Brad Lidge

By: Lana Jefferson Taussig Issue: Sports Section: Collaborator Profile

Pitching In For Hope, On And Off The Field

He throws 95 mile-per-hour fastballs and his sliders range in speed from 85 to 87 miles per hour. Known as “Lights Out,” pitcher Brad Lidge has built his career as one of Major League Baseball’s most successful closers. In the 2008 World Series, Lidge secured the Philadelphia Phillies’ championship with the final out, a strikeout, in Game 5.

In practice sessions and on game days, Lidge works diligently to improve his game. He also makes sure to build relationships with younger players as they enter the major leagues.

“Every year, there are several new young players joining the Phillies, whether they’re called up from the minor leagues or traded from another team,” said Lidge. “Hopefully they’ll be playing baseball for a long time, but either way I try to help them toward fulfilling careers, which takes commitment on and off the field.”

Off the field, Lidge is a dedicated philanthropist. Along with his wife, Lindsay, Lidge supports several humanitarian causes, including Strikeouts for Troops, a national nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of wounded troops being treated at military hospitals nationwide; the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation, which endorses health, education, and inner-city services for children all over the United States; and the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, promoting baseball and sports nationwide while raising money for other charitable causes.

Lidge carries deep personal interests for the mission and programs of each organization that he supports, and for him, philanthropy stretches beyond monetary donations.

He regularly advocates for teammates and other players in the league to join him in supporting worthwhile causes, and he looks for opportunities to make lasting contributions.

About five years ago, Lidge’s father, Ralph, introduced him to an organization that would become a significant influence in his philanthropic efforts. Project C.U.R.E., a nonprofit humanitarian relief organization that delivers donated medical supplies and equipment to people in need in developing nations, welcomed Lidge’s interest and support and recently invited him to join the board of directors.

“After speaking with Doug, [Project C.U.R.E.’s president and CEO], Lindsay and I knew that we wanted to donate and become active participants in its programs,” mentioned Lidge, when discussing his reasons for joining the organization. “We were impressed by the reach of Project C.U.R.E. and its direct approach to make an immediate impact for people who really need help.”

Project C.U.R.E., which collects donated medical supplies and equipment from medical manufacturers and distributors, hospitals and clinics, and individuals, is the largest organization of its kind in the world. Every week, volunteers help to send out two 40-ft. containers, each filled with approximately $400,000 in medical relief. Since June 1, 2009, the organization has delivered more than $21 million in medical supplies and equipment to people in more than 30 countries.

Lidge started his relationship with Project C.U.R.E. by helping the India Projects Fund of Denver’s Catholic Foundation to deliver medical supplies and equipment to Fatima Mission Hospital in Dindigul, India. The hospital, where it is estimated 700 babies are delivered every year, had no tools to provide intensive care for those babies who were delivered prematurely. It lacked basic diagnostic equipment and supplies for expecting mothers.

With Lidge’s help, Project C.U.R.E. delivered a 40-ft. ocean cargo container to the hospital. The semi-truck sized container was packed with infant incubators, bili lights for newborn babies, anesthesia machines, surgical kits for deliveries, X-ray machines and diagnostic equipment, and supplies for examinations.

In addition to this work, Lidge continues to support Project C.U.R.E.’s efforts to deliver aid, in the form of medical supplies and equipment, to doctors and nurses and the patients under their care in developing countries all over the world. He recently pledged funds to send two containers of medical relief to Haiti following the recent earthquake.

And in the 2010 season, Lidge will devote his efforts to increasing participating in Pitching in for Hope, a program allowing MLB players to contribute varying amounts to Project C.U.R.E. for each strikeout, RBI, hit and/or homerun.

Lidge commented on the program. “I’m looking forward to involving more players in the Pitching in for Hope program, especially to benefit people in Latin American countries where many players call home. With Project C.U.R.E., each dollar stretches so far to assist people in need. It’s a 20-to-1 return.”

Whether on or off the field, Lidge makes a lasting impact – in the catcher’s mitt following an opponent’s strike or in the health and well-being of children and their families in the United States and around the world.

Lana Jefferson Taussig manages communications at Project C.U.R.E.’s international headquarters office in Centennial, Colo., and supports community outreach programs in the organization’s collection and distribution cities nationwide.

Teamwork Can Help Us Achieve Our Dreams

By: Rob Cohen Issue: Sports Section: Opinion

There is a fairly famous story that has been circulating in the sales world for years, and it goes something like this…

The story is of a lawyer who argued a case for his guilty defendant, on trial for murder.

The one challenge in the prosecution’s case was that the body of the victim had never been found. However, the abundance of expertly presented circumstantial evidence was more than compelling. Everyone in the courtroom, jurors included, knew the man was guilty. So, in his closing argument, the clever defense attorney decides to go for broke.

He pointed grandly toward the courtroom doors and declared, “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, in exactly 60 seconds, the so-called corpse, the man you believe to be dead, is going to come walking in right through those very doors. We can begin counting now.”

The time ticked by: one second, two seconds, three seconds, ten seconds, 20 seconds, 45 seconds, 55 seconds, 56, 57, 58, 59… and then, at exactly the one minute mark, in walked…nobody at all. Certainly not the corpse.

The lawyer addressed the puzzled jury: “Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize. I told you something that obviously did not come true. However, the mere fact that you looked at the doors as you did showed me – and shows you – that you had some measure of doubt. And, of course, if you have any doubt – any doubt at all – you must return a verdict of not guilty.”

And with a triumphant flourish, he returned to his seat.

The jury went into deliberations, and just five minutes later came back out to render their verdict. The foreman stood up, faced the judge, and said they declared the defendant… guilty!

The defense attorney was enraged: “How could you?!” he demanded. “I saw all of you watching the door!”

The foreman replied, “Yes, sir, you are correct. We were in fact watching the door. But we were also watching you and your client, and you did not watch the door. Your client did not watch the door, not even for a moment, and that was because you both knew there was not a chance in the world that anyone would be walking through it."

The moral of the story is, “don’t expect anyone else to believe something you don’t believe yourself.” “don’t expect anyone else to believe something you don’t believe yourself.”

The Power of Dreams

What I want to explore in this article is the power of dreams, and more importantly the power of unwavering faith and belief that we can make dreams come true.

We all have dreams, but we know that the majority of people never act on their dreams, let alone have a chance to make them a reality.

I first began dreaming when I was in high school – I had a coach who pushed me harder than I thought I could be pushed. He told me, “If you have a dream, write it down, because if you write it down, it will become a goal. And if you have a goal, share it with others, because if you share it with others, it will become a passion.”

I have a passion for sport and the role that it plays in our community. This passion is shared by others who have come together to “Elevate Sport and Energize Lives” within the Denver community.

We are achieving that through teamwork and leadership, by bidding on and hosting events which will help create economic and social vitality for our community. This passion has led us to set lofty goals such as a desire to one day host the Winter Olympic Games in Denver. We have learned that in order to accomplish this dream, we need to build relationships and be patient because hosting the Olympics is a long-term worthy goal.

Some might ask, “Why should a community strive to host the Olympics?”

Clearly, hosting events – and especially the Olympic Games – have real economic impact. For instance, the 2006 NBA All-Star Game generated approximately $60 million in direct economic impact; and the Women’s Final Four, which Denver will host in 2012, is estimated to generate $30 million of economic impact. The Winter Olympic Games have been estimated by some to generate close to $1.5 billion in economic impact.

In addition, there is no value that can be attached to the number of times a city’s name is used in connection with the events they host. We see that clearly if we simply think about how many times we have heard Vancouver referenced in relation to the 2010 Games.

But the real reason to strive to host the Olympics is on the soft side of the issue, and that is what the Olympic Games stand for. It has been said that the Olympic Games hold a special place in our lives – that they lift us up and bind us together. They are the source of many memories that have become permanently etched in our collective thoughts –moments of a team’s shared glory – a moment we live again and again convincing us that we do indeed believe in miracles.

We find ourselves riveted by the Games because what we see in them are the simple truths of our common humanity, and that no matter who you are, where you are from, or what you look like, with hard work and dedication you can achieve your dreams.

People often ask our team how we set such lofty goals for our community, such as believing that we could actually do something such as bring the Olympics to Denver.

And we say to them – show us any Olympic Games – anywhere – that didn’t start with a small group of people within a city that they love who said, “Why not us? Why not our city, our state, or our country?”

It is indeed a lofty goal to want to do something like bring the Olympics to Denver. But like any lofty goal, it is achievable, if we don’t let ourselves get paralyzed by the magnitude of the goal; if we can break it down into bite-sized chunks, and if we can celebrate the achievement of each success, while at the same time beginning to reach for the next one.

When I was a young boy, my mom gave me a quote that I still carry with me to this day.

"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? Yet if I am for myself alone, what good am I? If not now, when?"

So it is my hope that we all:

• Dare to dream, and that we will write our dreams down and make them goals. Then we will tell others of our goals so they become our passion.

• That we have unwavering faith that in the end we will succeed.

• And unlike the attorney and his client, we will indeed believe….

If not now, when?

Rob Cohen is the Founder and Executive Chairman of the Metro Denver Sports Commission as well as Chairman and CEO of The IMA Financial Group, Inc. To learn more about the Metro Denver Sports Commission, visit www.denversports.org.

Pride and Politics

By: Gayle Dendinger Issue: Sports Section:Inspirations

A Lesson in Continued Growth and Perseverance

Dale Eisler – Consul General of Canada

Everyday I am reminded of personal ingenuity and the will of people. A sincere uncontrived desire people have to push themselves to their limits, to better themselves and those around them. We are all people with faults and hidden scars but at the end of the day it is what we do for others that brings out the one innate human quality that constantly perseveres - goodness.

ICOSA is a team. We are constantly changing issues and meeting new players in a quest for knowledge, connection and collaboration. We seek players who inspire us with their vision and take our team to the next level.

So when we decided to focus this issue on sports I tried to think of a leader who inspired me. A key player not only out on the field, but on the frontlines in the game of life. Someone who spends their days to better themselves and those around them. The person who came to mind might seem like one of the most unlikely of players for this issue but is an inspiration nonetheless. That person is Dale Eisler.

Dale Eisler’s life and career is a juxtaposition of sorts. He is a leader but he is also a servant. Whether he has chosen this life or it has chosen him, his placement between the two is where he resides. His position reminds me of a story a member of my staff recounted to me about a group of elementary school children trying to understand the idea of eternal reward. They were reading a morality piece which said, “Whoever wants to be first, he must take last and be the servant of all." The kids couldn’t understand how being last could be fulfilling, or how living life as a servant, devoting time and service to others, could bring true greatness wrought in humility. The kind of humility learned over time, and brought about through wisdom and experience.

But experience is a funny thing, if you don’t understand how to use it for good it is a waste of time spent on fruitless hours of learning for the benefit of no one, and what good is that? If you can use your experience to benefit the whole you are a wealth to society, a key player. To understand Dale and his experience as a leader, you have to first understand Dale as a servant. He’s spent most of his life writing about politics, policy and government as it pertains to his endless devotion to the province of Saskatchewan, its people and its way of life.

He’s lectured at his Alma mater, the University of Saskatchewan, bringing his experience back to students at the same school that ushered him into the life he now leads. He has written for the local Saskatchewan newspapers as a voice for the people of the region. Dale’s also written books that have instilled political vigor in the province and inspired an understanding into the history of its past, not only as Saskatchewan’s but as Canadians. His writing’s have used politics as a motivation for the people. He knew that to be a public servant you needed to inspire a community to dream that the policies to be laid out before them were something that they could believe in.

Dale’s always been at the core of anything Canadian. His sense of pride for the people, the province and the country is incredible. I truly believe the second half of Dale’s life was born out of his love for his country and the idea of its true potential. When he was hired to occupy communication spots within the highest levels of the Canadian government, he once again became a public servant. Except this go round was much different then his day’s writing of politics and myths. For the first time Dale got a chance to root himself into the one government he knew so much about.

It was shortly after he was hired that Canada established an on-going effort to grow the nation; innovating Canada to be one of the world’s best through, knowledge, technological skill, financial growth, positive labor trends and immigration.

A list that could be daunting to some countries but not to Dale and not to Canada; it’s a program being taught and accepted daily by the people. It is a blue print economic and social model that if implemented correctly, could prove to be an ostentatious advantage to the Canadian people. I believe it is a blueprint that could be studied and replicated.

I am awed by Canada’s sense of pride and determination. It is incredible. The effort they are exuding to be a competitor and collaborator on the world stage is motivating. Even while being an ally to the United States and our number one trading partner, Canada’s sheer ability to gain autonomy throughout the world, and setting precedents for the Western hemisphere is noble. It is indicative of the nature of the people to stand behind a government who supports its people and rallies behind their well-being.

As the appointed Counsel General of the region, Dale is granted the privilege of helping the Canadian government team up with local U.S. businesses like ICOSA and some of our partners to bring assistance to the war theater of Afghanistan, to once again serve the people of Canada and further relationships within the U.S and to set in motion a sustainable regional relationship that can be replicated across the country.

Dale consistently works hard for his citizens. Whatever team Dale plays on, he plays to win. He motivates his team with the hopes of winning and attaining a final goal, a goal that will ultimately better everyone. Whether you have worked with Dale directly, or been a part of a team where he has served, you know this man is not just a mere servant to the people - he is their confidant, their friend and their leader.

Meet Heidi A. Heltzel

By: Jan Mazotti Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Advisory Board

Executive Director, American Transplant Foundation

As Co-Founder and Executive Director of the American Transplant Foundation, Heidi A. Heltzel is a visionary who leads the organization by launching educational and outreach programs, directing fund raising efforts, and coordinating collaborative efforts with organizations throughout the community to ensure that the Foundation fulfills its mission to reduce the growing list of men, women and children who are waiting for lifesaving transplants.

Ms. Heltzel was previously the Vice President of Governmental Affairs at the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry (CACI), the State Chamber of Commerce. CACI advocates free enterprise through a public policy agenda that works towards a prosperous business climate in Colorado. Her lobby experience touched on a broad range of legislative and regulatory aspects of business operations, including tax, technology, environment and education.

Ms. Heltzel gained visibility in the policy arena as CACI's spokesperson for the Colorado business community at the State legislature. In addition to her policy work, she also directed CACI's political action committee, the Colorado Public Affairs Council.

Prior to her policy leadership at CACI, Ms. Heltzel was well regarded as a policy analyst at the Office of the Legislative Council, which is the nonpartisan research arm of the Colorado General Assembly.

Ms. Heltzel’s community involvement has included serving on a number of Board committees including Parent Pathways, the Curious Theatre Company, and the University Club.

Meet Kim DeCoste

By: Kim DeCoste Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Advisory Board

Kim DeCoste is the President and CEO of DeCoste & Associates, LLC

Kim DeCoste is the President and CEO of DeCoste & Associates, LLC - an executive & career coaching firm and professional development consultancy. Her focus is supporting individuals and organizations dealing with career transition and strategic career management. Kim’s career has spanned nearly 20 years in employment services, e-learning, sales and marketing. Kim is passionate about education, diversity, sustainability, politics and women in leadership.

Recently Kim has begun public speaking and training workshop engagements on topics related to the changing world of work and managing career transitions.

Beyond her professional focus, Kim is an active participant in the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce and recently received a 2009 “Leadership in Motion” award for her service to the community and has been nominated for the Brian Vogt Community Leader of the Year Award in 2010. Kim is a leader in the Renewable Energy Task Force, the Chair of Sponsor Expansion for the Clean Tech Open – Rocky Mountain, as well as a member of the Steering Committee for the STEM-EC group and a member of the Women in Leadership Legislative Action Committee. Beyond those roles, Kim participates actively in the Business Leaders for Responsible Government and the Cellar Masters.

Kim’s outside activities and volunteer efforts are centered on the Douglas County School District as a member of the Long-Range Planning Committee as well as serving on the Board of her son’s P.T.O. Kim and her family are also active in their church community.

Recreationally, Kim enjoys local and international travel, food, wine, and is an avid reader. Kim is an active supporter of several museums and a fine & performing arts enthusiast as well.

Kim earned a B.A. in Language Studies and Linguistics from the University of California, Santa Cruz and an M.B.A. in e-Commerce from Jones International University. Kim speaks German and Spanish and continues to be a student of world languages.

Meet Gretchen Peters

By: Jan Mazotti Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Jewel Of Collaboration

Gretchen Peters is the author of Seeds of Terror

Gretchen Peters is the author of Seeds of Terror, an international bestseller that traces the role that the opium trade has played in three decades of conflict in Afghanistan. With the help of local reporters, she spent five years researching Seeds of Terror, surveying and interviewing hundreds of Taliban fighters, extremists, smugglers, law enforcement officials and intelligence agents. Peters seeks to reshape how people define the Taliban and al Qaeda, and to track how they are morphing into a powerful narco-mafia that earn hundreds of millions of dollars annually from organized crime, and particularly drug smuggling.

Peters also authored a policy report on the Taliban and the opium trade for the U.S. Institute of Peace, a forthcoming report on crime and insurgency with West Point’s Combating Terrorism center and a chapter in Decoding the New Taliban. She has briefed the Pentagon, the State Department, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, Special Operations Command and other departments of the government and intelligence community on the growing nexus between extremist groups and organized crime in South Asia and the Gulf. Although convincing the government is an uphill battle, she plans to continue doing so until they all believe her.

Peters covered Pakistan and Afghanistan for more than a decade, first for The Associated Press and later as an award-winning reporter for ABC News. A Harvard graduate, she has worked with other leading media outlets including The National Geographic Society, The Christian Science Monitor and The New Republic, and is a regular commentator on NPR, CNN, BBC and countless other radio and television programs. She now lives in Denver with her husband, Pulitzer prize-winning photographer, John Moore and their two children. She has been accepted into the doctoral program at the University of Denver’s Korbel School of International Studies where she plans to study the intersection between international organized crime and national security threats.

Celebrating Collaborative Women

By: Jan Mazotti Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Jewel Of Collaboration

When we initially went out to our network for story ideas there was a resounding response—some positive, some cautionary. We heard everything from, “That sounds like a really great topic—I love it!” to, “I don’t think barriers exist anymore.”

The theme of this issue is not to debate whether barriers still exist or whether women are better collaborators, but rather to celebrate the collaborations and successes of the women in this issue. Inside these pages are stories of so many talented, smart and innovative women who serve in many diverse roles and leadership positions. They are women who are recognized for their intelligence, contributions, capabilities, and performance.

As we prepared for this issue, Jeff Klein - author, entrepreneur, and ICOSA contributor and Rebecca Saltman, entrepreneur and regular ICOSA contributor, really wanted to write a piece on me and the ways in which I engage in my work and in the community. I begrudgingly consented, but then ran out of space in this issue. So, this letter highlights part of that conversation and gives you some insight on me...

I was asked whether I thought women should be recognized for their efforts and why I resisted recognition. My answer was because it’s not about me – it’s about the collective effort. I am a cog in a much larger wheel trying to support and spread change. None of it gets done in a vacuum. I absolutely think that women should be recognized for their amazing work, but, I think women often resist recognition because of guilt – especially to the rest of their team. We tend to be relationship oriented and when one gets recognition and another doesn’t, it tends to strain relationships. Then you are stuck managing the strained relationships instead of just doing the work. Really now, who has the time?

I think that if we collectively and collaboratively drive for change we can make it. We also talked about the wage gap. While in my opinion, women are absolutely making strides, it is important to recognize that the wage gap continues. In fact, women, on average, still earn only 77% of what men earn for the same work—even 40 years after the Fair Pay and Equal Pay Acts were passed. Unfortunately the wage gap widens throughout women's lives: women between 45 and 64 working full time only earn 70% of what men earn, and the disparities only worsen for minority women. In fact, in 2007 the earnings for African-American women were 68.7% of men's earnings, and Latina earnings were 59% of their male counterparts. Studies indicate that at the rate we’re going, the wage gap won’t be equalized until 2057 which means I’ll be dead and my daughter will be close to retirement!

They asked me about my role models and motivators. Of course, my mom is one of my role models. She raised my two sisters and me as a single mom and struggled to make sure that we had what we needed and that we had the best education. She has been one of the guiding forces in my life; she has helped me think through some absolutely stupid choices I was planning to make and has kicked me in the backside when I was scared and tried to back away from what I didn’t want to face. I am what I am because of my mom. Another influencer for me was Dr. Mustafah Dhada, who was one of my political science professors. He taught me so many lessons, but the most important was that “being there” was more important than “watching and learning.” He also taught me that one of the most important things you have to do in life is to “work hard and play hard.” I try to do that every day.

As we talked about collaborative efforts our conversation went to a different level. Collaboration is huge in my life and I think it plays a role in most women’s lives. In my opinion, women could not accomplish all the things they do without it. As someone said to me about this issue’s theme, “I like the 'collaborative women' idea very much...that's like writing about 'women women.'”

Jeff and Rebecca wanted to know more about who I was and what I stood for. That was tough for me to answer succinctly but we got it down to this... I am a mother, wife, daughter, aunt, sister, employee, teacher, community advocate, volunteer, friend, and neighbor. As a mom I try to lead by example for my daughter. I try to let her know that doing things half-way is no way to do something. I also try and reinforce with her that even if you are scared or think you’re not good at something – you just have to do your best – that’s all that you can do. In my mommy role I have learned that I can’t make her be what I want her to be, but that I have to support who she is. If I do that, she will be successful in her own way – not in mine. Furthermore, we are in the process of adopting a little sister/daughter. We are looking forward to having her come to our family. But I will say that being a foster mother in waiting is frustrating for me, as I’m not the most patient person in the world—but I’m learning. I have to continuously remind myself that things happen for a reason and that when “it is supposed to happen – it will.” As a wife, I try to be supportive of my husband because he is absolutely supportive of me, my work, and my volunteerism. He is a great guy.

As an employee, volunteer, and advocate I try and give 110% when I am there. If I commit to doing something I try to make sure that it gets done as best as I can. I am not one of those people who likes monotony, I like that every day is different. I like a challenge – especially when the consensus is that something can’t be done. As an employee, volunteer, and advocate I try and give 110% when I am there. If I commit to doing something I try to make sure that it gets done as best as I can. Even though I am not sure how I will directly effect change, I try and show up every day and do the work. I think that if we collectively and collaboratively drive for change we can make it. And, I hope that in some small way my efforts will “move the needle” for my daughter and her daughters in the workforce and beyond.

At the end of the day, it is not about credit or ego, but it is about knowing that you are making a difference in the way that makes sense for you—that you are influencing your community in a positive way. While I’m not rich, famous, or otherwise recognized, I am one of the most blessed people on the planet. I have unique rights that allow me to speak freely, have an opinion, vote, and make a living. Overall, I think we lose sight of the freedoms and blessings we have. Besides these freedoms – most of us have the basic necessities we need: running water, access to healthcare, electricity, education, a roof over our heads, food, relatively clean air, and general safety (and bras to burn).

I believe...you can’t take for granted the things that make us uniquely American women.

Stakeholders

By: Gayle Dendinger Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Jewel Of Collaboration

A Lesson in Cooperative Resources

As the year continues to take shape, I am reminded of the new and wonderful opportunities that have been presented to ICOSA. These opportunities would not have come about without the coordinated collaboration of several entities across multiple capacities. ICOSA, as an entity, would not have benefited without the connections it has forged or the stories it has shared. We are graciously indebted to our stakeholders.

It is for this reason I like to think of the stakeholder theory as it applies to business; everyone working together to collaborate and build a sustainable entity that continues to prosper while simultaneously giving back.

Business is combined of a series of simple and complex competitions that keep managers and business executives constantly at the helm, deriving new ways to form the proverbial wheel. At the end of the day, the month or the quarter, each determines how it all fits together to deliver financial profits. There is after all, a responsibility of a company to perform in favor of the people who will directly benefit from its well-being.

The tangible element to measure business success is in fact profit. But how does a company measure its intangible success as it pertains to relationships and its broader responsibility as a public organization which benefits from the interest of people and entities? How does a company give back and create value for its stakeholders?

ICOSA is an example of how unification through teamwork, cooperation and communication can strengthen ties to a community. Each person networks collaboratively with others to keep gathering and utilizing resources, without reinventing the wheel. By coming together, these people have the ability to access many disparate networks, distribute key resources to benefit others, and create value. The stakeholders then have the ability to use these resources based on their own sphere of influence, and the positive or negative affects it may have on their own network.

ICOSA is an example of how unification through teamwork, cooperation and communication can strengthen ties to a community. Now more than ever, businesses have an obligation to recognize stakeholders and the value they bring to a company’s existence. Currently, organizations are judged not just on the profits they turn but how their sustainability in the marketplace coincides with their sustainability as it impacts social and environmental corporate responsibility.

Organizations find that profits are maximized for their shareholders only once their stakeholders commit to the affects or create positive value judgments in regards to their product or service. By taking stakeholder interests into account, organizations can continue to exist. But, stakeholders must remember that without the organization, the ability to transform social enterprises will be eliminated. One cannot exist in harmony without the other.

In business we understand that the stakeholders are critical to continued success. We debate about the long-term prosperity of the company without the support of the stakeholders. Stakeholders and businesses alike can learn from each other how to gather and connect the right people to get things done, while creating sustainability through hard work and results-driven activities.

Here at ICOSA we know we wouldn’t be successful without the help of our collaborative partners and the resources which they have provided us. Together we can construct ideas and capitalize on them to create a mutually beneficial resource for everyone to use.

I would like to thank and acknowledge each and every one of our stakeholders for their continued support and desire to change the way people look at business.

Women of the Biennial

By: Rachel Chaparro Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Jewel Of Collaboration

The Biennial of the Americas, taking place in Denver, is more than a month-long celebration of the culture, ideas and people of the Western Hemisphere. It’s also an unprecedented opportunity for connection and collaboration among the 35 countries participating.

Building on the Biennial’s themes - innovation, the arts, sustainability and community – the event will work to nurture the global community by bringing together some of the Americas’ emerging and leading thinkers in politics, science, the arts and other fields.The themes and the people invited to create this extraordinary collaborative event make up the Biennial’s three programs: McNichols at Civic Center Park, citywide exhibitions, and the Americas Roundtables. The Biennial’s cultural and arts exhibit in the McNichols building at Civic Center Park, “The Nature of Things” will bring together artists, filmmakers, musicians, scientists and philosophers from throughout the hemisphere. A daily speaker’s series will punctuate live concerts, dance performances and exhibits of contemporary and experimental art across a variety of media.

Through this exhibit and the hundreds of diverse events that make up the citywide exhibitions, the Biennial will deepen our connection and understanding of the people, traditions and rich cultural contributions of our neighbors within the Americas. In addition, seven Americas Roundtables and one transnational summit aim to promote a hemispheric call to action on common challenges, joint opportunities and shared issues through North and South America. Some of the Roundtable participants include former Mexican President Vicente Fox, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Rigoberta Menchu Tum and U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States Ambassador Carmen Lomellin. Roundtable topics will include education, poverty reduction, energy and climate change, health, trade, philanthropy and women in leadership.

Behind the scenes there is a team of dynamic women who bring unmatched skills and passion to this historic collaboration, which the State Department has declared the largest international event of the year in the United States. Here are their stories...

Dr. Erin Trapp

Breaking New Ground

Dr. Erin Trapp, Director of Cultural Affairs for the City and County of Denver, is inspired by women who “have broken new ground.”

And she’s breaking new ground herself, taking the Biennial from an idea sitting on a shelf to an event unprecedented in its scope and reach.

“The idea of pulling together a Biennial with a broader appeal that can be threaded into our lives, as it relates to art and culture and the various populations, is what pursued me to move forward with the Biennial,” said Trapp.

Trapp has been a key contributor to helping arts flourish in Colorado and the Western Region for more than a decade. As the Deputy Director of the Western States Arts Federation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the creative advancement and preservation of the arts, she created new programs to engage youth in arts and provide strategic vision for several new technology initiatives that help artists find jobs, sell their art, apply for grants and get their work into prestigious art shows.Trapp hopes that through the Biennial’s combination of arts, culture and substantive policy discussions, “people will associate us with the kind of city where the cultural energy is unparalleled and puts us on par with other cities around the world known for art and culture; and that Denver is the kind of place where we can have open-minded, forward looking conversations.”

Donna Good

Global Connections

Experience counts, especially if you are charged with leading one of the largest international events in the world. Biennial President Donna Good has overseen seven international events over the years, including two in Denver: Pope John Paul II’s visit for the 1993 World Youth Day and the 1997 Summit of the Eight, which brought the heads of state from the United States, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan, European Union Commission and Russia.

Good’s background in putting on international events, her experience running Denver’s Department of Human Services and her leadership role in an international organization that enhances entrepreneurial opportunities for women made her a natural choice when Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper was looking for someone to lead the Biennial. She’s raised nearly $2 million for the event and embraces the opportunity to welcome the world to Denver, and show off her city. “While the Pope’s visit and the Summit of the Eight were certainly exciting, the Biennial is the most interesting,” said Good. “What drew me to this incredible event is the variety it will offer to the people of Denver and the Western Hemisphere. The Biennial will honor art, world leaders and some of Denver’s finest cultural institutions.”

Good hopes the event will “take people’s focus off the negative that is often highlighted in the media about our neighbors and show the great strength that the Americas have and see it as something we can all draw from.”

Paola Santoscoy

Expanding Perceptions

Paola Santoscoy leads the effort at the Biennial’s signature artistic exhibit, being held in the newly-renovated McNichols Monument in the heart of Denver at Civic Center Park. The young, emerging Mexican curator is transforming this long dormant, 28,000 square foot former Carnegie library into a place where the America’s spirit of friendship and collaboration can be felt by sharing something beautiful we all have in common - art and culture.

“By bringing different voices from different countries to a single space, I hope to connect the thematic branches to the topic of the Americas, what it means to live in the Americas and how to see the world from different latitudes,” said Santoscoy. “The goal is to have the artists both illustrate and participate in the definition of the Biennial’s four themes and connect themes to the topic of the Americas.”One example: a neon sign attached to the ouside of McNichols illuminated by solar panels that reads, “Vivo en América (I live in America).”

“It will make a comment on the theme of sustainability, since the brightness of the sign will depend on how much light the solar panels get. The inconsistency of energy will make the sign go on and off, making it seem like it’s always on the verge of extinction, which the artist believes connects to the topic of the Americas,” said Santoscoy. “The works picked for McNichols will open a lot of questions, that’s the hope and aim and is how I am selecting artists.” This former Fulbright scholar, who has curated exhibitions in some of Mexico's largest cultural institutions and worked on projects around the world - the Art Fair in Madrid, the Goethe Institute in Germany and Americas Society in New York, to name a few – is sure to curate a world-class exhibit that expands perceptions of the Americas.

Carolina Barco

New Realities

Perception and reality are two concepts Colombian Ambassador Carolina Barco deals with on a daily basis. Often Colombia is perceived, through the help of media, as a county that is overrun by violence, kidnappings and drugs. While there is no denying this country has seen its share of these problems, it couldn’t be further from the reality of the country now.“Colombia has entered a whole new era within the last decade. Since President Alvaro Uribe took office in 2002, homicide rates have fallen sharply and kidnappings have dropped by 78%. Violence in Colombia has been halved. We had decreased our poverty by more than eight points. Tourism has increased 65% percent since 2002 and this year the New York Times listed Colombia as one of the 31 places to visit in 2010.” Colombia is in a new moment and Ambassador Barco sees the Biennial as a unique opportunity to share with the world her country’s success story and how some of this success might be replicated. "This event will give Colombia and other countries in the hemisphere a needed forum to exchange experiences and ideas on policies that are successfully working in our respective countries. Together we'll look at ways to replicate these successes and build more unity on issues we are all facing, like the economic downturn." Bolsa Família (Family Pouch) is just one example of how ideas can cut across country lines. Created in Brazil in 2003, Bolsa Família is an innovative social initiative that ties direct monetary transfers to commitments from families to keep their children in school and take them for regular health checks. With its statistical success, over 20 countries have now adopted similar programs including Colombia, Chile, Mexico, and more recently New York City.

Marsha McLean

Gathering Voices

The substantive policy discussions and transnational summit is what makes the Biennial of the Americas unique from other Biennials. In charge of the discussions is Marsha McLean, Senior Consultant to the State Department’s Western Hemisphere Affairs Bureau.

To prepare for the Roundtables McLean is traveling throughout the hemisphere gathering opinions, questions and themes on Roundtable topics. “We think it is important to bring the voices of the hemisphere to Denver to contribute to the dialogue, which is why the State Department is sponsoring inquiries throughout the hemisphere before July,” said McLean. McLean is hosting discussions in Denver, Argentina, El Salvador, Guatemala and New York City to prepare for Roundtables on Women: Drivers of the New Economy, Trade: Leveraging Partnerships for Sustainable Economies, Energy and Climate Change: Designing Answers for Today’s Challenges, and others.

“I will share what came out of each inquiry – the highlights, the connections – and collectively decide with each group what we want to put forth to the Roundtable moderators,” said McLean.

Marcela de la Mar

Culture Connector

Since 1994, Marcela de la Mar has been a champion for Mexicans who live in Colorado. As the Director of Community and Cultural Affairs and most recently the Executive Director of the Mexican Cultural Center for the Consulate General of Mexico in Denver, Marcela works to engage Mexicans in the arts and connect Coloradans to her country’s rich culture.

“It is my passion to work for Mexico and a privilege to help change the perception of Mexico and Mexicans,” said de la Mar. “Mexico is more than mariachi or the common foods people enjoy.” Día del Niño (Day of the Child) is one great example of de la Mar’s work to expand understanding of Mexican culture. Under her leadership, she helped create this one-day celebration that honors youth and celebrates world culture. Every year the Denver Art Museum, Denver Public Library and Byers-Evans House Museum offer free general admission and an array of lively performances, interactive programs and hands-on activities for families. Each venue hosts different art-making activities, crafts and story time.

It is my passion to work for Mexico and a privilege to help change the perception of Mexico and Mexicans. Mexico is more than mariachi or the common foods people enjoy - Marcela de la Mar

In her daily work at the Consulate, de la Mar strives to find new ways to integrate and reveal the extraordinary depth of Mexico’s ideals, customs and beliefs. It’s also why she is such an enthusiastic supporter of the Biennial. “I think it’s important to acknowledge what the Americas bring to our society. The Biennial is a great platform to recognize Mexico’s positive influence on the Americas and the great array of cultural programs Mexico offers here, and all over the world.”

Delisa Mayer

Culture Connector

Biennial Board of Directors member, philanthropist and avid art collector Delisa Mayer envisions that “the Biennial will put Denver on the map and in a league where we won’t feel like the Pony Express is riding through our town. People will see we are not just about sports or skiing, but that we have a lot of cultural experiences to offer,” said Mayer.

Mayer’s own life is an example of the Biennial’s themes. “I live in a house that was built for the Biennial because our home is a marriage of sustainability, art, innovation and community,” said Mayer. The sustainable qualities include a geothermal system that heats and cools the house, a solar power system that provides electricity and spider insulation that improves the home’s energy efficiency. Art hangs on nearly every wall and there is no need for keys, since everything is electronically accessed with fingertips. The three huge courtyards are often used to entertain the community. Through the Anthony and Delisa Mayer Foundation and other selected giving, Mayer advances educational opportunities for youth and helps Denver’s art community thrive. The Anthony and Delisa Mayer Photography Gallery at the Denver Art Museum honors the couple’s dedication to the arts. Mayer’s experience in sustainable practices and the arts will be a driving force in shaping the first Biennial of the Americas.

Rachel Chaparro is the Communications Director for the Biennial of the Americas. Prior to joining the Biennial, she was the Communications and Development Director for the Latina Initiative, running a successful get out the vote effort targeting 70,000 Colorado Latinas. For three years, she served as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Colorado’s Manager of Education and Outreach. Ms. Chaparro was also the Field Director for the Colorado Women’s Agenda, Campaign Manager for Board of Regents candidate Michal Carrigan, and a political consultant for a ballot initiative. Ms. Chaparro has a Political Science degree and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Colorado at Denver.

The U.S. Commercial Service

By: The Denver U.S. Export Assistance Center Staff with Jan Mazotti Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Jewel Of Collaboration

Partnering to Advance Exports

It’s March 22, 2010, and the Denver U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) is in full gear. Today is President Obama’s rollout of the National Export Initiative, and Denver is the only city in the nation to host two Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) representatives: Ms. Leocadia Zak, Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency and Ms. Darci Vetter, Deputy Under Secretary for the Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service with the United States Department of Agriculture. It seems only fitting that a USEAC staffed with five female International Trade Specialists (ITS) would be hosting two high level female government officials to kick off this partnership that has a goal of doubling exports over the next five years. To arrange luncheons and business meetings for the visiting dignitaries, the USEAC staff turned to its many partners, coined by the staff as “our local TPCC”, to help coordinate the activities of the day. But this is only Monday, and the staff has a full week ahead of them.

ITS Martha Butwin is preparing for an incoming renewable energy delegation from Portugal and the Azores. “The Senior Commercial Officer at our post (Commercial Service office) in Lisbon approached me over a year ago about bringing a delegation of private and public sector industry leaders from Portugal to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and over time the event blossomed into a two day event combining two delegations from Portugal and the Azores archipelago.” The two day event could not have come to fruition without Butwin’s private TPCC, most of which are led by women. “I’ve been working with the renewable energy industry for four years now, and have come to know Sarah Barba of the Public Affairs Office at NREL very well. Sarah works closely with both the USEAC, an office of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Service (CS), and the overseas post to put together top-notch customized programs for the visiting delegations. “ NREL’s Visitors Program has hosted more than 150 international visitors since the lab’s fiscal year started in October 2009. Butwin estimates that the USEAC works with NREL about four times a year on delegations led by Commercial Service offices, but NREL is not the only go-to group for renewable energy delegations. “CSU’s Engine and Energy Conversion Lab is running a close second when it comes to requests for visits from Commercial Service delegations.” Butwin works with the Engine Lab’s Wendy Hartzell to set up tours at the facility that is housed in the old Fort Collins power plant. CSU’s Engine Lab has given tours to over 1,500 people from almost every continent since the start of 2009, and has a high “geek factor” because nearly every engineer who walks through the door is a bit envious when told that some of the projects being developed there came about through CSU engineering students’ Senior Projects. “The Engine Lab is an engineer’s paradise,” Butwin muses.

The Colorado International Trade Office is a lean organization that relies on its partnerships with the U.S. Export Assistance Center, the World Trade Center, industry associations, chambers of commerce and other economic development groups in executing its mission to support Colorado exporters. - Pam Reichert

While NREL and the Engine Lab are the draws that bring the renewable energy delegations to Colorado, most delegations also want the opportunity to meet with local businesses to determine if there is a synergy of products that the visitors seek. Since this mission was on a tight timeframe which precluded extensive one-on-one business meetings, ITS Butwin turned to Shelly Curtiss, Communications Director of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA), to structure a Business Roundtable that included a networking event to bring local businesses to meet with the delegation members. CCIA is a non-partisan organization with 135 members that represent Colorado’s expansive cleantech sectors - including biofuels, geothermal, solar, wind, smart-grid, storage and transportation. Executive Director Chris Shapard states, “It is our mission to create a business climate that enables Colorado to lead the world in clean technology.” Although CCIA is not an international organization, it has formed partnerships with local international business organizations to promote exports among its member companies.

ITS Butwin’s renewable energy portfolio often overlaps with colleague Lana Lennberg‘s environmental industry coverage. Case in point is the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade’s Market Development Cooperator Program grant that the State has received to promote sustainable product exports to Mexico and China. Pam Reichert, the Director of the Colorado International Trade Office (ITO) has assembled partnerships locally with the USEAC, the Colorado Association for Manufacturing and Technology (CAMT), the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA), Connected Organizations for a Responsible Economy (CORE), the Denver Office of Economic Development and the World Trade Center Denver to promote the Colorado Export of Innovative and Sustainable Technologies (CO-Exist) program. The Colorado ITO created the program to support exports and business exchanges between Colorado companies, government, and industry leaders in the targeted area of sustainable and environmental technologies. The three-year program runs from January 2010 through December 2012 and includes outgoing trade missions to China and Mexico, incoming buyers groups from those countries and export counseling and technical assistance. The ITA funds will support trade show booths, travel, and funding for technical assistance. Reichert expressed that “The Colorado International Trade Office is a lean organization that relies on its partnerships with the U.S. Export Assistance Center, the World Trade Center, industry associations, chambers of commerce and other economic development groups in executing its mission to support Colorado exporters. The U.S. International Trade Administration’s Market Development Cooperator Program provides a framework for more formal programming and coordination with all of our partners.” Interested Colorado companies can access the application for the program at: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1165009699722&pagename=OEDIT%2FOEDITLayout

Although each ITS in the Denver USEAC has an industry portfolio that dictates many of her responsibilities, the group also works on outreach efforts throughout the states of Colorado and Wyoming. ITS Lana Lennberg has a long-term relationship with Julie Morey, Director of the Grand Junction Small Business Development Center. Morey states, “The synergistic relationship between the SBDC and the U.S. Export Assistance Center in Denver makes it possible to help western Colorado companies enter international markets much more quickly and efficiently than they could without access to trade specialists and their knowledge of international markets and industries. Trade specialists such as Lennberg have been willing to travel to Mesa County to meet with our businesses one-on-one or to assist the SBDC in providing export training to local businesses.”

The synergistic partnership between Jones and Marquez spurs a formidable business relationship to tackle the frustrating, yet rewarding, international trade issues company's face in the realm of exporting.

Senior ITS Selina Marquez’ primary industries include healthcare and processed foods. Marquez finds that sometimes her best business partners are also her clients. Debra Jones, COO of Magnolia Trading LLC is a shining example of a savvy women-owned company in the international arena. Magnolia Trading is an international distributor of premium food brands with exclusive partnerships with Earth Balance, Horizon Organic Dairy, International Delight Coffee Creamers, Silk Soymilk and others. With over 65 distributors worldwide Mrs. Jones shows commitment, skill, and creativity when dealing in overseas markets.

Marquez considers Magnolia Trading a collaborative partner verses a client. Marquez has worked with Magnolia on various issues from identifying appropriate government agencies for product registration to verifying regulatory requirements to import product for a given country, or working jointly to locate country labeling requirements. The synergistic partnership between Jones and Marquez spurs a formidable business relationship to tackle the frustrating, yet rewarding, international trade issues company’s face in the realm of exporting.

As the ITS covering the information technologies portfolio for the USEAC, Suzette Nickle has always been interested in the latest technology trends. After attending a session on social media and international marketing at Johnson & Wales University’s Global Professional Forum, she envisioned how what she learned that day could benefit not only Colorado exporters, but exporters across the country. She immediately engaged the speaker, Rosie Branstetter, Principal at Fiveseed, a Denver-based strategic consulting firm specializing in brand development and integrated marketing for start-ups, nonprofits, and socially responsible companies throughout the United States. Nickle emphasized that she, “Recognized this as an opportunity to work with Rosie to develop a series of interactive webinars to educate businesses on how to implement a sustainable international social media strategy,” a strategy that Nickle and her colleagues believe most of their clients would like to see further developed. Together, Nickle and Branstetter have introduced an initiative to research international social media trends, develop leading-edge instructional content, and deliver engaging presentations. This custom-designed webinar series will provide businesses with a deep understanding of the trends and opportunities to integrate social media into a broader international marketing plan. Session topics will include Social Media 101 and Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for International Marketing. The program will be offered beginning in Summer 2010.

While incoming buying delegations and social media outreach are key in moving local companies forward in their exporting endeavors, it is paramount that U.S. companies travel to foreign markets to develop relationships. In the air traffic arena, Denver USEAC Aerospace ITS Danielle Dooley can attest that collaboration is key for Ms. Laura Jackson, Air Service Specialist at Denver International Airport (DIA). In addition to her role as the Senior Director of Research and Planning for the airport, Jackson is at the helm of an airport-, city- and state-wide effort to launch Denver’s first nonstop flight to Asia.

The Ascent to Asia campaign was launched in 2008 to capture the power of DIA, The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, State of Colorado, World Trade Center Denver, Japan Consulate in Denver, Japan America Society and multiple key executives in Colorado who have made it their goal to land the Denver-Tokyo nonstop flight. Tokyo will be Denver’s gateway city and will allow passengers to connect to destinations across Asia.

Jackson coordinates the efforts of key business and government leaders across the Denver Metro area, as well as the airport’s marketing efforts in Tokyo, where a considerable marketing strategy is under way. This is where Jackson has tapped the expertise of the U.S. Commercial Service. ITS Dooley and Commercial Officer Helen Peterson (CS Tokyo) work with Jackson to provide in-country support for DIA’s marketing efforts. To date, there have been three Colorado-Japan trade missions including support from the U.S. Commercial Service in Tokyo, receptions and networking opportunities, all of which play into the outstanding collaboration orchestrated by Jackson and the Ascent to Asia Committee at large. Success for the committee, and for local exporters intent on selling into Asian markets, will see a nonstop Denver- Tokyo flight taking off from DIA in the near future!

While incoming buying delegations and social media outreach are key in moving local companies forward in their exporting endeavors, it is paramount that U.S. companies travel to foreign markets to develop relationships.

At the end of the day, two successful export outreach events have been delivered, and a week’s worth of activities have been outlined. The five Denver USEAC International Trade Specialists - with over 65 years of international trade work between them - have come together on this Monday in March to celebrate this landmark initiative. Yet the mission of the U.S. Commercial Service remains unchanged: to promote economic prosperity, enhance job creation, and strengthen national security through a global network of the best international trade professionals in the world. The Denver USEAC staff executes this mission with a plethora of talents among them coupled with a shared electronic rolodex of global partners.

The U.S. Commercial Service is located across the United States and in U.S. Embassies and Consulates in nearly 80 countries. Whether you’re looking to make your first export sale or expand to additional markets, turn to the Commercial Service for the expertise you need to connect with lucrative opportunities and increase your bottom line. To contact the Denver Commercial Service office, visit www.buyusa.gov/colorado or call 303-844-6623.

Smart Cookies

By: Tiffany A. Kampsnider Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Jewel Of Collaboration

As women, there are few topics we deem “off limits” while conversing with our girlfriends. We gab endlessly about the trivial stuff; the guy we met for drinks last week, the way in which we were “bad” for ordering the side of fries instead of the salad, or the wonders that our new Pilates class is doing for our abs. We share our thoughts on religion, the strength it took for our mom to beat breast cancer, our views about politics and how we got ourselves into $50,000 of credit card debt….

Er, hold that last thought.

When is the last time you discussed the details of your personal finances with your closest girlfriends, let alone anyone else? Have you shared the nitty gritty about your mortgage, your stocks and your savings, or like many of us, your lack there of? Although money management and personal finances affect all of us in one way or another, the topic continues to be taboo among women of all ages. Wouldn’t it be nice to receive honest feedback, accountability and encouragement in regards to our finances, similar to the ways in which we are counseled on the former topics? A forum to share the truth about our money management strengths and weaknesses that gives both emotional and educational support?

Meet the Smart Cookies. Not your average chocolate chip and sugar variety mind you, but rather a group of five young women who haven’t had a chance to cool since starting their own money management group over five years ago. Inspired by an Oprah Winfrey show on personal finance, friends Andrea, Angela, Katie, Robyn and Sandra decided that it was time to tackle their own financial demons. Wanting to take an honest look at their personal finances in a way that they had not done before, they decided to challenge their financial management skills in order to make the most of their money. Furthermore, they wanted to do it in an environment that they were both comfortable and familiar with. Together. The ladies were eager and determined to get the conversation that always seemed to slide under the radar to the forefront. While agreeing to weekly meetings, the group quickly turned money into a hot topic and they were well on their way to helping one another reach financial freedom. Wanting to be held accountable, each came with different agendas that were important and pertinent to their lives such as wanting to pay off $18,000 in consumer debt, becoming savvy in stocks and investments, to simply wanting to learn the “sweet” ways to live on less. What’s more? They wanted to do it all without sacrificing their fabulous style or social lives. Just one glance at this striking and dynamic five-some and you quickly realize that this ain’t your mama’s cookie jar.

A typical meeting for the group follows a similar agenda to the one that they put forth in the beginning consisting of: a general check-in with one another, spending updates, reviewing goals and setting new goals, an education component in which each person is responsible for coming up with bits of factual information for that weeks financial topic and perhaps most importantly, sharing good news or one smart money move that each had recently made. They found that by sharing these successes, no matter how small, was motivational and inspiring to the entire group and a key to their personal financial successes. Sandra Hanna of Smart Cookies insists that this positive attitude has been a key ingredient to their success. “We are very proud of ourselves as a group and of each other. We are also very connected. But most of all we are positive. We always have and continue to focus on being positive,” Hanna maintains. “We feel that being positive sets us apart from other money groups in that it’s not about deprivation or being frugal. It’s about wealth management and adding things to your lives by making smarter decisions about money.”

Hanna further describes the group as a type of ‘Weight Watchers’ for managing wealth. Similar to the Weight Watchers model, the importance of the group lies in the emotional, supportive and positive reinforcement they continuously get in reaching their goals. And, as any Weight Watchers success story can tell you, the group meetings are crucial to their achievements. For example, Sandra described how they were able to look at the amount of money another one of the Cookies could potentially make in her current career by going back and getting her masters degree. The women were then able to root her on, providing the encouragement and accountability she needed while she went after her diploma. “By working as a group, we are able to really push each other,” Hanna adds. “We arm each other with information and act as a cheerleading squad for other members of the group.” Managing their goals and expectations alone simply would not produce the same results as collaborating together does. “We know this, because we all tried on our own. Collectively, we had purchased every financial book on the market,” explains Hanna, “and we all had continuously gotten off track.” She confirms that being part of a team pushes you beyond your limits of what you can accomplish by yourself. Ultimately, you can achieve more.

While the “Rah, Rah’s!” of the sideline cheer squad and the weekly meetings are nice, one must ask, how, specifically they got from financial farce to freedom - and everywhere in between. Hanna recognizes that by allowing themselves permission to indulge, in a structured manner, the ladies have seen their social lives, relationships, and even their shopping and personal “maintenance” habits flourish, all while saving a bit of money along the way. Instead of giving up the luxuries that make them who they are, they simply perfect the ways in which they go about doing them, providing ways that they can still achieve their ultimate financial goals. For example, “…we have found that women love to share everything,” gushes Hanna. “If you can tap into that, you can save yourself A LOT of money.” Things like borrowing clothes, swapping magazines and trading babysitting services are all ways that can make a big impact on financial success. “Simple things like always asking for the special,” she adds, “can help you make smart decisions.” Whether they are inquiring about the happy hour specials on Friday afternoon or finding a local beauty school in their town to color their tresses, the Smart Cookies have taken their favorite routines and have turned them into money saving opportunities. Coming out on top and staying ahead of their goals is worth it - even if it means ordering a Coors rather than a Cocktail on occasion.

Beyond trading their Vogue for Glamour or babysitting skills for a hand in the yard, the ladies also acknowledge the importance of larger money management skills such as “Knowing Your Numbers.” To become truly financially savvy, Hanna insists that this is a crucial component for setting and achieving both short and long-term goals when it comes to finances. She also encourages you get organized, map out where you want your money to go and constantly ask, “Is this bringing me closer to my financial goals?” These are vital components to success. Their website, www.smartcookies.com, offers many other valuable “tips and tricks” for making the most out of your money, packaged as daily doses of “Bite Sized Cookies” and educational articles from the “Cookie Jar”. Resources also include on-line planning tools, expert advice and ways in which you can experience financial success by forming your own money group.

Collectively, the Smart Cookies have created a money management powerhouse. Their tools for success, innovative resources and continuous support for one another have led them to very aspiring achievements. They have paid off an impressive amount of over $50,000 in combined debt and, like Andrea, known as the debt buster of the group, are making large strides in building their savings accounts. Angela was able to go into business for herself and is full of creative ideas for making money in an unconventional way. Katie continues to build her savings and investment portfolio while Robyn inspires others by showing ways in which to make the most out of the job you have. Sandra has perfected the ways to be a savvy shopper and how to live on less while planning for an upcoming wedding.Today, the ladies strive to inspire others who have been in their shoes by: ‘Helping women take control of their finances, attract more money into their lives and turn their dreams into reality.’ Their motto shines atop their website and attracts women who may otherwise be afraid, confused or lack the know how to get started in such an endeavor. Thanks to Smart Cookies for being pioneers for groups of their kind, women everywhere have been finding ways to work jointly while achieving common goals such as wealth management and financial success.

Their positive and unconventional attitudes regarding wealth management have landed the group segments on The Oprah Winfrey Show, MSNBC, the New York Times, New York Daily News, and Money Magazine to name a few. Today, the ladies currently enjoy life as full-time Smart Cookies and, by looking at their accomplishments, they have given even the best soft and chewy cookie assortments a run for their money. Perhaps their most rewarding accomplishment to date, however, has been the feedback they have received from other women. Hanna says, "To hear others’ success stories, to see other women’s money groups popping up left and right and to see women making career changes to benefit their lives has been amazing. Even the simple act of getting women to discuss their finances has been very gratifying."

“My hope is that if we’ve done anything, it’s that we’ve gotten women talking about money. And not just by referring to the great deal they got at Target, but rather in a more intelligent fashion. Such as how they are saving for retirement or updates on their financial portfolio,” clarifies Hanna. “Hearing those types of conversations is so inspiring and I hope that we were cause for some of that.”The women of Smart Cookies have become trailblazers for groups of its kind. Not only have they broken down barriers in their own financial lives, they have shown how by taking the cookie jar off the shelf and onto the table, the topic of personal finances can now be embraced rather than embarrassing. Most importantly, they have gotten women using joint efforts to collaborate about the subject of money in ways that are both intelligent and inspiring; together these five cookies have influenced thousands of women, both domestically and globally. By combining forces, the ladies have shown how approaching money management in a trendy, fresh and smart manner while maintaining the lives that they are accustomed to living can lead them to wealth management and overall financial success. Suddenly having your cake, or rather, cookie, and eating it too is an attainable feat!

Tiffany Kampsnider graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Communications. She is a program manager for Polk Majestic Meetings & Incentives where she plans and executes corporate meetings and incentive travel. Tiffany has a passion for writing, and while most of her writing is for leisure, she greets the opportunities to write professionally. She and her husband live in Denver, enjoy the outdoors and are expecting their first baby in August! Email her at [email protected] or visit her blog at www.tiffandchris-blog.blogspot.com to learn more.

Power to Dream

By: Daryl James Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Jewel Of Collaboration

Hand-sewn soccer balls surround Aziza Mohmand at her leatherwork shop as a symbol of women’s empowerment in Afghanistan.

Other emblems of peace, hope and prosperity abound in the war-torn country. Zainularab Miri has more than 100 beehives in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province. Rangina Hamidi sells embroidered shawls, pillows and wall hangings in Kandahar. And Kamela Khaliq manufactures rock-filled metal cages used in the construction of dams and foundations.

The entrepreneurs are all graduates of Project Artemis, a women’s empowerment program developed at Thunderbird School of Global Management in 2004.

Through the program, each participant receives two weeks of intensive business education at Thunderbird's campus in Glendale, Arizona, followed by two years of mentoring from Thunderbird alumni and other women professionals.

The program’s goal is to educate women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan so they can help rebuild their war-torn nation through small-business enterprises ranging from construction companies to boutiques and crafts shops.

“I learned about leadership, management and marketing at Thunderbird,” Mohmand says. “And I learned how to write a business plan.”

So far, 44 women in three groups have graduated from Project Artemis. The fourth group, which will include as many as 20 women, is scheduled to arrive on campus Oct. 15, 2010.

Despite the poverty and violence that persists in Afghanistan, each participant comes to Thunderbird full of dreams and optimism. For the third group that graduated in 2008, dreams expressed on the first day of the program varied widely.

“My dream is to expand my cosmetics company and then start a television production company in Afghanistan,” Fawzia told the group.

“My dream is that all women will be self-sufficient, self-confident and powerful so they can support themselves,” Halima said.

“My dream is to care for people in Afghanistan with quality medicine from Europe and the United States,” said Nafisa, one of two doctors in the 2008 group.

Mohmand says her optimism remains strong four years after her Project Artemis graduation.

“Our future is in our own hands,” she says. “If women and men work hard together, then the future is bright.” The gift of employment

Mohmand launched Muska Ball and Leather Making Company in 2004 as a way to create jobs for widows and other women previously blocked from employment under the Taliban regime. Today her company employs about 200 leatherworkers and seamstresses in Kabul, including more than 150 women who work from the relative safety of home.

Workers trained by Mohmand pick up raw materials from her shop and then return a few days later with finished soccer balls, volleyballs, purses, cell phone covers and other leather products. For dozens of these women, the work represents their first opportunity to earn a steady income.

“They can improve their families, their communities and their country,” says Mohmand, who was born in Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan in 1959. “People with jobs will have a better life. They will not be obliged to take up weapons and fight.”Mohmand had no formal business training before Project Artemis, although her father was a successful Afghan businessman.

After high school, she went to the Ukraine for college and returned to Afghanistan in 1983 with a master’s degree in social sciences.She worked as a university instructor until 1996, when the Taliban came to power and forced female teachers and other women professionals to stay indoors.

Mohmand responded by opening a tutoring business in her home that eventually catered to girls banned from public schools. The Taliban shut down the home-school operation in June 1998, and Mohmand fled with her family to a refugee camp in Pakistan.She returned to Kabul shortly after U.S. troops arrived in 2001 and started Muska as a nonprofit organization with an educational mission. During the next three years, the organization trained more than 2,000 men and women in baking, sewing, leatherwork, ball assembly, carpentry, electrical work, metalwork, plumbing, computer maintenance and English.

When jobs failed to materialize for program graduates, Mohmand hired 200 widows and other disadvantaged women as leatherworkers and converted Muska into a commercial enterprise. She started with $5,000 in personal savings and took loans from friends to fund the launch.Like Mohmand, many of the women she hired had lived as refugees in Pakistan or Iran during the Taliban era. They returned to Afghanistan when the interim government emerged in 2001.

Mohmand says one young woman she hired came from a family of 11. None in the home had a job, and the parents were ready to sell one of their children to provide for the rest.“She started working here, and now her siblings can attend school,” Mohmand says. “The family has rented a house. They also have a bank account. That’s something I am proud of.” They can improve their families, their communities and their country. People with jobs will have a better life. They will not be obliged to take up weapons and fight - Aziza Mohmand

Mohmand says her company can now produce any design in leather goods and return the finished product in any volume on the agreed-upon deadline. But challenges persist.Her shop lacks adequate storage and workspace. Raw materials remain difficult to obtain in Afghanistan. And Mohmand has struggled to find the resources to market her company and find new customers.

These are issues Mohmand has addressed with her Project Artemis mentor, Regula Schegg, a 2005 Thunderbird graduate from Switzerland.Working together, the women devised a plan in 2008 to export custom soccer balls with the Thunderbird logo to the school’s on-campus store. Schegg says having Thunderbird as Mohmand’s first U.S. customer has allowed her to learn and experiment with the export business.

Further down the road, Mohmand plans to export soccer balls to large corporate clients in Europe and the United States who might want soccer balls as promotional items to support social entrepreneurship.“Mohmand is a very smart and savvy businesswoman and has built an impressive business,” Regula says.

Sharing the knowledge

Mohmand also has built an impressive network of associates in Afghanistan eager to learn from her Project Artemis experience. So far, she has shared her knowledge at Kabul University and in other academic settings with more than 1,000 people.

“I used to be a teacher,” she says. “Teachers are entrusted to share whatever they know.”

Other Project Artemis graduates have made similar efforts to share their knowledge and extend career opportunities to other Afghan women.Hamidi, a graduate of the first Project Artemis group, has grown her embroidery business to more than 500 employees.

Her company, Kandahar Treasures, allows women to produce embroidered shawls, pillows and wall hangings at home. These products are then exported worldwide.“We women have taken it upon ourselves to stitch the future of peace for our children,”

Hamidi says. “Embroidery is the skill we have, and love and patience is what we can give to our families and our country. We will work to help rebuild this war-torn nation.”Khaliq also has a passion for sharing knowledge that started with a career as a high school teacher. In addition to her construction company, which has grown to 300 employees, she operates a business planning consultancy that teaches other Afghan entrepreneurs how to put business plans together.Before Miri started her honey business, she operated a school with about 400 students in her home province of Ghazni. She says she fled to the province for protection when the Taliban came to power and started shutting down schools.

“When I taught the students, I did it secretly,” she says. “The Taliban didn’t want anyone to do these things, and we were very much afraid of them.”While in Ghazni, she also started her beekeeping company with two hives. She says the Taliban made her feel like she was in a cage, but the regime ignored the isolated province more than other places.

Investing in the education and economic empowerment of women in developing countries not only improves the lives of those women, but also enriches the entire community. - Angel Cabrera

New opportunities to grow the business emerged after the interim government came to power. “As soon as the new government came and the Taliban collapsed, it was a golden chance for the women,” she says.Miri received her first management lessons from the Women’s Business Federation in 2002 and then joined Project Artemis in 2005.

“We learned lots of things in Project Artemis, like management, like leadership, like marketing,” she says. “We learned from the earth to the sky.”

Since then, Miri has continued in her role as a teacher in Ghazni.“The women that I train, I usually tell them that I started from two hives and now I have 105,” she says. “If you work hard, then you will also have a good business in the future.”

Thunderbird for Good

Thunderbird Assistant Vice President Kellie Kreiser, a 2004 Thunderbird graduate who volunteered with the first Project Artemis group, says the vision for the program started with former Thunderbird Trustee Barbara Barrett.

Barrett toured Afghanistan in 2004 as a member of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council. During the trip, Barrett saw firsthand the challenges that Afghan women faced.“She came back to Thunderbird with this idea of creating a program to help Afghan businesswomen get the skills they needed to be successful,” Kreiser says.

Thunderbird Professor Steven Stralser, Ph.D., stepped forward and put a program together with help from Thunderbird Professor Mary Sully de Luque, Ph.D., and others.“They raised the funds for it, created the curriculum, put it all together, recruited faculty, recruited alumni, recruited students and got people in the community involved,” Kreiser says. “By January 2005, the first program was put on.”

Kreiser says Thunderbird President Ángel Cabrera, Ph.D., approached her shortly afterward with an idea to keep Project Artemis going and expand the initiative into other areas.“He came to me and he said, ‘Kellie, would you be willing to be the director of Thunderbird for Good?’ And I thought, ‘Well, that sounds interesting. What’s Thunderbird for Good?’ His response was, ‘That’s your first job. Figure it out.’”

What emerged was a philanthropic arm of Thunderbird committed to providing global business education for non-traditional students such as the women of Afghanistan.The success of Project Artemis led to a new opportunity in 2008 through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women project, a global initiative to educate 10,000 women from developing countries.

The Goldman Sachs Group, which organized the initiative and funded it through a $100 million commitment, included Thunderbird as one of its initial partners after watching the growth of Project Artemis. This new initiative has allowed Thunderbird to extend its reach in Afghanistan by educating more women in their homeland through an alliance with the American University of Afghanistan.Through the Goldman Sachs Business Women’s Training Program in Afghanistan, Thunderbird will help train about 460 women over five years. Thunderbird alumni also will have opportunities to mentor these women and share their expertise.

As soon as the new government came and the Taliban collapsed, it was a golden chance for the women. - Kamela Khaliq More recently, Thunderbird for Good has launched campaigns to educate nontraditional students in Jordan and Peru.“Investing in the education and economic empowerment of women in developing countries not only improves the lives of those women, but also enriches the entire community,” Cabrera says. “Our goal is to change lives and create lasting benefit.”

To donate to Project Artemis or to volunteer as a mentor, contact program manager Wynona Heim at [email protected] or 602-978-7607.

Not Your Average Joe

By: Emily Haggstrom Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Jewel Of Collaboration

The face and culture of women involved in military combat has changed drastically over its 4000 year history. Change has not appeared more drastic since the conflicts that ensued following the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001. For the first time in United States history, women are not just being used in military support roles, but they are becoming high-ranking commanders facing real combat.

And although there is still a mountainous debate being waged over the concerns and advantages women play in war-time initiatives, it is certain that the tactical decisions made up-front and behind the scenes to include women in crucial jobs are paying off for the U.S. military.

On the torrid terrains of Iraq and in the varied climates of Afghanistan, this ever changing nine year battle against terror continues to evolve as insurgents move in and out of the local populations. Shopkeepers and suicide bombers walk side by side in the streets, and fathers and warmongers are one in the same. The front lines aren’t the trenches from the wars of the past; they are bombs and sieges on roadside checkpoints and in cafes. The enemy isn’t a well run collective group supported fancily through government monies, they are simple yet independent militias seeking whatever funds they can secure. Corruption and coercion have become woven into the fabrics of these societies’ war strategies.

Every day the war strategy is different and each side knows it must be creative to win, especially when the enemy thinks and acts radically different. No military role is safe from these terrorists. Therefore, placing women in gender-based roles no longer illustrates a point.

New approaches and more volunteers are always needed. Spots that were once being given mostly to U.S. males are becoming increasingly harder to fill. By utilizing the women who are applying to fill these same spots, the military can tap into resources that could add to the number of people in combat operations. Now, of the two million active soldiers fighting for American freedom, more than 209,000 of them are women.

A Woman’s Worth

In Nangarhar, one of Afghanistan’s more modern cities on the eastern border with Pakistan, fighting a quiet but lethal insurgency, is Lieutenant Colonel Jody Nelson. She is the commanding officer of an 853 soldier Special Troops Battalion securing the region through education and workforce development. “We all choose to serve our country for very personal reasons, but the duty our country asks us to do can be surprising,” said Nelson. “The young men and women of our country are not shooting insurgents, though they may have to at times.” Instead, they are teaching governance to emerging democracies, talking to village elders about corruption, talking about regenerating revenue and empowering the people.” Nelson and her battalion are trying to make a tangible difference to the 1.5 million people in the area where they operate.

Guided by centuries of female oppression, the Islamic front has shown that they are not intimidated and are unwilling to surrender to women. Not only is Nelson a woman but she is a woman in an Islamic Republic heavily fortified by subjugating Taliban factions. Each day poses a new challenge that Nelson will ultimately have to lead her troops through. And whether she is being scrutinized by male Islamists or by American men and women who do not believe she should be there, Nelson does not cave to the stereotype. “The barrier about women’s ability to do their job still exists,” said Nelson.

In her 24 years of military experience she has chosen to ignore the barriers which she refers to as “challenges” by continuously performing the duties assigned to her at an exceptional level and in the most professional manner possible. “I don’t dwell on what I wasn’t allowed to do or couldn’t do. I focus on what I can do and do it in the best possible way. By focusing only on the challenges you lose sight of what you can do well,” she said. Nelson is confident that by concentrating on her work and being professional she can prove to her male counterparts and fellow citizens just how valuable women can be. And women just like Nelson consistently perform at high levels proving their ability to some of the most war hardened generals.

But don’t mistake Nelson’s hard work as a cry for praise. She believes that women shouldn’t be singled out for their accomplishments just because they are women. She hopes that women will be recognized for their performance and contributions as a whole, for the traits they bring to the fight, their insight and their strengths. “The underlying accomplishments that should be recognized are the fact that women have served honorably and successfully in the U.S. military for many years and have integrated in combat zones without issue,” she says.

And although the presence of women in prior wars seemed unnecessary and detrimental by some critics; attitudes have shifted as people gain a better understanding of the enemy we are fighting. Because segmented areas of Afghanistan live under the thumb of the Taliban, people in these areas still lack many of their freedoms and their human rights continue to be squandered. Most women in these regions have not experienced any effects of the regime change and are still not allowed out of their homes, to hold jobs, or to attend schools. Having women on the front lines to perform woman-on-woman searches, in the home and in segregated mosques through targeted raids and patrols have proven vital and extremely strategic for allied forces. Nelson has found that, “The women here are so awed by what we do and feel we Army women have done so much for them. They challenge me to do the best I can and live up to the perception that the world has of American soldiers - high moral standards and courage.”

While there are aspects of the Afghan culture with which I am vehemently opposed, I cannot shout women's liberation and burn burkas. It would widen the gap. The men of our culture must work with the men of this culture supporting our message. - Jody Nelson

Nelson and other female troops may not be able to change attitudes in a culture that already does not respect women, but men in her battalion can. “While there are aspects of the Afghan culture with which I am vehemently opposed, I cannot shout women’s liberation and burn burkas. It would widen the gap. The men of our culture must work with the men of this culture supporting our message,” she said. By recognizing and working with women in these war zones, it can help to illustrate that men and women can, and do work together professionally without violating social norms that exist.

Military women have the unique opportunity to interview Afghani women, meet and become informed about their lives, concerns, and the future of their families, and how the U.S. military can stimulate growth to improve their quality of life. Through her interpreter, Nelson has discovered the need for work within the home to keep the family financially stable. By supporting their economic future, Nelson knows these women and their families can sustain without the need for opium farming or joining the Taliban. To help alleviate some of the financial strain these families have, Nelson introduced the Afghan women of her province to a carpet training facility where they are trained to weave carpets to sell in the local shops and markets.

These same women have also been recruited to serve as security detail for events where other women are present. “They want to serve their country and each serves an important role. They need to see other successful women that are serving as a role model for them and to show them that women can serve side by side,” said Nelson.

Within this multi-faceted war are also the local men who have joined the U.S. military as civilian police and Afghan military because of the love they have for their country. They are bound and determined to serve and protect with their guests and mentors, the U.S. military, on any front and in any location. As they stand side by side with our troops most of these Afghans wear sandals with their dingy uniforms. They are ill-equipped and lack the basic necessities, yet still continue to fight the same battles that our troops do. They are the pride of their families and towns and the future of Afghanistan. It is imperative that they are not only trained but suited properly to be sustainable.

Therefore it is Nelson and her battalion’s job within their assigned province to make sure these men have basic resources such as flashlights, t-shirts, socks and blankets. They also need to be trained in proper combat operations and be emotionally stable to withstand the enemy’s psychological attacks. Nelson has found that by working with these men and helping them to conquer feelings of being overwhelmed, intimidated or inferior to the opposition, that they can gain huge respect within their community for their ability to perform and keep their villages safe. “I am honored and humbled by their ability to fight the enemy as well as they do,” she said.

Nelson, like other commanders, works hard to secure the safety of not only Afghan’s but Americans as well. She does it not as a woman, but as a leader who supports freedom. She is the face that is changing the war.

Emily Haggstrom has a B.A. in Journalism and Media from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is a member of the Level One Society in Denver, Colorado and sits in on various charity committees. In an effort to impact her local community she also volunteers for Whiz Kids Tutoring, Inc. as well as Denver Health Medical Center.

My Meeting with the Journey Woman

By: Rebecca Saltman Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Jewel Of Collaboration

Have you ever seen someone on TV and thought, “Wouldn’t it be great to know that person and have that person in my life?” Such was my experience when I was watching the show CBS Sunday Morning. As I watched the story of the 50 in 52 Journey unfold, I learned of a single mother who traveled across all 50 states in 52 weeks. It highlighted her journey, “To find the people who are moving America forward; to share and celebrate the incredible ways in which ordinary people do extraordinary things every day; and to bring together both problems and solutions with idea-generators and problem-solvers.”

As the story unfolded, I realized I had to meet this amazing woman, Dafna Michaelson, in person.

Little did I know that my introduction might get lost in the shuffle since the 50 in 52 Journey was getting at least an email a minute for more than 48 hours. When I didn’t hear back I thought, “I didn’t rate” until I received an email asking for forgiveness for the lack of response. It was one of the nicest emails I’ve ever received.

Resently, Dafna and I sat down to talk about her journey?

In May 2008 my boyfriend and I were in the grocery store. He turned and said, ‘Hey let's get a lottery ticket.’ I am not one to buy lottery tickets, even if the lottery is worth $450,000,000. I grew up poor, but my parents religiously bought lottery tickets. Each week, ticket after ticket, dream after dream, there was loss after loss. I wondered if my boyfriend had listened to my history at all because he bought a ticket anyway.

Egging me on as we left the store, he chirpily asked me, ‘Ok, what are we going to do when we win the lottery?’ I was appalled and asked incredulously, "Are you really going to torture me with this?" But he insisted, so I gave in and started dreaming. I completely outfitted my dream car - a Porsche Cayenne, hybrid of course, down to the custom leather. Then he asked me if I was going to travel.

You know how you watch a movie and the music changes, the lighting becomes direct, the camera pans directly to the actors eyes and you, in the audience, know that what is about to happen next will change the course of the character’s life forever. The question was simple, ’Was I going to travel?’ I stopped for a minute and said, "Yeah, I'm going to travel, I'm going to go to all 50 states and I'm going to meet with every governor and ask them how they are working to engage their citizens in solving community problems." It flew off my tongue as if I had been dreaming about it for years, when indeed it was nothing I ever thought about before.

Where does an idea like this come from?

I spent a year involved in Leadership Denver (LD) with the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, a program that takes up-and-coming civic leaders in Denver and shows them the inner workings of major systems that keep our city and our county running. We looked at education, law enforcement, transportation and poverty. It was completely fulfilling, but very troublesome for me. It opened my eyes to a whole host of things I wanted to complain about.

But, since I was about 14 years old my personal value system doesn’t allow me to complain about a problem unless I am willing to work on the solution. As a child, this was pretty easy because the problems I was complaining about all had to do with my life, my world, and things I could impact. As I grew and as my community grew, and as my understanding grew...let's just say I got involved on a lot of boards and became a very busy person.

What I learned from LD was that there were no longer enough hours in the day to work on all of the 'problems'. As our economy began to dip, and as the presidential election was upon us, I heard my peers saying things like, ‘I can't wait for a new president to get elected so they can start solving my problems...’ I was shocked that they didn't understand that the government, who I believe in and support, is not responsible to solve our problems at home. That is up to us. It felt as if people were losing more and more control over their finances. We were not yet in a depression, but everyone around sure seemed depressed! One thing however, seemed very basic to me - I believe that problem solving begins at home, in your community, and with your neighbors.

How did you start the 50 in 52 Journey?

After declaring my intent to take these trips, I felt like I could change the way we viewed ourselves as a society by looking at people who were getting involved in solving problems and taking control of their situations. I knew I would meet all sorts of people. It didn’t matter how much education or money they had - it was about giving back inspiration that they needed - that we all needed. I'm going to travel, I'm going to go to all 50 states and I'm going to meet with every governor and ask them how they are working to engage their citizens in solving community problems.

I started talking to friends and dreaming up an itinerary - 50 states in 52 weeks. I could start on the first full week of 2009 and take two weeks of vacation. I'm a single mom sharing custody of my children with their dad, so I figured I'd only travel on the days they were with him. I began to form a business plan and a board to see if we could pull this off. I could see it clearly, it was going to work.

Along the journey I wanted to meet the people who raised their hands and said, "I have a problem, you may have that problem too, I'm going to solve it for both of us!" Those were the people I knew could inspire the rest of America to know that the control rests within each of us. Those were the people truly moving America forward.

I resigned from my job the very next day. It is amazing that you left your job in the heart of the financial crisis. How did you do that? The first months were hard because of the failing economy. Fundraising was almost impossible. My friends and supporters told me to bail, but I couldn’t. I made a promise. I knew that there was a need. It was time to reflect the true story of our strength as Americans. I felt like America needed a reminder of how great we actually are. Problem solving begins at home, in your community, and with your neighbors.

So, I liquidated my 401K and on January 7, 2009 I hit the road. This is an amazing country we live in. I will continue to find people like these for the rest of my life to use as the mirror that I believe truly reflects who we are as a society. Did you accomplish your goal of visiting every state? Who did you meet? How did you tell their stories?

I did visit all 50 states. I personally interviewed 490 people across religions, races, socio-economic levels, and political agendas. I interviewed the rich and the poor. I interviewed lieutenant governors, clergy, bankers, teachers, children, social media moguls and the list goes on. I always say to people, “I dare you to look and NOT find someone who looks like you.” The stories are numerous and I am working on a book to share the stories as well.

This is an amazing country we live in. I will continue to find people like these for the rest of my life to use as the mirror that I believe truly reflects who we are as a society.

Where do you go from here? From here I am using the lessons I learned along the Journey to help others launch new initiatives around the country. If you have an idea you would like to put into action shoot me an email and let me help you along the way. Think you don’t have any ideas? I challenge you to think about one thing you complain about on a regular basis and choose to raise your hand and say, “I’ve got this one.” And then know, I’ve got your back!

While the traveling is complete, Dafna was recently featured in the new eBook 33 Voices. She is also a featured blogger for Change Your City Denver and is working to bring together social entrepreneurs around the country to encourage them in their work.

For more information you can find Dafna and the Journey on Twitter.com/dafna_m and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/50-in-52-Journey/106743227866. The Journey interviews and blog entries can be found at www.50in52journey.com. More information on next steps can be found at http://www.journeyinstitute.org. And the book 33 Voices can be found at http://www.33voices.com.

Rebecca Saltman is a social entrepreneur and the President and Founder of an independent collaboration building firm designed to bridge business, government, nonprofits and academia. And, a brand new Board member at the 50 in 52 Journey!

Marie C. Wilson

By:Judith B. Taylor Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Jewel Of Collaboration

For Marie C. Wilson, founder of the White House Project (a national, organization, which aims to advance women's leadership in all communities and in every sphere—political and social, cultural and economic) risk taking and the connection to collaboration was something she learned at an early age while living in Des Moines, Iowa.

During an Outward Bound trip, Wilson took on the challenge of rock climbing while blindfolded in the rain. Wilson felt the depth of what risk taking was all about and never forgot the experience.Raised in the 40s and 50s in Georgia, Wilson lived during the period when women were limited in their roles. She was a Homecoming Queen, class officer and cheerleader….she was a CEO of a complicated household, supporting her family. Wilson was involved in church related social issues and lobbied for affordable childcare. She found her ideas about women’s roles were viewed in some circles as dangerous and revolutionary.

With her tenacity and willingness to take on new challenges, the mother of five was elected to office in 1983. As the first woman to serve on the Des Moines City Council as a member-at-large. With a spirit for adventure and change, she took a dare from a friend. She applied for the job of executive director of the Ms. Foundation for Women in New York. “It was a glorious interview,” she said. “You belong here,” she was told.

Still, it was a risk to pick up her life as a new politician and move to the east coast. Nevertheless, Wilson made a defining change in her life and headed to New York City.Wilson wondered about her decision as she looked at the small room on 42nd street serving as an office and the list of existing funders.

Had she made a mistake in uprooting her life?“It was a huge risk,” she said. “I had to be a quick learner. Within a year or two, the Foundation came along and we had enough money to survive.”

The rest is history, as they say. Marie C. Wilson ran the Ms. Foundation for almost twenty years and co-created the Take Your Daughters to Work program. Truly a leader and legend, Wilson shares the essence of her convictions. Her 2004 and 2007 book, Closing The Leadership Gap…Add Women, Change Everything details her beliefs and convictions about moving women forward. Her previous book as a co-author, Mother Daughter Revolution, was a groundbreaking, critically acclaimed volume. Much of Wilson’s cutting-edge work included building and managing collaborative partnerships and helping low-income and middle-income women start businesses. Wilson had found her fit and helped build one of the largest women’s foundations in America.

A theme developed early on for Wilson; advocating for women’s opportunities and advancing women’s leadership roles. Early in her work at Drake University, where Wilson served as director of women’s programs, she initiated innovate concepts such as flextime and job sharing. Later, her almost twenty years at the Ms. Foundation generated some of the first collaborative partnerships, including partnerships with donors.

As an innovator and change-maker, Wilson works towards the transformation of American culture so that the number of women leaders in all sectors achieve a critical mass.

“Only a few groups were helping women plan and build businesses,” Wilson said of her early days with the Foundation.Wilson saw a serious need for women to be in the upper levels of leadership and in 1998, she founded the White House Project in order to build a richly diverse, genuinely representative democracy.

As an innovator and change-maker, Wilson works towards the transformation of American culture so that the number of women leaders in all sectors achieve a critical mass. Leading edge research and program initiatives have been focal points of the White House Project. The most recent groundbreaking research includes The White House Project Report: “Benchmarking Women’s Leadership,” a far-reaching study that documents women’s positions in numerous categories and illustrates the situation today. A few of the findings from the report include:

* Women make up only 17 percent of the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. * On a global scale, the U.S. ranks 71st out of 189 countries in terms of the proportion of women in their national legislatures.

During her tenure as president of the Ms. Foundation and the White House Project, Wilson produced numerous achievements. She initiated the Collaborative Fund for Women’s Economic Development, a pre-eminent model within philanthropy of collaborative grant making. She established the Collaborative Fund for Healthy Girls/Healthy Women, which has committed $4.1 million to girls’ programs. The Fund supports innovative programs that nurture girl's and young women’s leadership and community activism, helping them to stay strong through adolescence. And, she formulated The White House Project’s Ballot Box Initiative, a national straw poll highlighting top women leaders in which more than 100,000 Americans participated. Real women's issues are everyone's issues.

It comes as no surprise that Wilson is a highly sought-after speaker on women’s political leadership and the interests of women and girls everywhere. She has appeared on national TV and in national magazines on numerous occasions. Her awards are many, including the prestigious Robert W. Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking in 2002. She also received the Leadership for Equity and Diversity (LEAD) Award from Women and Philanthropy and an honorary Doctorate of Community Service from Drake University and another honorary Doctorate from Chatham College.Faith Winter, who headed up the White House Project in Denver for almost five years, said the tenacity to fight for what you want is something she will never forget from the experience of working with Marie Wilson.

Today, Wilson continues with her passionate message about having women in seats of power. She watches for legislation that might be considered regressive in any way. She emphasizes that real women’s issues are everyone’s issues. She cites concern over safety and security. “Women instinctively know about security through their family life,” she says. “They (women) don’t take security for granted. They know this raising children.”

According to Wilson, people are beginning to look at issues such as violence against women, trafficking and gender roles as shared concerns. “The central message of our time is about leadership and how diverse leadership is necessary.”Her message resonates with people across the age spectrum. Her ideas about women's roles were viewed in some circles as dangerous and revolutionary.

“Every time she speaks to a room full of women, you see her change lives,” says Faith Winter. “This is about the power women deserve and permanent change.”While putting a woman in the White House is Marie Wilson’s ultimate goal, she is an amazing person who has already changed the lives of so many women and in turn has created what she set out to achieve; increasing the number of female leaders.

One of the White House Project trademarked expressions reflects the stages of training for women aspiring to a political career and it may be a message for all of us in some way… Go Vote, Go Run, Go Lead, Go Girl!

Judith Brissette Taylor is an award-winning journalist and speaker. She has been a practitioner in the women's market for over twenty-five years as a writer, editor, and publisher and served for two years as president of the Women's Regional Publications of America. She is president of Leading Edge Advisers, a business consulting company specializing in emerging markets. ([email protected]).

Marcia McGilley

By:Shawna Ervin Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Jewel Of Collaboration

When John Brackney, President and CEO of the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, asked Marcia McGilley if she’d be interested in helping with the Cleantech Open’s (CTO) business competition for cleantech startups, there was no question about it. McGilley was definitely in.

“I had chills,” she said. “I knew it would be a perfect fit with our South Metro Denver Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and something I personally believed in. To be on the ground floor working with these exciting companies was an honor and a challenge.”

As the Director of the South Metro Denver SBDC, Marcia lead 9 consultants last year in assisting over 500 entrepreneurs in the South Metro area with over 1000 hours of consulting that resulted in 226 jobs created, 116 jobs retained, 79 new business start-up and over $7.5 million dollars in capital formation, exceeding all the SBA’s goals during this down economy.

With this experience and her conversation with John Brackney, McGilley dove in headfirst and developed a unique pilot project connecting SBDC’s across the Rocky Mountain Region with the CTO program that has been turned into a model for the rest of the nation. The model allows SBDC’s to partner with the Cleantech Open business competition to assist early-stage cleantech companies with market research, consulting and training. The Cleantech Open was a natural fit with the SBDC’s mission – to help businesses start and grow – as well as with McGilley’s personal interests in the environment and sustainability. The SBDC’s workshops, market research assistance and one-on-one consulting were a perfect fit with what the Cleantech Open contestants needed to be able to launch or grow their businesses successfully.

“What the contestants get through the Cleantech Open from the SBDC is the ability to make better and wiser business decisions, which in turn creates jobs, which builds a healthy economy,” Brackney said. “That’s the reason the Chamber is so excited about this project.”

For Marcia, work with small businesses is not something she considers merely a job. It is deeply ingrained in her.

SBDC’s across the nation are dedicated to helping small businesses start and grow by providing one-on-one consulting, mentoring and various workshops, which often mean the difference between a business failing or succeeding. SBDC’s are funded by a combination of federal, state and local entities; the South Metro Denver SBDC is hosted by the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce.

As a result of the SBDC's work in the Clean Tech Open, more than 900 jobs will be created over the next five years. These same companies have raised nearly $7 million in capital formation already.

Over the course of the competition the South Metro Denver SBDC provided 300 hours of consulting and training for Cleantech Open contestants. McGilley coordinated workshops, read business plans, gave feedback on presentations, and supported the contestants in in-depth market research and one-on-one consulting in all phases of the competition. In a way that is rarely seen, the Rocky Mountain Region brought together volunteers from private businesses, non-profits and government entities to work together for a common vision – helping businesses get to the next level. McGilley also applied for, and received, a WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) grant to fund the workshops. The WIRED grant is funded by several government entities.

“This was an enormous task,” Brackney said, “bringing together so many volunteers from public, private and government entities to work alongside one another for a common vision. This project represents a big societal and cultural shift. Marcia McGilley put in many hours of her time each week to put on a successful project for everyone involved in the Rocky Mountain Cleantech Open.”

“It was exciting,” McGilley said. “Each week we were able to see progress with the teams as they worked on their business plans and presentations. I could see how we were helping each team. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to this year’s competition.”

For McGilley, work with small businesses is not something she considers merely a job. It is deeply ingrained in her. No matter where she is in life, she said she will likely always have a business on the side. Currently, she owns Limelight Presentations LLC, a business specializing in coaching professionals to shine in the limelight whether speaking to a large audience, the media or as an expert on a panel. She has been a professional member of the National Speakers Association for over ten years. Marcia is also a professional actor, represented by Big Fish Talent Agency, where she acts in television commercials, corporate videos and films. Last year, she participated in three 48 Hour Shoot-out short films, two were award winning. In her spare time, she can be seen on stage or in improvisational comedy performances. Combining her professional speaking and acting interests is what created Limelight Presentations. Her motto is “Don’t be a lemon in the limelight!” She helps people communicate and present themselves more effectively. As the Director of the SBDC, Limelight is still operating but has taken a back seat to launching and growing businesses.

With small business in her blood – 12 of her immediate relatives own, or have owned, small businesses – McGilley started her first small business in 1989 with the help of an SBDC. After a year in business she was asked to be an SBDC consultant, and after 20 years of owning businesses and working with SBDC’s she has helped launch more than 1,000 businesses. As a self-professed "business mid-wife", Marcia is passionate about helping birth businesses and go through the growing pains side by side with the business owner.

"The passion oozes out every pore of entrepreneurs," she said. "You can’t help but want to help them. I get up each morning excited to go to work. I love hearing the new ideas people have and am honored to be part of the launching and growing process for these businesses. I get to help people make their dreams come true. It’s so rewarding!"

Overall, 24 of the 65 initial contestants became new SBDC clients using the SBDC’s services during the application process. The 12 semi-finalists received in-depth market research, business planning training, consulting and presentation skills training along with feedback before and after their judging sessions. Two semi-finalists later participated in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) business competition in Golden, Colorado. NREL reported that companies going through the CTO process have a 40 percent higher likelihood of being selected than non-CTO companies due to the extensive training, consulting and mentoring. As a result of the SBDC’s work in the Clean Tech Open, more than 900 jobs will be created over the next five years. These same companies have raised nearly $7 million in capital formation already.

“The SBDC added a lot of value to the Cleantech Open,” said Jerry Healey, Rocky Mountain Cleantech Open Mentor and Program Chair. “The SBDC added workshops, expertise, additional volunteers and paid expertise. It is through the SBDC’s efforts that the Colorado teams really had a leg up on the other regions.”

In every state represented, the Cleantech Open makes a difference for its contestants. Nationally, CTO contestants have an 85 percent success rate, far higher than the typical 50 percent failure rate among small businesses. Last year, in the Rocky Mountain region’s inaugural year, the region brought in 64 contestants and 12 excellent semi-finalists, which surpassed the CTO’s expectations.

“Being originally from Colorado I was thrilled and excited to see Colorado becoming involved in the Cleantech Open,” said Katie Roberts from the Cleantech Open headquarters in California. “They really took the initiative as our first region of our expansion. I think Colorado is a thriving place for cleantech companies and I was excited to see the incredible amount of ambition the Colorado volunteers and companies had. We are excited to see what happens this year in the Rocky Mountain region.” The CTO's mission is to find, fund and foster entrepreneurs with big ideas that address today's most urgent energy, environmental and economic challenges. CTO is a catalyst for bringing leaders together to accelerate promising technologies and companies.

The CTO is the world’s largest Cleantech business competition. The CTO’s mission is to find, fund and foster entrepreneurs with big ideas that address today’s most urgent energy, environmental and economic challenges. CTO is a catalyst for bringing leaders together to accelerate promising technologies and companies. Originally founded by a group of California volunteers in 2005, the competition aims to provide in-depth training and mentoring to clean energy startups, as well as an opportunity to complete and fine-tune a business plan.

In 2008, a group from the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce’s Renewable Energy Taskforce visited California looking for ways to put Colorado on the map with clean energy. The Cleantech Open was exactly what they were looking for; so they worked to form the Rocky Mountain Region, a six-state region including Colorado, Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Today, there are four regions representing a total of 22 states in the business competition and a new global ideas competition, making the CTO the world’s largest Cleantech business competition.

The Rocky Mountain region’s unique project has paved the way for other regions as the Cleantech Open expands. As the point person for the model, McGilley has been in talks with 14 other Colorado SBDC'c, as well as other SBDC's in the Rocky Mountain region. She is working with the new North Central region and the SBDC contacts in Minneapolis to tailor the model to work there, as well as other regions in the Cleantech Open. The model is remarkably flexible allowing any state or region to take what they need or want from it and do as little or much as they would like.

“Marcia has been instrumental in being a liaison to the other regions and making those connections,” said Dick Franklin, Rocky Mountain Cleantech Open Director. “She has been shortening the runway and adapting the Cleantech Open to new areas for 2010.”

Contact Marcia McGilley, Director of the South Metro Denver SBDC (Small Business Development Center) at 6840 S. University Blvd., Centennial, CO 80122, 303.795.0142, [email protected] or at www.SmallBusinessDenver.com. For more information on the Cleantech Open visit

www.CleantechOpen.com.

Shawna Ervin is a former reporter and owner of a small business. Her business, Ervin Communications, offers writing and editing services to a variety of businesses and non-profits. For more information, visit ervincommunications.com.

Cleantech Open Process

• Deadline to enter Executive Summary – May 22

• 12 – 20 semi-finalists selected from all applicants

• Attend workshops, symposium and clinics – Summer

• Submit business plan – September 11

• Mock Judging – October

• Final Judging and Awards Ceremony – November

Empowering Women in The Americas

By:Jorge Gonzalez-Mayagoitia Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Jewel Of Collaboration

The world is finally breathing again after one of the most severe global economic downturns. Recovery will require a lot of creativity and innovation, as well as a number of crucial systemic adjustments that leads us to sustained economic growth. Maybe for the first time in history, we need to understand that the use of female talent to address this and other pressing global challenges is not an option, but a critical necessity.

In today’s economy, a country’s competitiveness is its human capital. Women account for one half of the global population and when they are well-educated, participate in public decision-making and can earn and control income, a number of positive economic and social transformations automatically follows— infant mortality declines, child health and nutrition improve, agricultural productivity rises, population growth slows, economies expand and cycles of poverty are broken. All of these outcomes not only improve the quality of life of our communities, they also encourage faster economic growth.

Research conducted by the United Nations and the World Bank in emerging markets of The Americas demonstrates that the combined impact of growing gender equality, a rising middle class and women’s spending priorities will lead to an increase in household savings rates and shift spending patterns that are likely to benefit vital sectors of our economies, such as food, healthcare, education, childcare, consumer durables and financial services. Within the next five years, this trend will be particularly strong in countries like Mexico and Brazil.

Reducing the gender gap and fully incorporating women in the economy could also help to address, more successfully, some of the future problems in The Americas, posed by aging populations and rising pension burdens, particularly in countries where people are aging more rapidly, like the U.S. and Canada, where the median age is 36 and 40 respectively.

Measuring the Problem

To achieve all this, there is still much to do. Persistent gaps in access to education, healthcare, technology and income are some of the biggest challenges keeping women from being fully productive members of society in The Americas. The Global Gender Gap Index 2009 ranks the performance of 134 countries based on four categories: economic participation and opportunity; educational attainment; health and survival; and political empowerment. In our hemisphere, Trinidad and Tobago, a small island in the Caribbean, obtained the highest grade (19). Argentina (24), Canada (25) and Costa Rica (27) following close behind. The U.S. ranked 31. However, a number of countries in the hemisphere are near the bottom of the ranking, even considering high GDP growth rates—Chile ranks at 64, Brazil at 81, and Mexico at 98. Guatemala is the lowest-ranking country (111), followed only by countries in Africa and the Middle East.

A similar survey, The Corporate Gender Gap Report 2010, ranked the gender equality policies of the 600 largest companies in 20 countries, including Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the U.S. The results are not very promising, especially if you consider only two pieces of critical information: 1) percentage of women employees and 2) percentage of female CEO’s. In the case of Brazil, these numbers respectively equal 34% and 11%; Mexico 36% and 0%; Canada 45% and 0%; and in the U.S. 52% and 0%.

These revealing figures prove that gender equality policies in The Americas are broadly missing, and the level of disparities that still coexist in our hemisphere, at least in regards to closing the gender gap are ever present. Therefore, it is urgent to empower women and provide them with the full package of rights, tools and opportunities to maximize their potential, whether they decide to be entrepreneurs, elected officials or community organizers. This is one of the keys for true long-term progress in the hemisphere as labor forces expand and become more productive, household income increases and customer bases expand.

A Roadmap to Success

First, we need to make ourselves aware of the challenges posed by gender gaps in The Americas. Second, we must learn from our neighbors with the highest performance rates in gender equality and acknowledge the opportunities that might be created if we empower women in our communities. In these two processes, we need to engage our politicians and policy-makers, the civil society, the private sector and academia.

Third, we need to replicate or adapt frameworks and best practices that proved to be effective in these countries. This will certainly require significant changes in legislation, public policies and social perception of problems and solutions. The new paradigm must promote the empowerment of all women, whether they live in urban or rural areas; strengthen women’s social and economic rights; combat all forms of violence against women and ensure women’s human rights; eliminate gender stereotypes in society; seek women’s equal representation in decision-making; and support women’s diversity. We also need to find out how to channel women into science, technology and engineering to drive innovation.

Persistent gaps in access to education, healthcare, technology and income are some of the biggest challenges keeping women from being fully productive members of society in The Americas.

Even when it is a duty of the government to assure gender equality, in many cases the problem is a matter of women’s access to resources, such as microfinance for female entrepreneurs, training and education opportunities, healthcare, and services—whether public or private—that help reconcile family and professional life. Successful cases around the globe have proved that the involvement of the private sector and civil society is crucial. Finally, indicators for monitoring progress in this field must also be considered.

The Biennial of The Americas: An Exceptional Opportunity

On July 7th, 2010, the Biennial of The Americas organized by the City of Denver will present The Americas Roundtable on Women. This will be a unique opportunity in which a group of exceptional female leaders from The Americas will focus on women as drivers of the new economy and as agents for positive and effective change. It is a forum you do not want to miss.

Jorge Gonzalez-Mayagoitia serves as Consul for Political and Economic Affairs at the Consulate General of Mexico in Denver. He is a career diplomat since 2006 and Colorado is his first post abroad. The Mexican Consulate is the oldest foreign mission in the state, being established in 1893, only 17 years after Colorado became part of the U.S. It oversees the 64 counties of Colorado and 13 counties in eastern Wyoming. As part of its economic responsibilities, the Consulate promotes trade, investment and tourism between Mexico and Colorado. For more information, visit the website at www.sre.gob.mx/denver or call (303) 331-1110.

Determination Leads to Success

By:Barbara Fuller Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Jewel Of Collaboration

When Nancy Stevens was 11, a friend put a playing card in her bicycle spokes, watched in her rearview mirror, and called out directions to Nancy, who pedaled just behind. Nancy and her friend thought maybe they could ride their bicycles to school together—not a particularly novel idea for most children. But for Nancy, the idea was enlightening. Up until then, she had ridden only on the sidewalks, feeling for the cracks in the pavement to keep her orientation. Might she really ride beyond her small neighborhood?

Nancy Stevens is blind—and has been since birth. She is 49 years young, five-foot-even, with a constant beaming smile.

“My parents were creative,” she says. “They just wanted to figure out a way to do this safely.” They provided her with a tandem to ride with her younger sister, Lisa, and she continued to ride that tandem throughout college. Thus began Nancy’s belief in herself and the athletic ambitions that would carry her around the world.

Now, some 38 years later, Nancy has skied for the U.S. Paralympic team at Nagano, Japan, has won three world championships as a blind triathlete and has earned numerous other awards as an international athlete. She has also inspired hundreds of others to become involved in sports as a disabled athlete or to assist disabled athletes. Through her skills workshops and motivational speaking, she reaches out to athletes and others with a message: Set a goal and make it happen. I did it, and so can you.

“I have been successful for two reasons,” she says matter-of-factly. “One is that I had the support of my family. The other is that I learned to have confidence in myself through sports.”

That confidence transcends the ski slope beneath her or the bike trail in front. “I figured, if I can do all this,” she says, “then surely I could find employment. I want others to find that, too.” Her career life has taken her from athletic training, to managing an independent living organization, to facilitating training clinics for other blind athletes and guides. She wants others to have the opportunity to build that same confidence she has known.

Nancy has skied for the U.S. Paralympic team at Nagano, Japan; has won three world championships as a blind triathlete; and has earned numerous other awards as an international athlete.

Nancy recalls one Christmas when she, her parents, and four of her six siblings (two others were away at college) all got cross-country skis. Near their home in Kalamazoo, Michigan, her father would lead the group and the others would take turns guiding Nancy, then 11 and fifth in the line-up of seven children. With bells on their poles and calls of “right” or “left” from just in front of her, her brothers and sisters would guide her as she struggled to find tracks in the ungroomed snow. She hated those outings at first; she recalls her frustration and dismay at holding the others back. But eventually she got the hang of the sport and grew to love it. It was good exercise, and she enjoyed the quiet outdoor time in the woods with her family.

During high school and then college, she took on the faster-paced sport of downhill skiing. While spending a semester abroad in Germany as part of her Kalamazoo College education, she convinced ski instructors at Innsbruck, Austria, to let her teach them to guide her. With a laugh, she says now that she wasn’t sure they understood at first what she was asking in her broken German—but they caught on. Later, back in the States, she moved to Colorado “to be a ski bum” after graduating from college. There she found a new home at Winter Park, training grounds for many disabled skiers. She intended to stay a year, but doors kept opening. “Heck, if I can teach ski guides in Austria,” she told herself, “surely I can get a job.”

Nancy did get a job. She began her Colorado residence in food service at Winter Park but soon moved on, and in 1992, she took a position as Founding Director of High Country Options in Frisco, Colorado. The program, founded by the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center in Denver, was established to help disabled individuals in the mountain region build skills and find employment. Too often, Nancy says, people would tell newly disabled individuals to move to Denver so they would have access to services. But people didn’t want to move to Denver. So Nancy spent her time talking with social service agencies and with people from the surrounding towns, distributing informational brochures, and providing leads for resources to help people develop independent living skills and obtain access services. High Country Options hoped to serve at least 10 people in its first year, but within six months, Nancy had attracted 37 clients. Over 5 1/2 years, she assisted more than 100 individuals and provided more than 50 disability awareness programs to children, businesses, and government entities. She recalls working with one particular woman, newly disabled, who had refused to leave her house after having a stroke. The woman eventually found her way back into the community and entered employment at a recreation facility childcare. “She took baby steps,” Nancy says enthusiastically, “and then she took a great job.”

After earning three gold medals at the January 1998 Paralympic trials and participating as a member of the U.S. disabled cross country ski team in Nagano, Nancy turned to bicycling—back to the tandem that had liberated her as a young girl. Now, though, she was to pedal from Portland, Oregon, to New York City, one of 21 riders to cycle the full 10 weeks and 3,000 miles on a journey intended to motivate girls. The ride was sponsored by Outward Bound, a nonprofit organization that promotes personal growth through experience and challenge in the wilderness. Throughout the fall of 2000, cyclists crossed the country, giving presentations at schools and for girls’ groups along the way and encouraging young listeners to trust in themselves and to get involved in low-impact activities.

With skiing and bicycling mastered, Nancy moved on to the next challenge: a triathlon. She later went on to take the gold at world championship triathlons in 2005 at Honolulu, Hawaii; in 2006 at Lausanne, Switzerland; and in 2007 at Hamburg, Germany.

With skiing and bicycling mastered, Nancy moved on to the next challenge: a triathlon. Without even knowing it, she and her then-guide, Nancy Reinisch, qualified for the world championships. She later went on to take the gold at world championship triathlons in 2005 at Honolulu, Hawaii; in 2006 at Lausanne, Switzerland; and in 2007 at Hamburg, Germany. From the beginning, she says, the U.S. Triathlon Association has included disabled participants at the same time and place as sighted participants. And throughout, Nancy has worked with guides, often helping to train them herself. “Nancy’s a very good teacher,” says Helen McQueeney, who raced with her in Switzerland. “She’s had so many guides. She just tells people what to do.” Helen was amazed by the spirit of the many disabled athletes she met in Switzerland. “They were all very upbeat,” she says, “very encouraging.”

Broadening her reach, Nancy next organized two Tri-It Triathlon Camps in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, in 2007 and 2008. Some seven or eight guides and seven or eight blind athletes participated in the event each year to swim, bicycle, and run. “For two years, [the camp] was the event of the spring,” says Carol McCurry, who had run with Nancy in Hawaii and who coached runners at the camp. When Nancy came to the Glenwood Springs community, Carol says, “she was this athlete, and everyone wanted to be with her. … She has a personality that draws people in. People would stand in line to help. … It just kind of changed your life.”

Although only guides who had competed in triathlons themselves were able to participate at the Tri-It camps, blind athletes could be novices. “Your job,” Nancy told the blind participants, “is to help me and to share with these sighted women. We’re all learning together.” Sighted guides tend to say, “Oh, let me do that for you,” Nancy says, but the blind person needs to learn not to let someone else do everything. Pairs need to be comfortable working together. On the clinic agenda were not only sports techniques and guidance for working together but also such practical skills as fixing a broken bike chain. “I wanted everybody to see that they could do a triathlon, that they could put all the pieces together,” Nancy says. She hoped that the women would share what they learned with others back in their home regions throughout Colorado, California, Utah, Maryland, Indiana, Texas, and Virginia.

“I’ve seen her work with people of all backgrounds and all abilities,” says Lori Miller, another blind athlete and world competitor who attended a Tri-It camp. “By demonstration, by talking, by sharing, by doing: She’s shown me and a lot of people that you just keep doing, no matter what.”

Now located in Bend, Oregon, Nancy continues her work to open up opportunities for disabled individuals. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, she took a brief time out to focus on her health. But she has successfully battled the cancer and jumped back into work, fit and as positive as ever. From her home, where she lives with her chocolate lab Koko, she reaches out to her community. In January, she worked with Oregon Adaptive Sports to develop twin clinics to train guides for blind skiers, both Nordic and downhill. Although Oregon’s Mt. Bachelor has hosted disabled skiers for years, she says, she wanted to see more outreach to blind skiers in particular. “It used to be that Winter Park was ‘it’ for blind skiers,” she says. “But people don’t have to travel quite so far now. Now we have a choice.”

At the clinics, participants learned the basics of working with blind skiers and practiced techniques for guiding skiers. Next year, she hopes to repeat the clinics and also to host a ski camp for blind skiers at Mt. Bachelor. “I love encouraging people to get into sports,” she says, “and the more guides, the more opportunity.” She also admits, with her characteristic grin, that she has a selfish motive: “I want to have guides so that I can ski all I want to myself.”

Kendall Cook, Program Director for Oregon Adaptive Sports, says Nancy sometimes speaks to and holds the attention of 40 to 50 volunteers at a time. “It’s particularly inspiring for our volunteers to see someone with a disability coaching them,” he says. But people don’t really see her disability, he adds, because she is so comfortable in her work. She has very high levels of confidence and skill and is “the true model” of independence.

With more than 50 million disabled individuals in the country--and with newly disabled veterans returning from Iraq--it's more important than ever to provide opportunities so people will know what they can do.

Disabled individuals face obstacles beyond the obvious. Finding guides is one. Finding funding is another, Nancy says. “As a blind athlete, not only do I have to be committed to training 15 to 20 hours a week, but also I need to find other people to do that training.” In addition, disabled athletes need to fundraise for two people, not just for themselves. But with less than 25 percent of disabled individuals in the workforce, it is important to give people the confidence to perform, she says, both athletically and in the work world. A disabled athlete knows that she is able and can achieve other goals as well. With more than 50 million disabled individuals in the country—and with newly disabled veterans returning from Iraq—it’s more important than ever to provide opportunities so people will know what they can do.

When she is not leading training clinics or engaging in sports personally, Nancy gives motivational speeches and disability awareness workshops for schools, churches, and other organizations throughout the country. Through personal stories that hold listeners and get them laughing, through tips about etiquette in working with disabled individuals, through song as she plays her guitar, she engages and inspires. Her goal? “To give back to sports,” she says. “To help people get involved in sports.” And through that avenue: to help people get involved in life.

Barbara Fuller is Director of Editcetera, an association of freelance publishing specialists, based in Berkeley, CA. To contact her, see www.editcetera.com or email [email protected].

Authentic Leadership

By:Kim DeCoste Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Jewel Of Collaboration

Quite to my surprise as I sit to write about Women and Leadership, I am not inclined to address the point as I would have expected. Nor as I would have 20 years ago. After discussions, inquiry, email exchanges, Facebook postings and research, I find the issue much less polarizing now than it once was. Of the most recent work I have found about leadership success, whether in the context of business, community, politics, global issues or most other major categories; it seems the discussion about what is different between men and women is less present than I expected.

I believe this is a victory for us all. Before I go farther, please note that I am not suggesting that there are not areas in which women need to still be equally recognized for work or more fairly compensated. Of course I believe that we need more women in leadership roles as they become available. This is already happening, though more slowly than some would like, perhaps.

What I detect in speaking with and reading the works of men and women on the subject of leadership, is that it is rapidly becoming less of an issue. Leadership in general is changing and women, through their effort and examples, are informing the process. We do see that they are having a greater impact. So much so that we do not notice that it is happening but rather take for granted that it is the natural evolution of things.

Leadership in general is changing and women - through their effort and examples - are informing the process.

This is not the case in equal degrees in every segment nor is it the same around the world. The disparity in leadership opportunities in some parts of the world is endemic and deeply culturally-rooted. It would be inappropriate to attempt to address those issues in the context of a broad, fairly high level look at leadership. But even in cultures where women have not had access to opportunities to the same extent their brothers and fathers have, we see myriad of examples changing that. In many cases these changes are being driven by female leadership. But they are also a function of the increasing transparency of most societies now due to world communications. People are tweeting, posting, sharing, friending and communicating in ways like never before. All people are empowered by the prospects of what they see – near and far. For some it motivates them to step up and affect change around the world and for some, it draws focus to their own back yards, schools and communities. This revival of interest in change for all people is not gender driven, but is empowered by many women guiding and supporting the willingness to change.

I reached out to two people in particular for this article and found each had a unique perspective. Debra Benton is a CEO coach, author and speaker. Debra focuses on CEO traits and business leadership in her work. Benton sees the trends in leadership that make good business people into strong leaders and notes that women are collaborative, team-oriented and consensus-driven more than men in many cases. Many women are also very good at building the kinds of relationships that inspire people who are subordinate to want to work harder for them. She also concedes, however, that there are many women who are successful because they happen to be in industries that are doing well, such as healthcare. "Their success is a function of where they are, not just who they are." said Benton.

But she does offer several points worth noting: 1) Women tend to be very resilient. Women handle pain and often bounce back more quickly than men. They are also more accustomed to handling rejection. 2) Women tend to try harder, because they have always had to prove themselves. In tough times, women often rise to the occasion better. 3) Women tend to be more intuitive and are excellent collaborators. Most women are organized and are very good multi-taskers because they often have to juggle multiple roles.

Aside from these points which are well-documented and commonly accepted, there is little else to which she gives credence as far as differences. The most fascinating point that Benton brought up was in fact not gender related at all. She said that in order for one to become a leader in business, she or he must either be pulled up (from the top) or pushed up (from below). In either case, the individual must have done good work, be respected and trusted and be well regarded, if not liked. When I asked about the way gender plays into this, Benton said that gender is not a factor. In fact, it is not something she concentrates on at all. The best leaders, she said, are those who have the best “stereotypical” traits from both sides. They are collaborative, inspirational and relationship oriented; and they are risk takers who can be decisive. Performance is what matters, not gender.

I also spoke with Beth Brown, CEO of Professional Resource Enhancement. Beth’s company focuses on leadership training and is currently in the process of developing leadership training for women. From Brown’s perspective, the challenge women face is not actually leading, but finding the right leadership style in those first opportunities they are given to lead. As with most people when first asked to assume a lead role, women will tend to default to leadership styles they have experienced and more often than not, that would be a male approach.

Brown writes, “Leadership is built on a foundation of relationships and that plays to a woman’s inherent strength. By mimicking what she has seen from men, a woman is in danger of sacrificing the core values of relationships. Simply put, women in leadership roles need to embrace their gender and the inherent strengths that accompany them instead of trying to mimic the leadership styles of men.” It is this approach that seemed to resonate with others that I spoke with. Good leadership, most said, was gender neutral. The best leaders, she said, are those who have the best "stereotypical" traits from both sides. They are collaborative, inspirational and relationship oriented; and they are risk takers who can be cecisive. Performance is what matters, not gender.

A former colleague, Lori Patik, wrote, “I don't think there is anything that distinguishes one [gender] from the other. Rather there are probably some general gender characteristics that would make reaction/productivity/teamwork outcomes different. The more gender-independent abilities, the better set-up for success.” She and others wrote about the fact women leaders do seem to engage teams differently, building consensus and involving the whole team more than some men, but even this, they concede seems to be changing. Indeed, I looked at several successful women leaders. One that stands out is Indra Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo. Ms. Nooyi has been successful at Pepsi and stands out in the business community, in my mind, because of her open approach, clear success and willingness to discuss leadership. She feels strongly that it is the obligation of women in leadership roles to pull up others beneath them so that a succession can be created. Leading by example, it seems, is her primary directive and she speaks clearly on the subject of leadership with no indication that a gender difference exists.

In an online article by ASTD (American Society for Training & Development), Ms. Nooyi spoke of the necessary traits for leadership which are universally applicable and pertain equally to different types of leadership – from business to political to community leadership. She highlights five skills that are hallmarks of effective leadership. 1. Competence. You must be an expert in your function or area of expertise. You will become known for that.

2. Take a Stand. You must be known for your courage and confidence to act and say what you believe is right.

3. Communication Skills. Communication skills are critical. You can never over-invest in them.

4. Coaching. Surround yourself with good mentors. Listen. Learn. Your mentor is a major force.

5. Your Moral Compass. Have the strength and courage to do what’s morally right, not what’s expedient. Your moral compass must be your true north.

These skills are ones that we can all develop if we want to strengthen our leadership skills regardless of gender.

The research is clear, there are more women in leadership roles but there is still a huge gap on most companies’ organizational charts as the gender of senior leadership is tracked. According to Business Week’s most recent “Best Companies for Leadership”, women head up fewer than 3% of the Fortune 1,000. Moving down the organizational chart a bit, it becomes better for women in the ranks of middle management.

Further research corroborates what was said earlier about gender neutrality, saying that, “The outstanding women used a better blend of what we think of as traditional masculine styles -- being directive, authoritative, and leading by example and as well as feminine ones. They also knew when to be more nurturing, inclusive, and collaborative.” This blending of skills is changing the way other leaders approach their roles. Men are adopting these approaches more and the way in which we judge leadership is being changed by the women who are leading. Authentic leadership is driven by successful teams and solid performance.

Finally, we should comment on the countless numbers of unknown women who will never be famous but who lead in their families and communities quietly. Many women who do not covet recognition do work that goes widely unnoticed except by the people in their immediate circles. Their devotion to family and local matters is the engine that drives many communities. Hundreds of volunteer hours, thousands of tiny projects and tasks that are the everyday work of women and for which they will never be recognized. This has been the story of women for generations and we would be doing a disservice if we only focused on women of acclaim and high visibility.

I am reading a book now by Cokie Roberts called Founding Mothers. The closing sentence of her introduction resonated as I was looking back through it recently. The women she focuses on are the wives and mothers of the men who founded the United States. Their stories of leadership are hard to believe as they carried on with their lives through the birth of the country. But Roberts writes something that still applies to so many women. “I come to the conclusion that there’s nothing unique about them. They did – with great hardship, courage, pluck, prayerfulness, sadness, joy, energy and humor – what women do. They put one foot in front of the other in remarkable circumstances. They carried on.” Simple put, women in leadership roles need to embrace their gender and the inherent strengths that accompany them instead of trying to mimic the leadership styles of men. - Beth Brown

That is the truth of women in general and women who lead. In the grand scheme of things, we see leaders of both genders learning from one another. Leadership will evolve as people do, and those who rise to the top will be those who find the best in those around them and elicit a passion to improve every day. Lance Secretan said, “Leadership is not so much about technique and methods as it is about opening the heart. Leadership is about inspiration—of oneself and of others. Great leadership is about human experiences, not processes. Leadership is not a formula or a program, it is a human activity that comes from the heart and considers the hearts of others. It is an attitude, not a routine.”

Kim DeCoste is the President of DeCoste & Associates, a strategic career management and coaching firm specializing in career transition (www.DeCosteAssociates.com). Kim is also actively involved in STEM initiatives, public K-12 education and clean technology expansion through the South Metro Denver Chamber and Cleantech Open (www.CleantechOpen.com).

Women With a Cause

By:Rebecca Saltman Issue: Collaborative Women Section:Jewel Of Collaboration

When you first look at Susan Kiely you see a kind face on a statuesque woman who could clearly command a room. What you may not note on the surface is a woman with such dedication that no part of the world is too big or exempt from her touch.

After six years of serving as chaplain to 800 senior citizens living in government housing in downtown Denver, where she did everything from planning day trips to counseling, Kiely decided to take a sabbatical. Serving seniors was a full-time volunteer job, filled with challenges and rewards. Then Kiely came across a different calling largely by accident.

As she assessed her last six years she knew she was ready for a change. In December of 2005 she received an invitation to attend the World Vision AIDS Breakfast. She sat and listened to the plight of women living in the developing world. In Africa and Asia women have little education, many dying in their 20s. Her heart broke, her sabbatical ended and her new adventure began. This was the catalyst for the Women With A Cause (WWAC) movement.

Kiely was inspired with the idea of designing clothing that would be manufactured by India's Dalit women; a lower caste prevalent in India’s society, who had never been offered real employment opportunities, much less learned a marketable skill. Months of travelling to India, constructing a definitive for-profit business plan, and assembling a team of American seamstresses led to the creation of the first Women With A Cause programs.

The Dalits, more commonly referred to as Untouchables, outcasts, and most recently “slumdogs”, comprise nearly one quarter of India’s society, with population estimates of 250 million people. The term Dalit means “those who have been broken and ground down deliberately by those above them in the social hierarchy.” Dalits constitute the largest group of people in the world categorized as victims of modern-day slavery. Their plight is enforced by the cyclical nature of the caste system, and societal bylaws which provide stability for the populace as a whole, while severely curtailing individual growth. Although officially outlawed throughout India, the 93% Hindu population has not adopted any new measures to counteract an entrenched Hindu norm. “They (Dalits) receive no education and are not allowed traditional jobs,” Kiely described. “The jobs they can get – cleaning human waste, house servants, other “untouchable” tasks – exist solely for the Dalits. No one else is expected to perform them.” And yet she was impressed by their tenacity. She found their widespread adoption of rigorously healthy personal hygiene remarkable, especially given these outrageous tasks.

For the first four years Kiely self-funded Women With A Cause, while she created teams of collaborative partners that had similar missions. The goal is always to empower women through improved skill sets; thereby attaining self-sufficiency with an eye towards ownership once they demonstrate the skills necessary to sustain the enterprise. One of WWAC’s first partners was the Dalit Freedom Network. The Dalit Freedom Network is a human rights, non-government organization that partners with the Dalit people in India. They represent a vast network of justice-minded, modern-day abolitionists committed to freedom for India’s “untouchables.” They believe there is an end to Dalit injustices, such as human trafficking and child labor, while dismantling slavery in all its forms - historical, cultural, legal and illegal - throughout India. Kiely saw that Women With A Cause and its programs could grow to encompass, then accomplish, both organizations’ missions.

We wanted to create an environment where they realized in God's eyes there is no caste system - all women are equal. - Susan Kiely Understanding both the depth of injustice toward Dalits as well as the delicacy of their mission in its early stages, WWAC embarked on a very emotional tradition. American women washing the feet of the Dalits working for Women With A Cause brought a new dimension to the work. This simple, time-honored gesture showed that they as women and their work were valued. As Kiely puts it, “We wanted to create an environment where they realized in God’s eyes there is no caste system - all women are equal.”

All of these experiences in India have evolved an uncompromising mission. Women With A Cause is providing economic development programs focusing on education and skills training for women, which will enable them to earn a sustainable income.

Women With A Cause built an economic training center in Hyderabad, India, where a team of six seamstresses currently produce her SK Designs clothing. "The $100 to $150 Western-style jackets, made from vibrantly patterned Indian silk cloth, were designed with women over 45 in mind," Kiely says. She points out “I have worked very hard to get the prices down keeping in mind that I want my women to get a good wage!”

All of the products are sold at home shows and third party retailers. Eventually, Kiely hopes to sell products in retail locations and in partnership with fair trade organizations. Kiely says, "I want the women who buy these products to really understand our mission."

Kiely is also taking her years of experience and making it even more personal by bringing it home. Women With A Cause is in the process of implementing its extraordinary systems and mission, enabling women to learn skills and earn a sustainable income right in their home town of Denver. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the current recession and a 10% - 15% unemployment rate will force 1.5 million more people into homelessness over the next two years. As a result, Women With A Cause has decided to launch the WE Initiative 2011 – Women: Educate, Empower, Elevate.

Tthe current recession and a 10% - 15% unemployment rate will force 1.5 million more people into homelessness over the next two years.

Kiely and her team have been assessing where the jobs are and how to get women back to work here in the U.S. They found that medical professionals were desperately needed - there has been a 27% increase in nursing job openings. The need within the healthcare industry is burgeoning as boomers, the largest segment of any over-25 demographic, continue to age and nursing replacements in the upcoming rank-and-file are few. Nursing is a sustainable profession with salaries starting at $52,000 per year. So WWAC has decided to focus its work here in the U.S. on homeless mothers. Understanding the root cause and trends endemic to this particular brand of homelessness is crucial; these are not chronically homeless women, drug addicts, diagnosed mentally ill or paroled criminals. In fact, 47% of these women have some education past high school; but issues such as divorce, downsizing, or voluntarily exiting career paths to take care of sick children or aging parents are reasons most often cited as catalysts for their homelessness.

The First Lady was impressed by the concept of women creating sustainable enterprises by themselves, for themselves. Kiely has engaged in partnerships with schools such as Regis University that educate nurses, and in 2011 will start with 3 women in each of the participating schools. WWAC will work with local nonprofits focusing on this community, to identify the best candidates. Over a 3 to 6 month period, candidates will be put through a rigorous assessment to make sure they are ready for the commitment and also to ascertain the strength of their support systems. Once accepted to the four-year program they will have mentors always working with them, temporary assistance through TANF, tutors to assist with hard sciences or math that may be lacking, stipends for babysitting, and case managers. The mentors will be women experienced in nursing from a variety of industry backgrounds who are entering the twilight of their careers. The biggest issue currently is class space in the nursing programs for these women. Considering the huge gaps in geriatric nursing, there is a great hope that these women may find themselves reaching towards fulfilling careers in Gerontology.

If all of this wasn’t enough, during the month of April 2010, team members of WWAC traveled to the east coast of Africa, specifically to Ghana and Ethiopia. There they investigated candidates for partnerships with an eye towards creating a women's training facility that would provide the women with the embroidery skills to make purses and other craft items. WWAC found its connection to Ghana through Project C.U.R.E. and the First Lady of Ghana, Her Excellency Mrs. Ernestina Naadu Mills, who had visited Denver in July 2009 and graciously met with Kiely. The First Lady was impressed by the concept of women creating sustainable enterprises by themselves, for themselves. The trip was a tremendous success. They are now sending 24 computers to African partners: six to Ethiopia, and 18 to Ghana. Kiely and her team are committed to finding a teacher in those countries to imbue women with a new sense of esteem and purpose. Because there are only two facilities in Ghana currently allowing Americans to travel and reside there, a larger plan is being formulated to bring some Ghanian women to the U.S. in the role of “ambassadors” where they will be trained so they can return and train others.

The synergy here is undeniable. Kiely’s drive and perseverance are paying both spiritual and tangible dividends, in ways that are rapidly growing beyond the immediate scope of WWAC’s programs. The women being helped through WWAC’s efforts will in turn become the bedrock of geriatric nursing in Denver, and eventually throughout the country. Not bad for a sunny but unassuming chaplain looking to comfort an inner-city flock of 800 seniors just a few short years ago.

“Next to being a Grandmother, I am having the time of my life!” exclaims Kiely.

Rebecca Saltman is a social entrepreneur and the President and Founder of an independent collaboration building firm designed to bridge business, government, nonprofits and academia.