This segment of the newsletter is a new concept that will share a little more about the women we are networking with as part of the OWA. Our sincere hope is that you not only enjoy learning about one another, but that you will find out how much you have in common. Enjoy . . . .
When did you first join the OWA?
2001
What inspired you to become a member?
A friend and colleague invited me to attend an OWA breakfast networking event and encouraged me to get involved on a committee. I was inspired by the dedicated effort and commitment of this diverse group of professionals and decided to enroll as a member.
What is the most valuable thing you have learned or experienced during your membership?
There are countless lessons; among the top three would have to be:
Tell us about your background in the industry . . . .
I was referred to the industry by the owner of a chain of optical stores who was a customer of mine when I worked in retail. I was hired as a representative for a leading frame company and he became my number one client. This is memorable, because with this experience, I learned the power of connecting, developing and maintaining long term relationships! Throughout the years, I have served in multiple positions of sales, management, marketing, training, education and business development. In 2000, I decided to leave the corporate world and start my own company, Solutions. I chose that name with the inherent belief that there is always an opportunity to navigate the challenge at hand! The company is positioned as a management resource for short term strategic sales and marketing projects, with a concentration in the sales dynamic. I enjoy the diversity of my work and am proud that some of my best clients are companies I worked with and for in the corporate world. I'm totally committed to an excellent outcome for all parties engaged in a project and work hard to benchmark that result.
Now time for some fun . . . . Tell us about a funny story where "grace under fire" was the best sidekick you could have?
For 20+ years I lived in the metro New York City area, spent a lot of time in the city and loved it. At heart, I'm an explorer and adventurer, enjoy hiking, have even gone sky diving, and one thing I used to say was, "I'll do just about anything, however I will not ride the New York subway". I have to laugh at myself now with that bold declaration! Last year, just before the OWA Pleiades event, I sauntered down to find a very long taxi line, traffic at a crawl and was told it would be at minimum of 1.5 hours to get to my destination! There were no cars for hire available and the valet told me the only way for me to get there in my time frame was to take the train! I did not have a clue how to navigate the subway and I was not feeling like this was the time to learn. I had a cheering section in the line urging me on . . . two teens leaving town gave me their metro tickets, I walked 3 blocks in my staggeringly high heels, raced up and down the stairs, got on the train, even changed trains and arrived in minutes, way ahead of the time I needed to be there! I felt like I'd just climbed to the top of a mountain . . . a tad frazzled and yet elated that I actually took the subway all by myself and . . . it was another fun adventure!
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