What do you do and why did you join the Women's Alliance group?

[Laura M. Rodebaugh]

You've probably already put some of this information on your main page, but it's always nice to have a more centralized location for the smaller groups too. What do you do? What drives you? What are you passionate about? What are you hoping to gain or achieve by joining the Women's Alliance group?
I joined this group because I really enjoy meeting new people, networking, and learning from everyone. More specifically, I'm always glad to make connections with local women. I enjoy being part of women's networking groups, as I think we all have a lot to offer each other, both personally and professionally. From a professional perspective, I'm a financial planner and one of my areas of focus is working with women. Studies estimate that up to 90% of women will be solely responsible for their household finances at some point. Whether they're currently handling their finances alone or working alongside a spouse/partner, it's important that women are aware and involved in the financial planning process. I help women become more educated about their financial goals and responsibilities, so they can make informed decisions and take appropriate action.

[Tasha C. Ring]

Hi Laura! Thanks for starting a discussion and welcome to the Women's Alliance! I created this group to serve as a "place" for women to connect, share ideas and most importantly, support one another (as stated in the description). I'm also eager to learn what motivated others to join? I hope everyone will periodically post a discussion topic and perhaps we can even try to get together for a monthly Girls Night Out. Any other ideas or suggestions?
As for me, I work with children and young adults, as well as parents who are seeking to incorporate the Montessori philosophy into their homes. In a nutshell, seeing these young people succeed is what drives me.

[Becky Pruitt]

Hi Ladies! I am so glad to see this group on SI. After my divorce, I realized that I needed more girlfriends in my life and began my quest to add that to my life. I have seen firsthand how having a network of strong, fabulous women can help you both personally and in business. After evaluating my2008, I realized that being an advocate to women in transition is very important to me. The charities I work with, Dress for Success, Helping Her Heal, and being a mentor with CFI all have the same common thread.

In my business life, I am a realtor specializing in residential real estate and equine properties.

Thank you for creating this group and here's to a happy and prosperous 2009!!!

[Laura M. Rodebaugh]

I agree with both of you - having a network of strong, supportive women is very important! Drawing on each other's strengths can be very beneficial for everyone, both personally and professionally. I think it would be great to form this group, post discussions and maybe even get together periodically.
Looks like both of you contribute in some amazing ways to our community! I enjoy hearing about how others get involved in the community. Oftentimes, it opens your eyes to new possibilities and new ways that you can help. I also support a variety of different causes. Among them are ICAN (Indiana Canine Assistant Network) and Camp Healing Tree. ICAN is a non-profit organization that trains service dogs for physically and/or developmentally disabled individuals, particularly children. Camp Healing Tree is a non-profit children's grief camp, held each summer, for children aged 7-17 who have lost a loved one.

It's so nice to meet both of you and I look forward to continued discussions and get-togethers.

Cheers!

[Shawn Quick-Raflik]

Hi, Ladies!

What a great idea for a group. I really enjoy networking and meeting new people. I am looking forward to meeting some awesome new women.

In business, I sell logo apparel and promotional products. I work with many non-profits, schools, large and small companies. I love my job.

Personal, I am married to a wonderful man and we have three furry kids: Bailey (cat), Bebo (cat), Brewster ( puppy).
I love my life.

I have a heart to service, I have volunteered with several non-profits in the past and am currently looking for a new focus.
Hopefully, I can get some ideas for ladies in this group.

I think a monthly Girls Night Out is a great idea. Maybe it could be the same time every month, like the second Tuesday of the month. That way, it can be easier to work into your schedule.

I am looking forward to discussions and events in the future!

[Jodi Stone]

Hi Ladies!

I am a Dating and Relationship Coach as well as the lead organizer for the St. Luke's Singles 30's/40's and Young at Heart meetup group. I organize fun events to help singles get out and mingle and live life to the fullest. Holidays, especially, are hard on singles. I also have a little bit of the matchmaker gene in me. I just can't resist introducing two people that I think would be a good match for each other.

I myself have never been married. It is because of my own personal struggles over the years that has given me the compassion to help other people that are in the same boat as I was for years. I know what it feels like to be alone and lonely and if I can help get someone through that, how ever it may be, then I've done my job.

[Jody Jones]

Hi Everyone,
I am a people person, real estate agent for the largest agency in Elkhart County, Century 21 Landmark. I am hoping to connect with other women, even though most of you are 3 hrs away on a good day and heaven knows we havent had many of those recently! I am single, owned and thoroughly trained by two poodles, Nicky & Squirt. Have a daughter who lives in Ann Arbor, MI and most of the rest of my family lives near me. I lived in Sarasota FL for over 24 yrs and this is my 9th winter back in Hoosierland. I hope to connect, network, to grow my business and my social life. Even if I cant meet up with you in person, I can get to know you better here and that is a way to "meet up" as well. Happy Holidays!

[Lynn Zettler]

I too love to surround myself with strong, successful, positive women and you can never have enough of us in my opinion. I am a personal and business coach with lots of other experiences to throw in. I'm a great resource to point you in a direction. If you have any questions about patenting ideas or inventions (I'm also a patent agent), running a neighborhood or condo association (done that too), raising children (especially teenagers) or getting started in writing and getting published---send me a shout. I'd love to help.

~Lynn

[Michelle Collins]

Thank you for this group! I am a local photographer, looking to expand my client base. I am available for on location and have a good eye for detail. If you have an event/meeting or project that you would like to document with photography, please feel free to visit my page. I am most at home with a camera in my hand but would love to attend networking events. Smiles, Michelle.

[Michelle Collins]

ps.. I also do studio work! I use Elinchrom and Cannon equipment, I work well with animals and children and love people. please visit my website at www.ambiencephotos.com or www.ambienceartisticphotography.com