One of my personal "top tips" for what women should do to succeed in their careers is to "enjoy the climb and take time to celebrate successes". The reasons are obvious. Work is hard and it's important to make sure that you are finding ways to rise above the daily grind and enjoy yourself along the way.
And one of the best ways is to celebrate - not just personal successes, but also the achievements of other women. These celebrations increase the visibility of successful women in our community, give powerful role models to other women and provide enjoyable networking opportunities.
Cincinnati has a long tradition of high profile celebrations honoring women. On April 22, The Enquirer's Women of the Year event attracted a sold out crowd of 1000 people to honor the volunteer work of ten exceptional women. This is the 40th year that The Enquirer has hosted the event and Margaret Buchanan, Enquirer president and publisher, noted that "this time honored tradition has recognized a total of 401 phenomenal women for their work in our communities." This year's winners were Holly Collinsworth, Amelia Crutcher, Yvonne Gray, Beth Guttman, Carrie Hayden, Suzanne Kathman, Ruthann Sammarco, Marcella Trice, DeeDee West and Judith Wimberg. Their volunteer contributions are varied and far reaching and include chairing the board of the United Way, working for the arts, raising money for The Alzheimer's Association and for renovating Highlands High School, and helping homeless, low-income and elderly citizens.
On April 29, the YWCA of Cincinnati holds its 28th annual Career Women of Achievement Awards celebration luncheon. The event was established in 1980 to increase community awareness and appreciation for the diverse contributions of women in the workforce and the community. Eight women who have positively influenced the community and their particular industries will be honored at another sold out event of 1500 people that has become one of the most illustrious events in Greater Cincinnati. This year's honorees are Laura Brunner, Managing Principal, Colliers Turley Martin Tucker, Virginia Drosos, President, Global Personal Beauty, Procter & Gamble, Crystal Faulkner, Partner, Cooney Faulkner and Stevens, Dr. Uma Kotagal, Senior Vice President, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Sandra Meyer, President of Duke Energy in Ohio and Kentucky, Celine Piri, President and CEO, TariCel Management Staffing, Monica Posey, Vice President of Academics, Cincinnati State, and Maribeth Rahe, President and CEO, Fort Washington Investments.
An interesting dynamic with these two events is the number of women who have been recognized by both organizations. Several women were first honored by the YWCA for their career achievements, and were subsequently recognized by The Enquirer for their community leadership, including Charlotte Otto, Cynthia Booth and this year's Yvonne Gray. Other women were first honored by The Enquirer, and then channeled their community work into successful careers, like Dianne Dunkelman, founder and CEO of National Speaking of Women's Health. These awards illustrate the truth in the adage that if you want something done and done well, give it to a busy person. Another very positive dynamic resulting from these events is the connection established among the winners. Both events have produced hundreds of alumni who are proud to be part of such esteemed groups and now support each other in their career and community endeavors.
There are other wonderful events in Cincinnati that celebrate women's' successes. The Leading Women award started in 1995 with a mission to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution that gave women the right to vote. Each year, approximately 20 women are recognized as leaders in many different categories, including science, arts, volunteer service, entrepreneur, law, media and ministry, among others. A newcomer to Cincinnati is the Athena Award program that held its first events in Cincinnati in 2006 and 2007. The Athena Award is part of an international organization that is devoted to supporting, developing and honoring women leaders. Both of these programs recognize their honorees at luncheons that are open to the public and are upbeat, fun to attend and excellent networking opportunities.
One of my favorite celebration venues is the YWCA Women's Art Gallery, located in the YWCA's downtown headquarters at 898 Walnut Street. Founded in 1993, the purpose of the Gallery is to promote local women artists and is the only Cincinnati area art gallery exclusively for women's art. The Gallery hosts lively, well-attended opening receptions to celebrate the launch of each new show. The Gallery is also open to the public Monday through Friday.
These are just a few of the events that are dedicated to honoring and celebrating women in our community. Tell us about others. And in your busy life, take time to join the celebration!