille Ball. Do you agree with that and how does that make you feel?

It’s an absolute compliment just to be mentioned in the same sentence as them. I remember being a little girl growing up as an only child in Detroit, Michigan. The TV was one of my only friends and I would watch every episode of Lucy. This funny lady would make me feel less lonely, make me laugh and make me happy. That is exactly what I wanted to do for others.

When did you realize you were funny?

I always knew I could tell a story and captivate my audience since I was a very young girl. It’s just the investment I would make in getting my listeners to feel what I was talking about.

It wasn’t until I tried out for “The Second City” improvisational comedy troupe against 2,500 people and I was one of two females they picked that I thought there might be something to this comedy thing and me.

How is it working with Ellen?

Ellen has been one of the kindest people to me in my career.

She is generous and allows the other person to shine. She never made me feel like I couldn’t be funny. She just let me go. It is a high being on her show each and every time. It was supposed to be a one-time thing and I have been her most regular guest for the last 15 years. Ellen changed the course of my career and I will be forever grateful.

You are a breast cancer survivor. Do you mind talking about your experience?

I would talk about my experience every day in any way I could. If I had to get this diagnosis, then it had to be for a reason and that is to help others. I had to take a long hard look at myself and really see what I was doing that could cause something like a tumor to grow inside my body, against my chest wall, next to my heart, yet be hidden under all the dense breast tissue. I hold onto things for a long time. I relive them and mull them over in my heart and mind again and again. I don’t let them go and while I forgive, I don’t forget at all. Now, I realize I have to let go of things, put myself first, and not continue to do things for others while resenting it all along. I was preaching beauty and self-care while not taking care of myself.

Getting this diagnosis of stage three breast cancer threw me for a loop and stopped me on the hamster wheel to a grinding emergency halt. While I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy, it caused me to reassess and rethink the way I live and treat myself. I am in the process of writing a book about my experience and setting up quarterly retreats for women to learn, reveal and heal in all ways in their lives with a spiritual bend.

You’re involved in so many different things, including being a spokesperson for SeroVital. How do you manage to juggle it all and what has been your biggest challenge?

I come from the generation that we women must do it all and all at the same time. We must be the loving wife, cookie-baking mom, always-there-to-listen-best-friend and working woman balancing more than one professional job, always available and ready to work and hustle. That was me. It wore me down and wore me out. I put myself last and didn’t go to annual check-ups, dentists or mammograms and we all know how that worked out for me... not good!

You’ve been married to same man for over 30 years. What’s the secret?

We made a commitment to each other and we are people who keep their word. I believe in family and I think that it is far healthier for children to grow up in a two-parent family unit. Hunter is our gift and we adore him. He just turned 21.

Humor is another huge factor. We laugh a lot and enjoy being free and funny with ourselves and others. Jerry is still interesting to me after all these years. Love keeps us together. We are at 34 years and counting.

You have written five books. Are more on the horizon?

Yes. This next one will be about my health journey, both physical and spiritual. I think it will be able to help a lot of people. I could not have gone through it without my faith and it has only deepened. I feel this was predestined and that God is helping me through it all.

What advice would you give to women trying to juggle work, family and leisure time?

I would say you can do it all, you just can’t do it all at the same time. Prioritize. Your kids need you when they are young, and you never get that time back. I only had one child and was there almost all the time and I still have regrets. So, just say “no” unless it’s absolutely necessary. Be creative and try to do things at home with the kids.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Freedom and strength. It means you have the means to make your own choices and do what is best for you and your family. It means you don’t need to do things that you don’t want to do. It means being strong in all areas of your life and having great self-control and discipline. These are two things I am working very hard on this next year and healing. kymdouglas.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 19

IT’S YOUR MONEY

Don’t Leave It Up to Anyone

“I

need to get my money together,” is a refrain we’ve all said from time to time. Whether you’re single, married, or share life with a partner, don’t leave it up to another person to handle! Like going to the gym or getting your annual health check-up, managing your own finances is not only smart, but good self-care.

Interestingly, women earn higher returns on their investments than men. However, according to a Fidelity study, over 40% of women believe men are better at investing. This lack of confidence is not generational.

Only one in five Gen Y women (born between 1978 and 1988) calls herself the primary decision maker when it comes to personal finance. And the number is rising.

As a woman who has experienced financial infidelity, I learned the importance of knowing, in detail, my own financial landscape. I described in my memoir “Bankruptcy: A Love Story,” (Heliotrope Books 2017), how my attorney-husband hid a mountain of personal and business debt. I knew the finances were taking a nosedive, but had no idea how bad things had become. When the bottom fell out, it hit hard: business debt that had my name attached, an ugly sub-prime mortgage about to balloon to an unpayable sum and, later, an impending prosecution facing my spouse for a white-collar crime I knew nothing about. I was left holding the proverbial bag—

By Janet Lombardi emotionally and financially. After making some bold choices that included selling my home, however, I landed on my feet. I became debtfree, bought my own an apartment, and shepherded two sons through college, without borrowing, paying a bill late, or touching my retirement savings.

Here’s why it’s important that women own their finances: 1. No one is more qualified than you to handle your finances. If you can add and subtract, you can manage your funds. You can ask questions. You can educate yourself.

As I wrote in “Bankruptcy: A Love Story,” I believed I would always “be taken care of ” until I realized the only person able to do that was the person staring back from the mirror.

Pointing the finger to someone else such as a spouse, partner, parent, or financial advisor as the person responsible for your money only gives away your power. You need to know your own bottom line, even if it’s less

than stellar. You can’t fix what you don’t know.

2. Clarity is the ground on which you stand. Financial awareness is the key to making sound financial choices. When you view the numbers in black and white you make decisions based on reality, not on what you wish they were. It’s easy to think you are “okay” without checking, only to discover that you are in better or worse financial shape once you get the numbers on paper.

3. With knowledge comes power. When you have responsibility, understanding, and access to your own finances, you can make decisions about your life, such as whether to stay in a marriage, invest in your own education, or switch jobs. Joint decision-making, a must for a healthy marriage, can only thrive when both parties know and participate in the bottom line.

Here’s the takeaway: equal partners + full honesty = strong relationship.

As I’ve moved forward with a new life partner, I’ve found that having a solid financial plan together instills intimacy and can be fun. Be curious; learn from each other.

4. Finally, clarity around money just feels good. Working on a new spending plan or figuring out how to get out of debt feels so much better than worrying about it. Action is a great antidote to anxiety. For more about financial recovery, please visit my web site www.janetlombardi.com for the 7 Steps to Financial Recovery.

MONEY

Power

Photo by Kaelin Bohlin

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 21

Woman

OF THE YEAR

R

uby H. Hernandez is recently retired after 40 years experience in education. She was a 3rd grade teacher and mentor for Crossville Elementary School in Crossville, Tennessee where she taught all 3rd grade core curriculum. She also served as a teacher mentor for new teachers.

Ruby served on the Cumberland County Textbook Selection Committee, the Cumberland County Absentee Counting Board and was the County 3rd grade chairperson. She created the 3rd grade cursive writing program for Cumberland County and served on the committee for the new principal.

Born in Monterey, Tennessee, Ruby obtained a B.S. in 1972 and a M.S. in 1975 from Middle Tennessee State University. She obtained her Ed.S. from Tennessee Tech in 1981 and has been a Certified Elementary Counselor since 1975. She was awarded the Cumberland County Teacher of the Year (1-4) award in 1985. Ruby is a past president of Delta Kappa Gamma, Xi State Chapter. She is affiliated with the Cumberland County Education System, the National Education Association and the Tennessee Education Association.

Considered an expert on third grade curriculum and standards, Ruby enjoyed serving on a variety of committees to better the school. Being a mentor to younger teachers ensures a new generation of teachers learned from someone who truly loved her job and wanted to pass that love of education on to others. She truly exemplified what it means to be a teacher. In her spare time, she enjoys cross stitching, reading and her Kindle.

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Retired Teacher

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 23

Mentor

OF THE QUARTER

Kelley Gardner

K

elley Gardner is the owner and founder of Kelley Gardner, CRNA, Inc. She has over 34 years of experience in Owner and Founder the healthcare field and is passionate about providing safe Kelley Gardner, CRNA, Inc. anesthesia for all patients. She is certified by the National Board of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. She serves as a coordinator and owner of all CRNA groups delivering high risk anesthesia in Sacramento, California and has developed a reputation as being one of the finest anesthetists in the field. Her company is also performing IV sedation for cataract surgeries. Kelley is now focusing her responsibilities more on the administrative aspects of her business.

After obtaining her B.S.N. from the University of Utah School of Nursing in 1984, Kelley worked as a trauma emergency room nurse until she started graduate school. She earned her M.S. in Nurse Anesthesia from the Abbott Northwestern School of Nurse Anesthesia in 1991. She worked at Kaiser Hospital prior to opening her own practice. Kelley has worked in many underserved rural areas and volunteers her anesthesia skills for medical missions in Haiti. According to Kelley, “Being a nurse anesthetist, you have to be a strong, fearless person, as you are dealing with life and death decisions for your patients.� Kelley specializes in obstetrics, high risk obstetrical anesthesia and general anesthesia. She is a member of the National Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

Kelley is also an independent distributor and consultant for Kyani, which promotes natural health and wellness products. In her spare time, she enjoys snow skiing, golfing, water color painting and sporting clay. www.kelleygardnercrnainc.com/

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Trending in Fashion

Everything’s Coming Up Coral Gone are the days when you would only see living coral in fish tanks. Pantone announced “Living Coral” as the color of the year and we’re seeing it on bags, belts, sundresses, nail polish and more. Pantone said, “They picked this color because it spoke to our society’s innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits.” This is the perfect shade for springtime!

Asymmetric Jeans Designer Ksenia Schnaider has decided to give the world what they’ve NEVER asked for: asymmetric jeans – a version of denim that combines both a fitted leg and flared leg in one pant. Think bell bottoms meets the straight leg in ONE pair of Jeans.

If you are daring and would like to try this, write to us at info@powerwoe.com and let us know if you like the trend or think it’s too over the top!

Trending in Event Planning Wedding Confetti Forget rice; forget wedding bubbles. Now, brides are opting for confetti! There’s no denying the insta-factor still plays a part in wedding planning. And while the wedding hashtag has become all but mainstream now, the new focus is perfecting that wow-worthy confetti moment. The more confetti and the more colorful it is, the better!

Greenery This spring, greenery continues to be a classic go-to shade, with flowers and foliage becoming more organic and lush.

“Trees and use of foliage throughout floral designs will take center stage,” describes wedding planner Bruce Russell. “Florals will be natural, whimsical and romantic.”

Sara Anne’s Trends SUGGESTED

Trending in Technology: Wellness Apps

Headspace App Looking for an easy-to-use app to help with meditation and mindfulness? Download Headspace, which literally gives users a workout for the brain. The goal is for us to take ten minutes a a day to listen in and clear our minds. Celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow and Emma Watson swear by it. Users report they become more alert, have a better attention span and are instantly calm.

By Sara Anne Fingerman Contributing Writer The Flo App This app tracks ovulation, periods, and fertility and gives great insights throughout the month about how your body is working at specific times. If you’re looking to be on the go without Aunt FLO, this app makes planning for vacations or weekend getaways cramp free.

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P

atti Stanger is best known for hosting her own reality television show, which first aired January 22nd, 2008. Patti is also a businesswoman and professional matchmaker. She is the author of numerous books on attracting the perfect mate and finding love. A third-generation matchmaker, she is the founder and CEO of Millionaire’s Club International Inc., a professional matchmaking service for millionaires which she opened in 2000. Previously, Patti served for five years as the director of

marketing and special events for Great Expectations, the oldest and largest dating service in the U.S. Her matchmaking efforts have been featured on “E,” “TV Dateline,” “Dr. Phil,” “Ellen,” “Tyra,” and other television shows as well as in numerous publications including “Marie-Claire,” “Elle,” “Glamour,” “Forbes,” and others. Patti is a popular guest on talk and news shows throughout the world. She has also done guest spots on several television shows including “Drop Dead Diva” and “Days of Our Lives.”

PATTI STANGER Professional Matchmaker, Entrepreneur Millionaire’s Club International Inc.

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What made you decide to pursue a career in matchmaking?

I had a natural inclination of seeing who belongs to whom, who’s getting married, who’s getting divorced and what relationship issues they have. I have this intuition and I would see things happening before they happened. I read vibration frequency and I’m clairvoyant.

Do you find that it’s more difficult to find love as we age?

Absolutely, 150%. Nobody gets out of the house. Restaurants are empty. Everybody’s watching Netflix and we’ve lost connection with other people. Our phones have become our lovers. As we get older, we don’t want to settle.

A lot of midlife crises happens where the older guy goes for the younger woman and then women feel like they’re obsolete when they hit menopause. They feel like they’re no longer useful, which is terrible to teach our children.

We’re not in a society that reveres older people.

What advice can you give to women who are still searching for the right one?

I am not a believer of staying in your own hood. You don’t just need to get out; you may need to get out of your country! I’m planning to go to Europe in the spring, specifically to London to date for myself. I’ve made a lot of money. I’m super successful and I’m sick of dating the surfer. I love British and Scottish men. So what better way to date than to go to another country?!? I’m going to try a new pool of men and a new city that I’ve never been to where I’m a virgin. You have to stop going to the same bars and stop going with the same people.

The number one thing I would say is to join a matchmaking club because that is run by a broker

who’s working on your behalf and you would have to spend money to do that. It’s not free. If you end up going into the system, you’re not guaranteed a date- just like match.com or Tinder. But if you hire a facilitator like you would hire a headhunter to find a CEO for your business, you are going to get the bang for your buck. So that means making a dating budget. Remember, you get what you pay for.

What do you think are some of the biggest turn-ons and biggest turn-offs when dating?

Do not talk about your ex.

That is the biggest turnoff. I don’t want to hear your sad little story about how it went wrong, why you’re divorced, he cheated on me and blah blah blah. Men will go home after the date and they will analyze you. Men do not fall in love on the date. They fall in love on the ride home.

Why do you think that you haven’t found the right guy yet?

I haven’t met him. No one fixes me up, because no one that I know knows anyone in my circle.

They’re asking me to fix them up. As much as everyone thinks I hang with the millionaires and billionaires, I don’t. I’ve tried online dating. I met my ex-boyfriend that way. It was good, but we weren’t compatible other than sex. I need nurturing and intimacy this time around.

What are some obstacles and challenges that you faced in your career?

It’s really hard. I sold several projects and Hallmark just set up seven movies for me. I was lucky at a time when reality shows were happening because of the writer’s strike and the producers and actor’s strike. With all these strikes going on, the only thing they

were buying were these shows.

The second thing is that I’m not a fall-down-drunk-housewife. You know, like a crazy Jersey Shore girl. I don’t date celebrities. I’m an expert. It took a while for me to convince them that I was pretty sure I went to film school. I created my show from inception. I created it. I produced it. It took nine months of my life.

What do you think some of the biggest challenges women face today?

Acceptance. Whether you’re in a Wall Street position, a firefighter, a cop or a doctor, they don’t take you seriously as a woman.

They just go, “Oh- she’s got her period today.” Or, “You know, just be quiet.”

I think that the hardest thing for women is that they get less pay for the same job. I had an experience at one of my production companies, and they are still paying women less money than men for over 20 years. We get paid less no matter what. We allow it because we’re told as girls, “This is the way it is. It’s a man’s world. Suck it up or you get nothing.” That’s what the problem is.

Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you.

I’m shy when it comes to men.

I never know if someone likes me.

I’m clueless. I’m also a terrible flirt. The art of flirting is SUCH a technique and I’m so bad at it.

Unless I get reciprocation, I could never initiate a flirt.

Would you date somebody in New York?

I would date anyone, anywhere as long as it’s a compatible match.

I’m looking for compatibility this time around. www.pattiknows.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 27

Food French Toast

by Carol Salzberg Ingredients:

2 eggs 2 tspn. sugar ¼ tspn. cinnamon ¼ cup milk 3 slices somewhat stale challah bread Directions: • This recipe is prepared the night before you are going to eat it.

In large bowl, beat eggs with fork.

• Add sugar and cinnamon and mix.

• Stir in milk.

• Place challah slices in deep, oblong pan.

• Pour egg mixture over challah slices. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

• The next morning, in well-buttered frying pan, brown each slice on both sides on medium heat.

Serve hot with syrup or preserves.

(Recipe can be doubled or tripled as needed)

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Meat and Pasta Casserole Ingredients:

1 ¼ cups uncooked macaroni 1 Tbsp. oil 4 Tbsp. chopped onion 1 lb. ground sirloin Salt and pepper

by Linda K. Holt

1 ½ cups canned tomatoes (diced) 1 tspn. chili powder 2 cup grated cheese (or more) Use 2 – 1 ½ quart baking dishes as you can freeze one of them.

Directions: • Bring water to boil then add macaroni. Cook macaroni for 15 to 20 minutes. While the water is boiling, heat oil in a skillet and start sauteeing the onions. Break up sirloin into very small pieces to brown with the onions at the same time you are cooking the macaroni. Season the meat with salt and pepper. It will take about 20 minutes to brown the sirloin.

• Drain macaroni and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350.

• Mix tomatoes and chili powder in mixing bowl.

• When layering into the baking dishes, on bottom, put a layer of macaroni, then meat, then tomato mixture, then a layer of shredded cheese.

• Then, use another layer of macaroni, meat, tomato mixture, and shredded cheese. Split the mixture between the two baking dishes and one dish can be frozen. (You can also simply mix the tomatoes and chili powder

with the pasta, then add the meat mixture and cheese and mix everything together in a large bowl.)

• When done layering, sprinkle cheese over top. Cook for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts.

by Tonia DeCosimo Ingredients:

6 - 8 potatoes (Yukon, red or desired type) 1 lb. string beans 3 - 4 tomatoes 1 red onion, sliced thin

Dash of oregano Salt and pepper to taste 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. Balsamic vinegar

Directions: • Boil potatoes for 20 minutes. Drain and allow to cool.

• Add the string beans to the boiling water for the last 5 minutes.

• After cooling, quarter potatoes. Cut up tomatoes into quarters.

Cut string beans in half. Slice red onion thin.

• Mix potatoes, string beans, tomatoes, and onions together in large bowl. Add oil, vinegar and spices. Mix again. Allow to sit in refrigerator 2 hours before serving.

Goat Cheese & Apple Appetizer

by Janie C. Murray

Recipes

Italian Potato String Bean Salad

Ingredients:

4 oz. goat cheese 1 jar of your favorite preserves/jam (jalapeno jam works well) ½ cup diced walnuts or sliced almonds 1 large Honeycrisp apple cored and thinly sliced 1 box of rice crackers Directions: • Spread the goat cheese on a small, flat serving dish.

• Top with a layer of preserves/jam of choice.

(Note: You can go sweet or spicy.)

• Sprinkle walnuts or almonds over top as a garnish.

• Serve with apple slices and rice crackers.

Vinaigrette

by Esther Fortunoff

Ingredients:

Grilled Asparagus

3 Tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil 1 Tbsp. of your favorite vinegar, such as balsamic Ingredients: 1 – 2 lb. asparagus (2 lbs.

Dollop of mustard if more than 4 people) Freshly ground sea salt and pepper to taste 4 Tbsp. olive oil Directions: • Beat ingredients together briskly and serve. 3-4 Tbsp. grated parmesan cheese ½ tspn. garlic powder (or You can increase the recipe easily by freshly minced garlic) sticking to the 3:1 ratio of oil and vinegar, and adding more mustard, salt, and Salt and pepper pepper.

1 large piece of tin foil Ideas (about 2 ½ feet long) If you have fresh herbs in the garden, you can add any flavoring, such as tarragon, dill, or other fragrant summer herbs. Some people lightly crush a garlic clove and add that to the mix. It’s a great basic recipe to which you can add almost anything.

Directions: • Rinse asparagus. Cut off at least 2 inches from the base. Place asparagus

by Syndi Reibman directly in the middle of tin foil so all pieces are horizontal.

• Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with parmesan, garlic, salt and pepper.

Roll asparagus back and forth to completely coat with cheese and spices.

• Bring top and bottom of foil together, pinch and roll a few times to seal top. Bring ends up and fold so you have a tight seal.

• Place packet on the back of hot BBQ for 10 minutes, flipping once.

Serve.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 29

Rising

STARS

Nancy E. Aronson Technical Specialist Federal Reserve Bank of New York

N

ancy E. Aronson has been a technical specialist with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on and off since 1989. She specializes in information technology and software development. In her current role, she is responsible for problem solving, developing applications in different programming languages, providing business area support, and gathering and extracting data.

Nancy also owns a shop called Iggie’s Curiosity Shoppe. She scouts local and regional estate sales and auctions, buying items she feels are unique or

What were some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

One of the biggest challenges for me as an individual contributor (non-manager) has been trying to find positions throughout my career that provide the perfect combination of interesting and challenging work, room for growth, decent work/life balance, good pay/benefits, and a great boss.

special that she can resell in her shop. The shop has the things you never knew you needed.

She received a B.S. in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1988 and is currently working on her M.S. in Computer Science. In her spare time, she enjoys going to auctions, antiquing, painting and making jewelry.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Being able to afford college without being drowned in debt. If I had a child, I might recommend they go to a trade school instead.

What advice would you give to women starting out in your industry?

Find a mentor and/or someone who can help guide you throughout your career. Be conscientious, genuine,

Nancy J. Nusbaum

W

ith over 50 years nursing experience, Nancy J. Nusbaum is the owner and executive director of Comprehensive Care Systems (CCS) of Bakersfield, California. CCS is a nurse-owned and independently operated company, offering a wide range of health care-related professional services benefiting workers compensation insurance companies, workers compensation and personal injury attorneys and companies looking to maintain a healthy workforce. Nancy oversees the careful review and analysis of medical records and determines whether proper care was provided to

30 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

an injured or ailing individual. She also provides an expert opinion on what outcomes can be expected as a result of the treatment provided and makes recommendations about ways that a claimant can be better served.

Nancy has a broad educational background. She earned her M.S.N. from Texas Woman’s University. She is a R.N., F.N.P., C.L.C.P., C.R.R.N.

don’t gossip, and be nice to people.

Network with others to find out what type of IT you might like to focus on.

Name one outstanding quality that you think people should know about you or remember you by.

I’m a natural teacher and sharer and have a knack for explaining technical things to non-technical people in a way they can understand. nekadesigns.net

Owner and Executive Director Comprehensive Care Systems

and C.C.M. Her specialties include medical case management, worker’s compensation insurance claims and legal nurse consulting services.

Nancy travels with patients to their appointments and treatments as needed. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and family activities. www.compcaresystems.com

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Cast Member Entrepreneur Philanthropist

Dolores Catania THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY POWERHOUSE FITNESS CENTER

D

olores Catania is a cast member of ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey.’ She is also a mother, a philanthropist, and an entrepreneur who owns multiple fitness centers.

She is passionate about helping the community and has earned the key to her hometown of Paterson, New Jersey for her continued commitment to improving the city.

Dolores is involved in numerous organizations such as St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, The Onyx & Breezy Foundation and many local women’s and children’s shelters. She owns many rescue pets and is the embodiment of her personal motto that “everyone has something to give.”

Previously, Dolores worked as a corrections officer, a surgical technician and realtor. She gained fame after appearing as a cast member of the popular reality TV show, ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey.’

She owns several fitness centers and opened her first gym, Powerhouse Fitness Center of Whippany, New Jersey in 2016, with her former husband Frank. Unlike most divorced couples, Dolores and Frank have maintained an unconventional and professional relationship. They share two grown children, a daughter, Gabby and a son, Frankie. powerhousegym.com/whippany/ www.bravotv.com/the-realhousewives-of-new-jersey

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You and your ex-husband Frank have become great friends and were able to move past problems that you had in your relationship and then become business partners. How were you able to do this?

Growing up wasn’t always the easiest in my house. My dad was a cop. My mom was a waitress with five kids. There wasn’t a lot of money, but there was a lot of love and our family was close. I wanted the same for my kids. And then all this bad stuff happened with Frank –he cheated on me when I was pregnant and walked out. It was really hard to get over. That was the worst time of my life. With the help of a therapist, a lot of acting “nice” instead of fighting, and then learning to really be nice to each other, we got through it. I’m not saying we didn’t have fights – we even had a fist fight once! In the end, I let all that negative stuff go and my kids were happy which is what matters.

What made you decide to open up fitness centers?

I have to say that if you grew up in the 80s you liked guys with muscles. I always dated guys with muscles. Frank Catania was all about muscles and his passion was the gym. Eventually he turned his passion into a business, so we opened up our first gym. We currently have over 10,000 members. Everybody feels like family because that’s how we treat them. Frank is always helping and training people.

You seem pretty straight forward on the Real Housewives of New Jersey. Are you like that in real life?

I have to say on behalf of my cast mates, we are who we are in person, the same as we are on TV. Honestly, do any of us look like we could carry off a script? I think it’s only fair to people who watch the show to be honest with them. For example, some people on the show don’t want to speak about their plastic surgery- either in person or on the show. They’re not walking around saying “Oh, I just got my ass done and I got my nose done.” They’re not telling you in real person, but they’re still being real on the show. By the way, I have a great plastic surgeon, Mark Karolak.

You have a few sayings on the intro to the housewives. You say, “I may put up a tough front, but I will never leave you behind.” You also say “Italians love hard and fight hard.” Tell us what you mean by these two phrases.

“I may put up a tough front, but I’ll never leave you behind,” means I’m known for my tough love and for being blatantly honest. I’m known for yelling

Dolores Catania visits the Hilltop Heights Shelter

at people when they’re not listening because they’re doing something that I know is wrong or they’re not being honest with themselves. However, for 99% of the time, I’m going to have your back but I’m going to yell at you for what you’re doing. And that’s what that means. I’m a straight shooter.

“Italians fight hard and they love hard.”

Italians are very passionate. I have this thing in my life that I believe: “I don’t have friends, I have family.” I may love you, but if you cross me, I am going to be so angry! My father once told me, “Dolores, you can love as much as you can hate, or you can hate as much as you can love.” And that’s what that means.

What advice can you give to other women who are struggling with their weight?

I’ll tell you this and I’ll tell you straight up. I’m normally 128-134 pounds. I’ve worked out because I would date bodybuilders. I always worked out until I met a nice Jewish man who just wanted to sit on the couch, watch Jeopardy and eat tuna fish sandwiches. I got into that lifestyle because I’m a chameleon. I transformed into whatever was going to make him happy.

And I enjoyed every ounce of it. We went out to dinner every night. For six years, I lived that life and he didn’t want to work out. He just wanted no labor.

After working out my whole life, I still wanted to! Thank God. After not working out for six years, I still had some residual muscle left over. The problem is I enjoyed eating so much. I started to gain about seven pounds a month and I went up to about 180 pounds. That was a lot, because I’m not built like that. I have a much smaller frame, so I went to see a bunch of doctors, and they all told me “You’re fine, you’re fine…” Finally, I went to Canyon Ranch and I said, “Listen- I’ve done every diet and I’ve gained 40 pounds.” They tested me and it turned out that I was anemic to the point that I had to be put in a

hospital, and I had a thyroid issue. I could have gone on a 500 calories-a-day diet and not lost a pound because of my thyroid. I found a doctor in Miami who gave me the right medication and lost 30 pounds in a month. You need to find someone who is an expert who can help you figure out what your problem is.

What advice or tips can you give to other women who are trying to juggle it all?

If you feel like you need a break from the kids and life, then give yourself a day for you. It’s not going to kill you to give yourself a day. Walk away from the laundry. Walk away from the kids screaming.

Don’t feel bad. Just tell them, “Make yourself cereal for dinner.” Take a couple of hours, do it for yourself and recharge.

What drives you to be involved in numerous charitable organizations?

I love giving back. My motto is “everyone has something to give.”

What’s next for you? Where do you see yourself two to three years from now?

I’d really like to find who I’m going to spend the rest of my life with. To be honest with you, that’s something that’s weighing heavy on my mind. Time goes by very fast.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 33

P.O.W.E.R. is pleased to announce their awards gala honoring exceptional women in different industries and professions.

This will be an evening of dining, dancing, networking, shopping and celebrating all women of

P.O.W.E.R.

There will also be a silent auction

to benefit Mondays at Racine Cancer Care Foundation.

Honorees will include some of our outstanding members as well as celebrities.

Where: The Mansion at Oyster Bay in Woodbury, NY When: May 16, 2019 Time: 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

For further information call: 516-365-3222 Tickets are $125 per person Table of 10 is $110 / person Table of 8 is $120 / person Our silent auction will benefit Mondays at Racine cancer care program, which provides complimentary services and supportive therapies every Monday for cancer patients.

34 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Women

OF EXCELLENCE

Bevin E. Smullen is a senior library assistant with The Nancy Thompson Library of Kean University, which is a comprehensive information and learning center that offers specialized collections and services designed to meet the academic information needs of the Kean University community. Bevin assists the student population with finding books and other media as needed. She earned a B.S. in Psychology from Centenary University in 2000. In her spare time, Bevin enjoys adult coloring books and dining out.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I first started working in the library through a work-study program at my college while I was getting my B.S. in psychology. Once I graduated, I tried part-time work in a few other fields to decide what I wanted to do. I found out that the library was more interesting than retail or group home type jobs.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

First was my skillset. The next challenge was being taken seriously because of my age and because of my size. I feel

Bevin E. Smullen Senior Library Assistant Kean University that sometimes both or either can be an asset. You can make it so by being positive and by being just you. Never give up on the idea that you can absolutely be taken seriously no matter your size or age.

What advice would you give to other women in your field or profession to help them succeed?

Go out and conquer any task you set your mind to do. Never let your work environment defeat you or get you down. Make sure you decide how you feel in your work environment.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means that you feel encouraged and positive in anything or activity you set your mind to do, and that you feel happy about how you do things in life. You should never feel negative about life or your life experiences. www.kean.edu

Jacqueline A. Anim Jacqueline A. Anim is a principal materials engineer with Ethicon, a division of Johnson & Johnson. She has almost 25 years of experience in materials science and material application engineering. She is a subject matter expert in plastics and polymers for medical devices. Jacqueline has participated in various panel discussions about future trends in medical materials. She has led and presented on various topics, and has eight publications, eight patents and six circular publications.

With a M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Dayton University in 1995, Jacqueline is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in technology and innovation management through Northcentral University. With a certification in Robust Engineering and as a Certified Green Belt, Jacqueline provides leadership in the identification and selection of plastic material for the manufacturing of medical devices and robotic medical instruments. She is an industry leader in the area of material application and transformation on an international basis. Jacqueline is a director with NGO-Smiling Hope Ministry and is a member of A.I.C.H.E. and S.P.E.

36 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Principal Materials Engineer Ethicon, Division of Johnson & Johnson

She received the Johnson & Johnson Scientific Excellence Award. In her spare time, she enjoys travel.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

Growing up I always liked chemistry and mathematics. I knew one day I would enter the field of engineering.

During my first year in college, one of my cousins persuaded me to try chemical engineering and I liked the challenge very much. I joined General Motors in 1994 right after graduate school and remained there for 15 years until I recently joined Ethicon.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

One of the biggest challenges I face is keeping pace with the ever-changing regulations around material technologies for medical device manufacturing.

For example, many materials that were deemed acceptable in recent years will at some point find themselves on a substance of very high concern or some sort of restricted list which will drive the urgent need to develop a replacement that meets the new regulations.

What advice would you give to other women in your field or profession to help them succeed?

Recruit a mentor or find a peer connection in your field of interest or a career coach. Find an excellent manager as a mentor. Request for one-on-ones and keep learning, have an open mind and minimize negative people as their inputs may not align with your career plan.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Recognizing the fact that there are other definitions out there, my personal meaning of empowerment is some type of reward or an enhancement in one’s state of affairs resulting in a new elevation of ones self-worth. www.ethicon.com

Denise A. Gentile With almost 30 years experience, Denise A. Gentile is a purchasing associate with TRUMPF Photonics, Inc., an international company working in the fields of machine tools, and laser technology. The company offers laser cutting and punching machines, printing system, disk laser, and power tool equipment.

Denise is responsible for vendor relations both nationally and internationally, contract negotiations, material procurement, cost reduction, maintenance of information records, material master, and source lists. She coordinates delivery issues with vendors and brokers. Denise earned her A.A. in Liberal Arts and Science. In her spare time, she enjoys watching female sports.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I worked at a growing company that hired from within when a buyer position

opened. After applying, I was awarded the position. It didn’t take long to realize this would be my career.

What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in your career?

Working in a male-oriented profession was difficult at first. Being underestimat-

Samantha Ruth Samantha Ruth has over 20 years experience in the mental healthcare field. She is a transformational psychologist, as well as the founder and CEO of Never Give Up, which provides services internationally. Samantha offers a highly personalized approach tailored to each of her client’s individual needs to help attain the personal growth they are striving for.

Samantha has years of experience working with a wide range of mental health issues. Since relocating to Colorado in 2014, she has devoted her energy towards increasing her education, experience and overall knowledge so that she can provide the best services possible. She promises to provide clients with a safe and confidential environment so they can work together towards accomplishing their goals. Clients work with Samantha individually or in one of her exclusive groups. She helps them, regardless of their location, from the comfort of their home. There is full confidentiality and she provides secure online safety. Samantha can work with clients via email, telephone or video. Being extremely holistic, she provides several alternatives to medication, looking at natural solutions first such as nutrition.

Purchasing Associate TRUMPF Photonics, Inc. ed and undervalued because of my gender was hard to accept. I quickly learned to use this miscalculation of my abilities as an advantage at the negotiation table.

What advice would you give to other women in your field or profession to help them succeed?

Hang in there! Purchasing is like fine wine, it gets better with age. Experience is everything. Always remember, it’s best if both sides are satisfied. 50/50 is a win, 55/45 or better is icing on the cake.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is anything that elevates you to be stronger and more confident. Anything that helps you to increase your skillset, make positive choices, and achieve goals. Educate yourself, and you can change the world. www.trumpf.com

Transformational Psychologist Never Give Up

Samantha moved to Denver, she learned how large of a need there is for digital services. This led her to create Never Give Up. In her spare time, she enjoys being in the outdoors with her two dogs, Sassy and Dallas.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I’m one of the rare breeds who always knew I’d be in a ‘helping’ field. It started with babysitting, coaching sports and continued from there.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

After obtaining a B.A. in Psychology The stigma surrounding mental health from the University of Michigan in Ann prevents some from seeking help they Arbor, Samantha obtained her M.S. in need and deserve.

Psychology from the Center for Human- What advice would you give to other istic Studies in Detroit, Michigan. She women in your field or profession to has written several articles in her field. help them succeed?

While living in Michigan, Samantha speNever give up! Find mentors to help cialized in individual, family and group guide you. Believe in yourself. counseling. She also provided trainings, What does the word empowerment speaking engagements and crisis manmean to you? agement for schools and companies, To give individuals the power to take something she still loves doing today. control of their lives, make them stronger She worked at The Common Ground and more confident.

Sanctuary, Livonia Counseling Cennevergiveup.care ter, Oakland Psychological Clinic, and Great Lakes Psychology Group. When

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 37

Women

OF EXCELLENCE

Janie C. Murray

Life Coach Sage Life Solutions

Janie C. Murray has over 15 years experience and is a transformational life coach, certified by the Life Mastery Institute of California. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Management at National Louis University, a motivational speaker, trainer, writer, Reiki Master Teacher and artist.

Previously, Janie served as the vice president of human resources and was President Obama’s deputy director of human resources for his successful re-election campaign. She holds an M.B.A. from Loyola University of Chicago, a Certificate in Mediation from Northwestern University, and has completed the Executive Leadership Program from Center for Creative Leadership, Hartford Graduate Center. former VP of HR, I have coached countAs a life coach, Janie offers guidance less individuals both professionally and and coaching for individuals and groups. personally for many years. It was an easy She helps her clients in key areas of their decision to move in this career direction life including relationships, career advice, full time after I finished working with health, creative expression, work/life President Obama’s re-election campaign balance and time/money freedom. She where everyone was passion-driven. also assists those who are navigating transi- What are some of the biggest challengtional and challenging times of life such es/obstacles you faced in your career? as divorce, job or career change, and the The most challenging times were death of a spouse or partner. In addition figuring out how to successfully navigate to face-to-face sessions, Janie counsels her the unexpected. I realize now that these clients through Skype, Zoom, Face-time times helped build my self-esteem and and phone meetings.

I now use those learnings to help coach How did you get started in your field/ my clients to deal with similar issues. industry?

What advice would you give to other My passion is helping people. As a

women in your field or profession to help them succeed?

Believe in yourself, be creative, be honest, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and don’t let your mind create artificial barriers for what you want to achieve. Let your passion shine in everything you do and achieve.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is a way of being and thinking that puts you in charge of your life. You become the master and not the victim, living in alignment with your core values. janie@sagelifesolutions.com www.sagelifesolutions.com

Linda K. Holt

Linda K. Holt is an expert in financial planning and analysis, with a focus on internal and external customer service.

She is experienced in financial reviews and controls, operations performance measurement, and staff motivation to increase productivity and organizational performance. Linda specializes in leadership and team building, financial analysis and reporting, business development, staff recruitment and motivation, accounts payable optimization, performance measurement, full lifecycle project manage-

38 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

ment, internal finance controls, quality assurance and controls, customer satisfaction and retention, and workforce planning. Previously, she served in a variety of financial roles, including as a financial manager with the Xerox Corporation for over 37 years. Linda received her B.B.A. from Roanoke College, her M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing from Virginia Tech in 1980 and has a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification. In her spare time, she enjoys antiquing and photography.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I began to develop a “big picture” vision with community involvement when working at the newspaper during my college years. That vision flourished when I was recruited by Xerox Corporation as one of six U.S. graduate students for employment.

What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in your career?

It was difficult striving for accuracy

Financial Manager

under demanding deadlines and coaching operational managers through the planning and outlooking process. My greatest challenge was performing my job while being a caregiver to both parents as their health declined.

What advice would you give to other women in your field or profession to help them succeed?

Pursue a profession in which you excel, for which you have a passion, and in a field where there will be job opportunities. Networking is key throughout your career. Always keep your resume current.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

An individual’s skillset and talents enables the person to exercise authority to perform responsibilities, delegate tasks, and motivate others. When individuals are held accountable for outcomes, there is increased satisfaction, greater productivity, and employee retention.

Dr. Patricia A. Broderick Founder The Broderick Brain Foundation

Medical Professor CUNY School of Medicine

Dr. Patricia A. Broderick is a medical professor with CUNY School of Medicine, CCNY. In addition to her approachably intriguing teaching career at the Medical School, she is a staunch researcher. Dr. Broderick is the founder of The Broderick Brain Foundation, which is dedicated to funding training for medical, doctoral, masters, undergraduate, and high school students, as well as professors, doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers in the unending quest to discover how the brain works. As the inventor of The BRODERICK PROBE® nanobiosensors and owner of their trademark, she developed and patented this series of nanobiosensors as well as the electrical circuits to direct the sensing work of the nanobiosensor.

Whereas all patents are assigned to the innovative company she founded, Eazysense Nanotechnologies Inc., in concert with The City University of New York Technology Commercialization Office, a portion of her patents are assigned to New York University. Eazysense Nanotechnologies Inc. holds unlimited franchisee rights to the BRODERICK PROBE® via the Indian Dept of Franchise while Japan’s franchisee holds market rights for the BRODERICK PROBE®; the brand name for the product is EASYSENSE. The BRODERICK PROBE® nanobiosensors image dynamic changes in neurotransmitters in vivo and in real time, on line. Neuromolecular Imaging (NMI) during successful intraoperative surgery in the brain of the epilepsy patient with New York University Institutional Review Board Approval is, in reality, the first translational nanobiotechnology for the millennium and beyond.

With a broad and integrated educational background in-

cluding post-doctoral positions at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Cornell Medical Center, Dr. Broderick earned her B.S. from St. Thomas Aquinas College in 1963, her M.S. from Fordham University in 1970 and her Ph.D. from St. John’s University in 1979. She has written numerous book chapters, and peer reviewed prestigious articles in the neurodegenerative and psychiatric as well as sensor journals. Dr. Broderick serves as an editorial member of the board on more than 20 scientific and medical journal boards. She is a member of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, The Society for Neuroscience, The Association for Women in Science, The Electrochemical Society, and The American Epilepsy Society.

Dr. Broderick enjoys her family and her work. With her unusual way of multitasking, using her knowledge, being outgoing and having a kind personality to relieve and alleviate problems, Dr. Broderick stops everything to tutor students and assist families of patients with brain disorders.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

I believe I have met the glass ceiling head-on with the invention of the BRODERICK PROBE® and the franchise. www.eazysensenanotechnology.com www.eazysensationalbrainimaging.com www.eazysense.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 39

Woman

OF DISTINCTION

A

s the Vice President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Graf & Sons Inc., Marjorie A. Graf has over 40 years experience. She specializes in finance and the overall operations. She also oversees the exporting side of the business, customer service and sales. Graf & Sons Inc. is a wholesale sporting goods store based in Mexico, Missouri, which sells sporting goods, hunting products, ammunition, shooting and reloading materials on a national scale. Marjorie has been recognized by the Mexico Chamber of Commerce for leadership in business and philanthropy. In her spare time, she enjoys family activities, shooting, camping, hunting, fishing, cooking, and church activities. www.grafs.com

Vice President and Chairman of the Board of Directors Graf & Sons Inc.

Marjorie A. Graf 40 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Owner

E

laine Swann is known as “The Etiquette Lady.” She has been lauded as today’s hip, savvy etiquette adviser, as can be seen by her regular news appearances as a social commentator, her web site, syndicated column and etiquette-inspired products.

In a world where manners seem lost in a shuffle of impersonal e-mails, texting, and social media, Elaine offers simple tools and practical tips from a modern perspective, gives one-on-one sessions with private clients, presents workshops and gives seminars. Her clients include schools, businesses, civic and nonprofit organizations.

Her passion lies in helping individuals empower themselves by developing sharp social skills that transcend into chic everyday style.

Elaine developed a love for everything etiquette as a child when her mother gave her the responsibility of setting the table for dinner each night. Her dreams were further realized when her mother enrolled her in charm school.

She then learned the formal teachings of etiquette through her participation in beauty pageants starting in her senior year of high school. After graduation, Elaine moved to New York City to pursue a career in modeling.

While living in New York, Elaine started with E.P. Models, a model management company that represented petite models. She later returned to California, where she continued to develop as a creative leader, obtaining a cosmetology license, opening a 42 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Swann School of Protocol full-service beauty salon called Bronzed Images, and becoming a freelance creative art director for “Today’s Black Woman Magazine” and as a writer for “Word Up Magazine.”

In 1998, Elaine became a flight attendant for Continental Airlines. During her ten-year tenure, she received international training and learned the proper protocol for a variety of cultures and customs for the airline’s international business customers. Elaine later began her career in etiquette instruction when a sorority, aware of her pageant and modeling background, asked her to work with the girls for their annual debutante ball. The sorority continued to invite her back, and each year she developed a more advanced program. After years of volunteering, a middle school principal hired Elaine to develop an after-school etiquette program for students. The rest is history.

Today as a Social Commentator, Elaine shares her etiquette advice on various radio programs, as well as on the “TODAY SHOW,” ABC, NBC, CBS, The CW, FOX News, The STYLE Network, and CNN Headline News. A recent New York Times article named her one of the “Emily Posts of the Digital Age.” As the go-to leader in everything etiquette, her advice has appeared in publications such as the “Modern Bride Magazine,” “Kiplinger’s Magazine,” and several newspapers across the U.S.

Please define etiquette and explain the difference between etiquette and manners?

In my opinion, etiquette and manners go hand-in-hand. Etiquette has to do with a set of rules or guidelines in terms of the way you would conduct yourself in a variety of situations. Manners is literally the manner in which you do something; your intention.

The bottom line is there are three core values for both of them- respect, honesty, and consideration.

You can weave any one of these behaviors through anything you do whether it’s sitting at the table, meeting in the boardroom, or planning a wedding.

In addition to your Elaine Swann Leadership Academy, how and where can people develop sharp social skills and improve their executive image?

Aside from the Swann School of Protocol, there are a number of etiquette training institutes throughout the U.S. There are also books that can be read and studied to help an individual polish their image.

Many children today are not being taught proper etiquette or manners. How does a lack of etiquette and manners affect young people entering the work place?

The lack of etiquette and manners can greatly affect young people entering the workplace today.

Starting with the job interview, if an individual does not know how to conduct themselves during that initial process, it may prevent them from becoming employed.

Additionally, a lack of etiquette and manners can affect a person’s growth within the workplace, their connection with co-workers and understanding the corporate culture.

How can we find time in our busy lives to teach our children basic manners like ‘please and

thank you,’ when to say ‘excuse me,’ how to apologize, as well as etiquette rules such as table manners?

I have a method that I suggest parents follow which is called “Seven Minutes of Manners.”

You can use seven minutes a day to teach your child one particular skill, such as utilizing kind words and phrases, table manners, or interacting with adults.

Take seven minutes each day and instruct your child on how to behave in these various occasions.

I also suggest that you take seven minutes daily and create a techno free zone. When you pick your child up from school, the first seven minutes in the car should be technology free. Everyone should have their phones off. Have no music on in the car, and there’s only conversation. You can create a techno free zone in your home when you are at the dinner table, or if there’s an established family time in the evening. The key is to just make sure that technology is set aside, and people are focused on communicating effectively with one another.

I was at a restaurant the other day and saw three women eating dinner and all talking on their

cell phones while they ate, rather than conversing with one another. Would you please discuss cell phone and social media etiquette when in a group setting?

Cell phone and social media etiquette can be a little bit tricky in some instances, especially when you’re in a group setting. It’s important that the individuals that are together make one another a top priority, as opposed to who’s on the other end of their cell phone. If you must use your cell phone while others are present, it should only be done if using it has something to do with the conversation at hand. Lots of folks like to commemorate the moment of hanging out with friends by taking a photo of their food or maybe a photo of each other, which is fine. My advice is just to wait until later before you post it instead of posting at that time. Otherwise, you are distracted by looking to see what sort of interaction you’re getting with the folks on the other end of your phone or those connecting with you on social media. www.SwannSchoolofProtocol.com www.ElaineSwann.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 43

44 36 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

W

ith almost 20 years of successful sales, a best-selling novel, and a movie based upon her life, Joy Mangano is someone that every woman aspires to be: a self-made millionaire. Born on Long Island, New York in 1956, Joy is, first and foremost, an American inventor known for such products as the Miracle Mop, Huggable Hangers, and the Forever Fragrant line. She earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Pace University. As a divorced working mom, she was frustrated with household mopping and invented a new kind of mop. The Miracle Mop was Joy’s initial invention and, with the help of QVC and HSN, has currently hundreds of millions of sales.

After college, Joy got married and had three children. By 1989, she was divorced and taking out her frustration on housework, particularly mopping. Joy found that she absolutely hated constantly getting dirty mop water on her hands while cleaning. She spent a few years developing a completely new mop concept and, in 1990, Joy created a prototype. She had 100 of them made after saving and borrowing $100,000 towards the development of the Miracle Mop. Through advertising and personally selling to local businesses, Joy sold a few thousand mops the first year, with her children helping her fill the orders. In 1992, she pitched the Miracle Mop to QVC executives. It was given a slot without Joy, and sales were underwhelming to say the least, so she suggested that if she appeared on the broadcast herself, the mop would sell.

Her first appearance on QVC helped the Miracle Mop sell out. They sold more than 18,000 mops in less than thirty minutes. That initial appearance set the standard and she has since sold millions of mops and created a variety of other products including the Rolykit, Huggable Hangers, Forever Fragrant and the Piatto Bakery Box. In 1999, Joy sold her company, Ingenious Designs, to the parent company of the Home Shopping Network (HSN). Fifteen years later, the biopic movie “Joy” was released and has earned two Golden Globe Awards, one Oscar

nomination and numerous other awards. The national bestselling novel “Inventing Joy” was released in 2017. Joy takes her readers through her inspirational rags-to-riches story and points out the hard lessons she learned along the way.

As a woman living the American dream, Joy has established The Joy Mangano Foundation which has established a partnership with Rising Tide Capital, a nonprofit organization. For over a decade, Rising Tide Capital has been working to empower many first-time entrepreneurs and single mothers to use their creativity and talents so they too can build businesses that transform their lives and the lives of those around them.

They provide full scholarships for entrepreneurs to attend their nationally recognized business management training curriculum, and they provide on-going support as their entrepreneurs turn their dreams from ideas to reality. Through this partnership, Joy continues to mentor and consult with entrepreneurs and continues to make a difference in women’s lives.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 45

You are known for inventing the Miracle Mop. After Joy selling 18,000 of them on QVC in 30 minutes during Huggable Hangers® your first personal appearance, did you know at that 60-pack Suit Hangers point that you were going to become a success?

Huggable Hangers® are the original game changer No, not at all. I was so shocked, but also wantsaving one closet at a time! With our clever curvy design and ed to kiss the ground right then and there! In my velvet touch, your silky and strap items will never fall again.

Additional accessories give you options to hold more than just shirts heart, I knew if they gave me the chance to speak to and suits - clips for your skirts, cascading hooks to maximize your space, the consumers the mop would sell. It was a good extra bars to keep those pants folded perfectly and even flower product; I put my heart and soul into it. It was accessory hangers for hanging belts, scarves, jewelry, ties and much more. Huggable Hangers® will give such a long road getting to that stage that I didn’t you that extra closet space you always settle after that first success. If anything, it actualwanted for both you and your kids!

FEATURES ly made me work harder because I knew I had to Hold everything from heavy winter coats prove myself time and time again thereafter. to delicate dresses You hold over 100 patents for your inventions to • Lightweight and ultra-slim, space-saving design help everyday women. How do you continue to • Velvety surface prevents come up with new and innovative ideas? clothes from slipping I don’t sleep! Kidding, but I do keep a notebook next • High quality plastic prevents breakage to my bed so when I wake up with an idea, I jot it down • Chrome hooks so I don’t forget it the next morning. Additionally, as a child, I was always searching for a way to put my personal touch on everything I could. I blew up countless toasters. I actually had the idea for a flea collar for aniSteamer. I can promise you my ideas are just beginning. mals; when it came out by someone else, I was so mad!

It must have been an incredible feeling to have a movie From that moment forward, I promised myself that if I made about your achievements. How has the movie had an idea, I would bring it to life. Everything I invent changed your life? is to make people’s lives easier. When I am doing someIt was absolutely surreal. I loved every minute of it thing, I think, could there be an easier way… and bingo! and am so grateful to David O. Russel for capturing my Think about the Miracle Mop. I was sick and tired of story so beautifully and so raw. And the cast, I could sticking my hands in dirty water. In my closet, I was sick have never picked anyone better. Jennifer, Robert, and tired of the clothes falling off the hanger. Being that Bradley, they will always be very special to me. How I travel so much, I was using a hotel iron and it was ruin- has it changed my life? Well, I get recognized more at ing my blouse and right there I came up with My Little Starbucks! I think overall it put into perspective how incredible my journey has been to date. Sometimes we forget to reflect on where we have been when we’re so Joy worried about the future.

It is so difficult to continue to push forward with someMiracle Clean thing you believe in when doors are being constantly Clean up the mess of the holidays with closed. What advice would you give to women to Miracle Clean! Fusing 10 years of science with the power help them stay the course and not get discouraged of Mother Nature, world-famous inventor Joy Mangano has created Miracle Clean, a groundbreaking, when they are turned down? patented, hyper powerful, multi-surface You must believe in yourself and your ideas in disinfectant and the world’s first truly effective alternative to toxic cleaners which will order for anyone else to believe them. I heard change the way you clean forever. And it “no” a lot. I’ve probably been told “no” a milcan clean essentially lion times in my life. What we need to underanything – from kitchen to bathroom, windows stand is that no doesn’t really mean no – it is & glass, stainless steel to not the end of anything, it doesn’t shut down sealed wood, furniture, our options, it gives us more! even fabrics and pet areas. Miracle Clean I always think: “How can I turn this no into a debuted on yes?”

There is always a solution to any problem, HSN at Midnight September 15th, and even if it looks like a dead end, it probably 2018. isn’t. Finding your way around the “no” makes you work harder, be better, and think deeper. This is a chance to learn something, reset your thinking and draw

that transform their lives and the lives of motivation – the motivation to prove Joy those around them. I also have the people wrong.

900-Watt Supreme honor of being a part of the UN Name one outstanding quality that Women Champions for Innovayou think people should know Steam Go Mini Steamer tion. I’m so proud to be a part about you or remember you by.

Whether it’s a big day at of an amazing group of women My empathy. One of the work, or another day who promote UN Women’s reasons I’ve been successful as on the road, you always activities that support women’s an inventor is because I care so want to look your best.

This little steamer makes and girls’ opportunities in areas deeply and so passionately about it easy to remove wrinrelated to innovation, technology, the people I make products for. kles from your shirts, and entrepreneurship. It’s importMy connection to the consumer is slacks and dresses ant to raise awareness about the direct and authentic because I am the from home or the hotel room. barriers that women and girls face in consumer myself. When I’m creating a these industries and I’m so happy I new product, the only thing that matters is can be a part of the change. its value to consumers and whether or not it will **As for what’s next? An adaptation of my life stomeaningfully improve their lives. ry into a Broadway-aimed musical and so many more What does the word empowerment mean to you? revolutionary products …

The word empowerment to me means making your just wait, the best is yet to voice heard. All of our voices matter and all of our voices come! can make a huge difference. But that can only happen if we make our voices heard – and we are the best ones to speak up for ourselves. If you don’t speak up for yourself, no one else will. There isn’t anyone better in the world to speak up for us than ourselves. We are our own best advocates, our own best champions. We always have a say in how our life unfolds.

What charitable organizations do you contribute to the most and why?

I started my foundation, The Joy Mangano Foundation, as a way to help women get started both in their personal and business lives by empowering them and providing tools that they might not have access to. My foundation is partnered with Rising Tide Capital, a brilliant nonprofit organization that for the past ten years, has been working to empower many firsttime entrepreneurs and single mothers to use their creativity and talents so they too can build businesses

Joy

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P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 47

P.O.W.E.R.

PUBLICITY

I

f you are interested in being interviewed to get your story on social media, consider a Podcast, Press Release, Video or even a possible Times Square Reuters Billboard display through P.O.W.E.R. We can help get you the additional exposure you deserve to take your career to the next level.

PODCAST RADIO Our podcasts are prerecorded audio interviews which give our members the opportunity to convey a message or story. This is a great way to increase your exposure and market reach. The podcasts are promoted through our social media.

TIMES SQUARE PHOTO RECOGNITION Your photo, name and company name are displayed on the famous “Reuters Billboard” in Times Square, NYC. Times Square is considered the busiest area in Manhattan with approximately 330,000 people passing through daily, many of them tourists. Over 460,000 pedestrians walk through Times Square on its busiest days. It is also the hub of the Broadway Theater District and the world’s entertainment industry. It is one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions, drawing an estimated 50 million visitors annually. This is a great way to attract attention and high visibility for yourself and your company.

For further information, call us at (516) 365-3222 Ext. 209 or email us at info@powerwoe.com.

48 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

PRESS RELEASE Your Press Release is a written public announcement covering your personal and business accomplishments designed to enhance one’s exposure and market reach. This newsworthy communication is distributed to radio, television, broadcast, journalists and social media sites. This release can include your photo or company logo as well as a hyperlink to your company website so readers can instantly learn about who you are and what your company offers.

COLOR ME HAPPY Weade Williams-Bridges, was an artist, sister, daughter, wife and friend, who lost her own battle with lupus suddenly, on September 27, 2016 at the age of 33.

Weade was only weeks away from receiving a kidney transplant. Her match and donor was none other than her husband Reuben, to whom she had been married only two years.

In honor of her beloved sister Weade, Dorothy Toran has taken on her own battle - to destroy lupus itself. As National Ambassador of the Lupus Foundation of America, Dorothy has vowed to do everything she can to ensure that other families do not endure the heartbreak and pain of losing a loved one to lupus.

Dorothy is committed to raising $100,000 in support of the Lupus Foundation of America's Stem Cell Research Project, to improve the quality of life for people living with lupus.

The Weade Williams-Bridges Color Me Happy Fund for Lupus Research

SUPPORT.LUPUS.ORG/CMH 866-225-0348

A

native of New Jersey, Barbara Steingas has been a physical therapist for almost 35 years and has been with Overlook Medical Center of Atlantic Health Systems for over 30 years. She is also a life coach, author, inspirational speaker, as well as a health and healing specialist.

Barbara works with a variety of clients including business professionals, individuals, families, athletes, health care patients, organization leaders, and others. She is experienced in the connection between mind, body and spirit. She believes that harmony between all of these can positively impact a person’s ability to recover from trauma and live a full and healthy life. Barbara obtained her B.S., Summa Cum Laude, in Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and her M.S. in Motor Learning from Columbia Teacher’s College.

In her role as a Radiant Life Coach, Barbara assists people with stress management, achieving a sense of peace and maintaining a positive daily outlook on life. She understands what many 50 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

people have gone through regarding loss and coping with a long-term illness as a result of being deathly ill and suffering from Crohn’s disease for years. An award-winning author, Barbara’s second book titled “The Healing Puzzle: Overcoming A Chronic Illness Through Unconditional Love,” is a chronicle of her inspirational journey of healing. In this book, she shares the top seven strategies for our emotions, body, mind and spirit that she used to help put together what she terms the “healing puzzle” to regain her quality of living and health. It is designed to help others suffering from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis to improve their quality of health.

Barbara offers simple and easy to follow strategies to help people be healthy. She has also written “Solving The Crohn’s & Colitis Puzzle: Piecing Together Your Picture of Optimal Health & Vitality (Radiant Life Series Book 1 and 2),” and “Germans Are Funny Too!: Stories of My Cuckoo Kraut Family,” which is a humorous account of her German family that shows a warmer side of that culture and how to laugh at your family’s dysfunction.

BARBARA STEINGAS Life Coach, Author, Healing Specialist Overlook Medical Center of Atlantic Health Systems

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease just after graduating from college. According to traditional medicine, it’s considered incurable. After following prescribed medicine regimes for a few years and becoming more ill, I found a way to regain my health.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

The biggest challenge has been getting people to believe that they have the power and ability to heal themselves or achieve their goals.

Also, I had to get over my fears and insecurities of being able to help them and actually shift their beliefs.

What is some advice that has helped you juggle your career and family life successfully?

The ability to balance my personal and professional life has been an important key to keeping me healthy, happy and joyous. Before that, I was a person of extremes (all or nothing) and was very stressed.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Finding balance in their lives.

Women today have to wear so many hats at home and at work that they end up not taking care of their own needs. This causes women significant stress.

What advice would you give to women starting out in your industry?

Do not be afraid to be yourself and have the courage to be honest and vulnerable. This is what allows people to relate to you and gives you your uniqueness. The world needs your story.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

That we are claiming our innate power to be the heroine of our story and journey, rather than being a victim of our challenges. It means we claim our power without losing our feminine divinity.

Name one outstanding quality that you think people should know about you or remember you by.

Resiliency. When finding my way out of illness, I never gave up. Even if I slipped down the mountain, I knew I would reach

the summit if I kept searching for my health puzzle pieces and didn’t give up.

What book is on your bedside table right now and why?

I am currently reading “Millionaire Success Habits: The Gateway to Wealth & Prosperity”

by Dean Graziosi because the area of my life I still self-sabotage is financial abundance. It is helping me to let go of limiting beliefs and patterns. barbarasteingas.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 51

W

Gloria B. Gertzman

ith almost 40 years experience, Dr. Gloria B. Gertzman is a general dentist. From 1980 through 1992, she served as a clinical professor of oral diagnosis and radiology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Ph.D., D.M.D., F.A.G.D., C.C.H.P. Jersey, teaching clinical and didactic treatment planning, radiology Dentist and oral facial genetics to pre-docGloria B. Gertzman toral and post doctoral students Dentist and Dental Office and dentists.

From 1992 through 1994, Dr. Gertzman was the dental director of Soundview Health Center, in the Bronx, New York. While there, she started, practiced in and managed the dental department.

Dr. Gertzman then served as dental director of Bridgeport Community Health Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where she started a dental department and then opened a satellite dental department in Stratford Community Health Center in Stratford, Connecticut. She practiced in and managed both dental departments.

From 2003 through 2005, she was the dental director for Building Services 32BJ Health Fund of New York City. During this time, she directed a staff of 80 people. Dr. Gertzman then served as dental director for a familydental practice in New Jersey from 2005 through 2007.

In 2007, Dr. Gertzman opened her own private practice of family dentistry in Pennington, New Jersey. She had 1800 patients of record at this practice through 2012.

From 2012 through 2016, Dr. Gertzman served as dental director for Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark, New Jersey.

Since 2016, Dr. Gertzman has been a consultant for dental 52 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

practices in risk management and for dentists opening new dental practices. In addition, she has been inserting comprehensive care dental practices into urgent care medical facilities. In this capacity, Dr. Gertzman meets with the owners of the urgent care facilities, architects, building contractors and town offices to ensure all aspects of the dental facility are in compliance with local, state and federal laws.

Dr. Gertzman is a Certified Correctional Health Provider through the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. She earned her B.A. in Education and Psychology from Brooklyn College in Brooklyn, New York, her M.A. in Genetic Counseling and her Ph.D. in Human Genetics from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey and her D.M.D. from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Dr. Gertzman holds licenses to practice dentistry in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. She was awarded a Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry in 1988. She was awarded the American Dental Association Award for Recognition for Service in a Foreign Country, when she volunteered to provide dental care to residents of a kibbutz in Israel in 1980. She has 14 publications to her name and received a patent for a nipple for a baby with a cleft palate in 1986.

In the mid 1980’s, Dr. Gertzman joined the organization Doctors Without Borders and traveled with other healthcare professionals to South America, where they treated people in an underserved area for a wide variety of health problems.

2018 SPRING EDITION

2018SPRING SUMMER ISSUE 2018 EDITION

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2018 FALL ISSUE

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P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 53

Linda Fostek Founder | The Crisis Planner

L

inda Fostek is the founder of The Crisis Planner to get off the Worry-Go-Round. With a lifetime of planning experience, she helps others minimize the impact of personal and natural disasters. With numerous certifications, Linda offers a one-stop shop where she consults with individuals and families for the purpose of providing effective planning tools and resources to move forward from a disaster.

Established in 2014, the company offers a variety of planning systems. Her mission is to gather separate resources in one convenient location and empower clients with peace of mind and the ability to move forward after a disaster and thrive.

As the author of nine books which all target survival, making plans and creating comprehensive disaster plans, Linda is an expert in surviving disaster. She facilitates crisis planning and provides solutions for a variety of real-life situations. In addition to managing the company, she has developed tools and planning systems for life and business, giving workshops, and speaking nationally and internationally.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I had my “light bulb” moment at an event with Kevin Harrington, the creator of the infomercial. As a baby boomer, we are caregivers for parents, ourselves and our children. We needed a toolbox to be prepared and stop worrying.

You have written several books about crisis planning and prevention. What do you hope readers gain from reading them?

Each of my books is designed to be a resource of critical planning information and an essential organizational tool to facilitate recovery, avoid family conflicts and control the chaos inherent with both personal and natural disasters.

How do you achieve work/life balance?

Work/life balance can seem an illusion when you love what you do. I make time for me to recharge. I say yes to friends and family for fun and have sched-

uled a “real” vacation to Africa later this year.

What do you do to escape and recharge, even for a few hours?

I drive to the beach to watch the waves and seabirds, smell the salt air, feel the wind in my face and sand between my toes. It is a perfect grounding experience.

What advice has helped you get to the next level?

Keep your dreams big! Invest in yourself, maintain focus, and take action. Always be learning.

I thank my mentors Nancy Matthews, Trish Carr, Loral Langemeier, and Sharon Lechter.

When working with your clients, what is the first thing you recommend they do when preparing their crisis plan?

Identify their “why.” A strong “why” will motivate them to do whatever it takes to protect themselves and those they love. This moves planning from important to urgent otherwise it is just another thing on the “to do” list. lindafostek.com

54 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

LINDA’S BOOKS • “SHIT HAPPENS: Creating Your Plan to Survive and Thrive When Faced with Life’s Personal and Natural Disasters” • “The Crisis Planner HOME System Book 1: A Unique Instruction Manual - Everything you need to know but were afraid to ask about your home” • “The Crisis Planner HOME System Book 2: Getting to Know Your Home / Condo / Co-Op / Apartment” • “The Crisis Planner HOME System Book 3: Home Improvements Inventory & Purchase Record” • “The Crisis Planner HOME System Book 4: Get off the Worry-Go-Round - Planning Workbook Creating Your Personal Plan” • “The Crisis Planner HOME System Book 5: Getting it Together Putting Your Plan on “ICE”” • “And Now What?: Planning Guide and Survivors Checklist What to do Before - Upon - and After the Death of a Parent, Spouse, or Loved One” • “Password Passport: Never Forget a Password Again” • “Love/Hate Networking: The Essential Guide to Getting a BIG ROI from Networking (Even if you Hate it)” Linda’s books can be found on www.amazon.com

Florist https://www.facebook.com/infullbloomny/ • https://www.instagram.com/infullbloomflorist/

W

hen a special occasion like Mother's Day, an anniversary or a birthday comes up, have you ever struggled finding the right place to buy flowers? Well, as one of the top florists in Farmingdale, In Full Bloom provides beautiful bright and fresh flowers for all of life’s occasions. When you walk into the shop, you’ll see all of their fabulous giftware, home décor items, greens, flowering plants, and of course, stunning flowers.

Owner, Marie Magnifico Rafter, of In Full Bloom was born and raised in Farmingdale and grew up as the only girl amongst her six brothers. Having developed a strong bond with her mother who did many crafts and maintained a beautiful garden of peonies, hydrangeas, and roses, she grew to enjoy it too. Marie’s mother loved cutting her home grown flowers and putting them in vases around the house. It was this early exposure to the beauty of flowers and attention to detail that inspired Marie to make floral design her life.

After studying floriculture at Farmingdale College, Marie got to work with a number of well­known florists along the North and South shores of Long Island. Her commitment and dedication to detail, service and to customers grew stronger and stronger overtime until in 1991, she decided to open up her own shop.

At In Full Bloom, they are known for beautifying weddings from Manhattan to Montauk. They have even been featured in top wedding planning resources like, Style Me Pretty, WellWed, and

TheKnot Vendor Hall of Fame. For the past eight years, their reviews and five­star ratings have also won them Couple’s Choice Awards from TheKnot and WeddingWire.

“I had the best experience working with Marie at In Full Bloom. The store is beautiful and has this wonderful sitting area where you can meet with the florist and look at pictures of weddings they've done. Within a few minutes, Marie had pinpointed exactly what my style/preference was and built a flower theme that was just perfect.

Everyone commented on how beautiful my flowers were and how magical they made Oheka Castle look. I'm so appreciative for all that Marie did to make the day so special! I can't recommend this florist highly enough,” says Jennifer E. a Past Wedding Client.

Owner Marie and her staff at In Full Bloom are always keeping in mind the community. Each year they support the local St. Jude chapter for their annual Gold Coast Cares fundraiser at Oheka Castle.

They provide beautiful floral arrangements for all of the guests’ tables and help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude whether it be for treatment, travel, housing or food. They also

hold close to their hearts the local scouts, athletic clubs, churches, PTAs, fire and police departments along with the Farmingdale schools.

At In Full Bloom, there is rarely a design request or creative

solution they can’t accommodate.

From personalized home decor­ ating services to constructing or coordinating wedding center­ pieces, Marie and her team take on every challenge with excite­ ment, thoughtfulness and beauty.

Call them at (516) 420­4313 or check out their Instagram @InFullBloomFlorist for updates and samples of special event work.

H

eidi Powell is the ultimate female force. She is a trainer, transformation specialist, devoted wife, mother of four, savvy businesswoman, author, nutrition nut, and overall health guru. Heidi became a fixture in America’s living room as she worked side-by-side with husband Chris Powell on ABC’s hit show, “Extreme Weight Loss.” Heidi empowered thousands across the globe as the matriarch and tour de force for the often-struggling participants, serving as their daily fitness coach, voice of reason and biggest cheerleader. The Powells continue to touch lives weekly as EWL airs in syndication on TLC and OWN networks worldwide.

Along with writing a successful blog, Heidi shares her insight and expertise on health and wellness trends, fitness regimens, healthy recipes, family-friendly workouts, marriage and parenting advice, navigating life with a blended family, and her secrets to balancing it all. Over the past few years, her brand has grown extensively since she put herself on the other side of transformation and documented her own experience training and transforming her body as an NPC bikini competitor in the bodybuilding world. After much hard work, Heidi proudly became an IFBB Bikini Pro in July, 2017.

The couple was awarded the prestigious Jack LaLanne Award at the 2018 IDEA Convention in San Diego. This annual award honors those who have made a significant and lasting contri-

bution in fitness, nutrition and wellness, inspiring the world through work in the media or public eye.

Heidi coauthored Chris’ second book, “Choose More Lose More, for Life,” which immediately soared to the top of the New York Times Best Seller list. Additionally, The Powells released their latest book in December 2015, entitled “Extreme Transformation: Lifelong Weight Loss in 21 Days,” which provides a comprehensive blueprint for changing your body—and life—in just 21 days.

While simultaneously filming and coaching private clients and participants from “Extreme Weight Loss,” Heidi and Chris travel the country for speaking engagements and appear regularly on national television shows such as “Good Morning America” and “The Dr. Oz Show.” Heidi has graced the cover of several publications to date, including “Oxygen Magazine” and “Muscle & Performance” in 2016. She contributes regularly to “Redbook Magazine” and is part of the “Women’s Health Magazine” Advisory Board, where she offers expert advice on a regular basis.

With more than a decade of experience as a personal trainer, Heidi holds both ACE and Crossfit certifications. As a coach, mother, and manager of their family business, Heidi brings a whole new perspective and level of compassion to the Powell’s approach, helping others overcome many of life’s challenges to create effective, long-lasting success.

When not travelling, she resides in Arizona with Chris and their four children.

HEIDI POWELL • Trainer

What led you to become a fitness expert?

I was a gymnast, cheerleader, and came from a fit family. I became a trainer straight out of high school and was hooked once I realized how it felt changing lives. I’ve always been passionate about fitness, helping people, and business.

I know you have overcome many hardships such as an eating disorder and body issues. Can you share some of your experience with that?

It was definitely not an easy road filled with anorexia, bulimia, body dysmorphia and depression. It has taken years to get where I am now, and I will always be a work in progress. Becoming a mother and learning to be selfless and vulnerable was one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

What advice would you give to someone

56 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

who is just starting to make healthy changes in their lives?

Start small. The biggest mistake you can make is to take on too much at once. Making one small Power Promise at a time (like committing to deliberately moving for 5 minutes a day), will change your life. These small promises add up over time and create lasting change.

How hard and how frequently should people work out when just getting started, and what are some things to consider when starting a new routine?

Starting out as a beginner, commit to moving for just 5 minutes a day. This can be intense or as simple as walking.

If you are looking for weight training, my advice is to start with 3 days a week for about 12 weeks, then adding in a 4th day. Make sure your exercise is fun.

You have a new digital platform, TRANSFORM. Can you tell us more about it?

TRANSFORM truly is our 5th baby!

When ‘EWL’ was canceled, our dream was to reach and help as many people as possible, and this was the best way.

We noticed gaps in the existing health and fitness apps; some offered workouts, some provided nutrition, and some had tracking features, but there really wasn’t a single comprehensive app. TRANSFORM was created to be the complete transformation experience. Now we can reach millions of people.

Your #PerfectlyImperfect movement is meant to be an inspiration to others to live a more balanced life. How did this movement start and what are its’ benefits?

It actually started because of my own feelings of insecurity, imperfection, and body dysmorphia issues. These debilitating thoughts robbed me of so much time and self-love, and we cannot truly love another until we learn to love ourselves.

Photos by Ashley Burns Photography

heidipowell.net

Healthy Eating Tips Always have healthy and convenient snacks with you wherever you go to avoid junk food derailments.

Drink half your body weight in ounces.

Make sure your breakfast is high in fiber (and eat breakfast every day!). This will slow down your digestion to keep you feeling fuller longer and prevent cravings.

Eat 5 meals per day, every 3 hours, because your metabolism is like a furnace for your body. When you eat more often, that furnace heats to burn more calories and stored fat.

Volumize your meals with more veggies. Veggies are super low in calories and high in bulk and fiber, so they expand your stomach, slow your digestion, and make you feel full longer.

I wanted so badly to help others avoid the depression I felt. Our flaws make us who we are, and when we are vulnerable, give us a connection to others.

What food and vitamins would be found in your kitchen?

We have a ton of fresh produce, lean ground turkey, chicken breasts, LOTS of Trader Joe’s organic jasmine rice, several containers of almond milk, salsa, 100% whole wheat bread, a few marshmallow dream bars, and of course our new meal

replacements shakes. For vitamins, I keep it simple with a multi for each child and adult, fish oil, and probiotics.

You are already extremely successful and have accomplished so much.

What’s next for you? Where do you see yourself in the future?

I am so grateful for the life I have and the blessings I have been given. We still have much more to accomplish, and a ton of projects we are working on that we cannot share right now, but things are just beginning for us. After that, I think

I need a nap and maybe a vacation with my family – I don’t know what either of those feel like!

What does the word “empowerment” mean to you?

To assist in making one better. It’s a word I love and one I try to live my life around. Empowering others is quite amazing and brings me life. It’s also important that we don’t neglect empowering ourselves in the process though.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 57

Women

OF THE MONTH

Neco Beasley Owner and Hair Stylist House of Neco

With almost 25 years experience, Neco Beasley is the owner of House of Neco hair salon where she is a master stylist responsible for cutting and styling all types of hair. With a firm belief in giving back to the community and helping others, she mentors and helps women to become cosmetologists, and provides scholarships for those in need. Neco serves as a teacher and is on the board of Ravenscroft Beauty College. As an educator, she keeps up to date on the latest styles and trends by spreading her love of hair styling to the next generation of stylists. Neco is a Licensed Cosmetologist, a Licensed Educator and Instructor, and earned her M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Ravenscroft Beauty College. When not at the salon, she is busy in the community where she serves as a board member of Shadow for Success. She is also the founder of S.T.A.R. Network.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I was 11 years old when I began doing hair. I wanted to feel good about myself and look good, so I decided to start styling my hair. By the age of 13, I applied my own relaxer and was big stuff in my neighborhood.

What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in your career?

I love helping other women believe in themselves and loving who they are by helping them rise up out of the darkness life has put them in.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Many women fear love and forgiveness due to relationships and marriages failing.

They internalize this as a personal failure.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Speaking about life to other women and letting them know they have the power to change their own lives. Empowerment means women can become different and know that someone needs their strength.

Stephanie J. Tetlow

Stephanie J. Tetlow is the owner of Dockside Deli, located in Narragansett, Rhode Island. With a key location directly next to the Block Island Ferry terminal, the deli provides breakfast, lunch, and basic convenience items for their beach and island clients.

Stephanie oversees the operations and management of the business including staff oversight, inventory and supplies, marketing, advertising, and customer service. Previously, she served as a real estate paralegal with Sharaf & Maloney, P.C. from 2014 – 2018.

She was also a general paralegal with them from 2005 – 2008. From 2008 – 2014,

she was a service administrator with Lexus of Northborough.

Stephanie received her B.S. in Business Administration and Management from Worcester State University in 2008. She is a member of the N.F.I.B. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys reading, travel and the beach.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

My uncle came up with the general concept of a grab & go deli/convenience store. My mother and I were asked if we wanted the space to open a business and we said “Yes!” What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

Working with family for sure! In gen-

Vanessa Y. McKinney As a relatively new Insurance Agent with USHealth Advisors, Vanessa Y. McKinney specializes in health, den­ tal, medical, and vision insurance. She works with individuals, families and small businesses. Vanessa educates her clients on the best health insurance plans that meet her client’s needs. With her expert guidance, she often helps clients save 30% or more on their plans. She also offers PPO network plans, which allow clients to keep using their doctors.

Vanessa attended Southwest Texas State University. Previously, she spent 30 years in retail. In her spare time, she enjoys family activities and going to the movies.

58 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Owner Dockside Deli eral, it is just trying to figure out what sells, what doesn’t, and keeping up with prices of competitors while still making a profit and more importantly the cost of waste.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

One of the biggest issues is the fact that many people still consider a woman’s job to be at home. When stating a woman is the owner of an establishment, there shouldn’t be any shock.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

It gives me a sense of confidence and courage to take charge in my daily life and makes me want to send positive energy out into the world. I’m proud to be a woman and will never apologize for it! www.docksidedeliri.com

Insurance Agent USHealth Advisors

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I began working in retail as an associate and eventually became a manager of a $10 million-dollar store, with up to 100 employees. I interviewed with USHealth Advisors for a management position when I felt it was time for me to earn more for myself. With USHealth Advisors, I no longer feel as if there is a glass ceiling for my potential, either personally or financial­ly. USHealth allows me to help people find great health coverage and make a living at the same time.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

As a woman, you cannot show any

weakness or fear in the work place.

When negotiating your salary, you must fight to be compensated fairly. We balance work and family life, es­pecially if you are a wife, mother or both. As the decision-maker in a company, being a woman you may have to work with men who do not take direction from a woman very well. You have to show strength and discipline without making them feel less than a man. www.ushacareers.com

Glenda W. Reitzell

Glenda W. Reitzell is a co-founder and independent consultant with Grace Space LLC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing counseling and other services to those in need. The nonprofit operates solely on donations from contributors and by selling small items they make. Glenda is responsible for giving workshops and providing therapy, group psychology programs, group development, leadership development, fundraising and community outreach. She received her B.A. in Behavioral Science from Jacksonville State University in 1989. Glenda is a member of the Executive Committee of the Repub-

Co-Founder and Independent Consultant Grace Space LLC

lican Party of Madison County, Alabama, 1st VP of the Republican Women of Huntsville, a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and Phi Alpha Theta. In her spare time, she enjoys travel and reading.

As a military wife, Glenda spent her adult life in service to others. During her years as an Army wife, she served as a volunteer, director, president and facilitator. She volunteered for the American Red Cross, various thrift shops, museums, and officers’ wives clubs. She was the director of Red Cross volunteers and the director of several family support groups.

Glenda was twice elected as mayor of the

Dr. Donna L. Irvin

Dr. Donna L. Irvin is the chief operating officer with MyHrFactor, Incorporated.

This company generates an electronic job board that specializes in matching human resources to employer electronic job postings. Myhrfactor.com uses a custom algorithm based on the company’s desired human traits and matches those traits with questions asked of potential candidates to derive a mathematical score or factor.

With over seven years of experience, Dr. Irvin is the behavioral algorithm designer for the human resource website program. She earned her Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, with a specialty in Business from Argosy University in 2015.

She is a member of the Sigma Beta Delta

With almost 35 years experience, Veronica A. Wright is the president and CEO of Nu Concept Courier and Logistics Inc. of the Greater Atlanta area in Georgia. The company provides local and long-distance courier services, while also offering specialty delivery services.

Veronica is responsible for overseeing the entire daily operations of NCC. She is an extremely focused individual who is knowledgeable about her industry.

During the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, she had a helicopter at her disposal to deliver packages all over the city and dispatched over 100 drivers daily. Her company is a member of the Better Business Bureau and Savannah Chamber of Commerce.

She was awarded the Home Based Business of the Year 2005 for Atlanta.

Nu Concept Courier will be expanding

COO and Consultant MyHrFactor, Incorporated

Business Honor Society. Dr. Irvin published a study of “The Impact of Baby Boomer Military Veteran Leaders on Non-Military Generation Y Employees.”

In her spare time, she enjoys designing jewelry and glass blowing.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I began my career as a consultant for my own business in the non-for-profit sector. After furthering my business expertise and education, I became a private corporate consultant.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

Veronica A. Wright

military community where they lived.

The Reitzell family received recognition in 1983 as one of several “Great American Families” awarded

by First Lady Nancy Reagan. She also received numerous honors for her service, including the Commanders Award for Civilian Service and the prestigious Patriotic Award for Civilian Service which was awarded at the national level.

The biggest challenges are: male cultural biases, disrespect for women’s opinions, value and worth, sexual harassment, power plays, and ego clashes. It has always been a challenge striving to be treated fairly and equally.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Some of the biggest challenges that women face today are being acknowledged, respected, professionally accepted in a currently male dominated business arena and having equity in pay.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means: Knowing my worth; maximizing my potential; not being afraid to bet on myself; having the courage to lead; having the ability to create ‘inner power’; accepting my ancestral strength. myhrfactor.com

President, CEO | Nu Concept Courier and Logistics Inc.

Nu You Total Wellness Center, LLC

into Savannah, Georgia and Houston, Texas.

In 2016, Veronica opened a holistic healing Medspa and center for weight loss known as the Nu You Total Wellness Center, LLC of Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Their services included Vibra Trim, skin rejuvenation, LED light therapy, infrared sauna, essential oils, foot detoxification, aroma touch therapy, meal plans and PEMF sessions performed by their professional and devoted staff. The center’s objective was in revealing your inner beauty, renewing your confidence and making your vision to become a reality. Due to the overwhelming growth and expansion of Nu Concept Courier & Logistics,

Inc., Veronica closed the center publicly in December, 2018 while keeping the vision of Nu You wellness for the advancement of her person, health, and wealth.

In her spare time, Veronica enjoys reading, relaxing on the water, having conversations with positive people, travel, laughing and making things happen. Her future goals include writing her biography first, then writing other books about empowerment, selfhelp and faith. nuconceptcourier.com www.thenuyouwellnesscenter.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 59

Alberta S. Cotner

Author and Ghost Writer

As a small child, Alberta S. Cotner and her family traveled throughout the nation, since her father wanted to be a Country Western singer. This experience became integral to her innate ability of making up stories about the places they visited and the people they met. After taking a creative writing course in high school, she embraced writing as a hobby and joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a welder, a firefighter, an instructor, and as a corrections specialist among many other roles before having a serious accident, which severed her naval career.

Alberta moved back to the Midwest and started a new life, fought and survived cancer and the devastating loss of her son, and started writing again. She now serves as an author, ghost writer, counselor, and

inspirational speaker.

Alberta is a member of the Rave Review Book Club and the Authors Independent Alliance.

She is currently working on a novel, “Charley’s Breaking Point,” regarding obstacles faced in life, due this year. In her spare time, she enjoys horses, Mini Australian Shepherds, reading, writing, working with young adults in a local youth program and working with the local elderly center, sharing her stories and bringing the residents happiness. Alberta’s motto is “Never give up!”

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

Irene Johnson is the owner of Family Enterprises, which consists of 5 residential homes for adults and elderly residents.

Irene is responsible for overall operations, training her staff, hiring, marketing, compliance and ensuring residents receive proper care. She is a mental healthcare provider and provides general care to the residents as well. Irene received her C.N.A., took numerous classes at Husson College, and earned an A.S. in Healthcare Administration and Medical Records from the University of Phoenix. She previously served as a C.N.A. for another agency, performing general nursing duties and caring for patients in a variety of medical fields.

In her spare time she enjoys traveling.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I started my medical career as a C.N.A. I then enrolled in Husson College and took many medical classes. I also took mental health classes at a local mental health hospital.

What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in your career?

As a C.N.A., I did agency work where I traveled to hospitals and nursing homes. This gave me a lot of experience in many different medical fields. The biggest challenges I endured were shortages of help and patients not getting the care they needed or deserved.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Irene Johnson

Owner Family Enterprises

Laurie M. Johnson

Laurie M. Johnson is a senior consultant with Revenue Cycle Solutions LLC and has over 35 years experience in Health Information Management (HIM). She has a great deal of experience managing HIM departments, performing inpatient and outpatient coding audits, Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) services, software development, revenue cycle turnaround services, transitioning to ICD-10-CM/ PCS, and providing coding and reimbursement educational services to clients.

Laurie has been a featured speaker nationally at more than 40 seminars and conferences. Previously, she served on the 2018 AHIMA Clinical Terminology and Classification Practice Council. She also led the award winning PHIMA ICD-10 education initiative.

60 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

I have always journaled since taking a creative writing class in high school. Journaling allowed me a place to express my thoughts and feelings. After the death of my son, I found journaling helped me to really express my emotions that many did not understand. After that, I began writing to share myself and my experiences with others.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

I feel the most common challenge is having the support of our peers… no matter what position, job or title they may have in their business. We, as women, need to be proud and be there for each other. www.albertacotner.com

Competition with other women. Women are still afraid to travel alone in most cases. Women suffer in the retail world with costly products compared to men’s products. Women also have monthly problems, and are expected to carry out their work as if nothing is wrong with them.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means the ability for me to become more knowledgeable about my work, to be able to train, and have the best control over my business.

I enjoy overseeing the work of my staff and training them to give the best compassionate care to my residents.

Senior Consultant Revenue Cycle Solutions LLC

Laurie is a regular guest on Talk Ten Tuesday as the news desk correspondent. She earned a B.S. in Health Records Administration in 1988 and has a M.S. in Healthcare Information Systems, both from the University of Pittsburgh. Her memberships include Fellow of the American Health Information Management Association, the Pennsylvania Health Information Management Association, and the Western Pennsylvania Health Information Management Association. In her spare time, Laurie enjoys travel and spending time with her family.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

My mom worked as an admission clerk in a medical record department at Allegheny Valley Hospital. I had always wanted to be in the medical field but did not like direct patient care. This field provides the opportunity to be in the medical field and learn about medical advances without direct patient care.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

When you are a manager, the biggest challenges that you face are attitude and inclusion in decisions that impact your department. www.revenuecyclesolutions.com

Alzheimer’s Respite Caregiver Caregivers of Ocean County

A retired teacher of 27 years, Carol Salzberg has been a professional Alzheimer’s respite caregiver for the past 25 years with Caregivers of Ocean County. She is responsible for providing respite care to individuals suffering with Alzheimer’s. Carol is responsible for assisting families with caring for their loved ones, ensuring patients get to medical appointments, helping with assessments of caregivers and training.

She was recently honored for her service and named 2018 “Volunteer of the Year” at the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Ocean County (RSVP) annual recognition luncheon. In her spare time,

Carol enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren, tap dancing, ballet and keeping fit.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

After 27 years of teaching and seeing our three children through their education, I thought retirement would be for me. How wrong I was.

A group was forming called “Caregivers.”

I joined them and have been an Alzheimer’s Respite Caregiver for the past 25 years.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

Cancer was my biggest challenge four years ago with stage four. But I survived.

Gina Stavropoulos

Gina Stavropoulos has over 20 years experience in the financial arena and has been a private mortgage banker with Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Bankers for over eight years. She specializes in private lending and mortgages. Gina received her B.S. in Finance from Adelphi University of Garden City, New York.

Previously, Gina served as a senior loan officer with JPMorgan Chase & Company from 2002 through 2011. She belongs to the Women’s Coalition, the Greek Woman’s Council and Selfless Love. Gina is bilingual in English and Greek. In her spare time, she enjoys tennis, travel and

Meca McLendon

Meca McLendon is the founder and CEO of Amazing Rare Rubies, LLC. She has a passion for helping women to become the women God created them to be. She is responsible for helping women develop and cultivate Christian values and traits. Meca serves as a life coach, radio host, events host and public speaker. She has over 25 years experience in leadership coaching, training and personal and professional development.

She is well-known in her community for her talents and has been a featured guest with various radio and TV media outlets such as 108 Praise Radio, WYZE Radio, Bizlynks TV and more. Meca also has hosted two radio shows: The After Care Show on WDRB Media, and A Ruby In The Making on All Nations Radio.

WOMEN OF THE

Month

Carol Salzberg

Another challenge is dealing with loss. You find yourself giving comfort to the family and to yourself because you have become part of that family.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

What women face today is threefold: being a wife and mother while pursuing a career. It takes a great deal of stamina and determination to be successful at all three. They should all be approached with good humor. The glass should always be half full. www.caregivercanines.org

Private Mortgage Banker Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Bankers

spending time in her summer home in Greece.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I started my career in banking working part time for a small savings bank on Long Island as I was attending Adelphi University. I knew little to nothing about mortgages, loans, or how to balance a checkbook for that matter. It was only a matter of time until I was taken under the wing of two top producing sales originators who molded me into the producer I am today.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

I was one of the youngest people in my office and was not taken seriously when I first started. I was passed over on many opportunities because I was not “seasoned” enough. I did my best to work in the shadows of my mentors to avoid confrontation and had to prove myself.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

The lending industry tends to be mostly male-dominated. Working in private wealth lending, I had to work harder than men and have very sharp elbows in order to stand my ground. It took many years of outperforming a lot of my counterparts in order to get to the level of production, recognition and respect that I have today. www.wfhm.com/loans/gina-stavropoulos/about.page

Life Coach and Founder Amazing Rare Rubies, LLC In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, travel, meeting people, spending time with her family and reading.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was taking the vision that was inside of me and making it tangible. It was difficult taking it from spiritual to physical, all the while maintaining the integrity, value and stands of the vision.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

I believe that women’s biggest challenge today is understanding and knowing their value and self-worth. We live in a society that does not support the “becoming” of a woman or the cultivating of God-given characteristics that

help us become the woman we were created to be.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

I can’t define empowerment without including development because to empower means to ‘give authority to’ and to develop means ‘to progress growth and expansion.’ Together, these words are powerful to me. God gives us the authority to grow and expand what he has entrusted us with. www.amazingrarerubies.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 61

Women

OF THE MONTH

Nevlyn Grace Nicholson

Managing Partner | STRIDE Human Resources and Organization Development Consulting

Nevlyn Grace Nicholson is the managing partner of STRIDE Human Resources and Organization Development Consulting. In this capacity, she works with organizations to develop their best resources for performance improvement and competitive advantage. Nevlyn has over 20 years experience and specializes in aligning organization development strategies with human resources strategies, environmental scanning, business process improvement, policy design, diversity and inclusion, curriculum development, training design, facilitation and coaching for clients in Canada, the United States and the West Indies.

Previously, Nevlyn served as an independent consultant providing strategic human resources and organization development solutions to small and medium sized companies. Early in her career, she was a high school teacher. Nevlyn has an Executive Masters in Business Administration, Post-Graduate Certificates in Compensation and Benefits, Mental

Health and Mental Illness and First Aid in Mental Health from universities and colleges in the West Indies and Canada.

She also has advanced certificates in Developing Innovative Ideas for New Business from Stanford University and Strategic Human Resources Leadership from Cornell University.

Nevlyn also serves as the director of training and staff development for a nonprofit. She develops curriculum and other training materials for performance improvement and organization effectiveness. She facilitates trainings, develops measurement tools, and analyzes, interprets and report outcomes. Nevlyn is a speaker, coach, mentor, lecturer and training facilitator. In her spare time, she enjoys music, movies, travel and spending time with family and friends.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

It all started when I realized how seamless it was to identify solutions to address people and organization challenges. Since I had already completed my undergraduate studies, it was important to pursue a profession that matched my skills setting.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment to me is the ability to manage successfully, and that requires adequate knowledge and skills that supports the use of initiatives and decision making for effective outcomes. stridehrconsulting.com

Soruba “Rani” Kuusto Soruba “Rani” Kuusto is the owner of wellnessnurse.com (under construction), a new company providing nurse consulting services. With over 35 years experience, she is a recently retired nurse consultant from the State of California, Department of Corrections. She is a skilled negotiator who handled complex issues from the California Governor’s office as a Chief Nurse Executive. Soruba served as a nurse consultant and is a Certified Nurse Instructor and a Certified Public Health

Nurse. She offered consulting services through CAL-OSHA during her employment.

Since retiring, Soruba volunteers her time in the community which has been her passion. She is a member of many organizations and holds the following positions: co-chairperson for the Health and Wellness Council, GOPIO International, chairperson of the local chapter of GOPIO-Los Angeles, vice-president of the Fullerton Lion’s Club and volunteer for the SAHARA organization. Previously, she volunteered for Habitat for

Barbara Ann Reilly

Teacher Brick Board of Education

Barbara Ann Reilly has 31 years experience in the field of education. She currently teaches all 5th grade core curriculum. She specifically works with students with behavioral issues and is a credit to the Brick Board of Education of New Jersey.

Barbara earned her B.A. in Education from Georgian Court University in 1984. She is on the executive board of the Brick Township Education Association, is a member of the New Jersey Education Association and is the President of the Democratic Club. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys golf and travel. www.brickschools.org 62 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Owner | wellnessnurse.com Humanity in Mexico, volunteered in Chennai, India helping survivors of a tsunami, and worked with Peace Corps volunteers in the Middle East and England.

Soruba helps the homeless people in her local community during the weekends by cooking and serving breakfast, and distributing clothes, shoes and socks. As a nurse educator, she volunteers her time by educating the local community, schools and prisons on a variety of subjects such as diabetes, heart disease, domestic violence, bullying, and other relevant issues.

Soruba earned her B.Sc. in Nursing from the S.N.D.T. College of Nursing in Mumbai, India and her M.P.H. from California State University- Long Beach.

Her hobbies include travel, art, music, theater, the stock market, ethnic cooking and photography.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

I worked long hours, weekends and holidays for more than 14 years straight.

Sometimes I also faced patients with violent behavioral issues.

Name one outstanding quality that you think people should know about you or remember you by.

I am a very kind-hearted, humble person, a great listener and want to help people whenever I can.

Ava R. Gayle

Owner Ava’s Creations

Ava R. Gayle is the owner of Ava’s Creations. She sells crocheted and other handmade crafts to the general public.

Ava also teaches others to crochet to carry on the tradition of fiber art to the next generation. In her spare time, she enjoys family activities, crafting and crocheting.

Previously, Ava served in the children’s mental health industry. During her tenure, she worked with boys who had diagnoses of ADHD, ODD or ADD. Ava taught them to crochet, thus giving them the ability to focus, use their innate creativity, and make something useful.

She considers this an amazing feat which enabled many of the boys to sit still and concentrate. Ava called this her ‘boys craft therapy with a purpose.’

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I started working in the field of children’s mental health in Canada. I then came to New York and worked my

way up from being a case manager to becoming a shelter administrative coordinator. In the homeless shelter, I thought I could make a bigger impact on helping people by looking at their issues and addressing their challenges by being proactive.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

Some of the challenges that I presently face are in trying to connect persons to services that can change their quality of life. We are presently faced with the opioid epidemic along with the housing crisis here in New York City. This has made it necessary for me and my colleagues to change our strategy in how best to bring people back to their base line. These are

Valerie Lyons

Valerie Lyons has over 12 years experience in the real estate field. She is a licensed realtor at RE/MAX Platinum in Massachusetts.

She is responsible for real estate sales south of Boston. She specializes in selling residential and commercial properties and short sales.

Valerie attended Massasoit Community College and has been involved with human services for over 18 years. This definitely serves her well, as she is able to adjust her style and manage relationships with all types of personalities. She was awarded Top seller

by AIREP. In her spare time she enjoys going to the beach and spending time at her Cape house, travel and spending time with her fam-

Sharman C. Sowell

Sharman C. Sowell has been a professional driver for over 15 years. She has driven a variety of vehicles, including 15 passenger vans, shuttles and motor coach buses, the majority while driving for a major coach company. As the owner and operator of Queensway Motorcoach, she is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, providing bus charters and sightseeing services, and driving passenger vans and buses. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I started in the transportation field over 15 years ago as a school bus driver in Dickson, Tennessee. I love driving. Later, I had an opportunity to work for a major transportation company. My passion for driving heightened and I knew being a motor coach operator was my dream job. After leaving the major transportation company to care for my elderly mother, she encouraged me to start my own transportation company.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

One challenge I faced was caring for my mother, while growing my company. Another challenge was overcoming

problems that affect us all.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Women are still the biggest number amongst the workers on the front lines in mental health but struggle to make it into management positions that impact changes.

When they do become directors, the pay is still a notch below their male colleagues.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

You are confident and in control of where you want your life to go. It also means that I am able to share and help other women attain that power of empowerment using the knowledge I have acquired.

Realtor RE/MAX Platinum ily. Valerie’s future plans include becoming an entrepreneur.

Valerie states, “I am a one stop shop for buyers and sellers as I have the resources you need to follow through with your dreams of home ownership. I provide you with top notch lenders, legal advice, financial advice, credit repair, home repair contractors; you need it, I’ll find it. Most of all, I provide white glove service to create a smooth buying/selling process. I am passionate about helping individuals have the American Dream of home ownership! I love what I do!” global.remax.com/AgentProfile.aspx?

AgentID=1025581005.

Owner and Operator Queensway Motorcoach negative attitudes from family and friends. If you want to be successful and overcome your challenges, one must believe in themselves when no one else will.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

The biggest challenges women face today is that women must work twice as hard as men, no matter what industry they are in. Women are held to a different standard.

Fewer women are CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, and they are often passed over for promotions. No matter how far women have come, they are stilled looked upon as second best. www.queensway117.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 63

W

hile the winter doldrums are upon us, spring is right around the corner.

As the long, dark sunrises gradually get lighter, so too do our spirits. Once winter is officially over and the ground has thawed, not only do the birds get excited, but so do I. As the simple childhood quote reminds us, “April showers bring May flowers.” This means “Green Thumb” time to me. Get to the local nursery and buy your fertilizer, mulch, and manure. And while you’re at it, start saving egg shells!

If you want to have a vegetable garden that thrives, there are a few rules of thumb which you should follow. Preparing your soil for a spring garden should be done as early as possible. Once the weather has reached the 50’s for a consecutive week, you can begin.

Get Your Soil Ready Using a pitch fork or rototiller, till and rotate your garden area 8-12 inches beneath the surface, removing any large rocks or other debris. Add your fertilizer and organic matter you may have been composting over the winter. *If you are planning on growing tomatoes, they love calcium. Grab a bottle of antacid chewable pills from your local dollar store. Crush them in a plastic bag with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer.

Sprinkle the powder into your soil and mix well. I reapply this mixture every six weeks, simply sprinkling another layer directly on top of the soil and watering it well. **If you have any expired multi vitamins, don’t hesitate to crush them up and feed your plants.

They love vitamins!

Weeding Your Beds If you start early, and do a little each day, weeding won’t seem like such a chore. Unfortunately, it must be done, or the weeds will choke your garden.

Take a section at a time and remove all the weeds that will run wild otherwise.

A great tip

64 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

By Syndi Reibman

is to sit on an upside-down bucket or purchase two of those really large sponges used for cleaning automobiles. You can kneel on them and it isn’t such a hardship on the knees.

Fertilize Your Garden with Coffee Grounds During winter, many of us move shrubs and large plants indoors. It’s time to free up your space in the house and move them back outside. If you have 2-3 weeks to save your used coffee grounds (in an open container so they don’t get moldy), they are a great fertilizing element full of nitrogen, which helps plants and vegetables grow. Add them to your soil while mixing.

To Keep Plant Infections Away, Water with Chamomile Tea To help ward off fungal and bacterial plant infections, try watering your plants with chamomile tea. Make a large pot of tea and allow the teabags to soak overnight. Pour the tea into a clean spray bottle. Spray your plants every other day or so to keep your seedlings from collapsing and dying.

Make a new batch weekly.

Plant Egg Shells Along with Your Vegetables To avoid “blossom end rot” (black, rotted bottoms on your vegetables), try throwing some crushed eggshells in the same hole that you will be planting your vegetables in. End rot is often caused by a calcium deficiency. You can run them through a food processor or crush the eggs in a baggie with a rolling pin.

Try and get them as finely crushed as possible.

Garden at Night Many experts believe that planting at night helps your garden grow faster and stronger, rather than planting during the day. Night or dusk planting maximizes your water usage. When setting up your automated sprinklers, you should try and aim for 2-4 a.m. This way the water has a chance to settle into the ground. Sprinkling during peak sun times wastes a great deal of water since much of it steams off.

Preparing Flower Gardens and Spring Clean-up Tips As much as we love our vegetable gardens, it is quite exciting to see those newly formed buds and flowers push their way through the flower beds and burst forth with bright, beautiful colors to push the gray winter away and welcome spring.

Personally, I love my perennials- I grow lilies in all different hues, butterscotch yellow daffodils, bright white daisies, variegated green hostas with their tall purple flowers, and pretty little crocuses that seem like shy little purple birds crouching on the ground… I like knowing that they will be back year after year, like old friends that stop by and visit.

Whether you enjoy breaking up large bunches of perennials to keep them healthy and help them spread, or just adding bulbs to bulk up the bare spots of your garden, almost all of us end up making the yearly trip to the nursery for annuals. Before you do, flower garden beds need to be tended, beginning in the spring and ending in the fall.

Here are some tips and steps to ensure you have a blooming garden from spring through fall.

Soil Before digging into your garden, make sure the soil isn’t still frozen or soggy. This will help minimize plant damage and enable you to easily work your soil when the temperatures do go up.

Pruning and Cutting Back Your Garden The first chore you need to do is to cut back dead stems. If no new growth is visible coming up through the ground, cut the dead stems as low as you can go to make it easier for the new growth to break through the surface.

If new growth is apparent, be gentle and cut as close to the new growth as you can, without damaging it. If the dead stems have flopped over, tug them gently to remove.

Raking Debris From Your Garden After cutting and pruning, it’s time to rake your garden. As long as the ground isn’t frozen, you can rake up all dead leaves, branches and debris that may have settled during the winter. If you notice weeds, this is a great time to get rid of them before applying mulch, compost, and fertilizer.

When to Compost, Fertilize and Mulch Your Spring Garden Beds Once you have cleaned all the debris and your garden is ready, add a layer of compost. Compost feeds your plants as they grow throughout the season. After composting, apply a fertilizer, preferably on a day before a gentle rain. Rain helps break down the fertilizer and release it slowly into the soil.

To spread fertilizer, use a conventional spreader or make your own, using an old Parmesan cheese container, or a used milk container with holes punched in the bottom. To keep from ‘burning’ new plant stems and foliage, spread the fertilizer around the base of the plants leaving a good two inches of soil clear around each plant. Make sure you don’t make direct contact with the leaves.

Mulching The final steps of preparation for your flower garden beds is to add a layer of mulch. If you are planning on adding or dividing your plants, skip this last step until you’re ready.

Apply 2-3 inches of mulch, such as shredded bark, coconut husks or pine needles. Mulch helps retain water when needed and minimize weed growth. If you can find it, cedar mulch it is also a natural mosquito repellent.

The last but certainly not least step is, enjoy the fruits of your labor and the flowers of your garden! * With special thanks to Abigail Turner and www. beekman1802.com, and American Meadows

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L

avinia Errico is a nationally recognized fitness and wellness entrepreneur. She is also the founder of Equinox Fitness Clubs, the creator of the Inside/Out Movement, and a motivational speaker in the areas of fitness, nutrition, wellness, and emotional/spiritual/physical balance. Lavinia helps people of all ages to have an attitude of gratitude and to learn to enjoy life. With a lifelong love of fitness, she emphasizes the benefits of exercise and healthy eating. Lavinia enjoys dancing, biking, hiking and loves nature.

How did you and your brothers come to open up Equinox fitness clubs?

My brothers were athletes and I was a gymnast. Then I became a dancer.

Working out was a big part of our family culture. Our basement was a huge gym. In high school, everybody would work out together.

So that became an important part of our lives. Then everybody went off to college. When I was in college at USC, I started teaching aerobics because I couldn’t afford to join a gym and they let me work out for free.

When I returned to New York, I just kept complaining because there weren’t any great gyms here. Everything was very separate in those days. We complained for a little bit that we wished somebody would open up a great gym. We finally looked at each other and we said, “Maybe we should open up a gym!” And we did.

How many fitness centers in total did you open across the country?

We originally had 19. What’s interesting isn’t how many gyms we had, it’s how many brands we’ve built in the past 10 years because it isn’t just the Equinox brand. We have the gyms. We have the Energyware store. We created the first wellness center in

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New York City. We had one of the first medi-spas plus. We had the Equinox Fitness Training Institute because we could not get great trainers. There wasn’t a way to really find amazing trainers, so we had to cultivate them ourselves. That became the training institute. We had a weight loss program. We had vitamins and supplements. It was just constantly creating extensions to our brand. We even had a freestanding sporting goods store. We were on our way to creating a whole adventure travel program. It was so many things other than just the gym in those 10 years.

What obstacles or challenges did you face working with your brothers?

You know how to push each other’s buttons. That’s just part of a family dynamic. I have to say that there was a level of comfort and a real synergy between us because we were all so passionate about what we were doing. In 1990, nobody was talking about culture.

That didn’t come along for another 10 years. Our family culture was based on hard work, speaking your truth, being passionate, listening to the other person and having a great attitude.

You mentioned that you struggled with your weight, anxiety, fears, and inner peace. What advice can you give to women who are struggling as well with weight problems and anxiety?

For me it always comes back to knowing who you are. When we are just living to be there, to please others and look good, we’re always proving our worth to the world. That creates a lot of anxiety.

Everything that I do now in any of my workshops, or anytime I speak is about having the courage to really connect to yourself and find your identity.

That’s why I love nature. Being in nature and being still will really bring forth a lot of self-realizations and a lot of self-discovery. When I noticed that I really addressed my soul, it was like my anxiety started floating away and my weight issues started floating away. I just got this inner peace and it opened up the space for me to have more authentic, loving, real relationships. That was also because I was having a real relationship with me for the first time.

Tell us about the Inside/Out Movement.

The “Inside/Out Movement” came about because I’ve been on this journey of self-discovery. In order to be healthy, you have to be spiritually healthy, mentally healthy, emotionally healthy, and physically healthy.

I’ve been on this journey since I’m 18 years old.

I’ve come across some of the most amazing therapists and healers and people who do all different kinds of modalities.

I was frustrated because most of these people aren’t on Instagram. They are not on Facebook.

They are not out there on social media because they are doing what they do from 6:00 in the morning until 11:00 o’clock at night, and they are getting people these amazing results and really transforming people’s lives. There are some people who take a weekend course, a life coaching course, then they go and take one yoga certification and the next thing you know, they’re experts. Then, there are these people who have been doing this for 30 years they are not out there in the media. I felt that this was a travesty. The world is not getting their knowledge and these people are so knowledgeable and so amazing at what they do. They really help people get out of profound suffering on so many levels.

That is where my inspiration came. I wanted to

just curate some of these unbelievable people who have an unbelievable way of making changes in your life with people that I know are expert at what they do. I think 2019 is my year of really bringing that forward and making this into a business.

What advice can you give to women who want to start their own business but are afraid of failing.

First, you have to have courage. When you have courage and you’re doing something, there is always a chance of failure. I’ve had a lot of failures in my life but the fear of not starting something and allowing yourself to get paralyzed by fear is the worst. Fear is never going to go away. That’s part of the human condition. But we can conquer that.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is like inner strength that nobody can ever take away from you.

Where do you see yourself within the next two to three years? What’s next for you?

I’m finishing my book and I’m working on a platform for an online curriculum.

Tell me about SONAGE Skin Care.

Beauty is an inside job. One of the reasons I love the products so much is because they are so effective on a dermatological level, and they have no chemicals in them. There is a lot of integrity in the products. I helped create the content for beauty because so often the message women are getting is that you need to have your lips injected. You need to have more Botox. You need to have your face frozen. It’s all coming from such a superficial place.

My message is that beauty is an inside job.

When you are feeling good and your heart is open and you’re bringing sunshine where you go, you’re going to glow. When you’re glowing you’re beautiful. www.laviniaerrico.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 67

Stacey Weinstein

S

tacey Weinstein is a celebrity stylist and entrepreneur. She founded her salon, Loft 26, in New York City after perfecting her art for more than ten years at top New York salons, and in the film and TV industry.

Nominated for a daytime Emmy for her achievements in hair styling, Stacey is renowned for her work behind the camera making celebrities look their best. She herself is no stranger to being in front of the camera, whether it’s giving her expert comment as a trend-setting stylist or being captured by reality TV cameras while styling celebrities.

Stacey trained and worked as a hair stylist at an elite Madison Avenue salon.

While there, the celebrity clientele took notice of her precision cutting expertise, creativity, and cutting-edge style.

Before long, she was ready for a new challenge and embraced being an entrepreneur. Stacey founded Once Upon A Bride, an elite team of hair and makeup artists who travel to the bride on her wedding day and remain with her until she walks down the aisle to ensure perfection.

Once Upon A Bride became extremely successful. It remains a key part of Stacey’s creative mission.

As demand for her services grew, she opened Violet, a ladies-only speakeasy salon in Nolita, a neighborhood in Manhattan. Violet’s popularity soared, and soon the cozy salon was filled with brides and ladies enjoying makeovers. It became clear that it was time to expand, so Stacey opened Loft 26 in the fashion hub of Chelsea, tripling her salon space. While continuing to serve her loyal female clientele from the Violet days, she expanded to include a barber to meet men’s grooming needs. The salon also became the home of Once Upon A Bride, making the Chelsea loft a one-stop shop for bridal hair and makeup and a full range of salon services, including haircuts, coloring, blow-drying, hair extensions, and spray tanning.

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My favorite new brand of haircare products is by Hairstory

Part One.

QUIT SHAMPOO. SKIP CONDITIONER. It’s called New Wash and feels like conditioner. It takes some getting used to not having to lather. But after about one month your hair will be tame, shiny and manageable.

There are three types of options based on your hair type. Lather means you are over cleaning the hair and stripping it of its natural oils and elasticity. That makes hair unruly and hard to tame. Using New Wash is calming for the hair and does not strip it, so when you leave your hair natural it is not angry and frizzy.

Instead, it’s soft and pretty.

Part Two: Styling Product.

I love using a tiny amount of Dressed Up

for my blow dries and an extra dab if leaving hair to dry naturally. It’s a light lotion that you work evenly through the hair when damp, not on super-wet hair. (That just dilutes the product)

Part Three: Finishing Touch.

Hairpowder is a translucent pow-

der made just for your roots. I have two ways to use it. If you are going out and want bombshell hair, you can apply powder to the root and it lifts and fills out the hair. No teasing is needed and it’s immediately fuller. It also can extend your blow dry so if you don’t wash your hair one day it can take out oils and refresh your roots.

To order: Go to hairstory.com and use my name “Stacey Weinstein” at checkout for discounts. onceuponabride.net/meet-me beauty@ouab.com

3 Tips to Having Spring-Ready Hair

Cezanne smoothing keratin treatment: This product provides all the beauty and none of the chemicals. It is formaldehyde free, adds shine and allows you to maintain volume.

Baby lites: Coming off winter we don’t want to all of a sudden be blonde. A nice option to freshen up and feel bright is to add baby lites around the hairline to give you a soft sun-kissed look.

Haircutting makeover: This is the season to go for a shorter style. The reason I tell my clients to wait until spring to chop the locks is because it’s the perfect weather. You can go shorter and escape humidity so your blowouts will be fabulous. If you leave hair to dry naturally, it will have the best waves this season.

There is no static, no cold to flatten hair no humidity. This is the time to go for it. Plus, summer months allows hair to grow fast in case you are quickly over the shorter hairstyle and want longer lengths.

Katrina D’Onofrio Makeup Artist | Makeup by Katrina NYC Corp.

K

atrina D’Onofrio is a professional makeup artist. She graduated from Long Island Nail and Skin Care Institute of New York in 2003. She then began her journey as a freelance makeup artist catering to brides and local professionals, working with all age groups. She specializes in creating the appearance of flawless skin and captivating eyes. Her work became recognized by some of the industry leaders in PR which then began her career in the celebrity world.

Among others, Katrina’s work has been featured in Us Weekly, People Magazine, New York Fashion Week, BRAVO, MTV and CBS. Katrina is passionate about making her client’s look and feel their very best. Her training and experience in the industry has made her an expert in creating a flawless look for any special day. She is well known for her attention to detail. With each client, she creates a customized look that will bring out their best features. Her warm and inviting nature creates an environment that keeps her clients coming back.

www.makeupbykatrinanyc.com Facebook: MakeupbyKatrinanyc Instagram: @makeupbykatrinanyc

Katrina’s Makeup Tips BEFORE

AFTER

How would you describe this Spring season’s makeup trends?

This year the runway is full of sheer pink eyes, cheeks and lips.

Another trend making a big comeback is gold glittery eyes, black eyeliner in your waterline and stained lips. Look for bronzed skin with glossy pink or coral lips.

How can I get my makeup to last longer?

Primer for both eyes (try TooFaced eyeshadow insurance) and for face (SMASHBOX Photofinish Primer) are so important to add to your makeup routine to help prolong the longevity of your makeup. Use a setting spray to set your makeup after you are done.

My skin is always dry. What are some hydrating tips?

Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Exfoliating your skin weekly using a good mask can also remove dead skin cell build up. Use hydrating creams like “Confidence in a Cream” by iT Cosmetics both morning and night along with a hydrating serum.

If your skin still feels dry, invest in a humidifier for your room.

I notice by the end of the day my eyeliner is smeared or gone. What suggestions do you have?

Invest in a waterproof eyeliner or liquid eye liner. Long-lasting waterproof liners are just as important as a waterproof mascara for oily lids or to keep that look lasting all day. My current favorites are Smashbox and Urban Decay 24/7.

BEFORE

AFTER

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 69

TRISH REGAN

Trish Regan Primetime on FOX Business Network Weekdays at 8PM

Host and Author Trish Regan Primetime

T

rish Regan is the host of Trish Regan Primetime on the Fox Business Network.

Her show offers insight into the economic impact of the leading headlines of the day.

Trish has a surprising background as a classically-trained singer who studied Voice and Opera at the New England Conservatory of Music, and the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. She earned her B.A. cum laude in U.S. History at Columbia University in 2000.

She is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian. In addition to having a beautiful singing voice, she was named Miss New Hampshire and Miss Deerfield Fair, both in 1993. She was also a competitor in the Miss America 1994 pageant.

Trish began her financial career through a college internship with Goldman Sachs. She then became a correspondent at KPIX-TV, a CBS-owned station in San Francisco, California.

In 2001, she joined CBS News as a business correspondent for the CBS Evening News. In 2007, she joined CNBC as an anchor and NBC News as a business correspondent and analyst for the NBC Nightly News. In 2012, Trish joined Bloomberg News as an anchor and correspondent. She joined Fox Business Network in 2015 as a business anchor and Fox News as a market correspondent.

In November 2015, Trish moderated the inaugural Republican presidential primary debate, along with FOX News Channel’s Sandra Smith.

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This made history as the first dual-female team to host a debate. Trish has interviewed some of the most prominent names in business and economic policy, including President Donald Trump (and then presidential candidate Trump), and Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone. She also contributes regularly to the network’s special live programming. This has included the 2016 presidential election, the 2017 gubernational elections, and the 2018 State of the Union address.

In 2011, Trish’s “Marijuana, Inc.” special on CNBC ranked among the network’s highest rated documentaries and continues to hold that title today. She released the novel “Joint Ventures: Inside America’s Almost Legal Marijuana Industry” in 2011 as well. While at CNBC, Trish was a regular contributor to NBC’s Nightly News and the Today Show.

Trish earned the Most Outstanding Young Broadcast Journalist Award from the Northern California Society of Professional Journalists in 2002. She received an Emmy nomination for Investigative Reporting in 2007. In 2013, she was honored by the Business Insider declaring her their reader’s favorite female financial news anchor. She has been nominated for numerous awards throughout the years.

Trish lives in New York with her husband, James A. Ben, an investment banker. They have three children. www.foxbusiness.com/person/r/trish-regan

From being a former Miss New Hampshire, an opera student and with a degree in history, how did you find your way into journalism and hosting a TV news show?

Don’t forget the detour in investment banking! I’ve had an unusual career path and my diverse background has provided me with a knowledge base and work-ethic that influences all aspects of my reporting and commentary. As for my entry into journalism, I have my mother to thank. She was a journalist who wrote for the Boston Globe when I was a child. I remember going out on some stories with her as a kid and it had a big impact on me.

I knew she was trying to make the world a better place. My mother tried to encourage me to pursue journalism early on. I was a talented singer and classical musician, and so, I poured everything into that. But by the time I was a young adult, I realized I didn’t love opera enough to sacrifice all I needed to sacrifice for that profession. I worked in banking and set out on that path before getting the opportunity to combine my financial knowledge with my performing background and become a television journalist. It’s funny. This is the profession that my mom knew I would be good at when I was just 5 years old. The moral of my story is: LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER! She knows best.

Who is or was your mentor?

My mom. When I was a kid, she looked like Wonder Woman to me. She was a real-life superhero in my view and still is. I admire her determination and relentlessness. She has always been a tremendous voice of support and direction for me.

You have a husband, three children and a busy career. How do you balance career and family life?

It’s always a challenge and requires an extraordinary amount of self-discipline and coordination.

I’m a big believer in seeking out the help you need.

My husband certainly plays a major role with our children, though he, too, has a demanding career.

We recently moved closer to my parents which means I have a longer commute to work, but my parents get to spend more time with the kids. I try hard to compartmentalize. However, when you get feedback from nursery school that your son “won’t stop talking about North Korea,” you realize that compartmentalizing might not be going as well as you had hoped. The bottom line is that children must know they are the biggest priority. I make that clear to mine every day.

The current political environment has created a great divide in America. In your opinion, is there a way to help unite us?

You’re right. My concern is that politicians are moving to extremes for political gain and this is a problem. If we don’t fix that divide and show some empathy for the other side and willingness to hear a diversity of viewpoints, then America will become increasingly ungovernable.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face being a journalist and television news host?

I’m certain there are a lot of misconceptions about me. The beauty queen thing, for one. Or, the false misconception that I think a certain way just because I work at Fox. Some have very pronounced views about Fox and those views are often highly misinformed.

But stereotypes exist - maybe because it helps people define themselves and their own views of the world.

The reality is, I’m a pretty straightforward person. I’m hard working. I wouldn’t know how to approach my job any other way. I firmly believe it’s important to use my platform to help people better understand the world in which we live.

I’m very family oriented. My ideal Saturday night is dinner at home with my husband and kids watching a movie and snuggling on the couch. I always carve out time for my family and have learned to aggressively guard that personal time.

What advice would you give to women who are considering entering the journalism field?

Find your niche, your passion. What is it you care most about? I loved economic and foreign policy. These are dense topics I could (and do) roll up my sleeves and dig into. I’m literally working the phones until the last minute before we air. That’s what you want and need for this career. Being on TV is all fine and well, but to really succeed, an anchor must have a passion for reporting.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Confidence. With confidence you can and will accomplish anything.

When you get a moment to read, what type of books do you enjoy?

Biographies, especially early American ones.

Someday, I hope to learn to enjoy some good chick-lit book while drinking a margarita on the beach. But for now, time is precious, and I just want to keep on learning.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 71

“I’ve always had a passion for beautiful jewelry.”

– Esther Fortunoff

1500 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY 11501 FortunoffJewelry.com • 1.800.636.7886

Abbey LeVine Partner and Head of Content Swirl Studios

A

bbey LeVine has identified trends, talent and influencers for television, digital channels and social media for over 25 years. She is a creative executive, lauded for her outstanding ability to understand the storytelling vision of brands and networks. She creates and delivers messaging that connects to audiences.

Abbey has directed everyone from Lady Gaga to “real people” on five continents and 41 states. Her specialty is launching ideas into internationally recognized, long-running, profitable programs and campaigns. Abbey is dedicated as much to the experience of the production as she is to a refined, stylish and layered program.

As the head of content in Swirl Studios, Abbey enthusiastically helps brands reveal stories with integrity, humanity, and compassion and empowers women as often as possible on all productions.

She is excited to produce video content as it continues to expand on social and digital distribution channels. www.swirl-studios.com

Anelise Feinstein Music Theory Teacher & Professional Visual Artist The Diller-Quaile School of Music

A

nelise Feinstein previously served as a music theory teacher for 13 years at the Diller-Quaile School of Music, which is a community music school on the upper east side of Manhattan. With almost 25 years experience in the music industry, Anelise is a professional solo violinist. Additionally, she is a visual artist who creates “still” art and fantasy/comic book art. She received her B.A. in Fine and Studio Arts from Marymount Manhattan College in 2014 and her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College in 2018. Currently, Anelise is the art director of FeinPrint, a company she is building to promote her comic series and other products.

She has had an article published in Suzuki Journal.

She was a featured presenter at The Hewitt Gallery of Art. In her spare time, Anelise enjoys reading, music and art. diller-quaile.org

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 73

Power Washing | Awning Cleaning | Sidewealk Cleaning | Painting Graffiti Removal | Concrete Repair | Snow-Ice Removal | Plumbing | Etc.

ONE CALL DOES IT ALL 914-241-1010 (Main Line) • 888-829-1313 (Toll Free) • 866-578-6692 (24/7 Emergency Line) officenwmgc.com 483 Cherry St. Bedford Hills, NY 10507

3926 Mulvey Avenue Bronx, NY 10466

Marcie Manfredonia Siciliano Owner Nationwide Maintenance and Custom Candle Co.

M

arcie Manfredonia Siciliano is the owner of Nationwide Maintenance, which is a woman owned minority business (WBE/MBE). In an industry that is notoriously dominated by men, Marcie admits that overcoming adversity and getting her hands dirty was nothing new. She credits her success to the early stages of her childhood, growing up as a “tomboy” and helping her father collect scrap metal instead of doing normal ‘girly’ things. At the age of 13, Marcie lost her father to cancer, leaving behind her mother and four children to fend for themselves. Having to grow up fast, Marcie was unable to complete her education and left school at a very early age to begin working two jobs to help make ends meet. This lack of education would later influence some of the skills that she would need to run a business, especially at a higher level.

As a result of these circumstances, Marcie became more determined to ensure her children were not faced with the same financial burdens she had once faced, so she started an exterior cleaning company. Over 25 years later, Nationwide Maintenance has grown into a full-service maintenance and general contracting company, servicing the tri-state area, dispatching out of multiple locations for some of the largest names in the commercial and retail industry.

Marcie’s success has allowed her the opportunity to inspire other women to overcome obstacles she herself faced being a woman, single mother and a business owner. She also wanted to remember her parents, bring awareness to the battle millions of others face while battling cancer and let them know they are not alone. To date her foundation “Building A Cure” has helped raise thousands of dollars for ACS research. Marcie is an active advocate for cancer awareness, an official ACS board member, and finds the time to donate her time and money to other nonprofit organizations including the SPCA. In addition to Nationwide Maintenance & General Contracting, Marcie started Custom Candle Company, a candle and specialty gift store with locations in the Westchester Mall in White Plains and in Bedford Hills, New York.

How did you get started in the construction business?

As a single mother, raising 4 boys, I had a need to succeed and was always intrigued by the construction industry. I chose power washing to start my venture and eventually expanded into maintenance and construction.

What are the pros and cons of being a female in the maintenance and construction field?

As a female, there were many roadblocks such as men that were set in their ways and used to working only with men. Being able to prove them wrong built confidence and allowed me to progress and expand my business.

How have you been able to get past the prejudices shown towards women in construction?

Overcoming prejudice is never easy.

As a woman in construction, I have found there are many organizations now that were not available when I had first started. These were a great help in both networking and information, but perseverance is the only way.

While being so busy in your construction business, what motivated you to start Custom Candle Company?

After having a successful business and working hard to get it that way, I looked into something that would be a little more fun and enjoyable and at the same time play my part in saving the planet. Custom Candle Co. started as a recycled and cut bottled candle and has become a full-blown candle factory/multiple store business.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is a feeling I’ve achieved by pushing myself so hard to become the business woman I am today. It is also enabling and empowering others around me to strive and achieve their goals. customcandleco.com nationwidemaintenance.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 75

P.O.W.E.R. V I P S Barbara J. McNeal

Marcia M. D. Cassab

Zurvita

NUTRITION/WELLNESS

Consultant Manteca, California

New York Life Insurance

J’non Griffin

Home Health Solutions, LLC HEALTH SERVICES

INSURANCE

Insurance Agent New York, New York

Health Practitioner Carbon Hill, Alabama

Lynn Allen

Demetra Y. Elder-Williams

Spectrum Counseling HEALTH SERVICES

Social Worker Lake Worth, Florida

Dream Seekers Talent Management

Nicole Biblis Faeth DF Premier Homes REAL ESTATE

ENTERTAINMENT

Talent Manager Hackensack, New Jersey

Real Estate Agent Columbus, Ohio

Stephanie E. Strawbridge

Eliana Martin

Strawbridge Memorial Chapel FUNERAL HOME

Funeral Director Cleveland, Ohio

Debi Blair

Sanctuary at Tuttle Crossing HEALTHCARE

ADONIS SPECIALTIES INT’L. PRINTING

Printing Miami Lakes, Florida

Nurse Hilliard, Ohio

Phyllis S. Lyons

Hell in the Hallway Tee Shirt Company RETAIL

Sales Manager North Highlands, California

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Alison D. Mosley Tiny Tots Kingdom EDUCATION

Director Oakland Park, Florida

Cassondra L. Robinson Allegory Ministries, Inc. RELIGION

Worship Leader Quincy, Florida

P.O.W.E.R. V I P S Deia R. Aubrey

Michele C. York

Aubrey Photography

Steve White Motors

Owner and Photographer Kileen, Texas

Sales Manager Hickory, North Carolina

PHOTOGRAPHY

AUTOMOTIVE

Ekene A. “Kennie” Amaefule Puget Sound Veteran Administration Medical Center HEALTHCARE

Nurse Auburn, Washington

Susan Weglein

Judy A. Conner

TeeMark Manufacturing Inc.

Shoreline Landscape Company LLC

Accountant Crosby, Minnesota

General Manager Old Saybrook, Connecticut

CONSTRUCTION/BUILDING

MANUFACTURING

Francesca Nobili

Circle Entertainment, LLC ENTERTAINMENT

Producer Los Angeles, California

Dulene Amilcar-Pierre Wings of Lyfe

NON-PROFIT/VOLUNTEERING

Founder Tampa, Florida

Gisselle Elizabeth Cerezo Wendy Richards Health Sciences Charter School

Spotlight Risk Consulting LLC CONSULTING

Consultant Casselberry, Florida

EDUCATION

Educator North Tonawanda, New York

Claudette Deer

Cdees Cleaning LLC CLEANING SERVICE

Lynn Merves

Cleaning Bridgeport, Connecticut

Your Integrated Hypnosis HYPNOSIS THERAPY

Hypno-Therapist Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 77

Book

CORNER

Kym Douglas Bliss Happens: The Six Week Plan to a Happier, Prettier, Thinner and Richer Life Bliss Happens will magically transform your grocery list into a beauty regimen, turn your home into an oasis on a shoestring budget, and help you discover easy solutions in the midst of everyday dilemmas. From Beauty Bliss to Mom Bliss, Man Bliss and Body Bliss, Kym Douglas will have your family, home, body, health and schedule working together in perfect harmony in just SIX WEEKS!

Trish Regan Joint Ventures: Inside America’s Almost Local Marijuana Industry CNBC anchor Trish Regan takes you behind the scenes of America’s thriving pot industry, to show readers things only drug dealers know about this secret world. Forget amber waves of grain. Today, it’s marijuana plants that blanket the nation from sea to shining sea in homes, in backyards, and even in our national parks. In Joint Ventures, Trish Regan takes you behind the scenes to explore every aspect of this flourishing underground economy. Her focus is the so-called Emerald Triangle Northern California’s Mendocino, Humboldt and Trinity counties where many small-time, part-time marijuana growers contribute to a trade that generates roughly a billion dollars a year.

Patti Stanger Find Your Match: Meeting Mr. Right in Three Easy Steps This book original features advice from Become Your Own Matchmaker by “Millionaire Matchmaker” Patti Stanger on how to snag the man of your dreams. In this easy and accessible guide, Find Your Match, Patti gives priceless advice on finding your prince with three steps from her book Become Your Own Matchmaker. In Step One: Make Your Own Matchmaking Map, Patti reveals where to find single men.

In Step Two: Qualifying the Buyer, she teaches you how to determine whether he’s worth your time, and in Step Three: Adventures in Dating, she runs down the dos and don’ts of dating.

Meca McLendon The Diffusion Process: Devotional Journal This book is inspired by God, It was birthed from a place of becoming and is designed to encourage you to practice the Proverbs 31 characteristics “Ruby Traits” to becoming the woman you were created to be. Practice each Ruby Trait at least 21 days at a time and journal your experience to becoming. During this process remember to honor the time between your “no longer” and your “not yet”.

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Trish McEvoy The Makeup of a Confident Woman: The Science of Beauty, the Gift of Time, and the Power of Putting Your Best Face Forward

Internationally recognized makeup artist and trailblazing entrepreneur Trish McEvoy reveals her revolutionary, proven system that teaches women everywhere at any age to achieve total beauty security and confidence in this inspirational full-color playbook that is part empowering manifesto, part comprehensive how-to guide.

Thousands of women, both celebrities and private clients alike, have turned to Trish McEvoy’s proprietary system for applying makeup, and looking—and feeling—transformed. Now, millions of women will have the opportunity to access her secret method in one complete, gorgeous book that goes beyond the basic step-by-step makeup lessons.

Trish understands the power of beauty security. A woman with a positive self-image, can-do attitude, and sense of grace and calm will get what she wants out of life, and then some. But it’s not so easy to cultivate these qualities. Trish has a simple, 4-part solution. And it surprisingly starts with leveraging just a few minutes a day in a unique way. Even the most timestarved woman can do this, with lasting results.

Rev. Dr. Donna Andes I Would Do It All Again How to survive a difficult marriage by going to God’s Word. Dr. Andes was a Catholic Nun for 21 yrs. Left, outlived two husbands. Second marriage was difficult and had no place to go except to God which she did through His Word. At widowhood she became a missionary at age 73.

Been to Africa 16 times and Cuba once. At 86 God took her back to where she was 45 years earlier to complete His plan.

Laura Wasser It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way: How to Divorce Without Destroying Your Family or Bankrupting Yourself Maria Shriver, Kim Kardashian, Stevie Wonder, Britney Spears . . . Who do they have in common? Top LA divorce lawyer Laura Wasser.

If anyone ever had a platform to write a divorce book for today’s generation, it’s Laura Wasser. She has been practicing in her field for nearly twenty years, represented many of the country’s top celebrities and has been celebrated for her unique style, her empathy and her expertise. Wasser’s personal and professional life have been profiled by publications like the Los Angeles Times, Vogue and Interview. Most important, her approach is different from almost any other and she articulates it in a simple manner.

Laura Wasser addresses an entire generation who want “and need” to handle their breakups differently. It’s

no secret that the divorce rate in America is more than half the marriage rate. Yet the means for dissolving a relationship often seem hopelessly mired in an outdated perception of how it’s supposed to be done. Wasser acknowledges that this generation’s realities have evolved greatly since the previous generations in almost every way, and that they want to get divorced cheaply and efficiently and maintain control of the process themselves. The daughter and partner of a prominent Los Angeles Family Law attorney, she has a deep history in the field, and she knows the available roads to resolution like nobody else.

At times psychologist, at times strategist, and distinctly of this generation, Laura and her book will offer readers safer passage through what can be a devastating time, emotionally and financially.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 79

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A

s a child, Judith Ripka grew up playing with her mother’s jewelry while other girls were playing with dolls. She would use a necklace as a belt, stack bracelets together, hang a charm off a pin, and accessorize her outfits while her mother, a European-trained couturiere, would make dresses and teach Judith about style and artistry. From a very early age, Judith knew she wanted to be a jeweler. She went to Hunter College in Manhattan, and then studied design at Parsons School of Design. Her first job was as an assistant jewelry buyer at the May Company. She knew she was destined to be her own boss, and eventually quit her job and started making her own jewelry. Originally, Judith sold her jewelry out of her living room. Her three young boys would help her box items for shipping at night. She was finally able to begin a full retail business with the help of a friend, Joan, who lent her $1,000. That boost helped Judith begin operating her own retail business out of a concession clothing store on Long Island. Finally, 15 years later, she took a huge financial risk and opened her first store in Manhasset.

Judith has offered a collection of designs exclusive to QVC for nearly 22 years. In 2018, she recently brought her designs to HSN as well. Judith was a virtual pioneer, debuting on QVC in 1996 with an exclusive collection of designs with the same versatility and interchangeability for which the brand is well-known. Combined with Judith’s personal style, elegance and warmth, the exquisite, high quality designs have won over audiences in both markets. The brand has grown into an international business with over two billion dollars in retail sales and is sold in numerous countries worldwide.

Throughout her career, Judith has had some wonderful experiences including designing the pin that First Lady Hillary Clinton wore to her husband’s inauguration. She still remembers the thrill of seeing a woman walking in Manhattan wearing her jewelry for the first time.

She was the first female jewelry designer to sell on QVC in 1996.

Among her awards, Judith received the DeBeer’s Award for Outstanding Jewelry Design, she was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and she received the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Pioneer Award at the UN in 2017.

As a mother who raised three sons while starting a business, Judith is the epitome of what it means to be a successful woman. www.judithripka.com

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It’s well known that you began your business making jewelry on your kitchen table. How did you transition from a home-based business to a world-famous global brand with over $2 billion in retail sales?

When my youngest son went off to college, my husband Ron asked me what I wanted to do about my little business. I told him that I wanted to build a brand. We created a business plan together.

You’ve been designing jewelry for almost 40 years. How do you continue to get fresh ideas to create new fashion trends?

I was inspired by my mother who was a couturiere – she taught me to see the beauty in the world around me. It is in my DNA. I would design even if I did not have a business.

You have a distinct fan club of “Ripkanistas” from QVC as well as over 650K followers on Facebook.

What role has social media and your appearances on QVC played in the success of your business?

QVC has allowed me to connect with customers one-on-one as if I were in my store with them. Social media allows my followers to keep up with me and see what I am up to every day.

Do you have a favorite charity that you support? Why does this particular charity resonate with you?

I am passionate about supporting the Alzheimer’s Association, Crohn’s and Colitis foundation and BCRF. Important people in my life have been greatly affected by these diseases and I wanted to be able to help in

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finding cures and treatments to alleviate their suffering.

Who are your favorite designers and what items would we see of theirs in your closet?

I have so many favorites throughout the years that it would be impossible to single any one out. I appreciate all beautiful things. What is in my closet depends upon my mood and interests at any given moment.

What would be some advice you would give women starting out in the same industry?

Being successful revolves around my 3 p’s for success. Passion – you have to believe in yourself and your designs. Perspiration – you have to work for it. Performance – providing on-time delivery of quality assured product, at the right price.

What does the word “empowerment” mean to you?

To grant to myself belief in what I can do and pass that belief on to my team whom I trust to carry my vision forward and to help each other perform to the best of all our abilities.

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