Woman of the Week – Colleen Gilger

Each week, we feature a fantastic new woman we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting gals who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Colleen Gilger

My Current Job/Company:
Economic Development Manager, City of Dublin

My Birthdate:
04.19.72

My Work:
I build relationships and affinity between Dublin businesses and the community. I work to retain and grow existing businesses, attract new jobs and develop entrepreneurs. I assist developers, sometimes through financial incentive negotiations, to build new buildings and redevelop old ones. I serve as a liaison and ombudswoman. I am a creative problem-solver.

My Passion:
Christ, my husband, my children

My Family:
Patrick (Husband), Nora (9), Tessa (8)

My Heroes:
Chris and Stefanie Spielman. I just finished reading Chris Spielman’s book; and I am in awe of their love story, their devotion to God, their positive attitudes through difficult times, their resilience, strength and ability to see themselves as Christ’s tools in the community.

My Escape:
The ocean, whether on a cruise ship or a beach. The sounds and smells clear my head and bring me relaxation.

My Pet Peeves:
Parents who still act like teenagers, especially in the presence of their children. People who don’t use turn signals.

My Indulgences:
Wine. Dessert first. Massages. Intensely hot bubble baths.

My Roots:
Cleveland Ohio! Proud Irish roots. Close-knit, loud, extroverted, passionate family. Three siblings. All 4 of us married introverts, or as my mom describes them, “wall flower spouses who allow their butterfly partners the ability to shine.” My dad taught me to love sports. I love me some Browns, Indians, Cavs, and not LeBron.

My Future:
My job allows me to feel such a sense of accomplishment when new buildings come out of the ground; and I knew I had a part in their inception and creation. Dublin has so much land left to develop. I look forward to so many future moment of ground-breakings, ribbon-cuttings and road openings!

My Love:
Being a soccer mom to 2 children who love this sport more than I ever remember loving any one thing at their age. Dave Matthews music which makes me sway, tap my toes and smile. Singing at church. My husband who continues to amaze me when I see him interact with our daughters.

My Movie:
Shakespeare In Love. I love a good love story. And I’m a sucker for anything Shakespearean.

My Quote on Life:
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”- Philippians 4:5-7

My Accessory:
A girl’s best accessory is confidence 🙂 One accessory that goes with me always: a small tattoo on my wrist with the names of my husband and children. I can glance down throughout the day and see their names peeking out behind my watch wristband – it always brings a smile to my face.

My Advice to Young Women:
It’s not what you accomplish in life that’s most important. It’s what you experience and overcome along the way. Instead of looking at the end result, embrace the journey.
–When you’re 18, everything seems magnified far beyond its actual importance.
–Stop worrying. When you worry, you are showing a lack of faith and trust.
–Serve your community without question and without expecting anything in return.

How I Balance it All:
I’ve learned (reluctantly) to let go of the working-mom guilt, and to gently say “no” sometimes to all the requests! I have a color-coded world: work, school, soccer, church, book club, date night, etc. The iPhone App “Cozi Calendar” synchs our to-do lists and calendars on our computer, phones and the kids’ iTouches. We always know where everyone is and where we need to be. Multi-tasking is my enemy: I remind myself to focus on one thing or person at a time and ALWAYS BE PRESENT!