Please join us on Tuesday, June 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Room 38 Restaurant & Lounge, 38 N 8th St, for a night out!  Join Women’s Network and Room 38 as we conclude the 2012-2013 program year with a mixer!  Room 38 is the place to be on Tuesday, June 4, starting at 5:30 p.m.  Be sure to add this night of drinks, appetizers and socializing to your calendar today! The cost is only $5 (which includes a drink ticket and appetizers).

• The specialty drink will be the Pomegranate Cosmo
• Your drink ticket will be good for the specialty drink, wine or beer
• Happy Hour prices will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m., full price after that

Thank you to Room 38 Restaurant & Lounge for sponsoring this event!

Questions?  Call Elizabeth Tate at the Chamber, 573-874-1132.

Price $5.00 $5.00 Online registration open until 6/3/2013

Each year, Women’s Network provides a $1,000 scholarship in memory of Carrie D. Francke. Carrie was ambitious, completing a political science degree at MU in three years, followed by earning journalism and law degrees. She served as Senator John Danforth’s press secretary, as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Missouri, and on the University of Missouri Board of Curators and also served on the Women’s Network Steering Committee.  Carrie died in a tragic car accident in 1989 at the age of 34. Women’s Network hopes to honor her memory by giving this scholarship to women in our community going to school.

Numerous applications were received this year and both Whitney Fay and Sabrina Weaver were named the 2013 recipients of Carrie D. Franke Scholarships.  Whitney is currently pursuing a law degree at the University of Missouri.  When contacted, Whitney stated “I’m very grateful for the scholarship, and I’m very happy that I will be able to support the pursuit of my education with this scholarship money. Thank you!”  Sabrina is currently working toward her Associate Degree in Nursing at Columbia College.   “I am truly humbled and grateful that I was selected as a recipient of the Carrie D. Francke scholarship.  This scholarship is helping me continue my dream of becoming a nurse.  I want to thank Women’s Network for providing such an opportunity!!”  Women’s Network would like to congratulate both Whitney and Sabrina as they pursue their educational endeavors.

It was a magic moment for Sabrina.  She was a rising star at First National Bank (now Landmark) and the bank was looking for someone who could network.  Freshly graduated from Mizzou and eager to show her stuff, Sabrina got heavily involved in committees both with Women’s Network and the bank.  However, there was stumbling one block.  She was shy.  “People wouldn’t have known it, but I was pretty quiet, “ says McDonnell.

She said lessons learned at WN translated to success at the bank.  She became a committee member immediately, followed by a chair the second year and a member of the now-defunct manager’s committee the following year.  She says, “Starting something new, from scratch, and navigating the WN waters was different.  It helped me at the bank.”

Like many people, she feared public speaking.  It was bad enough to speak in front of 40-50 people at Landmark, but when she became president-elect and had to address a luncheon, it was downright scary.  But she fought through it and enjoys speaking now.  “I learned to take myself out of my comfort zone,” she explains.

McDonnell is now Executive Vice President and Chief of Administration at Landmark.  She travels frequently to meetings at the holding company’s other locations.

Sabrina and her husband, Eric, will have been married 28 years next month.  They have a daughter, Madison, and a son, Grant.

Article Written By

Recently I was finishing off a bag of feta and olive flavored baked black bean chia chips (I can’t make this up). I have a self-induced “no potato chip” rule in my home, and these were found on my latest quest to find a salty, crunchy snack that didn’t violate any of my nutritious eating goals. I turned the bag of chips over to read the back, and at the bottom of the lengthy description in big words said “Empty your mind, fill your body and your soul.” ON A BAG OF CHIPS! Of all the times and places to find inspiration, this was the moment of the day when I found mine.

Of course this bag’s words of inspiration were intended to persuade me to eat the chips and then purchase more, thereby creating sales and potential profit for this company. But I started thinking about the deeper meaning of those inspirational words (as I have a habit of doing if you’ve read my other blogs). In my opinion, the quote on the chip bag could be further translated to mean “out with the bad, in with the good.” Aren’t we all in a quest to be better in some shape or form? Whether it be physical, mental or spiritual, something in our brains craves improvement.

It’s a great time of year to think about various ways of “betterment.” It’s springtime, and that means beginning again and new life blossoming all around us. I look out my front door and see grass and flowers sprouting, neighbors working in yards, kids practicing baseball and friends jogging down the street—all signs that we are collectively trying to grow and improve ourselves and our world. Finding the motivation is not always easy. We can be overwhelmed with horrible news of marathon bombings and fertilizer plant explosions. As a news junkie, I could easily to fall into a depressive state when learning of these miserable occurrences. So I listen to the stories to find some sort of inspiration in the madness.

The Athena Leadership and Athena Young Professional recipients were announced this last month. The Athena awards banquet is always a favorite event of mine and a great source of inspiration. The two individuals that were honored with these awards are very deserving and continue to contribute to the advancement of others. We can learn from them and their ways of encouraging others to succeed. It’s this kind of encouragement that can keep us motivated to be smarter, healthier, kinder and a higher achiever at whatever we choose to do.

For me, looking for new ways to find inspiration is one of the ways I personally try to improve. Whether it be a local Athena recipient, a national hero, or a bag of chips, inspiration and motivation to be better is there, and I welcome it anywhere I find it.

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” ― Ernest Hemingway

The 19^th annual ATHENA International Awards Banquet was a wonderful event – no, a wonderful occasion. Dressed in black and white, every attendee had a heartfelt reason to be there; honoring one of the two award recipients, seizing the opportunity to network with the city’s most influential women, supporting Women’s Network and the Chamber of Commerce. No matter the reason, the stage was set to impress, and no one was disappointed.

The keynote speaker for the evening was a sitting board member for the ATHENA International Organization, Catherine Lee. By the way she carried herself, it was evident she was ready to share a piece of her life with every attendee. Her dark-rimmed glasses slid on and off her nose as she waived and gestured with her hands during her speech. Catherine spoke passionately about her experience as a successful female executive working her way through life after kids. The advice she imparted was truthful, real and accessible.

The culmination of the evening was, of course, the announcement of the two award recipients. The ATHENA Young Professional Award was announced first. Lindsay Lopez, Senior Director of Development for Columbia College humbly received the award. Before anything, Lindsay was sure to thank her employer for supporting her efforts to mentor and be involved with the Chamber of Commerce.

Finally, the ATHENA International Award recipient was retiring University of Missouri System Vice President of Finance and Administration, Nikki Krawitz. She graciously accepted the award; although, she was in shock and awe while on the stage holding the golden symbol of ATHENA International. In fact, an hour before the event began Nikki was out of town in meetings when her colleagues swept her into a car headed to Columbia. They only told her they were driving her to Columbia for another “meeting” and she would “be representing the University.” When she arrived at the beautiful ballroom, the butterflies began.

Congratulations to both recipients. Your names and good deeds will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. Thank you both for your service to the community and to Women’s Network and the Chamber.

Written By:

Megan and her husband, Matt, have been married for four years, and have lived in Columbia for the past three years. They are the proud parents of Mattie, an 8-year-old Australian Shepherd.

In her spare time, Megan fulfills her life-long passion of riding and working with horses. In addition, she loves all kinds of music, and is an avid baseball fan of…yes…you guessed it…her beloved St. Louis Cardinals.

When asked about her membership in Women’s Network, Megan explains, “I’m brand new to Women’s Network and very excited about the prospect of networking in Columbia and getting to know more people, especially Women’s Network members.”

In addition, Megan stays involved with her college sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, and has also spent time volunteering for the Central Missouri Honor Flight organization. Megan explains,

“As a military wife, I believe it is important to always remember our veterans and the sacrifices they have made.”

With four years of professional event experience and three years of hospitality experience, Megan feels well qualified to handle your next event. Give her a call! I’m thinking you’ll be glad you did!!!

Written By:

So naturally, my mind ponders the power of vacation/time off and what this means to each of us. For me, the first day or two I am still sort of in a “work mind” and thinking about making sure all necessary items are packed for the trip and the schedule for the next week includes the properly planned fun and relaxing activities. By day three, I have completely settled into the vacation lifestyle that includes no schedules or major decision-making. I know that I become completely relaxed and rejuvenated when time doesn’t matter and I have lost track of what day it is. It’s a glorious feeling!

Another interesting aspect of vacation besides the normal “R an R” is the time available to reflect on life and work. There are times on vacation when I seem to think more clearly even without trying. The distractions and preoccupations of everyday life are gone and suddenly the thinking turns from tactical to a more strategic approach. For me, strategic thinking is a necessary part of my work duties. I know what you are thinking…more vacationing would improve my performance, right?! I would agree, but the real world means real limits on time away.

Not everyone is good at vacationing and taking time off. I have learned this recently. Some of you out there don’t want to leave the daily routines and potential stress of having to travel or rely on co-workers to perform your duties. If this describes you, consider all the great benefits that can come from a well-rested and rejuvenated soul. I guarantee the benefits and memories gained far outweigh the costs. If you need help on figuring out how to adopt my “work hard, play hard” attitude, give me a call or e-mail. Just not this week because I’M ON VACATION!

“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

“It’s hard to put into words the feeling I had when I realized I had been selected as an ATHENA recipient. I believed this was a very prestigious recognition coveted for those select individuals who had assisted women in their growth and development. There are other awards that recognize community service and professional success; however, the ATHENA award includes helping women achieve their potential. I can honestly remember the moment I realized the person being described as the next recipient of this award was me. It literally took my breath away. Every single one of the nine individuals previously selected for this recognition was someone I held in the highest regard. I am truly honored to be in their company. As I’ve moved through my career, there has always been someone who has helped guide my way. My mentors have come at different times and in different ways. I learned from them (especially Linda Arnold, Muriel Battle and Vicki Dunscombe) that as women, we have a responsibility to assist other women in their growth and development. I have had numerous opportunities because someone saw my potential before I did. I had only hoped that I could assist others in the same way. To be selected for this award is truly one of my highest achievements.

I received the ATHENA recognition not long after the death of Muriel Battle, one of the first ATHENA recipients. She was a friend and mentor to many of us. A few weeks after the ATHENA award announcement I heard from Eliot Battle. I was getting ready to attend my first ATHENA Conference and I was very excited. Eliot asked me if I had purchased the beautiful ATHENA lapel pin that signifies an individual who has been recognized as an ATHENA recipient. This pin is a gold pin in the shape of the ATHENA sculpture with a diamond resting on top. I told Eliot that I had not yet purchased one but that I was definitely planning on placing my order while I was at the ATHENA conference. Eliot then told me that he would like for me to have Muriel’s pin. It meant a lot to Muriel and he knew she would want me to have it. I was and still am truly overwhelmed by this gesture. To think Eliot would want me to wear Muriel’s ATHENA pin means so much to me. Every time I place the beautiful pin on my lapel I think of Muriel and Eliot and how they have taught me so much.”

University of Missouri Health Care will present this year’s 19th annual ATHENA International Award and the 6^th annual ATHENA Young Professional Award at Lela Raney Wood Hall, Kimball Ballroom on the Stephens College campus. The evening will begin with Happy Hour from 5:30-6 p.m., followed by dinner, the program and awards presentation at 6 p.m.  Our guest speaker will be Catherine Lee, Board member of ATHENA International.

“I truly felt I was able to see the benefit of both large and smaller communities having been exposed to both during various times in my life; however, I can say going from a class of 600 to a class of 100 was a shocker.”

After graduating from the School of the Osage High School in 1996, Sara attended and graduated from University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and Public Relations.

Prior to accepting her job with Services for Independent Living (SIL) in April of 2012, Sara worked for Masonic Home of Missouri as the Director of Marketing and PR and, as she explains, “I had a great 10-year adventure with Masonic Homes of Missouri, and I was grateful for the experience.”  However, she further explains, “I felt the need for a job change, and a desire to become more involved in our great Columbia community, so I accepted the position with Services for Independent Living. This move allowed me the great opportunity to expand my community involvement and spread the message about the valuable services and programs SIL provides. Independence is something we all strive for and work hard to maintain, and at SIL we are making that a reality for more and more individuals every day.“

In her position with Services for Independent living, Sara is responsible for all marketing, public relations and planning of special events in addition to coordinating all media relations, advertising, design of materials, website maintenance and social media.

In her spare time, Sara enjoys running, playing golf and camping with her family. Married for almost 11 years to, as Sara puts it, “a wonderful man, Larry Snodderley.” Sara and Larry are blessed to have three daughters—Lanie, age 2; Abby, age 7 and Madison, age 10.

Sara summarizes her feelings for her current job, “At Services for Independent Living I have the great opportunity to work with so many new individuals and be a part of the great programs and services from which so many can benefit….now, and into the future.”  In Sara’s words, “Who wouldn’t want to be a part of empowering and assisting individuals to be independent?”

Sara is currently a participant of Leadership Columbia, the Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee, Northwest Rotary and Partners In Education. She has been a member of Women’s Network for over 8 years.

Women’s Network New Member Welcome is a great opportunity to meet and network with other professionals in the organization.  We will cover basic Women’s Network information such as how to get involved, our mission and priorities as well as other fun opportunities. 

Please RSVP to Elizabeth Tate at etate@ColumbiaMOChamber.com or call 817-9119.

Thank you to our sponsors:
Gold Sponsors: The Columbia Missourian, Word Marketing
Location Sponsor: Landmark Bank