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Connect, Learn, and Lead at Our Annual Meeting & Networking BreakfastStart your morning with great conversation and valuable connections at the WON Foundation Annual Meeting & Networking Breakfast. Hear from guest speaker Bushra Alawie as she shares expert advice on how to foster civility in today's polarized environment. This event is a great opportunity to expand your network, enjoy breakfast, and walk away inspired.
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Discover New Opportunities at Pathways to Careers in ConstructionJoin us for an inspiring event focused on creating new career pathways for women in the construction industry. Hear from Felicia Wiseman and Dr. Pamela Jackson as they share their experiences and offer valuable insights on breaking barriers in non-traditional trades.
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Lead with Clarity and Confidence Under Pressure with Dr. Shawne.............May 31st, 2025 11:00am - 2:00pmLearn how to lead with emotional clarity in high-stakes moments in this interactive session with Dr. Shawne Duperon. Discover the neuroscience behind reactivity, master tools to regulate your nervous system, and develop emotionally intelligent strategies that create psychological safety and boost team performance. Walk away with practical tools you can apply immediately—reserve your seat today!
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Celebrate, Connect, and Groove at March Gladness
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Prioritize Your Well-Being at Our Self-Care & Physical Health EventTake charge of your health with Dr. Shalayla Howard, MD, and Jessica Lannon, RN, as they share tips on self-care, optimizing healthcare, and essential first-aid skills. Learn how to improve your physical well-being and maximize your care while connecting with others. Enjoy a complimentary lunch and gain valuable knowledge to support your wellness journey. Register today to invest in your health!
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Unlock Your Potential with Dr. Sabrina Jaxkson at Our Leadership EventJoin Dr. Sabrina Jaxkson, "The People Expert", for a powerful session on self-discovery and leadership. Learn how to activate your whole self and embrace your strengths in a transformative way. Connect with like-minded individuals and gain insights that will help you grow personally and professionally. Enjoy a complimentary lunch and take part in an empowering experience designed to help you thrive. Register today!
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Reconnect and Celebrate at the Wonder Woman Alumni Reunion BreakfastCelebrate connection and inspiration at our Wonder Woman Alumni Reunion Breakfast, hosted by Sue Nine and facilitated by LaTanya Gater and Anne Mervenne. Join us for a morning of networking, shared experiences, and uplifting stories as we honor the amazing women who are shaping our community. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and build meaningful connections in a warm, celebratory atmosphere. RSVP today to secure your spot!
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Break Barriers and Confront Self-Doubt with Princess CastleberryDiscover how to overcome hidden challenges and unlock your full potential at this transformative event with Princess Castleberry. Gain powerful insights into addressing self-doubt and learn strategies to turn obstacles into opportunities for success. Enjoy a complimentary lunch as you embark on a journey to live, lead, and grow with confidence. Register now to secure your spot!
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Thank You Brenda Lawrence For Your Inspiring MessageA heartfelt thank you to The Honorable Brenda Lawrence for joining us at our December 11th celebration. Her inspiring message uplifted and motivated everyone in attendance. We were proud to honor and celebrate the incredible women who ran for office in 2024, highlighting their courage and leadership. It was a truly memorable event, and we are grateful to everyone who joined us to make it so special!
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Find Strength and Gratitude at Our Surviving & Thriving EventDiscover how to deal with stress, embrace gratitude, and celebrate the gift of giving. Join us for a heartwarming event that will leave you inspired and uplifted. Build resilience, reflect on thankfulness, and connect with others while learning tools to thrive through life’s challenges. Register today to reserve your spot!
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Empower Your Voice at Our Leadership Mentoring EventJoin Stephanie Henyard, M.A.T., for an inspiring leadership mentoring session focused on civic engagement. Learn how your voice can make a difference and gain valuable leadership skills. Enjoy a complimentary lunch while connecting with other passionate community members. Register now to empower your voice!
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Empower Yourself at 'Get in the Groove' with Brandi B. Walker, M.EdJoin Brandi B. Walker, M.Ed., for an empowering workshop where you'll learn essential leadership skills to help you focus, flourish, and feel fabulous. Enjoy a complimentary lunch while connecting with others and enhancing your personal and professional growth. Don’t miss this opportunity—register today and get in the groove!
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Join Us for the 2024 WONder Woman Awards BanquetCelebrate the achievements of our distinguished honorees at the Regency Manor & Banquet Center on Thursday, September 19th, 2024. Enjoy a reception at 5:30 PM followed by an awards dinner at 6:30 PM. Click the button below and secure your tickets for $100 to honor Danielle Atkinson, Dr. Donna Bell, and Dr. Casandra Ulbrich. Presented by Lawrence Technological University.
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Meet Our Honorees
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Celebrate Leadership and Empowerment at Our Upcoming EventJoin us for an inspiring event featuring Dr. Donna Bell and Dr. Marini Lee, interactive activities, and a complimentary buffet lunch. Reflect, celebrate, and empower your leadership journey with us!
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Advocate for Justice at Our Annual Meeting with Kristin TottenJoin us on June 21st for a crucial session with Kristin Totten, a champion of educational and legal reform. Learn from her experiences in systemic environmental racism and children's rights advocacy. Connect and network with fellow change-makers over breakfast, and discuss topics of interest . Register today and be part of the movement for justice!
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Learn First Hand From Major Gervé Tillman To Step Your Leadership UpSharpen your leadership skills at our mentoring session on May 25th, featuring Major Gervé Tillman of the United States Space Force. Gain insights from her extensive military and leadership experience, network with fellow professionals, and enjoy a complimentary lunch. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership potential. Secure your spot today!
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Campaign Success Breakfast: Networking and Insights from Industry ExpertsJoin us for an enriching morning of networking and learning at our Campaign Success Networking Breakfast. This exclusive event offers participants the unique opportunity to hear from two esteemed panelists who will share their invaluable insights and strategies for running a successful campaign.
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Elevate Your Leadership Skills with Klementina (Tina) SulaAre you ready to take your leadership to the next level? Discover the secrets of leading effectively with less, harnessing the power of networking, and making meaningful connections at our exclusive Leadership Development event. This is your opportunity to hear from the renowned Klementina (Tina) Sula, a distinguished speaker with an extraordinary life journey.
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Breaking Boundaries: Women in Labor Leadership Panel DiscussionDiscover the power of diverse leadership perspectives in our upcoming panel discussion, "Leading Ideologically Diverse Organizations: Lessons from Women in Labor Leadership." Join us as five inspiring women leaders share their firsthand experiences, insights, and strategies for leading effectively in the dynamic landscape of labor organizations.
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Legal Perspectives Unveiled: A Candid Discussion on the Personal Impact of the Legal SystemJoin us for an enlightening session as three esteemed legal figures come together for a candid discussion on the intricacies of the legal system and its profound personal impact. Gain unique insights into the legal landscape and explore how it shapes our lives on a personal level.
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Charting Your Course: Leaders and Entrepreneurs Pathway to SuccessJoin us for an inspirational afternoon as we navigate the roadmap to success with three remarkable women who have paved their own way in the world of entrepreneurship. Discover the secrets, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped their journeys and learn how you can carve your own path to success.
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Nourish Your Leadership: Exploring Healthy Living with Olive SeedJoin us for a captivating exploration into the intersection of a healthy lifestyle, nourishing eating habits, and the development of essential leadership skills. In partnership with Olive Seed, we invite you to embark on a journey towards holistic well-being and leadership excellence.
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Thanks to our 2023 WONder Woman Supporters
Honorees left to right Judge Kristina Robinson Garrett; Philanthropist Sue Nine; Commissioner Alisha Bell |
The WONder Woman Awards Banquet 2023 was a WONderful look into the past and the future! Special thanks to our sponsors:Presenting Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
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Couldn't make it? You can still experience the event virtually by following the link:
Donations go towards supporting our Youth Mentoring Partnerships as well as our Gateway to Leadership (G2L) programs.
A complete list of sponsors and supporters are available on the events page.
A complete list of sponsors and supporters are available on the events page.
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* PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS *
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Global Vistas: Uniting Department of State Fellows for SolutionsJoin us for an international convergence of minds, as we bridge cultures and create solutions that transcend borders. Let's explore diverse perspectives and forge change together.
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Leadership Unleashed: Shaping the FutureStep into leadership's next chapter. Join us to refine skills, spark innovation, and inspire the leaders of tomorrow. Together, we'll fuel growth and impactful change.
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Patricia Castelli
Program Facilitator, Professor of Business, Lawrence Tech University Workshop, $500 value $20 Members Only |
***MEMBER ONLY EXCLUSIVE***
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* UNDERSTAND HOW SELF-AWARENESS AND REFLECTION DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS
* RECOGNIZE HOW VALUES AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES SHAPE PERCEPTIONS ANDJUDGMENTS * HONOR THE DIFFERENCES IN OTHERS FUNDAMENTAL VALUES AND BELIEFS * CREATE AND SUSTAIN AN ETHICAL WORK CLIMATE * BUILD CREDIBILITY SKILLS AND TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS * ENHANCE COMMUNICATION AND ACTIVE LISTENING SKILLS * APPLY ASSERTIVENESS SKILLS * REVIEW GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE DELEGATION |
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Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Change: Women's Equality Day Virtual WorkshopCelebrate Women's Equality Day with us at our empowering virtual workshop! Join us for thought-provoking discussions, inspiring speakers, and actionable insights on breaking barriers and advancing gender equality. Register now for free and be a part of the change!
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Our Esteemed Panelist
Pictured above are some of the Women Official Network Foundation Board of Directors
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2023 Annual Meeting Networking Breakfast!
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Recap Of The First Quarterly Networking Breakfast Of 2023!Our amazing speakers, Ruth Holmes, Lisa Brown, Debbie Binder, and Judy Bateman took us to school on all things Campaigns, Elections & Voting Readiness. Thanks to our VP Programs, Yolanda Smith Charles and Moderator, Deb Macon. And a special thanks to all who attended for sharing your time with us! Stay tuned for more information on our next quarterly breakfast on March 24th, 2023.
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WON Foundation Networking Breakfast
Latanya Gater, M.A., LLP |
Cheryl Bergman |
Marcia Gershenson |
***Thanks To Our 2022 WW Supporters***
An Evening of Celebration, Recognition, and Fun!
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General Admission -- $100
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VIP Admission -- $500
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Get Your Tickets Today!
Please plan to help us as we honor these outstanding women. All proceeds will go towards two major programs:
GATEWAY TO LEADERSHIP (G2L)
Enable more women to seek and obtain appointments to boards, commissions, and public leadership positions. Train, network, provide access and support.
YOUTH MENTORING PARTNERSHIPS
Build youth partnerships which focus on teens and young adults. Programs, education, engagement, to prepare for public leadership.
Enable more women to seek and obtain appointments to boards, commissions, and public leadership positions. Train, network, provide access and support.
YOUTH MENTORING PARTNERSHIPS
Build youth partnerships which focus on teens and young adults. Programs, education, engagement, to prepare for public leadership.
Happy to share photos of our In-Person Annual Meeting June 10, 2022
WELCOME TO OUR NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS!
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BONUS NETWORKING BREAKFAST
APRIL 29, 2022 Journey To Leadership
We thank our special guest speaker,
Dr. Embekka Roberson, Birmingham Public Schools Superintendent for sharing her awesome journey to leadership. |
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We Celebrated Women's History Month
with our March Gladness Celebration
Several women who ran for office or appointments in 2022 gathered for dinner and a phenomenal evening of networking.
The event was hosted by our Program Committee led by VP of Program, Yolanda Smith Charles.
Welcome all to March Gladness, where women's courage shines in brightness. In this event we honor those, who in public leadership dared to boldly go. Women who ran for office or were appointed with their knowledge, to serve their communities with pride, and break the barriers they defied. We celebrate their resilience, their bravery and their brilliance. For all the work they have done, and for the battles that they've won. May their stories inspire us all, to rise up and answer the call. To take action, make our voices heard, and never, ever be deterred. So let us raise a toast to them, the women who fought and never gave in. To March Gladness we welcome you, for this celebration is long overdue.
March 25, 2022
We had a wonderful conversation and a phenomenal guest speaker. She provided a great information on the local justice system and what we can expect in the future. Thank you to all who attended this wonderful event!!
--Hosted by the WONF Leadership and Program Committees
We gathered to share a happy event, a funny story, or something that had made us Glad in 2022. It was a wonderful and uplifting get-together. Thanks to all those who joined!! And, in the WONF tradition we raises a glass and Celebrates All the Ways Women Have Moved Our World Forward! Why March Gladness? Because March is Women's History Month and March 8th is International Women's Day.
--Hosted by the WONF Leadership and Program Committees
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Networking Breakfast
January 21, 2022 Let's Have A Conversation -- Intentional engagement for positive change We started the year off with a dynamic virtual networking breakfast at which we were very pleased to have the coauthor of Conversations Worth Having, Dr. Jackie Stavros, as our guest speaker. Thank you, Dr. Stavros, your presentation was wonderful!
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We were excited to build on the Nuts & Bolts Training session from December by turning to Conversations Worth Having, and we learned about using Appreciative Inquiry and how using it correctly can fuel productive and meaningful engagement. We even had a chance to practice some of the methods we learned about. Dr. Stavros shared with us ways to make our conversations consistently affirming and empowering. It was a splendid event.
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January 6, 2022 The Program Committee would like to invite you to join us for an hour of connection and conversation to start the new year.
When: Thursday, January 6th at 5:00 pm Where: Online via Zoom |
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Creating & Sustaining Consensus
Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 5:00 pm We had a wonderful virtual and interactive training session on Dec. 2, 2021.
In today's increasingly polarized world, understanding how to create and sustain a consensus culture at the board table is more important than ever. In this one hour virtual workshop we discussed why consensus matters, what consensus is and is not and the process for creating a culture of consensus at your board table. |
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Our Presenters Were: |
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Click on either woman's name to be taken to her brief biography.
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OUR GUEST SPEAKERS were:
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Honorable Shirley Jean Bryant Board of Trustees, Oakland Community College Read Shirley Bryant's brief biography. |
A NEW FEATURE This was the first Networking Breakfast to feature a new training opportunity that we will be including in all our upcoming Networking Breakfasts, a Nuts & Bolts Micro-learning session related to the theme of each quarter's breakfast. This meeting's Nuts & Bolts MICRO Training session was on Public Comment: How to present Public Comment to an elected board and how to prepare and what to expect.
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Friday, June 11, 2021 Annual Meeting & Quarterly Networking Breakfast ....Where: Online via ZOOM ....When: 7:30 -- 9:00 am ....Theme: Spotlight on Success ....Price: No charge Thank you, Dr. Jennifer Green and Ms. Leigh-Anne Stafford for bringing your wisdom gained during a difficult year and sharing with us the stories of your experience leading through a pandemic! Your insights and observations were compelling and contributed greatly in making this year's Annual Meeting a wonderful virtual gathering.
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Thursday, April 15, 2021
NUTS & BOLTS TRAINING -- Appointments This one hour training program -- the first in a new series -- was all about the nuts and bolts of identifying and applying for appointed positions in the public sector and why such positions are so important. |
Our esteemed speakers for this Nuts & Bolts Training session were:
(click on the speakers name to see her brief bio)
(click on the speakers name to see her brief bio)
Debbie Binder
Clerk West Bloomfield Twp. |
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Dr. Nancy Quarles
Oakland County Road Commissioner |
Shelley Taub
Retired: State Representative and Oakland County Commissioner |
Thank you, to our three speakers from March 26, 2021, who offered us an inspiring overview of the opportunities that exist to serve the public through appointed positions.
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Cheryl Bergman,
CEO, Michigan Women's Commission |
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Ghida Dagher,
Director of Appoint-ments, Executive Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer |
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Dr. Sabala Mandava,
Michigan Women's Commission, Chair of Leadership Comm. |
(Click on our speaker's photos to be taken to their biographies)
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From January 15, 2021:
Thank you to our wonderful speakers: moderator Anne Mervenne and panelists Andrea Schoeder and Mari Manoogian, with specially thanks to Mari who stepped in at the last minute to replace Brenda Carter who was unable to participate. Here is a link to the Zoom recording of this event. |
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From September 18, 2020 We shared a wonderful video presentation by longtime member, Beth Talbert. Here is a link to that video. |
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From June 12, 2020 At our June Networking Breakfasts we celebrate our Annual Meetings each year. In 2020, for the first time ever, we celebrated both of these things virtually. Thank you to both of our wonderful speakers for inspiring contributions to this breakfast! |
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Our most recent in-person Networking Breakfast, held on December 13, 2019
We had a dynamic young leader from HAVEN speak with us about the work they are doing. Melissa was joined by a client of HAVEN's who has successfully regained her autonomy and voice and was able to tell us very eloquently about her story. It was a powerful morning and we thank both of our speakers, one whose name must be withheld for her own safety.
On September 6, 2019 we had three WONder Women Alumnea as our speakers:
Watch a video of our program from this Networking Breakfast, here.
On June 14, 2019 we had Mrs. Susy Avery as our guest speaker:
Below are a few pictures from our first March Gladness! evening on March 1, 2019.
Our March Gladness! 2020 evening had to be canceled but we look forward to gathering again as soon as we're able.
Our March Gladness! 2020 evening had to be canceled but we look forward to gathering again as soon as we're able.
On January 11, 2019 we had four dynamic speakers:
Jocelyn Benson and Mary Treder Lang spoke at our October 5, 2018 Breakfast.
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Jocelyn Benson has more than a decade of experience as a national leader in election law and administration. She is the author of Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process, the first major book on the role of the Secretary of State in enforcing election and
campaign finance laws, and promoting fair, accessible and secure elections. Jocelyn has a proven track record of success in leading institutions, cutting costs and improving services. As the former dean of Wayne State University Law School she froze tuition, expanded access to scholarship funds for all students, and bolstered the school’s reputation and bar passage rates. She also established programs to promote government oversight, provide free legal services for veterans, and help aspiring entrepreneurs participate in the economic revival of Detroit. |
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Jocelyn recognizes the challenges facing veterans and military families. In 2012 while her husband Ryan Friedrichs served in Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, she joined with four other military spouses to establish the Military Spouses of Michigan, a network dedicated to providing support and services to military spouses and their children.
Jocelyn is currently CEO and Executive Director of the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), a national nonprofit. She serves on several national boards including the advisory board of iCivics, a non-profit founded by retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and dedicated to engaging students in meaningful civic learning.
A long-distance runner, Benson has completed 22 marathons. She and Ryan reside in Detroit with their toddler son, Aiden.
Jocelyn is currently CEO and Executive Director of the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), a national nonprofit. She serves on several national boards including the advisory board of iCivics, a non-profit founded by retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and dedicated to engaging students in meaningful civic learning.
A long-distance runner, Benson has completed 22 marathons. She and Ryan reside in Detroit with their toddler son, Aiden.
Brief biography of Mary Treder Lang
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Mary Treder Lang is a highly creative and results-driven executive management professional. She is an accomplished leader with over thirty years of success in computer security, business development and executive leadership. She is a highly energetic professional with a track record of building partnerships, creating synergy and securing customers through driven leadership and team oriented results.
Upon completion of her Bachelor of Science Degree in both Accounting and Marketing from the University of Dayton, Mary began her career at KPMG, where she specialized in financial institutions, non-for-profits and mergers, and acquisitions. Following her time at KPMG, she spent five years in various management positions at SBC/Ameritech before leaving to establish a new Midwest Office for LINX Technologies, as the North American Sales Director. |
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Mary continued to hold various senior management roles after LINX was acquired by Mosler, Inc. In 2001 Mary joined Siemens, Inc. where she held various senior management positions ranging from North American Sales Director, Sales Manager, District Manager (first woman), and Senior Executive-Government for Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. Later she joined Baker Tilly as Director of Business Development.
In 2013, Mary entered the public sector when she started at Vista Maria as Vice President of Development Program. Mary and her team worked with vulnerable youth in an effort to help them successfully transition into adulthood with life and workforce development skills to succeed and contribute to their communities. Recently Mary moved to the newly created position of Vice President of Major Gifts.
Mary Treder Lang has served or is currently serving on several profit and not-for-profit boards. In 2012 she received the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Emerging Leader Award given by the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants for the first time in the State of Michigan.
She is active in her community as a member of the St. Paul's Catholic Church, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Grosse Pointe Chamber, and Past Commodore of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. She is also active in philanthropic efforts for the Michigan Women's Foundation, March of Dimes, Forgotten Harvest, Leukemia Lymphoma Society, the American Cancer Society and Vista Maria.
Mary has been happily married to Paul Lang for thirty-two years, with whom she has raised three children and has welcomed a son-in-law into their family.
In 2013, Mary entered the public sector when she started at Vista Maria as Vice President of Development Program. Mary and her team worked with vulnerable youth in an effort to help them successfully transition into adulthood with life and workforce development skills to succeed and contribute to their communities. Recently Mary moved to the newly created position of Vice President of Major Gifts.
Mary Treder Lang has served or is currently serving on several profit and not-for-profit boards. In 2012 she received the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Emerging Leader Award given by the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants for the first time in the State of Michigan.
She is active in her community as a member of the St. Paul's Catholic Church, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Grosse Pointe Chamber, and Past Commodore of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. She is also active in philanthropic efforts for the Michigan Women's Foundation, March of Dimes, Forgotten Harvest, Leukemia Lymphoma Society, the American Cancer Society and Vista Maria.
Mary has been happily married to Paul Lang for thirty-two years, with whom she has raised three children and has welcomed a son-in-law into their family.
A judicial Panel: Judge Lisa Langton, Supreme Court Justice Bridget Mary McCormack, Judge Maureen McGinnis
Moderated by Judge Cynthia Walker.
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Chief Doreen Olko is the Chief of Police for the City of Auburn Hills. She received her Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University in criminal justice and a Master of Liberal Studies from Eastern Michigan University before eventually becoming the Chief of Police in Auburn Hills in 1996. She is a licensed police officer beginning her career in the Lansing area in 1973.
Chief Olko is an adjunct professor at Oakland University teaching in the criminal justice program. Governors Granholm and Snyder appointed her to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards beginning in 2007, the first woman to serve on that body. She was honored to receive an appointment to the Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice Wall of Fame in 2008 and a Presidential Citation from the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police in 2013. She resides in Oakland County with her husband Robert and is the mother of one exceptional son and grandmother to an adorable little girl. Her blog “Straight from the Chief” can be found at AHPDchief.wordpress.com. |
Chief Doreen Olko
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Emmy winning broadcast journalist, Paula Tutman, has spent more than 30 years in front of the camera as a news reporter. A Peace Corps brat who grew up in Africa, she has spent the last 20 years living in and falling in love with Detroit and her adopted "soul's home," the State of Michigan. She can curerntly be seen daily at 4, on WDIV's, First-at-4 news broadcast.
Paula has a strong commitment to her community and volunteers for - and advises several non-profit organizations. She is the founder and board chair of the 501c3, non-profit charitable organization, Children's ToothFairy Foundation which provides dental care and oral health education to uninsured children in Southeastern Michigan. |
Paula Tutman
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She also teaches a Master Your Message communication course to organizations and corporations. The course is an intensive workshop that teaches an advanced communication model designed to shift office-place communication culture into high gear to team-strengthen in order to work better, sell better, be better.
A published author, her first novel series DEADLINE! won recognition from the International Thriller Writers organization, the Virginia Book Festival and the Hollywood Book Festival. A prolific writer and self-taught screenplay writer, her first project, The Turnaround Girl, caught the attention of Professor Richard Walter, Chair of the UCLA graduate screenwriting program who became her private tutor and mentor. Paula is currently shopping her latest unpublished novel as a treatment for a Detroit-based serial television drama, and is looking for a producer for her first two movie screenplays. Winning an Oscar for screenplay writing is on her bucket list.
Paula lives in suburban Detroit with her husband and three beautiful and brilliant step-daughters.
A published author, her first novel series DEADLINE! won recognition from the International Thriller Writers organization, the Virginia Book Festival and the Hollywood Book Festival. A prolific writer and self-taught screenplay writer, her first project, The Turnaround Girl, caught the attention of Professor Richard Walter, Chair of the UCLA graduate screenwriting program who became her private tutor and mentor. Paula is currently shopping her latest unpublished novel as a treatment for a Detroit-based serial television drama, and is looking for a producer for her first two movie screenplays. Winning an Oscar for screenplay writing is on her bucket list.
Paula lives in suburban Detroit with her husband and three beautiful and brilliant step-daughters.
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On November 5, 2013 Dr. Deirdre Holloway Waterman was elected as Mayor of the City of Pontiac, the first woman to ever be elected to this position. Dr. Waterman has served as Chairwoman the Pontiac Library Board and as a Commissioner on the Pontiac Charter Revision Commission.
Deirdre Waterman graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Biology and Political Science. She then graduated from Meharry Medical College and completed her residency at Kresge Eye Institute at Wayne State University. She was a leader at an early age when she became the First African American Female Ophthalmologist in Michigan and was the Past Chairwoman of the National Medical Association, Region IV and served two terms as Finance Chair for that organization. She was also President of the Associated Healthcare Providers and is listed in the Inaugural Edition of Vital Signs: Michigan – citing African American Achievement in Healthcare. For over 30 years, Dr. Waterman has operated her practice, Holloway Eye Care, in Pontiac as a small business owner. |
Mayor Deidre Waterman
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She was Vice-Chairman of NOMC Hospital (now Doctors Hospital) and Chair of the Finance Committee. She was the founding President of the Friends of the Pontiac Public Library.
Since 2006 Dr. Waterman has held elective office in the City of Pontiac.
Dr. Waterman was married to the late Judge William Waterman, they raised their two children here in Pontiac. She is an active member of Plymouth United Church of Christ.
Since 2006 Dr. Waterman has held elective office in the City of Pontiac.
Dr. Waterman was married to the late Judge William Waterman, they raised their two children here in Pontiac. She is an active member of Plymouth United Church of Christ.
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Mayor Brenda L. Lawrence is a long-time resident of the City of Southfield. A product of Michigan’s public school system, Mayor Lawrence is an alumna of Pershing High School and received her BA in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
Ms. Lawrence was elected Mayor of the City of Southfield in November of 2001. She is the first African American and first woman mayor of Southfield, a city with a population of over 78,000 residents, a city budget of $143 million, and 833 city employees. Mayor Lawrence is committed to diversity, fiscal responsibility, education, and keeping a clean and safe city. Mayor Lawrence has been a community advocate for many years, both as an elected official and a private citizen. She has served on the Southfield City Council, where she was elected President in 1999. |
Mayor Brenda L. Lawrence
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As a Councilwoman, Ms. Lawrence gained experience in managing a multi-million dollar budget and demonstrated fiscal responsibility. Ms. Lawrence has also served on the Southfield Public School Board of Education as President, Vice-President, and Secretary. Her love for community involvement has been evident through her previous service as a volunteer in various capacities on the Parent Youth Guidance Commission, Oakland County United Way Advisory Committee, and Oakland County Aids Council.
Since becoming Mayor, Ms. Lawrence has initiated the following community programs: The Mayor’s Walk community health program; Mayor’s Roundtable - a citizen driven forum where residents can discuss one-on-one topics of concern; Southfield Reads! - a program designed to promote reading literacy in the City of Southfield; Annual Flower Day; City-wide Blood Drive; and Today’s Woman - a cable show featuring respected women in and around Southfield. As a result of her active concerns to create a more environmentally friendly community Mayor Lawrence joined over 600 other Mayors in signing the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, and with Council support has created the Southfield Green Committee. Mayor Lawrence plans to continue her active involvement in pushing for smarter energy use.
Mayor Lawrence has received many honors for her leadership skills and commitment to diversity. She was recognized in October 2007 as one of Crain’s “2007 Most Influential Women.” She has also received the “2004 Wand Award” for breaking new frontiers for women and minorities, the Jewish War Veterans-State of Michigan “Brotherhood Award,” the Leadership Detroit “Challenging the Process” award, the ABWA Millennium Chapter “Woman of the Year Award,” the Detroit Historical Society’s “Enterprising Women” award, Leadership Oakland’s 2004 Distinguished Leadership & Future Leaders Award for Exemplary Leadership, and the “Black Women Achiever Award.” Mayor Lawrence has also been named to the Women’s Informal Network “List of the Most Influential African American Women in Metropolitan Detroit” and CORP Magazine’s “95 Most Influential Women in Michigan.” Through a survey of area leadership organizations, Ms. Lawrence was identified by Crain’s Detroit Business as a regional leader with the “skills and determination to bridge the historic parochialism of the metropolitan area.”
Mayor Lawrence is a member of the Oakland County Chapter of the NAACP, a member of the Michigan Association of Mayor’s Advisory Board, the U.S. Conference of Mayors Advisory Board and member of the nominating committee, the American Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women,” a member of the Michigan Suburbs Alliance Executive Board, Women Officials Network Board of Directors, Birmingham YMCA Advisory Board, the Pepsi Community Advisory Board, MBN TV and Radio Advisory Board and the Board of Governors of the Renaissance/Skyline Club.
Since becoming Mayor, Ms. Lawrence has initiated the following community programs: The Mayor’s Walk community health program; Mayor’s Roundtable - a citizen driven forum where residents can discuss one-on-one topics of concern; Southfield Reads! - a program designed to promote reading literacy in the City of Southfield; Annual Flower Day; City-wide Blood Drive; and Today’s Woman - a cable show featuring respected women in and around Southfield. As a result of her active concerns to create a more environmentally friendly community Mayor Lawrence joined over 600 other Mayors in signing the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, and with Council support has created the Southfield Green Committee. Mayor Lawrence plans to continue her active involvement in pushing for smarter energy use.
Mayor Lawrence has received many honors for her leadership skills and commitment to diversity. She was recognized in October 2007 as one of Crain’s “2007 Most Influential Women.” She has also received the “2004 Wand Award” for breaking new frontiers for women and minorities, the Jewish War Veterans-State of Michigan “Brotherhood Award,” the Leadership Detroit “Challenging the Process” award, the ABWA Millennium Chapter “Woman of the Year Award,” the Detroit Historical Society’s “Enterprising Women” award, Leadership Oakland’s 2004 Distinguished Leadership & Future Leaders Award for Exemplary Leadership, and the “Black Women Achiever Award.” Mayor Lawrence has also been named to the Women’s Informal Network “List of the Most Influential African American Women in Metropolitan Detroit” and CORP Magazine’s “95 Most Influential Women in Michigan.” Through a survey of area leadership organizations, Ms. Lawrence was identified by Crain’s Detroit Business as a regional leader with the “skills and determination to bridge the historic parochialism of the metropolitan area.”
Mayor Lawrence is a member of the Oakland County Chapter of the NAACP, a member of the Michigan Association of Mayor’s Advisory Board, the U.S. Conference of Mayors Advisory Board and member of the nominating committee, the American Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women,” a member of the Michigan Suburbs Alliance Executive Board, Women Officials Network Board of Directors, Birmingham YMCA Advisory Board, the Pepsi Community Advisory Board, MBN TV and Radio Advisory Board and the Board of Governors of the Renaissance/Skyline Club.
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Mayor Marian McClellan
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Friday, December 13, 2013: Nicole Johnson of Haven
HAVEN, a nationally recognized nonprofit leader in Oakland County, promotes a world of safe, equal and accountable communities where sexual assault and domestic violence do not exist. HAVEN's Mission is to eliminate sexual assault and domestic violence and to empower survivors through advocacy and social change in and around Oakland County. HAVEN accomplishes this mission by providing comprehensive and culturally sensitive services at no charge that include: Oakland County’s only 24-hour emergency shelter exclusively for domestic violence and sexual assault victims and their children, individual and group counseling, support and education for victims moving through the legal system, immediate crisis intervention and emotional support for victims and their families after an assault, comprehensive forensic exam andcompassionate emotional support for victims of sexual assault, assistance to stalking and domestic violence victims who are trying to obtain a PPO, such as a restraining order, and prevention education throughout Oakland County.
Nicole Johnson is an innovative manager with an exemplary record of leading marketing and program development efforts for non-profit organizations and businesses. Highly skilled in developing creative solutions to difficult challenges, Nicole has been recognized for her team leadership and ability to establish rapport and credibility with diverse groups which has been key to her success in her current position as Coordinated Services Project Manager at HAVEN where she plans and directs programmatic activities, identifies and recruits strategic alliances, and manages partner relationships.
HAVEN, a nationally recognized nonprofit leader in Oakland County, promotes a world of safe, equal and accountable communities where sexual assault and domestic violence do not exist. HAVEN's Mission is to eliminate sexual assault and domestic violence and to empower survivors through advocacy and social change in and around Oakland County. HAVEN accomplishes this mission by providing comprehensive and culturally sensitive services at no charge that include: Oakland County’s only 24-hour emergency shelter exclusively for domestic violence and sexual assault victims and their children, individual and group counseling, support and education for victims moving through the legal system, immediate crisis intervention and emotional support for victims and their families after an assault, comprehensive forensic exam andcompassionate emotional support for victims of sexual assault, assistance to stalking and domestic violence victims who are trying to obtain a PPO, such as a restraining order, and prevention education throughout Oakland County.
Nicole Johnson is an innovative manager with an exemplary record of leading marketing and program development efforts for non-profit organizations and businesses. Highly skilled in developing creative solutions to difficult challenges, Nicole has been recognized for her team leadership and ability to establish rapport and credibility with diverse groups which has been key to her success in her current position as Coordinated Services Project Manager at HAVEN where she plans and directs programmatic activities, identifies and recruits strategic alliances, and manages partner relationships.
Friday, October 4, 2013: John Philo, Legal Director, Maurice & Jane Sugar Law Center for Ecnomic & Social Justice
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John Philo is the Legal Director of the Maurice & Jane Sugar Law Center for Economic & Social Justice and Of Counsel to the law firm of Constitutional Litigation Associates.
Mr. Philo has consulted on and litigated cases throughout Michigan and in dozens of states representing communities, workers and injured persons on matters of constitutional, employment, and tort law. He has represented coalitions of citizens in state and federal court challenging the constitutionality of the Michigan’s municipal financial emergency manager laws. Mr. Philo has testified before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee regarding the rights of displaced workers, has authored book chapters, legal articles, and papers and has been an invited speaker at seminars sponsored by national, state and local bar associations. He has actively served as a pro bono attorney representing low income communities and individuals, victims of the 9/11 attacks, and asylum seekers. John Philo is a graduate of the St. Louis University School of Law and McGill University’s Faculty of Law. He is a past President of the Michigan Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild. |
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Friday, October 10, 2014 - Ms. Christine Jensen, Political Strategist
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Since moving with her family to Southeast Michigan in 2008, Ms. Jensen has worked full time as a political organizer. In 2008 she worked on the coordinated campaign in Oakland County and in 2010 was Campaign Manager for Kathleen Law in her unsuccessful bid. In 2011, she managed Marian McClellan's successful bid for Oak Park Mayor defeating a 20 year incumbent. In 2012, Jensen joined and managed team Brenda Lawrence in her first bid for the 14th Congressional District.
Following the primary in 2012, she ran southeast Michigan for Supreme Court Justice Bridget Mary McCormack. In 2013, Jensen managed Deirdre Waterman's successful campaign to be the first woman Mayor of Pontiac, Mayor Marian McClellan's re-election as Mayor of Oak Park, Brenda Lawrence's re-election as Mayor of Southfield, and Councilwomen Carolyn Burns and Kiesha Speech's elections to Oak Park City Council. |
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This year she and Mayor Brenda Lawrence got the band back together and Jensen managed Lawrence's successful run for the 14th District primary. Upon her election in November Mayor Lawrence will be the first African American and first African American woman from Oakland County to represent Oakland County in Congress. Mayor Lawrence will be the 4th African American woman to represent Michigan in Congress.
Ms. Jensen serves on the executive board of the Michigan Democratic Party, the executive committee of the Oakland County Democratic Party, the Justice Caucus and the 9th District, and serves as vice-chair for the Birmingham-Bloomfield Democratic Club.
Chris has a B.S. in Business from Minnesota State University at Moorhead and a J.D. from Depaul University in Chicago.
Ms. Jensen serves on the executive board of the Michigan Democratic Party, the executive committee of the Oakland County Democratic Party, the Justice Caucus and the 9th District, and serves as vice-chair for the Birmingham-Bloomfield Democratic Club.
Chris has a B.S. in Business from Minnesota State University at Moorhead and a J.D. from Depaul University in Chicago.
Friday, December 12, 2014 - Ms. Anise Hayes, Co-Founder and ED of Atlantic Impact
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Anise Hayes is the co-founder and Executive Director of Atlantic Impact, a nonprofit organization that provides domestic and global learning opportunities for at-risk high school students. Anise founded Atlantic Impact after several years of studying and working in the area of international relations and global affairs. She worked for the World Affairs Council of Washington, D.C. and Counterpart International in Yerevan, Armenia. During the founding years of Atlantic Impact, Anise worked with an international team which included support from officials within the United Nations Scientific, Educational, and Cultural Organization.
Anise has been recognized domestically and internationally for her successes in social entrepreneurship. She was selected as a global semifinalist for the prestigious Echoing Green social enterprise awards. Through this, Anise was highlighted as one of the top innovative leaders among a population of over 3800 international organizations. Anise has also been recognized by Chrysler Corporation and U.S.A Basketball for excellence in social entrepreneurship and innovation. Anise graduated from the University of Michigan with Degrees in Japanese and Political Science. About Atlantic Impact Atlantic Impact provides at-risk high school students with enriching learning experiences using a combination of historical education, community engagement, and international travel to empower students to become innovative leaders for their communities. Atlantic Impact implements a three year program in persistently low achieving schools. Students meet daily for a global education class, monthly for community based trips, and have the opportunity to travel abroad during their sophomore or junior years of high school. After their trips, students meet regularly to develop and enact strategies to apply their experiences in order to improve their communities. Atlantic Impact has been covered regionally by Local 4 WDIV Detroit, Fox 2 Detroit, My TV20 Detroit, WWJ News Radio 950, BLAC Magazine, and the Detroit News. |
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Friday, February 27, 2015 - "How To Support Women Entrepreneurs," Nicole Farmer
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Nicole Farmer is a leader and an entrepreneur at heart. Since becoming the first African American woman to own a Tuffy Auto Service franchise in 2006, she has been on a mission to inspire minority and women business owners to realize their own dreams of entrepreneurship.
After experiencing growing pains while running her multimillion-dollar Company, Farmer launched LifeLine Business Consulting Services to coach women on how to successfully navigate through the start-up and development stages of operating companies. To date, Farmer has worked with more than 100 female entrepreneurs in the areas of coaching, training and strategic planning, while using real-world experience to help them achieve success. With Farmer's guidance, more than fifty entrepreneurs have secured funding for their business endeavors. She motivates and encourages hundreds of company owners through her candid “Coffee and Conversation” and “Power Panel” sessions on what she describes as the Five Absolutes of Business. Farmer has been applauded by both men and women for her insights about the journeys of entrepreneurship. In 2015, she will launch a national women’s business conference in Atlanta, Oakland, California and Richmond, Virginia, along with publishing an e-book, 9 Power Principles to Bring Your Dreams to Reality. |
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In addition to helping adults achieve their business goals, Farmer serves as a coach for the Motown EDU Summer Camp for Teens where she helps students develop business plans and formally “pitch” their visions to a judging panel of corporate and civic leaders.
Farmer is a sought-after speaker due to her knowledge of professional strategies and fund development. As a member of the Detroit Collaborative consortium that includes the Michigan Women’s Foundation, Detroit Development Fund, and New Economic Initiative, she provides a distinctive voice.
Nicole Farmer resides in Detroit with her husband, Bishop Keith Farmer, and their sons Devin and Sebastian.
Farmer is a sought-after speaker due to her knowledge of professional strategies and fund development. As a member of the Detroit Collaborative consortium that includes the Michigan Women’s Foundation, Detroit Development Fund, and New Economic Initiative, she provides a distinctive voice.
Nicole Farmer resides in Detroit with her husband, Bishop Keith Farmer, and their sons Devin and Sebastian.
Friday, October 16, 2015 - "Raising Productivity by Elevating the Communication Culture" - Paula Tutman
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Emmy winning broadcast journalist, Paula Tutman has spent more than 30 years in front of the camera as a news reporter. A Peace Corps brat who grew up in Africa, she has spent the last 20 years living in and falling in love with Detroit and her adopted “soul’s home”, the State of Michigan.
She can currently be seen daily at 4, on WDIV’s, First-at-4 news broadcast. Paula has a strong commitment to her community and volunteers for—and advises several non-profit organizations. |
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She is the founder and board chair of the 501c3, non-profit charitable organization, Children’s ToothFairy Foundation which provides dental care and oral health education to uninsured children in Southeastern Michigan. She also teaches a Master Your Message communication course to organizations and corporations. The course is an intensive workshop that teaches an advanced communication model designed to shift office-place communication culture into high gear to team-strengthen in order to work better, sell better, be better. A published author, her first novel series DEADLINE! won recognition from the International Thriller Writers organization, The Virginia Book Festival and the Hollywood Book Festival.
A prolific writer and self-taught screenplay writer, her first project, The Turnaround Girl, caught the attention of Professor Richard Walter, Chair of the UCLA graduate screenwriting program who became her private tutor and mentor. Paula is currently shopping her latest unpublished novel as a treatment for a Detroit-based serial television drama, and is looking for a producer for her first two movie screenplays. Winning an Oscar for screenplay writing is on her bucket-list.
As a farm girl originally from the Chesapeake Bay region, if Mother Nature made it, she enjoys it. Paula has collected adventure points competitive sailing, horseback riding, flying (not riding, flying) an F-16 fighter jet, crashing a motorcycle, performing in an opera, and opening the circus as a clown.
She’s witnessed the great polar bear migration in the Canadian sub-Arctic and photographed Bushmen in Senegal. In 2009 she took on her most extreme adventure underneath a crop of overgrown Evergreens at the tidal basin of an Alaskan glacier by getting married for the last time. She lives in suburban Detroit with her husband and three beautiful and brilliant step-daughters.
A prolific writer and self-taught screenplay writer, her first project, The Turnaround Girl, caught the attention of Professor Richard Walter, Chair of the UCLA graduate screenwriting program who became her private tutor and mentor. Paula is currently shopping her latest unpublished novel as a treatment for a Detroit-based serial television drama, and is looking for a producer for her first two movie screenplays. Winning an Oscar for screenplay writing is on her bucket-list.
As a farm girl originally from the Chesapeake Bay region, if Mother Nature made it, she enjoys it. Paula has collected adventure points competitive sailing, horseback riding, flying (not riding, flying) an F-16 fighter jet, crashing a motorcycle, performing in an opera, and opening the circus as a clown.
She’s witnessed the great polar bear migration in the Canadian sub-Arctic and photographed Bushmen in Senegal. In 2009 she took on her most extreme adventure underneath a crop of overgrown Evergreens at the tidal basin of an Alaskan glacier by getting married for the last time. She lives in suburban Detroit with her husband and three beautiful and brilliant step-daughters.
The Bloomfield Township's Cable & Community Relations still posts videos of many of our earlier Networking Breakfast programs on their website here. So, please take a look through these videos for other interesting presentations.