A message from WPF President, Lorri Yaskiewicz
Lorri Yaskiewicz WPF President
True, Authentic Connections
Dear WPF Sisters,
Happy New Year! I hope each of you had a joyful holiday season, filled with love, peace, and reflection. As we step into 2025, I am filled with excitement about the year ahead and the incredible journeys we will share together.
As I reflect on my own journey to the Women’s Professional Forum, I want to share with you what this group has meant to me. About 10 years ago, I attended a leadership conference in Pennsylvania, where we were asked to think deeply about one thing missing from our lives that we wished to see changed in the near future.
As I listened to the inspiring speakers and reflected on my own life, it became clear to me that what I was missing most was authentic, meaningful relationships with women—relationships where we truly supported one another, celebrated each other’s successes, and held space for our vulnerabilities.
At that time, I had been involved in a few women’s groups but they never quite felt like home. There was little room for individuality, and the connections didn’t feel deep nor genuine. I longed for a group of women who could see and honor me for who I truly was, and in turn, I could do the same for them. But I wasn’t sure where to find that.
Fast forward a few years, and I had the privilege of meeting Dee Blake. She introduced me to WPF and invited me to a lunch meeting. From the moment I walked in, I felt something special—something I had been searching for. The warmth, the welcoming energy, and the acceptance of every woman in the room, no matter her background, profession, or personal views, was truly unique. There was an undeniable sense of respect and genuine support that I felt immediately.
I’ll never forget the conversation I had with Melanie Tuttle. She asked me what drew me to WPF, and in that moment, everything clicked. As I shared with her the story of that leadership conference years before, I realized—this was it. This was the group I had been hoping for, the group I had imagined on my vision board. I knew in that moment that I had found a community where authentic connections weren’t just possible—they were encouraged and celebrated.
When I joined, I never could have imagined that I would one day have the honor of serving as your President. But here we are, and I can honestly say I love everything about WPF—the history, the relationships we’ve built, and the future we are going to create together. And a special thank you to Erica Parker, it has been a great pleasure to learn from your leadership!
One powerful message we heard last February was from Frenesa Hall and Jennifer Mencarini, who spoke about “Connecting as if your life depends on it.” They shared research showing that our social connections are critical to our well-being and even our longevity. It struck me deeply, and it made me realize just how important it is to show up for each other in ways that go beyond surface-level interactions.
In today’s world, where everyone’s attention is often diverted to their phones or busy schedules, we sometimes forget the power of truly being present with one another. When we listen with intention, when we engage wholeheartedly, we validate each other and build deeper, more meaningful connections. That’s what we all want—to be seen, to be heard, and to truly connect.
So, as we step into this new year together, I want to challenge all of us to take our connections to a deeper level. Let’s move beyond the surface and get to know one another as whole people, not just as colleagues or acquaintances. Let’s reach out to our newer members and really learn about their journeys. Let’s ask questions, offer support, and lean into the vulnerability that makes us stronger together.
Through these deeper connections, we will grow stronger as individuals and as a group. We will support one another in ways that not only enrich our professional lives but also nurture our personal well-being. And together, we will continue to create something truly special here at WPF.
Here’s to a year filled with authentic connections, growth, and support. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in 2025!
Authentically yours,
Lorri
JANUARY PROGRAM
Aging Symposium: Empowering YOUR future with Confidence
Join your WPF sisters Susan Hunt, Karen Foster, Ashley Madden, and Corinne Auman for an engaging and insightful event designed to empower everyone who is aging (hint: YOU!) This panel brings a wealth of knowledge in elder law and estate planning, financial planning, healthcare navigation, and real estate. Gain practical advice, explore available resources, and learn strategies to plan confidently for the future.
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Sue Hunt, the Senior Partner and Founder of Susan Hunt Law, brings over 30 years of legal experience to her practice, focusing on family protection, wealth preservation, and values-based planning. With a background in family law, real estate law, and small business law, Sue is adept at guiding families through complex legal decisions to ensure they have a detailed and customized estate plan that will work when it’s needed. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Wake Forest University School of Law, Sue is an active member of several professional organizations and serves on multiple boards. Passionate about community education, she frequently speaks on topics such as estate planning, wills and trusts, and protecting family inheritances. An avid traveler and photographer, Sue has explored over 40 countries and enjoys a variety of hobbies, including hiking, SUP/kayaking, and spending time with her friends and her dog, Hunter.
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Karen Foster is a Realtor in Greensboro, NC, and the Triad, with 17 years of experience helping adults 55 and older navigate the challenges of downsizing. Together with her husband, they bring a combined 25 years of real estate expertise to provide clients with a calm, solutions-focused approach and trusted guidance.
“I help adults 55 and older and their families solve the emotional and logistical challenges of downsizing by providing expert guidance, tailored support, and a trusted team, so they can move confidently into a simpler, more fulfilling chapter of life.”
Partnering with a team of top-notch professionals, Karen ensures a seamless transition while keeping the process stress-free. Guided by values like honesty, integrity, and collaboration, Karen is passionate about empowering her clients to move forward with confidence. Outside of work, Karen enjoys sports, travel, and lifelong learning.
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Ashley Madden, CFP®, CPA, CEPA is the Director of Financial Planning for GenCrest Capital Partners. In her role at GenCrest Capital Partners, Ashley brings a customized, holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to financial planning for high-net worth individuals including investment management, tax planning, estate planning, insurance, business ownership, and philanthropic giving.
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Dr. Corinne Auman is a recognized gerontologist with over 20 years of experience working directly with older adults and their families and the author of Keenagers: Telling a New Story about Aging.
She is the founder of Choice Care Navigators, where she and her team help seniors and their families navigate the healthcare system. They provide guidance on planning for the future, initiating family discussions, understanding available services, and advocating for seniors. Corinne is a Nationally Certified Guardian, Certified Senior Advisor, and an Advanced Professional member of the Aging LifeCare Association. She received her Ph.D. from NC State University, where she studied developmental psychology with a specialty in adulthood and aging.
WPF Foundation News
A Note From Chandra Hackenbruch, WPF Foundation President
Happy New Year!
The WPF Foundation wishes you a joyful and successful year ahead. We’re proud of what our board accomplished in 2024, and we’re excited for what’s to come in 2025!
Grant Application Cycle is still Open!
We’re thrilled with the grant applications we’ve received so far, but there’s still time to apply! The deadline is January 31st.
Do you know an organization in Guilford County that runs programs for women and girls? Encourage them to apply for a grant! They can find the application on our website: www.wpforum.org/foundation/grants/.
Thank you to our supporters!
Thanks to your generosity over the past 40 years, your contributions allowed the Foundation to provide over $370K in grants to organizations that align with our mission to empower Women and Girls.
Have questions?
Feel free to contact Chandra Hackenbruch, WPFF President, or any Foundation board member for more information about grants or the WPF Foundation.
Together, we can empower women and girls!
WPF Membership News
Marcy McHenry, Membership Chair
CURRENT MEMBERS: 2025 WPF membership renewal notices will be sent out via email mid-January and all membership fees are due by March 1st. If you are considering changing your membership status, please review Section II of the Bylaws (available on the website) for the qualifications of the four membership categories, then request the change to the Membership Chair, Marcy McHenry at marcemch@aol.com or 336-509-5660.
NEW MEMBER SPONSORSHIP: Your WPF Membership Committee is ready for an exciting and productive new year and learning about the great applicants you’ll be proposing. We love having new members join our professional sisterhood! Please let me know if you’re planning on sponsoring a candidate this year as this will help the Membership Committee’s planning process. Although the June 1st deadline for the 2025 class seems far in the future, it’s only FIVE MONTHS AWAY. The membership packet and additional information is available on the website, but we request that you wait until May to email us the completed forms.
The basic requirements for membership applications haven’t changed:
- New members are accepted once yearly. Completed applications must be received by the Membership Chair by June 1 for membership beginning July 1.
- A new member must be sponsored by a total of three sponsors — a primary sponsor and two secondary sponsors. The primary sponsor must be an Active or Active Retired member. The two secondary sponsors may be Active, Active Retired or Emeritus members.
- Prospective members will attend three WPF lunch meetings with each of her sponsors, a total of three meetings, within the twelve months prior to application filing.
- The primary sponsor is responsible for ensuring that an applicant appears to meet the basic membership qualifications set out in the New Member Application Packet. Questions may be directed to the Membership Chair.
Please make sure that all sponsors qualify to sponsor a new member:
- An Active and Active Retired member may either sponsor or co-sponsor a total of no more than two new member applications in a fiscal year.
- An Emeritus member may co-sponsor no more than two new member applications in a fiscal year.
- New members may be a sponsor after 24 months of membership. The waiting period to sponsor a new member doesn’t apply to WPF members who have been reinstated as members after having left WPF in good standing.
- Members of the Membership Committee, WPF President and Supporting members cannot act as sponsors.
If you have any further questions about membership or sponsorship, please contact Membership Chair, Marcy McHenry at marcemch@aol.com or 336-509-5660.
Special Interest Group Upcoming Events
LADIES OF LEISURE
Annual Planning Lunch
Friday, January 10, 2025
12:30 pm
Gia Restaurant
1941 New Garden Rd, Suite 208
There is room for 16 people. Last year’s planning session worked out well. Feel free to bring your ideas for outings and willingness to plan one or two of them. Those attending can order from the menu; checks will be separate and are expected to include the tip. Please respond by Monday, Jan. 6 to retired@wpforum.org.
WOW – WOMEN OF WALL STREET
Investment Club
The Club opens to new members once a year in January, so please contact
Peggy Ward in January at peggy.ward8@icloud.com
if you have questions about the Club or are interested in joining.
The Holiday Party for the club will be at 6 pm on January 16 at the home of Cathy Nosek.
Finally, many members of the WOW group will be joining those in Books and Arts for the NYC trip January 17-20.
Happy New Year to everyone!!
WORKING MOMS
Lucky 32
1421 Westover Terrace
Tuesday, January 21, 12-1:30 pm
Join us for Lunch!
Moms of all ages welcome.
RSVP to Marlee Foster at marlee.foster@conehealth.com.
Working Mom’s group is part support group and part resource group. We learn so much from each other and have the chance to share the trials and tribulations of being a working Mom in this day and age. There is always laughter, an empathetic ear, and sometimes a great suggestion to help you when you thought you have exhausted all possible options.
FINANCIAL DIVAS
Wednesday, January 22, 9-10 am
Weaver Park Center
324 W. Wendover Ave, Ste. 140
Contact: Paula McMillan, CPA, CFP®, PFS, CEPA, CDFA®, CGMA
Please join the WPF Financial Divas for an engaging discussion about the economy and the market as we look ahead to 2025 and beyond. All WPF financial advisors are encouraged to attend and share for a robust conversation about the current state, as well as potential opportunities and pitfalls. For any questions, contact Paula McMillan (pmcmillan@stearnsfinancial.com).
DINING OUT
Wednesday, January 29
6:30 pm
Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen
Host: Amy Meinecke
*We will be planning the year and signing up to host Dining Out through the rest of the year*
RSVP via the link below
https://form.jotform.com/243614350013140
BOOKS & ARTS
Annual Planning Meeting
Thursday, January 30
6:30 pm
home of Kris Landrum
704 Plummer Drive
Be part of the planning process for 2025 Books and Arts activities and enjoy dinner and conversation with WPF friends! Kris and Michele Smith, co-chairs of Books and Arts, invite you to bring ideas for activities and a willingness to help organize an event for 2025. It’s a fun way to help insure that 2025 is a great year for Books and Arts with varied and interesting activities!
Polly Sizemore will also discuss Book Club plans for the year. Sign up with Kris (klandrum@tuggleduggins.com) or Michele (msmith@hillevans.com) so that they can plan for food and drink.
BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, February 4
Light appetizers 7:00 pm
Host: Kris Landrum
Book discussion 7:30 pm
Teresa Vincent and Michele Smith will lead the discussion
Book
King: A Life by Jonathan Eig
RSVP to Kris at 336-209-2420 or KLandrum@tugginsduggins.com by January 31.
LADIES OF LEISURE
Blandwood
Friday, February 14, 2025, 11 am
We will tour Blandwood Mansion, 447 W. Washington St., Greensboro.
Originally built as a four-room Federal style farmhouse in 1795, it was home to two-term North Carolina governor John Motley Morehead under whose ownership it was transformed into its present appearance. The tour will be followed by lunch at one of two downtown restaurants: either Chez Genese, 616 S. Elm St., or Mellow Mushroom, 609 S. Elm St. Since neither takes reservations, we’ll see which one can seat us when the time comes. Five WPF members have signed up already. Please respond by Monday, Feb. 10 to retired@wpforum.org.
WILD WOMEN IN THE MOUNTAINS
BLOWING ROCK, NC
March 21-23, 2025
And the beat goes on! Hope you can join us for the 2025 Wild Women in the Mountains have been set – March 21-23, 2025, housing has been confirmed (well most of it) and Sarah Shoffner is ready to take your check. And, for the first time in over ten years we are going up on our pricing, a whopping $10! Cost this year will be $135. That includes a 2-night stay at one of the best and most entertaining homes in the Rock, appetizers Friday night, breakfast Saturday and Sunday and the most delicious dinner on Saturday. You will also be in the company of the best Wild Women in WPF!! Please contact Sarah (sarahshoffner@rtelco.net) as to the best way to get her your check.
No matter what, we can promise you a great time!!
Mebane Ham