Supporting Each Other
This issue of The Peoria Woman is dedicated to the many professional women who have chosen a career outside their home. The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and Women in Leadership (WIL) are two organizations who support women and their professional careers.
Upon re-entering the workforce full time back in 1989, after I dropped my boys off at grade school and my daughter off at daycare, I shed a few tears on the drive to work. Feeling overwhelmed but excited, confident yet challenged, I began knocking on doors about the concept of a professional women’s magazine. One of the first doors was then-NAWBO president and woman business owner, Jeanne Buysee. She encouraged, mentored, provided introductions, and supported. I quickly picked up on her professionalism as a business owner, her sense of humor at juggling roles and responsibilities, and her sincerity in wanting to help. She introduced me to another group, Women in Management (WIM), which has since become Women in Leadership. Members of WIM were not all business owners, but decision makers and managers in their various organizations. One of my first contacts there was then - WIM president Kathy LaHood. She provided the same personal and professional support, advice, and friendship as Jeanne. The two women remain very important role models and friends to me.
Through the years, I’ve shared my personal successes and disappointments as a career woman in central Illinois on this editorial page, and hundreds of other women have shared their success stories through interviews in The Peoria Woman. A common theme is the acknowledgement of other women who’ve supported us.
As women, relationships are very important. In fact, a recent study by the University of California, Irvine, suggested that women consider their relationships with clients when setting or negotiating prices for products or services, more so than men. That may be one reason for a continuing disparity in the wage gap, as men tend to stick to the set price, regardless. Professional women who’ve been taken advantage of a few times have learned that making good business decisions won’t always get you the popularity vote. However, making ethical decisions while striving for excellence in all areas of life will give us the “life satisfaction” reward we also need.
I smile when I think of how The Peoria Woman has been labeled everything from “a women’s libber magazine” to a “fluffy chick read.” The reality is, now in its 16th year, this magazine connects with women in central Illinois. We’ll continue to remember our roots, and support and encourage young women—now our daughters and even granddaughters—as there’s nothing more rewarding than watching another succeed, and knowing you helped, even if just a bit.
Like a new fall wardrobe, we’re excited to model the first piece of our updated design— new glossy cover—in honor of the two organizations who have been critical to our success. You’ll see more changes and growth in the coming months, and we hope your career plans are successful as well.
Please take a moment to thank an old friend and encourage a new one. We really do need each other’s support to count on continued growth and success. tpw
Upon re-entering the workforce full time back in 1989, after I dropped my boys off at grade school and my daughter off at daycare, I shed a few tears on the drive to work. Feeling overwhelmed but excited, confident yet challenged, I began knocking on doors about the concept of a professional women’s magazine. One of the first doors was then-NAWBO president and woman business owner, Jeanne Buysee. She encouraged, mentored, provided introductions, and supported. I quickly picked up on her professionalism as a business owner, her sense of humor at juggling roles and responsibilities, and her sincerity in wanting to help. She introduced me to another group, Women in Management (WIM), which has since become Women in Leadership. Members of WIM were not all business owners, but decision makers and managers in their various organizations. One of my first contacts there was then - WIM president Kathy LaHood. She provided the same personal and professional support, advice, and friendship as Jeanne. The two women remain very important role models and friends to me.
Through the years, I’ve shared my personal successes and disappointments as a career woman in central Illinois on this editorial page, and hundreds of other women have shared their success stories through interviews in The Peoria Woman. A common theme is the acknowledgement of other women who’ve supported us.
As women, relationships are very important. In fact, a recent study by the University of California, Irvine, suggested that women consider their relationships with clients when setting or negotiating prices for products or services, more so than men. That may be one reason for a continuing disparity in the wage gap, as men tend to stick to the set price, regardless. Professional women who’ve been taken advantage of a few times have learned that making good business decisions won’t always get you the popularity vote. However, making ethical decisions while striving for excellence in all areas of life will give us the “life satisfaction” reward we also need.
I smile when I think of how The Peoria Woman has been labeled everything from “a women’s libber magazine” to a “fluffy chick read.” The reality is, now in its 16th year, this magazine connects with women in central Illinois. We’ll continue to remember our roots, and support and encourage young women—now our daughters and even granddaughters—as there’s nothing more rewarding than watching another succeed, and knowing you helped, even if just a bit.
Like a new fall wardrobe, we’re excited to model the first piece of our updated design— new glossy cover—in honor of the two organizations who have been critical to our success. You’ll see more changes and growth in the coming months, and we hope your career plans are successful as well.
Please take a moment to thank an old friend and encourage a new one. We really do need each other’s support to count on continued growth and success. tpw