Texas Executive Women - The Networker, November, 2008

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

This letter will find us all done with elections, be they local, state or federal or even our own TEW Board election. I will speak for myself that I am more than ready for the incessant political ads to be over. No matter how partisan you may be, I think we all are ready to welcome all the assorted Holiday ads, especially for the kitchen gadgets you never knew you needed.

I'm pleased to see both veteran and new names on the TEW Board. There will be some changes this coming year, with many positions expanding into committees. Please consider volunteering to serve on any that interest you. All the changes are to further grow the TEW organization, attract new members and involve more members in the business of the organization. Many service organizations are struggling to survive in this new world of competing demands and attractions. I know we have within our organization the strength, brains and determination to carry TEW forward for years to come.

This month also brings us the Thanksgiving season and we have many blessings for which to be thankful. Hurricane Ike disrupted our lives and made us all very grateful for the return of power, cable and internet service. Amazing how important how things like a hot shower or an operating elevator become. We won't take these things for granted for awhile. Then finally, the fall weather is upon us and we can actually enjoy being outdoors.

We have a wonderful program for our November 11 meeting, featuring Gayla Bentley with a fashion show of her designs. Gayla was a 2006 WOM and her business has grown many fold. Come to the Briar Club and hear her success story and view the beautiful clothes. December is our Holiday Social for members and their guests. It is on Friday, December 12 at the Houston Country Club. You will soon be receiving your invitation.

President

TEW MENTORING PROGRAM

Mentoring

Gerri Gill sent this very touching letter from a scholarship winner. It is worth a moment of your time to see how one young lady with a passion for learning is pursuing her dreams.

Hello Ms. Gill,

I received the Thelma Marlowe Scholarship from TEW at the University of Houston in the 07-08 school year.

I graduated in May 2008 with a degree in Finance. I was invited and attended one of the TEW meetings and had a wonderful time. It was such a good experience meeting the members of TEW. During that dinner, some of the women
asked if I could keep them updated on how my life is progressing.

Since my graduation, I started working for Panhandle Energy (A Southern Union Company, this is a pipeline company that transports natural gas.) I work in the Regulatory Affairs Department as an Associate Rate Analyst.

I have already gained valuable experience, especially with some of the computer programs that are used in business. I have been exposed to and use quite frequently Access, as well as, learning more in Excel and other software programs that are unique to the business.

Since I have finished college, my life has changed dramatically, mostly for the better. I have purchased my first home and love it. My children are now 4 and almost 3 and they are doing great. The down side of it all is that I do not get to spend as much time with my children as I would like. This is something that I am still adjusting to almost 4 months later.

I have never worked in a 9-5 type position and that takes some getting used to as well. But my children are great and I am able to provide for them and that is the most important thing to me.

I have realized that I am an academic person. I thrive in that area. I knew that I wanted to go back for my Masters sooner or later, but I am going to go back sooner. I am starting the process to go back to U of H for my M.B.A. next fall.

I am also strongly considering continuing on to obtain my Ph.D. I have many passions in life, but I think academics seem to shine through for me and I am really fulfilled by it.

I thank you all again for the scholarship and the chance to meet the women of TEW. I hope that you can share this at your meeting and I will keep you updated as the years go by. If there is ever anything that I can help with, I would be more than happy to.

Have a great day,
Stacey Phillips
Associate Rate Analyst

NEWS AMONG FRIENDS

Mamie Moy, (WOM 2001) a University of Houston chemistry professor and UH's longest-serving tenured faculty member, was nominated this year as a "Texas Woman of Distinction" by the West Harris County Branch of the American Association of University Women. Read the full story, "Chemistry Trailblazer Honored As Teacher, Advocate for Women Scientists" om the University of Houston publication, Breakthrough.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

TEW MENTORING PROGRAM

NEWS AMONG FRIENDS

WOMEN ON THE MOVE®

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER BIRTHDAY

UPCOMING MEETING MEMO


November, 2008	Volume 11, Number 4