Newsletter August 2022

 

AUGUST MEETING: WEDNESDAY AUGUST 10, 2022

12:30-1:30 @ Starmount Forest Country Club

Everyone Has a Story to Tell

At our August meeting, table facilitators (some professional writers and members of our board) who will give us the tools and guidance to start the process of writing about the person we know the most and the least: ourselves. 

Here are the descriptions that each of them wrote when thinking about the idea of ‘telling your story’. They might give you some ideas as you are thinking about sharing your ideas in August.

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Amy Baradell: Learner, creator, relationship builder. My path began as a 7 year old girl making a pillow for her bedridden grandfather. That path of creativity led to a degree in clothing and textiles from UNC-Greensboro, a home based business, and now a thriving window treatment business. It is about the journey of a woman who knew how to sew, but knew nothing about running a business. I have found joy in being willing to learn new things and the way God has connected me to people and the meaning that has given to my life in all that I do.

Ellen Bryant Lloyd: author, freelance writer, editor, memoir ghostwriter. I made an important discovery when I was eight years old: I am a writer. In the third grade, I was given an assignment to write a story, illustrate it, make a cover and then bind all into a book. The process was exhilarating. I felt true joy when I held my “published book” in my hands. I felt, to my core, that being a writer was my calling. I tucked this calling away and pursued a more “practical” path of sales and marketing, which was rewarding. I continued to dabble in writing for my eyes only, until the day I woke up and realized it was time to fully embrace being a writer. I now write all day, every day. I have published two children’s books and written hundreds of articles, lifestyle features and blog posts. I also ghostwrite memoirs and am close to finishing several fiction projects. My passion is uncovering story wherever I go and with everyone I meet. Story connects us, defines us, motivates us, makes us think, makes us feel, helps us understand, encourages us to grow, enlightens us, inspires us and brings us joy. It is through the gift of story that we weave the beautiful tapestry of life.

Nicole Hayes: freelance writer, editor. I am a retired Naval officer having served 24 years in uniform. My background has been joyously eclectic: I’ve served as a behavioral health addictions counselor; taught leadership and behavior at the university level; taught leadership theory to young pilots; served as the director of a military counseling facility during 9-11; and I’ve served as a Russian threat analyst at the National Security Agency—all before writing as a profession. During my time as a Naval officer, I fostered a beautiful toddler who changed my life and inspired my first book. My passion is finding links and themes that connect stories and helping people “perfect their message, deliver their thoughts, and realize their dreams” through writing. The name of my first book is “When You’re Called “Mommy”: The Joys and Heartbreak of Being a Foster Parent”.

Kimberly Kesterson Trone: Artist and children’s book writer and illustrator. After many years of developing a unique creative style and recognizability of my paintings, I am constantly seeking new ways to satiate my creative appetite. I became a children’s book author years ago and published two books. “Chicks Chat and Change – The Money Tree” and “Nelson Dreams in Color, about a frog who learns his color wheel.

Of course , firstly I am an artist hopefully giving back beauty to this world.

Dede Potter: Business Owner. I grew up in a rural area near Wichita Kansas, the oldest of three girls. I left my hometown 35 years ago; spending 15 years in the Kansas City area before making my way to North Carolina for a job. I am an entrepreneur, a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, friend and Christian. I had the good fortune of a long corporate career in marketing which took me all over the world and exposed me to people, places and cultures that broadened my knowledge and changed my perspectives. My path to entrepreneurship began 8 ½ years ago with the purchase of a commercial property, followed by starting MI-BOX Mobile Storage. The journey is quenching my desire to build something, grow something, help people and give back. I’m learning along the way to be curious, not judgmental (heard it quoted), to be patient, to be present in the moment and mostly to enjoy the journey.

Ronnie Grabon: Executive Coach. My ‘short story’ focuses on my energy and passion for exploring new ideas. It might be ideas that help people find that ever elusive balance in their work and personal lives, or the ideas that have me exploring and drawing connections with people and history when I travel. Or helping people create balance in their lives by seeing how physical activity connects to our work or how gardening can affect climate change. I love seeing and developing the, not always obvious, connections.

Sue Kennedy: “Helping Leaders Lead Change” that’s my tag line for my leadership development and executive coaching business and perfectly describes my passion to help people learn, grow and evolve in an ever changing world.  From a very early age my father demonstrated adaptability and flexibility when he lost two fingers in the machine he was working on at his job.  I was only 3 when it happened, but I truly believe that observing his “never give up” attitude and behavior set the course for my life and career.

Christie Soper: Entrepreneur, innovator, and advocate. The surface answer to “my story” is: mom and stepmom to four grown children and Cici to two fabulous grandsons, my soulmate’s wife: and from a career standpoint, MBA with 20 years in a Fortune 200 financial services company: and founder of businesses, groups, and programs. The deeper answer to “my story” is that my mother raised a Survivor, from being a child of an unpleasant divorce, to being bullied for how I looked, to working 3-4 jobs to self-fund my college education while graduating #6 in my college class, to my own divorce, to losing my baby-business due to COVID. In my career and life, I’ve heard I was too driven, too Asian, too White, too female, too young, too emotional, too fat, too poor, whatever. I’m just me, and I am undaunted when chasing my passions, challenging the status quo, and loving the people who matter most.

Dawn Kane: long-time staff writer for the News & Record. I currently covers arts and entertainment and have covered a myriad of topics over the years – courts, police, women’s issues, education – everything, except sports and business. So when it comes to writing, I have done quite a bit! (I also spent several years working with community organizations to establish websites hosted by the News & Record).

Jean Pudlo: Grounded in the wilderness, working for change in the world.  As an almost college graduate, the one thing that was clear about my life is that I would do many different things, and I have.  But almost always it’s been about enjoying and improving the world.  I don’t know exactly why that is my focus, but it’s clear it’s in my bones. I am most at home in the woods or in a river (or other body of water).  My work has been to help people improve the world in one way or another. Now, with more knowledge on how to that, I enjoy coaching others. There are always more ways to explore, more ways to work for a better world. I will never be bored!

Catena Bergevin: Artist and Arts Advocate. I come from a very creative family – designers, painters, writers, musicians, and singers. My “short story” would share how art was first introduced in my life and the importance it has held for me personally and professionally. I would encourage others to discuss how they see art and creativity in their own lives. What inspires you?

Ashley Madden: Financial guru meets free-spirit. Born in June, I am a Gemini and the twin sign runs deep in me.  One twin side is my work as a financial planner and a tax accountant.  I feel passionate about helping my clients find direction and strategy for their finances and how this helps them achieve their life goals.  This twin side tends to be outgoing, entrepreneurial, focused and confident.  My other twin side is more introspective, introverted, laid back and creative.  I balance out the client meetings, wearing pearls and numbers swirling in my head with the side of me that relishes downtime, loves to play music, create art, read books, hike and travel.  I have reconciled that I need both twin sides for me to truly be the best person that I can be for myself and those around me.

 

4-MINUTE SPECIAL

Katie Klod

Hello WPF!  So glad to share a bit about me! Here’s the basics: I’m a first-born, left-handed Gemini hailing from Arizona/Illinois/eastern Europe/Africa (per my genetic results!).  I’m a big sister to Carrie, an Aunt to Alec, and a Mommy to Melody, the unruly 65 pound furry toddler with teeth who is my angel. 

My sister and I are adjusting to life without Mom, who passed away in early 2021.  I am constantly amazed and grateful for how much closer we have become in the wake of that loss.  We think Mom would be very happy!

Aside from the never-ending game of fetch, I also enjoy singing with my church choir (alto) and attending many performing arts events (symphony, plays, concerts) on both the professional and college circuit. My board terms on the Greensboro Symphony and WFDD radio both ended right at the beginning of Covid, so for now I’m just a trustee on the board of my church, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro.  We are tackling the timeless questions of ultimacy and intimacy while also facing the urgent need to reinvent before we become obsolete.  I’m sure many can relate!  

 

Let’s see – oh yes, I also work!  I work at Lincoln Financial from my guest bedroom (previously from the downtown building with the clock on the top).  I am a Director with IT where I manage a department of website developers creating new and interesting website solutions for life insurance customers and advisors.  I am very lucky to have a role serving a terrific group of people.  I really enjoy being a people leader and feel it is my highest responsibility to help them to be successful.

 

I’ve been in Greensboro for 17 years and definitely call it home.  My previous employer moved me from Phoenix to New York before bringing me here to help run one of the call centers.  I have an undergraduate in elementary education from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Arizona State.  Although I could never have predicted it, these two degrees were perfect to prepare me for a life in leadership.  I’ve been a teacher ever since my first-grade-self held school in the dining room for my sister and is a big part of my leadership style now!  

My sister, my nephew, my dog and I are all ready to tackle this post-covid, post-Mom phase of life.  They inspire me everyday.

WPF FOUNDATION NEWS

A Message from Jean Pudlo, WPFF President Jean Pudlo

Still a quiet time for the WPF Foundation, we look forward to the fall and sharing more with all of you about what a difference WPFF makes in women and children’s lives.  Now, we’re dealing with the mundane of appointing our nominating committee, preparing a Conflict of Interest statement and updating bylaws!  One of the best things about serving as this board’s chair is that when asked, people say yes!  It’s been a great group to work with.

You’ll hear more from us this fall.    Enjoy your summer!

SUMMER SOCIAL

August 11, 6-8pm

GREENSBORO HISTORICAL MUSEUM

RSVP now as this event is limited to 70 guests! 1618 will be catering the event, and as a special treat, music will be provided by our WPF sister, Frenesa Hall, and singer/songwriter, Lyn Koonce. 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP NOW!

Questions? Conact Lori Yaskiewicz or Christie Soper. See you soon!

New Member Social!

Thursday, September 29 from 6-8pm

Law Offices of Tuggle Duggins … 400 Bellemeade Street, Suite 800

Parking will be in the Parking Deck directly across the street from their offices.  

Please RSVP to Jody Susong at jsusong@triad.rr.com if you plan to attend.  

We are excited to welcome and get to know the new class of members for 2022!