Written by: Ramona M. Pinckney
I now realize that life isn’t about what you have, but it is about making the most of what you have.
I grew up in Bronx, New York in a dysfunctional family living in the inner city. Everyone seemed to live for the moment and without hope for a future. As a product of my surroundings, I lived a life of hopelessness and despair. My only point of reference for a better life was what I saw on television and that was of course out of my reach. Continue reading
Written by: CeCes Charleston
But, for some of us who truly believe the rules are:
1) Never relocate your home, it will hurt your children’s socialization,
2) Don’t work outside of the home, you need to always be there for your family, and
3) The husband has to be the breadwinner… it can be tough to go against the grain (trying to do it all)!!!Continue reading
Written by: Joe Staiano
Joe here — not a scrappy woman… but want to share a story of one I know.
Bronx born and raised, I live in Seattle now and have worked in responsible tourism for 2 decades. I founded MeaningfulTrip tour company where each international trip lends support to issues such as women’s empowerment, health, poverty-alleviation and social justice. Donations are also given to support ‘hunger’, ‘poverty’, and ‘anti-trafficking’ issues right here in USA.Continue reading
Written by: Linda Holroyd
Family rumor has it that my mom married my dad as a ticket to America for both herself and her brothers and their families. Whether or not it is true, we find ourselves decades later, all acculturated and productive and full-fledged Americans.
My parents debated about whether my dad should come first to America, to earn money to send for my mom and the four kids. My mom won out and the family, including mom, dad, Continue reading
Written by: Lise Stampfli Torme
Margaret “Ketch” Root
An inspiration, a generous friend and a beloved family member
1947— 2012
Early years:
Margaret was born and grew up in the tight knit community of Maple Falls Washington. A precocious and independent child she loved swimming at the local Y, and fishing for Continue reading
Written by: Abby Dryer, PMP
Everyone has their own personal bias, snap judgments and assumptions. The fact that when I enter someone’s office I may look like a young, naive girl in a suit means that I have two choices. I can meet that person’s expectations, acting unsure and potentially afraid or lost; or I can surprise them with what I really am: a dedicated, strong leader that has moved mountains to achieve my goals.Continue reading
Originally published on ProjectConnections.com
About 15 years ago a woman I barely knew, the wife of a coworker, was listening to me describe the challenges I faced as a project manager at Hewlett Packard. “You’re not using your feminine power!” she suddenly pronounced, as if she’d just discovered the cause of some mysterious chronic illness I’d been suffering from for a lifetime. My first reaction was, “Use my feminine power? I sure hope not!” Since I was obviously perplexed, she further explained that this included nurturing behaviors like bringing food and drinks to meetings, and expressing other characteristics that I’ve heard described as “soft skills” by HR pros. I figured I’d missed that in the job description.Continue reading
Thomas Edison, when asked why he had a team of twenty-one assistants “If I could solve all the problems myself, I would.” Another rather amusing fellow I know said “There is no “I” in TEAM, but there is an “I” in WIN!” Whatever your philosophy, working in a team is challenging, Continue reading