Traci Davis, superintendent of Washoe County School District, with the 2018 Sierra Nevada Powerful Community Leader Award.
Those were just three tables among many within the Paradise Ballroom packed with all kinds of strong, poised women, supported by colleagues, men and children who fiercely encourage their success. Tables of people were buzzing with excitement ahead of the ceremony, every inch of standing room occupied by women networking, congratulating one another and even becoming teary-eyed at the show of profound support. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve took to the stage for the opening address, saying she felt blessed to be among so many trailblazing women in a city predominantly led by women — with renegades at the helm of business from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, to NV Energy and the Reno City Manager, to name a few.Today we are proving that Reno Women are Renegades thanks to @NNBizView #snpowerfulwomen awards luncheon! Nothing better than being in a room full of women lifting each other up! pic.twitter.com/AL4XGrmD7Q
— Hillary Schieve (@MayorSchieve) May 31, 2018
Renowned branding expert Liz Goodgold delivered the event’s keynote address, challenging the audience to identify their personal brand with the question: “What makes you innately, you?” She spoke about moving across the country years ago from New York to California, when she had one of her biggest learning lessons.
She didn’t like her beautiful, naturally red hair and fair skin, she shared, so she grabbed a bottle of baby oil, a bottle of Sun-In and a reflector shield and headed for the roof of her family’s apartment building to transform herself into a California blonde with a rocking tan. “After paying homage to the sun gods for four hours, I was burned so badly I could see the welts forming, and my mother said, ‘what were you thinking?’” Goodgold said. “I just wanted to be like everyone else, and she said, ‘you’re never going to be like anyone else.’”
The master brander credited her mother for launching her career and embracing the brand called “me.” Embracing your personal brand can be scary, and Goodgold says it takes courage — or, “vagones” (a play on “cojones”) — to accomplish, but once you do, you move deeper from surface-level conversations and connect better with others. After Goodgold’s inspiring keynote, awards were announced. Winners accepted their honors, thanked their families and colleagues, and shared words of wisdom that they would have advised their 20-year-old selves.
“Always go for the next promotion even if you don’t think you’re qualified. Self-doubt stands in the way of opportunities, be your own biggest supporter,” said Debby Herman, senior vice president and regional manager of Nevada State Bank. When Valerie Glenn, CEO of The Glenn Group, accepted her award, her words of wisdom to her younger self were to take time for self-care, as it’s easy to get wrapped up in building your career — it may feel frivolous, but will contribute to success in the long run.
“This is an amazing city we have, filled with amazing women — and men, by the way,” she said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the interactions and relationships over my career.” Glenn also pointed to more recent studies showing better financial results and fewer governance issues with women at the helm of business, saying, “I would highly recommend that leadership management teams have a significant number of women, because it could make a difference in your bottom line and business results,” to which the room burst into applause.
One-by-one, each woman shared inspiring words, whether they realized they were inspiring the room or not. Mena Spodobalski, founder of Evoke Fitness Training Facility, shared with the audience her story of being a little immigrant girl from Africa whose parents came to the U.S. after the Civil War. “I was a little girl in the San Francisco airport who didn’t speak any English and I told my dad I wanted to speak that beautiful language,” she said. “I never thought I would be standing here, as a powerful woman, accepting this award in Reno.” Much of the advice from the impressive women to their younger selves encouraged them to slow down, take it all in and not worry about the future — saying it’s better than they could possibly imagine.“Stay strong, be kind, be yourself.” Great advice from an inspiring young woman, Mariah Musselman. #snpowerfulwomen pic.twitter.com/ERojvogOJy
— President of DRI (@KristenAveryt) May 30, 2018
During the award announcements, many of the winners used their platform to shed light on causes most dear to them, including Melissa Holland, cofounder and executive director of the nonprofit Awaken. “Age 12-14 is the average age for those entering prostitution,” Holland said. “And 1,500 women and children are trafficked in Northern Nevada a month.” Holland shared her story of addiction and said that the pain she endured at age 20 fueled her mission to help as many others in the same situation as possible through Awaken. “Everyone, use whatever power that is within you to unveil the power for the disenfranchised,” she advised the audience. Other women spoke on behalf of the invaluable life coaching that comes with membership in Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada, and how becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister can completely change the life of the youth you are mentoring. And no matter the message being shared or advice being bestowed, one thing was resoundingly clear throughout the 2018 Sierra Nevada Powerful Woman Awards — each of these women is personally motivated by the causes for which she stands, passionately advocating for positive change and carrying out good work, each day. ========== And the Winners Are… The 2018 Sierra Nevada Powerful Woman Awards honored Sierra Nevada Top-40 Powerful Women finalists — each of whom were spotlighted for their powerful voices, accomplishments and mentorship of young leaders — before announcing the Top-20 Powerful Women winners. Additionally, several special awards were presented to a bevy of powerful women to celebrate their exemplary achievements and commitment to the region. The full winners list is below: 2018 Sierra Nevada Top-20 Powerful Women:So proud of @melhol77 @AwakenINC for making the Top 20 most powerful women in Sierra Nevada! #SNPowerfulWomen @NNBizView pic.twitter.com/6Nsfaic835
— Jill Tolles (@jilltolles) May 31, 2018
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