C4W Business Member Profile: Lori Swan, TD Bank

What is your profession?  Commercial Lender for TD Bank.
 
What do you enjoy doing outside of your career?   Spending time with my husband and daughter, running, boating.
 
How long have you been a member of the Center for Women?  Brand new member.
 
What inspired you to become a member?   Now that I am a Commercial Lender I want to seek out businesses influenced by women in hopes of providing commercial financing for them.  This is a great networking opportunity!
 
How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you?  I have continued to learn to prioritize and multi-task.  As always, the struggle to be the best mom with family coming first while maintaining a successful career can overtake you.  Being a woman makes me focus on both aspects of my life and makes me do/be the best I can be.
 
What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy?   Persistence!  I am learning that nothing can be taken for granted or that success is going to be handed to you.  You have to get out of your comfort zone and join so many others who are doing the same to make success happen for you. 

How can people connect with you?  You may contact me at lori.swan@td.com.

C4W Sponsor Profile: Marguerite A. Germain, MD, Germain Dermatology

What is your profession? Board Certified Dermatologist | Germain Dermatology

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? Traveling, painting, catching up with friends and family, going to concerts and plays.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women?  2 years

What inspired you to become a member? I have always felt that women can be successful and happier when they work together. The Center for Women is an organization that inspires strong and hard-working women to support each other and our community.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you? The Center for Women continues to develop as an organization and to influence the community in so many wonderful ways. The growth of this organization encourages me to learn and grow as an individual as well as a member of this community.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? I believe that as women, we are resilient; however, we often put others before our own needs which means we neglect ourselves both inside and out. We all should take some time for ourselves. When you feel good on the inside, your strength and beauty shows. Taking care of your skin is vital, but I have always said that skincare is not about looking as young as possible, it’s about looking as good as you feel.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? Knowledge is power. Learn everything you can and keep up with the trends around you. With today’s shift in business and technology, it’s important to broaden your horizons and always be learning…and never be afraid to try new things, because you never know where that new idea or thought will take you.

How can people connect with you? Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and Pinterest.

National Business Women’s Month- Salute to Working Women

Have you reached a road block in your career or small business? Is it time to reach out for new ideas and new contacts? Are you balancing your work and family and stretched for time? As a working woman, the South Carolina Women’s Business Center and the Center for Women can help you be more successful.

South Carolina Women’s Business Center
Women are starting their own businesses at unprecedented rates.  Between 1997 and 2011, women owned firms in South Carolina increased 64% and that’s compared to the national average of 50%. Women have great business ideas and know what women want to buy. Women control 80% of all discretionary spending and women are inventing new products and services that better match their needs and expectations.

The South Carolina Women’s Business Center offers free one-on-one business counseling, training workshops and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs and small business owners. Launched in January 2012 as an off shoot of the Center for Women, the South Carolina Women’s Business Center has counseled 73 women and conducted 34 training workshops attended by over 1,800 women. In its brief existence, it has helped save or start six businesses. According to Christie MacConnell, Director of the South Carolina Women’s Business Center, “I’m thrilled over the rapid success we’ve experienced and I’m excited at the prospect of connecting even more women entrepreneurs to the tools and resources that they need.”

Each month, the South Carolina Women’s Business Center holds an Entrepreneurial Readiness workshop where women can learn about the key ingredients that go into being a successful business owner and understanding the steps necessary to launch a viable business. The Entrepreneurial Readiness workshop is a great starting place for any woman who has a business idea to get a solid grounding before embarking on her new venture. Additional programs include a monthly networking session where women can learn and support each other and a development workshop on specific topics such as commercial insurance, legal structures for business and human resource policy. To learn more, visit www.scwbc.net.

The South Carolina Women’s Business Center has strong community support. Our 2012 Business Partners are Eckert Insurance, First Federal, Merrill Lynch, SC Biz News and Weightwatchers. The South Carolina Women’s Business Center is supported in part by grants from Bank of America, Wells Fargo and the US Small Business Association.

Women’s Leadership Institute
For women who work in business and industry and want to increase their chances for advancement, the Center for Women created the Women’s Leadership Institute. Monthly Saturday programs are held on topics that prepare women for stepping into greater leadership roles and higher management. Topics this year have included: Leading with Strength and Confidence, How to Use Persuasion and Create Influence, Handling Promotions with Poise, Using Polarity Thinking for Enlightened Leadership, Networking with a Purpose, Working Well with Difficult People, Getting Comfortable Negotiating What You Want, Delegating Effectively, and Communicating with Impact.

Several large, bell weather companies in our area, Alcoa, Cummins and MeadWestVaco, have seen the value of these leadership programs and the chance to let loose the talent residing in their female employees. The Women’s Leadership Institute brings programming on-site to these companies. According to the MeadWestVaco Women’s Network, “Our MeadWestVaco Women’s Network fosters both personal and professional development and helps build critical “soft” skills that are important to develop oneself and others and to inspire leadership.  The Center for Women has greatly aided us with that mission. The Center has connected us to local experts and has helped us build effective programs tailored to our needs. Using the Center has allowed us to capitalize on the tools and resources that have already been established, and ultimately has allowed us to enhance and broaden the programs we are able to bring to our members.”

The Women’s Leadership Institute is honored to be supported and sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Care for Life, Ms. Rose’s Restaurant, Fork Fine Gourmet and Skirt! Magazine. To learn more, visit www.c4women.org.

Ginger Rosenberg is the Marketing & Program Manager at the Center for Women. She can be reached at ginger@c4women.org.

C4W Member Profile: Kimberley MacEwan

What is your profession? I am a Ph.D. chemist at MWV. My formal title is Technical and Applications Specialist for the Oilfield division.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? My personal life revolves around my husband and my six year old son (both Edward’s). My son is in grade one and active in sports, so we spend much of our spare time attending games and cheering from the side lines. However, the best part of my day is with my son at his bedtime. I lie beside him every night and we “chat” about anything and everything that interests him. These are the moments that matter and you remember forever.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women? Just over one year.

What inspired you to become a member? The C4W is a wonderful support network for encouragement and connections.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you? The C4W is a very positive environment for me. I love reading other blogs from a variety of different women – I find them inspiring. At MWV we have a women’s network and the C4W is brought up regularly as an organization for our female colleagues to connect with.  It is wonderful all the avenues available to women today – times are changing ladies!

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? I am very proud of my accomplishments as a woman.  I am so blessed to have been born a woman and in the century I was, LOL. I can’t imagine being a woman, with my personality, 100 years ago. Fortunately, I am lucky to work for an organization who does not look at your sex, but rather what you have to offer – what you bring to the table.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? No matter what challenges you think are in front of you, you can do whatever you set your mind to.  Life is too short not to “be all that you can”.  It’s never too late to start fresh.  In 1990, at the age of 28, I applied to a local University, in my home town, and was rejected. The reason stated was I was out of school too long. They recommended I take a year of high school upgrading and reapply, so I did. To make a long story short – In 2003 I completed my Ph.D. in Diffusion Chemistry. It was not easy, but it can be done. We can make a new start. All it takes is the right frame of mind and your potential is limitless.

How can people connect with you? Kimberley.macewan@mwv.com

C4W Member Profile: Arletta L. Moore

What is your profession? Engineer by day and an International healthy coffee business owner by night.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? Right now I enjoy running my home base business, but for entertainment I enjoy photography.  It gives me pleasure to see world in the eyes of a photographer.

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

What inspired you to become a member? A couple of reasons why I became a member of Center 4 Women, one I was inspired by brown bag lunch series Finding Your Voice – Speaking Effectively conducted at the Sanctuary Hall & Garden in Mt. Pleasant. Second, I would like to establish relationships with other women business owners in the Low Country.  I’m new at owning my own business and would like to learn how to run an effective business.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you? The Center for women has broaden my limited mindset on how to market my business.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? Living day to day as a woman has affected me in a very positive way because being a woman in today’s society is very empowering. It’s empowering because more and more women are becoming business owners every day, and I look up to women who are leaders of organizations, like Oprah Winfrey and Martha Stewart.  An organization like the Center 4 Women helps me gain an understanding that there are people that are interested in promoting small business for women.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? From my understanding women tend to be caught between incredible choices. Women in business have a tendency to adapt to customary manly leadership manners than those of femininity. This makes it very challenging for women to do their best at work…which is mandatory if you’re going to thrive in today’s extremely economic atmosphere. My message I would like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy is foster some relationships with peers and/or mentors in the industry you are pursuing as a business venture. A mentor can help you enhance your abilities and advise you on navigating through new challenges.

How can people connect with you? My website:  amooreenterprise.organogold.com/ Call me (317) 997-6367, email me at amoore777@me.com, follow me on Twitter @RichSista777, and find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/arlettar1

C4W Member Profile: Alissa R. Collins

What is your profession? Attorney with Stuckey Law Offices, LLC in downtown Charleston.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? I love giving back. I am a member of the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston, serve on several Young Lawyer Division Committees, and I’ve been the Chair of the Cinderella Project for 9 years which is an organization that provides free prom-wear to females attending prom throughout the tri-county area.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women? 2 years.

What inspired you to become a member? I attended the “We Can Do It” 20th Anniversary Celebration in 2010 and was very impressed with both the message and the current members.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you? It’s provided incredible networking opportunities.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? As women we are expected to juggle (and succeed) in many roles. I enjoy breaking stereotypes, especially ones that suggest there isn’t a place for women in the legal field. Some of the best attorneys I know are women and I certainly aspire to be like them.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? When underestimated, don’t get discouraged, rather use it as motivation to prove them wrong.

How can people connect with you? Phone: 843-577-9323 or Email: ACollins@stuckeylaw.com

C4W Member Profile: Lisa Burbage

What is your profession? I am the Director of Recruiting and Training for ERA Tides Realty, where I sell real estate as well.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career?  In my spare time, I have enjoyed being active in the Charleston community. Currently I am a Board member for the College of Charleston School of the Arts. Hobbies and ways to unwind include swimming, walking/running, reading, entertaining and attending art performances.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women? 2 years

What inspired you to become a member? Professional development and networking.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you? Opportunity to network with like-minded women.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? Reach out to people one-on-one and network.

How can people connect with you? Either by phone, (843) 793-4430 or email, lburbage@eratidesrealty.com

C4W Member Profile: Penelope Jean

What is your profession? Publicist and writer

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? Travel, reading, writing, good wine, Charleston dining, time with friends and family.

What inspired you to become a member? I met Jennet over a year ago when she was in the ABC studio for Lowcountry Live. The center was featured on the show again the other day and I decided on a whim to join. I’d like to connect with more women locally and want to check out speakers and events through the center.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? Success is accomplished in the first step because joy is in the journey.  Your action ignites a chain reaction and the people, events, and circumstances you need for success will be drawn to you.

How can people connect with you?

Website: www.PenelopeJean.com
Email: Penelope@PenelopeJean.com
Mobile: 615-568-5948
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenelopeJean
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/penelope.jean.3
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/PenelopeJeanChannel?feature=guide

C4W Sponsor Profile: Nature Adventures Kayak, Canoe & Paddleboarding Outfitters, Kathie Livingston

What is your profession?  Professional Naturalist Kayak Guide/Instructor and Outdoor Adventure Company Business Owner   http://www.kayakcharlestonsc.com/ and http://www.edistoriveradventures.com/.  I also do guided trips to Costa Rica twice a year.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career?  Kayaking, Hiking, Horseback riding

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

What inspired you to become a member? Keeping with my mission to helping women to empower other women

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you?  Great networking resource

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? Still struggling as a minority business owner, but hoping with the support of other women to be equal in the market.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy?  Don’t ever quit.  Believe in your dream and keep going. 

How can people connect with you?  nao@att.net (email) is best.

C4W Business Member Profile: Jacki Mallett, Coastal Coffee Roasters

What is your profession?  Owner of Coastal Coffee Roasters by day and nurse by night.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? Reading, writing, being by the water and spending time with my family.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women? Since I moved here in 2010.

What inspired you to become a member? I saw all the wonderful and inspiring programs the Center for Women offered so I tried one and fell in love with all the great things they do for women in the community.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you?  The Center for Women has allowed me to meet other like minded women in Charleston when I was so new to the area.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? I feel blessed to be a woman because I am apart of a group that is coming in to their own and sharing what they have to offer with the world.  Women today are no longer trying to be “equal” with men, we are being women with the same rights and influence as men.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.  Women support one another in a way that supports both parties.  Think of it as trying to collect water…you can’t do it with clenched fists you can only collect water with open hands.  Help others and you will receive help.

How can people connect with you? Text me 914-799-4921, email me jacki@coastalcoffeeroasters.com, call me 843-376-4559, tweet me @jackimallett or find me http://www.facebook.com/jacki.mallett