Women in the Midstate 2014

SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2014

leading the way:

today’s women in the midstate

Today’s Women in the Midstate

H2 • The Sentinel

Sunday, May 4, 2014

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Today’s Women in the Midstate

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Jane Kitchen 1. Tell us a little bit about what you do in your current role. I plan and coordinate all of the school programs, curricula and the annual budget for a K-12 school. My daily goals are to provide professional and spiritual leadership in overseeing the faculty, staff, academic, business and non-instructional staff of the school and the accreditation process. I also serve as a liaison between the school board and staff. I am responsible for the hiring of faculty and staff, developing public relations with the community while promoting the school, and fundraising. Ultimately, I strive to engage and equip students in an environment conducive to a quality Christian education.

2. How did you arrive at this point in your professional life? My early career roles included working with severe-profound developmentally delayed children and adults, teaching GED math and reading skills for the Department of Defense, and the director of special education services.

In 1990, I transitioned into teaching math and overseeing the math department as the chairperson. These leadership positions sparked my interest in school program leadership. I decided to earn my graduate degree in school administration with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction. The advantage to having this responsibility in a small school is that I can still maintain in-

The Sentinel • H3

Principal • carlisle Christian academy • carlisle

teraction with students and connect with them on a daily basis.

3. Along the way, what women helped you achieve your success?

Tell us who the role models in your life have been and how they helped you.

I have been very blessed and fortunate to have had strong, positive and encouraging female role models in my life that all contributed to my success. Personally, beginning with my paternal grandmother, an immigrant from Italy, who demonstrated strength through adversity, perseverance, wisdom in finances and hospitality.

She taught me that regardless of our circumstances or beginnings, we are capable of achieving whatever

we set our minds to. With no formal education, limited English language skills, and the necessity to assimilate into a new culture, she became a savvy business woman, owning and managing several real estate properties. Educationally, I was accountable to the very high academic and behavioral standards established by the Daughters of Mercy nuns. These women taught me about selflessness, dedication, commitment, selfdiscipline and respect. Professionally, I was mentored by an experienced and gifted school administrator who modeled professionalism, composure, discernment and patience. All inspiring in their own ways, they were a part of “the village” that

raised me to accomplish my goals and be a lifelong learner.

4. What advice do you have for women following you in your footsteps?

First, identify a strong mentor who possesses and effectively utilizes the skill sets needed for the job and observe them for long periods of time, in different situations. Learn how they react and respond to a variety of circumstances. Study their problem-solving approaches and how they generate solutions. While observing, generate questions and request time with your mentor dedicated to sharing those questions.

Secondly, become familiar with and experience all of the job responsibilities of

those you will be leading/ supervising. An advanced degree in any area is only as effective as the hands-on experience you acquire “in the trenches.” You cannot lead without willingness to be a servant first. Never require of others what you are not prepared to do yourself.

Listen, discern, seek guidance if needed, wait, respond … in that order.

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H4 • The Sentinel

Today’s Women in the Midstate

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Takia Colston-Krow vice president, sales and marketing • harrisburg Stampede • harrisburg 1. Tell us a little bit about what you do in your current role. Community and corporate partnerships are the cornerstone of the Harrisburg Stampede organization, and it is our mission to offer an affordable, family brand of entertainment that also has a social impact on the community. In order achieve this goal, the role of the vice president of sales and marketing is to provide the overall direction for cultivation, management and development of new and existing relationships with corporate and community partners. In addition, ensuring the brand identity

and mission is clearly and consistently communicated across multiple mediums is a critical function of the

position. In this position, I oversee the organization’s creative and media placement and theme development for all existing campaigns and advertising.

2. How did you arrive at this point in your professional life? At an early age, I learned that giving back to the community is not only a responsibility, but also a blessing. Throughout my adult and professional life, every career path and employment opportunity presented challenges and ways in which I could use my talents to provide a positive impact in the communities I lived in. The Harrisburg Stampede not only provides

exciting football and family-friendly entertainment — it is a vehicle for providing a positive and impact in the community. This is the opportunity of a lifetime: giving back to the community while having the opportunity to develop creative ways to market and promote such an exciting entertainment option to our community!

3 . A l o n g t h e w a y, wh a t wo m e n h e l p e d you achieve your success? Tell us who the role models in your life have been and how they helped you. My mother is the most significant and positive role model in my

life. She has taught me the values of hard work, dedication and integrity. She has also demonstrated incredible strength and resilience in the face of adversity and never wavered. As a working mother in a male-dominated industry, learning to rise to every occasion is a must. Learning to overcome challenges with integrity and humility is a gift, one in which I thank my mother for every day.

4. What advice do you have for women follow-

ing you in your footsteps? Whether your goal is to work with a professional sports team, community organization or starting your own enterprise, it is important to remember that you must always work with integrity and dedication. It is easy to work just to get the job done. It is a challenge to be the best you can be at all times. However, remembering integrity and community in all you do will make the challenges you face worth it in the end.

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Today’s Women in the Midstate

Sunday, May 4, 2014

The Sentinel • H5

Carolyn Moore director of marketing and business development • carlisle regional medical center • carlisle 1. Tell us a little bit about what you do in your current role. I am the marketing director for the hospital and physician practices.

I work with administration and the home office to create a marketing plan that includes newspaper, publications, magazines, radio, Internet and TV. I participate in community programs to maximize our opportunities for community outreach and communication. I keep the communication lines open for employees and physicians to keep them informed of what is happening not only within our organization but our surrounding areas.

2. How did you arrive at this point in your professional life? My mother was a hospital administrator and I grew up in the business. I can remember spending afternoons after school or my days off school hanging out at the nursing homes playing cards with patients. I always knew that I would end up in health care and started my career in radiology as an Xray tech and continued onto radiation therapy school, where I became board-certified in dosimetry. I start-

ed my career in Florida as a chief tech in radiation oncology and eventually took a job at Hershey Medical Center. After a year, I transferred to Carlisle, where I worked as director of oncology for Carlisle Regional for the past 12 years until I recently transitioned into the director of marketing and business development.

3 . A l o n g t h e w a y, wh a t wo m e n h e l p e d you achieve your success? Tell us who the role models in your life have been and how they helped you. I am fortunate to have two women in my

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life who have helped shape me into the person I am today. First and most importantly is my mother, Kathy.

I watched her as she worked hard to become successful in a man’s world of leadership.

She took the nursing shifts that no one else wanted and took on more responsibility over time. She continued her education, receiving her masters in nursing and psychology and became vice president of University Health Systems in Augusta, Georgia. I watched her balance her work life and my social life throughout my childhood. I was always amazed that no matter how demanding the job was or how many hours she had to put in, she never missed a single sporting event or school function. She was always there when I needed her regardless of work commitments or obligations.

It is from my mother that I learned how to be self-sufficient and independent. I learned how to take care of myself and not need someone to support me. I learned how to be successful in my career as well as my home.

My mother gave me my

drive and determination to be successful.

The other woman in my life who was influential to me was my stepmom, Linda.

Although Linda was also a successful businesswoman, I learned how to forgive from her. I learned to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. She has compassion for everyone, and I admire that in her. She always finds the good in a bad situation, and when I find myself in that same spot, I remember to look for that silver lining.

It’s the combination of these traits that has made me who I am today. I feel that I have been able to learn

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dren, and we want them to be successful and happy, but we don’t always know what that may be. We can teach them right from wrong, prepare them for the path that lies ahead and give them opportunity, but at some point they have to fly out of that nest and make decisions for themselves. Create your own views. Take your time in deciding what you want to do and don’t feel bad if you change your path along the way. This isn’t a race, and you can’t live your whole life in one day. Enjoy the ride as well as the turns and do something you truly enjoy each and every day.

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from both of them and combine the best parts of each to create someone who is successful yet considerate.

4. What advice do you have for women following you in your footsteps? I have an 8-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. My hope and desire is that they both grow up in a loving environment with the ability and opportunity to be successful in whatever they want to do in life. My advice to my daughter is to never let anything get in her way of doing what she wants to do, including her mom and dad. Parents want what they feel is best for their chil-

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H6 • The Sentinel

Today’s Women in the Midstate

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Patricia Craig

retailer, custom picture framer, artist • pat craig studios llc • carlisle 1. Tell us a little bit about what you do in your current role. Like every woman in business, I wear many hats. My daily professional roles as boutique gift shop business owner and employer, professional custom picture framer, commercial artist and jewelry designer, are often mingled with my daily roles as mother to adult children, babysitting my 4year-old granddaughter (at my shop, she’ll be the next generation working woman), wife and designer for historic buildings we are renovating downtown. I do most all of these “roles” on a daily basis. Sometimes when well-meaning people tell me “how lucky I am to be selfemployed,” I want to scream, “Help me! My boss is crazy!”

I know I’m not alone in this, as my closest friends are also self-employed, crazy working women, and for whatever crazy reasons this wild ride lifestyle seems to work for us. Every day, if I’m lucky, I’ll meet with framing clients bringing in new work for us to do. Every framing job is a joyful exercise in problem solving and I’m always honored they chose me, and our shop to help them fulfill their needs. Most of my clients have become longtime friends over the last 20-plus years, and the best compliment is always when they mention a piece we framed a long time ago that is still looking good in its framing, although they may have changed their interior style over the years. Our shop has a full-time manager, Fran Piper, who I could not possibly do without. Fran has been an integral piece of my bizarre retail puzzle from the beginning which allows me to try on more hats. I have

also hired an enterprising young man, Jeremy Miller, training to one day head up the production part of the framing studios. Every business owner needs to remain flexible, learn to be open to new opportunities, embrace strengths of all the people it takes to keep it all going and always be moving in a positive and forward motion.

2. How did you arrive at this point in your professional life? I come from a diverse family of artists, hobby to professional; it’s in the blood, a curse and a gift.

A dear friend once asked me if I ever run out of ideas and I said not yet, but it was a small and unspoken fear. So far, so good. I’ve worn a lot of hats, from custom car painter to portrait restoration; art is art to me regardless of the medium or subject. My main reason for embarking on custom picture framing was to have more cost and time control over the framing of my artworks. What I discovered was that while I’m an adequate artist, I’m an exceptional framer. I actually like to frame. Who knew? I fell into jewelry design when my middle child left behind her tools. I love designing pieces that people feel comfortable wearing, pieces that flatter them and not the other way around. My framing philosophy spilled over to my jewelry designing, and voila! — a new and lucrative in-house venture was born.

I love it when people simply wear my designs to death; they become favorite pieces they wear too much for the good of the piece. It doesn’t get more flattering than that. My reason for opening a boutique gift shop was purely selfish: to give myself a venue to display and sell

my designs without seeking approval of another shop owner. This can be enlightening if you’re willing to recognize your mistakes. Not everything I design finds an audience. When that happens, it’s up to me to pull the plug on it and not be too attached. I, like every shop owner, have overhead to pay, and I need to remain objective.

3. Along the way, what women helped you achieve your success?

Tell us who the role models in your life have been and how they helped you.

I have always been a “business-oriented” type of female, even as a child. Coming from a series of abusive and broken homes, I always assumed I would live alone, never have a family, and work full time. To the contrary, I have beaten all the odds and not become a repeat statistic of a difficult upbringing.

Why? I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart since 1976, still crazy about him in every way, cannot imagine life without him. I am proud to be a mother to three great kids, now adults, and even a wild little granddaughter. I work full time, and if lucky, will until the day I die. My role models may seem unconventional for someone like me. Quiet, unassuming women, housewives and mothers all, who without realizing, gave me the tools I needed to navigate life. I’ve come to believe a child doesn’t need a posse of support; a single advocate will do nicely. My grandmother loved me like the sun rose and set on my head; I know this because she’d say so. When I lived with her, life was calm; a person could relax, grow without fear and

learn new good things every day and build strong self-esteem blocks to stand on later.

She never held an “outside” job, but she ruled the compound of her acreage and her home, and when necessary she could be fearless.

She taught me to be grateful and to work for the things that would bring positive impact to my life and the lives of those I would come in contact with through life.

She endured several horrible life-altering events, but remained a woman of great joy, strength and character until the day she died. I’ve known my mother-in-law since I was a kid. From the day I entered her house, I started learning how families could be a positive thing, some-

thing to desire, and something that made all the work worthwhile. Again, a woman of more strength and goodness and love than even she knows she possesses. I could have easily been just another statistic. Thanks to them I wasn’t, and for them I will always be eternally grateful.

4. What advice do you have for women following you in your footsteps? I don’t think anyone should follow in someone else’s footsteps. Owning a brick-and-mortar boutique business requires more than opening your door, hanging an open flag and hoping for success. Be involved. Learn about the town you’ve chosen to house your business, know your neighbors, your

neighborhood. Serve on committees and boards to enable cross networking and a greater understanding of your place within your community. Learn to lead, embrace change, work harder than you think you’re able.

Graciously accept help; it can take many forms. Always be grateful. Find and give joy as often as possible. It can be a wonderful, bumpy ride. Be sure to bring plenty of hats.

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Sunday, May 4, 2014

Today’s Women in the Midstate

Deb Keyser market development manager • CenturyLink • carlisle 1. Tell us a little bit about what you do in your current role: I am the market development manager at CenturyLink. I am responsible for community relations, economic development and local marketing and media relations. I am the interface between the company, the customers and the media in the Pennsylvania market.

I have approximately 30 years of public relations and marketing experience. I previously worked as the director of special projects for WHP-TV/WLYH-TV Clear Channel of Harrisburg and I have volunteered and spent nearly 13 years as mar- served on numerous boards keting executive for WJAC- and was elected chairwoman TV in Johnstown. of the board for The United

Way of Cumberland County, Cumberland Area Economic Development Corp., Carlisle Area Family YMCA, Business Women’s Forum and the Bachelor’s Club. I have enjoyed working with lots of nonprofits and chairing the Greater Carlisle Chamber of Commerce 100th anniversary, the 125th anniversary of the Carlisle Area Family YMCA and The Keystone Chapter of the American Red Cross Financial Development. Other board activates include founding member of Cambria County Crime Stoppers; the Harrisburg Regional Chamber of See Keyser, H9

Carol Lennon Branch Manager • Manpower • Carlisle 1. Tell us a little bit about what you do in your current role. Manpower is a staffing agency.

We work with companies in the Carlisle area to find solutions to their staffing needs. We place people in temporary, temp to hire and permanent positions. In additional to sales, marketing and networking, I manage the day to day operation of the Manpower office. I strive on a daily basis to be an expert on employment in the Carlisle area.

2. How did you arrive at this point in your professional life? I arrived at this point in my life by having a good work ethic and a strong commitment to providing

the best customer service possible.

3. Along the way, what women helped you achieve your success?

Tell us who the role models in your life have been and how they helped you.

I have worked with a lot of really good female managers and supervisors. However, the women who helped me achieve my success in the business world would have to be those that have been there to offer advice and guidance when needed, but who gave me the opportunity to prove I could do the job.

4. What advice do you have for women following you in your footsteps? Hard work and dedication can help you reach your goals, but take a little time to laugh a little along the way.

The Sentinel • H7

Today’s Women in the Midstate

H8 • The Sentinel

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Michelle Hornick Crowley

president & ceo • greater carlisle area chamber of commerce • Carlisle 1. Tell us a little bit about what you do in your current role: The best part about the Chamber, which represents almost 700 businesses in and around the Carlisle area, is that each day is different. Our membership organization is comprised of sole proprietorships to businesses with several thousand employees. My role is to work with our strong team — Donna Hunter, membership director, Pam Crumb, office manager, N icole Deary, events director, and Alyssa Lehman, communications director — to meet with our membership, listen

to their needs and work to provide them with tools and resources to help network them, support their needs and just listen to their concerns and issues. No matter how large the business or organization, they are all equally important when it comes to being one piece of the puzzle that makes our area what it is — vibrant and always changing. I have worked within the Chamber, both in Carlisle and my hometown, for more than 20 years and am always amazed at how much our organization can accomplish, especially when it comes to sup-

porting our members.

2. How did you arrive at this point in your professional life?: I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in economics. My first professional job was with the Tribune-

Democrat in Johnstown and then I sold pharmaceuticals for number of years. After awhile, my company wanted me to relocate out of state and it was not possible. I had a friend that knew of a job opening at the Johnstown/ Cambria County Chamber and I was fortunate enough to get the job. My former boss, who is still the president of the Chamber, allowed me to grew within the role that I was given and even want more. When I learned of the career opportunity in Carlisle, I was thrilled. I was looking at three different Chambers, but Carlisle was the first to offer me an opportunity, so I took it. And I have not looked back since.

3. Along the way, what women helped you achieve your success?

Tell us who the role models in your life have been and how they helped you: The list is long and I cannot name all that have touched me. But I can tell you that I have always been inspired by my mom. She taught me so much. Actually, both of my parents always gave me enough rope to see if I could handle whatever situation came along — and if I needed them, then they always brought me back. For that support I will always be grateful. My sisters — all older than me — and all very different. Each provides me with wisdom — from their own perspective, when I need it. Cecile Crowley — my stepdaughter. She had such great female role models — her mom, her gram and all of her aunts — I have

enjoyed watching her grow.

Eve Seibert Lebo Weaver — the person that ran the search committee when I was hired for my job — she has become not only a mentor, but a friend. The Chamber team — and they are a team — is so dedicated to our membership. And my dearest friends — Teresa, Debbie, Linda, Yvonne, Gillie, Laura, Nora and so many others. I am lucky to have so many strong women in my life!

4. What advice do you have for women following you in your footsteps?

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Sunday, May 4, 2014

Today’s Women in the Midstate

Kate Hannon hR manager • valenti Mid-atlantic management llC / Wendy’s • harrisburg 1. Tell us a little bit about what you do in your current role. As the human resources manager, my primary role is to help keep our restaurants in compliance with our company policies and procedures. I deal with employee relations, investigations, training, ADA accommodations, helping with recruitment, and keeping our organization up to date on employment laws and updates.

2. How did you arrive at this point in your professional life? I went to college believing I wanted to be an accountant, but within two years realized that was not going to be my career. I took a career discovery test and human resources was a position that I matched with. I changed majors and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in HR from Shippensburg University. Upon graduating, I was hired as an HR assistant and worked in that position for about two years, gaining

work experience while continuing my education at St. Francis University at Dixon University Center in Harrisburg for my master’s degree in HR. In 2003, I began my career with Valenti MidAtlantic Management as a benefits manager and 2-plus years later I was promoted to human resources manager.

3. Along the way, what women helped you achieve your success?

Tell us who the role models in your life have been and how they helped you.

I can say that I have always had support from both my parents to continue my education and achieve goals I have set. I was very lucky that my current director gave me a chance and hired me as the benefits manager. Over the last 10 years with Valenti Mid-Atlantic Management, my director has continually encouraged me to continue growing and developing my knowledge and skills. It was my director who encouraged me to take the human

resources manager position because of the potential to grow and see another side of the HR field beyond the benefits side.

4. What advice do you have for women following you in your footsteps?

Take opportunities as they come along and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Keep yourself updated on the current employment environment and join local organizations to network.

keyser Continued from H7 Commerce, Greater Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Johnstown Chamber of Commerce membership and marketing committees, the City of Harrisburg Millennium Commission and Adams County Economic Development Corp.

I am from Shanksville and currently reside in the borough of Carlisle.

2. How did you arrive at this point in your professional life? A support-

ive mother and wonderful friends and a lot of hard work.

3. Along the way, what women helped you achieve your success?

Tell us who the role models in your life have been and how they helped you.

My mother. She never gives up and taught me at a very young age how important it was to volunteer and to help others. She has always been there for me and supported me through every adventure of my career and life’s challenges.

4. What advice do you have for women following you in your footsteps?

Network at every chance you get and find a cause you believe in and support it.

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The Sentinel • H9

More Women Seize Chance To Start Businesses

By Chris Fleisher Tribune-Review, Greensburg GREENSBURG — Judy Masucci had enough of her corporate job.

She was exhausted by the 12- to 14-hour days she worked for a biotech firm.

The job was hard, but after her son was born in 2005, it became nearly impossible.

There was only one thing she could do — she quit.

“I think there is a lot of negative reinforcement in corporate America that pushes women to find other solutions,” Masucci, 46, of Wexford, said.

Masucci’s solution was to open a clothing store for nursing mothers called A Mother’s Boutique. In

starting a business, Masucci joined a growing list of women who have become entrepreneurs.

Many are striking out on their own out of frustration with their corporate jobs.

Others are fulfilling a desire to be their own boss, and some act out of necessity because of being laid off in a market where finding work has been exceedingly tough in recent years.

The number of femaleowned businesses has increased 68 percent to 9 million from 5.4 million in 1997, according to an analysis of Census data by American Express Open, a small business credit program.

The Pittsburgh region has seen an increase in femaleowned firms in the past 17

years, which have shot up 41 percent since 1997 and total 52,800.

These companies span the spectrum, from health care to technology, marketing, retail and manufacturing, said Jayne Huston, director of Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify program, which offers training and resources for women who are entrepreneurs. Opportunity is everywhere, she said.

“It used to be, back in the day, you’d see service and retail,” Huston said. “That has really widened out.”

Women are starting businesses at 1 1/2 times the rate of men, Huston said. Last year, her office worked with 1,265 people, a 42 percent See More, H12

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H10 • The Sentinel

Today’s Women in the Midstate

Nikki Ondek

co-owner and Treasurer • midas auto service & tires • Carlisle 1. Tell us a little bit about what you do in your current role. My current role as co-owner and treasurer of Midas Auto Service entails many different roles.

I am the one behind the scenes. I handle all of the accounting and bookkeeping including, but not limited to, accounts payable and accounts receivable; payroll; recordkeeping; and local, state and federal taxes. On the marketing, advertising and public relations end, I manage all of the corporate print, online, radio and TV advertising; all the local advertising; the online marketing and advertising via our website, www.midascentralpa.com; sponsorship of events in the area; sponsorship of our local school districts’ sports teams; other school events; local youth sports teams; charitable donations; and our customer service. I am also a part of our Human Resources Department, along with my husband, Matt and our manager, Brian. The HR side of business involves recruiting and hiring of employees, staff meetings, employee training, and health insurance. Additionally, I am involved with my husband in the planning and strategy of our business to help us understand how to grow now, and in the future, and how we can best serve our customers.

2. How did you arrive at this point in your professional life? Growing up, I never really thought about becoming a business owner.

I have always loved working with people and children and after working in a day care, ended up going to HACC part-time to study to become a kindergarten

teacher. I was not able to finish the degree and went to work at an insurance company, even dabbling in some insurance classes.

That didn’t fit me and what I enjoyed, so I moved on to the marketing and public relations department of Carlisle Regional Medical Center as an administrative assistant, working for Cindy Small, marketing director at the time. She opened up a whole new world for me. I enjoyed the position so much working with her, I started taking classes at HACC for marketing and advertising. She was a true inspiration on who I am now and who I have become.

Shortly, thereafter, after many years of infertility, my husband and I were expecting a baby boy. After having our son, I wanted to be able to be home more with him, so my husband and I made the decision for me to go part-time. I began working at Casses Chiropractic for Scott and Rochelle Casses. I was able to use my marketing background and be able to help others by talking with them about all of the amazing benefits of chiropractic care and how it can

help anyone from an infant to adulthood and beyond. I learned so much from them as well. Each position I have held has helped, strengthened and enlightened me on my journey. I have learned so many different details from each one and they have all made such a significant difference in my life. But the greatest influence on how I arrived at this point in my professional career is my husband, Matt Ondek. After having our second child, a daughter, we began to discuss owning our own business. Owning a business has always been a dream of his. He had been working at Midas for many years as the manager and has always loved being an auto technician. So this was an obvious place to start, and after some discussions with the previous owner, Jeff Austin, we decided that this was the right move for us. After some training and legalities, our dream had become a reality! Now a blessed seven years later, we are working hard every day to continue to give our customers the honesty and care they deserve in the care of the vehicles.

3. Along the way, what women helped you achieve your success?

Tell us who the role models in your life have been and how they helped you.

First and foremost, my mom has been a very influential woman in my life. She has taught me how to be a very determined and independent woman. She has always shown me that a woman can do anything when she works hard and has a vision. I can’t thank her enough for raising me this way!

As noted previously, I have

also worked for Cindy Small, former director of marketing and public relations at Carlisle Regional Medical Center as an administrative assistant. She has been the most influential woman in my professional career. She taught me so many invaluable lessons throughout my time with her. She helped me learn who I was as a professional by involving me in community meetings and outings that I would have shied away from if not given a little push. She taught me to understand a situation before reacting to it, showed me how to handle difficult people and help them at the same time. Her experience and expertise were amazing to see in everything that she did. She is a truly exceptional businesswoman, who gave me some knowledge and experience I would not have been able to receive from any one besides her. I would never know and be where I am now without her wisdom. Thank you, Cindy, for everything!

Another woman who has helped me along my way is Rochelle Casses of Casses Chiropractic. I saw how compassionate Rochelle was the first day I interviewed with her. She is very family-oriented and caring and I was able to learn many things from her. One, was how you should take care of your customers and employees. Another, on more of a personal note: I was nervous about working with my husband every day, worried about the effects it may or may not have on us, but after working for Rochelle and her husband, Scott, I was able to put those fears at ease. They work so well together as well as with

their employees. I was able to partially see how a small business worked from the inside along with using my marketing strategies there.

Thank you, Rochelle!

4. What advice do you have for women following you in your footsteps? The first piece of advice I have is to be open to any opportunities that you are given and blessed with along your way. Some of those opportunities may not be easy or what you want to do, but they will help you to learn and grow as a professional. Try to take a little bit from each endeavor you encounter. Second is to have patience. You are going to go through many hoops and obstacles and learning patterns before you get to where you want to be and then there will be more hurdles.

Every day is a new learning experience; take advantage of it. Third is to take ownership and care about what you are doing. You may not always enjoy it, but care about your business, your role in the business, your employees, your customers and yourself. You will make mistakes along the way. It is OK. Just take those, learn from them, and turn them into something positive!

Owning and/or running a business is one of the hardest things to do, but also one of the most rewarding! I am very blessed to be able to co-own Midas Auto Service with my husband, Matt. We and our children, look forward to many more years of building strong relationships with our new and long-time customers and friends with the safety and maintenance of their vehicles. Come see us at Midas Auto Service of Carlisle!

Sunday, May 4, 2014

New Mom’s Guide For Going Back To Work Brandpoint

Going back to work for new moms can be challenging. Learning to balance work and family while facing many new stressors can be overwhelming.

Jill Smokler, author of the New York Times bestselling book “Confessions of a Scary Mommy” and “Motherhood Comes Naturally (and Other Vicious Lies),” shares tips and tricks on how new moms can acclimate back into to the working world.

• Plan ahead: After working a full day and driving to day care to pick up your baby, the last thing you’re going to feel like doing is cooking dinner. My advice is to embrace the wonder of the crockpot by letting the machine fill your home with the scent of a freshly cooked meal while you’re miles away at work. Another time-saving tip is to lay out all your clothes for the week on Sunday to avoid that moment of tearing apart your closet when you should already be in the car. Also, always charge your cellphone overnight.

A n o t h e r i m p o r ta n t plan to have in place is your new baby’s feeding plan. According to a survey conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of Perrigo Nutritionals, 42 percent of moms See Moms, H14

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Today’s Women in the Midstate

Lucy Zander

executive director • united way of carlisle & cumberland County • Carlisle 1. Tell us a little bit about what you do in your current role. My position is charged with establishing and enforcing the vision of the organization, recruiting and supervising office staff, maintaining a productive relationship with the board of directors, creating a fundraising plan that will ensure sustainability and managing organizational finances.

2. How did you arrive at this point in your professional life? I have accumulated over 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector.

I have served on several nonprofit boards: Carlisle Family YMCA, Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties, Todd Baird Lindsey Foundation and Kiwanis Club of Carlisle.

As long as I can remember, I was only interested in obtaining work in a nonprofit organization. I chose to study psychology in college because I thought it would give me some flexibility when choosing a job, and I wasn’t really sure about what type of a nonprofit job I would be seeking after college. I was hired by The Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties, where I quickly developed a passion for improving the quality of life for adults with intellectual disabilities. My employment with CPARC began in a direct service role. I was later promoted to a management position and then development director, a position I held for 12 years.

As the development director, I was responsible for the organization’s annual appeal and special events.

I joined the United Way in 2013 after receiving encouragement from my boss, Jim Gurreri, executive director of

CPARC, to apply. He had just spent the last year grooming me for a leadership position when the position was posted. I was extremely interested in the job, but I might not have acted on it had he not given me his blessing.

He knew I was looking for a challenge. I felt like I was becoming stagnant.

Now I’m learning something new every day and making a broader impact on the community. It will be a year in July, and I couldn’t be happier in my role.

3. Along the way, what women helped you achieve your success?

Tell us who the role models in your life have been and how they helped you. My first supervisor at CPARC was Deb Newman.

She told me she hired me because she believed that I had a unique ability to relate to people from all walks of life.

I was surprised by her comment because I didn’t know her very well. I told her that I simply thought everyone deserved to be treated the same and with respect regardless of what situation they are in.

The population I had been assigned to work with had

serious mental health disorders that made day-to-day activities very challenging.

Later I realized the impact of her statement. She observed something about me before I even had a chance to discover it myself. I have used it as a guiding principle ever since then, and it applies to my job today. Many types of people seek assistance from the United Way. Some are homeless, some have disabilities, some are hungry and some just make bad financial decisions. My goal is to treat each one of them with the same level of respect and care as I would a community donor willing to make a substantial financial gift to the United Way. I get to work with inspiring women in business every day. They are either on my staff, volunteering in the community or working at one of our 27 partner agencies. I am in awe of the ingenuity, creativity and business savvy of these women.

They are inspiring me.

I believe very strongly that my participation in athletics as a youth and then at Carlisle High School is one of the catalysts for success.

My high school basketball coach, Lyle Herr, taught me how to focus, persevere and work toward reaching a goal — all traits that transfer well into success in business. He also taught me about what it means to have a strong character, stand behind your beliefs, take responsibility for your actions and treat people with dignity.

As a young girl, I was not aware of the history and significance of Title IX even though the law was created the year I was born. It obviously wasn’t something

we talked about when I was growing up.

My parents not only allowed, but encouraged me, to play baseball when no other girls were playing baseball. I remember noticing that there weren’t any other girls playing, but I credit my parents for letting me pursue something I really enjoyed even when it wasn’t popular. I can vividly recall a coach telling my Dad that girls were supposed to be in ballet and not on the baseball field with a bunch of boys.

My Dad never let it deter me even though the coach’s bad behavior continued for the rest of the season.

It taught me to stand up for what I believed in and it motivated me to continue playing despite what people thought.

4. What advice do you have for women following you in your footsteps?

1) Success is a team effort. An organization is only as strong as its personnel. It is essential that you take a thoughtful approach and make informed decisions when recruiting new employees. Once you have a team in place, it is equally important to develop mutual respect and a shared commitment to the organization’s goals.

2) Anything that you want to achieve is going to take time and, most importantly, effort. Time is our most valuable asset, and if we are truly invested in something, our efforts and time will be well spent.

3) There is always something you can learn from someone you meet. Take advantage of people’s experiences and try not to make the same mistakes they did.

The Sentinel • H11

Tonia Leitzel Ulsh

COO • mountz jewelers • carlisle, camp hill, harrisburg 1. Tell us a little bit about what you do in your current role. I oversee daily operations, including hiring, purchasing and managing inventory. I am involved with seeking new vendor partnerships to meet wants and needs of customers.

2. How did you arrive at this point in your professional life? My family has a history in retail.

My great-grandparents and grandparents owned a general store in Malta. My father and uncle owned a jewelry and gift store in Millersburg. As a young child, I remember making bows for giftwrapping to be part of the team.

My brother Ronald purchased Mountz Jewelers in 1979, and I chose to pursue a degree in gemology. I earned my graduate gemology degree from GIA in Santa Monica, California, and joined the Mountz team as a jewelry consultant in 1989. I grew with the company, continued my education including becoming a certified gemologist appraiser, and was promoted to manager. In 2000, I bought a stake in the company and now work side by side with my brother overseeing operations.

3. What advice do you have for women follow-

ing you in your footsteps? Determine goals and see them through. I set demanding but achievable goals for myself and our team. In the stores, goals are tracked on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

There is visual representation of goals so employees can evaluate and see where they are going. Surround yourself with strong, positive people who can achieve success with you. Time with family and friends is critical to make you complete. All achievements are meaningless without sharing them with those you love. Give time to your family and friends as well as your community. You will not regret this time, but cherish it more than any other achievements.

Today’s Women in the Midstate

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Penny Petsinis

More Continued from H9

owner • rustic tavern • Carlisle

1. Tell us a little bit about what you do in your current role. My husband, Tommy, and I have owned the Rustic Tavern for 12 years. I take care of everything front of the house from the bartenders to the servers to scheduling all reservations and large parties. I also take care of all inventory from the front of the house to scheduling and bill paying, payroll, etc. I love the everyday interaction with the customers and always look forward to a great conversation or a good joke with my regulars. I enjoy going to work every day. I have been in this business my whole life.

2. How did you arrive

at this point in your professional life? My parents had a local family restaurant for 23 years (George’s Family Restaurant). I started out stuffing menus, to cleaning tables, to seating people, to serving and cooking when needed. I take pride that I can step into any position that I’m needed at the restaurant.

My husband and I then married in 2000 and opened the North Hanover Grille with my brother-in-law in 2001. After a year, we came to the decision that we wanted to go out on our own, so we came to the then Fireside and gave Mr. and Mrs. Donald Munch an offer and he accepted. So, 12

years later, here we are. My husband was 25 and I was 23 years old. Sometimes I wonder how we did it so young.

Teamwork! We do and decide everything together.

3. Along the way, what women helped you achieve your success?

Tell us who the role models in your life have been and how they helped you.

What women have been a role model in my life? Well, No. 1, my mother. She is an amazing woman, and I appreciate her more every day.

She taught me what it meant to be a mother that works full time, where you learn how to take care of your restaurant and take care of your family. Where we worked

Sharon Lane Spencer owner • spencer & Spencer realtors • Carlisle

1. Tell us a little bit about what you do in your current role. I am responsible for the financial and advertising management of a typical small business. In addition, I oversee all listing and sales contracts that the Realtors in my office produce, and I work with my own clients who want to sell their homes, land, investment properties, businesses or purchase new ones.

2. How did you arrive at this point in your professional life? My real estate career began 32 years ago,

when I had four pre-teens and a 2-year-old, and was ready to ease back into the work force. Since Realtors are independent contractors who schedule their own hours with clients, real estate sales offered the flexibility that my family responsibilities required. I “hung my license” in two different offices during those early years and then became a partner in a newly formed agency with my second husband in 1990. Stan passed away in See Spencer, H14

every day together but still made it a point to go home and have dinner as a family. Besides my restaurant, I am a mom of three busy kids all in school and sports.

My mom definitely raised me to be the woman I am.

I also have many aunts and women that I worked with growing up that all taught me something to take along with me.

4. What advice do you have for women following you in your footsteps? My No. 1 advice to women entering this business is you have to be handson always. You have to be the face of your restaurant.

When your customers come in, they know they will al-

The Sentinel • H12

ways see your face. It’s going to be hard work with a lot of long hours. You have to stick through it. It comes with the business. You also have to be able to juggle both your work and family because they are both top priority. Even if you come in and don’t see me at the restaurant, it’s almost always because I’m at a sporting event but I am only a phone call away, and that’s just how it goes.

increase from three years prior.

Along with a wide range of opportunities, there are broader options for financing ventures. Although the number of small business loans to women in western Pennsylvania have been cut in nearly half since the recession, from 118 in 2008 to just 61 last year, that’s not because funding is drying up, said Carl Knoblock, district director for the SBA in western Pennsylvania. Quite the contrary. Entrepreneurs of all types can turn to microloans, home equity lines of credit or raising money from individuals online through websites such as Kickstarter.

“You see people looking for funds with crowd funding,” he said.

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CarlisleRMC.com

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Today’s Women in the Midstate

Megan Healey

The Sentinel • H13

anchor / reporter • whtm-TV, abc27 news • harrisburg 1. Tell us a little bit about what you do in your current role: I anchor the evening newscasts on weekends and work as a general assignment reporter during the week. Though my schedule can get pretty hectic (hello, fellow night owls/ weekend warriors), I really love my job and, yes, I love my shift. The reason? Every day is different. One minute I may be anchoring a severe weather show from the news desk. The next I am out reporting live from the scene of breaking news or, my personal favorite, telling someone’s story who truly deserves it. Recently I was able to introduce our viewers to a boy who almost died while choking on a grape at school.

I tracked down the teacher

aide who saved his life. The story turned out pretty great (if I do say so myself).

2. How did you arrive at this point in your professional life? My passion for journalism came at an early age, inspired in part by my newspaper reporter aunt (more on her below). She traveled all over the world as part of her job, and I was fascinated from day one.

I think it was around the third or fourth grade that I began “publishing” (notice the quotes here) my own monthly newsletter for my neighborhood. I called it the Valley Road Times. On my little typewriter that could, I wrote up “news” stories (everything from dead animal carcasses discovered on the block to a profile of

a 100-year-old neighbor). I can honestly say, though, I never thought I would have the guts to become a real news reporter. That didn’t come until years later during my junior year at Cornell University, when I accepted an internship at ABC News in Washington, D.C. There, I was truly bit by the news bug and became confident I had what it took to survive in this crazy, thrilling business.

3. Along the way, what women helped you achieve your success?

Tell us who the role models in your life have been and how they helped you: Gosh, where do I start? First and foremost, my aunt, Mary Lou Nolan. She began as a travel reporter for the Kansas City Star and went on to

become the features editor.

She was my first role model and has always been one of my biggest supporters (aside from her younger sister, my mother, of course). I specifically became enamored with TV news around age 10, when a local on-air reporter began renting an apartment next door to my home. Lila Eidi worked as a feature reporter with our local cable station in my hometown of Ithaca, New York, and later went on to spend more than a decade as a producer at CNN. Years later, following my college internship with ABC News, I spent a summer interning at CNN headquarters in Atlanta and lived (rent-free) with my longtime friend/mentor. Lila has a brilliantly creative news

mind and incredible passion for her job. Current day, I gain career guidance from main anchors Alicia Richards and — yes, I am namedropping a man here — Dennis Owens. Both are ultimate professionals with a true passion for news. I am lucky to work alongside them!

4. What advice do you have for women following you in your footsteps?

Whether you want to get into the news business or something else, never be afraid to seek out those who inspire you. Just because you don’t have a specific connection (i.e. mutual friend, same alma mater, etc.) to someone doesn’t mean they won’t lend a hand. If you’re interested in learning a craft, you will find those professionals

Kimberly Anne Peeples

who can/will show you the way. Keep these folks in your Rolodex forever and check in with them via email at least a couple times a year after you’ve landed your first job.

Heck, send them a Christmas card! For those budding news reporters out there, be prepared to move around.

Your 20s will likely be spent in multiple cities ... and even more apartments! Be mobile, be flexible. Your 30-something self will thank you.

lieutenant colonel, garrison commander • United states army garrison, carlisle barracks • Carlisle 1. Tell us a little bit about what you do in your current role. As the garrison commander, my role is to make sure that Carlisle Barracks provides the best experience for our soldiers, civilians and their families. We are the proud home of the United States Army War College! From making sure the installation is safe and secure to providing fun events like the re-

cent family Fun Fair, my goal is to help make this post one of the best in the Army.

2. How did you arrive at this point in your professional life? I attended the U.S. Army Military Academy out of high school, and upon completion was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Over the past 20 years, I have served in many differ-

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ent roles, including platoon leader, company commander, project engineer and brigade engineer, all across the country. I have deployed three times, once to Bosnia and two rotations to Iraq.

3. Along the way, what women helped you achieve your success?

Tell us who the role models in your life have been and how they helped you. The women in my

family have been the greatest source of support and example. My grandmothers, with 16 children combined, taught me the importance of family values and selfless service. My mother, Joanne, passed away when I was 8 years old from brain cancer.

She inspired me to make the most of every day and every opportunity, with a desire to make a difference. My eight sisters taught me the criti-

cal skills of teamwork and conflict resolution. I have learned from the tremendous women in my family the leadership foundation of hard work and respect.

4. What advice do you have for women following you in your footsteps? Know yourself, dream, work hard, and serve. Life doesn’t always go the way that you always hope, but if you make

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the most of every situation — life will be full and your work will be rewarding. Finally, you will never be successful on your own. Life is a team effort.

Sell it in the

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Today’s Women in the Midstate

Sunday, May 4, 2014

The Sentinel • H14

spencer

Moms Continued from H10 returning to work are stressed about how they will feed their baby. Some moms find that substituting or supplementing breast milk with infant formula can make the transition into a working mom much easier.

If you decide to choose that route, be smart about it. In the case of baby formula, skimping on price does not mean skimping on quality. The FDA strictly regulates infant formula to keep babies safe.

Moms can rest assured knowing that store brand formulas, such as Walmart’s Parent’s Choice Infant Formula, have to meet strict FDA guidelines and regulations. Additionally, when switching to store brand formulas, families can save up to $600 a year, according to Perrigo Nutritionals.

• Celebrate the benefits: No, not the dental and vision plans, silly — the benefits you’ve been missing the last few months: Having a conversation that doesn’t revolve around the consistency or color of poop, being able to go to an actual restaurant over your lunch break,

Basic tips can make the transition back to work for new moms easier. writing TGIF as your Facebook status update and appreciating that you know what day it is.

• Reacquaint yourself with adult conversation before you head back to work: After months alone with a newborn, it’s natural to forget how to interact with adults on a daily basis. Practice conversing with adults other than your spouse a few weeks prior to your return to work.

Keep in mind not everyone can read your mind or understand that irrational screaming simply means you’re craving a hug.

• Go shopping: Chances are you won’t

get

be fitting perfectly into your pre-pregnancy wardrobe by the time you head back to work, leaving you with two choices: 1. Rock the maternity outfits your co-workers saw you in all those months ago or 2. Wear your mom uniform of stained, black yoga pants and an oversized shirt to the office. However, there is a third choice and that is to go shopping. Getting new clothes that actually fit will do wonders for your self-esteem. Just be sure to check your shoulders before you leave the house, as spit up can be more prominent on a black business suit than a ratty old Tshirt.

• Give yourself a break: Whether you’re missing your baby, not missing your baby or missing one of your baby’s milestones, allow yourself to have an outburst every now and then. Just remember to pick yourself up and get back to work. Feeling guilty is a useless emotion that isn’t going to help you focus on your job or get you home sooner to cuddle that baby of yours.

Visit www.parentschoiceformula.com and www.storebrandformula.com for more information.

Continued from H12

2004, and I have continued Spencer & Spencer since then as a sole proprietor.

3. Along the way, what women helped you achieve your success? Tell us who the role models in your life have been and how they helped you: My career (and personal) role model has always been my Aunt Norma, who worked in the office of the president of the University of Virginia, serving as executive secretary and protocol adviser. She was highly skilled at everything she did and was the epitome of dedication, a strong work ethic, good humor and discretion. She set the bar for me as to how one excels in her business career.

4. What advice do you have for women following you in your footsteps? My advice on being a Realtor: really listen to what your clients need, not what you think they should have; give your clients the time they need to make the right choices for them. Remember, their sales or purchases are vastly more important than your commissions; have a healthy view of the financial ebb and flow — some factors in the “down” times may be out of your control; learn all you can along the way about the changing real estate market; realize that the respect of your peers is something to strive for; and take the Realtors’ Code of Ethics seriously.

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Today’s Women in the Midstate

Sunday, May 4, 2014

The Sentinel • H15

The Places You Will Go Tips for female graduates on how to lean in to your career

Brandpoint More females are graduating from college than ever before, but does gender still play a role in career success?

Does the so-called glass ceiling still exist? The truth is females face unique considerations when it comes to growing and navigating a career.

Rachel Thomas, president of LeanIn.org, still remembers her first negotiation.

Heart pounding and palms sweaty, she sat across the table from her boss-to-be armed with tips from her dad and a nervous smile.

She ended up with a salary increase so modest, she says, “I could barely afford an extra tank of gas each pay cycle.”

Many negotiations and years later, it finally dawned on Thomas that her dad gave her bad advice. It turns out that what works for men in the workplace often doesn’t work for women.

It’s critical that young women learn how to manage their careers as women.

Yet they often don’t have access to the right information. For example, search for “negotiation” in the books category on Amazon, and you’ll find nine out of the top 10 books were written by men. (A co-ed writing team penned the 10th.)

Ye t s e e m i n g ly s m a l l missed opportunities can significantly impact a woman’s bank account and career trajectory. Women are four times less likely to negotiate than men. Now consider the difference between a woman who accepts a $25,000 starting salary and a man who negotiates for $5,000 more: When they’re

behalf. In contrast, we expect women to be communal and collaborative, so when they advocate for themselves, we often react unfavorably.

One strategy to combat Rachel Thomas, president of LeanIn.org this, Thomas said, is to use communal language. As she explains, “women get better results when they emphasize a concern for organizational relationships.”

For example, you might say, “If I join the team, I will do my best to contribute to its success. It’s important “Proceed and be bold” that my salary reflects the Being bold is especially education and skills that important for women be- will enable me to do this.” cause they often fear putting themselves out there. Sit at the table “Men will apply for jobs if It can be hard to feel conthey think they meet just 60 fident when you’re just percent of the job require- starting your career — and ments, while women will research shows it’s even apply only if they think they harder for women. meet all of them,” Thomas Women tend to underessaid. Now who’s got a better timate their performance, chance of getting that job — while men tend to overestithe man who applies for it mate theirs. or the woman who doesn’t?

“It’s difficult to change the Adopt the same principle way you feel, but you can for opportunities at work. change the way you think Let your manager know and act,” Thomas said. you’re interested in stretch When you walk into a assignments and keep your meeting feeling insecure, eyes open for projects that remind yourself that you’ve will allow you to make your earned your position. mark. Shift from thinking Then take a seat at the “I’m not ready to do that” to table, raise your hand, and thinking “I want to do that surprise yourself.

— and I’ll learn by doing it.”

“When you push past your insecurities and go for it, Negotiate wisely you gain more confidence, “You won’t get what you which leads to more oppordon’t ask for, so make it a tunities,” Thomas said. rule to negotiate,” Thomas The common thread in said. “But before you do, all of these tips is, Go for it! understand how stereo- When you see an opportutypes impact negotiations.” nity, imagine what success Research shows that we ex- looks like for you and lean in pect men to be assertive and to it.

60, the man will have made — according to one recent months earlier than those look out for themselves, so For more career tips for $361,171 more in salary. And study, employees who ne- who don’t. there’s little downside when graduates, visit leanin.org/ it’s not just about money gotiate are promoted 17 “Lean In for Graduates,” they advocate on their own grads.

“You won’t get what you don’t ask for, so make it a rule to negotiate. But before you do, understand how stereotypes impact negotiations.”

the new edition of Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s best-selling book “Lean In,” offers recent graduates practical advice for choosing a path, finding a job, negotiating a first salary, and positioning themselves for success at work — all through the lens of gender.

Here are three tips taken from the book that all graduates, especially women, should know as they transition from school to the workplace:

H16 • The Sentinel

Today’s Women in the Midstate

Sunday, May 4, 2014

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