It's not what you think. Gwinnett Divas are women of rare and outstanding talent, from every walk of life, who are making their indelible mark on our community.
by Melissa Booraem
Although diverse in many ways, Gwinnett's most successful business, professional and civic women leaders are of one voice when it comes to their guiding philosophy - they live life with "no regrets."
That forward focus was front and center this summer as Gwinnett Magazine gathered more than 100 of Gwinnett's women leaders to honor and celebrate their contributions to the community. To us, they're Gwinnett Divas in the truest sense of the word. The term diva was originally used to refer to women of "rare and outstanding talent," which describes our guests perfectly!
While the mood and spirits were light, we couldn't resist the opportunity to query our honorees in search of their secrets for success. We poked and pried, and received answers that ranged from inspiring to hysterically funny - and virtually everything in between.
What's your biggest success, we asked, and answers ran the gamut. "My career, my marriage and my children" were frequent replies. Your biggest regret? Attorney Margaret Washburn sums it up for this group, "Regrets? I have none!"
Divas taking care of business
Gwinnett divas are an entrepreneurial lot, so it's not surprising that approximately 28 percent of Gwinnett firms are women-owned, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Gwinnett County - and the state in general - are top locations for women-owned businesses. Georgia ranked second in the number of privately held, majority women-owned firms from 1997 to 2006, according to the Center for Women's Business Research.
From real estate to retail, law to finance, Gwinnett business women are a driving force - and loving it! In fact, the only regrets on the record were from those female entrepreneurs who regretted "not starting my own business sooner," like Paige Havens, managing partner of Spitfire Media Group.
Proving that location is everything, many divas wished they'd relocated to Gwinnett sooner. "We moved to Gwinnett in 1992," says Frances Davis, associate superintendent in the division of human resources for Gwinnett County Public Schools. "My biggest regret is not coming sooner!"
Christine Moorhead, director of sales of Hampton Inn-Sugarloaf, counts moving to Gwinnett as her biggest success. "My family and I have all felt strong success here." It's a thought echoed by Priti Patel, facilities manager of Stiefel Laboratories, who made her trek from across the pond and says she "should have emigrated from the UK sooner."
Divas with a cause
Not all Gwinnett divas find their niche in the business world. Many aspire to make a difference through community service. Laura O. Moore, founder and CEO of the Dream House for Medically Fragile Children, says "[When I grow up, I want to be] someone who has been important in the life of a child."
Many others wanted to trade places for a day with Oprah Winfrey or Bill Gates, admiring their use of philanthropy to affect change in the world.
Gwinnett women's focus on service reflects a national trend in business and volunteerism. According to The Women's Philanthropy Institute, women business owners are more likely than male business owners to volunteer or encourage their staff to volunteer.
Divas with a plan
Our Gwinnett divas still feel they have much to accomplish, with plenty of lofty - and unusual -- goals to achieve before they grow up! Our favorites? Alicia Krogh, director of executive affairs with the Gwinnett Chamber, aspires to be storm chaser and confessed a yen to be the Weather Channel's Jim Cantore for a day. Whitney Capps, president and founder of Chasing Grace Ministries, has her eye on the anchor chair for ESPN's Sports Center, while Pamela Reeves, owner of Ambiance Interiors and Gifts, wants to be a stand up comedian. Carole Boyce, with the Gwinnett County Board of Education would like to name paint or nail polish colors. Paula Hill, director of business development with Hayes, James & Associates, and Andrea Moore, owner of Office Creations, both would like to be the Queen of England for a day. Perfectly understandable, when Andrea adds, "I love jewelry!"
It takes just three words for Karen Van Duren, vice president of programs with the Gwinnett Chamber, to explain what she wants to be when she grows up? "Wealthy and retired!" Enough said.
Divas with role models
If your diva definition is still stuck on the stereotype of competitive or self-absorbed women, think again. Gwinnett divas look to their family, friends and co-workers for strength and support, and most often mentioned each other as role models who provide inspiration. Judy Waters, Rosanna Szabo, Shirley Lasseter, Ann Carol Pence, Paige Havens, Lisa Zaken and Andrea Moore were just a very few of those mentioned as local leaders to admire.
Adrienne Hollis, director of marketing and community relations of Gwinnett Health Systems, looks beyond her peers, "[When I grow up, I want to be] as wise as my mom, as smart as all my best bosses and as successful as my dad."
It's the little things that count
Life-long goals, career success and personal fulfillment were all top-of-mind topics for our divas. But even high-powered Gwinnett women know that sometimes it's the little things that will bring a smile to your lips and a sparkle to your eyes - literally.
If you're going to be a Gwinnett diva, they advise, prepare yourself with some shiny lip-gloss and lash-defying mascara - two products many our divas say they can't live without!
Check it out!
A measure of confidence, a touch of sass, a heart of gold and plenty of joie de la vie - that's what says diva to us! From the staff of Gwinnett Magazine, check out our list of diva essentials.
Digital Cameras: When we look fantastic, we need to document the occasion. Not to mention that digital cameras are a great way for us to snap a quick photo and email a friend about our outfit selection!
Safety Girl Roadside Emergency Kits are perfect for the diva on the go! This kit has everything - from instructions on changing a tire to antiperspirant and chocolate. We love it! Check it out at www.safetygirl.com
Cute Shoes: What could be more essential than "to-die-for" shoes? Target... Payless... there's no shortage of places to find the cutest options for practically nothing. A different pair for every outfit makes perfect sense to us.
Cell phones: We love a phone that does it all - matches our outfit, lets us check our email, download music, text our friends about a hot new lunch spot, and show off pics of our mini dog!
Tiaras: Well, they wouldn't make them if we weren't supposed to wear them! And when it's time to party, a tiara can be just the thing to bring out the inner princess in us all!
Starbucks: Here's why we're willing to pay $4 for a cup of coffee - they fix it exactly like we want it and thank us for the honor of catering to our pickiness. "Ooh, good choice!"
Great Books: We love reading about sassy and sophisticated divas. Check out: I'm too sexy for my Volvo: A mom's guide to staying fabulous, (if you're a diva mom) or Hissy Fit (if you're a true Southern diva at heart).
iPods: Any diva knows an iPod is the best way to collect new music. After all, our tastes are rather distinctive, and we certainly don't have time to listen to the whole CD just to get to our favorite tune.
Miniature Dogs: We think it's completely wonderful to have someone who adores us by our side at all times. So wonderful we even have one who visits the office. Besides, have you seen how cute those dog purses are? They'd go great with our shoes!
Still waiting on an Evite? Get over it, and get involved!
If you're a woman living in Gwinnett, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Whether you're ready to add more fun to your life with a social group or eager to give back through a volunteer opportunity, you've got options. Pick up the phone, check out these Web sites and plug into a group that interests you!
Volunteer Connections
Community Organizations include The Boys and Girls Club, local schools, churches, libraries, nursing homes, assisted livings, recreational sports teams and scout troops. Call them!
Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services is a non-profit organization that raises funds and offers needed volunteer support for seniors.
Gwinnett Great Days of Service (Oct. 5-Oct. 6) is one of the largest volunteer initiatives in the county.
Gwinnett Parks Foundation is a volunteer, non-profit organization that supports the efforts of Gwinnett Parks and Recreation.
Northeast Georgia Foundation offers a way for individuals, families, businesses, foundations and other charitable organizations to support non-profit organizations.
Rotary Club of Gwinnett puts a top priority on community service.
United Way Woman's Legacy in Gwinnett mobilizes women to become powerful philanthropists.
Business Networking
The American Business Women's Association has several chapters in Gwinnett and offers resources for businesswomen.
The Executive Women's Business Series is a Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce program designed to help women in business.
The Gwinnett Network is an on-line networking resource for business owners and sales professionals.
Score provides information for small business owners and lists more than 30 resource groups for women.
Together We Rise is a group designed to help African-American women in business.
The Women's Networking of Gwinnett Group helps increase the business success of members.
Lifelong Learning
Consumer Credit Counseling Service offers financial and credit education classes.
The Continuing Education Division at Gwinnett Technical College offers short courses, seminars, certification options, and workshops in business, IT, professional development and personal enrichment areas, to name just a few.
The Georgia Center for Continuing Education offers professional and personal development classes through The University of Georgia.
The Gwinnett Community School Program is offered through Gwinnett County Public Schools and provides educational programs to the community.
GwinnettLife is a way for families to get involved in the county, and access classes and programs offered through Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation.
Parenting Groups
Focus (Families of Children Under Stress) is a group established to care about the children with special needs and their families.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) builds mother-child relationships during the years of infancy through kindergarten.
Mothers & More is a non-profit organization that cares for caregivers.
New Parents can visit Emory Eastside and Gwinnett Medical, both of which offer a variety of classes including baby sign language, birth classes and classes for new big brothers or sisters.
Parenting Seminars through Gwinnett Courts are designed to help children of parents going through a divorce. The class costs $30.
Parent Teacher Associations are a great way to learn about what's going on in your child's school as well as ways you can volunteer through the school.
Social Butterflies
The 1818 Club has many programs just for women - book clubs and luncheons on various topics important to women.
The Atlanta Martini Club is for young, professional ladies in Atlanta and surrounding areas to socialize, network and make new friends.
Gwinnett Senior Center offers everything from shopping trips to exercise classes for age 50 and older. 770-564-4680
Meet Ups has a ton of groups right here in Gwinnett listed on their Web site - many of them are just for women.
Red Hat Society rules state that if you're older than 50, you're a red hatter; otherwise you're a pink hatter. Join a chapter or start your own.
