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

2019 SUMMER ISSUE

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honda Shear is an actress, TV personality, and comedienne turned designer who created the supportive shapewear line, Rhonda Shear Intimates. She provides intimates and shapewear that reflect her belief that “Behind every great woman, is a great behind” and “Beauty comes in all sizes.”

Rhonda was inspired by her years in front of the camera as an actress/ comedienne. She is best known as the hostess of “USA: Up All Night.”

She has written one book, “Up All Night: From Hollywood Bombshell to Lingerie Mogul, Life Lessons from an Accidental Feminist.”

Rhonda is an active philanthropist, hosting charity events, sitting on boards, speaking to groups, and volunteering her time and money to multiple charitable organizations annually. Some of her favorite charities include: SPCA, Pawlicious Pets, American Cancer Society: Making Strides, AHA Go Red for Women, PACE for Girls, CM Ovarian Cancer Society, Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts, St. Jude’s

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Children’s Hospital, Johns Hopkins: All Children’s Hospital, Tampa Bay Fashion Week, and more.

Among her many accolades, Rhonda is proud of the following accomplishments: The Angel Seamless Bandeau Bra was featured in its own independent articles in Cosmopolitan Magazine, The Sun (UK) and in Cosmopolitan Magazine’s 2019 Bra Awards. She received the award for The Pin Up Bra for “Best Bralette for Large Busted Women.” Rhonda was inducted into the Loyola Mass Communication Den of Distinction 2018. She was featured as a Tampa Bay community leader in 2015 and nominated for the 2015 Lust List Tampa Bay. She won Best Female Dance on Tampa Bay’s Dancing with the Stars in 2013. The company was included as #592 in the 5000 List Fastest Growing Companies of 2013, listed in Tampa Bay 100, in the Tampa Bay Business Journal 2013, and featured in Ernst & Young Retail and Consumer Products Category, Florida Entrepreneur of the Year 2012.

Rhonda won the Women Presidents’

Organization’s 3rd Fastest Growing Women Owned Business 2012 at an event co-sponsored by American Express and was one of the 2012 Enterprising Women of the Year in the over 25 million dollar category. She received the Best Product Award at HSN in 2012 for the Ahh Bra, the Gulf Coast Business Review Entrepreneur of the Year for 2012, the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Businesswoman of the Year of 2012: Entrepreneur, Women in Business Stevie Award Silver for 2012, and the Most Innovative Company of the Year Stevie Award for 2012. Rhonda received the Best Female Presenter 2011 ERA Moxie Award for the Ahh Bra, the Best Long Form Infomercial 2012 ERA Moxie Award and the Treasure Coast International Film Festival Visionary Award, 2012.

Rhonda has been with HSN for 16 years. Rhonda Shear Intimates was founded and first aired with HSN in 2003. She launched the Ahh Bra in 2004, and currently has sold over 50 million worldwide.

Rhonda currently serves on the HSN advisory board.

You have had such an interesting career, from Miss Louisiana to hosting Up All Night on USA Network, from Playboy model to stand-up comedienne, and now an intimate apparel designer and retailer.

What prompted these drastic career changes?

Actually, my entire life was a learning experience and continues to be. All of the above career choices led me to truly understand what a woman wants and needs in intimate apparel.

Being on stage and on camera made me conscious of how I looked from all angles, so that is something we work on in the design of bras and shapewear. We make a woman look and feel her most confident at all times.

What is so unique about the Ahh Bra that it became the #1 selling bra worldwide with over 25 million sold internationally in 2011?

The Ahh Bra is a universal bra that all women crave. Comfort.

All way stretch. No hooks and eyes, no underwire, no digging in. Any product that can speak to 35 million women in 34 countries says it all. We all crave comfort and support. I designed the bra for my own ever-changing bust line. I felt if it worked for me, it would work for most women.

What motivated you to write your book “Up All Night: From Hollywood Bombshell to Lingerie Mogul, Life Lessons from an Accidental Feminist,” which was released in October 2017?

I wanted to share my lifelong journey, which is that no matter how

many people say ‘no’ to whatever you are pursuing, keep going; don’t give up. Believe in yourself and you will win. I also wanted to share my love story about reuniting with my high school sweetheart. It is never too late to find true love. After 40 I married for the first time and completely changed career directions. I wanted the book to be an uplifting look at what I accomplished against all odds.

What can you tell us about your program regarding women’s shelters and your ongoing charitable work with organizations that fund research and empower women?

Shear Enterprises loves helping all women. I didn’t realize how much an intimate apparel brand could do for someone’s confidence, walking into a job interview or feeling like a woman again after a mastectomy.

We particularly love helping young women who have had social problems because of their home life.

We do what we can do get them on the right track again. We have a wonderful organization here called PACE School for Young Women.

That’s a pet project.

I’m personally interested in many causes, including ones that have touched me or my family personally.

They include: Go Red for Women, American Heart Association, and Tampa Bay SPCA. How has being married to your high school sweetheart/business partner in Shear Enterprises, Van Fagan, affected your home and work life?

Van and I are approaching 19

Actress, Comedienne, Designer Rhonda Shear Intimates

years of marriage. It has been wonderful working and playing with my husband. We work great together. I am more of the creative side, he is more of the business/finance side. He just doesn’t like when it’s 1a.m. and I have a new idea for a product!

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Always be ready to react to change.

Learn from others. Take constructive criticism. Always stay humble. Listen and give back to the community.

What’s next for Shear Enterprises since you have added cosmetics, swimwear, body solutions shape wear, fragrances, athleisure, loungewear and sleepwear to your intimate apparel?

We’re staying focused on Rhonda Shear Intimates. We are adding a more sensual line named after the show I was on for many years, Up All Night. It is a luxurious line for all women. It’s a bit sexier than what is seen on HSN. It still gives beautiful support in all size ranges, but we will be doing more sheer, more lace, and more upscale sexy.

What advice would you give to women wanting to start their own businesses?

It sounds cliché but go for it.

Don’t listen to negativity. Get your product out there. People are always thinking of similar things. It’s about being able to get it out there any way you can. And it’s never too late to start something new. That continually motivates me to stay fresh and on top of technology. rhondashear.com

Barbara Steingas

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native of New Jersey, Barbara Steingas has been a physical therapist for almost 35 years and has been with Overlook Medical Center of Atlantic Health Systems for over 30 years. She is also a life coach, author, inspirational speaker, and a health and healing specialist. Barbara works with a variety of clients including business professionals, individuals, families, athletes, health care patients, and organization leaders. She is experienced in the connection between mind, body and spirit. She believes that harmony between all of these can positively impact a person’s ability to recover from trauma and live a full and healthy life. Barbara obtained her B.S., Summa Cum Laude, in Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and her M.S. in Motor Learning from Columbia Teacher’s College.

In her role as a Radiant Life Coach, Barbara assists people with stress management, achieving a sense of peace and maintaining a positive daily outlook on life. She understands what many people have gone through regarding loss and coping with a long-term illness as a result

Life Coach, Author, Healing Specialist Overlook Medical Center of Atlantic Health Sytems

of being deathly ill and suffering from Crohn’s disease for years. An award-winning author, Barbara’s second book titled “The Healing Puzzle: Overcoming A Chronic Illness Through Unconditional Love,” is a chronicle of her inspirational journey of healing. In this book, she shares the top seven strategies for our emotions, body, mind and spirit that she used to help put together what she terms the “healing puzzle” to regain her quality of living and health. It is designed to help others suffering from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis to improve their quality of health. Barbara offers simple and easy to follow strategies to help people be healthy. She has also written “Solving The Crohn’s & Colitis Puzzle: Piecing Together Your Picture of Optimal Health & Vitality (Radiant Life Series Book 1 and 2),” and “Germans Are Funny Too!: Stories of My Cuckoo Kraut Family,” which is a humorous account of her German family that shows a warmer side of that culture and how to laugh at your family’s dysfunction.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease

Gloria B. Gertzman

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ith almost 40 years experience, Dr. Gloria B. Gertzman is a general dentist.

From 1992 through 1994, Dr. Gertzman was the dental director of Soundview Health Center, in the Bronx, New York. While there, she started, practiced in and managed the dental department. Dr. Gertzman then served as dental director of Bridgeport Community Health Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where she started a dental department and then opened a satellite dental department in Stratford Community Health Center in Stratford, Connecticut. She practiced in and managed both dental departments.

From 2003 through 2005, she was the dental director for Building Services 32BJ Health Fund of New York City.

During this time, she directed a staff of 80 people. Dr. Gertzman then served as dental director for a family dental prac-

Excellence

INDUSTRY LEADERS | WOMEN OF

just after graduating from college. After following prescribed medicine regimes for a few years and becoming more ill, I found a way to regain my health.

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

Resiliency. When finding my way out of illness, I never gave up. Even if I slipped down the mountain, I knew I would reach the summit if I kept searching for my health puzzle pieces and didn’t give up. barbarasteingas.com

Ph.D., D.M.D., F.A.G.D., C.C.H.P. | Dentist Gloria B. Gertzman Dentist and Dental Office

tice in New Jersey from 2005 through 2007.

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

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

Since 2016, Dr. Gertzman has been a consultant for dental practices in risk management and for dentists opening new dental practices. In addition, she has been inserting comprehensive care dental practices into urgent care medical facilities. In this capacity, Dr. Gertzman meets with the owners of the urgent care facilities, architects, building contractors and town offices to ensure all aspects of the dental facility are in compliance with local, state and federal laws.

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

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

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Table

OF CONTENTS

Cover Story

Dorothy Toran

Dorothy Toran is the executive producer of Sirens Media The Real Housewives of New Jersey. She is an award-winning producer, whose work has been nominated for both an Emmy and the prestigious Palme d’Or Award at The Cannes Film Festival. She has achieved great success at a multitude of media companies, including NBC Universal, Discovery Communications and Viacom.

34 In the Limelight

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Rhonda Shear, Actress, Comedienne, Designer

Vera Moore, Actress Turned Entrepreneur

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Tonia’s Talk

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P.O.W.E.R. Awards Gala

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Fifteen women were celebrated for their exceptional leadership and dedication to their profession at the annual P.O.W.E.R. Awards Gala.

Give Me a Break!

WHAT’S

Happy Mom = Happy Family, an article by Lyss Stern

WITH

Barbara Steingas | Gloria Gertzman

Women of Distinction Women of the Month

COCKTAILS!

Rising Star | Bevin Smullen

Regular Features P.O.W.E.R. VIP List Empowered Women’s List P.O.W.E.R.-ful Women Samantha Goldberg

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Sara Anne

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Gertrude Hutchinson | Dr. Lois Jordan

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Trending

Binge-worthy Netflix series, the Evil Eye, the Trendy Avocado, and Hair Accessories

Women of Excellence

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

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Rachel Campos -Duffy

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Make your summer P.O.W.E.R.-fully fun with a few of our favorite cocktails, non-alcoholic concoctions & old standards.

Kim Perell

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

TJA PUBLISHING, LLC

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

There is no guarantee of accuracy, timeliness, and completeness. We are not responsible for other’s opinions or views as expressed herein. P.O.W.E.R. magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials. Copyright 2019 by P.O.W.E.R. magazine. All rights reserved.

Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from P.O.W.E.R. magazine.

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ummer is a word that is music to my ears. It brings thoughts of the beach, barbecues, and vacations with family and friends. During this season we usually have more leisure time to sit back and reflect on what we have achieved and future goals we aspire to.

It was wonderful to kick off this summer with our P.O.W.E.R. Awards

Talk

TONIA’S

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 9

Woman

OF DISTINCTION | INDUSTRY LEADER

Dr. Gertrude B. Hutchinson

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DNS, RN, MA, MSIS, CCRN-R Lecturer and Full-Time Nursing Faculty - The Sage Colleges Adjunct Professor - SUNY Empire State College

r. Gertrude B. Hutchinson has over 45 years experience in the nursing field.

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

After obtaining a M.A. in History from SUNY Albany in 2007, Dr. Hutchinson continued her education, obtaining a M.S.I.S. in NARA and Records Management from SUNY Albany in 2009. She then obtained her Doctor of Nursing Science with a focus on Leadership and Education from The Sage Colleges-Sage Graduate School in 2016. Dr. Hutchinson is the Recipient of the Northeast Region New York Organization of Nurse Executives and Leaders Award in recognition of “creative and contemporary leadership in nursing practice.” Dr. Hutchinson is included in the most recent edition of International Who’s Who in Nursing.

Dr. Hutchinson is affiliated with the American Nurses Association, A.N.A.-NY chapter, the International Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International, and the American Association for the History of Nursing. She is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the New York Organization of Nurse Executives and Leaders, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, the American Association for the History of Medicine, the Nurses Educational Fund, the National League for Nurses and its affiliate Nursing League New York and the American Association for the History of Nursing.

In her spare time, Dr. Hutchinson volunteers at the Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church and serves in many leadership capacities as a life member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, NENYONEL, and is a newly appointed board member to The Omentum Project Discovery Year Advisory Team. She enjoys knitting, crocheting, reading historical fiction, playing piano, walking, and family activities.

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

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How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I started my career in acute care nursing. After completing my doctoral studies, I was hired at SUNY Empire State College as an adjunct faculty for masters-preparing nursing students.

Now, I am enjoying my career at Sage with pre-licensure students while continuing to mentor and educate the master’s preparing students at SUNY ESC. What were some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

At the beginning of my career, I had to learn that nurses don’t know everything right away. It takes time to grow from a novice to an expert. The same is true of teaching. The development of confidence and expertise grows with each course taught and with each student encounter.

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

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

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

Prepare for your career. Attend conferences. Set goals for your career path – understanding that goals set at ages 2530 may change. Find a mentor in your field to help guide your acculturation to the healthcare environment wherever you work. www.sage.edu

Woman

WOMAN OF

Dr. Lois Jordan

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r. Lois Jordan is a retired councilwoman of the city of Nashville, Tennessee, where she was elected in 1971. She is currently a political strategist and leader, an educator, and serves as a guest speaker for several local organizations. She was the first female and the first Afro-American female to be elected to the council position on her own merit, without the position being vacated by the death of a husband. When she served, Dr. Jordan was the only female out of 39 men.

After earning her M.A. from Tennessee State University in 1988, Dr. Jordan continued her education, receiving her Ph.D. from Walden University in 1994. She is a member of Rotary International, a board member of the Nashville Ballet, the Nashville Opera Association, and is the director of development of the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center. She was honored to have her biography appear in The Two Thousand How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I developed my interest in high school. I engaged myself with community activities that revolved around political situations. I attended council meetings, interviewed people of political offices, and visited city hall. I strived for handson experiences.

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

Being a Black female involved in the political arena at the time of my entry was unheard and never thought of. I had to campaign in unknown areas and where most Black people would have not taken the challenge.

How do you achieve work/life balance?

I am a people person. I enjoy mixing

Educator | Political Leader

Distinction

OF THE MONTH INDUSTRY LEADER

Women of Achievement, Community Leaders of Notable Americans, Personality of the South, and Notable Americans of the Bicentennial Era. In addition to her position as councilwoman, Dr. Jordan served as an adjunct professor for Belmont and Fisk University and was a Social Studies educator for the Metropolitan Public Schools. She has paved the way for many females entering the political arena. Recently, The Nashville Tennessean called her “Lady Jordan” because she wore a hat, gloves and pearls. She happily embraced the sobriquet.

In her spare time, Dr. Jordan enjoys reading, playing golf, and singing in the Hendersonville First Baptist Church choir.

it all together. In fact, a lot of my personal life is political.

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

I generally relax in the later part of the afternoon if possible by listening to music. It varies in style from Luther Vandross to classical and opera. I was advised that if you want your brain engaged throughout the aging process listening to or playing music is great.

What advice has helped you get to the next level?

I was told as a young adult, “If you really want to get to the next level you must first believe you can be a mover and a shaker. Be able to walk the walk and talk the talk. Be honorable, truthful, and faithful.”

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

I am currently reading “Proverbs for Life for Women.” This book provides exceptional wisdom on how to live a happy and peaceful life. The primary purpose of the book is to teach wisdom, not only to the young and inexperienced, but also to the learned.

What does empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is a part of me. I do not have to depend on anyone to tell me what I can do for myself. Challenges that are presented to me make me draw upon my experiences, wisdom, and can do attitude which means real empowerment.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 11

MARLAINA TEICH

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arlaina Teich is the owner and founder of Marlaina Teich Designs, a full-service boutique design firm with offices in Long Island and Manhattan. Marlaina’s passion for design and ability to create unique interiors that look effortless has made her an industry leader. With projects on Long Island, Manhattan, Miami, Seattle, Palm Springs, and the Caribbean, Marlaina is known for creating luxury spaces for discerning clientele. She designs beautiful, one-of-a-kind interiors accented with custom furniture and millwork, and fine finishes. Marlaina has designed a variety of residences, from elegant penthouses to opulent estates. She combines luxurious textures, high-end finishes, custom furniture, and unique accessories to create the homes of her clients’ dreams, whether the client prefers traditional, contemporary, or somewhere in between. Marlaina’s interiors all showcase her signature sense of sophistication and upscale glamour.

Originally, Marlaina started her career in fashion, eventually falling in love with the world of design and home furnishings.

The seasonal changes, different textures, patterns, fabrics and colors excited and inspired her. Today, Marlaina draws her inspiration from nature, art, architecture, and her travels abroad.

Her style is unique to each project she approaches and she always incorporates her signature mix of color, pattern, and texture to her design aesthetic. One of her favorite parts of the process is the personal connection she forms with the client

Owner and Founder Marlaina Teich Designs

and how she can best create a beautiful space that fits their needs.

Her expertise in design and project management encompasses residential and commercial spaces from a one-room makeover to a complete renovation, new build, space planning, 3-D rendering, custom furnishings, and selections.

Collaborating with Julie Dasher Rugs, Marlaina was thrilled to introduce her new rug collection that features fun, bold graphics and tone-on-tone texture. The line is fully customizable and has been sought out by designers looking to offer their clients a unique experience.

As a featured designer on the Emmy award-winning home improvement show “George to the Rescue,” Marlaina works with George Oliphant and his team to deliver beautiful homes for deserving families. She has also appeared on WNBC and WPIX. Her work has been published in many prominent publications such as Traditional Home, HOUSE Magazine, California Home, Renovation Style, and Better Homes and Gardens, among others. Marlaina has participated in many charitable projects throughout her career and is active in several designer-related organizations. Currently, she is serving as president of the Designers and Builder’s Alliance of Long Island, a coalition of top designers and builders that raises funds for local charities. www.mtdny.com

Dr. Tiffany Sizemore-Ruiz

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r. Tiffany Sizemore-Ruiz graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Psychobiology from Florida Atlantic University at the age of 19. She went on to become the youngest graduate to earn a D.O. from the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Quadruple board certified in cardiology, internal medicine, echocardiography and nuclear cardiology, Dr. Sizemore-Ruiz is an assistant clinical professor with three medical schools.

She serves as a medical advisor at a law firm in Fort Lauderdale for medical malpractice and product liability cases. She also lectures throughout the country to other doctors on various topics including domestic violence and preventing medical errors.

Regarded in her community as a five-star doctor, Dr. Sizemore-Ruiz has received many awards for outstanding patient care and patient dedication. She is the immediate past president for the American Heart Association of South Florida and serves as the current medical advisor for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. She is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. Dr. Sizemore-Ruiz has been a regular on national media outlets including CNN, Fox News and Fox Business, serving as a medical expert on various topics.

Dr. Sizemore-Ruiz enjoys educating her patients and the public about how to prevent cardiovascular disease.

She believes that smiles are contagious and sometimes the best medicine is a simple hug. Mostly, she lives her life by one rule: Be nice.

Clinical Professor | Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology Medical Advisor | Di Pietro Partners, LLP What obstacles or challenges did you face early in your medical career?

My age was my biggest obstacle. Not only was I young, I looked young. I had to learn to balance my fun-loving and outgoing personality while gaining respect from both my peers and my patients.

How do you balance having a private practice, teaching at three medical schools and a trauma center, as well as serving as a medical advisor to a local law firm?

I live by my calendar. I joke that my life is broken down into five-minute intervals and that if something “is not on my calendar, it isn’t happening.” I always find time to pencil in family and friend time, because they are what keeps me sane.

With multiple board certifications, numerous awards and having a fivestar doctor rating, what remains left to attain?

Having goals is what keeps us young at heart. Although it stresses me out at times, I always have a new idea or goal. Currently, I am working on expanding my medical expert work as well as serving as a medical correspondent and advisor.

What are some hobbies that you enjoy in your spare time?

I have a four year-old son. Most of my spare time is spent with him. I do enjoy having events and parties at my home. I also enjoy golfing, but I am really bad at it.

What advice would you give other women wanting a career in medicine?

We need more women in medicine. Not to speak ill of my male colleagues, but, as a whole, women are better communicators. We make great physicians because of our ability to help patients understand what diseases they have, and because we are better at extracting symptoms from patients which can lead to a timelier diagnosis.

Do you truly feel that love, compassion and caring can be a great healer?

Unequivocally. There are some things that even the greatest healer and the greatest doctor will not be able to fix. Sometimes, the only thing we have to offer is a hug, a kind word, or just reassurance that we are available. Compassion is a trait that has been lost in medicine and I am determined to get it back. drtiffanysizemore.com • ddpalaw.com/tiffany-sizemore-ruiz

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

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Actress/Producer Philanthropist/Entrepreneur Joyce Miracle Elixir Collection

oyce Giraud is an actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist, film and television producer. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico by a single mom, whom she calls her hero and credits with inspiring her to always strive for the best and to never give up. By the age of 19, Joyce earned two B.A. degrees, one in Social Work and one in Special Education, from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. After being discovered while working at a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, she began modeling to help her mother pay for her university studies and became one of Puerto Rico’s top models. She was crowned Miss Universe Puerto Rico 1998, and represented Puerto Rico at Miss Universe 1998, placing as the second runner-up. She has appeared in numerous acting roles in TV and film and was a housewife on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in 2013 during its fourth season.

In 2012, Joyce created the Queen of the Universe international beauty pageant, which benefits the UNESCO program, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Since then, she has produced and directed the event annually. Joyce feels that her family is the cornerstone of who she is and serves as a driving force for what she does. She is married to Academy Award-nominated producer Michael Ohoven and together they have two sons. As a wife, mother and entrepreneur, Joyce understands how hard it can be to juggle it all while still taking time for self-care. She also understands how important it is to find that time. Joyce not only wants to help women feel better by having healthier hair, but find ways to pamper themselves, two minutes at a time.

As a model traveling throughout the world, Joyce was introduced to innumerous beauty and hair products. As a successful supermodel, she understood the importance of having great skin and hair. Rather than settling for a subpar product, Joyce decided to create her own beauty line. Using a mixture of natural oils treasured by both she and her grandmother, Joyce developed the Joyce Miracle Elixir Collection. She ensures that all the products are 100% natural, animal cruelty-free and reasonably priced.

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After being discovered working at the drive-through at a KFC, you became one of the first Puerto Rican supermodels and have won multiple pageant titles.

How did this change your life?

Modeling gave me the opportunity to pay for my studies. It also allowed me to take care of my mother and exposed me to the world, as I was lucky enough to travel often. Thanks to all those travels, I discovered some of the ingredients I now use in my Joyce Giraud Miracle Elixir Collection.

What motivated you to write your book, “Joyce, Dreams and Realities,” based on your experiences in the Miss Universe pageant?

After the pageant, everyone was curious about my experience, so I wanted to share my story. I have always been an advocate for inspiring young girls and for being honest to yourself. Pageants gave me some of the best moments of my life. Becoming Miss Puerto Rico was simply priceless.

You are an actress, model, philanthropist, film and television producer, entrepreneur, wife and mother. How do your balance your career and personal life?

Life is a balancing act, but everything has a way of working itself out and I consider that a gift. I do wear many hats. The most important thing is to have your priorities straight and to understand that every single day is a blessing. On days that I feel overwhelmed, I take a deep breath, say a prayer, look at my family and realize it’s all worth it.

Tell us about Queen of the Universe, the international beauty pageant you created?

My dream was to open a school in a place that had no access to education. I’ve always believed education is the absolute key to a better future generation. I decided to create a pageant so that all women – single, married, divorced, those with children, etc.

– could participate and live out their dreams, the one requirement being that they have a charity component. I wanted to inspire them to spread love and to leave their mark on this great earth. All the proceeds from the pageant went to the UNESCO foundation and we opened a school in Africa. I know that I’ve left my mark and trust me, if you can inspire just one person in your lifetime, then you’ve done your job.

What made you decide to start the Joyce Giraud exotic skin care and hair product line that you are now selling on Evine? How do your products differ from other products on the market?

I learned everything about nature from my grandmother. She would always tell me

about the benefits of different ingredients. She would create what I called “potions” and put them on my hair and skin, which continued to inspire me later in life. Throughout my modeling and travels I’ve always searched for the very best ingredients from around the world.

I won best hair in multiple pageants and I won best hair in television. After that, everyone wanted me to share my secret, so my Joyce Miracle Elixir Collection was born. My products are free of any harsh chemicals and we only create products that will show true results with the very best ingredients from around the world (but made right here in the USA!). My Hero product has literally changed the lives of thousands of people. I get so many emails and social media messages about how this clinically-proven hair supplement has given them the greatest hair and has restored their confidence. Explaining this right now brings tears of joy to my face because that’s what it’s

all about for me; I want to make people happy.

There is always lots of drama and fighting among the Housewives of Beverly Hills cast. How did you get along with the ladies during your time on the show?

I like to be positive, so let’s just say that it was an experience.

Has being married to Academy Award-nominated producer Michael Ohoven been a helpful resource with your work in film production?

My husband and I work together every single day. It’s the bestcase scenario because I get to be with the love of my life 24/7.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means giving people the tools to improve their life, their day, or simply a moment. Sometimes, all someone needs are a few motivating words.

Other times, someone might need a hug. You may also empower someone with a simple smile. I’ve had so many people come up to me and tell me they just needed a smile – when they do that, I go right in and give them a hug. www.evine.com/b/beauty/ joyce-giraud

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

J

ane Green is a property investor and the owner of Minneapolis Property LLC. She arrived in Minneapolis, Minnesota 15 years ago from London, England, along with her young daughter and husband (Celebrity Chef, Daniel Green). The family bounced around, living in several corporate rental apartments, all stale and cold.

None offered the warmth of a true “home” that Jane was searching for.

She soon realized that there was a true lack of decent single-family rental properties available in the Twin Cities area. It was disheartening, considering the size of the area and the scope of professionals constantly traveling to and from the cities for business purposes. As a result of their experience, this sad lack of rental properties with a home-like feeling was something she was mindful of for years to come. Jane and Daniel expanded

their family, saw successes in both of their careers, and built a place they can call “home.” Eventually, Jane built a property investment company, primarily sourcing distressed properties, which put her way ahead of

Jane Green What was it about investing and flipping homes that first interested you?

It seemed like a good challenge. I had always been interested in the UK property market and felt that Minneapolis was a great city to invest in with many opportunities. It has a strong stable rental market due to the large corporate presence here. I was looking for a career challenge in my early forties. This was a good fit, as I started small, working from home. I could be there for my family, work around their schedule, and still build something of my own.

How does it feel to be a woman in a male-dominated industry?

It definitely has its advantages and drawbacks. It can be very challenging at times, but you just work through it. A good sense of humor helps. I believe that if you work hard and have a good work ethic you will succeed.

It’s irrelevant if you’re male or female.

her competition. She is an expert at rehabbing and ‘flipping’ homes.

Being in the property investment field enabled Jane to use her business sense and passion as a vehicle to help other families. She started purchasing single-family houses, rehabbing them if needed, and created a profitable small business renting them out.

With a love of decorating influenced by her world travels, Jane makes sure that her homes are warm and welcoming. Her business formula has been so successful that investors throughout the world (Israel, London, New York City) are asking her to help them put their money in the Twin Cities rental market.

Jane is considered an anomaly in her field, being the only woman in a niche profession. She is the first to admit that being British helps her stand out. She is known for her personal attention, integrity, honesty and willingness to be there for her clients through every step of the process.

Property Investor and Owner Minneapolis Property LLC Please describe the life-changing heartbreak you experienced and how it affected your outlook on life.

In 2013, we lost our 3-month-old son to a rare heart condition. After this tragic experience, my husband and I decided not to feel sorry for ourselves, but instead, to give back and honor our son. We support many local charities including The Ronald McDonald House and the Children’s Hospital MN, by volunteering and fundraising. Giving back has helped with the grieving process in a positive way.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means being authentic, true to yourself, real, not caring what other people think or say, and staying on your own course. It’s about having self-belief, setting goals to achieve, and trying to reach them even when you fail. True empowerment is finding your passion for what you love to do and doing that. fastcashoffermn.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 17

V

era Moore, former actress turned entrepreneur, is president and CEO of the family-owned business, Vera Moore Cosmetics, established in 1979.

The company was developed with the guidance of her husband, a licensed esthetician. Vera maintains the position that women should “clear it up” vs. “cover it up.” The brand is anchored in the belief that skincare is the focus coupled with the usage of cosmetics. The company mantra is “SKINCARE is the TRUE foundation.”

Vera has appeared on several soap operas. She was one of the first Black actresses in a soap family, playing the role of “Linda Metcalf ” on the NBC soap opera “Another World” for ten years. She realized there was a void in the market for quality products for women of color, specifically, a natural looking foundation that didn’t rub off on your clothes.

This realization gave birth to Vera Moore Cosmetics. Vera’s journey has led to national recognition on the covers of Black Enterprise Magazine, Network Journal’s 25 Influential Black Women in Business, Networking Women, featured in People Magazine, Essence Magazine, Wall Street Journal, and Upscale Magazine. She hosted her own half hour radio segment “Skin Deep & Moore” on WWRL Radio and was featured in Black Enterprise’s Book Collection “Against All Odds.” Vera holds many credits for television programs, including the Dr. Oz Show, Sandra Bookman, Ch 7, and Here N Now. Her Broadway shows include the Tony Award winning Broadway musicals “Purlie Victorious,” “A Teaspoon Every Four Hours,” and Scott Joplin’s “Opera Treemonisha” with Kathleen Battle.

As an active participant in the community and with several organizations, Vera is a coveted motivational speaker. She has participated at the National Minority Business Council Conference, Small Business Development Centers, the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurial Conference and the Women’s Power Summit, Essence Festival. She is a board member of The New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce. As a passionate advocate for women owned businesses, Vera continues to strive to knock down barriers that impede their growth by leveling the playing field.

Vera spoke at the first Urban Economic Council presented by the White House Business Council, the White House Council on Women and Girls and the US Small Business Administration. Her products are used on stage, screen and television. Emmy award-winning makeup artists, celebrities, news anchor women, and women from all walks of life use and love Vera’s products.

In her feature in the Wall Street Journal, Vera announced her partnership with Duane Reade/Walgreens. She continues to expand and strategically position her company for growth.

Vera Moore Cosmetics can be found in Duane Reade/Walgreens in their upscale high-end environment called the “LOOK boutique.” Vera continues to reach for “moore” as she enters the Caribbean market.

Vera’s daughter, Consuella is a key player in the business, a licensed esthetician, and serves as the Vera Moore Cosmetics national educational director.

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

President and CEO Vera Moore Cosmetics You realized there was a void in the market for quality products for women of color, specifically for a natural foundation that does not rub off on your clothes.

How did you progress from seeing the need to creating the product to fill it?

We did a needs assessment/focus group. After much research, I identified and contacted a major manufacturing company/chemist to work with side by side.

We have developed fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, natural-based products, with various shades, textures, and consistencies. We do no animal testing.

Your products are used on stage, screen and television

by Emmy award winning makeup artists, celebrities, news anchors and others. Tell us what makes your products unique?

Vera Moore Cosmetics filled an untapped market.

Major companies never embraced diversity and inclusion for women of

color. Our products provided the texture and extensive range of colors from light to dark which accommodated all skin tones, resulting in immediate gratification for both the makeup artist and the customer.

You have broken through so many barriers for women of color from being the first Black actress on the soap opera, Another World, to becoming the first Black-owned business to set up shop in the prestigious Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, New York. In your opinion, what does it take to succeed despite these barriers?

Every entrepreneur knows networking, passion and the audacity to dive into unchartered waters involves major risks. Letting go of the trunk of the tree and going out on the limb is difficult but not an impossibility. Being competent is not enough. The biggest challenge to succeed is being consistent. Resilience!

What advice can you give to women attempting to open their own businesses?

After you’ve found your passion, work in the industry you want to go into and be a sponge. Learn everything. Get a mentor, a sponsor or both. Be fearless.

We know that, as women, we must break the glass ceiling. I called mine “cement,” but I did it!

Your level of commitment to your community through organizations and

services is staggering. You have been honored with numerous awards and citations for these efforts. Which organization is most near and dear to your heart and why?

It’s extremely difficult to pick one, however I would choose the National Minority Business Council, NYC, where Mr. John Robinson is the president. I did my first trade missions to Jamaica and South Africa with the NMBC. I must not forget president Quenia Abreu of the New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Independence, standing in your own truth and believing in yourself. Inspiring others means to help others step outside of their mental box and look at the bigger picture of who they are, what they can achieve and then help lift someone else up. Reach back into your community, share your talents and empower others by example. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Intimidation is only by consent.” I say, don’t let the old-boy network water down your power.

Your daughter, Consuella Helms-Jeune is a key element in your business, traveling throughout the country and training in-store cosmeticians about the products. How do you separate your business and personal relationship with her?

We have our mother-daughter time together, which includes going to the gym, and occasionally enjoying a day at the spa. I enjoy her new son Brandley, and love being a grandma. I also make sure to take time out for my hubby. Balance isn’t easy when you’re an entrepreneur. You don’t have time, so you must stop and TAKE time.

You have partnered with Duane Reade and now nationally, with Walgreens.

What is next for VMC? I’m very excited. The Vera Moore Show! My mission: to continue to break the barriers and level the playing field; to highlight the unsung women and men that are not necessarily in the limelight but are warriors. There is so much talent out there that we don’t know about. The Vera Moore Show airs on Spectrum, Fios, Verizon on Channel 34.

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

The one quality: SHARING. I delight in others success especially when I had something to do with it. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you’ve achieved. It’s what you do with it. Most importantly, have you helped someone else along the way today? My faith in God has allowed me, through thick and thin, to maintain this quality. veramoorecosmetics.com

P.O.W.E.R.

PUBLICITY

I

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

P.O.W.E.R. Recognizes Kari R. Wilson

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

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

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

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

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

“Give Me a Break”

By Lyss Stern CEO | Divamoms.com

F

or most people, it takes a kick in the butt to make a change in their lives. For me, it took a fractured elbow.

A few weeks ago, I was working out on a Pilates reformer.

The number one rule of using these machines: focus. But to be honest, my mind was in a million different places. I was thinking about a present I needed to buy for a five-year old birthday party my daughter was invited to. I had to get my 11-year old son to an audition as soon as he got out of school (could we make it downtown in an Uber in less than 10 minutes?). I was planning my mother’s 70th birthday brunch and my 15-year old had left his baseball uniform at home—I had to run it over to practice, so he wasn’t benched. As I stretched and pulled and twisted and sweated, I could feel the tension in every joint. Oops! I forgot to send out that email blast about the upcoming DivaMoms book club event next week! Yikes!

I had promised three days ago to edit the latest draft of a TV pilot I’m developing.

Then the phone rang… and I answered it. It was my son’s high school calling about a problem that really wasn’t a problem, and by the time I hung up, I was so frazzled and distracted, I literally fell off the Pilates machine. It all happened in a split second: I didn’t want my face to hit the floor (plastic surgery is so expensive!), so I cushioned the fall with my left arm. I felt a pop, then searing pain. I literally saw stars and thought I would hurl or faint or possibly both at the same time. The instructors swarmed around me, so I was too embarrassed to do either. Instead, I hailed a cab (with my right arm!) and headed to the nearest Hospital For Special Surgery. All of the plans I had been trying to figure out went out the window.

I was stuck in the emergency room for three hours, waiting to get X-rayed, while my husband whined about having to now do the above for me.

When I got home, my arm was in a soft cast and I felt physically and emotionally battered as well. My family tried to be sympathetic, but I truly blamed myself for allowing this to happen. As they say, accidents do happen! Why was I trying to juggle so many balls in the air at once? It was inevitable that one or two of them would hit the ground. I just didn’t expect to fall with them. No one has that many hands. I am certainly not an octopus. My friends like to tease me that I’m Wonder

Woman. But here’s the thing: some days, I don’t have my cape on. I can’t do it all by myself. As much as I’d like to think of myself as a superhero in heels, I need some time off for good behavior. We give our kids a Time Out- couldn’t someone give me one once in a while?

A friend called to check up on me while I was healing.

“What are you doing?” she asked. “Breathing,” I replied.

She thought that was the best answer she’d ever heard. And I meant it—that was all I was doing, and it was enough.

There’s this little reminder that automatically comes up on the Apple watch my kids gave me last Mother’s Day. Once a day, it buzzes on your wrist to remind you to breathe mindfully. Every time I see it, I hit mute. Who has time to take three minutes out of life to inhale and exhale in a slow, steady rhythm? But I need to make time; we all do. It’s not selfish to make yourself a priority, to allow your babysitter or your husband or your kids to pitch in so you can indulge in a little self-care session.

I found that a cast on my arm was a good reason to start. I hit snooze on my alarm. I took a long, hot shower. I poured myself a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. I napped on the couch midday. I turned off my phone ringer and refused to check social media for 24 whole hours (guess what? Facebook and Instagram were still there in the morning!). Amazingly, I found myself feeling less frustrated, resentful, hangry and more zen, chill and at peace. The next day, things got done, plans got finalized, deadlines got met without my signature stress. I felt more creative, more empowered, more ready to take on the world. Everything came together, and I swear, it was because my mind was recharged and running on a full battery for the first time in forever. There was no more mom guilt (fracturing your arm guarantees you a get-out-of-jail pass for practically every task and obligation), no more feeling bad to ask my hubby to help out (he felt bad for me and actually volunteered).

My cast comes off in WHEN? A week or so? I’ll actually be a little sad to see it go. My doctor assures me my arm will be good as new although it might occasionally ache when it rains.

I won’t mind. I’ll think of it as my own internal reminder to just breathe. All moms need to take a daily #MTO Mommy Time Out and Breathe. Happy mom equals Happy Family.

Instagram @diva_moms www.divamoms.com

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

Women

OF THE MONTH Ana M. Diaz Ana M. Diaz is a chef and caterer with Ana’s Kitchen and Catering, based in Chicago, Illinois. She has been a chef for 15 years and enjoys cooking all types of different ethnic foods and cuisines. Ana also serves as a chef for a local Dominican priest’s retirement home. She earned an A.A. in Accounting from Mexico in 1994. Born in Durango, Mexico, Ana moved to Chicago, Illinois in 2000 to have a better life for herself and family.

As a single mom, she enjoys raising her two children to appreciate their heritage as well as the exciting city they live in. Ana originally started cooking as a career eight years ago by helping in a soup kitchen run by a church for her local community to feed the homeless. Being passionate about cooking and seeing how much people enjoyed her food inspired Ana to expand her horizons and open her own catering business. In her spare time, Ana enjoys spending time with her family.

Frances MacDonald Wonnacott Frances MacDonald Wonnacott is an occupational and speech therapist with Freedom Frances, which is a nonprofit that offers a low sensory location for Indigo children, empathic children, and the parents who have the privilege of raising these gifted and beautiful children. Frances provides empath and related therapy services for Indigo girls and boys. Her responsibilities include overseeing the company’s operations, working with empath children and working with their parents by creating low sensory fun. She teaches children and their parents how to create and use grounding/shielding tools. Frances

orders nutrient dense foods and replenishes their Kangen water supplies. She also oversees purchasing all the supplies needed including books, DVDs, toys, games, candies, essential oils, beeswax candles, clothes and other essentials.

As an empath and Indigo adult, Frances is passionate about working with empath Indigo children. She enjoys empowering them and empowering women. She feels that it is her duty to enable people to live a better

Michele Briscoe Michele Briscoe is the owner of Briscoe Investment Enterprises, a relatively new real estate investment company based in Brooklyn, New York. As the owner, Michele is responsible for investing in real estate properties. She received a B.S. in Banking and Money Management from Adelphi University in 1988. Michele has served as an MTA NYC Transit Authority station agent since 1997 and continues to do so while running

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

Chef and Caterer Ana’s Kitchen and Catering

Occupational and Speech Therapist Freedom Frances life. She earned her B.A. Cum Laude in Communications/Broadcast Journalism from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication and was on the President’s Honor Roll. Frances has a Certificate in Baptism and was the most improved player of SMA. She is a Top DRD American Red Cross Representative and belongs to the Dragontree Spa. In her spare time, she enjoys going to spas/holistic nail salons, walking her dog, writing in her journal/diary, researching using the Encyclopedia Britannica and cooking.

Owner Briscoe Investment Enterprises

her own business. As of January 2019, she became a distributor of Realize Food Company long-term emergency food storage meals.

Michele is a member of Delta Sigma Pi. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and relaxing.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I got started in my field by watching TV and reading books about entrepreneurship.

What are some of the biggest challeng-

es/obstacles you faced in your career?

The biggest challenge that I faced was learning how to start a business and get mentorship from someone who knew the business.

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

The biggest challenge that women face today is in believing they can accomplish what other women before them were unable to accomplish because of societal biases.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means having the ability to help yourself and others achieve their goals.

Stephanie A. Burkhart

Director of Finance/Insurance Billing Specialist Stone-Lang Company

Stephanie A. Burkhart is the director of finance and an insurance billing specialist for Stone-Lang Company. She is in charge of processing all the accounting functions including accounts receivable and payable, using QuickBooks accounting software. Stephanie manages all petty cash and office supply expense accounts. She reconciles bank balances and records general ledger entries. Additionally, she oversees insurance billing and coding for Medicare, Medicaid, Department of Labor, Federal Employee Benefits, and commercial insurance.

In 1990, Stephanie became a Certified Nursing Assistant.

She earned an A.S. in Accounting in 2003 and was Certi-

fied in Medical Insurance Billing and Coding in 2010, all through the West Kentucky Community and Technical College of Paducah, Kentucky. Currently, Stephanie is studying to further her healthcare career and plans on returning to nursing.

In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys camping, baking and spending time with her grandchildren. www.stonelang.com

Carolyn Herbert Carolyn Herbert is the owner of Herbert’s Wine Jelly, LLC which is a manufacturing company that produces 11 jellies, three unique peanut butter spreads, and five dip/seasoning mixes. Carolyn has partnered with wineries to create private label products using their wine for the flavors that are sold in their respective stores. She also works with other companies to create gourmet products including balsamic jellies and peanut butter spreads. The Herbert’s products are available in several retail locations in Virginia as well as on Amazon.com.

Carolyn earned her M.A. in Special Education and Administrative Education from George Washington Univer-

Kari R. Wilson

Owner Herbert’s Wine Jelly, LLC sity in 1985. She is a member of the Fluvanna Chamber of Commerce.

Previously, Carolyn spent 40 years in education as a teacher of students with special needs, and later as an administrator. The company began as an effort to support her son, who suffered head injuries in a serious car accident. She turned her attention to helping those with mental health issues have a more independent and fulfilling life. The company returns 100% of their business profits to the employees. Their mission is to allow individuals with mental health issues to qualify for positions to provide a fulfilled life and grow to their maximum potential. The business

is about helping others in need. It has gained status as part of Virginia’s Finest® Trademark Program, which enhances the economic opportunities and success of Virginia’s specialty food companies, processors and agriculture producers.

Only Virginia products that meet or exceed quality standards are eligible for the Virginia’s Finest® program.

In her spare time, Carolyn enjoys retail therapy and attending wine tastings.

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

Being self-assured and willing to grow and learn from all experiences is key. Hopefully, as women grow up with more opportunities, they will have more self-confidence that will enable them to start a business easier and be more confident. herbertswinejelly.com

Director The Eudora Wilson House

Kari R. Wilson is the director of The Eudora Wilson House, named for her mother-in-law, which is an assisted living facility in Pilot Rock, Oregon. In October of 2018, Kari bought a local old Baptist church and an adjacent building.

She is working to renovate and reopen the two structures as the Eudora Wilson House. The Pilot Rock City Council has approved a conditional use permit to operate the facility, which would be the only one of its kind in the town of about 1,500. The home will add 12-15 jobs, including kitchen and care staff and is going to provide employees with on-site day care. Kari is responsible for general oversight of the facility. She also oversees fundraising efforts, community outreach,

hiring, marketing, problem solving and providing basic caring for seniors.

The center will house up to 14 people, including couples. Much of the renovation is taking place in the building next to the church, where contractors are erecting bedroom walls, walk-in showers and are working on a kitchen complete with a commercial gas stove. The church next door has an old stage which will serve as performance space or to display movies from a digital projector. The biggest part of the project is the construction of a hall to connect the church to the building.

With over 20 years experience, Kari

began her career in healthcare in 1995 when she worked for Umatilla County’s detoxification program. From there, she served with the longclosed state psychiatric center in Pendleton and the former Blue Mountain Recovery Center, the Pendleton facility that treated addicts and the mentally ill.

Since June 2015, Kari has cared for her mother-in-law, Eudora Wilson.

Once the new facility opens, Kari has been assured that her mother-in-law wants to move right in. In her spare time, Kari enjoys playing golf and travel.

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

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

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

Author and Ghost Writer

counselor, and inspirational speaker. Alberta is a member of the Rave Review Book Club and the Authors Independent Alliance. She is currently working on a novel, “Charley’s Breaking Point,” regarding obstacles faced in life, due this year.

In her spare time, she enjoys horses, Mini Australian Shepherds, reading, writing, working with young adults in a local youth program and working with the local elderly center, sharing her stories and bringing the residents happiness.

Alberta’s motto is “Never give up!”

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I have always journaled since taking a

Leslie J. Weatherill Leslie J. Weatherill is a retired high school guidance counselor with 39 years experience. After retiring, she was finally able to devote herself to writing, fulfilling a promise she made to her mother that she would write a book. She recently wrote her first novel, “The Journalist,” which received numerous five-star reviews on Amazon and was very well-received in the writing community. Leslie was born and raised in Oregon in the Willamette Valley. She received her M.A. in Counseling/Psychology from the University of Oregon

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

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

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

Author

in 1979. She also has a School Counselor Certification from Lewis and Clark College. Throughout her career, she served as a residential treatment counselor, family counselor and finally as a high school counselor.

Currently, Leslie is involved in a nonprofit organization, PEO, which raises money for college scholarships. She enjoys writing, reading, travel, hiking in nature, biking, needlework and yoga.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

After 39 years of being a professional counselor, I retired. It was then I began

my first novel, which I had been imagining for 20 years!

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

Selling myself, and therefore my book, is the biggest challenge. It involves changing the past narrative of knowing my place, to my place being up front, visible, and heard.

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

Women have made many strides in all areas of leadership, but in many arenas, men continue to dominate and call the shots. Also, our voices need to be heard without being labeled “manly,” “shrill” or “over emotional.” These labels are so destructive yet still prevalent.

Maggie B. Patralski

Owner and Contractor MJM Framing and Construction LLC

Maggie B. Patralski is the owner of MJM Framing and Construction LLC. She has served as a contractor for over 10 years and stresses the importance of building green and clean. Her company uses only the best quality materials. Maggie oversees the operations, management and crews. MJM Framing and Construction LLC builds green homes which are chemical free. They provide all exterior home construction, and build and frame interiors. Maggie is a member of the American Cancer Society, Food for the Poor, Childfund International, Boys Town and the American Red Cross. She enjoys writing poetry and is currently writing a novel. She has been published in the National Library of Poetry. Maggie is fluent in Spanish, Polish and Portuguese. Currently, she is a national speaker for immigration reform.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I think it was more of the industry finding me

instead of me finding it. My family emigrated from Poland in the 80’s and both my father and brother let me catch a glimpse of the construction industry growing up and all the hard work it takes.

I started full force in 2008. About four years ago, I added flipping houses to the agenda as well.

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

The challenges of being a woman-owned construction company are numerous. Coming from a different country, I was raised to always work harder and be stronger to fight adversity and discrimination.

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

I believe as women, we can face any challenges and work through them and accomplish our goals. www.mjmframingconstruction.com

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WOMEN OF THE

Margaret Thomas has been in the real estate Real Estate Agent arena for 41 years, during which time she took West USA Realty-Peoria

a ten-year hiatus to raise her children. She was relicensed in Arizona in 1999. Margaret sells residential properties in many different parts of the Greater Phoenix area, but specializes in age restricted communities, and homes on the golf course.

She recently tapped into a new market in Surprise, Arizona of new builds, specializing in the addition of RV garages and next-gen apartments connected for two families. Her clients include snowbirds, people buying larger homes and those downsizing.

Margaret serves as a relocation specialist, listing agent and a buyer’s representative.

She earned a B.A. in Home Economics from Point Loma Nazarene University in 1964. She is a member of the National Association of Realtors, a lifetime member of the President’s Roundtable and Multi-Million Dollar Producer.

Dr. Mary J. Gallant Dr. Mary J. Gallant is an associate professor at Rowan University, where she has been a faculty member since 1992.

She teaches social theory in the core for the sociology major, working to create an expanded sociological imagination in each student. She also served as Chair of Sociology from 2007 to 2015. Dr. Gallant earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Minnesota in December of 1985.

As a dedicated academic, Dr. Gallant does research in social theory and its application. Among her great concerns is the growth of conflict and violence worldwide. She is a Holocaust scholar and teacher with an awareness of the

In her spare time, Margaret enjoys community outreach, spending time with her family and singing in the church choir.

How did you get started in your field or industry?

I wanted to buy a house and took classes. I earned my license in 1978.

Since my Bachelor’s degree was in Home Economics, it was a good fit.

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

When my husband and I separated, I was working for Merrill Lynch in Scottsdale and Phoenix. At the time, I didn’t have a nice car and barely had the money to pay for gas. www.realtor.com/realestateagents/margaret-thomas_peoria_az_430255

Associate Professor Rowan University

Holocaust as a turning point in the lives of millions of European Jews and in the post-Holocaust focus on what surviving genocide globally means for individuals and their families caught up in chaos.

In 2002, Dr. Gallant published her first book, “Coming of Age in the Holocaust: The Last Survivors Remember” mainly for her students in the course.

The research for the book was funded by grants she received during her first years as a researcher and scholar. Using indepth interviews, she observed that there were certain aspects of self and identity important to the survival process. She is now working on a second book which focuses on the causal effects of friend-

Zeyra C. Couceiro Zeyra Couceiro is the vice president, owner and manager of Triton Supermarkets which has two locations. These local supermarkets offer a one stop shop for anything needed for a day at the beach as well as daily food needs. They have a cafeteria which caters and sells food by the pound, sandwiches, freshly made salads, and shakes.

In addition to her retail endeavors, Zeyra is a dog breeder. Her familyowned and operated company, Vom Couceiro German Shepherds Inc., breeds and trains German Shepherds.

Zeyra is also a notary public. She is a member of the G.S.D.C.A., U.S.C.A. and the National Rifle Association. In her spare time, she enjoys shooting, hunting and volunteering.

Month

Margaret Thomas

How did you get started in your field/industry?

My love for supermarkets came from when my husband and I owned gas stations. I’ve had this supermarket for 12 years and I still strive every day to have “everything under the sun,” which is my slogan.

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

There are many challenges when you strive to be the best. The larger chain stores and distributors don’t see you as their equal. They tend to squash the smaller stores. It’s cost me time,

ship network structure on uncertainty during the first two years of medical school training. In this work she takes a social network approach. The book is titled, “Friendship Networks in Medical School: A Network Analytic Approach to the Study of Social Solidarity.” academics.rowan.edu/chss/departments/ sociology/facultystaff/marygallant.html

Owner, Vice President, Manager Triton Supermarket headaches and perseverance, but I do believe I now have the acknowledgment and respect due to my sales, success and commitment to the industry.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is a word I hold close to my heart. Between my grandmother and my mom, they instilled values and self worth at an early age. I’ve felt empowered ever since I can remember.

I became a businesswoman at the age of 18 and by 20 had my own home.

If you believe in yourself, never let anyone bring you down, and take obstacles as a mere stepping stone instead of a huge wall, then you can achieve more than you ever imagined. www.germanshepherds4u.co/ • www.vomcouceiro.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 25

Women

OF THE MONTH

Denisha S. Marino

Accountant and Owner Golden Bookkeeping Services LLC

Denisha S. Marino is the owner of Golden Bookkeeping Services.

With over 36 years experience in banking and accounting, she works with business owners to gain a better grasp of where their companies stand financially. She provides business advisory services, bookkeeping solutions, sup-

financial industries. In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors, reading, gardening, and spending time with friends and family.

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

I have a tendency to push myself too hard and work too many hours. Eventually, I was working over 90 hours a week. My husband and family helped me through this and convinced me to slow down.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

My professional career began in banking, but I quickly learned that what I truly enjoyed was working with numbers. After achieving the position of teller supervisor, I began taking accounting courses through community college.

Soon after I was able to acquire my first accounting position and ultimately open my own firm. www.goldenbookkeeping.com

port, training, and accounting oversight to small and mid-sized companies in the fields of real estate investing, oil and gas, financial services, property management, insurance services, consulting, engineering, and medical/health services.

Utilizing her QuickBooks bookkeeping, consulting, and training skills, Denisha helps both local and remote businesses update or correct their books.

She helps her clients become more proactive about using their financial information. She is certified as a Quick-

Books Enterprise Solutions ProAdvisor, QuickBooks Desktop, and as a QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor. Denisha completed continuing education tax courses and has completed accounting courses at the University of Colorado at Denver, Metro State College, and Front Range Community College. She is a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals, the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, Accountex, and QBExpress.

Prior to starting her business in 2005, Denisha raised her family. She has experience in the banking, oil and gas, and

Shirley A. Brannon Shirley A. Brannon is the owner of Doc’s Truck Center, an automotive repair service based in Martinsburg, West Virginia. With almost 10 years experience, Shirley is responsible for the overall operations of the shop including hiring mechanics, performing inspections, ordering parts, customer service and marketing. She is the inventor of Garage Buddies and Clamp Light Bulbs and currently has one patent and one pending. In her spare time, Shirley enjoys baking.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

At a very young age I started hanging out in my dad’s

Sharina Pegram EMB Clothing Brand Ambassador & CEO EMBClothing & BeautifulSoulLLC

S

harina Pegram is a brand ambassador and the CEO for EMBClothing and BeautifulSoulLLC apparel and accessories companies.

She is responsible for management, operations, marketing and customizing T-shirts, logos, jewelry and accessories. In her spare she enjoys spending time with her family.

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

Owner Doc’s Truck Center garage where he did mechanical repairs.

I soon realized I had a passion for machines. This grew as I got older.

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

As a female business owner, it’s quite trying sometimes to function in a mostly male occupational field. I have overcome this as my business progressed. Regardless of whether you are male or female, the important thing is if the job is done properly at the end of the day.

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

The biggest challenge is gaining respect from your peers and counterparts.

I believe that goes for any industry or field you pursue. One thing I’ve learned is to treat a problem that arises internally and externally.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

To me, empowerment means knowing your true worth as an individual and expressing yourself accordingly.

Nicole Badrudeen Nicole Badrudeen is a multi-talented individual who specializes in publishing and lead generation. Her company, Sincerely Nikki LLC, provides services including Facebook advertising, online sales funnel design, lead generation and copywriting. She also provides skin care consultations and authored “The Gorgeous Skin Handbook.”

In her free time, Nicole enjoys kickboxing, going to the beach, music, reading, cooking, art and spending time

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

Samantha has years of experience working with a wide range of mental health issues. Since relocating to Colorado in 2014, she has devoted her energy towards increasing her education, experience and overall knowledge so that she can provide the best services possible. She promises to provide clients with a safe and confidential environment so they can work together towards accomplishing their goals. Clients work with Samantha individually or in one of

Owner Sincerely Nikki LLC

with family and friends.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

My skin care business was created because of my extensive history in the dermatology field.

As I was building my skin care business, I was also doing lead generation for other small businesses. We are still doing lead generation and consulting, but have niched down to the business financing industry.

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

Failing. I used to be so scared of it… now I see failure as an opportunity.

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

The challenges differ depending on where you live in the world. Here in the USA, we are lucky and all though there may be too many challenges to fit into this article. I will say this: whatever challenges you have, you can overcome it.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

It means doing what makes you happy despite what others think www.gorgeousskinhandbook.com Pegasus-Funding.com

Transformational Psychologist Never Give Up her exclusive groups. She helps them, regardless of their location, from the comfort of their home. There is full confidentiality and she provides secure online safety. Samantha works with clients via email, telephone or video. Being extremely holistic, she provides several alternatives to medication, looking at nutrition and natural solutions first.

After obtaining a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Samantha obtained her M.S. in Psychology from the Center for Humanistic Studies in Detroit, Michigan. She has written several articles in her field.

She worked at The Common Ground Sanctuary, Livonia Counseling Center, Oakland Psychological Clinic, and Great Lakes Psychology Group. When Samantha moved to Denver, she learned how large of a need there is for digital

Angela R. McClurkin Angela R. McClurkin is the owner of In the Spirit Network which is an online store that sells promotional products for marketing and advertising purposes on a national basis. With four years experience, Angela oversees the overall operations of the business. She specializes in sales, marketing, networking and promotional products. She has a B.A. in Mass Communication from the University of the District of Columbia and an M.B.A. from the Saint Xavier University-Graham School of Management. In her spare time, she enjoys crafts, cards, Jazz music, yoga, and paint and sip events.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I love being able to serve others by using my talents, inspiration, and creativity to create one of a kind designs/logos for my

services. This led her to create Never Give Up. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors and her dogs, Sassy and Dallas.

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

The stigma surrounding mental health prevents some from seeking help they need and deserve.

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

Never give up! Find mentors to help guide you. Believe in yourself. nevergiveup.care

Owner In the Spirit Network clients to wear or display. The opportunity to offer quality products at affordable pricing through the advertising specialty industry was a perfect fit for our growing network-marketing business.

Learning how to share my story as a total life changer has allowed me to help others with their health challenges. I have helped others lose weight, develop healthy lifestyle habits, and transform their lives using fabulous products.

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

The biggest challenge comes when a client doesn’t allow enough time for an order to be designed and approved before it can go into production. Depending on what the items are we have to be careful with our turn-around times. www.its2promo.com

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

Women

OF THE MONTH

Elana N. Cohen Elana N. Cohen is the owner of the eponymous Elana Cohen Public Relations Agency based in Chicago, Illinois. With over seven years experience in the public relations industry, she has developed and executed numerous impactful corporate communication programs across a large variety of industries in both local, national and international markets. Elana strives to continue

growing her diverse portfolio with local and national client accounts. She does her utmost to emphasize her client’s initiatives and media campaigns.

Throughout her career, Elana has served in a number of account management positions in the public relations industry.

She has served in a variety of PR positions such as: hospitality PR, lifestyle PR, nonprofit PR, media relations, marketing and event planning and has freelanced since 2012. Elana earned her B.A. in Public Relations from Hofstra University in 2012. She is a member of the P.R.S.A. and W.I.P.R. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading and writing.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

After researching careers, I knew that public relations was the perfect fit for me. I obtained numerous public relations internships in the hospitality industry while in college both for credit and not for credit.

I have worked in lifestyle public relations, hospitality, consumer packaged goods, nonprofits, the cannabis industry, and health and wellness.

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

Staying relevant is imperative. Public relations as well as the media, journalism, and social media, is ever-changing. The challenge is to stay on top of all the new social platforms and all of the new technology out there for public relations professionals, on top of all of the work we have for our clients. In college now, they’re teaching social media and social media marketing classes and offering them as a major whereas most seasoned public relations professionals like myself may not have those skills, even though we are not that much older than this new generation. elanacohenpr.com

Melvina J. Newman Melvina J. Newman is in the real estate industry serving as a property manager in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

In this position, she oversees the management of a home owner’s association. She is responsible for bookkeeping, oversees daily operations and ensures that all restrictions are adhered to by members. Melvina previously served in the legal and retail fields.

She has an A.A. in Business. Melvina is a member of the Cosmopolitan International Diabetes Association.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

After starting my career in the legal field and then owning my own retail business, I knew it was time for a change. A customer suggested I look into management of a homeowners association. He felt my background would be a benefit.

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

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

Owner Elana Cohen Public Relations

People were the biggest challenge in my retail career. We had to market ourselves to our customers. This is still true in the homeowners group as there are many different opinions and marketing is still key.

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

Women today still face the same

Property Manager challenges with discrimination and equality in the work force. We are still paid less for the same work, have limited opportunities for advancement, and are still facing sexual harassment in the work force.

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

Believe in yourself. If you do that you will succeed. You must network with people, become involved in the community, be courageous, always do your very best and reach for the top.

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

The outstanding qualities I wish to be remembered by would be my organizational skills and the ability to balance work along with community involvement. I have received numerous awards and have served as the international president to Cosmopolitan International.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 31

P.O.W.E.R.

Awards Gala

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

May 16, 2019 at The Mansion at Oyster Bay The P.O.W.E.R Awards Gala celebrates all women for their outstanding contributions and achievements. This year, fifteen women were chosen to receive awards for their exceptional leadership and dedication in their profession or industry. These women inspire and empower us to be the best we can be. They prove that with passion, perseverance and dedication anything is possible.

Along with presenting awards, a silent auction was also held, with proceeds going to an amazing nonprofit called Mondays at Racine Cancer Care Foundation. Mondays at Racine is located in fifteen strategic areas across Long Island, New York, New Jersey and Indiana.

This network of salons and spas opens their doors every Monday to provide beauty, health and wellness services to men and women undergoing treatment for cancer, all at no cost to the patient.

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

D

Dorothy Toran

orothy Toran is the executive in charge of production and the executive producer of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” Bravo TV’s popular female ensemble docu-series.

Previously, Dorothy served as the executive in charge of production at True Entertainment, a division of Endemol. She is an award-winning producer, whose work has been nominated for both an Emmy and the prestigious Palme d’Or Award at The Cannes Film Festival. She has achieved great success at a multitude of media companies, including NBC Universal, Discovery Communications and Viacom. Dorothy has produced short form content for many brands, including The United Nations, Nike, Johnson and Johnson’s Clean and Clear, and The Washington Post. She excels at creating content from a business perspective while gracefully integrating creative storytelling, talent management and production logistics, to drive sustainable, compelling and highly rated programming.

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

Dorothy’s career achievements include executive producing ‘TV One Night Only’ live from the Essence Music Festival, a two hour music special headlined by Beyoncé.

She is a highly sought-after speaker, panelist and moderator. She has presented at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and The Tribeca Film Festival. She recently was the recipient of the P.O.W.E.R. Creative Media and Entertainment Award, 2019.

Dorothy is deeply committed to The Lupus Foundation of America.

Executive in Charge of Production Executive Producer Sirens Media The Real Housewives of New Jersey

Dorothy serves in this capacity to honor her younger sister, Weade Williams Bridges, who died suddenly from lupus in 2016.

Besides her career and philanthropic endeavors, Dorothy is very proud of her Liberian American heritage, as well as being a wife and mother of two.

What is your biggest challenge as a woman in broadcasting who has shattered the glass ceiling?

I find my biggest challenge as a woman who has shattered the glass ceiling in broadcasting is that the journey to prove yourself never ends. Complacency is not an option. I always have to push myself to be better, bolder and more powerful.

How do you feel you have empowered women on television?

I think the cornerstone of empowering us as women (both on and off camera), is to support our authenticity. To encourage all of our collective voices to be heard, no matter how different or similar they are to our own. I am proud of the television that I have helped to create, in that I believe we have done and continue to do exactly that.

How do you balance career and family life?

I am blessed with a husband with whom I share the deepest love, who is our family’s anchor and protector in all things, and two daughters that are the very best parts of me. Both have humbled me. I have learned that the idea of balance does not exist. There are always trade-offs. If I am soaring in producing a series, I am missing spending time with our girls and my husband. If I am

spending quality time with my family, I have network deliverables that I am behind on. The best thing that I can do is decide which trade-off I am choosing each day and make peace with that.

Why is LFA near and dear to you?

My younger sister, Weade Williams Bridges, died

suddenly from lupus in 2016. She was only 33 years old and weeks away from receiving a kidney transplant, from none other than her husband, Reuben. Losing her devastated my family and broke my mother’s heart irreparably. I discovered The Lupus Foundation of America online. I knew that we needed support to manage the immense grief and depression that followed Weade’s passing. LFA embraced us in love and comfort. When the foundation asked me to become the National Ambassador, I said “Yes” immediately. Together, we passionately advocate for awareness and fundraising to support our Color Me Happy Campaign for stem cell research. It’s very difficult to make a difference alone. When we partner together our impact is powerful and brings us one step closer to eradicating this devastating autoimmune disease.

What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want to be remembered by?

My prayer is that I am remembered as a champion of love.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

I believe that empowerment means to uplift, encourage and help activate the dreams of those around us.

What do you do when you have a few moments of alone time?

Alone time is very hard to come by! I love body massages.

They soothe my soul and clear my mind. I am working on having more of them. support.lupus.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ColorMeHappy

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 35

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT’S WITH

Trending

Sara Anne

By Sara Anne Fingerman, Contributing Writer Sara.Fingerman@gmail.com

Binge-Worthy Netflix Series “Dead to Me”

Superfood avocado has become super trendy!

I don’t know about you but it’s hard to find new girlfriends when you’re busy Adulting.

Christina Applegate portrays a recent widow and mother of two young sons. Her character meets a kind, sympathetic woman at a support group and the two become fast friends. Little does she know that the secrets her new friend hides may be too much to bear.

“Dead to Me” is a tale of friendship, laughter and suspense.

It’s a perfect show to binge on a rainy summer night. Plus, if you’ve never been to Orange County, California, the scenes will make you want to hop a flight and visit the area now.

“What/If” Renee Zellweger makes a strong comeback in this steamy series. If you loved movies like “Indecent Proposal” or “50 Shades of Grey,” you’ll love “What/If.” Plus, the fashion is on point. Grab your girlfriends, a bottle (or two) of champagne, Netflix and chill to this series.

The Evil Eye Whether you believe in curses or not, the evil eye is believed to be a curse cast by a malevolent glare, usually when you’re unaware. Today, we’re seeing evil eye emblems on handbags, shirts, bracelets, and pretty much everything; and they are beautiful and trendy.

Long Island handbag designer Fay Mihos lives by the motto: “Every woman needs bling and a blessing.”

Her designs incorporate the “evil eye” in most of her clutches and accessories. Visit eyeloveaccessories.com to view her entire 2019 summer collection.

Avocado Proposals Are you the avocado to his toast?

If you search under the hashtag #avocadoproposal on Instagram, you can find thousands of people who’ve said “yes” to a ring placed in the popular fruit in real life.

The ring looks extra dazzling placed against the soft green tone of the delicious fruit.

Avocado Jewelry Urban Outfitters collaborated with talented L.A.-based artist Katie Sue Weissel to bring you the most beautiful stained-glass avocado necklace. It’s perfect for summer. You can find it at www.urbanoutfitters.com.

Higher Pane Glassworks Stained Glass Avocado $35

Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask $45

Avocado Skin Care

As if it isn’t enough that avocados are delightful on just about any food, they’re also great for your skin. Add this creamy sleeping mask to your skin care routine for softer, brighter skin.

If you like it then you better put a bow on it! Have You can find it at www. you heard of the bow scrunchie? This new style is a genius sephora.com. hybrid of both a bow and a scrunchie. It’s a perfect look for a day spent sailing or a long stroll on the beach.

Hair Accessories

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

Hon. Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt

C

ynthia “Mother” Pratt is a philanthropist, community developer, author, national icon, deputy prime minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and a senior pastor of Prayer & Praise Assembly Church. She is a former educator, and a former member of Parliament for the St. Cecelia Constituency.

As a philanthropist and community developer, Cynthia uplifts the down-trodden, providing shelter and clothing for the homeless, educating others, and enjoys providing scholarships for secondary and post-secondary education, spiritual, social and sports leadership. She is a Zonta Living Legend. During her period as co-chair of the Urban Renewal Commission, she revolutionized the administration of urban renewal. This resulted in significant improvement in the lives of many Bahamians. Cynthia is the president and CEO of the Cynthia Mother Pratt Foundation, which seeks to establish a safe village for the recovery and the development of deprived and abused women, with and without children.

In 1963, Cynthia began a career as a nurse at the Princess Margaret Hospital of Nassau, The Bahamas, where she provided patient care for 14 years.

She holds a B.S. in Health and Education with a minor in Sociology, and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, awarded by St. Augustine’s University. Switching careers from nursing, Cynthia

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

Philanthropist, Senior Pastor, Deputy Prime Minister Commonwealth of The Bahamas was key in enforcing new security legislation, advocating for women’s rights, and providing reforms for the habilitation of convicts.

Cynthia wrote an autobiography entitled “An Ordinary Woman from the Heart of the Inner City” which was considered as a basis for a movie about her extraordinary life. It has not yet come to fruition.

Amongst the many hats she wore, Cynthia has served as a Sunday school superintendent, church administrator, and assistant pastor at the Prayer & Praise Assembly, where she currently serves as senior pastor. Under her pastorship, many men and women became spent over 20 years as a physical liberated, and numerous convicts education teacher. With numerwere reformed to become proous athletic accolades, she has se- gressive and productive citizens, cured hundreds of scholarships for making significant contribution to deserving Bahamians since 1980. social and economic development.

With an impressive political Cynthia was married to Jocareer, Cynthia was elected to seph B. Pratt (deceased), with serve three consecutive terms (15 whom she had six children. She years) as a member of Parliament is recognized as the matriarch of and as a representative for the St. the Bahamas for many reasons, Celia Constituency, from 1997not the least of which is that she is 2012. During her term in office, the first female to hold the post of she served in many leadership roles minister of national security. She including minister of national was the first female acting prime security from 2002-2007; deputy minister and the first female depprime minister from 2002 – 2007; uty prime minister of The Bahaand in 2005, she served as the first mas. Throughout her exceptional acting prime minister during the career, she has demonstrated love reign of the Progressive Liberal Par- and compassion for her family, ty government. She was also the and for the entire nation. Cynfirst female to present the national thia continues to be sought after budget in Parliament. During to provide guidance and wise this era of public life, Cynthia counsel.

Cathy Aman

Elizabeth A. Whitmer RHIT, CCS, CCS-P, RHDI-F

PUBLISHING

HEALTH SERVICES

VIPs

P.O.W.E.R.

Florida Southwestern State College

Aman Ink, LLC

Educator Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Author Columbia, Missouri

Theresa D. Springer A Naturally Healthy You HEALTHCARE

Doris Ann Graham

St. Louis Community College EDUCATION

Pharmacist Altamonte Springs, Florida

Trustee Saint Louis, Missouri

DeVon Perea

Shelia Johnson Smokin’ BBQ

Change Ready Life Coaching, LLC

Food Truck and Smoker Owner Henagar, Alabama

Lifecoach Commerce City, Colorado

FOOD/BEVERAGES

Melissa S. Yee Marsh USA INSURANCE

Insurance Agent Huntington, New York

COACHING

Kathee A. Wilson BD Wilson’s Mobile Welding and Excavating WELDING

Welder Pioneer, California

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

P.O.W.E.R.

P.O.W.E.R.

Carrietta M. Strange

Lori J. Sawatzke NASDAQ

Leap of Faith Learning Center

Account Manager Buffalo, Minnesota

Educator Concord, North Carolina

EDUCATION

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/IT

Sandra Doyle

Randi Ward

NUTRITION/WELLNESS

PUBLISHING

Doyle Dietary

Freelancer

General Manager Clinton, Maryland

Georgia Modica

Writer Lawrenceville, Georgia

Belinda Perry

Geormels Second Chance Handyman LLC

Sedona Rocks Cleaning Service

Contractor New Orleans, Louisiana

Cleaner Cornville, Arizona

CONSTRUCTION/BUILDING

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

CLEANING SERVICE

Joyce Ingram-Chandler

Joy Dobson

Rose of Sharon Baptist Church

JD Studio 3

RELIGION

EDUCATION

Pastor and Educator

Educator

Hephzibah, Georgia

Baltimore, Maryland

Kim Meier

Christina C. Williams

FINANCIAL SERVICES

PUBLISHING

CCurli, LLC

Merchant Advocate

Author Charlotte, North Carolina

Auditor Port Washington, New York

Roxanne Lewis

Stephanie E. Strawbridge

Berkshire Hathaway Florida Realty

Strawbridge Memorial Chapel

Real Estate Agent Delray Beach, Florida

Funeral Director Cleveland, Ohio

REAL ESTATE

FUNERAL HOME

Cheri Atkins

Classic Creations Candle Gel & Custom Designs HEALTHCARE / RETAIL

IT Specialist / Gel Candle Designer Fountain, Colorado

Viviane A. Hagopian V & R Associates FINANCIAL SERVICES

Barbara Koenig-Pfannkuche ENGINEERING

Electronic Engineer, Retired Niles, Illinois

Bookkeeper / Owner San Diego, California

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 41

Samantha Goldberg President and CEO Samantha Goldberg & Co. Gold Events, LLC

S

amantha Goldberg is a former E/Style network star.

She is known as one of the top celebrity event and wedding planners in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles and made boxing history in November, 2018, when she became the first woman to be ring announcer for a celebrity boxing match to raise awareness about bullying.

A passionate activist against bullying, Samantha says, “Bullying is an epidemic which takes innocent lives. We must unite to find a cure. Bullying affects everyone, in every walk of life, and that is why I fiercely support anything to do with anti-bullying.

Physical bruising will heal; mental and emotional bruising brought on by bullying, may never heal.”

Revered as one of the most coveted celebrity wedding planners and luxury event designers in the world, Samantha is the president and CEO of Samantha Goldberg & Co.- Gold Events, LLC, located in New York, New York.

For over 30 years Samantha’s hard work and ingenious creativity now defines her as the master of luxurious event design.

Samantha has partnered with some of the largest chains and Fortune 100-500 companies as their celebrity lifestyle expert,

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

and Friends,” “The Today Show,” “GMA Now,” WGN, WLS, CW, CBS, NBC5, FOX Chicago, B-96 Radio, “Good Morning NY,” NJ12 (WWOR’s 18 Affiliates), “Entertainment Tonight,” ABC News, NBC News, EBRU TV, trend setter, sales trainer and mo- Satellite TV, Better Homes & tivator. She was selected as brand Gardens TV, and more.

Her latest venture, “Samantha ambassador for Party City, Hilton Goldberg’s Beauty Battle Tour,” is Hotels, and Bloomingdale’s.

As a celebrity host, major brand a new reality series, already taping, spokesperson and lifestyle expert, that provides a platform for hair stylists to showcase their talent by Samantha completed a 10-seaparticipating in a live competition son run with E/Style Network’s event. Hosted by Samantha herhit series “Whose Wedding Is It self, the series is a Pay-Per-View Anyway?” which aired in over Production with a multi-city tour 130 countries and is regularly beginning in Philadelphia, Atlanfeatured as an expert analyst and tic City and Chicago. trend setter on various national A humanitarian at heart and news programs including “Good by example, Samantha is both the Morning America,” CNBC’s founder and president of one of “On the Money,” WPIX, “Fox America’s first wedding nonprofit organizations, dreamteam.org, which offers wedding services to those in need. She has been recognized for her work with the United Way and Global Unity Foundation. Over the years, Samantha has received numerous awards, recognition and commendations for her design work, but the award she holds dearest is “Mompreneuer” and showing her daughter, Sydney, that women are powerful and women make extraordinary things happen every day!

How did you get started as a top celebrity event and wedding planner?

In 2003 when I moved out to the East Coast, I was seven months pregnant. After I had my daughter, I was bored. After having a long discussion with my husband at the time, he suggested that I make some business cards and see if I could do any other events in the area. It wasn’t easy since many venues and vendors I met didn’t like “planners” for some reason. I met with a venue and had an hour and a half conversation with them. After that meeting, they sent ten clients in one week. The rest is history!

After ten seasons on E/Style Network’s “Whose Wedding is it Anyway?,” what convinced you it was time for a change?

I loved working with them. Unfortunately, the network was sold to another network and all shows on the network were dissolved.

Luckily, my business was thriving and driving me into other areas, such as being brand spokesman for Fortune 100 and 500 companies. I became a brand at that point.

As the founder and president of dreamteam.org, what were some of the factors that led you to create this wonderful nonprofit organization?

In 2005, I had an incredible company with incredible employees. They always say you should give back. I met thousands of brides. Sometimes their tales of walking down the aisle were heartbreaking. I have established strong relationships with a lot of vendors in the east coast region and throughout the U.S. Many of the

people that came to my office had to speed up their weddings due to a parent or grandparent possibly not being able to walk them down the aisle due to illness, etc. I didn’t want to say “no” to couples with very small budgets, so I decided a nonprofit was in order. We offered free weddings or hugely discounted weddings. I wanted to ensure that those couples could have the right day the right way, without having to worry about things being forgotten or people not being able to attend. Even my employees agreed to work for free. Because of the relationships I developed with vendors in over 42 states, people were willing to help out at the drop of a hat. In the time I’ve worked with Dream Team, we have orchestrated over 350 weddings.

What was the impetus for becoming an activist against bullying in your state?

One of the main reasons I support anti-bullying in New Jersey is due to the amount of bullying which happens not only on a school level, but in the workplace and outside of it. Bringing awareness is very important and urgent.

I’m just one voice, but I consider myself to be a very loud one. I plan on doing lots of good things to teach people about anti-bullying and the damage bullying does to children and adults.

What lessons would you like your daughter to learn from you about the power of women?

My mother taught my sister and myself to be independent individuals. As a result, I raised my daughter to be independent. I wanted to be there for

my daughter no matter what.

That means having an office in the house, which sometimes is not very good. However, I got to experience almost every playdate, playgroup and activity. She knew I was there and that was my goal. Today I am proud to say my daughter is in high school, and double honors playing lacrosse, field hockey and other activities.

She’s growing into an amazing young woman and I am very proud to call her my daughter.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Sadly, some people confuse the word empowerment with being a control freak. I feel empowerment is when you’ve set goals for yourself personally. It has to be about you, not about anybody else. You have to constantly challenge yourself because when you make things happen the celebration is within yourself. Setting goals on a constant basis makes you empowered. It’s empowering showing that you can do it, whether on your own or with others. It’s more a sense of accomplishment which gives you the feeling like you can take on the world and all things are positive going forward.

I’ve learned in my career and still continue to learn to celebrate my achievements and not feel that by discussing them it would be considered bragging. My goal in my life is to show women that this is not the case. Celebrate your life, your happiness and your successes, as much as you can. It makes you and the world a better place. Trust me, I’m living it right now! samanthagoldberg.com

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

Food

Summer Cocktails

Alcoholic

Summer means relaxation with a few trips to the beach, vacations and of course BBQ’s. This evokes images of smoking grills, beer and cocktails. We wanted to share some of our favorite drinks with you to make your summer P.O.W.E.R.-fully fun! We’ve included some non-alcoholic concoctions as well as a few old standards. Wishing all of you a wonderful summer. Enjoy!

Non-Alcoholic

drinks

Cran-Dandy Cooler

4 cups lemon lime soda 1 cup club soda or seltzer water 3 Tbsp. lime juice ¼ cup grenadine 2 limes and lemons sliced Maraschino cherries Ice

2 cups cranberry juice 1 cup pineapple juice 1 cup orange juice 1 (4 ounce) jar maraschino cherries (save the cherry juice liquid!)

2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle ginger ale 1 orange, sliced in rounds

Directions: Stir soda, club soda, lime juice, and grenadine in a pitcher. Place 1 lemon and 1 lime slice in bottom of a tall glass. Pour over ice. Garnish with maraschino cherries.

Mojitos Ingredients:

2 cups water 1 ½ cups white sugar 2 cups fresh mint leaves, chopped 2 cups lime sherbet, softened 1 cup lime juice 1 additional cup water 8 cups club soda Lime slices for garnish Directions: • Make a simple syrup by combining two cups water and the sugar in a microwave-safe bowl.

• Heat in microwave on high for five minutes. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved. (You can also boil, then simmer stovetop for 10 minutes if you don’t wish to microwave.)

• Add the mint into the water and stir. Let stand for five minutes.

Strain and discard the mint leaves from the syrup; set aside.

• Stir the lime sherbet, lime juice, and one cup of water in a large pitcher until combined.

• Pour the mint-infused syrup into the mixture. Add club soda and stir.

• Serve over ice. Garnish with lime slices.

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Ingredients:

Directions: In a gallon pitcher combine cranberry juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, cherry juice and lemon juice.

Just before serving, slowly add ginger ale.

Stir to blend.

Serve over ice in glasses.

Garnish with cherry and orange slices.

A l coh ol ic d r in k s

Sparkaletta Punch

Cucumber Breeze

by Tonia DeCosimo

In a glass combine 1 ½ oz. of Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka over ice ½ oz. St. Germain Tonic Water or Lemonade Splash of seltzer if desired Garnish with a cucumber slice

Summer Breeze

Limony Punch Ingredients:

drinks

by Tonia DeCosimo

In a glass of ice combine 1 ½ oz. of vodka ½ oz. Malibu Coconut Rum Cranberry juice Splash of pineapple juice Twist of lime Drunken Arnold Palmer Combine 1 black tea bag, ¾ cup hot water, the juice of 1 lemon, and 1 teaspoon honey. Chill. Add 1 shot vodka and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Sour Apple Spritzer

Pour 1 shot sour apple vodka and ½ cup seltzer over ice and garnish with a green apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

Tropical Rum Punch

Stir together ½ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice, ½ cup pineapple juice, and 1 shot light rum. Pour over ice.

Mint Julep

Muddle together 12 fresh mint leaves and 1 tablespoon of simple syrup.

Pour in one shot of Kentucky bourbon and 2 shots seltzer water.

Cape Codder

Pour 1 shot of vodka and 2 shots cranberry juice over ice. Add 2 shots seltzer water, stir, and garnish with a lime wedge.

by Samantha Goldberg

Serves about 11-13 people You can serve in edible chocolate cups found at a local liquor store for about $6.99 - $9.99 for 12 pieces! They are yummy!

Ingredients:

2 bottles of sparkling white wine (Asti Spumante) -- chilled ½ cup of any brand orange liquor even vodka Raspberries or strawberries for garnish

2 cups of orange juice ½ cup of dark rum

Directions: • Pour orange juice, orange liquor and rum into a large sealable container and mix.

• Place mixture in fridge for 2 hours. DO NOT ADD THE SPARKLING WINE. When mixture is sufficiently chilled, pour into a clear glass pitcher and stir with ice.

• Top with 2 750 milliliters of the sparkling wine of your choice over the mixture and serve.

• Don’t forget to garnish with red berries on a twig to set the mood. *Special thanks to Kelly Fitzpatrick and www.greatist.com

by Carolyn Herbert

Pasta Salad

by Syndi Reibman Ingredients:

1 lb. cooked tri-color rotini pasta (cooled) Ingredients: 1 small jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained, roughly chopped 3 lb. pack kielbasa 2 Tbsp. McCormick salad supreme seasoning 1 6-oz. jar of Herbert’s orange-pineapple 2-3 carrots peeled and finely diced or grated Chardonnay wine jelly 1 large bottle of your favorite robust Italian salad dressing ¼ cup of ketchup 1 each: red, yellow, orange pepper finely chopped ¼ cup of chicken broth ½ cup finely chopped purple onion 1 12-oz. package of frozen triple (optional) 1 cup each, chopped salami, ham, turkey colored pepper and onions (You can buy ½ inch thick slice of each from the deli counter) Hard rolls Directions: • Slice kielbasa according to length of rolls you will use.

• In a large skillet or pot, brown kielbasa on all sides.

• Mix jelly with ¼ cup of ketchup and chicken broth. Pour over kielbasa.

• Add frozen peppers and onions.

Cover and simmer until kielbasa splits open.

• Occasionally check to make sure there is enough liquid, so Kielbasa doesn’t burn; add more broth if necessary.

Flavor intensifies with cook time and can be made ahead; it also stores well.

Place Kielbasa on rolls; spoon a little of sauce with the peppers and onion and serve with a side of potato salad and baked beans. This is a genuine crowd– pleaser.

Directions: • Boil the pasta al dente (minus a minute). While the pasta is boiling, chop your vegetables and meats if using.

• Run the peppers through a food chopper. Drain and roughly chop the artichoke hearts. Dice the carrots as fine as you like. You can also grate them for a finer texture.

• After the pasta has cooled on the counter for about 20 minutes, add all the vegetables and meats and mix.

• Add the salad seasoning and half the bottle of salad dressing. Mix and refrigerate at least 3 hours.

•*Before serving, add another ¼ cup of salad dressing and mix.

This is a very forgiving and easily manipulated recipe. You can add: olives, broccoli, cheese, cauliflower, halved cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, mozzarella balls, roasted red pepper, zucchini, snow peas, etc. Have fun and use whatever you have on hand. I like to make mine the night before serving so the flavors set.

Breakfast Smoothie

Recipes

Crowd-Pleasing Kielbasa

by Anna Kaiser

Ingredients:

1 handful of spinach 1 tspn. maca 1 tspn. ashwaganda 1 Tbsp. monk fruit 1 cup unsweetened macadamia milk 1/2 cup frozen berries 1/2 cup ice 1 scoop Pure Protein vanilla superfood plant protein Put all in a blender, mix, enjoy.

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

Rachel Campos-Duffy R

achel Campos-Duffy serves as a contributor for FOX News Channel (FNC), where she offers political analysis across the network’s daytime and primetime programming. Rachel is also the host of FOX Nation’s “Moms” on FNC’s on demand subscription-based streaming service, FOX Nation. This program features family life and motherhood with women nationwide. Currently, she is the national spokesperson for The LIBRE Initiative, an organization which promotes growth and provides aid within the Latino community. She is the author of “Stay Home, Stay Happy: 10 Secrets to Loving At-Home Motherhood.”

Before joining FNC, Rachel was a part of MTV’s reality television show, The Real World. She was also a recurring guest host for ABC’s The View and NBC’s The Today Show. Rachel received her Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Arizona State University’s Honors Program and earned a Master’s degree in International Affairs with an emphasis on Economic Development in Latin America from the University of California.

In her spare time she enjoys writing and spending time with her family.

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

In 1994, you were cast as a housemate on the MTV show, The Real World: San Francisco, where you were depicted as a passionate Republican, which led to conflicts with your housemates. Do you feel this experience helped you later as a guest host on The View and Fox News?

Being surrounded by so many roommates with such different views on politics and family was definitely a very formative experience for me. I genuinely relished all the new things my new roommates introduced me to. Unfortunately, my roommates were not always as open-minded about my conservative politics or the political events I invited them to attend. I learned at a young age that sometimes the most intolerant people we know are the preachers of tolerance.

As a woman of Mexican descent, do you feel that you had to work harder than others to be accepted and break through barriers to move ahead in your career?

Happily, no. I was raised by parents who had far less opportunity and challenges than I, but who taught me to never be a victim and always remain optimistic. My mother is an immigrant to this country. She believes with all her heart that in the U.S. anything is possible. She instilled that belief in the American Dream in me.

As a Mexican-American, what are your feelings about building “the wall” to keep out illegal immigrants?

As a FOX News contributor, I have interviewed many dedicated members of the U.S. Border Patrol. Many people don’t know that more than 50% of our border patrol agents are Hispanic. Every last one of them has told me we have a criminal and humanitarian crisis on our border.

my littlest ones know more than I did in my 20’s. When my little girl sees an image of the U.S. Capitol on TV and says, “Look, it’s Daddy’s office,” I get goose bumps. We live in the greatest country on earth and our kids have had a front row seat to some of the most exciting events in modern history.

What are some changes you would like to see in this country that would affect your children’s future? www.foxnews.com/person/c/rachel-campos-duffy I firmly believe that our country will remain divided until we resolve When I ask them if a wall would help I’m no good at. I am passionate about the moral issue of abortion. The first politics, culture, and the work I do them do their job, they universally for FOX News. I try to prioritize the and most fundamental right is the say “Yes.” things that really last and matter – my right to life. It’s impossible to see My husband, a U.S. Congressman a 4-D ultrasound and deny the hufaith, marriage and family. from Wisconsin, has travelled to the manity of a fetus. Those who do are border and gone on missions with our What does the word empowerment science deniers. I believe abortion Border Patrol and ICE. His first-hand mean to you? is the most important human rights Empowerment means being able experience has also informed my view issue of our time. Mother Theresa that a wall is part of the solution. We to define happiness and success for once said that we would not have myself. My career and what others need more technology, boots on the peace until we end abortion. I agree. think about me or my choices really ground, resources to care for refugees I want my kids to grow up in a coundoesn’t matter to me. My priorities and especially the children who are try that actually values and respects the innocent victims of our failed poli- are my family.

As the national spokesperson for the all human life – including innocent, cies. If a wall helps to deter or slow preborn life.

LIBRE initiative, tell us why this down drugs, criminals from entering Your new show “Moms” has started our country as well as encourage peo- organization is important to you. airing on FOX Nation. How is it The LIBRE Initiative is an organiple to come legally, then, yes, I believe zation dedicated to the empowerment different from other shows on TV we need a wall. today and what do you hope viewYou were involved in a head-on car of the Hispanic community through ers gain from it? financial independence. People collision after an oncoming drivI love the format of my new FOX really want financial independence, er fell asleep at the wheel, which Nation show which has no commerespecially Hispanics. That’s why we resulted in the death of your then cials and allows us to tackle topics are America’s most entrepreneurial boyfriend, his friend and caused in an in-depth way. We’re covering demographic. Hispanic-Americans permanent damage to your right topics that matter to moms like the start business at three times the rate leg. How has this affected your curof other Americans. LIBRE educates college admissions process as well as rent outlook on life? the recent scandal, managing tech Hispanics on how to achieve the My accident taught me to trust in family life, and a show devoted to American Dream. It comes through God. It was a horrific accident that, rule of law, limited government, rules working moms as well as one featurin a strange way, led me to my husand regulations that encourage entre- ing at-home moms from my homeband and children. It deepened my town in Wisconsin. I’m proud of preneurship, personal responsibility faith in God and his providence. our shows that have been devoted to and rewards hard work.

How do you balance your work military moms and the spouses of our Do you feel your children are more and personal life, especially as the brave Border Patrol. These moms are aware of politics than their peers mother of nine children? considering you and your husband’s unsung heroes and I love that we have I always tell young women I meet a chance to shine a light on them. professions? that the most important decision in Moms lives on our digital platform so There is no question that my kids their adult life is who they marry. My it’s perfect for busy parents to catch up husband supports me emotionally and know more than I ever did about on at their convenience. professionally and fills in all the things politics when I was their age. Even

Contributor and Host FOX News and FOX Nation

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

Tia Maria Montemurro Event Coodinator Events by Tia Maria

T

ia Maria Montemurro is an event coordinator in Westchester, Rockland, and New York City.

She hosts monthly events in venues such as The Coliseum Night Club in White Plains, The Time Hotel in Nyack, The Trump Plaza and The Attic Rooftop in New York City. Her events consist of a combination of a DJ, bands, saxophone players, percussionists, and bongo players. Tia caters to a clientele of upscale ladies and men, ages 30 and up, including singles and couples. She creates these monthly events with a theme -such as her well-known annual “White Party.” Women dress to perfection in stunning dresses, and men come dressed in their suits or sports jackets. Tia creates an atmosphere of a Miami-like lounge with a New York City vibe. Guests dance the night away as photographers and videographers capture the moment.

One of Tia’s most important events of the year is her holiday charity event which collects toys for the Toys for Tots program, which she dedicates in memory of her son, Guy. Along with her radiant personality and warm heart, Tia welcomes each guest personally. Guests attend each monthly event with enthusiasm, knowing that there will be great music, entertainment, fun and Tia’s personal touch which makes every event special.

Recently, Tia has added shopping expos to her portfolio which are being held at The Coliseum in White Plains. She displays her new line of jewelry and accessories called Fashions by Tia Maria, along with other vendors with merchandise and services. In addition to Events by Tia Maria and Fashions

by Tia Maria, she has added a humorous and entertaining talk show, “Live with Tia,” where she interviews people of interest. This can be seen on Facebook Live on her Facebook page. www.eventsbytiamaria.com

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

Denisha Marino

ANNA KAISER 50 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine 50 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

A

nna Kaiser is a fitness professional, dancer, choreographer, and entrepreneur. She is the preferred personal trainer of high-profile clientele including Kelly Ripa, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Karlie Kloss, Hilary Duff, Shiri Appleby and Sarah Jessica Parker. In 2013, she opened her first AKT studio on the Upper East Side, after successfully introducing her privately trained clients to the revolutionary cardio-based dance workout.

Rooted in functional training that allows the body to move in a dynamic way, each AKT studio class is between 45-60 minutes long and incorporates a full spectrum of fitness elements from dance to strength training and plyometrics. With new original programming created every three weeks, and the belief that movement has a powerful, lasting impact, AKT is a workout for all body types and fitness levels.

Recently, AKT entered into a franchise partnership with the curator of top boutique fitness concepts, Xponential Fitness. As a result, the AKT community has seen rapid and consistent growth, with the expectation that 200 franchise units will be sold by the end of 2019.

Anna graduated Cum Laude from the University of California, Irvine. She began her career as a professional dancer and served as the principal dancer in the Disney film “Enchanted.” She hosted the ABC reality series My Diet is Better than Yours, and offers a streaming program called AKT On Demand, as well as a DVD collection that features her “Happy Hour” workout. The website Greatist.com named Anna one of the 100 Most Influential People in Health & Fitness in 2016 and 2017. She is married to Dr. Carlos Wesley. They have one child.

Fitness Professional AKT InMotion

What inspired you to become a personal trainer?

AKT is a program, not a workout. Coming from the big box gym world, I was finding that I loved the community of the boutique fitness studio, but I found that I was running around to five different single modality studios (barre, spin, bootcamp, yoga, dance) in order to get a comprehensive workout. I decided that there was need in the market for an all-inclusive program that gave you everything you needed in one place. So I set out to create that.

This new program became the Anna Kaiser Technique, or AKT, as it is known today (Kelly Ripa came up with the name!).

How did you become a trainer to celebrities?

I didn’t set out to specifically train celebrities. They are a part of our incredible fitness family, along with so many hard-working people. I feel blessed every day to work with a community that loves the AKT family and shows up for us as we do for them. They inspire me to be better.

What advice would you give to working women who claim they have no time for fitness?

Schedule it into your week like any meeting you have. It should be a work expense. It will help keep you more focused, more productive, and happier at work.

Block it out in your schedule and commit to the time. The more you respect your fitness as a tool to help improve your work, the more likely you are to show up.

What do you consider to be the most important meal of the day and why?

Your post workout meal. Eat within 45 minutes after working out and make sure you have good quality protein to help you recover and build that lean muscle.

What vitamins do you feel are most important for women?

I suggest a calcium/magnesium/D3 complex as well as vitamin C to keep you energized, healthy, and protect your bones from osteoporosis. Most women need to add more protein into their diet. A high quality plant protein powder is a great way to help fulfill your daily amounts.

Since opening AKT InMotion in 2013, how has your business changed?

Before I opened a studio, I started to play with a concept.

My goal was to figure out how to combine the most effective workout (HIIT) with the most fun workout (dance). Originally, the workout was 90 minutes. Over the course of the next three years, I streamlined it to get the same benefits in 45 - 60 minutes by adding three other class modali-

ties: circuit, tone, and bands, to complete the full class program.

I opened my next two studios in New York (AKT NoMad, AKT East Hampton) in 2015, launched our AKT On Demand streaming app, and then in 2018 I partnered with Xponential Fitness to franchise AKT studios internationally.

Since we started selling studios last October 2018, we have sold 50 studios across the nation.

As a mother, wife, entrepreneur and fitness professional, how do you manage to create your work/ life balance?

I don’t believe in perfect balance. I like the different levels I get of everything and changes in my daily schedule. But I do try to be 100% present for all the things I schedule into my week. When I show up, I am fully committed to whatever is asked of me during that time so that I can move onto the next commitment without feeling guilty or pulled in different directions. www.theakt.com

Anna Kaiser Workout Tips

1 2 3

Schedule out all your workouts and hold yourself accountable.

Give yourself a gold star when you complete a workout and be proud of yourself.

Don’t be afraid to reward yourself but make sure the reward is something that’ll fuel your healthy choices and keep you looking forward to your workouts.

Working out is important but take the time to restore and give yourself some ‘me’ time. Take time with your family and friends to recharge.

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

Marjorie

A. g r a f

Vice President and Chairman of the Board of Directors | Graf & Sons Inc. 52 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

M

arjorie Graf has over 40 years experience in the financial field. As the vice president and chairman of the board of directors of Graf & Sons Inc., she specializes in finance and the overall operations. She also oversees the exporting side of the business, customer service and sales. Previously, she served in sales and service at Mexico Refractories and Kaiser Refractories for over 16 years. Graf & Sons Inc. 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. The company 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. Marjorie and her husband, Bob 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

with the help of UPS. 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. The company has remained family-owned but, with the full retirement of Bob in 2014, they named Paul Seigfreid the company president to help tackle the management of the company. Still very involved in the daily operations, Marjorie and Paul have formed an alliance for their plans in the management of the company for the years to come. Today, Graf & Sons stocks over 20,000 products and ships both nationally and internationally by mail order, phone sales, and internet sales. 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 were honored at the Chamber’s 29th annual Commerce & Industry Appreciation Dinner. Obviously, Marjorie is quite proud of how far they have come.

Sadly, Marjorie’s husband Bob passed away in 2018. She actively enjoys spending time with her four children, five grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. In her spare time, she also enjoys shooting, camping, hunting, fishing, cooking, and church activities. www.grafs.com

Month

WOMAN OF THE

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

Woman

OF THE MONTH

K

elley Gardner is the owner and founder of Kelley Gardner, CRNA, Inc. She has over 34 years of experience in the healthcare field and is passionate about providing safe anesthesia for all patients. She is certified by the National Board of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. She serves as a coordinator and owner of all CRNA groups delivering high risk anesthesia in Sacramento, California and has developed a reputation as being one of the finest anesthetists in the field.

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

Kelley Gardner Owner and Founder Kelley Gardner, CRNA, Inc.

After obtaining her B.S.N. from the University of Utah School of Nursing in 1984, Kelley worked as a trauma emergency room nurse until she started graduate school. She earned her M.S. in Nurse Anesthesia from the Abbott Northwestern School of Nurse Anesthesia in 1991. She worked at Kaiser Hospital prior to opening her own practice.

Kelley has worked in many underserved rural areas and volunteers her anesthesia skills for medical missions in Haiti.

According to Kelley, “Being a nurse anesthetist, you have to be a strong, fearless person, as you are dealing with life and death decisions for your patients.�

Kelley specializes in obstetrics, high risk obstetrical anesthesia and general anesthesia. She is a member of the National Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

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

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 55

Barbara Steingas Solving the Crohn’s & Colitis Puzzle: Piecing Together Your Picture of Optimal Health & Vitality (Radiant Life Series Book 1) In this book, I share the top seven strategies for our body, our mind/emotions and our spirit respectively that I used to help piece what I call my healing puzzle together to regain my quality of health from being deathly ill from Crohn’s Disease. It is designed to help others suffering from Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis to improve and optimize their quality of health and vibrancy in a more streamlined faster way than it took me. The strategies are simple and easy to follow (action suggestions are offered for each strategy).

Angela Foxworth The Pain Behind A Smile: Second Edition The Pain Behind a Smile is the first book of a 3-book series that chronicles my life from elementary to the end of my high school years and the tough times I endured and overcame. Join me on an emotional journey of ups and downs and all arounds. The next book is First Love, Last Cry. The final and 3rd book is Confessions: The Thoughts of a Christian Housewife!

Ivy Slater From the Barre to the Boardroom: Choreographing Business Success through Authentic Relationships From the Barre to the Boardroom is your guide to creating a great business through the strength of your relationships. This book isn’t about making a good impression with the “right” people. It’s about harnessing the magic of those unplanned encounters at your local coffee shop, or discovering that your favorite former colleague is now your perfect business resource, and knowing how to be a great resource for them.

From the Barre to the Boardroom will lead you through my early years as a dancer, then a printer in New York City, and now coaching and consulting successful female leaders all over the country. I will show you how every turn in my business has been enhanced by the relationships I’ve created. By the end of this book, you will know how to build the powerful connections that will grow your business, your career, and your leadership skills.

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

Leslie Weatherill The Journalist When a young, naive woman, Zoey Hubbard, fresh out of college with a degree in Journalism, lands her only job offer at a small newspaper in Hampshire County, she reluctantly takes it. The daughter of a famed journalist, she feels above reporting the obituaries and happenings of the small towns in the county, and dreams of moving on to a large, prestigious paper in a major city as soon as possible. But shortly after she is hired, a man comes into the newspaper office with a shocking story that would rattle the small burg of Chester to its core and immerse Zoey in the community in ways she could not have predicted. With the guidance of her wise boss, Bailey Bothwell, and the assorted characters she meets through the newspaper and the investigative team she helps create, Zoey grows in ways she never imagined, and begins to feel a sense of belonging that complicates her dream of big city reporting.

Tonia DeCosimo Single and Not Settling After not walking down the aisle (as she assumed she would) in her twenties and then hoping it would happen in her thirties, Tonia DeCosimo found herself single at age forty and couldn’t help but ask herself, “Whose fault is this anyway?”

The answer, she determined, is not as straightforward as it seems. And she quickly found out she’s not the only one facing these challenges.

In her new book Single and Not Settling!, DeCosimo takes you through her dating journey.

In a society where it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find the right partner, more and more people are finding themselves romantically unattached and they are still reluctant to “settle.” DeCosimo weaves together real-life stories in a web of hilarity and heartbreak, to expound on single life in modern America—with a sprinkling of tips to avoid those treacherous relationship pitfalls.

Lighthearted and poignant in equal measure, Single and Not Settling!, offers camaraderie, hope, and a real look at life in the dating trenches.

BOOK

Corner

Kim Perell The Execution Factor: The One Skill that Drives Success Learn the best-kept secret of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs: EXECUTION! The Execution Factor offers a straightforward approach to success - deliberately designed in a way that anyone can master. Perell flips the notion on its head that success is all about having a great idea, an advanced degree or a high IQ. Because people around the world have achieved their dreams without any of those things.

Perell believes the ability to execute is the difference between success and failure.

The Execution Factor is for anyone looking to transform themselves from a “dreamer” to a “doer” and will make you feel like you have a success coach by your side. Perell teaches her unique five traits of execution: vision, passion, action, resilience, and relationships. By the time you’ve completed the book you will have a have a blueprint to achieve your dreams in business and in life. Don’t settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary. Master execution and change your life.

Rhonda Shear Up All Night: From Hollywood Bombshell to Lingerie Mogul, Life Lessons from an Accidental Feminist Slip on your satin pajamas, pull back the covers, and slide into bed with everyone’s favorite late-night bedtime buddy, Rhonda Shear! You know her as the smart-sexy hostess of USA: Up All Night, but did you know Rhonda was a New Orleans beauty queen? A candidate for office?

A standup comic? An award-winning “bimbopreneur?” A rule-breaking feminist?

She’s been all that and more, and in this funny, naughty, candid book, Rhonda finally shares the unforgettable story of a woman who was always “too something” too pretty, too funny, too ethnic, too blonde to achieve anything, but who ended up achieving everything.

Packed with vivid characters, hilarious stories, and wisdom for women of all ages, Up All Night proves that when it comes to achieving your dreams, the only voice that matters is your own.

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

KIM PERELL

K

im Perell is an award-winning entrepreneur, national bestselling author, angel investor, and tech CEO, overseeing 1,000 employees across 25 global offices. Laid off from her dream job out of college, Kim started her first company from her kitchen table. She went from being broke to becoming a multi-millionaire by the time she was 30, selling her last company for $235 million in 2014. She has been named one of AdAge’s Marketing Technology Trailblazers, Business Insider’s Most Powerful Women in Mobile Advertising, and is an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Passionate about supporting others to achieve success in life, she is an angel investor in over 70 startups, 15 of which have been successfully acquired. Kim attributes her success to her ability to execute, which inspired her to write her national bestselling book, “The Execution Factor: The One Skill that Drives Success,” designed to help others achieve success in business and life by mastering execution. All of the proceeds from the book go to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs with early stage investment through The Execution Factor Fund.

Kim has been profiled by CNN Money, The New York Times, Inc. Magazine, and is an investor judge on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Elevator Pitch Series. Kim and her husband John have five year-old twins, John and Elle. They also have twin sons, Jack and William. Having visited over 60 countries, Kim enjoys world travel and spending time with her family.

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

Entrepreneur, National Bestselling Author, Angel Investor, Tech CEO Amobee

When you found yourself unemployed, you channeled your passion to create your first company from your kitchen table. Did you ever imagine that it would become a multimillion-dollar company that would ultimately be sold for $235 million dollars with you being the CEO? It became something more than I ever imagined possible. This is why I always tell people to dream BIGGER! So much of success is simply mindset.

Your belief in yourself ultimately has to be greater than your doubt. When you dream, dream big!

Amobee’s been recognized for numerous workplace awards. Why have you dedicated yourself to creating outstanding workplace cultures?

Great people make great companies. Culture and people have always been a passion and focus of mine.

Ultimately, you are only as good as your team, so keeping people at the forefront is key.

When deciding which startups you want to provide capital to as an angel investor, what factors do you look for?

First and foremost, I look for entrepreneurs who can execute. Entrepreneurs can think success is all about a great idea – but ideas are a dime a dozen.

Ideas are just the starting point. Success is all about execution. After working with entrepreneurs and seeing hundreds of investment pitches, the biggest gap I see between the Dreamers and Doers is the ability to execute. When I look at which companies I want to invest in and people I want to hire, I look for people that can execute.

Passion is a key trait I look for. Passion comes from the Latin root word for pain or suffering so it’s not just doing what you love but what you would gladly suffer for. Entrepreneurs need this level of passion to keep going despite the roadblocks, struggles and challenges they will face.

What strategies do you think women need to focus on in order to be successful in business?

Entrepreneurship, leadership and success - sacrifices are a large part of that. I didn’t take a salary for years.

I have had to turn down a lot of invitations, a lot of dinner parties, a lot of happy hours and a lot of sleep.

My passion is what kept me motivated to keep going.

Set goals to maintain your focus. Embrace sacrifice and rejection. Ask to get. Turn hardships into opportunities to practice for resilience. Form relationships that demand your best. Actively seek mentorships and surround yourself with the right people.

As a business executive, speaker, author, startup mentor, entrepreneur, wife, mother of young twins

and an avid traveler, how do you balance your work and personal life?

It’s not so much about a work-life balance as it is a work-life integration.

Prioritize correctly so that your quality time goes toward people and projects you love. Decide which aspects of your life are priorities, then scale back on the rest. Ultimately, I make time for projects since I love helping people achieve their dreams.

I love spending time with entrepreneurs.

I see it as a hobby. I love ideas, I love learning and I love helping others. The work I do in one area helps me succeed in another area - doing what I love makes me better at work and at home. It’s what I need to be my best self.

Tell us about your national best-selling book, “The Execution Factor: The One Skill that Drives Success.”

I really attribute my own success to my ability to execute. The misconception about success is it’s just about IQ or hard work, but it’s not. We all know really smart people and really hard-working people who ultimately are not suc-

cessful. You can also be really busy, but that doesn’t mean you are busy doing the right things. Execution is the difference between success and failure, and I believe it’s a skill that can be learned. I wrote “The Execution Factor: The One Skill That Drives Success” in order to share what I’ve learned with others.

“The Execution Factor: The One Skill That Drives Success” teaches the skill of execution broken down into five traits so that anyone can learn. They are: vision, passion, action, resilience and relationships. The traits are interdependent, not independent. You need to have them in balance as you need them all to be successful.

My book also offers a straightforward approach to success designed in a way that anyone can master. By the time you’ve completed the book, you will have a blueprint to achieve your dreams in business and in life.

What haven’t you accomplished yet that is still on your bucket list?

There is so much! I define accomplishments by the number of lives I can positively influence. No one is successful alone and so many people have supported me in becoming successful. Ultimately, I want to pay that forward, sharing what I’ve learned and supporting others. My goal is to leave a legacy to support the next generation. I want to support more people - the book was a huge step toward achieving that, but I really believe I’m just getting started. I want to share more and help more people succeed. I’m not sure yet what form that will take.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Growing up as a twin I learned to never compare myself to others and instead focus on being the best I could be, and to find my own special talents. This is where you will find you feel the most empowered. Empowerment centers on focusing on who you are, what you want to do and what you need to be your best. kimperell.com

Bevin E. Smullen Senior Library Assistant | Kean University

B

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

How did you get started in your field/industry?

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

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

First was my skillset. The next challenge was being taken seriously because of my age and because of my size. I feel that sometimes both or either can be and asset. You can make it so by being positive and by being just you. Never give up on the idea that you can absolutely be taken seriously no matter your size or age.

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

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

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

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

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

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P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 65

M

elinda Maria grew up in Spokane, Washington. She moved to Los Angeles, after living for a short time in New York City, because she wanted to see the world.

Before finding her niche, Melinda Maria assisted a producer for a number of years before she found jobs as a makeup artist and jewelry designer. Her then boyfriend and now husband inspired her to focus on her jewelry design by telling her not to be a jack of all trades, but a master of one. Melinda Maria got her first big fashion Hollywood break when actress Hayden Panettiere was photographed wearing a pair of her earrings.

Nicknamed “Hollywood’s Bling Queen,”

by E! Entertainment television, celebrities can be seen wearing Melinda Maria’s pieces daily. She is constantly inspired by the world around her, whether it is walking down the produce aisle at the market or picking flowers in her garden.

Jewelry Designer Melinda Maria Designs

MM

Melinda Maria

Melinda Maria Designs aims to “empower all women to be confident, beautiful and fashion forward through its beautiful jewelry.”

What does empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means that you feel confident enough to lead with your gut and trust yourself.

Conversely, it also means that you are empowered enough to have people around you that complement your strengths and feel empowered that you let them lead in their division.

How did you learn to design jewelry without any formal training?

When you have a passion deep in your bones, that is not “taught” to you, you will stop at nothing to research and learn on your own every day. I am still in training and I made my first piece of jewelry 32 years ago.

You have been a fashion icon and community influencer in the industry for over 14 years. Where do you get your inspiration and ideas to create new and different jewelry pieces each season?

It is so tough to try and be interesting and innovative every collection, because in fashion jewelry, you design about 400 skus per year! There are always the LBD of jewelry that are basics that are easy to wear and sell well. But it’s how you put them together that becomes innovative. Where my ideas come from sometimes is a shape I see while walking around the city, or it’s just me and my sketch pad in a great coffee shop in Hollywood, where very cool fashionable people are hanging out.

How does it feel to have your jewelry listed as one of Oprah’s Favorites, see it chosen by stylists for film and TV, and to see celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift and many others wearing your designs on the red carpet?

Amazing! I still get excited when someone who

has access to literally every fashion house in the world is picking my designs and costume jewelry no less! This week, Julia Roberts and Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin-Bieber and Kourtney Kardashian wore Melinda Maria.

That is pretty cool when all these women could be dripping in diamonds if they wanted. The coolest thing is that the average woman can purchase the same pieces they are wearing at an amazing price on melindamaria.com.

As an entrepreneur, mother of three and designer, how do you balance your work and family life?

Sometimes life is amazing and sometimes I feel like I am not doing anything well. It’s so hard balancing it all. In fact, the “balance” part of this question we always hear in regard to working moms makes me chuckle because it seems like it is always off balance. Like last night, I spent the whole day with my kids and husband but woke up at midnight and could not get back to sleep because of work. So, I was working from midnight to 5 a.m. Then, I was up with the kids at 6 for breakfast. So, it’s organized chaos, or just chaos.

What advice would you give to women trying to live their dreams and passions in a competitive field such as design?

Have a view point that is not currently on the market. Make sure what you’re offering is something that isn’t being sold yet. Trust your own creativity and vision, and make sure you want to wear almost everything. I definitely made the mistake of designing for who I thought I was selling to for years instead of believing in my own style. My marketing was so off-kilter because I wasn’t excited about all the products.

So, stay true to your aesthetic. melindamaria.com

Wear Your Story Design your own meaningful bangle and necklace with our one-of-a-kind ICONS that tell your story.

Visit MelindaMaria.com/icons for the full collection.

MelindaMaria.com