What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? Life brings to you so many choices and I take advantage of them…I share with Dietmar, my husband, a beautiful day, but at the same time a rainy day. We enjoy traveling and listening nice music and cooking at home, share our time with good friends and interesting people. I love to be in contact and share with my children, Melissa and Antonio,  and family. I like to read magazines, newspapers, take pictures and all about art.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women? I am a new member since May of 2013.

What inspired you to become a member? I have relocated to the Charleston, S.C. area and in my research for potential opportunities to interact and share visions and purposes, but at the same to be involved in a group, which I can be myself, wherever I am, I discovered this association. I have become aware of this organization and I am impressed with Center for Women commitment from its personal, business and social standpoint.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you? The Center for Women works to accomplish equality for women, its challenge “make room” for plurality and diversity. It also guarantees greater participation in the productive activities of the city, offering participation opportunities for women. The participation of women is the possibility of contributing identity and personal and social autonomy.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? To be a single mother was the main point that affects my day-to-day, because you need to manage and resolve all the needs, you don’t have a partner. But at the same time I always took time for my own affairs. Now my children are grown and I am continuous with the purpose of them becoming professionals, but I took space to enjoy my life with a wonderful human being and at the same time began new goals in my life, like study new things, new experiences, new professionals purposes – not in an easy way, but which let me feel alive.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? Women’s available potential is great and have a powerful multiplier effect that benefits all of the society. The impact of education and being involved in new development programs is undeniable to join the modern world and offers us better jobs and opportunities and the ability to influence change in our lives. Is easier together, than alone!

How can people connect with you?

E-mail: lupebarraganmoser@gmail.com

Phone: 843 375 9222

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/lupe-barragan-moser/38/55/7a5/

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? Reading, playing with my dogs, teaching International Business and Cross Cultural Management (I taught these as an Adjunct at Rutgers University before I moved).

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women? Recent

What inspired you to become a member? I just moved here from NJ to start firm and several people mentioned the importance of this group.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? I love it. My husband stayed home and took care of the kids and I was able to go wherever my career took me. I love the choices women have today-as long as we have them. I always want to feel like my life is a “work in process” and that I have lots more to do and learn.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? Keep learning, growing and changing so that you have choices in the future. 

How can people connect with you? bfowler@chiefoutsiders.com, on Twitter at @barbfow50, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/barbaramfowler/ or just an old-fashioned telephone call at 843-388-7769.

Kindergarten: teacher, because I admired my teacher.
Fourth grade: famous author, because people praised my writing and why wouldn’t I believe I was good enough to be famous?
High school: lawyer, because writing isn’t a “realistic” career ambition, and I wasn’t as good as I’d once believed.
Post grad: No idea, but benefits and a living wage would be a good start.

When someone asks what you want to be, they’re really asking what you want to do. We make decisions about what we do in an attempt to be something else: financially secure, happy, respected, famous.

I’ve constantly changed my mind about what I want to do, but I’ve always wanted to be one thing: proud of myself.

This enigmatic, slippery state of being has proven impossible to grasp for more than a few moments at a time because it is a double edged sword. On one side, I’m looking to others to affirm me. I need someone else to tell me that who I am and what I’m doing is sufficient.

On the other side, my own standards are higher than anyone else’s. “Oh, you think I did a good job? Well, thanks, but I should have finished it earlier and let me point out the mistakes I made.”  

I’m writing in black and white here, but more often than not, I discount my achievements and place in the world until someone else affirms them, and then deflect the recognition when I do get it. It’s an exhausting, impossible quest, and I know I’m not alone.

At a time of unprecedented opportunity for women, my own experience leads me to believe that the greatest obstacle for women today is…ourselves.

Women continue to rise to leadership positions in almost every industry, proving their competence and value. It’s inspiring, but I can’t help but wonder: for every woman succeeding publicly and privately, how many intelligent potential influencers have we lost to their own insecurities? How many have believed the outdated script that their ideas are not worth sharing? How many have sold themselves short, waiting voluntarily in the wings without even trying out for the part?

My own self limiting beliefs have held me back personally more than any outside opposition. No legislation, corporate policy, or cultural enlightenment will make a difference if we don’t first believe in ourselves.

A note to myself, and you, too:

Your value doesn’t depend on what you accomplish. You have a lot to offer, but no one will know until you believe you are valuable and competent, that your ideas are worth sharing, that your skills and knowledge are beneficial to the people around you. Whether those people are your coworkers, husband, children, or friends, everyone is missing out when you live life as an apology instead of a statement.

Jacey Verdicchio loves good books and deep conversations. You can find her on her blog, The Balanced Wife, where she pursues exceptional living and often falls short. She lives with her husband, Michael, and dog, Jack.

What is your profession?  I am a registered nurse at a local community hospital in the newborn and Level II nursery. I have most recently started my own business, Nurse at Night, Inc. My greatest goal for the business is to help new parents by caring for their newborn at night to assist them in getting a good night of sleep so they can be well rested for the next day.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? I love doing anything that involves spending time with my husband and two lively boys. You will find us at the park, aquarium, children’s museum, or volunteering at our church.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women? Less than a month

What inspired you to become a member? My friend Corrie with Teacups and Trucks introduced me to this wonderful community of women. After the first networking meeting I knew I wanted to be a part of this organization. It supplies you with so many wonderful resources and introduces you to wonderful women who know exactly what you are going through and will journey along side you.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you? It has surrounded me with women who are like-minded and it has helped give me the courage to take a leap of faith in the business world and start my own business.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? I love being a woman, a wife, a mother, and a friend. I have always tried to stay true to myself and who God has created me to be and I feel very blessed to be a woman.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? Find out what your passion is, think of a way that it can help others, and go after your dream. Surround yourself with people that will encourage you and eliminate those around you that tell you your goals are unreachable. Pray about your business idea and get a true sense if its something you should pursue. Get involved with the Center for Women and let them lead and guide you in your steps to becoming the woman your were called to be.

How can people connect with you?

Email: liz@nurseatnight.com

Phone: 843-270-2910

You can also visit my website: www.nurseatnight.com

What is your profession?

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? I am a licensed Life Coach and licensed Zumba instructor. I play golf, volunteer at Hospice and I’m an avid runner.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women? Since 2007 (maybe earlier—I cannot remember living in Charleston without C4W and we moved here in 1997).

What inspired you to become a member? The programs that C4W offer cover the gambit. I love the staff and leaders at the C4W and feel extremely confident that the center is genuine in helping women to reach their highest goals. Jennet Robinson Alterman is truly an inspiration and we are so fortunate in Charleston to have the opportunity to get to know Jennet. I am especially honored in that Jennet has endorsed our book, which can be seen in the opening pages.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you? Substantial. C4W has been with me through job changes, mid-life crisis, career changes, and much more. I’ve learned about putting together my website to building a business to having more joy in my life.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? I am proud to be a woman. Although inequalities still exist, I will fight for my rights in the way in which I was raised—with compassion, honesty and a sense for community—and refuse to take the more aggressive approach to reach my goals.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? Women are uniquely skilled and positioned to help each other. Find a network that offers support and relevant advice and then be ready to reciprocate. United, women are very powerful. There is a tremendous amount of talented women ready and available to help you succeed. You need only ask for help. Typically women do not like to ask for help but try it once and you’ll see how the network of women operate to make us all successful.

How can people connect with you?

Girlfriends@drinkwineandgiggle.com
www.drinkwineandgiggle.com
Twitter @LynneDebJulie
https://www.facebook.com/DrinkWineandGiggleGals

Cheers.

What is your profession?

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? I love hanging out on Folly Beach with my husband and two pups Pelota & Maple.  We are an outdoor loving family and enjoying swimming, SUPing, surfing, and beach walks.  I also love to travel in Europe and take photos.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women? I just joined!

What inspired you to become a member? I joined to network, gain new relationships both professionally and personally, and participate in the one-on-one counseling at the business center.  I’m excited to empower other women business owners and get advice from them along the way. 

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you? Positive. I have already met many wonderful women who are interested in what I do, how to help, and in turn need my help.  Last year was the 1^st time Gourmet Bay Catering participated in the Women in Business Conference Culinary Showcase and we decided to do it again this year.  It’s one of our favorite events. 

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? I love being a woman in Charleston.  There is great opportunity for women in business nowadays and the Center for Women is making it easier to succeed.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy?   Be yourself and work hard.  Owning a business isn’t easy, but it is worth the sacrifice.  

How can people connect with you?

erin@gourmetbay.net

twitter: @GourmetBayCater

www.facebook.com/GourmetBayCateringCharleston

http://www.gourmetbay.net | http://erinmarqua.wix.com/erin

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? Traveling, Reading, Mentoring Youth.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women? 1 Month

What inspired you to become a member? Love networking and connecting with other like minds. (Bonus:  There all women)

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? Living day-to-day inspires me to become a better woman because I have a daughter and other mentees that look up to me.  

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? It’s not about the economy; it’s the brand.  You are your brand, and if you promote yourself you are able to sell anything.  People want to be able to connect with the brand; and so they have to know how you are inspired. 

How can people connect with you?   

http://www.purse-baby.com

Twitter/Facebook/IN:  PurseBaby

What is your profession? 

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? I have a passion for art and I am very creative. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love being outdoors and during the summer time you are sure to find me enjoying the sunshine on the Folly River or Folly Beach on the weekends.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women? I just recently joined this awesome organization 2 months ago.

What inspired you to become a member? Center for Women is a very special organization that does so much for our local community.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you? I recently attended a “Women in Leadership” session in Summerville. The session and speaker was so beneficial for me. I left that lunch meeting feeling truly empowered, proud of my success and most importantly proud to be a woman.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? Being a woman presents its challenges, especially in the business world. I have learned to accept the things I cannot change and remain confident in my abilities. In fact I consider my gender an asset. It has given me a clarity in the business world that men can never have.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? Don’t give up. You are strong enough, intelligent enough, beautiful enough and most importantly woman enough. Be confident in your capabilities and don’t be afraid to take risks.

How can people connect with you? You can find me on Twitter @amaute, on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssamaute or email me at alyssa@bottlesnbrushes.com

What is your profession?

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? Supporting, planning and living my life with my family.  I’ve been in yoga classes for 11 years, have found a new interest in birds of prey and just recently completed a photography class. My desire is to inspire and encourage those around me.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women?  I’ve been a member of the SCD Women’s Network for 2 years and MWV has been a member of the C4W for the past 2 years.

What inspired you to become a member? I am inspired by those who touch our human side.  Being myself is the only option for me.  As individuals, the privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.

What kind of impact has the Center for Woman had on you?  The women of the Center for Woman have supported my walk forward in certainty and with integrity.  I feel strongly that the people who make a difference are not the ones with the credentials, but the ones with concern.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you?  Living day-to-day as a woman inspires me to encourage and hold up all women.  That’s who I know myself to be.  Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, or the smallest act of caring- all of which have the potential to turn a life around.  As women, we have unique gifts of purpose, caring appreciation and gratitude. I try to pass it forward every day.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy?  Treat others with dignity, honor and respect. Nurture your relationships and strive to represent the best of who you are and what you do.  My message to send out is to “Dance While You Can,” no one cares if you cannot dance well, just get up and dance to your own life song.

How can people connect with you? debra.shelton@mwv.com

What is your profession?   

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career?   Spending time with my family, enjoying concerts and community events.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women?  For the past two years as an individual, and this year Florence Crittenton joined as a business member.

What inspired you to become a member?   Jennet Alterman, who is such an amazing advocate for and inspiration to other women, and the opportunity to network with and learn from others.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you?   C4W has encouraged me to step into my power as a leader, learning from others and support from mentors.  Also, they have provided wonderful support for my 13 year old daughter who is interested in math careers, which came from me speaking up at a Women in Business conference.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you?   As a young woman, I definitely felt my opinions weren’t respected as much as those of young men.   So I spoke up more often and more vehemently.   As a young mother, I felt my parenting skills weren’t respected.   So I became a diligent mother who changed the ends of fairy tales so my daughter wouldn’t grow up to think a prince would solve her problems.  As a more mature woman, I have been blessed with amazing role models who have encouraged me to define success for myself, not allow others to define it for me.  So I have taken side steps and back steps professionally that have met my personal and family needs, but those choices have led to greater fulfillment.  I’m very lucky to have amazing parents, Peg and Harry Van Bergen, who always supported me.  And my daughters, Constance and Chloe Belton, who teach me about being a woman every day.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? Follow your gut, not your fear.  And connect with each other.  We are a great resource!

How can people connect with you?

LVanBergen@florencecrittentonsc.org