A thank you to our WPF Program Committee
A message from WPF President, Ashley Madden
As I write to you in the final days of September, Autumn is officially upon us. I’ve started brewing up pumpkin spice coffee on crisp, cool workday mornings, lighting up my firepit on starry Friday nights and simmering homemade butternut squash soup for the upcoming week on Sundays, because I am all about some “It’s Fall, Y’all” vibes. Behind the scenes here at WPF, so much is happening for our magnificent organization as we come nearer to the close of the year. And all these amazing events and activities that your membership in WPF gives you access to, come together through the energy, creativity, time, and passion of our members. While it is subject to debate if Aristotle originated the phrase, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”, it is certainly a powerful and true statement. The synergy that we can cultivate as a collective, bringing together our diverse resources of talent, expertise, and skills, brings us to a higher altitude of enrichment and experience.
As we all know, it’s been a challenging year for our organization, but I have to say, through Zoom, we have had amazing speakers for our monthly meeting, including a Career Agent of the Foreign Service, the President of Bennett College and a Vice President for Viacom CBS. Looking ahead, November brings us the Holiday Bazaar and December is our business meeting. Consequently, our first ever, hybrid (in person / Zoom) meeting in October will be our final month of the year with a speaker presentation. So, at this time, I want to acknowledge, with gratitude, the amazing work that Anne Brown, this year’s WPF Program Chair, and the Program Committee (Dawn Kane, Lisa Dames, Janice Lanier, and Ronnie Grabon) have done this year. Since the beginning of the year, they have identified potential speakers (including those whom we may not have been able to access without the Zoom format), secured their commitment to present, attended Tech Check Zooms (think WPF Zoom meeting dress rehearsal) and acted as moderators for the monthly meeting. I’ll add that Anne, Dawn and Lisa all may have a future in broadcast journalism given their adept performances introducing speakers and facilitating Presentation Q&A time during the meetings! And the speakers themselves have been sensational, every meeting, all year long. Regardless of the speaker, we have been inspired by their personal stories and how they have overcome personal challenges and professional adversity, to be passionate and innovative leaders in their chosen field.
I hope you can join us for the October meeting (in person or virtually). Our speaker will be Taylore Woods, the 30-year-old CEO of local and family-owned/operated, Ashtae Products. And if you get a chance, please extend your own personal thank you to Anne Brown and her Committee members! I know they will appreciate the gratitude.
Warmly,
Ashley
OCTOBER MEETING …October 13, 2021 In Person and on ZOOM
Taylore Woods, CEO of Ashtae Products
Taylore graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2013 with a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications. After spending 7 years working in the family business, she now serves as the CEO of Ashtae Products, a professional haircare brand that sells products to licensed cosmetologists across the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean Islands.
She also manages TayloreMade, LLC, a property management company for residential short and long-term rentals. Taylore was recognized as the SBA 2020 Young Entrpreneur of the Year and one of Triad Business Journal’s 20 in their 20’s.
October 4-Minute Special: Corinne Auman
October Meeting Menu: Caesar Salad … Chicken Mushroom Risotto … Grilled Zucchini & Squash … Limoncello Cake
WPF as Community Citizen
WPF as Community CitizenA Message from Jean Pudlo, WPFF President Jean Pudlo
One of the things I’ve personally been pleased with about WPF is how a group of 150 women, plus or minus, has been so generous to the community. Most of our members contribute annually to the WPF Foundation (WPFF) and look what we’ve done: an ever-growing annual budget of support to efforts that empower girls and women in their lives. This year, we invested $24,000 in community efforts! I was reminded that for the first time we granted $10,000 to one program which really makes a significant difference. And our collective support has grown to an endowment fund of over a half million dollars.
Several of our funded programs this year have been kicking off their work this past month and will continue through the “school year”. I look forward to hearing how young high school women who have experienced significant trauma, and women who are new to our country are able to address the challenges they have to become who they want to be and follow their own paths. This is something WPF members have been able to do. Some days, I realize I have taken for granted all the opportunities that have come my way. Helping support another woman’s growth feels right.
Another sign of this citizenship is the new SIG: Service to Others. I understand they’ll be kicking off with an activity this fall.
I hope you will each consider joining in to support WPF as “community citizen” by contributing to WPFF this fall.
Registration is closed. Contact Dede Potter dede@miboxtriad.com or Jody Susong at jsusong@fspcares.org to be put on a wait list.
We are happy to announce an exciting, fully outside venue for our Fall Social & New Member Welcome!
Join us at The Pole Barn, Summerfield Farms, 3203 Pleasant Ridge Rd, Summerfield, NC 27358
Food and drink will be served. We want to provide a comfortable environment where all will feel welcome and comfortable in a social setting with an opportunity to connect and engage with our WPF sisters. The gathering also gives us a special opportunity to properly welcome our new members from 2019 and 2020.
The Holiday Bazaar is quickly approaching! Invite a friend and join us for this fun event! Proceeds go to the WPF Foundation to support women and girls in our community through grants and the Girls Leadership Edge program. Starmount’s chef and his culinary team will prepare a special boxed lunch to enjoy at the Club in a separate dining room or take your lunch to go. We look forward to seeing everyone and we will do our best to host a safe event, complying with covid safety protocols.
Bazaar Vendors
We have expanded our offerings, thanks to member feedback, and will host 21 vendors this year. Come meet some of our new vendors and enjoy reconnecting with your favorites from years past!
Win What You Want Raffle!
As always, our wonderful vendors have graciously donated items for our raffle. Raffle tickets will be on sale at our October lunch meeting and at the Bazaar. Tickets are $1 each or you can up your odds of winning and buy 6 for $5 or 15 tickets for only $10! Cash or card accepted. Bring your tickets to the Bazaar to enter the raffle for the basket of your choice. You do not have to be present to win.
Live Auction
A live auction is also on the agenda – details to be announced closer to the date!
Calling for Donations
Have a rental home for a weekend get-away or a nice piece of furniture you’d like to donate? We’re looking for additional big ticket items for our raffle and live auction. If you know a business that may be want to donate, please contact Amy Baradell at amyb@windowworksstudio.com.
Special thanks TO OUR SPONSORS!
Presenting Sponsor: Cone Health
Lunch Sponsor: Tech Triad
Shopping Bag Sponsors:
MI-BOX Triad, Inc.
Family Service of the Piedmont
Smith Partners Wealth Management
The Law Firm of Paula A. Wells
Hutchinson Family Offices
Window Works Studio, Inc.
Vendor “goody bag” sponsor: Gate City Pharmacy
Special Interest Group Upcoming Events
HEALTH & FITNESS
Women’s Only 5K – Saturday, October 2
We have filled our WPF Team for the annual Women’s Only 5K. The race will be virtual this year. If you have already registered for the event, please join us for our walk scheduled for October 2nd. We are meeting at the Lewis Recreation parking lot entrance to Country Park at 9am and our walk will start at 9:30am. We encourage you to wear your Women’s Only 5K t-shirt or a pink shirt. An email with more information was sent to all participants signed up for the WPF Team in late September with more details for this event.
BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, October 5 @ 7:00 PM … Host: Amy Meinecke
Discussion Leader: Paula Wells The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Commonwealth, delivers her most powerful novel to date: a richly moving story that explores the indelible bond between two siblings, the house of their childhood, and a past that will not let them go. The Dutch House is the story of a paradise lost, a tour de force that digs deeply into questions of inheritance, love and forgiveness, of how we want to see ourselves and of who we really are. Please RSVP to Amy at 336-848-4198 or amy.meinecke@gmail.com
FINANCIAL DIVAS
Wednesday, October 6 @ Noon via Zoom
This month, WPF’s very own Paula McMillan’s presents, “Financial Planning Nuances of Working with Women.” Zoom information will be emailed closer to meeting dates.
If you’re not already signed up for this SIG and would like to join us, please email Cecelia Anderson at canderson@investdavneport.com. The purpose of the Financial Divas SIG is to provide the opportunity for education and discussion of financial matters.
DEVOTED TO DIVERSITY
Tuesday, October 19 @ 6:30pm on Zoom
We are looking forward to seeing everyone (virtually) for our discussion on “High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America,” the Netflix documentary series celebrating African American food culture starting in West Africa. Part of it was filmed here in North Carolina. We encourage you to view some episodes in advance of our session (as few or as many as you like). We will NOT be viewing the series at our meeting. You can find the series on Netflix. We certainly hope you’ll join us! Blessings, Rebecca, Terri and Nicole
Click here to join: Click here for the Zoom link
High on the Hog Resources:
• Official Trailer https://youtu.be/7wsEdxt1Ico
• NY Times: “The Profound Significance of ‘High on the Hog’”
• North Carolina in the series: “I yearn to tell tales through the food I share, through the plants we grow and the seeds we keep.” – NC-based food preservationist Gabrielle E.W. Carter. An interview with and on Epicurious.
• From Netflix: Based on Jessica B. Harris’ award-winning book, High On The Hog traces the moving story of a people’s survival and triumph via the food that has knit generations together and helped define the American kitchen. From Gumbo to fried chicken, our culinary journey stretches from Africa to enslavement, to the Harlem Renaissance, up to our present-day; we celebrate the courage, artistry, and resourcefulness of the African American people. This is not just an African American story; it’s an American story. A feast for all the senses. https://www.netflix.com/highonthehog
WhINE DIVAS
Tuesday, October 21 @ 6:30pm … Nussbaum Center, 1451 S Elm Eugene Street
WhINE Divas returns with a live education program from Italy! We’ll sample wines from Casa Emma, a Tuscan winery located in the heart of Chianti Classico! We will have the opportunity to learn more about the Chianti Classico Region, Casa Emma’s philosophy of organic viticulture and the winemaking process, all while we sample some of their premier wines! Our presenter via Zoom will be Sommelier Alessio Benincasa and special thanks to Erica Parker who discovered Casa Emma while on a recent trip to Italy. $25 per person
Limited to 20 attendees. RSVP to Lorriyaskiewicz@gmail.com.
WOMEN OF WALL STREET (WOW)
Thursday, October 21 @ 6:30pm – Print Works Bistro
Join us in-person for our dinner meeting at Print Works Bistro. We’ve reserved outside seating and will be socially distanced from other tables. Should be lots of fun! Please let Peggy Ward know if you will be in attendance at Peggy.ward8@icloud.com.
NOTE: WOW accepts new members every January, so please contact Peggy Ward if you would like additional information on joining. If you are a current member and wish to exit the club, please notify Peggy Ward by Monday, November 15.
WORKING MOMS
Tuesday, October 26 @ 4pm … Dram & Draught, 300 W Gate City Boulevard
Join the Working Mom’s group for a late afternoon gathering. Looking forward to celebrating fall and talking holiday planning/Covid precautions. RSVP to Marlee Foster at Marlee.foster@conehealth.com.
SIPPIN’ SISTERS
Halloween Costume Party & Witches Brew Tasting
Tuesday, October 26 @ 6pm – Kim Trone’s Home
Come enjoy our First Annual Halloween costume party!!! Prizes awarded. Bloody Mary’s, secret brews and scary savory treats! $15 Cover. RSVP to Kim Trone at Kimberlyt0011@gmail.com or 336 -707-2136.
DINING OUT
Wednesday, October 27 @ 6:30pm … 1618 W Seafood Grille, 1618 W. Friendly Avenue
Kris Landrum is hosting this month. Please RSVP at diningout@wpforum.org.
SERVICE TO OTHERS
Tuesday, November 2 – 6:30-8:00pm @ The Family Room, 204 South Westgate Drive, Suite C, Greensboro NC 27407
Our new SIG will host its first opportunity at The Family Room. The mission of this nonprofit is to love, encourage and support families who foster and the children in their care. They provide resources include clothing, toys, beds, diapers, wipes, and formula. The goal is to never have a family have to say no to a placement because they don’t have what the kids need. Our time will be spent sorting and organizing some of these resources. Join us afterwards for dessert out somewhere!
Their website is www.familyroomtriad.com if you would like more information.
RSVP by email to Jody Susong at jody.susong@fspcares.org or to Amy Baradell at amyb@windowworksstudio.com We can’t wait!