FIND OUT HOW COVER GIRL AND SKIN CARE EXPERT JENNIFER FLAVIN
STALLONE AND OTHER EMPOWERING WOMEN CAN HELP YOU LOOK AND FEEL YOUR BEST
BROOKE BURKE’S FITNESS PROGRAMS
BEAUTY QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY DR. KELLY MATTONE & KATHY SEMPECOS
TRANSFORM YOUR MINDSET WITH CRYSTAL LYNN
PRIVETT & MARÍA TOMÁS-KEEGAN
ALSO INSIDE: WOMAN OF THE YEAR
PATRICIA L. BLAKE & OTHER
INSPIRING MEMBER STORIES
Kit Hoover is currently a host of the nationally syndicated programs and the Emmy-nominated nightly entertainment show “Access Hollywood” and the daily lifestyle entertainment show “Access Daily with Mario & Kit.” Securing her latest job at the age of 40, the Atlanta-native mother of three has always been up for an adventure. Kit made her television debut in 1995 as a cast member on the original season of MTV’s “Road Rules,” which sparked her interest in pursuing a career in television. Soon after, she joined King World Production as their entertainment reporter for “American Journal.” Kit then moved to Fox News in 1999 as a correspondent for Fox Broadcasting Company’s news magazine, “FOX Files.” In 2003, she hosted ESPN2’s “Cold Pizza” and served as a guest judge on ESPN’s reality contest, “Dream Job.” Additional hosting roles include TLC’s lifestyle makeover series, “Real Simple, Real Life,” based upon the magazine Real Simple, ABC’s “Shaq Vs.,” a reality show starring Shaquille O’Neal, and Lifetime’s “Celebrity Home Raiders.” Kit also hosted Animal Planet’s live two-hour special, “Give a Dog a Home,” which aired in December of 2019.
Kit received a track and cross country scholarship to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where she earned a B.A. in Communications. She continues to practice her love of fitness by running, biking, hiking, and playing tennis and pickleball as much as possible. She loves visiting her daughters at college. Kit is a big advocate for aging gratefully. She currently resides with her husband and son in Los Angeles, where they enjoy attending all of their son’s athletic games.
When did you realize you wanted to become a TV journalist?
I knew I wanted to become a journalist after I finished the inaugural season of “Road Rules” on MTV. Since reality TV was brand new to the industry at the time, I had no idea what I was getting into, but I got really comfortable in front of the camera and thought if I could parlay this into a career, that would be incredible. You got your job at Access Hollywood at 40. How did you adapt to balancing your career and raising your children?
I always laugh about the word balance because, in my opinion, there’s really no such thing. As a mom of three, some days run smoother than others. Some days there’s the perfect work/life balance and a beautiful homemade dinner at the end of the night. Then there are other days where it’s a last-minute DoorDash dinner and it’s every man for themselves. What do you like to do when you are not working?
I am usually on a field, court, or track when I’m not working, watching my kids compete in various sports. It’s my happy place. I also love any physical activity. I enjoy running, hiking, biking, golf, tennis, and pickleball. I try to sweat every day. What does the word power mean to you?
The word power means I have earned the right to lead the life I’ve carved out for myself. I have power over my choices. I host two daily shows that allow me to interview interesting people daily. I have recently gotten back into covering sporting events which is a huge part of who I am.
I’ve got an incredible husband and three happy, driven, hilarious kids. My parents are vibrant and well. My brother remains my closest confidant, and all of my best friends I have known since elementary, high school, and college are still my friends. Life is good.
“Access Hollywood,” “Access Daily with Mario & Kit”
Brooke Burke is a television host, cancer survivor, entrepreneur, fitness educator, philanthropist, podcaster, and women’s health advocate who has been thriving in Hollywood for decades. The title she holds dearest, however, is that of mother to her four children, Neriah and Sierra Fischer, and Heaven and Shaya Charvet. Brooke has held numerous successful network television jobs and high-profile brand partnerships. In 2008, she became the champion of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) season 7, which she later parlayed into a co-hosting job that she would hold for eight seasons. Some of her other notable credits include producing and hosting the award-winning Saturday morning educational show, “Hidden Heroes,” hosting TV Land’s branded content series, “I Dare You,” and, most recently, co-hosting the iHeartRadio podcast Intimate Knowledge. Brooke is constantly seeking creative ways to engage, inspire, and motivate women and men everywhere. After successfully launching her fitness career with a Sony DVD series and several partnerships with Guthy-Renker, she launched her VIP Malibu Booty BURN class as well as female transformation retreats nationwide.
A born nurturer and motivator, Brooke became a certified breathwork teacher to help further her knowledge of whole-body wellness and, in 2019, created Brooke Burke Body (BB Body), a mindful wellness app designed to ‘Sweat Smart’ by working out from the comfort and safety of home. Dedicated to helping everybody make health and wellness a priority, BB Body is a mindful digital gym. Brooke produces and choreographs all of the workouts to be done at home, without equipment, for every fitness level, and in increments of 5-to-50 minutes to fit every schedule. In just two short years, the app has grown substantially and is now available in all app stores as well as Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Samsung Smartcast, and Vizio Smartcast. She is the author of a biography entitled “The Naked Mom: A Modern Mom’s Fearless Revelations, Savvy Advice, and Soulful Reflections,” (Penguin Random House, 2011) and co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Joy of Less” (Simon & Schuster, 2016). She also launched and remains
co-CEO of the premiere destination for moms, ModernMom.com, part of She Media Partner Network.
A trusted resource for women everywhere, Brooke has graced the cover of countless fitness, fashion, and lifestyle magazines including Fitness, Health, Ladies’ Home Journal, Prevention, Redbook, Shape, and many more. She remains one of social media’s ‘moms to follow’ with nearly four million dedicated followers.
What inspired you to create a fitness app?
I started Brooke Burke Body (BB Body) to connect with women around the globe and share effective, efficient ways for caring for their bodies. Knowing that time is the biggest excuse, I wanted to help women create a digital gym in the privacy of their own home, to accomplish their fitness goals and develop higher body confidence. I’ve been in the entertainment industry for two decades now. Fitness has always been
part of my journey. I have been lucky to work with some of the best wellness experts in the business and my fitness philosophy incorporates styles that I have enjoyed the most.
What sets your Brooke Burke Body (BB Body) app apart from other fitness apps?
Brooke Burke Body is designed to be a tool for every individual body. That means every person and every body type. Whether you have five minutes or 50 minutes; whether you are someone who has never worked out or you’re a fitness junkie; whether you are at home or in a hotel room. Brooke Burke Body is full of possibilities to target, tone, body sculpt, stretch, recover, and improve overall well-being. I have also engaged some of my favorite instructors in the country to offer a variety of styles and programs. We have a wonderful community that allows subscribers to interact with each other and our team trainers. This past year, we also expanded to streaming platforms including Roku, Samsung, and Vizio, among others. Why are the five minute “mini” workouts on your app so effective?
I am all about efficiency. I’m a busy mom and know many of my subscribers are too. I’ve built my five-minute, bite size burns to help you target and tone specific body parts like the 4-week BOOTY challenge and 4-week AB Attack. I also use compound movements to maximize the time you do have. It’s about engaging the core, the abs, and the booty simultaneously. BB Body is about form and targets the trouble areas. In 2022, we introduced mantra movements, which is my concept of incorporating positive mantras with body movement
to improve self-confidence and inner dialogue. In 2023, we are focusing on community fitness challenges to hold everyone accountable and encourage each other along the way. Have you made any modifications to your own exercise routine or your app’s content since you turned 50?
The short answer to that is “No.” I believe that the soul is ageless. We have evolved BB Body to our most recent concept BB Body and SOUL. Fitness is a big picture that incorporates the mind, body, and soul. I feel wiser as a woman today and have a better understanding of my body. I focus on strengths, not flaws. I understand my body’s potential, and challenge myself to create strength, balance, and confidence. Mobility, mindset, and movement are concepts that keep me feeling young and vibrant. I am more mindful today of my body and the way that it reacts to both food and fitness.
I also believe in daily gratitude and taking time to thank our bodies for what they do for us. In my app, I call it ‘planks and thanks.’ You hold a plank and say out loud what you are thankful for in life. It takes your mind off holding the
plank pose and gives you the chance to pause and be grateful for what you have in your life. It’s a tough exercise but one that is accessible for everyone. Are there days you don’t feel like working out? If so, how do you motivate yourself?
Many days. The roller coaster of being a woman is complicated. Mother Nature is not always on our side. Because I teach wellness classes it keeps me honest and committed. I also challenge myself to complete my wellness goals and to make a personal commitment that I’m worthy of keeping. On a deeper level, I work out to create energy. So I just do it. No excuses.
When you were on “Dancing with the Stars” which job was more challenging for you –contestant or host?
Oh my goodness! 100% contestant! Which says a lot considering hosting a live television show in front of tens of millions of people can be quite scary. I loved both sides of the ballroom. I learned tremendous life lessons. And through the process of winning the mirror ball trophy, I learned I truly was capable of anything. It is a fascinating process to witness people outside of their comfort zone - learning to do something new and trust their body. I think everyone should do something that scares them. It’s the only way to grow. What does the word power mean to you?
Power means understanding personal potential, developing your strengths, and owning them! To consider myself an encourager, or an influencer of health and wellness, gives me a great purpose. It is in those moments that I feel like a powerful woman.
BrookeBurke.com | ModernMom.com
Connie Henriquez Kimmel is obsessed with applying super-easy ways to Start Loving Life® in bigger and better ways every single day. A former beauty executive turned life coach, she created and founded Start Loving Life®, which teaches clients to embrace a positive mindset and lifestyle, based on her own personal journey to self-discovery and happiness. After achieving tremendous success in the cosmetics industry, Connie realized something was missing: herself. She never learned how to love herself, or life, regardless of all her financial accomplishments. She didn’t even know that loving herself was a thing.
Today, Connie teaches adults, teens, and kids how to embrace and adopt the philosophy and lifestyle that she created, which changed her life. She discovered how to be happier, more confident, and how to love life, all by changing the way she thought. Connie transitioned her career from selling beauty to teaching the mindset that beauty begins from within when you learn how to love yourself first.
Connie’s lifestyle brand, Start Loving Life®, includes a proven positive psychology coaching system. She authored a self-help book for lawyers written with her husband, attorney Jeff Kimmel. Her new book, “Start Loving Life,” explores the core principles behind her groundbreaking philosophy and will be released this spring, followed by online digital courses.
Connie is an entrepreneur, content creator, TV host, teacher, and lover of life. Always learning new ways to enjoy life in a bigger and better way, she loves the color pink, her lawyer husband, Jeff Kimmel, their chihuahua Pumkin, and their four rescue kittens, Soxy, Spanxy, Bowie, and Chlohe.
When she’s not working with her clients, or on her next business venture, you can catch Connie hosting her own television show, “Start Loving Life® with Connie,” a spin-off of her previous weekly talk show, Date Night with Connie & Chrissy. Connie’s mission is to teach the world how to Start Loving Life®, one positive thought at a time.
Are there any simple solutions readers can do on their own to help them make positive changes in their lives?
Become more aware of the biggest offender in your life: your self-talk. Most people don’t realize that their inner dialogue is mean. Half the things you say to yourself you wouldn’t say to your worst enemy, but you say them to yourself every single day. Imagine what that does to your self-esteem. It’s horrible, and yet we all do it. That’s why the awareness factor is so big. It’s about self-love, which is all about shifting your negative self-talk to positive. What is the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is the time I have to work one-on-one with the people who want to enroll in my programs. There aren’t enough hours in the day. The benefit of my programs is that they have completion dates, which allows me to reach more clients on a monthly basis, which I love. I have a very busy rotation rate of new clients, without the need for traditional marketing or advertising. But there’s a limit to how many people I can see in a given month. That is why I am so excited about my new book. Most life coaches want to grow their coaching business. My mission is to really just spread and teach my philosophy on a larger scale. I don’t want someone to need to work with me in order to gain the benefit of living the Start Loving Life® lifestyle. Anyone can live it.
Damōne Roberts is an entrepreneur, international makeup artist, beauty therapist, motivational speaker, and the star of TLC’s “Ten Years Younger.” He is the 2018 recipient of The Business Leadership Award from Better Brothers LA and serves as a brand leader. His name is synonymous with creating iconic beauty and for his renowned talent of sculpting the perfect arch. Damōne is known for painting the features and shaping the brows of some of the world’s prominent beauties and famous faces, including Oprah, Madonna, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande, Taraji P. Henson, Channing Tatum, Madame Vice President Kamala Harris, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Nicki Minaj, Nicole Kidman, Robert Downey Jr., and many more.
In 2022, Damōne joined “The Tamron Hall Show” on ABC in the fall and again in the studio for the
year-end show as part of a brand new segment, The Tamron Hall Beauty Bar. This past year also saw The Damōne Roberts Brand join Thirteen Lune e-commerce, a beautiful and strategic partnership, as both brands support the same belief- to inspire the discovery of beauty brands created by black and brown founders that resonate with people of all colors.
In 2002, Damōne launched his flagship brow salon, Damone Roberts Beverly Hills.® Damōne’s philosophy is that each person exudes their own individual beauty and that “Every face deserves the perfect frame.”® 2005 saw the launch of the Damōne Roberts’ eponymous line of brow products, making luxury accessible to the masses.
The Damōne Roberts brand has also teamed up with some of the world’s biggest entertainment brands. In 2016, Angry Birds/Sony Studio hosted a key event at Damōne’s Beverly Hills salon for beauty jour-
nalists, as one of the main characters was called Angry Brow. In 2015, the TV show “Empire” premiered at the Damōne Roberts Salon with the cast. Damōne was chosen because they considered Damōne himself an empire. In 2011, Disney approached Damōne to build a duplicate of his Beverly Hills salon on their lot for the premiere of “The Princess and The Frog,” so that all the little girls going to the premiere could stop at the salon to be turned into princesses.
Damōne created the collaboration with the internationally best-selling cosmetic company M·A·C. In 2016, working closely with their development team, he created their “Brows Are It” collection, and has been the expert face behind the line. The demand for Damōne’s brand has been growing over the years. The debut of his OPI nail polish in the salon’s signature pistachio wall color, called Damōne Roberts 1968, sold out worldwide in just four weeks.
Additionally, Damōne was featured as a regular contributing beauty editor for Oprah.com, with his own column titled “Dear Damōne.” His passion for creating the perfect arch has been featured on countless TV shows and has graced the covers of some of the globe’s top magazines. His signature products have been featured on many shows and channels including MSNBC, “The View,” BET, “Access Hollywood,” “Oprah,” “Good Morning America,” CNN, Tamron Hall, and “Entertainment Tonight.”
Damōne’s distinctive flair has immortalized him in pop culture as an answer in the 2004 edition of the board game, Trivial Pursuit, and most recently as a question on the world’s leading game show, “Jeopardy.” His talent expanded from beauty into acting in Ava DuVernay’s first acclaimed feature film, “I Will Follow,” as well as her 2020 show, “Cherish the Day,” on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
It seems like so much more emphasis has been placed on brows in the last five years than ever before. Why do you think that is?
Eyebrows are literally the single most underestimated feature on the face. The correct shape can take ten years, or even ten pounds off a person’s face. I’ve been telling people this for 25 years, and now there are brow salons around the globe globally. Once you experience a good brow, you never want to go back to a bad brow. I believe this because there are more options out there now to experience a “good brow,” and this makes the industry continue to grow.
What makes the Damōne Roberts brand so popular among Hollywood celebrities? Celebrities are always under a microscope. People zoom in on their images and literally try to find things to criticize. Brows are something that when shaped correctly, can still make you look done, even if you’re wearing no makeup and going to get gas. I also treat my celebrities exactly like I treat everyone else - with respect, and they treat me the same way. I’ve learned that you get what you give.
How do you determine what type of brow is best for each individual client?
I’ve never believed in stencils. You can’t create a few shapes and throw them to the masses. A few basic techniques that I teach my staff and students are the following: if a person has a round face, add more of an arch to add more length. If the face is long, create a straighter brow to shorten the face. If a person has a square face, you give them rounder arches to balance the other features. If oval, the shape is a combination of all the above. There’s a method to our madness.
What is trending for brows in 2023?
2023 is bringing forth a more naturally arched brow. They are fuller, still shaped to a person’s features, but not as precise. Every woman and man needs to have our clear brow gel in their vanity. We want to be able to control the way the hairs lay, and that should always be going upward.
Is there any celebrity that you haven’t worked on that you would like to and why?
I’ve been blessed to work on everybody - literally. There’s not many these hands haven’t touched. I guess the only one I haven’t had the pleasure of actually shaping at this point is Michelle Obama. I did hear from a reliable source however that she uses the Damōne Roberts Brow Line, so I’ll gratefully settle for that.
What does the word power mean to you?
Power means being 100% comfortable in who you are! It’s embracing the insecurities, oddities, eccentricities, as well as the achievements, loves, laughter, and light. It’s wrapping yourself up in a full embrace as you lay your head down at night, and knowing some days are better than others. I always do my best, and my best is all I can give. That is the truest definition of power.
www.damoneroberts.com
Jennifer Flavin Stallone began modeling at the age of 17 and found success both in print and on the runway. Against the backdrop of a successful modeling career, meeting, dating, and marrying a world-famous, iconic movie star, and carrying and raising three amazing children, she co-founded a hugely successful skin care and beauty company, Serious Skincare.
Read her inspiring story.
PRESIDENT AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Tonia DeCosimo
VICE PRESIDENT
Nicole Crumb
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Syndi Reibman
SENIOR EDITOR
Ellen Gold
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Geri Shumer
MEDIA DIRECTOR
Jeremy Felber
WEB DESIGNER & IT
Chris Ziminski
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Cris Bell
CONTROLLER
Maureen Meagher
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Shari Brozinsky
Anna Rose Cameron
Denise Forte
Helene Kaye
Jenine Martino
Sari Meyer
Elyse Shulman
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 discriminate based upon race, religion, and political views. P.O.W.E.R. magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials. Advertisements do not constitute an endorsement of the product or services by P.O.W.E.R. Magazine. Copyright 2023 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.
To coincide with P.O.W.E.R.’s Look
Good/Feel Good podcasts which have been recently featured on the P.O.W.E.R. website, www.powerwoe.com, this Tonia’s Talk is dedicated to exploring the very real connection between the way we look and the way we feel.
Let’s face it; you can never underestimate the power of a great outfit, a full face of makeup, and a ‘good hair day.’ When you are put together and feel good about your appearance, you are more confident and feel better equipped to take on life’s challenges.
I also feel that if you are invested in taking care of your appearance, you are more likely to take care of other aspects of yourself through diet, exercise, and staying on top of your mental health, all of which leads to a greater sense of overall well-being.
If you don’t believe me, you certainly should trust the guests on my podcast and those featured in this issue of P.O.W.E.R. Magazine. All of these women agree that when we present our best selves to the world we are in a better mood and are more self-assured. This issue is packed with great information and stories from cosmetic physician, Dr. Kelly Mattone; licensed medical aesthetician Kathy Sempecos; fitness expert Brooke Burke; skin care extraordinaire Jennifer Flavin
Stallone; global fashion designer, Renée Greenstein, personal transformation coach Crystal Lynn Privett, and many more. Although these women work in different industries, they all help others be the best version of themselves.
What I find most interesting is that the look good/feel good connection can also work in reverse. When we feel good, we tend
to look good as well. This is because our mood can have a direct impact on our physical appearance. When we’re wellrested, happy, and content, we tend to smile more, stand taller, and have a certain glow about us.
At the end of the day, the look good/ feel good and feel good/look good connection go hand-in-hand. It is all about self-care. We are hard-working women, burning the candle at both ends, and we need to take the time to make ourselves a priority. When we tend to ourselves, we feel better – and that is reflected in how we show up to our job, our families, and our friends. If you’re not in the habit of making yourself #1, give it a try. You will thank me for it and so will those you care about!
Tonia DeCosimo Tonia DeCosimo PRESIDENT AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @Toniadecosimo @power_woe
With over 20 years’ experience, Laurie
J. Spahl is a nurse with St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts. She is responsible for medical, surgical, cardiac, and cardiothoracic patients in the ICU. She monitors patients, administers medication, changes catheters, manages inpatient and outpatient care, and is a patient advocate from intake to discharge. Laurie serves as a unit charge nurse and a resource nurse. She belongs to the Massachusetts Nurses Association and the American Association of Critical Care Nursing. She is a union representative for the ICU and serves on the negotiating committee.
Laurie was inducted into the International Nurse Association in Healthcare in 2014 and received the Leadership in Healthcare Award in 2015. She earned an A.S.N. from Becker College and a B.S.N. from Framingham State University. She was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International (the nursing honor society), and into the PINNACLE National Honor Society for non-traditional students. In her spare time, Laurie enjoys the beach, travel, and movies. What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?
Kimberly A. Haworth is a Licensed Practical Nurse with Blackstone Valley Health and Rehabilitation. She has five years’ experience and is responsible for providing bedside nursing and wound care to dementia and geriatric patients. Kimberly is a compassionate caregiver and treats her patients as she would want her own family members to be treated. She is a Certified Wound Care Associate. In her spare time, she enjoys adult coloring, the beach, reading, and being with her family.
How did you get started in your field/industry?
I was brought up around the nursing home industry because my mother was the head of the dietary department. My passion for nursing began when I was around five years old. What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in your career?
Tiffiany A. Frazier is a confidence coach with The Tiffiany Institute, LLC. She is responsible for building confidence in her clients and helps identify thoughts and fears that may be holding them back. Tiffiany is also a motivational speaker and poet. Her first poetry book, “The Blessed Novelties,” will be in bookstores in the near future. She belongs to The Hoinser Group (UK) and has been featured in the Hoinser Queens 2022 magazine Top 100 Inspirational Women, Top 33 Inspirational Women 2022 volume, 2 Queens book, and Top 10 Powerful Personalities Christmas edition. Tiffiany has also been given the title H.E Dame and has earned a certification of achievement and a trophy for Best Life Coach. She is a member of the OneWoman organization and will be speaking at the 2023 All Women’s Summit American Tour in Las Vegas. Tiffiany enjoys church activities, bowling, movies, roller skating, and ice skating.
One of the biggest challenges that I faced as a nurse was the pandemic. In the early stages, we worked without adequate PPE, which was a danger both to us and to our families. We dealt with a constant barrage of critically ill patients that more often than not died from the disease. Both the risk of exposure and the drain of knowing that my ministrations would likely be unsuccessful were sources of daily stress. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?
Women continue to struggle to balance their home lives and work lives while caring for children and/or elderly relatives. www.stvincenthospital.com
One of the biggest challenges is finding a good balance between everything that needs to be accomplished. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?
A big challenge for women is being treated as equals. Women can hold just as much, if not more power than men. What does the word empowerment mean to you?
When I hear the word empowerment I think of a strong leader, who is someone to look to in times of need or support.
www.blackstonevalleyhealth.com
What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?
Confidence is one obstacle that women struggle with. I feel that having confidence makes you feel good about yourself, and it can get you out of your comfort zone to find better opportunities. Lack of confidence can interfere with future success. The second challenge is not enough women in powerful positions. We serve as role models around the world. Young girls envision themselves in a high position of leadership in whatever occupation they may choose to do. However, they may feel that circumstances with location, family, and education may be a challenge to achieve this goal. Women need to join forces and help prove otherwise and support each other.
What does the word empowerment mean to you?
It means to uplift, encourage, and boost selfworth.
Nancy B. Mullins is a nurse practitioner with Lifewell. With over 20 years’ experience, she is responsible for medical management of the mentally ill, diagnosing patients, and directing patients to counseling for suicide prevention. Nancy earned an M.S.N. from the University of Phoenix in 2002. In her spare time she enjoys walking.
How did you get started in your field/industry?
Nurse Practitioner LifewellWorking with behavioral health clients was rewarding but always challenging. It is sometimes difficult getting them to be forthright about their feelings. This makes it difficult to treat them effectively. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?
It is challenging out there for anyone, but especially women. We have to deal with the salary issue, which should have been resolved long ago. I also feel that we still have to prove that we are good enough and empowered enough to do anything that our opposite gender can do.
I got started as a nurse practitioner due to my ability to read others and know when they are in need, even when they don’t say so out loud. What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?
Roberta G. Mandel is the managing partner of Mandel Law Group P.A. With over 38 years’ experience, Roberta is responsible for family law, divorce cases, small business representation, civil and criminal law, and representing homeowners in foreclosures. She earned her J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law in 1984. Roberta is a member of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, and the Florida U.S. Supreme Court.
Roberta is AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell® and has been des-
ignated a Legal Leader by the Miami Herald and a Florida Super Lawyer for many years. She began her career working on high-profile criminal cases.
What does the word empowerment mean to you?
It is about empowering others to do the right thing. For example, I have worked with a lot of suicidal clients, and I try my best to empower them to realize that they are worthy and that they have reasons to live.
How did you get started in your field/ industry?
I was a partner in two medium-sized law firms before I opened my own law firm. I handle appeals and trial court litigation, primarily divorce law. What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in your career?
Roberta handled the appellate departments of two medium size law firms before opening her own firm in 2010. Among her more notable cases was litigation stemming from Anna Nicole’s death in Florida. Following that national and international media coverage, Roberta served as a legal commentator on several cable news shows.
Cathy Marshall was born in Birmingham, Alabama. The eldest girl of 13 children, she is a natural born leader. Known as CaDori, she coined the name as a combination of her name, her mother Doris, and her late son Dougie. CaDori loves helping others. She is the mother of five and is a registered nurse. She spends a tremendous amount of time giving back to her community. Before becoming a nurse, she was once homeless, jobless, and lived in a shelter. In 2017, she founded a nonprofit charity, CaDori Helping Hands, Inc. CaDori donated baby supplies to young mothers and delivered cleaning and personal care items to families who lost everything during Hurricane Harvey. She also donated backpacks full of school supplies to children in a local shelter and fed over 100 people displaced by the hurricane at a hotel in Livingston, Texas.
For the past two years CaDori has fed the residents
I put myself through college and law school on full academic scholarships. I was determined to become an attorney and I often had to work two jobs in order to make that happen.
What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?
Although there are many women law partners, few have climbed the ranks to managing partner.
www.mandellawgroup.com
at The Turning Point in Houston as well as the surrounding community during Thanksgiving. During the past four years, she has partnered with The Rose in Houston which is a breast health organization focusing on prevention, treatment, and paying for mammograms for women who can’t afford to pay. Currently, she is hoping to secure a place and open a group home for women who have been victims of domestic violence and help them gain their financial independence through job training. On January 27, 2021, CaDori was honored by Mayor Sylvester Turner for her philanthropic work with her very own day in the City of Houston, Texas. CaDori also founded Dougie’s Kids, Inc., named after her oldest son, Bobby Denerio Marshall Brown, known as “Dougie,” who passed away in 2010 in a motorcycle accident. Cadoribrand.net
Sherry R. Whitsett is an area maintenance technician with the USPS. With over 20 years of experience, Sherry is responsible for traveling to different postal locations to ensure remodeling activities are correct for the set-up of new locations and training employees. She is currently a candidate for her A.A.S. in HVAC with Intellitec College in 2023 and serves as an HVAC Ambassador for Intellitec College. Sherry was awarded the Tech Trade Student of the Year. In her spare time she enjoys being with her family, Comic Con, Girl Scouts, and DC Adventures. How did you get started in your field/industry?
I had a strong interest in HVAC as soon as I saw it in the workplace as a maintenance employee at USPS. I was promoted into area maintenance, and it became a necessary skillset.
Roxane Maliszewski started learning classical guitar when it was bigger than she was. Her guitar performances consistently brought home the highest awards in competitions. Eventually she was told she should be teaching, not competing. In high school, she was asked to help teach music theory at a local college. At the same time, her teaching skills and academic prowess led her chemistry teacher to work with the school to adjust her schedule, so she could teach chemis-
Area Maintenance Technician | USPS
What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in your career?
The biggest challenge has been that I must always be better than the men in my field. After proving yourself it’s easy. I have a quiet confidence and am very thorough with my work.
What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?
I would say it’s the same for many women. It’s important to achieve specific qualifications to further your particular set of skills.
What does the word empowerment mean to you?
Power means that I have permission to be me, to follow through on certain challenges, and to help other women along the way.
try while the teacher was away. Roxane opened for Richie Haven on several occasions when he performed in Louisville, Kentucky. While in Cincinnati, she performed for over a decade at a recognized French restaurant, often singing in French or one of four other languages besides English. When Cincinnati celebrated its sister city Nancy, France in 1991, Roxane performed on TV for the second time, internationally.
Roxane’s singing gigs were usually a second job. She wanted to work with her hands and became a skilled tool and die/model maker. This gave her a place to apply her skill in mathematics daily. She was especially adept at building models or prototypes from pictures and engineering drawings, which compli-
With over 35 years’ experience, Suzanne A. Matheson is a senior vice president of sales with HUB International Insurance Services. She attended UCLA and AFI studying English and Specialized Creative Writing. Suzanne is a resident licensed broker in California (and holds non-resident licenses in a few other states). She writes all lines of coverage and works with the sales team. She specializes in personal and commercial insurance for small and large companies, personal asset protection, liability and health insurance, life products (including 401(k) assistance), and financial management plans through the firm’s retirement and private wealth
specialty team, including all health/medical products for individuals, families, and group plans. Suzanne belongs to the Jonathan Club and holds various IIABC certifications. She is an expert witness for the court system through Expert Networks and provides appearances and consultations as needed. She enjoys being with her family and friends, art and music, cooking classes, playing guitar, golf, and fitness.
mented her degrees in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. One of her more interesting jobs was building models/ prototypes from movie stills for some of the first toys that came out after the first “Star Wars” movie. Roxane often helped companies to understand and meet ISO9000 requirements and improve processes. She has retired from tool and die, but continues to sing, teach, and has started an online business.
How did you get started in your field/ industry?
I aced the mathematical and mechanical aptitude test for the tool and die apprenticeship program at GE, which was the highest score in their history.
www.ferrititout.com
How did you get started in your field/ industry?
While attending AFI classes, I started as a receptionist with James Econn & Company in Los Angeles. Being in the field of insurance was not a plan. I was mentored and eventually enjoyed the detail work and subsequent advancement into underwriting. As I continued to learn/grow, so did my interest in insurance and how it would assist client needs. Eventually, this path allowed me to understand the insurance contracts and what affects the rate of a risk to better manage them.
www.hubinternational.com
With over 25 years’ experience, Jennifer Morgan is a digital transformation leader. She leads a team that focuses on ensuring that the customer’s experience is at the heart of the products and solutions created. Driving digital enablement, design thinking, content creation and development, Jennifer ensures product delivery exceeds goals. An active member of her community, she belongs to the Minneapolis Interactive Marketing Association, Adfed, and the COMPASS mentoring program. She earned a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Minnesota in 1991. Jennifer enjoys travel, cooking, gardening, and her family.
Kerrie L. Stouffer is the owner of All Vehicle Registration Services, which provides interstate trucking registration and related services for the trucking and transportation industry. Kerrie is responsible for the overall operations and management of the company, overseeing client services, efficiency, and following the guidelines and regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. She is an industry expert and is knowledgeable about vehicle registrations, titles, obtaining permits, doing fuel and mileage taxes, and all information regarding single vehicle owners to large trucking company fleets. She and the company have numerous testimonials touting her expertise and helpfulness.
How did you get started in your field/industry?
I had no intention of working in technology but while I was living out in Colorado a small startup offered me a job. The team I worked with was so energetic and had so much passion for the work we did, it became contagious. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?
I love the fact that women make up a larger part of the technology field today. But as in many fields, I think that women don’t always know how to use their voice. In a field that has traditionally been male
dominated, we struggle with not knowing how to embrace our perspectives and give credit to the benefits our unique experiences can offer. What does the word empowerment mean to you?
Empowerment is about identifying unique gifts and talents and allowing them to be brought to the surface. As a leader, identifying the diverse skills that everyone brings to work creates a team that can value and appreciate each other, and accept success and failure together. It creates an amazing network that empowers individuals, teams, and ultimately, the products we create.
With over 41 years of experience, Kerrie ensures the agency keeps up to date on all state and federal regulations. The company partners with the Department of Motor Vehicles through their Business Partner Associate program, which enables them to process authorized type transactions directly in the
office. They are able to issue registration cards, license plates, and stickers while customers wait. Kerrie attended college. She belongs to the N.A.T.S.A. and the California Trucking Association. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, motorcycles, and swimming.
allvehreg.com/index.html
With over six years’ experience, Theresa R. Corbin is the owner and creative coordinator of TRC Creations. Theresa makes and sells gift baskets for all occasions and creates jewelry from semi-precious stones. She is responsible for the overall operations, management, and customer service. In her spare time she enjoys cooking and travel.
With over 10 years’ experience, Victoria L. Clarke-Payton is a Realtor with The Dawn McKenna Group at Coldwell Banker, the #8 team in the US. Originally from London, England, Victoria earned a B.A. in Fine Arts Valuation from Southampton. She previously served with a large commercial real estate development firm in London before moving to Naples, Florida in 1999. Victoria then worked for a property appraisal company for almost a decade before becoming a realtor in 2012, joining The Dawn McKenna Group in 2017. She works with buyers, sellers, and with
many high-net-worth individuals. She specializes in luxury properties and new construction. Victoria enjoys cooking, hiking, fishing, equestrian sports, and sailing.
How did you get started in your field/industry?
I love art and interior design. After working for a property appraiser, I realized I had ample experience to not only value a property and converse on its attributes, but to sell the dream too.
What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?
Initially, my age was a factor as was being taken seriously as a young professional selling ultra-luxury real estate in
a market which definitely had (and still has) an ‘Old Boys Network.’ Also challenging was having come from England and not having a long list of immediate high-net-worth connections to draw from.
What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?
A lack of confidence can hold women back. Go out and give it a shot; nothing ventured, nothing gained.
What does the word empowerment mean to you?
Power means having the strength and determination to create your best self and life. It means lifting up and helping others become great too.
dawnmckennagroup.com
Can I use dermal filler to get rid of the lines between my eyes?
That is a hard, fast never! There’s a risk of blindness if the filler gets into one of the many blood vessels in that area. I recommend using a neurotoxin, like Botox, or my personal favorite, Jeaveau. It relaxes the muscles and not only softens the lines but gives the eyes a more open appearance. Neurotoxin never possesses a risk of blindness. Filler is great for adding volume to the cheeks, chin, and lips. I feel like my face is falling. What can I do that doesn’t involve needles? Surgery is not an option.
Dr. Kelly Mattone is a cosmetic physician with a Mount Sinai education and board certification in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. After serving as chief resident, Dr. Mattone continued at Mount Sinai Hospital as an attending physician, clinical residency instructor, and associate professor of Gross Anatomy. Her passion for innovative aesthetic procedures has put Dr. Mattone on the cutting edge of non-surgical cosmetic medicine. Her solo private practice, Aesthetic Medical Studio, received Best Botox and Best Ultherapy on Long Island. Dr. Mattone has distinguished herself in the health, beauty, and fitness industry as a respected medical expert, guest speaker, contributing writer, guest beauty editor, medical correspondent, and spokeswoman. She has appeared on the Bravo and E! Entertainment networks representing Bare Essentials Bare Minerals Makeup and Kate Somerville Skincare.
Dr. Mattone is a sought-after veteran member of the Modere Scientific Advisory Board, a clean-label lifestyle brand. She endorses Modere’s multi-patented Liquid Collagen/HA Matrix nutricosmetic. As a global brand ambassador, she launched Modere’s CellProof Skincare line in Japan in 2019. After debuting in the U.S. in 2020, the CellProof Skincare line was awarded the “Green and Gorgeous” Editor’s Choice Award. She has been instrumental in expanding the clean-label experience. In 2022, Dr. Mattone helped the company boost their clean-beauty line with a product she claims is, “the best skincare product I’ve come across in 33 years as a physician.”
www.aesthetic-associates.com
Ultherapy is the next best thing to a face lift. In fact, the safe ultrasound waves target the same deep layers as surgeons. It’s the only device that is FDA approved to lift the brows, jowls, and neck. It’s a great option for those who need more than skin tightening devices but are not quite ready for surgery. I use it on the abdomen and knees with great results too.
I hate my arms. Despite working out, they still wave back to me in the mirror. How can I lose the flab in the back and tighten and tone my arms without looking bulky or spending more hours in the gym?
Emsculpt is the perfect solution. It builds muscle and burns fat. Using MRI magnet technology, the energy contracts your muscles beyond what’s possible on your own and decreases fat at the same time. Each 20-minute biceps and triceps session gives you 20,000 contractions. There are no side effects and no soreness the next day. Is there really an enzyme that makes you age?
Yes. Hyaluronic Acid is your body’s sponge that keeps your skin and joints hydrated and healthy; but it has its own arch nemesis—hyaluronidase. Natural aging begins at 25 when hyaluronidase starts to break down HA. This leads to visible lines, wrinkles, and dryness as well as discomfort in joints and less flexibility. That’s why I use and always recommend Liquid BioCell. It’s clinically proven to inhibit hyaluronidase and increase hyaluronic acid levels by 6000%. Try it for yourself. Use my discount code J216510 at modere.com. Contact Dr. Mattone at (516) 482-2424.
These are the most-asked questions that I get from clients. Besides injectables, what other non-invasive treatments can be recommended for fine lines and wrinkles?
Morpheus8 has taken esthetics by storm. Its unique handpiece allows 24 gold plated pins to enter your skin while delivering transforming radio frequency to depths of the skin. This procedure allows an all-in-one extreme skin-tightening and skin-resurfacing results that are visible after each and every session. Morpheus8 is used for face, neck, décolleté, hands, and of course all areas of the body as well. Morpheus8 treatments are done once a month. Usually three treatments are recommended in order to see results.
With summer on the way, what are the quickest fat melting, fat freezing, and body sculpting treatments that will give results before the beach?
We often combine technologies like Coolsculpting Elite for targeting difficult fat areas with the Venus Bliss for getting the deeper visceral fat under the muscle. With the new 2-in-1 Venus Bliss laser fat melting device combined with the RF MP2 skin tightening device, we are able to melt away not only surface fat, but also more difficult ‘visceral’ found under the muscle that plagues so many of us. Venus Bliss is known to get up to a 40% reduction on treated areas. Then we can follow up with the MP2 skin tightening treatment that will perfect the results and boost collagen production, improving the look of the skin, making it smoother, lifted, and tighter. We recommend three sessions of Venus Bliss done one month apart, and in-between those, three sessions of the MP2 skin tightening treatment. How do I choose the right facial treatment for my skin?
Your skincare specialist can definitely help you to choose the right facial by first analyzing your skin in order to identify your personal skincare needs. In fact, now just by going online to www. prismmedspa.com, and clicking on “Skin Analysis,” you can get your ‘skin score’ for pores, acne, pigmentation, condition of your eye area, wrinkles, uniformness, translucency, hydration, and skin sagging. Once finished, you’ll know exactly what products and treatments are recommended for your skin specifically. Try it and then subscribe to the website for $50 off your first treatment. Good skin is just a phone call away.
Katherine Sempecos is a medical aesthetician, laser, and anti-aging expert with over 25 years of experience. She has owned and operated over ten medical device distribution companies, specializing in the latest anti-aging technologies, as well as owning two anti-aging clinics in Europe. Kathy has concentrated her entire career on bringing the most innovative and effective aging well treatments and products to market.
As co-owner of Prism Med Spa, Kathy has worked with top celebrities including Bravo’s “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” Stacey Silva and her husband Florian from “Darcy and Stacey,” and more recently, famous Actor, Rich Graff, who plays Lucky Luciano on AMC’s “Making of the Mob.” Prism has been voted as Best Spa on the North Shore every year since opening in 2014. Kathy prides herself on customizing every customer’s program, while utilizing the most advanced laser and RF technologies to help her customers reach all their beauty and health goals.
Kathy Sempecos Medical Aesthetician Prism Med Spa
An attorney for over 38 years, Karen Tenenbaum and her team represent taxpayers in IRS and New York State tax matters. Karen is a frequent speaker on IRS and NYS tax issues for numerous professional groups on topics such as New York State residency, IRS and NYS tax collection and more. Her knowledge and leadership have established her as a leading tax attorney in the New York area. She developed an interest in promoting financial literacy from her first-hand experience helping others with tax problems.
In addition to her tax practice, Karen is the founder of Money Masters, Inc. and the co-creator of Walter the Vault, which is an animated character who promotes financial literacy for children. He focuses on how to save reasonably, spend responsibly, invest wisely, give appropriately, and budget regularly. Karen’s ultimate goal is to teach children how to make responsible and informed decisions about money.
As an advocate of financial literacy for all ages, Karen is also the co-founder and served as chair of the board of directors for Commerce Plaza, Inc., a nonprofit promoting financial literacy that is now part of the YES Community Counseling Center. Commerce Plaza introduces children to the business community in order to prepare students for employment and a successful future. The Children’s Business Center
teaches elementary students about the free enterprise system, careers, economics, citizenship, and the general skills needed in the work-world. Through a hands-on and simulated work environment, students receive paychecks, make bank deposits, write checks, operate businesses, prepare cost sheets, think critically, and work as a team.
Karen has been featured in news articles and on local cable television shows and radio programs, including the WCBS 880 Radio Small Business Spotlight with Joe Connolly, “Fox5,” Money Magazine, iHeart Radio, Toy Museum of NY, Tower Talk Radio, Law You Should Know, Long Island Business News, The New York Times, Newsday, The Trusted Professional, “Channel 12 News,” Channel 12 Job Line, Bloomberg Radio, Telecare “Family Comes First,” Bonnie D.
Graham’s “Technology Revolution: The Future of Now” and “Something to Talk About,” the Kidz Expo at the Long Island Children’s Museum and Govs Radio. In addition, she has given multiple presentations for the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and created a Family Financial Literacy Fair for the NYS Society of CPAs, Nassau Chapter.
Active in the legal and accounting professions, Karen is past chair of the Nassau County Bar Association Tax Law Committee and a past executive board member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, Nassau Chapter. She is also the past chair of the Financial Literacy Committee of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, Nassau Chapter. Karen remains an active member of all of these organizations. For many years, she has been selected as a New York Metro Area Super Lawyer as a practitioner of Tax Law. Recently, Karen was named a Top 50 Women Lawyer of New York State by Super Lawyers.
Karen received her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and her LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law. She is admitted to the New York State Bar Association and the U.S. Tax Court. She is also a Certified Public Accountant.
www.litaxattorney.com
www.walterthevault.com
Attorney | Tenenbaum Law, P.C.
Founder | Money Masters, Inc.
Dr. Nsombi Jaja, P.M.P, SAMC, CCMP, C.M.C., is the president of Quality Management Consultancy Inc. USA, a consulting practice providing solutions to the business community in the areas of strategic management, change management, quality management, leadership development, and customer experience management. For the past 20 years, Dr. Jaja has worked with the leadership teams of client organizations assisting them with organizational transformation and change management. She is the author of “How Leaders Develop Spiritual Intelligence.” Her work as a professional speaker and coach has inspired and motivated many to achieve breakthroughs and excellence in their lives.
A certified John Maxwell speaker, trainer, and coach, Dr. Jaja helps to transform the modern workplace into one where employees find meaning in their work and contribute to a positive, healthy environment. As organizations experience change, including restructuring, downsizing, and mergers, she coaches leaders on how to lead change effectively and she coaches employees on how to understand, manage, and cope with change in order to emerge stronger and better.
Dr. Jaja received her training in quality management through two fellowship awards from the United Nations and the Government of Japan and one fellowship award from the Government of Sweden. Foundation training in quality management was provided by the Juran Institute Inc. USA. Dr. Jaja holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry and Applied Chemistry from the University of the West Indies, Mona, an M.B.A. from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, and a D.B.A. from the University of Phoenix.
In her spare time, Dr. Jaja enjoys watching and playing tennis and having memorable experiences with her family.
How did you get started in your field/industry?
I stumbled on the field of quality and recognized that I was made for this field. I found my purpose when I got the job as a quality assurance officer at the Bureau of Standards in Jamaica. I pursued further studies in the field of quality management and then established my consulting firm after studying quality management in Japan, Malaysia, Sweden, and the U.S. This evolved over the years to include strategic management, change management, leadership development, and customer experience management.
What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?
When I began in the early 80’s, the concept of quality management was foreign to my environment. Many people were familiar with quality control and saw it as a laboratory function. I am often described as a pioneer for QM in Jamaica and the Caribbean. As a young female entrepreneur at the time, I had to prove the value I brought to organizations before I was accepted.
What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?
By and large, women all over are recognizing their value and their power and are being more assertive in their personal and professional lives. However, many of these women face backlash from being in a male dominated space. It is important that we mentor the younger generations of women to find their voice and make their contributions to building harmonious communities where we can co-exist to deliver value. We must believe that we are people of value, valuing others and adding value to their lives.
What does the word empowerment mean to you?
Empowerment is a strong belief that the power within is more powerful than anything outside of us. It means a belief that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us if we have a clear vision, know our purpose, and have strong, sound values. www.qmcincusa.com
Patricia L. Blake joined the Los Angeles Police Departmment (LAPD) in May of 1983. Her career as a sworn LAPD officer spanned almost 34 years. Patricia was promoted through the ranks and held the positions of acting and assistant detective commanding officer, patrol watch commander, and acting patrol commanding officer. She was part of a leadership team at the Foothill Division that focused on crime analysis, developing crime strategies, and implementing cutting edge predictive policing.
Upon retirement, Patricia continued as an active reserve officer as the Officer in Charge (OIC) of a unique mounted volunteer cavalry unit, the Valley Community Cavalry Rough Riders (VCCRR). This cavalry unit was deployed in local parks, trails, and business malls throughout the city. The unit’s mission includes public outreach, crime prevention, education, mounted color guard for parades, evacuation, and search and rescue efforts. The unit enhances good will and fosters a partnership between police and the local community.
Patricia became one of two of the first female field patrol Field Training Officers (FTO’s) at Rampart Division. She was also the first female Senior Lead Officer (SLO) at the same division in 1989. She received the Officer of the Year award at Rampart and earned a Meritorious Unit Citiation at the Wilshire Division as the OIC of a hand-chosen special problems unit which improved the quality of life in the local community in an area impacted by gang and narcotics activity, violence, and crime.
Patricia earned a B.A. from CSUN, an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix, and she com-
pleted the West Point Leadership Course with the LAPD in 2003. She was an affiliate of the Los Angeles Women Police Officer and Associates (LAWPOA) and the California Peace Officers Association. In 2014, the LAWPOA recognized Patricia for her exceptional leadership and mentoring during her career with the department.
Recently, Patricia wrote a factual personal testimony documenting her career and real life police work with the
LAPD entitled “Touched by the Hand of God in the City of Angels – SEND ME.” She relates possessing a strong conviction in a verse in the Bible Old Testament, Isaiah 6:8, where the Lord speaks to the Prophet Isaiah and asks “Whom shall I send” to deliver horrible news to Isaiah’s people. Isaiah’s immediate response was “Send me.” Patricia believes God sends angels to watch over, protect, and shield all first responders, including law enforcement, military, fire,
medical personnel, and paramedics. She believes that the Lord also sends first responders as angels to protect and shield others in their darkest moments of despair, sheer terror, and pain. Her testimony recognizes God’s guidance from childhood which instilled a strong sense of justice and the calling to protect the innocent and the vulnerable. Patricia asserts that good versus evil does exist and monsters in the darkness also exist.
In her spare time, Patricia enjoys church activities, racquetball, horseback riding, and jogging. She participated over ten times in the annual international law enforcement 120-mile Baker-to-Vegas team relay run.
What do you do to escape and recharge, even for a few hours?
I enjoy horse riding, jogging, racquetball, walking my dogs on the trails, and reading factual books on history and leadership.
What advice has helped you get to the next level?
I believe that you should seek out excellence through continual improvement. I took advantage of all the opportunities given through the department, including training courses, to develop my leadership and mentoring skills. Getting a formal college education helps. Always try various challenging work assignments. What book is on your bedside table right now and why:
Currently I’m reading “On Spiritual Combat,” by Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman and Adam Davis. The authors provide inspirational leadership and insight into the foundation of the Bible and spiritual guidance, guiding selfless warriors to stand up with courage and strength during the constant struggle between good and evil and the monsters in the darkness.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell myself to surround myself with positive, trusted family and friends, and to be more confident and self-assured in myself. Recognize and develop mentors for guidance, and always keep my family as a priority over work. Always follow your inner instincts and listen with an open mind and heart to follow God’s path. I would tell myself to recognize both God’s daily and life-changing miracles all around us. Always strive to become a better leader to inspire others to have hope and faith. Have the strength and courage to stand up to overcome personal adversity and to make a true difference.
Where did you get the inspiration for the pieces you create?
I tend to design jewelry based on my own personal taste, and just hope others will love them too. I love a good charm necklace, personalized pieces that are customized, and sentimental pieces. But I’m also inspired by what we find in nature, like pearls and natural stones. Jewelry, like everything else we wear, can be a personal reflection of ourselves, almost autobiographical with the combination of the right charms. Why do you love designing with pearls?
The classic pearl necklace is having a huge renaissance right now. It’s no longer just the classic strand of pearls
Jasmine Rostamian is the owner and designer of Bella Sophia Jewels, a small, female-owned jewelry business in Los Angeles, California. Before starting her jewelry design endeavor she was a high school English teacher with two degrees in English Literature. But like many others, she felt the need for a more creative outlet during the COVID lockdowns and started making jewelry for herself and for gifting to friends and family. This turned into Bella Sophia Jewels, named after her two daughters. Jasmine resides with her husband, daughters, son, and Maltipoo, Archie, in Los Angeles.
that our grandmothers would wear; pearls are having a major moment. I love to take something timeless, like pearls, and add a modern edge to it by combining it with other chains, unexpected charms, and personalizing with initials and names.
As a mother of three young children, how do you balance family life while running a small business?
I think as women, we are inherently capable of juggling many things at once. We see so many amazing women who are running their own businesses, building empires, taking care of their kids and family, and looking fabulous while doing so. It’s similar to the age old question, “Can women really have it all?” And I
think that now, more than ever, the answer is a resounding “Yes!”
What are some jewelry trends we are seeing right now?
Jewelry, like everything else in fashion, is cyclical. It changes so quickly, and trends that we thought were gone forever are suddenly back. I would say silver jewelry is having a comeback, and so are mixed metals, which I love.
What does the word power mean to you?
There’s nothing more empowering than being completely comfortable in your own skin and not letting anyone else define you.
www.bellasophiajewels.com
Ada F. Estrada is the president and founder of MAS Tax Accounting Services Inc./ Lovelace Inc., based in Miami, Florida. Ada specializes in corporate and personal taxes, accounting, and bookkeeping. She is also a Realtor and the owner of Miami Ocean Investment Properties Inc.
Ada’s adolescence shaped her into the headstrong woman she is today. At the age of 17, due to political turmoil and instability in Nicaragua, she fled her home country and immigrated to the United States. After a few years (when Nicaragua was more politically stable), she returned to be close to her family. At the age of 25, Ada established a prominent food business there called Gabe’s Burgers. This was accomplished while she was studying marine biology and veterinary sciences at Mobile University in Carazo, Nicaragua. Once she became a mother, she prioritized her children’s safety and she returned to the U.S. Leaving behind her studies, family, and everything Ada knew in Nicaragua, she now had the opportunity to pursue
a different career path. She then earned a B.S. in Accounting with a minor in Management Information Systems from Florida International University.
Ada managed to finish her studies while raising five children. One of Ada’s children is autistic, so he required more attention and nurturing than she had experience with, but just as she studied for her career, she studied for what would be best for her son and is always his biggest supporter.
After graduating, Ada established her second business, MAS Tax and Accounting. This business started about 20 years ago in her garage with her family and has
What do you do to escape and recharge, even for a few hours?
I love to spend time with my sister. We are very close and she’s either at my home or I’m at hers. Family time is very important for me so that is who I mainly spend time with when I have extra time.
What advice has helped you get to the next level?
Never give up no matter how hard things may seem. Always keep pushing forward. Be willing to try new things and see what you like. Plans change and you have to be able to adapt.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Keep going no matter what because you will make it. Don’t let anything stop you because you are so much closer than you can imagine.
continued to steadily expand. Clients rave about how long they’ve known Ada and her family and how they’ve always remained reliable, dependable, and caring. Once her accounting firm took off, Ada then received her real estate license and opened Miami Ocean Investment Properties to help the people of Miami find a place to live that they could love. She enjoys making the home-buying process a bit easier for others.
Additionally, Ada has always been a very creative and artistic woman. This led her to create her swimsuit line called Sun Bar collection, which depicts different endangered animals in a unique and public way. The Sun Bar collection is meant to raise awareness on endangered animals and make you think about how often you truly see them anymore.
Ada has been featured on television shows including “News Café” and “Despierta America” for her unique Sun Bar design. These shows not only showcased Ada and her collection, but also praised her for shedding light on the endangered animals in such a bold way. Ada enjoys interior decorating and her large family including her dogs.
Every day I have the pleasure of meeting and interacting with new people. I love that no two days are alike and there are always opportunities around every corner. Getting to know my clients and listening to their stories allows me to understand their needs and better serve them. How do you think your prior experience working in the home improvement industry benefits your clients?
Due to my past experience in home improvement, I can advise and help clients envision the possibilities that may exist in the homes they are considering. Creating budgets for the dreams my clients have is vital and having access to many people in the trade allows me to fast track
“Molly” Ferro is a licensed real estate agent with Compass, servicing Long Island, New York and Southwest Florida. Raffaela provides the highest level of service to maximize a homeowner’s greatest asset or to help them find that special place they will call home. She attended Nassau Community College and received a degree in Business Administration from Katherine Gibbs College. After spending over a decade working as a flight attendant for Continental Airlines and as a human resource manager at Ernst & Young, Raffaela knows what it truly takes to connect with her clients. Meeting new people and helping clients find the right house to call their own is her passion.
Raffaela
Utilizing her exceptional knowledge of today’s market, Raffaela uses innovative marketing strategies combined with today’s cutting edge technology to fulfill her client’s needs. She is actively involved in the Long Island community and is on the board of directors for the LI Museum, co-chair for the Family Service League Walk for Wellness, and is a committee member for The Clark Gillies Foundation. When she is not previewing homes or helping her clients find their next dream home, Raffaela enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis, and traveling.
this process, so my clients are in the best position to make a decision. I can also help them find reliable and reputable tradesman as needed. Is it true that spring and summer are the best time to list a house?
The rule of thumb is that the spring and summer are the best time to list your home. Spring marks the beginning of the busiest buying and selling season. The warm weather, more daylight and the need to get a new home before the next school year still tends to bring out the most buyers. What are a few tips to make a home more marketable?
Make sure your home looks inviting by mowing your lawn, planting flowers, and trimming the bushes. Neutral and light colors help buyers imagine themselves in your house. Make any necessary repairs that may
come up. Organize and declutter to give your home a spacious and clean feel. Open up all curtains and blinds, and let all natural light in. Add a fruit bowl or flowers on your kitchen counter as a simple way to bring color and add character to the space. Little things can potentially make a huge difference to your homes marketable and final value. What does the word power mean to you?
Power is about being in control of your own happiness, your inner feelings, and your drive. Your power is driven by your mindset. Power gives you the ability to change or evolve into the best version of yourself. When you have power within yourself you are able to make anything possible.
Lisa Warren is the president and owner of LW Financial Services. She is an award-winning mortgage loan professional with over 20 years’ experience in the real estate lending industry. Her extensive background in all areas of the lending field makes her uniquely qualified to offer valuable insight into the home buying process to her clients. She prides herself on having a 90% customer referral rate. Lisa is a banking specialist responsible for all types of real estate lending. She serves as a liaison between lenders and buyers to ensure maximum
efficiency that benefits both parties and negotiates the most favorable terms and rates for her customers.
the National Association of Mortgage Professionals, Texas Association of Mortgage Professionals, and the Association of Accredited Fraud Examiners. She enjoys painting, astrology, her family, her animals, her friends, and her customers. How did you get started in your field/ industry?
I started as an assistant in a local branch and was asked to move to the main processing center as an in-house processor for a special division in the Norwest Mortgage Subprime Division. Shortly after I was asked to be an inside sales loan officer in the Subprime Division. Within six months I was awarded Rookie of the Year.
www.dfwrealestateloans.com
Barbara Koenig-Pfannkuche is retired after 40 years from her position as an electronic engineer. She spent most of her career with the Chicago Board of Education teaching electricity, electronics, and appliance and computer repair. She also taught electronics engineering to college students and inmates in the jail system. Barbara specialized in drafting and design. Born in Chicago, Illinois, she earned an A.S. in Electronics from DeVry University in 1957. She was honored as the first woman to attend and graduate from that university. She was the first female permitted to take electric workshop and shop courses in her high school. Barbara received a scholarship to the Art Institute in Chicago. She obtained a B.S. in Industrial Education Electronics from Chicago State University in 1975. Over the course of her career, Barbara has worked for Pierce Wire Recorder, Chicago Aerial Industries, Hammond Organ, Union Thermal Electric, Victor Adding Machines, C.P. Clare, and E.P.L.
In the 1950’s, Barbara was a model. During her career, she engineered cameras for government planes. She also helped work on the early fax machine before transitioning into education. In her retirement she enjoys travel, farming, gardening, and snow skiing.
Stephanie Strawbridge has over 25 years’ experience in funeral services and grew up in the industry, learning the business from her parents. She is the funeral director at Strawbridge Memorial Chapel, a funeral home in Cleveland, Ohio. She is responsible for offering comfort and compassion to families and oversees all funeral services and the staff. Stephanie earned a B.S. in Business Management from Central State University in 1992 as an honors graduate. She has worked in and around the funeral industry since 1989 and became a licensed funeral director in 2007.
Currently, Stephanie serves as the board vice president of the Mount Pleasant NOW Development Corporation and sits on the Southeast design
Lisa is driven to help her clients achieve the dream of home ownership or to finance property for their business and make the best decision for one of the most important financial investments of their life. She works hard to find the perfect lender for each client and specializes in loans for entrepreneurs. She was voted as one of the Best Mortgage Professionals in DFW, featured in D Magazine (20102013), and was rated a 5 Star Professional, 2013-2022. Lisa is a member of review committee. She is a member of the Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., El Hasa Court No. 47 (DOIPHA), where she also serves as the imperial deputy for the Desert of Ohio, Bethel Chapter No. 58 Order of Eastern Star, and still has a lifetime bond with her Kappa sweetheart sisters from Central State University (Delta Zeta Chapter).
In recognition of her accomplish-
Tanikwa S. Matthews is the president of HisNHers Jewels LLC. She has over two years of experience and oversees the operations of the wholesale jewelry company. She is responsible for the sales and distribution of jewelry. Tanikwa also enjoys helping military families. She belongs to Kappa Epsilon Psi. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family, bowling, reading, and writing.
ments, Stephanie had been honored as the first African American woman to open a funeral home in Cleveland, Ohio. She was selected as Business Woman of the Month by Iota Phi Lambda and recognized by Who’s Who in Black Cleveland. Stephanie is passionate about her work and feels honored to be able to serve the families in her community. She wrote a workbook titled, “You’re Gone; Now What?: Everything “They” Didn’t Tell You About Planning a Funeral.” In the workbook, Stephanie explains how to prepare and plan ahead, and arms the reader with the basic tools needed to be ready for a loved one’s or even your own funeral.
www.strawbridgememorialchapel.com
www.funeralpreneur.com
Susan Ann Galle is a senior account executive with Enhanced Payment Systems. She earned a B.S. in Communications, English, and Management from the University of Illinois- Chicago. Susan is responsible for account analysis, management, and meeting with individuals/companies to help them save money in how they process their revenue. Among her many skills are teaching, client relations, business account management, consulting, business coaching, writing, problem-solving, and training. Susan is also a health coach, writer, and motivational speaker. She belongs to SCCA and LAPS, Inc. Susan enjoys auto racing, reading, and fitness.
How did you get started in your field/ industry?
I’m a free spirit. I’m able to figure things out, a quick learner, stand up for what I believe in, and am very independent.
What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?
Never settle – always look for something better, more challenging, and more fulfilling. I took on something male-dominated, but I’ve earned respect from the guys. The standing joke with the guys is that I’ll beat them. That’s on my bucket list and I’m working on that. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?
It’s still a man’s world and we have
a lot of work to do. I believe women walk a fine line where boundaries still exist. We need to be firm yet gracious, not be a pushover or a witch, and be consistent in words and actions.
Karen Salicath Jamali is a composer, pianist, producer, painter, sculptor, and photographer with over 30 years’ experience. Karen graduated from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art, School of Design in Denmark in 1991. She has participated in over 180 solo and group exhibitions worldwide including at the Louvre Museum in Paris. She has received many awards from the international art community, including an Oscar Award in Art. Karen’s built works include several permanent pieces and are in more than 700 private collections. She has created seven albums, over 2,500 compositions,
and performed in Carnegie Hall seven times as a soloist. Karen is the grand winner of The Akademia Award in Los Angeles for best classical song in January 2023 with her tracks “Angel Arcadia” and “Angel Gabriel.” Her latest album “Hope of Angels and Sound of Angels” was chosen for the first ballot for the Grammy® Consideration in 2021 and 2022. “Angel Gabriel” was the finalist of the World Songwriting Award for best alternative song in 2022, and “Angel Gabriel” was a #1 hit on Berkshire Media Group Radios Los Angeles for September and November 2022, worldwide.
As a national finalist of American Music, 2022, Karen won The Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for soloists and composers and was a semi-finalist of the American Prize Pianists solo division in 2022. She was also the 3rd Place winner of the American Prize in Piano Performance in 2021, community solo division. Karen is a multiple winner of American Protege International competitions in the category of Romantic Music, New Music Talent, Piano & String, from 2018-2020. She was also a selected semi-finalist for Best Performance and for Composers by The American Prize from 2019-2021. Karen enjoys nature, travel, and her family.
kjamali.com
Kathryn Van Dyke Levitt is a retired nurse with over 40 years’ experience. She was responsible for patient care, the coronary care unit, and nursing services. Kathryn was the founder of the Chicago Nursing in Service Organization and co-founder of the Critical Care Nurses Association of Chicago. She was also the coordinator of scientific papers for the CCRN annual conference. She was a volunteer with the Chicago Heart Association, a member of Smart Woman Savannah Georgia, the Telfair Museum of Art, the National Marine Sanctuary, the Ocean Film Festival, Chicago Symphony Society (Auxiliary), Our World Under Water, Lincolnwood Afternoon Philanthropic Club, Chef’s Table, March of Dimes, the Coastal Georgia Arche-
ology Society, served on the community advisory board of the Art Institute of Chicago, was president of the Savannah Heart Association of Chatham County, was board president of the Savannah Symphony Society, was on the founding board of the Savannah Music Festival, was a board member and coordinator of the Savannah Science Museum (Low Country Studies), is a volunteer and chair of the State Campaign for Georgia Historical Society, was a board member of the Telfair Museum of Art, the founder of the St. Joseph’s/Candler Foundation - Smart Women, and was a fundraiser
with Second Harvest. Kathryn earned a B.A. from Northeastern Illinois University and an M.Ed. from Georgia Southern University. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming and photography. How did you get started in your field/industry?
I worked as a nurse’s aide. My mother was in nursing. I originally wanted to be a doctor, but back in the late 50s and early 60s women were not being accepted into medical school.
What does the word empowerment mean to you?
Power means totally excelling in any area, whatever you are doing.
Lana K. Wilt is the owner of the Shaker Woods Festival. She purchased the established business from her mother and stepfather in 2011 and has been overseeing the operations since 1999. Lana earned an A.S. in Data Processing from ITT. She is responsible for organizing the festival, the administration, overall operations and management, and liaising with the vendors. Shaker Woods Festival offers an annual monthly weekend venue for over 200 Shaker crafters, artisans, food vendors, and related juried
craftspeople, who dress in Shaker period clothing while demonstrating and selling their handmade wares. The festival has been acknowledged by National Geographic, Travelocity, and Sunshine Magazine.
Lana serves as the president of the local Chamber of Commerce, is on the board of the Columbiana Tourism Bureau, is a member of the American Legion and Moose Club, and is past president of the local chapter of Safari Club International. She enjoys being with her family, friends, and grandchildren.
How did you get started in your field/ industry?
I started my journey working for my mother and stepfather in 1999 as a secretary/groundskeeper. Through many trials and tribulations and the fear of disappointing either of them, my hard work and efforts became my blessing in 2012 when the business and property were offered to me for purchase. What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?
When I first started to work in 1999, I was holding a full-time job and raising three children with another on the way. The fear of disappointment was always present. shakerwoods.com
With over 12 years of experience,
Lisa MacNally is the owner and a Licensed Massage Therapist with Health Revolution Massage, LLC. She is responsible for general massage therapy, sports massage, Swedish massage, oncology massage, geriatric massage, pregnancy massage, chair massage, acupressure, pressure point and trigger point therapy, orthopedic massage, Ashiatsu foot massage, hot stone therapy, therapeutic deep tissue massage, and postural counseling. Lisa earned her L.M.T. and passed the National Exam Certification for Massage Therapy. She is a member of the A.M.T.A. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking trails, nature, and being with her family.
www.healthrevolutionmassage.com
Cheryl A. Hayes is the owner of Strollin Pawz, a home-based pet grooming service. Cheryl is a Certified Master Groomer through the New York School of Dog Grooming. She has been in the industry for over ten years. She specializes in styling cats and dogs, clipping nails, Poodle clips, Schnauzer cuts, and monitoring animals for health issues. Prior to transforming her living room into a grooming salon, Cheryl freelanced at the 145th Street Animal Hospital. She belongs to the Minority and Women Business Enterprise, Small Business Administration, and National Dog Groomers Association of America. She received assistance with her start up
Dr. Patricia Ann Matthews-Juarez is a senior vice president and professor with Meharry Medical College. From 2003 – 2013 she served as the assistant vice president and professor in the department of pediatrics. Additional past positions have included serving as the administrator for the Meharry-Morehouse-Drew Consortium Cancer Center, where she co-authored the first national grant for the National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer. Dr. Matthews-Juarez was the vice chair/administration for the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, the cofounding director of the Research Center on Health Disparities, Equity, and the
Exposome with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee and a professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from Fisk University, an M.S.W. from New York University, and a Ph.D. in Social Policy from Brandeis University, Heller School. Dr. Matthews-Juarez is responsible for teaching medical education, cultural competency, and environmental health courses. She is experienced in research training, medical education, administration, and management. She belongs to EnHip, the Nashville Regional Library, and is on the board of the University of Pittsburgh. In her spare time Dr. Matthews-Juarez enjoys travel and art. home.mmc.edu
through The Harlem Business Alliance. Cheryl enjoys ice skating, jigsaw puzzles, and her family. How did you get started in your field/industry?
I began raising, breeding, and training American Staffordshire Terriers in 2000. I found my niche working with animals. In 2010, I decided to go to school for grooming after seeing many unkept pets in my neighborhood. I wanted to enlighten people about the
importance of good pet hygiene. What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?
Confidence, patience, and passion are required to succeed in this industry, because many animals don’t like getting groomed. However, they always look great when they leave my establishment. It’s a hard job, since they move, bite, and challenge you, but I love doing it.
What does the word empowerment mean to you?
Perseverance, resilience, determination, and achievement.
Eighteen year-old Jillian Jordyn always knew she wanted to be a singer and her unique talent became apparent early on in life. She was the youngest camper allowed to perform in the camp play at the age of four and she sang the national anthem at her sister’s gymnastics meet when she was six. Her vocal lessons and cabaret classes paid off when she performed at halftime at a NY Knicks game at Madison Square Garden when she was 12 and sang the National Anthem at Citi Field for a NY Mets game the following summer. Since then, Jillian has gone on to perform the National Anthem at Barclays Center for both the Brooklyn Nets and NY Liberty and, as an actress, Jillian appeared as a recurring character on NBC’s “Law and Order: SVU.”
In October 2022, Jillian made a successful and inspiring return to NBC when she was selected to be a contestant of the hit show, “The Voice” (Season 22), where she was chosen to be a member of Team Gwen. Her ‘battle round’ performance has been viewed online over two million times.
Jillian released her first original song, Fake Friends, in 2020 and is continuing to expand her social media presence, releasing covers of top hits on TikTok and Instagram to critical acclaim. She will be debuting more original music in 2023. In her spare time, Jillian enjoys baking, hanging out with friends, making music, acting, and creating social media content.
When did you first realize you had a talent for singing?
My parents told me that they would hear me humming in my cradle in the middle of the night when I could not sleep. They said I would hum myself back to sleep. When I was one, my mom and I took a baby music class and my skills continued to show. Later on, when I was four or five, I was put into musical theater classes, and that is when I realized, “Wow- I can do this.”
What was it like working with Gwen Stefani?
It was a dream come true. Gwen is an icon and inspiration. She’s caring and motivational. She pushed me to be better and gave me the tips and tools I needed in that moment to be ready to get on stage and be the best version of myself. Her last words to me were, “Jillian, you are amazing. Don’t ever give up because you’ve got this.”
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’m planning a move from New York to Los Angeles to have the opportunity to work on my music and acting. Being in LA will give me to opportunity to collaborate with other artists and share my talent in an environment that allows creativity. I hope to be an influential artist who people can relate to and find approachable. I want to share my love for music with the world, while relaying the importance of kindness and inclusion.
What does the word power mean to you?
Power means being able to share, impact, and inspire people all over the world. It means being a role model to younger people and showing them that dreams really can come true with hard work, determination, and tenacity. It means getting your message out to the world in a positive fashion. For me, that is through my music. The word power comes from within, and everyone has personal power- it just needs to be channeled. Powerful people are influential people who make the world a better place, which I hope to continue to do day after day.
Dr. Terry M. Anderson is an international consultant and the president of Gulf Coast Quality Management Systems, which is an international business consulting group based in Pensacola, Florida. The company provides cyber security, DoD contracts, ISO certifications, auditing, and business development services. Dr. Anderson is also the founder and president of Sports Venue Marketing. With over 40 years of experience, she specializes in leadership, branding, marketing, public speaking, and international business consulting. She earned a Ph.D. in International Business from the University of Munich. Dr. Anderson was inducted into the American Sports Legends in 2001. She is a retired LPGA touring professional. She is also a craft beer brewer and has won various competitions and gold medals for her brews and recipes. Dr. Anderson supports the Battered Women and Abused Children charity, and Kid’s House, based in Pensacola, Florida. She donates any winnings from beer competitions to Kid’s House. She enjoys reading, craft beer, and painting.
I began my career in Europe in 1973 when I started negotiations and consulting with foreign countries. What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?
Knowing different languages is key. Although I admit that speaking five different languages is still a challenge. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?
It is a challenge to get an education in the correct field that launches their career. Many women enter fields that are becoming obsolete. What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell myself to listen more to the wisdom of my elders. Sometimes the greatest learning comes from a story told by an elder person. We often tend to skip or forget the story. My mentors were my parents. They were both very successful people and I always wonder how I would ever make it to their level in life. What I have found out as I have taken the journey myself, is not to brag about things. Prove yourself. Who is
I like conservative fun clothes. That being said, I like Tommy Hilfiger, Dior, Talbots, Chanel, and J. Jill. I know I have left many names off my list, but these are just a few. I like classy clothing.
What is your favorite meal?
Without a doubt, I am stuck between spaghetti topped with Italian meat sauce and Mexican food. How often do you cook?
I love cooking! I attended Johnson and Wales in my spare time many years ago. I cook almost every day. In the summer we barbecue fresh veggies and some type of protein daily. In the winter, I prepare roasts, soups, stews, and we get to cook outside, because here in Florida we have such mild winters. So cooking is one of my favorite hobbies.
Name three of your favorite makeup products.
I use Dior, Chanel, and Estée Lauder.
What is your favorite perfume?
My very favorite is Coco Chanel. Miss Dior is my favorite summer fragrance.
If you are having a dinner party, who is the first guest on your invite list (besides your children)?
My husband! He is the most caring, fun, and helpful man I know- and my best friend. He treats me like a queen. Without a doubt, he would be the first on my list.
What does the word empowerment mean to you?
Empowerment means being able to speak proper English and read at higher levels.
gulfcoastqms.com
Ellen A. Hughes has over 45 years’ experience in the healthcare arena. She has had her own consulting business for the past two years and is a clinical process consultant. Ellen is responsible for consulting in clinical process improvement for Ohio hospitals and risk management/claims adjustment for professional liability for a number of healthcare systems and related companies. She specializes in the culture of change and the sustainability of change in healthcare settings. Ellen focuses on improvement projects, the elimination of HAI’s, patient safety, and organizational effectiveness. She teaches legal principals and risk management for professors, nurses, and de-
fense attorneys at several local colleges. She earned her R.N. at Providence College and her B.S.N. at Bowling Green State University in 1978. Ellen is a member of ASHRM and APIC. Previously, Ellen worked for the Ohio Hospital Association for 12 years. She served as the first risk manager of Texas Medical Liability Trust and collaborated with the Texas Legislature on informed consent provisions in the state of Texas. Ellen worked for the Kaiser Permanente Ohio Region, Southern California and Southern California Permanente Medical Group. She served as a nurse paralegal and medical expert database developer, was a trial consultant, and was responsible for witness preparation
What do you do to escape and recharge, even for a few hours?
My escape and recharge activities are baking since I grew up visiting my grandmother’s bakery near my school. For 16 years she made my birthday cakes, including a doll in a poufy dress, ballerinas, and a bride, among my frosted favorites. I enjoy photography, especially nature, wildlife, and adobe mission churches in the southwest. I also travel with my husband of 44 years. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Worry less, feel it all, and be present in everything that you do.
How did you get started in your field/industry?
Upon the successful completion of my critical care rotation in nursing school, I joined the clinical staff of my hometown hospital, working in ER, transport, and ICU for three years. Thereafter, our careers took my husband and I to New Mexico, Texas, and Southern California.
with the Reminger & Reminger Law firm of Cleveland, Ohio. She then worked with The Doctors Company of Napa, California and worked on rural hospital accreditation as a governor’s consultant with the State of New Mexico. Ellen is a co-author of “Medical Malpractice Prevention,” and a speaker at ASHRM national and state conferences specializing in investigation and documentation in significant events and litigious incidents. She is also a speaker at the Texas Family Medicine Conference regarding communicating negative outcomes. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, travel, baking, photography, and RV’ing.
Each move presented broadened opportunities in leadership and administration in quality and risk management. What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?
Regulation, litigation and the onset of technology presented great challenges, as well as great opportunities. Having a seat at the executive table was empowering and imposed high expectations. I loved it!
What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?
The biggest challenges women face today are keeping up with the pace of change, remaining relevant, and in healthcare clinical leadership that means remembering it is still excellence in patient outcomes we serve.
What does the word empowerment mean to you?
Empowerment is acting on the authority and scope of our chosen fields, transferring competency, and leading by visible example.
P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized) is both a women’s organization and a magazine.
P.O.W.E.R.
P.O.W.E.R. is an organization and networking website designed to empower hardworking women from different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. The women of P.O.W.E.R. work in various industries and professions and represent those who have achieved success as well as those looking to advance their careers. Through networking on our website, webinars, special events, and other unique opportunities, P.O.W.E.R. connects like-minded professional women, facilitates networking opportunities, and helps women gain the recognition they deserve. P.O.W.E.R. believes that by collaborating with like-minded professionals and building positive relationships, there is nothing women can’t achieve together!
P.O.W.E.R. publishes a print and digital quarterly magazine featuring our amazing P.O.W.E.R. members as well as celebrities and “icons.” The pages are full of inspirational biographies and empowering information. The publication also features lifestyle articles keeping you up-to-date on the latest trends in fashion, health, and beauty, and includes book suggestions, delicious recipes and so much more!
As a P.O.W.E.R. member you have exclusive access to services that can assist in taking your career to the next level.
Join P.O.W.E.R. members for a red carpet evening celebrating women. This exciting night is filled with live entertainment, great food and drinks, and fun raffle prizes. Mingle with other P.O.W.E.R. members and some of the celebrities and icons that have graced P.O.W.E.R. Magazine’s pages. A portion of the proceeds of the event go to a breast cancer charity.
The perfect way to mix business with pleasure. Join President and Editor-in-Chief Tonia DeCosimo and fellow P.O.W.E.R. members on exciting getaways that may include important keynote speakers, educational components, and fun activities.
If you are interested in being interviewed to get your story on social media, consider an in-person interview, podcast, press release, video, or possibly a Times Square 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.
Our podcasts are pre-recorded 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.
Set up your in-person interview through P.O.W.E.R. Talk TV. Allow others the opportunity to visually get to know you and your business.
Your photo, name, and company name are displayed on a famous Times Square billboard in 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.
A press release is a written public announcement covering your business and personal accomplishments designed to enhance your exposure and market reach. This newsworthy communication is distributed to print, radio, broadcast and social media sites. A press release can include your photo or company logo as well as a hyperlink to your company website so readers can instantly learn who you are and what your company offers.
Website: www.powerwoe.com
email: info@powerwoe.com
Phone: 516-365-3222 or 631-393-6760
Facebook: @POWERWOE
tWitter: @powerwoe
instagram: @power_woe
Krista Fogelsong is a storyteller and content creator with 25 years of journalism experience. Krista is a former reporter/news anchor for ABC7 who is known as an accomplished writer and presenter, having delivered live newscasts several times a day. She has covered news topics that range from presidential elections and catastrophic events to celebrity news and everything in-between. She has been involved in a variety of charity organizations in the Southwest Florida area and has truly made an impact on the community. One of her most prized projects was the development of the ABC7 segment, “Positively Southwest Florida,” which highlights positive stories happening daily and inadvertently serves as a shining example of her positive outlook on life. Krista has a strong passion for helping animals find their forever homes and can often be seen promoting #AdoptDontShop on her social media. This love for community has organically positioned her as an advocate and friend to her local neighbors and pets alike.
Ready for a change, Krista recently found a creative space where she can continue to use her voice to help the community as vice president of communications and community relations for McQuaid & Company in Naples, Florida. Her new role allows her to use her talents in the media to assist McQuaid & Company in furthering their mission to innovate and elevate the real estate industry, both in Southwest Florida and across the country. As vice president of communications, she is responsible for the continued creation and development of content specific to the internal and external growth of the company. But her favorite part of this new position and venture is the community relations aspect. She is able to continue using her media savviness and well-respected voice to bridge the gap between the real estate industry and the community it serves.
What made you want to become a TV news anchor?
I’m the baby of four kids very close in age. Needless to say, I enjoy attention. I grew up in Montana and then was a nanny in New York right out of high school. I loved the fastpaced lifestyle of New Yorkers. When I decided to finally go to college in North Dakota, I was all over the place with my majors- psychology, Spanish, business, X-ray tech, etc. I was about
to be a senior and I still didn’t know what to do. One of my friends who was a server with me at The Ground Round restaurant said, “Why don’t you go into broadcasting?” It was like a lightbulb went off. TV news had the fast-paced atmosphere that energized me and allowed me to be in the spotlight. Plus I loved writing and reporting. I changed my major, got an internship, then a job in the field, and worked my way up the TV news
ladder from reporter, to weekend anchor, and finally main evening anchor. When you are doing the news live, anything can happen. Has anything ever gone wrong on air? If so, what was it and how did you handle it?
I think anything that could go wrong in the 25 years I was doing live TV did. My co-anchor and I got a terrible case of the giggles so bad that we were crying. We had to toss
to weather. My producer brought me up on camera live on the set about an officer involved shooting without telling me what was going on, so I first stumbled around and finally asked her by name on live TV to clarify who was shot. Another time a producer said, “We’re coming to you live about breaking news,” but didn’t say what it was. Early in my career I would panic and look frazzled during any kind of hiccup. I learned later on to be real, just tell people what is going on, or laugh when all of a sudden my camera decided to swing off me over to the weather anchor. It’s really about going with the flow. It’s not a question of if something goes wrong, but when. Are there any people you have not interviewed that you wished you could have?
There is the obvious- Oprah. I’d also like to interview Joel Osteen. He manages to stay positive and “on message” despite people trying to attack him. I should interview my mom. I randomly asked my dad some questions about being a veteran on Veteran’s Day a few years ago during a phone call. He told me a story that made him burst into laughter. Now he is gone so I’m glad I brought it up and have that wonderful memory of him and know more about his time in the military. Tell us about the work you do for animal charities.
My passion is animals, so I use my celebrity status to highlight dogs and cats that are up for adoption. I emcee almost any event that benefits shelter pets and I was very vocal about any kind of animal abuse on the news. I also created a news segment called “Positively SWFL,” where we showcased good stories around the area. Many were about animals rescued, saved, adopted, or about organizations that help animals. My first dogs were from breeders when I was young. Now, after working with so many shelters
and rescues, there’s no way I would adopt anything else but rescues. My dog Cabo is from the Gulf Coast Humane Society and my dog Tuco is from Florida Pointer Rescue (although he is a Rat Terrier). They both have fear and abandonment issues which gave more reasons to help other dogs like them. You can find almost any breed you want through a rescue.
Why did you decide to leave the news to become the VP of Communications and Community Relations at McQuaid and Company Real Estate Services?
I’m 51, and I was tired of working until almost midnight every weeknight. I loved being a news anchor, but I knew I could use my skills in a more creative and fun atmosphere with better hours. Tiffany McQuaid and I have been friends for eight years, so I contacted her to see if she knew of any companies that would be interested in what I had to offer.
She said she thought I should work at McQuaid and Company. That’s what I hoped she would say! She has always been an innovator. Within a few days I gave my notice and started working with the team a few weeks later. I also saw the shift in how viewers watch programs. Few people sit at home and watch the news live. They want everything via their phones, tablets, and computers at their convenience. That is why McQuaid and Company’s idea of launching our new show, “Open House Naples,” on YouTube is brilliant. You can watch when you want to watch for free and share it with a couple clicks.
What does the word power mean to you?
Power is an inner strength that elevates you from your lowest lows to your highest highs without crushing people below. Instead, you use that strength to lift people up. That’s power.
Tiffany McQuaid is the sole owner and president of McQuaid & Company. She has a vast marketing and promotions background, which she is known for in the industry, and which explains her unique approach when it comes to running her business. An Ohio native, Tiffany has an expert’s eye and is experienced in capitalization and commercialism, so when the opportunity to start a brokerage in Bayfront was presented, she saw the vision she wanted to accomplish. After ten years, she has continued to grow the company and is being recognized globally as a rising top producer and innovator in the real estate world. Tiffany has a true gift for maintaining her boutique-style real estate firm, which focuses solely on the client’s needs, adding value to the experience. She has hand-picked every Realtor on her team.
What separates you and your company from other real estate businesses?
I can’t speak for others, but I can tell you, our brokerage thrives on heart, grit, and loads of creativity. We’ve managed to build a culture and team that holds community, authenticity, and fun at the core of everything we do. As a brokerage, we’ve managed to provide an atmosphere full of opportunity, education, and collaboration for our Realtors. Our in-house marketing team offers custom designs, quick turnaround times, and allows our Realtors to truly own their branding and take pride in the collateral they provide their customers.
How did Hurricane Ian affect the real estate market in Naples?
Despite these random storms that have affected our area, post-storm market activity typically always remains strong. Very rarely have we seen pricing drop as a result of a storm. This one was a tad different as there were areas that experienced flooding, so there are dynamics at play in terms of ability to renovate and/or tear down those residences to rebuild. However, it has been clear in these first few months following the storm, that the demand for Southwest Florida still remains incredibly high and this storm has had little to no effect on pricing thus far.
Your firm is Snowbird Certified. Can you explain to our readers what that means?
That is a designation, exclusive to our firm, that allows us the opportunity to further develop and educate our team on everything that they would need on the nuances of relocation to Florida. Essentially, our Realtors are trained to specialize in relocating our snowbirds from the north to the south.
How do you find the perfect home for your client?
Listening is key. Sometimes being the expert means you don’t need to share everything that you know to validate your position with them to ensure you are the right person for the job. Instead, you just have to show how much you care. You can do that by truly listening to their desires and needs.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Truly, it is the accomplishment of a job well done. There is something very rewarding about finding the perfect fit.
What does the word power mean to you?
Power is the uncanny ability to plug into your higher self to serve at the highest level you are currently capable of. Although the levels of power and evolution will change over your career, being able to tap into your best self from where you stand right now, in this very moment, is owning your power.
www.mcquaidco.com
Jennifer Flavin Stallone began modeling at the age of 17 and found success both in print and on the runway. She appeared on the covers of prestigious fashion publications like Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and Harpers. Jennifer traveled the world as a top model including throughout New York, Europe, and Asia. It was at this time in her life that she developed problematic skin, specifically acne. This would directly affect Jennifer’s entrepreneurial spirit and current passion, 35 years later. Jennifer met Sylvester Stallone in July 1988 when she was 20 years old at the restaurant Nicky Blair’s on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. The couple welcomed their first child, Sophia Rose, in 1996. They wed the following year. For years, Sly would tell Jennifer to always have a wedding dress packed and at the ready and would tell her, “You never know when we will get married.” In 1997, on a vacation in Europe, Sly surprised Jennifer with a spontaneous marriage in England. The civil ceremony was held at the Dorchester Hotel in London. Then the celebratory wedding was held at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. In 1998, Sly and Jennifer welcomed their daughter Sistine Rose, and finally, in 2002, Scarlet Rose was born.
Against the backdrop of a successful modeling career, meeting, dating, and marrying a world-famous, iconic movie star, and carrying and raising three amazing children, Jennifer co-founded a hugely successful skin care and beauty company Serious Skincare. In the early 1990’s, her modeling career was taking off. Unfortunately, at the same time she experienced problematic skin and adult acne. Jennifer’s battle was exasperated by the stresses that modeling can cause to the skin –makeup, travel, lighting, etc. The issues with her skin started to cost her modeling roles, and unfortunately, agencies and bookers would avoid Jennifer because of the periodic issues with her skin.
Undaunted, Jennifer tried everything available at the time. Topical solutions failed to provide the relief and would not clear her skin. She turned to dermatological expertise that provided prescription medications to help alleviate the problem. Nothing worked. A close friend at the time mentioned that there was a little salon in Santa Cruz, California that had a regimen of skincare items that were delivering results to those with adult acne. The owner of the salon had studied and then formulated a line of items to address the acne that her teenage daughter was experiencing. The first-of-its-kind regimen of treatment products was uniquely formulated with FDA-approved ingredients proven to clear acne, heal the skin, and prevent future breakouts. Jennifer contacted the owner of the salon, Lesa Stock. She ordered the regimen of Serious Skincare items over the phone. Upon receiving the
products, Jennifer began to use it on her skin right away and she saw results almost immediately. In a matter of days, Jennifer’s skin was clear.
After being completely impressed with the results of using the skincare regimen, Jennifer wanted to share her find with her family and friends, and in fact, the world. She proposed a partnership with the formulator of the original topical acne products to take the brand to a larger influence. Jennifer found a manufacturer that could produce larger runs while maintaining product efficacy and then approached The Home Shopping Network (now HSN). HSN did not have
a product line in the space and launched Serious Skincare with Jennifer Flavin and Lesa Stock as co-presenters. The products sold out in the first of several scheduled presentations. The new Serious Skincare was founded, with Jennifer at age 25, leading the path forward.
Over the next several years, under Jennifer’s leadership and vision, the brand grew to address a myriad of skin and beauty concerns, while maintaining its commitment to its core solutions for acne-plagued skin. The line grew to address lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and hyperpigmentation, each of the markers of aging skin. Serious Skincare was one of
the first full lines to not shame the user over aging, but to embrace and provide the tools needed for a pro-aging approach to skin health.
Over 30 years have passed since Jennifer first sat in front of the cameras at HSN and Serious Skincare remains one of the most sought-after skincare lines in the direct-to-consumer, e-commerce arena, with hundreds of thousands of customers. Jennifer’s mantra and key to success for the brand has always been “for whatever skin you’re in…”
Today, in addition to leading her loyal team at Serious Skincare (several of which have been with her since the founding of the brand), Jennifer is extraordinarily productive, making a seasoned multi-tasker appear amateur. She maintains two households, one in Southern California and one on the east coast of Florida. This spring, Jennifer will star alongside her husband and daughters in the Paramount + real-life-based show, “The Family Stallone,” a show that follows the busy lives of Jennifer, Sly, Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet in their personal and professional daily life. Jennifer is quick to point out that the show is not the typical reality show with manufactured conflict and mini dramas. She wanted “The Family Stallone” to be an honest, behind-the-curtain look at life as a Stallone.
During filming of “The Family Stallone,” the family keeps up with their normal lives. Sly is filming “Tulsa King.” Sophia is busy with her writing
and co-hosting her podcast Unwaxed with sister Sistine. Sistine continues working on her screenplay, film production, and acting roles. Scarlet, the youngest, continues with her studies in college and has a recurring role in Sly’s “Tulsa King.”
Nowadays, Jennifer’s role in the family as wife and mother is more like the CEO of the Family Stallone. She uses her adept skills to manage the many moving parts of the family – all with confidence and nurturing love. All the while, Jennifer continues to lead Serious Skincare. For 2023, she has created the biggest collaboration in the brand’s history as Serious Skincare is joining forces with world-renowned plastic surgeon and anti-aging innovator, Dr. Mark Pinsky, who broke the aging code with a miraculous alternative to painful, expensive, and often unnatural looking, injectable dermal fillers. By utilizing the same exact dermal filling material used by plastic surgeons and dermatologists, he created (and patented) a true topical filler that delivers visible, measurable results that last. The topical treatments will make up Serious Skincare’s latest innovative product line.
As a model, actress, and entrepreneur, your career has spanned many industries. What have you enjoyed doing the most?
Professionally, what has provided me with the most fulfillment has been co-founding Serious Skincare. Obviously, building a successful business in a very crowded industry like skincare and beauty requires a great deal of work, but for me the reward has been the relationships I’ve fostered and enjoyed with our customers. Your skincare line, Serious Skincare, has rave reviews. What makes your line different from the others on the market?
What makes Serious Skincare different is the connection with the customer. This connection comes from our consistent and personal approach, and from providing solutions for a myriad of skincare concerns. The original formulations were created to clear and heal adult acne and problematic skin. My own battle with acne is what drove me to the brand originally. Today, the entire breadth of our product assortment is formulated to deliver a solution to beauty problems. Your marriage to superstar Sylvester Stallone is always under scrutiny. Recently you filed for divorce but then reconciled. How does being in the public eye affect your relationship and
what advice would you give to other couples to handle obstacles in their marriage?
I am more confident giving advice on which skin cleanser, or which moisturizer is best for a specific skin type. Suffice to say that relationships are far more customized and personal for me to be dispensing marital advice. What made you and your family decide to do a reality show? And what can we expect?
First of all, I have an amazing family and Sly and I could not be prouder of the young women that we have raised. Having a family name that is well-known carries some preconceptions by the public and we all agreed what an amazing family project
it would be to create a show to share our real lives. The added benefit is the project has provided us the opportunity to work and travel together – generally spending more time with one another. As far as what to expect, I cannot give away the story lines. You will have to tune in. Tell the readers one thing they probably don’t know about you.
The one thing that most don’t know about me is that I really am at my best when I am at home. I am a homebody. People are often surprised to learn that, given what I do professionally and being married to Sly, I most prefer to be at home. Sure, I love being on the set working, either for my skincare line or our show “The Family Stallone,” and the red carpet has its appeal every once and awhile… but my time at home is very precious to me. If you were given the chance to do one thing over in your life, what would it be?
I am so fortunate, beyond measure. Any longings or mistakes that I have in my life are not so regrettable that I would need to have a replay. If anything, I learned from those missteps, and they’ve made me stronger and wiser. Ask me again in ten years. What does the word power mean to you?
Power means having strength but accepting the responsibility of that strength to do what is right. In the spirit of P.O.W.E.R. magazine, I would break it down as follows:
Proactive – because power is in taking the lead. Optimism – looking forward with positivity is power.
Women – what is it they say, “the hand that rocks the cradle?”
Empathy – power without empathy is fleeting. Resourceful – looking within to apply one’s power to do good.
What is your favorite meal?
I love breakfast. As the girls got older and had busy schedules of their own, it was often the only meal time that we actually had time to connect as a family.
How often do you cook?
I cook more than most people would assume. I just made a Spanish omelet for Sly and myself last weekend.
Name three make up products from your skin care line that you can’t live without.
My must-haves are: Glycolic Cleanser, Lock and Bond 24 Hour Moisture Cream, and our Dry Lo spot treatment.
What is your favorite perfume?
I have several in my wardrobe currently. I tend to rotate several depending on my mood or the occasion.
If you were having a dinner party, who would be the first guest on your invite list?
My favorite dinner ‘guest’ is Sly. It is a challenge to align our work schedules, but since we have been working together on the reality show, it’s been more frequent. Other than Sly, my dinner guest of choice is our new neighbor, Ande. In just a short time, she has become a very close friend.
If you were stranded on a desert island, who would be the one person you would want to be with?
Sly…and my Cavapoos. What is your biggest pet peeve?
I have no tolerance for rude behavior.
www.seriousskincare.com
You no longer need to be a southern belle to wear a pair of cowboy boots. Easily paired with jeans, shorts, or even dresses, the cowboy boot trend is going strong. Unlike the traditional styles of the past, you can now find them in all different lengths, colors, and patterns. Find the ones you love, embrace your inner cowgirl, and step out on the town!
Any of these fabulous boots can be purchased from P.O.W.E.R. member Jeanie L. Doerfler’s store, Bayou Belle Boutique. Check out her website at www.bayoubelleboutique.com for other great fashion finds!
This unassuming, neutral nail color is trend ing in Hollywood and all over the country. The color is somewhere in between nude and white and is the perfect shade to match any outfit.
Whether people are trying to make good on New Year’s resolutions or want to reverse the bad habits they created during lockdown, more and more consumers are becoming interested in non-alcoholic alternatives. Many brands are introducing alcohol-free “spir-
its” and non-alcoholic beers and wines are becoming increasingly popular. Even the women of P.O.W.E.R. are in on the trend… Luann de Lesseps’, featured in our Spring 2022 issue, recent ly introduced her Fosé Rosé, a unique, natural, non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
The future is here! With a virtual reality headset you can box on Mars, dance the night away at a club, or bike your way through California without leaving your living room! With so many unique workouts to choose from you may not even feel like you are exercising at all. If you want to compete with others, many games have multi-player workouts and some allow you to customize your music of choice. There is no doubt VR is changing the way the world thinks of exercise and keeps in shape. Once you try it you will be hooked!
Karen E. West previously served as a principal and fund controller with Vanguard Investment Co. Currently retired, Karen spent over 40 years in the financial industry. She served on the board of directors and has extensive knowledge of mutual funds, fiscal compliance, IRA’s, ETS’s, 401K, and financial investments. She received an A.A. from Goldey-Beacom College and is the chairwoman and chair of investments for the Epworth United Methodist Church. Karen is also an ordained deacon with the United Church of Christ. During her career, she was the first female vice president of Vanguard and received both a Quality Award and the Vanguard Award of Excellence. She was featured in a book, “The Vanguard Experiment.” Karen enjoys church activities.
Barbara A. Korabel is a broker with Four Seasons Realty Group and had been featured in Forbes Magazine, January 2023, as a five-star professional. Barbara has also been presented with the Broker Agent award and featured as the Hudson Valley area specialist in Top Agent Magazine for 2022. She is responsible for residential and commercial property sales, sales of luxury homes, land sales, and specializes in Hudson River properties. She is credentialed through the GRI, ABR, CBR, SRES, RSPS, EPRO, and ASP-R. Barbara belongs to the National Association of Realtors. She advocates for animal rescue, spaying, neutering, and release programs. www.four-seasons-realty-group.com
Author and Coach, Annette Fazio, offers solutions to what drags down the morale of your staff and ultimately your business. Her wisdom is derived from 20 years of successfully owning three popular, profitable, and distinct restaurants, which she grew into award-winning local icons. Annette shares how common sense and hard work helped her trump a lack of business experience, industry knowledge, culinary training, and a serious shortage of money. Of the 10 million plus women-owned businesses, Annette became one of the elite 4% that took their business over the million-dollar mark. Her bottom line belief is that leadership begins where you are standing and that means that anyone on
How did you get started in your field/industry?
When money market mutual funds were coming into existence, I was offered a job with the Wellington Management Company. When Jack Bogle decided to start his own mutual fund company, he asked me to join him at his Vanguard Group, and I did. What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?
Even a penny error in the price could be very expensive. I designed a control system where it was almost impossible to allow an error which Vanguard sold to other companies. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?
Most senior positions are held by men. Women are judged as too emotional. What does the word empowerment mean to you?
Power means giving people the power to make their own decisions until they prove they are not able to do that successfully, instead of deciding they are not capable with little or no evidence of that fact.
Joyce C. Selander is an author and the owner of Joy Financial. She is the first woman to physically trade financial futures in the pits as a member/trader at the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Joyce specializes in government bonds, gold, silver, financial futures, and bonds. She is a member of the Chicago Board of Trade, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and is on the board of Chicago Human Rhythms. Joyce wrote a book about her life entitled, “Joyce, Queen of the Mountain: Female Courage and Hand-To-Hand Combat in the World’s Largest Money Pit.” In her spare time she enjoys running. How did you get started in your field/industry?
I got started doing margins for marketable collateral at a bank and received a call from a recruitment office that asked if I could do margins on commodities. I told them “Yes.” A commodity house hired me the next day and two days later I started there. I was sent to work on the floor, where I remained for almost 40 years.
your team can also step up and lead. Everyone starts at the ground level, and if you set your mind to it, you too can become a winner.
Annette has been lauded in numerous columns and has been featured by TV news and major national trade magazines. As an author, keynote presenter, seminar trainer, and former newspaper columnist, she inspires audiences worldwide to reach new heights of success.
Initially, Annette’s passion was cooking, feeding people the comfort food of Italy, and nourishing their stomachs and souls.
She believes her books and topics feed people’s spirits and give them hope and a more fulfilling direction. She has written “Ordinary People Extra-Ordinary Acts: Lifting Spirits Through the Power of Love and Food,” “Finding the Leader Within: A Journey of Commitment and Courage,” “Leadership on Fire: A Journey of Commitment and Courage,” and is a co-author of “Mission Critical Messages: How to Create a Global Impact.” Currently, Annette shares her time between Fort Myers, Florida, Queens, New York and York, Maine. She has presented her programs throughout the United States and internationally. annettefazio.com
How did you manage to become one of the leading names in the fitness industry while you were struggling so much in your personal life?
I can say with full confidence, I am good at what I do. The reason I became the leading name in the industry is due to the results I delivered. I could do what other trainers couldn’t do, and my results speak for themselves.
Why do you think eating disorders are on the rise?
Fad diets (keto, shake only, cleanses, plant-based, reverse dieting, etc.) are terrible. All of them provide restrictions and too much focus on food all day. Besides their not being sustainable, they cause disordered eating. Our society doesn’t put health on a pedestal anymore and we run for coping solutions like drugs, alcohol, and food. Activity has slowed down and people do everything from their couch with a phone in their hand. The stuff the FDA allows in our food should be criminal. Many harmful substances allowed in Americas food are banned across Europe because they are not safe for human consumption. Our foods are filled with addictive ingredients.
Tarryn Nicole Vocaturo, a.k.a. Iron T, as she is known in the fitness industry, is a former celebrity personal trainer who has worked with bodies from Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” VH1’s “Mob Wives,” Style channel’s “Jerseylicious,” “Million Dollar Shopper,” History channel’s “Swamp People,” and many more. Aside from her star-studded clientele, Tarryn has been helping transform bodies around the globe for almost 20 years with her personal methods for breaking pesky plateaus and bringing client’s bodies to a new level without spending hours in the gym and using harsh dieting. She is a WITS-CPT, Certified Personal Trainer, NASM-CNC, and Certified Nutrition Coach.
Recently, Tarryn retired from professional women’s powerlifting. She holds six first place wins and three New Jersey state records. She added the gratifying title of author to her resume this past year with her first book publication, “Perfectly Imperfect.” Tarryn’s book takes readers through her 20 year stint with eating disorders including bulimia, binge eating, orthorexia, and obsessive exercise. With these types of disorders on the rise today, she teaches readers how these disorders start, escalate, and can be defeated. Tarryn clears up many misconceptions on these disorders and touches on some messy yet common life topics that many may be able to relate to including teenage bullying, broken families, and suicide. She also dives deep into the dangers of restrictive dieting, yo-yo diet patterns, and emotional eating. Tarryn breaks ground on the hidden world of the bodybuilding industry where she took a few years run and discovered some unsettling ways of winning. Now fully recovered and using her continued education in these disorders, she has the ability to help others who may be experiencing similar struggles with disordered eating patterns. Tarryn teaches clients how to eat for a healthy body and a healthy mindset to match. Iron T Fitness is available for online personal training, nutritional planning, and disordered eating coaching around the world. Tarryn also offers live training in her gym in New Jersey.
What made you write your book, “Perfectly Imperfect?”
I wanted to tell my story. When the COVID lockdown started, I committed to writing my book. I wanted to clarify a lot of the misinformation out there on these food disorders.
How can young girls today avoid falling victim to eating disorders?
1
Workout at home with a high-intensity body weight circuit vs going to a gym. This will save you time and have you burning maximum calories. Aim for the morning for an energized start to the day which also leaves your night open. Set your workout days in your calendar and journal what you did to hold yourself accountable. 2
Use the stairs, walk further, strap on some light ankle weights, stretch when you can, and throw in some body weight exercises throughout the day.
tarrynnicole.com
Don’t partake in restrictive diet methods. Don’t let other people influence how you see yourself. If you have a problem, find someone who can help you. If it doesn’t make you happy, don’t do it. Find a hobby or sport to enjoy and focus on something productive. If you find yourself feeling overly stressed, listen to music, read a book, go for a walk, etc.
Is there any advice would you give to mothers of young girls to help them give their daughters a healthy attitude towards food and body image?
I would tell mothers, “You are their example!” Set it and set a strong one. Our eating habits start at a very early age, and they are introduced by our parents. The foods a child sees as normal will be whatever you introduced when they were young. The same goes for body image. How a child views their body will have a lot to do with the confidence they have in themselves and that has to be taught early on. Tell them they are beautiful and amazing as much as possible, so they see themselves positively. Help them find a sport they are good at to not only build their confidence but to learn what being active feels like. An active body is more inclined to choose a healthy lifestyle mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Don’t point out their imperfections and don’t let them see you constantly point out yours. This teaches your child to constantly put themselves under a microscope. What does the word power mean to you?
Power means strength- mentally, physically, and spiritually! Power is a mindset that many want, but few will master.
Realtor | Licensed in PA, DE & NJ
Cell: 267.250.7649
Office: 215.643.3200
Email: tinagsellshomes4u
@gmail.com
Web: www.tinasellshomes.com
Address: 731 Skippack Pike
Blue Bell, PA 19422
People love to work with Tina Guerrieri because of her bubbly personality, confidence, attention to detail, and her incredibly infectious laugh. Her ability to have fun and see the humor in all her real estate adventures, even the ones that might have others screaming in frustration (like being a 4‘ 10” realtor trying to reach a lock box hung from a porch light that is over 7‘ high!) are truly a gift. Tina is not to be underestimated, though; she can also quickly switch gears and jump into the role of a tough negotiator, advocating for her clients and refusing to back down until she gets them the best deal possiblewhether representing a buyer or a seller. Her passion for working with people and treating them like family always shines through. She states, “Real estate is all about building relationships and friendships that last a lifetime! I don’t feel like its work because I love what I do.”
With more than 80% of her business currently based on repeat and referral clients, Tina’s professional track record and reputation of high ethical standards clearly precede her. When asked to account for her loyal clientele, she insists that maintaining contact with her past clients is of paramount importance. She is always thinking of ways to let her clients know she is thinking about them, whether it’s with whimsical gifts, fun destination parties, or quick texts and calls just to catch up. Tina truly enjoys engaging with her clients.
Tina shared what drove her on a personal level to excel in her profession, opening up about having an extremely abusive father who was violent to her and her siblings. Her Japanese mother was terrified to leave him because she could not speak English well, which limited her ability to get out of the situation, since she could not support herself and her children financially. She wasn’t allowed to make friends, so she did not have a strong support network. Over the years, Tina found herself in a similarly abusive relationship, but she was determined to break the cycle. “I always wanted to be financially independent and to help my mom gain her freedom as well. I prayed for a long time for something that would allow me to do both. Real estate helped me finally overcome the years of abuse that caused me to have insecurities and a lack of self-worth. It helped turn a battered girl into the strong, confident woman I am today, and enabled me to give my mom the support she needed to leave my father and enjoy the last few years of her life. I am so grateful for the opportunity to do what I love and create an amazing life for my son and me! I thank God every day for my success!”
While licensed in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, Tina’s home base is in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. Throughout her 19 year career, she has been recognized for her work ethic and results with an impressive accumulation
of awards such as Titan Club, Chairman’s Club, RE/MAX Hall of Famer, and she is consistently ranked in the top 10 RE/MAX Agents in all of Pennsylvania. She was also recently ranked in the Top 20 out of 66,000 agents from all brokerages in Pennsylvania. When asked what keeps her energized and excited about real estate, Tina responded, “I love that real estate is ever-changing and never boring. Every transaction and every client is unique. I learn something new every day. I love that it keeps me on my toes.”
www.tinagsellshomes.com
Darcy Knapp-Fricks serves in a variety of industries including real estate, investments, ranching and self-storage. She is the president and co-owner of Knapp Sisters Rental, Ltd., started with her sister, Shelly Knapp, in 1999, which specializes in land rentals. They also own D&S Investments. She provides, maintains, and manages rental properties and real estate.
In addition, Darcy and Shelly own The Knapp Sisters Self Storage which consists of five self-storage building facilities. The self-storage facility is a AAA business which consists of five self-storage buildings, with the largest of the five being climate controlled. They are open seven days a week. Their business was rated the #1 U-Haul dealer in the state of Texas and #3 U-Haul dealer in the U.S.
Darcy and her sister are members of the Texas Self Storage Association, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Arlington Historical Society, the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. Darcy attended the University of Texas at Arlington and Texas Wesleyan University. She was featured in an article regarding her family donating land to make a historical park. In her spare time, she enjoys time spent on her ranch in South Texas and travel.
Darcy’s advice to others is to always go with your gut feeling; it will not steer you wrong. There is nothing too big or too small for you to accomplish. If you believe in yourself and whatever your plans are, you can be successful. She feels strongly that you should never let anyone take your dreams away from you. When she got the idea to build the self-storage facility, she had made up her mind that it was going to be different from others. Even though she knew nothing about the storage business until then, Darcy listened to her gut that told her to go with it, and it has been a success.
You need a place to store your belongings with the peace of mind of knowing your items are safe and secure. Knapp Sisters Self Storage is an AAA, topof-the-line facility in Mansfield, TX offering climate and non-climate-controlled storage units. We are also a Top 100 U-Haul dealer with trailers, trucks and vans for all of your moving needs! From a state-of-the-art alarm system, to keyfob entry, to 24/7 security and surveillance, your things are protected with us.
How did you get started in your field/industry?
The real estate company that my sister and I own together was inherited from my grandfather and my father. As a result, it just made sense to create a rental business, since most of the property was residential. My grandfather was instrumental in the development of Arlington, Texas, and retained a lot or two out of all the developments that he created. These were residential neighborhoods with small homes that we put together to create Knapp Sisters Rental, Ltd., along with other purchases we made over the years. We then used them as rental properties.
What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?
The oil and gas industry has been very challenging. It has been a learn-as-you-go experience with these companies. My grandfather was an attorney by trade, but his passion was real estate. In the process of closing real estate deals, he retained all the mineral rights to every real estate deal that he had a hand in. He said that eventually technology would catch up, and it did. My sister and I inherited those mineral rights to
properties that we never knew anything about. This became a blessing when the Barnett Shale (one of the largest onshore natural gas fields in the U.S.) came into play in Texas. That opened a whole new field for us, but the learning curve was difficult. How do you achieve work/life balance?
I have a ranch in South Texas that I escape to whenever I have a free weekend. It is in the middle of nowhere with river front property that is spring fed. Being there is an amazing experience. What do you do to escape and recharge, even for a few hours?
I get back to nature. I have a hanging bed on my back porch. After a long work day, I make my-
self a cold drink, relax on my back porch, and watch the wildlife in my wooded back yard.
What advice has helped you get to the next level?
Always go with your gut feelings.
What does empowerment mean to you?
Being empowered means being able to move forward with the knowledge and experience that gives you the self-confidence to do whatever you dream of doing. Who is one of your favorite designers?
Free People.
What is your favorite meal?
Fajitas.
How often do you cook?
I cook three to four times a week.
Name your favorite makeup products.
Estée Lauder.
What is your favorite perfume?
AMPERSAND from Tiffany & Co.
If you are having a dinner party, who is the first guest on your invite list (besides your children)?
My best friends.
www.knappsistersselfstorage.com
Kristen M. Toepfer is an advocate for stroke victims and those with aphasia. She is a consultant, speaker, and survivor. Kristen received an A.S. in Liberal Arts from Sussex County Community College. She is retired from UPS as an industrial engineer. After suffering a stroke, brain swelling, being in a coma, and numerous brain surgeries, Kristen has fought her way back to health and advocates for others who have undergone similar circumstances. She makes videos for Facebook support groups. Kristen belongs to Supermodels Unlimited. She won the Director’s Award for the Mrs. New Jersey America Pageant in 2022. In 2021, she was nominated a Stroke Hero by the Stroke Foundation. In her spare time Kristen enjoys hiking and outdoor activities.
Tocarra Lewis is the driving force behind the A Modest Living LLC (AML) mindset changing movement. After identifying a need to help people move from day-to-day survival mode to thriving, Tocarra developed a cadre of evolving services to meet people where they are and help them to change their lives. As a life coach and a certified nonprofit professional, she has worked as a life coaching professional since 2009. She has a B.S. in Public Policy with a concentration in Human Resources and Nonprofits from Georgia State University, and an M.S. in Healthcare Management from Clayton State University. Tocarra is a Certified Nonprofit Professional and an accredit-
Linda K. Faires is the owner of Suadela Goodies. With over ten years’ experience, she creates and sells many sugar-free goods including pies, banana bread, cinnamon rolls, chocolates, gourmet popcorn, toffee, and peanut brittle. She also makes and sells fudge and glazed pecans. Linda earned an A.A.B. from Mountainview College in 1991, a Paralegal degree from Ashworth College in 2013, and earned Ministry credentials through Universal Life Church in 2016. She hosts a show on Friday nights, The International Music Hour on Saturdays, and co-hosts the Indie Spotlight Hour Monday nights on Distant Thunder Radio.
Linda is also a brand ambassador
How did you get started in your field/ industry?
I became a stroke and aphasia advocate because I had a massive hemorrhage stroke in 2018. I was in a coma and then had eight brain surgeries. I couldn’t talk for two years. It became my mission to spread awareness.
What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?
Some challenges that I face are that every time I have a seizure I take a couple of steps back in recovery. I call it ‘stroke recovery tango.’
What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?
Women today face challenges when going back to the workforce after years of not working. Women are not prepared for today’s environment.
ed member of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. AML is a life coaching and connections organization that promotes the well-being of the whole person through a wide array of services including financial literacy, business mentorship, life coaching, and youth programming. They also help with housing and home furnishing options that are both practical and economical. Living a modest lifestyle isn’t about minimalism or following a popular trend; it’s about taking a holistic approach to building a sustainable life. Through their various programs and services, AML shares their values and equips their clients to be able to find the fertile soil needed to grow even in a desert land.
amodestlifestyle.com
for Just Strong Clothing, which gives her a chance to help other women empower themselves on any path they choose to follow. She is a member of Dun and Bradstreet. She published a poem called “Through The Years” and a song entitled “Destiny” on Terry Petersen’s CD titled “Coming Home.” In her spare time, Linda enjoys learning Korean, writing, gardening, and being a DJ.
What does the word empowerment mean to you?
Empowerment means getting out of your comfort zone. It means being confident and determined to accomplish your goals.
Kelsi F. Benanti is a Realtor with One Sotheby’s International Realty. She has over seven years’ experience and specializes in new development opportunities, corporate relocation, commercial real estate, acquisitions, international off-market opportunities, and redevelopment opportunities. Kelsi speaks English and Italian. She belongs to the Miami Board of Realtors and attended Ramapo College of New Jersey. Kelsi enjoys being with her family. www.sothebysrealty.com
How did you get started in your field/ industry?
I’ve been cooking/baking since I was 16, having learned from my mother and grandfather. There weren’t many sugar-free treats when I was growing up. Creating treats for my son, husband, and family pushed me into my career. What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?
Getting over the ‘sugar-free’ stigma is difficult. People believe those words mean no taste. Finding the correct sweetener posed a challenge for me. COVID also caused a huge obstacle.
www.suadelagoodies.com
Renowned global fashion designer, Renée Greenstein, is the founder of Women with Control® and ATTITUDES by Renée®, two of the best-selling fashion lines on QVC. Renée has been blazing trails for over 15 years with the shopping channel as one of its first minority-owned fashion lines. Her fashion and jewelry collections are headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, where she serves as president and lead designer of her company, Controlways.
From childhood, Renée developed a passion and a love for people. She ventured to Manhattan to pursue her strong interest in fashion and soon became a fit model, finding her niche in the dresses and sportswear apparel categories. From a brief stint at the Fashion Institute of Technology and working as a fit model, Renée became aware that fashion catered to a very small portion of women. In addition, she discovered her innate ability to communicate to designers and patternmakers how clothes should fit.
Renée used these insights to give suggestions on how clothing could be better made to fit all women. These realizations inspired her to create her own size-inclusive clothing lines. She developed a philosophy that she applies to her career and everyday life: no matter what her size or shape, every woman has wonderful and unique qualities that her clothes and accessories should help her express.
Her style mantra, “Style is not about size, it’s about attitude,™️” is one that she shares with every
woman she meets. The more women feel free to accept themselves as they are, the more Renée enjoys her career as a fashion designer.
As an autodidact in both fashion and art and an avid student of people, Renée loves to meet and talk to people. She and her husband, Justin, collect art and find it everywhere from flea markets to galleries. They are patrons of The Public Theater in New York City. Renée’s flair, genuine playfulness, and compelling life experience has resonated with millions of women around the world. She brings the best styles to her customers by researching trends, offering them inspiration, and encouraging them to express their true selves. She currently travels from New York to Europe shopping for fabrics, accessories, and global influence. Renée’s community of avid fashion fans, known as ‘Wardrobe Warriors,’ is flourishing and growing every day on Facebook and Instagram.
Why do you think your clothes make women feel so confident and self-assured?
My ladies (whom I lovingly call Wardrobe Warriors) know my mantra, “Style is not about size, it’s about attitude™️.” My warriors know that my goal is for them to have the confidence to go out into the world and know that they look put together, not thrown together. I work hard to make sure that all my designs fit well on all shapes and sizes, and that the fabrics I use feel luxurious. One of the most popular features in my Women with Control™️ collection are the styles that have my trademarked Blu Tec control system™️, which I like to describe as a gentle hug. It smooths the belly area, and as many women have told me, gives them a
little more confidence. When you combine that ethos with my eye for prints, my ability to interpret trends into modern classics, and innate understanding of how women want to feel, you get clothing that makes my ladies feel beautiful. Who are some designers you were inspired by?
I have been inspired by Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, and Elsa Schiaparelli. It’s amazing what you can find just people-watching and taking the time to stop and take in what’s going on around you. I am also inspired by my world travels. Being able to see how women in other cultures express their personal and regional style is endlessly inspiring. What is the difference between your two brands, Women with Control™ and Attitudes by Renée™?
Women with Control™️ is my core pieces—primarily bottoms. I use fabrics that are comfortable, can be worn year-round, are washable, and fit so well that I tell my ladies they don’t need to wear shapers. The fit of my pants led me to trademark “No more Wiggle, No more Jiggle™️.” My Attitudes by Renée™️ line is the sister to my Women with Control™️ collection. This is where my ladies can have fun with special fabrics and fun prints. I’m also known as the “Maxi Dress Queen,” because I have had tremendous success with my maxi dresses by perfecting the fit and using fabulous prints inspired by my travels around the world.
No matter what your size or shape, what is one piece of clothing that every woman should own?
Well, I am going to cheat here and say there are two items. #1: Leggings- with the right leggings, you can have the perfect piece in your wardrobe 12 months a year that can be dressed up or layered under a dress, tunic, or for a workout. #2: A maxi dress- when you have the right one in your closet, you are never worried about what to grab when you
need something that is perfect for everything.
Can you give us a sneak peek at what will be trending next season?
I understand that especially in today’s environment, most purchases are thought about as an investment. I want my customers to know that when they purchase a new style from me, they will have years of great quality and something that will never look dated. Don’t get me wrong, I am obsessed with fashion, and I am always looking for ways to reinvent great items. I always say my ladies are the canvas and I get the honor of adding to their beauty. For spring, I still feel that comfort will continue to be a huge factor (one I’ve always kept in mind in my designs), be affordable, and make you feel great. Dresses are crucial for spring and summer, and it is the perfect throw-on-and-go piece. Prints, prints, prints are so important for spring. The key to a great dress is the fit, which I can proudly say I have perfected. Pants of all lengths will always be a staple in most women’s wardrobes. Again, the key is the fit, but this can also be a fun time to play with colors. You will be seeing a strong influence in shorts, utility relaxed leg pants, full and wide leg pants, skinny leg pants, jumpsuits, caftans, off-shoulder dresses, and tops. There will be tons of prints including mixed prints, moody, tropical, and scenic prints from around the world. What does the word power mean to you?
Power is the ability to be true to yourself and to be sure the world sees the best you have to offer. Power is being who you want to be. My motto is “Life is not a dress rehearsal; live for today.” Power is about being unapologetic and confident in your strength as a woman to help others reach their highest potential without tearing each other down. It’s standing strong in your beliefs and feeling in control of who you are, knowing no one can change that. That’s power.
reneegreenstein.com
4 flounder filets
1 lb. imitation crab, diced fine
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
1 egg, whisked
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
¾ cup mayonnaise
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°.
1 tspn. Old Bay Seasoning
½ tspn. seasoned salt
½ tspn. pepper
1 Tbsp. parsley
8 very thin slices butter (reserve to top flounder)
2 Tbsp. seasoned bread crumbs (reserve for top of flounder)
Mix all ingredients (except flounder, butter, and bread crumbs) together in large bowl, making sure to mix well.
Season flounder on both sides with seasoned salt and pepper. Line cookie/baking sheet with tin foil and spray well with PAM.
Lay each flounder filet flat on sheet. Grab a huge handful of stuffing and mold it into a log.
Place in the middle of the flounder and pull each side up. Flip over so the seam is on the bottom. Continue till all are full. They should be about 4 inches wide depending on the flounder itself.
Sprinkle each stuffed flounder with a little seasoned salt and a sprinkling of seasoned bread crumbs. Slice very thin slices of butter and place two atop each piece of flounder. Bake for 35 minutes – or till fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with slices of lemon.
Ingredients
1 lb. spaghetti
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large bunch asparagus, trimmed, and thinly sliced on a diagonal
3 fresh garlic cloves, smashed
½ cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp. lemon zest
¾ tspn. crushed red pepper flakes
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
2 lemons, juiced
4 oz. Parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1 cup), plus more for serving
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1 ½ cup pasta cooking liquid.
While pasta is cooking, heat oil in a large, heavy pan over medium-high until shimmering. Add asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until asparagus turns bright green, about 2 minutes. Add garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Stir, and mix until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let sit until pasta is done. Add drained pasta to pot with asparagus mixture and return to medium-high heat. Squeeze juice from both lemons into a separate bowl, then add to pot. Next, and add Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and most of the reserved pasta cooking liquid. Cook, tossing vigorously and adding more pasta cooking liquid if needed, until sauce is creamy and emulsified and pasta is coated, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and season with more salt if needed. Remove and discard garlic. Serve immediately, topped with more Parmesan.
Ingredients
1 egg
¾ cup sugar
7 oz. coconut flakes
3 Tbsn. butter, melted
1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 350.
By Geri ShumerMix all above ingredients, except chocolate chips, together. Drop large spoonfuls onto a well-greased cookie sheet. Wet your fingers with water and gently shape each spoonful into a dome shape. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes, then lower temperature to 250 and bake another 10 minutes.
While the macaroons are baking, melt the chocolate in a saucepan over a low flame. When the macaroons are done let them cool 3 minutes and then dip the tops of them into the melted chocolate. Let cool 30 minutes before serving.
Ingredients
2 tubes store-bought biscuits
5 eggs
2 cups half and half (or heavy cream)
8 oz. grated Swiss cheese or Gruyere (reserve ½ cup for topping)
2 cups frozen chopped spinach
1 cup + 1 cup Durkee frizzled onions (reserve 1 cup for topping)
½ tspn. pepper
6 strips pre-cooked bacon, crumbled
Directions
Preheat oven to 350˚.
Peel biscuits apart into 2 thinner layers, so each biscuit is now two round pieces. Spray deep casserole or pie dish with butter spray. Lay biscuits out and press together on bottom to make a crust. If you have enough, continue layering biscuits up the side as well, pressing together with fingers so they are sealed. Par bake the crust for 15 minutes at 350.
In large mixing bowl, beat eggs and cream together. Add all other ingredients. Remove dish from oven, pour mixture into dish. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove, top with remaining cheese and onion frizzles, and bake another 15 minutes. Check for doneness with toothpick in middle. It should be a little jiggly, not hard.
*Quiche is very forgiving. You can swap broccoli, mushrooms, or asparagus (all cooked first) instead of spinach. You can also use diced ham, crumbled sausage, and other cheeses as you like.
4 pieces of salmon (about 4 oz. each)
¼ cup Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Magic Salmon Seasoning or your favorite seasoning (about a palm-full)
2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
Directions
Rinse and pat dry salmon.
By Geri Shumer1 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
Olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 oz. frozen whipped topping, thawed
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 11-ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
1 8-ounce can pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
1 ½ cups mini marshmallows (opt.) ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Directions
In a large bowl, stir together the whipped topping and yogurt. Using a rubber spatula, carefully fold remaining ingredients into whipped topping.
Chill at least 2-3 hours before serving.
Heat about 2 Tbsp. of olive oil in pan. Cast iron is best. On a dinner plate, mix Panko breadcrumbs and pecans with salmon seasoning, salt and pepper to taste. You can add a little more or a little less salmon seasoning depending on your taste. If you add more, don’t add too much salt as it is salty by itself.
Brush each piece of salmon with Dijon mustard and coat on both sides with Panko mixture.
Make sure oil is hot (stand away from pan and flick a drop or two of water into pan and if it sizzles, it is ready). Sauté in pan for about 4 minutes and then flip over for another 4 minutes (this timing may vary according to how thick your pieces are). You may have to add a little more oil at this point and shake the pan so that oil gets underneath each piece.
Test to see if they are done. You will know they are done when you can easily cut through them with your fish turner and fish breaks in half instantly. The inside should be a translucent pink. If you are still not sure, check the temperature. Properly cooked salmon should be 110°— 140° degrees on the inside.
Let rest for a minute or two and serve.
Have you noticed how transitions are seemingly ever-present in our lives?
But if they’re such a normal part of life, why is it so hard to navigate through them? In 500 B.C., Heraclitus said, “The only constant in life is change.” Even Plato quoted him, saying, “Heraclitus says that all things pass, and nothing stays and, comparing existing things to the flow of a river, he says you could not step twice into the same river.” Because the river flows, it is literally ever-changing. Life is like that, too. So, if change is inevitable, I contend that the fear of change is also.
Whether we see changes coming or they happen unexpectedly, they can be stressful. Our sense of control goes out the window when something significantly up-ends our lives and disrupts our routine. And sometimes, the anticipation of what’s coming or what might happen can be scarier than the change itself. Every so often, multiple things change at once, and life as we know it is no more. For example, during the height of the pandemic, people lost their jobs, family members became ill or died (and they couldn’t say goodbye), or they became impromptu teachers for their children who couldn’t attend school. Talk about a pile-up! There were multiple transitions, one on top of the other. Bruce Feiler, author of “Life is in the Transitions,” calls this a “lifequake.”
No wonder emotions rise. Transitions can
By María Tomás-Keeganbe painful and frightening, and they can catch us off-guard. We often worry, feel anxious, get stressed, fear the unknown, and buckle under uncertainty. We might also push back, resist, and deny that anything is happening. Or, we could feel sad, lonely, exhausted, and crave sleep, which might not come easily. These emotions can invade our minds and hearts, destroying our sense of security, peace, and harmony.
So, transitions are the shifts that happen on the inside when things change on the outside. It’s that journey over time during which we respond and adapt to life circumstances that have altered.
By recognizing that we’re in a transition, understanding why it feels challenging, and discovering the coping mechanisms that work for us, we can learn to flow through each one. As we do, we evolve, become better at who we are and how we show up, build confidence, and flex our resilience muscles. Additionally, with a shift in how we think about transitions, we can rein in our inclination to fight against them and learn to move with them.
This quote from M. Ferguson always helps me explain what a transition can feel like: “It’s not so much that we’re afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it’s the place in between that we fear. It’s like being between trapezes. It’s Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There’s nothing to hold on to.” Because times like these happen often, we need strategies to manage those places in between—what might seem like a dark tunnel with no light at either end.
How we learn to cope can put us back on firm ground and teach us life-long tools to keep in our treasure
chest, making the next inevitable transition one you can face with more ease and flow.
Here are some strategies from my book, “Get Unstuck,” that worked for me and now work for my clients.
When change happens, it can be a shock. Panic might set in. Instead of resisting or hiding, choose to be the victor, not the victim. Start by breathing and letting the shock wear off. Then, put your brave face forward and meet it head-on. Allow your emotions to flow through so that you can get on the other side of them with more perspective. Then, practice approaching the change in a way that allows you to look in the mirror and like what you see, with dignity.
Whether it’s fear, anger, or uncertainty, don’t allow your emotions to paralyze you. Instead, talk about your feelings with someone you trust, who will listen, have your back, and tell you the truth. Write about what you’re feeling to become aware of how it’s affecting you. Writing can bring clarity and get unhelpful thoughts out of your head. Then, you can step back and gain perspective on your emotions. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that can happen? Is it likely to happen? Or are you blowing it out of proportion?”
Remember that perspective is your friend. If this change was your idea, how would you respond differently? Not everything is in your control, but some things are, especially your choices about how you respond to the changes around you. Look to the past for lessons. Examine how you’ve behaved when a change flipped you upside down. What did you do well? What could you have done better? Look for the unexpected gems from those experiences.
Next, allow the change to make you stronger and more resilient. Learn from each experience, so the next life change doesn’t take you down for the count—at least not for long. Learning from your past strengthens you and allows you to use the strategies again. Since life is designed to change, you’ll need that arsenal of tools you’ve already assembled to bounce back quicker the next time.
5. Don’t Be a Lone Wolf
Lastly, ask for help. Create a network of support—it’s what I call ‘your personal board of directors.’ Seek people who have been through what you’re going through to make your journey more manageable and shorter. Let them reveal their secrets, tell you the truth, and bring much-needed objectivity. That’s when you can find solace in the fact that you’re not alone.
Change is painful. And growth is uncomfortable. But nothing is worse than staying stuck where you don’t belong. Learning to change as a river changes keeps you free flowing through the canyons of life. Deciding what strategies work to move through and beyond each transition is essential to making a successful shift from who you were before the change to who you are becoming.
María Tomás-Keegan, founder of Transition & Thrive with María, is a certified career and life coach for women specializing in transitions. She is the award-winning author of “Upside Down to Right Side Up: Turning Transition into Triumph,” and host of the streaming podcast, Tips for the Transition ~ The Career Roadmap. This long-running podcast features weekly interviews with global experts and influencers about career, leadership, personal development, starting over, problem-solving, decision-making, balance, self-care, and how to take your dreams to the next level.
María creatively brings into play in coaching her 30-year corporate leadership experience and training, along with lessons from navigating life-changing events like loss, divorce, and career upheavals. She has been called a master of reinvention and is passionate about coaching and mentoring women who struggle to find meaning and purpose in their careers and life—bringing a calm force into what can feel like chaos. María partners with women to create a firm foundation, so they can confidently leap into their next chapter while gathering lifelong tools to help them thrive.
transitionandthrivewithmaria.com
“Style is not about size; it’s about attitude.” You may have no control over the garbage life throws at you, but you can certainly control how you deal with the trash. You can look your best no matter what. QVC fashion designer Renée Greenstein wants you to look your best no matter what life sends your way.
In Women With Control, Renée takes the reader on a journey into her world as a global fashion designer and founder of the Women with Control® and Attitudes by Renée® brands, two of the top selling fashion lines featured on QVC USA and UK. Both collections reflect the designer’s flair, playfulness, and life experiences. She is one of the first designers to create stylish clothing for women of all sizes, not just the typical size 2-10’s the fashion industry caters to.
You may have seen Renée on QVC doing her No More Wiggle, No More Jiggle® dance, smiling and laughing away. That’s because Renée genuinely loves fashion and loves her customers who she affectionately dubbed Wardrobe Warriors.
While a college freshman, her interest in fashion drew her out of academia to the Garment Center and New York’s Fashion industry. Life throws everyone obstacles, even a successful woman like Renée. As she states in the book “You are so in it. Life. The stress. The things you have no control over.”
That is why Renée invites you to be in it together. There’s strength in numbers, right? And she knows we can win if we put our minds to it. Because let’s face it. We can get lost in the negativity that swirls in our heads, and we would be so much happier if we would only get out of our own way. That’s what being a woman with control is all about. Each chapter offers an insight into Renée’s journey as well as a takeaway lesson.
Have you ever thought you should be able to handle anything life throws at you because you’re smart and resourceful? Do you keep going through the motions of life, but never seem to get off the hamster wheel? How often have you asked yourself, “Is this all there is?” or “Who am I now that my life has changed so profoundly?” If so, María Tomás-Keegan has something to say about all that: you are not alone.
Drawing on her on own experiences, María starts her book, “Upside Down to Right Side Up: Turning Transition into Triumph,” by sharing her view that there are seven phases of transition. Regardless of the life event, she noticed that the phases she went through to move from tragedy to triumph were very similar. From abuse to divorce; personal loss to career upheaval; reinvention to caregiving. María found a way to unpack her treasure chest of tools and techniques, so they could help her move beyond coping and surviving and begin to thrive—making each new life event less daunting than the last.
As she relays stories of other women, we begin to believe that we are not alone. As she reveals her life strategies, we understand that there is light at the end of the tunnel. There is hope that we can take control and change our perspective. There truly can be joy in learning to thrive.
The book concludes with a preview of her empowering system, called “5 Petals of Power,” which helps women take off the mask they wear pretending they are fine. She helps them to find their footing again and clear the path of what stands in their way. The final leg of the journey is clear and concise as she guides women to spread their wings and take flight, so they know who they are now and can make their new dream happen. With honesty and humor, María helps women create a unique roadmap for their next chapter, as they uncover their authentic voice and step back into their power.
“From the White House to the White Cross: Confessions of a TV News Correspondent”
“Storytelling is deeply embedded in my DNA,” says Peggy Stanton, who served ABC-TV as its first female news correspondent in Washington, D.C., in the 1960s. Opening up the journals Peggy kept for decades, especially while traveling the world with her husband, Congressman Bill Stanton, “From the White House to the White Cross,” offers an entertaining and revealing glimpse into a storied world of glitz and glamour, featuring A-listers from Julie Andrews and Charlton Heston to Lyndon Johnson, Fidel Castro, and Salvador Dali. Peggy’s perspective - and life - change unexpectedly during a visit to Medjugorje, where, in her words, “The master attempts to chisel a poor piece of clay into what he intended her to be.” Her dramatic conversion from “a cultural Catholic to a committed Catholic” opens a new chapter in a life filled with adventure, opportunity, and service.
“The Naked Mom: A Modern Mom’s Fearless Revelations, Savvy Advice, and Soulful Reflections”
Brooke Burke knows all too well that when you’re raising four children, running a household, tending a relationship, building a multimillion- dollar business, and pursuing a television career, there’s no room for pretense or posturing. Rejecting the idea that there’s some simple step-by-step path to the perfect body, the perfect relationship, or the perfect career, she reveals the truths about motherhood with the sincerity that today’s smart, sexy, and soulful moms need. Brooke lets readers know what really goes on behind the scenes of a surprisingly ordinary life as a celebrity mom, and how she manages to make it all work (on the good days). Always acknowledging the chaos that is present in any woman’s life, Brooke offers readers a more calculated approach to life and motherhood: dance through it. It’s all about hearing the music, finding your footing, and moving gracefully.
From tips about caring for your body, to her own stories about the missteps she’s made as a mother, to advice about how to handle the tough emotional challenges moms face, Brooke paints an honest picture of motherhood that all women can relate to, insisting that it’s not about being right or wrong, it’s about being your authentic, naked self.
On the surface, Tarryn had it all- a great family, house, friends, and she was a very gifted athlete, but everything that glitters isn’t gold. Tarryn’s life took a turn and all she knew was suddenly different. In her quest to cope, she embraced a horrific eating disorder that lasted 20 years of her life and almost took her life. Her eating disorders included bulimia, binge eating, and orthorexia. Tarryn talks about being viciously bullied in high school, assaulted, and her suicide attempt. After years of kicking herself while she was down, she decided that enough was enough and started paving a better path for herself. She became a published celebrity personal trainer, highly regarded nutritionist, and eating disorder coach worldwide. Tarryn holds three state titles in women’s powerlifting and is the owner of www. irontfitness.com, her online coaching website.
In this book, Tarryn takes you for a walk down memory lane and another walk down her new healthier, and happier lane. She candidly talks about the rise of eating disorders today and tells all about the not-so-healthy tactics used in the bodybuilding industry.
Sadie Katz an actress, writer, producer, and documentarian with an award named in her honor, AMDOC’S Sadie Katz Award for Hustle. She recently launched her own production company called See You Next Tuesday Films. Sadie recently converted to Judaism, and is a passionate supporter and participant of Little Free Library. She is the mother of Griffin Katz, a Gen Z artist and model and has a six-month-old baby boy, Gideon, with filmmaker Myles Reiff.
You are known as a ‘Scream Queen’ due to the number of horror films you’ve made. Why did you choose to become an actress in this genre?
You don’t choose the horror genre, the horror genre chooses you! The really cool thing about horror fans is their absolute loyalty to the genre, films, and actors. Because horror fans love to consume all different budgets of films, you could say they’re the most supportive movie fans of independent films. Once you get an opportunity to be part of the genre it leads to work in more horror. Pretty soon you’re doing interviews asking how you feel about being a “scream queen” and then you realize “Oh...I guess I am racking them up!” What was your favorite movie you’ve acted in, and why?
As an actress I feel like it’s less about my favorite movie and more about my favorite character. It hasn’t been released yet, but I did a lovely Christmas film, called “A Fargo Christmas.” It also stars Ed Asner, Richard Riehle, and Cynthia Strahan. I played a plucky little spitfire that owned a diner in Fargo, South Dakota. I’m not from a small town but I really had fun imagining a smaller life. It was snowing when we filmed and there were moments of real magic. Sometimes when you do a project you can fall in love with your character so much you find yourself thinking about her and wondering how she is. I catch myself thinking about Betty and hoping she gets all the things she wants. Tell us what prompted you to try and meet Bill Murray?
The world we live in now is so consumed by computers, cell phones, and social media. For a while, Murray was in the news for how
he famously was impossible to get ahold of. At the same time, Murray was in the news for popping up at events all over the world and creating some magical madness. I was going through a pretty blue period and I started thinking about what I was missing in my life… magic! I was a fan of documentaries, particularly Morgan Spurlock of “Super Size Me,” and realized there wasn’t really a female counterpart doing tongue in cheek docs. Cut to me tracking down Bill with 100 balloons! What was the best part of winning Best Documentary for “The Bill Murray Experience” at the Hollywood Florida Film Festival?
We were lucky enough to be invited to the opening night film. The artists of Hollywood, Florida put on a surprise night of Murray-inspired skits. There was a Murray costume party, balloons, champagne, and just a ton of really genuine people who were excited to see the film as well as share their love of Bill Murray. It was a really fantastic week of films and making new friends. Winning the best documentary was really icing on the cake of a beautiful week-long film festival.
As an actor, writer, director, and producer, what excites you the most? Is there another role in the industry you still want to try?
I really enjoyed producing “The Beast Inside.” Being able to get my hands in all the different areas of production was something I’m normally not allowed to do. In film, it’s kind of understood that everyone needs to ‘stay in their lane.’ Everyone has a very specific set of responsibilities, and it works best if you let each person do what they’re hired to do. When you have a good producer they get to pro-
tect that but also make sure everyone is on the same journey and telling a cohesive story which is what has always fascinated me. I’m not typically what I would consider a super-organized person, but I really loved how focused producing made me. I’m working on producing another film with my partner, Eileen Shapiro, who makes the gig pretty damned fun. I’ve never actually directed a scripted feature film and I imagine it’s something I have to do sooner or later.
What would you say is the highlight of your career so far?
I feel a tremendous source of pride that I was able to find my own success and path while also being a single mother. Acting is a pretty crazy, unstable road and I’ve spent a lot of time pounding the pavement. It could be a trap for me to get stuck comparing my career or apologizing for films I’ve done or films I missed out on. The thing that I consider a highlight is that I’ve gotten to do it at all! The fact that my oldest son (now 21) has been supportive and seen my journey makes my favorite career highlight of my actual favorite role ever: that of a mom.
What does the word power mean to you?
Being true to yourself and your convictions is what having power is all about. People often think it means to have power over another person, but true strength is about the power you hold inside yourself. It’s the ability to see what you want and to continue reinventing over and over. There have been plenty of times I’ve had setbacks and suffered through life tragedies, but to me, the ability to get back up and still hold your own truths is what power is about.
Vice President and Chairman of the Board of Directors Graf & Sons Inc.
Marjorie Graf is the president and chairman of the board of directors of Graf & Sons Inc. which is a wholesale sporting goods store based in Mexico, Missouri. They sell sporting goods, hunting products, ammunition, shooting, and reloading materials on a national scale. Graf & Sons, Inc. was founded in 1957 by Arnold Graf, his wife Velma, their two sons Bob and Howard, and their spouses. What has become known as “The Reloading Authority” first started as a gasoline service station in Mexico, Missouri that sold boats, motors, hunting, and fishing merchandise. Bob and Marjorie Graf became sole owners of the business after the passing of co-founder Arnold Graf in 1972 and the retirement of Howard Graf in 1981. In 1986, Bob and Marjorie started to advertise across the board and began to sell internationally. In the beginning they shipped just 1,000-2,000 products a year but with the creation of their website, www.grafs.com, in 2001, the product lines expanded to fit the need.
Today, Graf & Sons stocks over 20,000 products and ships both nationally and internationally by mail order, phone sales, and internet sales. The company has many extremely competent employees including Marjorie’s two sons who are also involved with the business. Marjorie specializes in finance and the overall operations. She also oversees the exporting side of the business, customer service, and sales. Previously, Marjorie served in sales and service at Mexico Refractories and Kaiser Refractories for over 16 years.
In 2013, Graf and Sons Inc. was recognized by the Mexico Chamber of Commerce for their leadership in business, their retail business, and their philanthropy, and was honored at the 29th annual Commerce & Industry Appreciation Dinner. In January 2019, Marjorie received the Mexico Chamber of Commerce Presidential Award. Recently, she was the 2019 inductee “as an individual” into the Missouri Trapshooting Association Hall of Fame on May 17, 2019 at Linn Creek, Missouri. This was quite an honor as she has always enjoyed the shooting and hunting sports.
Sadly, Marjorie’s husband Bob passed away in 2018. In her spare time, she enjoys family activities with her four children, five grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. Marjorie also enjoys shooting, camping, hunting, fishing, cooking, and church activities.
www.grafs.com
Who or what inspired you to become a journalist?
NBC TV News Correspondent
Peggy Stanton is a news correspondent, author, illustrator and painter, who served ABC-TV as the first woman news correspondent in Washington, D.C. She has produced numerous video documentaries and has been published in The Washington Post, The Washington Star, The Saturday Evening Post, The News Leader, The Islander, and Medjugorje magazine. Her book, “The Daniel Dilemma,” featured nine public figures, including Gerald Ford and Coach Don Shula, and examined how their faith impacted their decisions in public life. Peggy writes and broadcasts the Order of Malta Minute with the Catechism heard on Ave Maria Radio.
Peggy’s paintings have been featured in one woman exhibits in Washington, D.C. and the Marian Museum at the University of Dayton, the largest Marian Library in the world. In 1990, inspired by a visit to Medjugorje, she created a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, The Mary Anne Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to foster world peace through spiritual means.
Peggy has also assisted in rehabbing houses in New Orleans and has been a frequent pilgrim to Lourdes as a Dame of Malta, caring for those who are taken to the shrine annually by the Order of Malta. She has also produced several videos on Lourdes and has served on the boards of the National First Ladies’ Library, the Ivy Foundation, and the Order of Malta.
Nancy Dickerson was the woman who inspired my journalism career. As an English major and Political Science minor, I knew I wanted my career to embody writing, history, people, adventure, and purpose. One night in my junior year, I was watching the evening network news and I saw Nancy reporting from the field. “That’s it! That’s exactly what I want to do!,” I exclaimed. And from that moment till I signed the contract with ABC News, my desire never wavered. Nancy and I were competitors on some White House stories, but we also became friends. What obstacles did you have to overcome to land the groundbreaking position of ABC-TV’s first woman news correspondent in Washington, D.C.?
The biggest obstacles women had to overcome breaking into broadcast news was the fact that there were so few of us. Men had a difficult time envisioning women covering hard news rather than kitchen news. After college, I was the only woman in the CBS affiliate newsroom, so I was writing the scripts for men. One morning there was a double murder in downtown Milwaukee. All the male reporters were already on assignment, so I hailed a cameraman to film the scenes as I asked the questions. That’s how I became a news correspondent.
Of all the people you have written about who has had the most impact on your life?
It was absolutely the time when I met an 83 year-old nun in an Indian sari, Mother (now Saint) Teresa. I saw her captivate and dominate a room of world leaders when she delivered a speech in Washington, D.C. in her 80s.
What inspired you to write your new book, “From the White House to the White Cross?”
Over the years, I had been asked many times to write about some of the remarkable people and stories I had been privileged to cover in my career in communications and art. I had drawers full of journals I kept on overseas travels and experiences, some published, many not. The motivation to write a book came from my grandchildren, particularly my granddaughter Megan, who used to interview me for school assignments. It made me realize that young people are hungry for the experiences and lessons their elders have learned on their life’s journey. The book is essentially a story of conversion and my realization that spiritual power far outweighs material power. What can your listeners learn from your shows on Ave Maria Radio, Order of Malta Minutes with the Catechism and Power From the Pews?
What I hope audiences learn from the Order of Malta Minutes with the Catechism, are what the Catholic church actually teaches. All the answers are in the catechism. The min-
utes are just a text size view of those teachings, which I hope will lead people to the actual book. Power From the Pews, the program I hosted for eight years, spotlighted the amazing number of works and ministries that were being conducted, not by the clergy, but by the laity (the people in the pews) and the great good that was being accomplished by those ministries. When the world went into COVID lockdown, I thought we needed to focus on peace, particularly inner peace, during a time people were feeling anything but peaceful. So I launched a new show, A Place of Peace. The guests were primarily theologians, philosophers, authors, artists, and performers from all over the world, who had written and spoken about the subject. One of our most popular shows was a selection of songs from “The Sound of Music,” which I had covered when the movie was being made in Austria. Tell us about The Mary Anne Foundation.
The Mary Anne Foundation, named after the mother (Mary) and grandmother (Anne) of Jesus, was created as a foundation to foster peace, built on the premise that the search for peace is first and foremost a spiritual quest. I was originally inspired to found it by the messages Mary is said to be giving to the world once a month concerning peace. It evolved into a full foundation with a number of programs promoting peace in the heart, peace in the home, peace in the country, and peace in the world in that order. The foundation sponsored rescue missions during the Balkan war, including trauma relief programs for Croatian women raped by Serbian soldiers, financial and spiritual support for war orphans, and peace programs developing children as the peacemakers. The latter program, which we launched through LIFE magazine, involved American children writing letters to the children of war in the Balkans. Over 3,000
letters poured in and were hand carried to the Balkan children. From this initial effort, Kids for Peace Week grew, forming a nationwide network of school children praying for and working for peace in the first week in December. Beginning with just 40 children in Washington, D.C., it eventually expanded via the internet to some 40,000 grade school students throughout America and led to the Ambassador for Peace program for high school students. The Mary Anne Foundation was one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. What does the word power mean to you?
My Webster’s Dictionary gives 14 definitions of “power.” The word consistently used in those definitions is effective, meaning that the use of authority or influence will bring about the desired result. Ever since my conversion in Medjugorje, I have desired to use my very limited area of influence to promote peace, both individually and globally. Peace in the heart leads to peace in the home. Peace in the home leads to peace in the community, in the country, and peace in the world. You can’t have five people in Geneva, Paris, or Washington successfully negotiating world peace who have no peace in their own hearts. And there is no peace in the heart of the creature unless he or she is at peace with the Creator.
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Earle-Browning Your CBD Store
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Deserys Cleaning Service CLEANING SERVICE
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Briscoe-DeJesus
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Lisenby Realty Inc.
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Estel Group / The Beverly Hills Estates REALTOR
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Salty Oasis, LLC
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Feimatta J. Howard Veterans Benefits Administration SUPERVISORY COACH
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Bavarde Consulting & Management CEO, CHIEF TALENT STRATEGIST
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Gail Petrowsky, LLP PRESIDENT, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
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Better Homes & Gardens
Real Estate Properties
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Villanova University
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Your Choice Spa
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Toshiba
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The New York Public Library
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Healing Is What I’m Giving MASSAGE THERAPIST
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Path for Life Inc.
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Jeanie Edwards
The CPR Gals EDUCATOR
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Stallone
Serious Skincare
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USI Insurance
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Aesthetica Med Spa
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Tolbert
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Oak Hill
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Bee Be Healthcare Systems
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Long and Foster
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Melissa Gorga’s eye for fashion truly reflects the boutique, as she hand picks pieces from an array of emerging designers to prestigious fashion forward brands. With that in mind, you will be sure to find something for almost everyone. Quality, style, and unique choices are top priority, but second to our customer service and the impeccable experience. At Envy the atmosphere is vibrant, lively, and one you will be sure never to forget. For the experience alone, one should give it a look. The reality is – Gorga delivers!
www.envybymg.com
7 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ Phone: (973) 337-6110
Crystal Lynn Privett is an energy psychologist, mental health specialist, and personal transformation coach who helps others raise their level of consciousness with their mind. She is responsible for facilitating, training, and keynote speaking for a variety of individuals and businesses worldwide. Empowering men, women, and teens to grow their brains with their mind so they can joyfully live their purpose daily is her greatest passion. Throughout her life Crystal had many health challenges, which she was able to overcome despite the negative prognosis from conventional medicine.
Crystal vowed to break free from any shackles holding her mind, body, and soul back, by releasing the hidden and unacknowledged blocked, trapped subconscious emotions she had stuffed within her body her entire life. Her compassion as a coach and trainer comes with deep empathy and a heartfelt desire to see others turn their triggers into triumph like she did. The tools to reprogram the subconscious mind are validated by some of the most credible neurological scientists around. The possibilities are endless. We can all let go of the past and embrace a new future with only the best possibilities, so we can achieve sustainable joy. Imagine improving your physical health, enhancing your personal and professional relationships, removing your annoying triggers, and helping your business get to the next level all in one session. Crystal believes that people are just like crystals- we can either be broken from the pressure or born from it, and the more facets we have the more we sparkle.
To reach more people, Crystal created an online course called CRYSTAL CLEAR MINDSET, to help others achieve success by gaining insight into and enhancing 12 fundamental aspects of consciousness that balance your life. The convenience of this online course allows clients to have support and transformation for a lifetime. The modules are very deep and profound, and The Cycle of Consciousness tool Crystal has created allows clients to track
their progress along the way. The beauty of this online program is it can continue to be used endlessly.
Crystal has a new book that corresponds to the online course, also called “CRYSTAL CLEAR MINDSET.” It delves into passion, career, education, environment, service, social life, physical activity, relationships, health, spirituality, finances, and pleasure, to create a comprehensive resource to build stability where the world has caused misalignment, so you can embrace supreme success. Clients will have the option to utilize a free online course to process blocked, trapped subconscious emotions, or have the ability to read along to achieve the same goal. We all learn differently and have unique needs, so Crystal created a book that will disrupt negative emotions and patterns and replace these with the most beneficial beliefs for healing. She has gifted the free resource of The Cycle of Consciousness tool, which is available to download and print on her website. She is also the co-author of five bestselling books, “Magdalene Rising,” “Jaguar Medicine,” “Sovereign,” “Isis Mother of Magic,” and “Magdalene Codes.” The proceeds of all five books are donated entirely to charities that benefit women and children worldwide. Crystal’s women empowerment efforts continue by helping to serve many communities improve mental health with joy on many levels. She also utilizes pageantry as a platform to bring awareness and resources to support the mental health of young girls, who also deserve to release the pressures and stigmas that they endure.
Crystal is clearly making an impact on a global level and would enjoy sharing this same support with you, should you choose to upgrade your life today.
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