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| 2006
Lindsay Mure-O’Neill
“My advice for the general female business woman is to take the emotion out of daily work responsibilities. So often I find myself getting worked up and upset over something at work that is really not worth the energy or emotion. Business is business – keep that in mind.” |
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Devon O’Donnell
“I love the energy that NYC has. I feel like you have your job and then everything afterwards. Meaning, I don’t mentally “start” my day until I leave the office, although I love my job.”
Sabiha Azam-Tudesco
“I can’t really say there is only one person that has mostly influenced my life. I would have to say my entire family. Since I am the only girl in a family of 5 boys, I have always felt very protected and well guided.”
Tina MacNicholl
“I think the one last thing I would like to add is that being a woman in any industry is never a disadvantage, it’s a strength. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone except yourself. Success is a fairly simple formula which is not based on how much you make…it’s more about being happy with what you are doing, and creating a life that you enjoy. Now I sound like Yoda….”
Loren Whelan
“Though, I think females have a great advantage in advertising. We get great jobs that fit our personalities. Sure there is a “boys club” feel, though I feel these males welcome females in our industry and interact very well with one another.”
Carrie Stec
“Price competition is certainly healthy, but competing on that point in a vacuum is a disservice to our entire industry. The interactive market is still very volatile from both a price and product standpoint, so we should all think about making strategic decisions and forming solid partnerships, not pricing each other out of deals.”
Joy Miskovich
“Work hard and play hard. Owning your own business can be all consuming. I most importantly learned I have to separate work and play. Probably still the hardest feat for me to accomplish since I do love what I do.”
Kathryne Jane Monier
“Creativity, confidence, perseverance, communication, and the ability to not take things personally. Our industry continues to grow with excellent women professionals, and I believe it’s important to feel equal and able to lead a key business account or manage a team as effectively as anyone else.”
Amanda Karr
“My biggest sales tip I’ve ever learned is the game of 15 questions. I’ve taken a lot of sales training classes and this was the best sales tip I ever learned… find out what they want first, and then highlight five key points, based on the obstacles or dislikes they expressed within those fifteen questions, and give them the benefits and how you can help.”
Carole Caliendo
“Some tips I have for hiring is use as much of your network as possible, people who come recommended are usually great additions to your team in my experience. Post jobs in as many free areas as possible, like craigslist but also with job boards like Monster and Careerbuilder. Don’t wait for the resumes to come to you, search online yourself!”
Kristy Amy
“We have the same challenges today with data integrity and deployment of web based applications as we did over 10 years ago. Training and embracing process change are the fundamental differentiators between success and failure.”
2007
Jennifer Greene
“I think I get my motivation from personal experiences and almost everyone in my life. I’ve always been passionate about what I do and strive to achieve excellence. There is a saying that if you’re going to do something that you should do it well… I agree with that saying. If you’re not going to do something well, it’s time to move on to the next thing.”
Rebecca Weeks
“I truly believe that women have the largest buying power online. Until now, media and marketers have underestimated the household decisions women choose to make online. Women primarily use search and email, but they are quickly increasing their percentage of user-generated content. They’re shopping and blogging online every day, and telling all of their friends about new sites they discover.”
Alicia Molnar
“Find your passion and make it your dream. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not possible.”
Jennifer Gressman
“When I graduated from college I never thought that I would find myself back in a classroom; but at this point in my life I am going back to school because I want to and I’m excited about it. I am getting my Master’s in Marketing (with a specialization in e-commerce); which are two areas that I have always been interested in; however, my desire to expand my knowledge of these subjects have been heightened due primarily to working in interactive media.”
Kimberly Stoy
“Start getting the recognition you deserve. All too often women tend to give away or share credit and downplay their accomplishments in business because they think they need to do so to look like “team players”. This type of thinking can cost you promotions, raises, and industry recognition that can lead to bigger, better, and higher paying positions within your company and elsewhere. Ambition is a good thing; have the determination to go after your dreams and do so with integrity.”
Natalie Romero
“Be yourself. I’ve seen people try to craft a ‘persona’ in this industry to garner respect, attention, or what have you. And really there is always something a bit awkward about it. And, hey, if I can say that its beneficial to let your true colors shine through with all my quarks and idiosyncrasies you know you can believe it 
”
Amber Paul
“I recently started my own chapter for the American Cancer Society and my goal is to raise 100K. I am also a member of Habitat for Humanity, The National Charity League and Red Cross. I try to work at a soup kitchen at least one day a month as well as spend time with children’s cancer patients at Cedars Senai. Eventually, I would like to become a member of the United Nations or a Good Will Ambassador.”
Jennine T. Rexon
“I was working long hours as a management consultant while raising my family. My brother presented an opportunity to learn this internet marketing based on his experience. Starting my own business has offered me the best of both worlds to grow my family and my ability to support them.”
2008
Jen Groover
“I always had a sense I was destined to do something really different, to make a difference, so I stayed motivated on that quest. Money never has been my motivation (don’t get me wrong, it is a great reward) but my motivation has always been the power of making an impact on people, and I felt I always was doing that, so most of the time I felt fulfilled. I always knew the financial rewards would come if I was living with the right intentions and working from a place of passion.”
Lorre White
“My dogs ~ they taught me what it means to love unconditionally. People claim to…. but very rarely they actually do. “If only he/she were a little more….or a little les….they want you to change. Loving unconditionally means one is perfect just as one is because if anything were different, it would not be the same person. The humble simple things are where the most powerful lessons are often hidden.”
Rory Owens Murray
“I had a professor in business school that used to preach to us how important it was to follow your heart and passion for something (as opposed to just taking a job because of its salary). The “reward” (be it financial, spiritual, experiential) will come in time as long as you are doing what you love.”
Stephany Alexander
“I’d recommend networking as much as possible on the internet. Write articles, create videos and post in forums that you are interested in.”
Adriana Llames
“My career blossomed out of my interest in the world of online advertising after my experience with marketing HR In-A-Box™ and I continue to blog as I know I’ll always have a bit of a writer in me as well.”
Nancy Alert
“Balancing career and personal life is the ultimate test of true time management and skills in prioritization. After being in the real estate industry for 13 years I finally found balance in my personal and business life. I now take days off and vacations. I also turn my cell phone off when I am out with friends and family and every night at 8pm.”
Alycea Ungaro
“MY GOAL IS TO CONTINUE TO CREATE PRODUCTS GEARED TOWARDS WELLNESS. WHETHER I CONTINUE TO DO THAT IN MY CAPACITY AS A STUDIO OWNER IS SOMETHING THAT MAY CHANGE, BUT I AM ABSOLUTELY COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING PRODUCTS FOR THE MASS MARKET.”
Peg Samuel
“When I face a challenge I focus on the task at hand, what is our goal and how do we get there. Staying calm and focusing on the goal with a clear plan is how I manage challenges.”
2009
Daina Middleton
“Men and women have different communication styles that may seem subtle, but can make a difference in executive effectiveness. These are important skills to learn, but also believe it’s critical to do this without giving up the empathy, nurturing, and holistic awareness skills that come naturally as a woman. The biggest challenge is effectively blending them in order to be effective in communication, but to not sacrifice that feminine power.”
Rachel Doyle
“People can trivialize what you do when they don’t really take the time to listen to your mission. For us, they hear “makeup and elderly” and think it can be sort of frivolous. But it is my job and the job of my volunteers to really invite those people in and share with them how transformative GG is and not have them get caught up in preconceived notions … Just letting you know it is a lot of work.”
Marisol Rodriguez
“Separating yourself from work can be challenging in this industry with everyone working long hours and weekends when needed. I’m trying to find more of a balance between my work and personal life by being more aware of the fact that everything cannot be done in one day and by making myself a priority as well. Being happier and healthier will allow me to be stronger all around
Maryanne Pratt Quinn
“Most Inspirational Quote: ”Let the butterflies come to you” is my feel good quote but my practical business side quote is “They’ll never notice the last 10%”. It is severe but reminds me, as the creative, to keep one foot in the practical world. So many times I must step away from a completed piece to gain perspective. When I allow myself the distance and objectivity what frustrated me during the creative process gives the piece its character in the end. I see it for what it is.”
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Black Enterprise invited owners of large technology firms, single-person shops, and part-time businesses— or somewhere in between—to share their stories with readers. We asked one simple question: How have you used technology to make over your business? We received numerous responses to our tweets, as well as to our Facebook and LinkedIn queries, and selected companies that reflect the variety of resources available and the ways in which even a small investment can make a huge difference in revenues, outlook, and mindset.
Teresa Carlson, vice president of Microsoft’s US federal government business: “I think women were always here. We didn’t have to arrive. The reality now is we’re taking the driver’s seat much more and taking on bigger and bigger challenges.”
Cheryl Janey, vice president of operations, Northrop Grumman’s information systems sector’s civil systems division: “Being a female leader in government contracting is exciting. We’ve seen more and more females coming in on both the contractor’s and government’s side who have so much to contribute.”
Judy Marks, vice president of strategy and business development for Lockheed Martin’s Electronic Systems business: “The whole federal contracting world offers everyone opportunities for leadership and contributions. There are so many talented people coming off today’s campuses. I’m encouraged and I’m excited.”
Stacy Mendler, COO, Alion: “I really think the industry has changed and companies want women to perform and take on higher level positions. Companies want women to succeed and help drive growth.”
Suzan Zimmerman, senior vice president of corporate development, QinetiQ North America: “The only glass ceiling is the one you put over your head. If you work hard, and people know you’re interested in what you’re doing, there is no glass ceiling.”
