Woman of the Week – Larissa (Rissa) Blevins

Larissa BlevinsHere at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women 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 women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name:
Larissa (Rissa) Blevins

My Current Job/Company:
Sr. Compliance Director/Nationwide Insurance Company

My Birthday:
03.16.71

My Work:
I mitigate and manage regulatory and reputational risk for our company and members. I’m well suited for this “protection” type of work.

My Passion:
The Arts, both creating and supporting.

My Family:
Trent – a true partner and a man of witty one liners. Our beautiful boys: Jackson (21), Jerrod (18), Owen (10). Henry-stinky white boxer and Sukie–cuddly black lab.

My Hero or Heroes:
Outside of my parents, Brooks McCall, from Wilmington DE. He introduced me to the world of insurance. A true class act.

My Escape:
Bonfires. Living on a wooded lot makes it a practical escape.

My Pet Peeve:
When our boys eat crunchy things and gulp their drinks. It sounds extraordinarily loud.

My Indulgence:
I can take frugalness to an exceptional level, but I recently indulged in a new station wagon.

My Roots:
I grew up in Johnstown, PA, known for steel making and floods. My Mom was an English teacher and my Dad still is a college professor of Geography. A few lines from Children Learn What They Live by Dorothy Law Nolte summed up our home mantra:
– If a child lives with encouragement, (s)he learns confidence.
– If a child lives with praise, (s)he learns to appreciate.
– If a child lives with security, (s)he learns to have faith.
– If a child lives with approval, (s)he learns to like (her)self.

My Future:
A long (God willing) and winding road.

My Favorite Quote:
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

My Accessory:
Socks, regardless of whether they look good with heels or not.

My advice to Young Women:
You can take yourself seriously, but learn to laugh at yourself, and laugh often.

How I Balance it All:
I use one calendar to organize work and home life. Every Friday I review the upcoming week to prepare both mentally and organizationally. In December, I put everything on the calendar for the following year, from kids school events, to vacations, to repeating team meetings. And when I start to feel off balance, I head outside for a jog, or to work in the garden.

Woman of the Week – Sara Mitchell

Sara MitchellHere at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women 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 women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name:
Sara Mitchell

My Current Job/Company:
Communications Manager at The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio

My Birthday:
05.13.88

My Work:
As part of The Women’s Fund team I am committed to working towards building the capacity of the organization, expanding our reach in the community, and engaging an audience invested in social change. We strive to connect and engage all voices and my position helps make that happen. From our grant partners to donors to volunteers to the staff and Board, I create a space where all stories and voices are heard to create gender equality and community change.

My Passion:
People…we are the average of who we surround ourselves with so I choose to be around those that inspire passion in my life while also challenging me to be more of myself.

My Family:
My parents (Brad and Marianne), my sister and brother-in-law (Heather and Adrian), my energetic and incredible nephew and niece (Oliver and Zoe), my pessimistic looking pup (but I promise she’s happy) dear Prudence. Family is the core of who I am; it’s because of their believing in me since day one that I have had the confidence to grow a network of friends and mentors invested in me as well.

My Hero or Heroes:
Marianne Mitchell (aka my mom)- she is by far the strongest woman I have ever met, not just for herself but for those around her. There was a time in my life that she fought for me before I knew how to fight for myself, and for that I will be forever grateful. She has always put others first and raised us to do the same. Her authenticity, honesty, and integrity are traits I will never stop hoping to reflect.

My Escape:
Travel and reading- ideally both at the same time, but when time doesn’t allow for a trip a good book is the best escape. My parents always encouraged and emphasized reading when I was growing up and that passion has stayed with me over the years.

My Pet Peeve:
Rudeness- I never think there’s a reason to be rude and it bothers me when I witness others acting that way. I always try and overcompensate. Also, two spaces after a period (don’t get me started on this one…).

My Indulgence:
What some would call terrible TV.

My Roots:
Family – the Mitchell core 4.

My Future:
Always remains open.

My Favorite Quote:
“When something goes wrong in life just yell ‘plot twist!’ and move on.”

My Accessory:
Words…I have a small obsession with quotes (friends would probably say it’s more of a large addiction), I am constantly pinning them online and printing them for my office and apartment. Some of my favorite gifts have been silver bracelets with quotes engraved around them that I wear nearly every day. They are reminders on a daily basis of different people in my life as well as words I try to live by.

My dog Pru is a close second because in a lot of ways she is my shadow and picks up a lot of my personality.

My advice to Young Women:
Never stop challenging who you are in order to become who you want to be; strive to constantly be a work in progress.

How I Balance it All:
Honestly, I don’t always. And, there’s grace in letting go of the need to do so. I recently recognized that at this chapter in my life I won’t be able to constantly make everything work and everyone can’t fit in my schedule, but releasing the pressure to make this all happen has led to a greater alignment. It all starts with self-forgiveness and patience with my own expectations… coffee and owning my schedule help too.

Woman of the Week – Laura Berger

Laura Berger 3Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women 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 women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name:
Laura Berger

My Current Job/Company:
Director of Development/Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services

My Birthday:
02.15.72

My Work:
ETSS helps new arrivals from all countries establish roots and gain self-sufficiency in Central Ohio. My role as Director of Development is to diversify revenue streams, manage grants, and coordinate the strategic development of the agency.

My Passion:
Giving a voice to people who are unable to speak for themselves.

My Family:
Waad (Husband), Matthew age 16, Nathaniel (Nate) 14, Emily 13 and Rose 5.

My Hero or Heroes:
People with disabilities are my heroes.

My Escape:
My parents’ beach house in Florida.

My Pet Peeve:
People who say I can’t.

My Indulgence:
Donuts.

My Roots:
Parents from New York. Born in Columbus. World traveler, like grandma.

My Future:
I see a Disney cruise in my future.

My Favorite Quote:
“It takes a village.” Hillary Clinton

My Accessory:
Either a designer purse or one from Goodwill.

My advice to Young Women:
Find your strengths and don’t be afraid to use them. Follow your passion.

How I Balance it All:
I take bubble baths, give hugs, and enjoy the little things.

Woman of the Week – Andrea Eckhardt

View More: http://renataramsini.pass.us/chaHere at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women 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 women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name:
Andrea Eckhardt

My Current Job/Company:
Director of School & Summer Nutrition/Children’s Hunger Alliance

My Birthday:
09.19.1978

My Work:
Children’s Hunger Alliance is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that children without access receive healthy food, nutrition education and physical activity. I increase access to the School Breakfast Program and the Summer Nutrition Programs to help set the conditions right for all students to start school ready to learn.

My Passion:
Being a part of the effort to close the achievement gap that separates low-income youth from their middle-income peers.

My Family:
Jeff (Supportive Husband), Levi (Super-Sweet Son, 7), Alec (Wildest Son, 3).

My Hero or Heroes:
Strong, empowered, and accomplished women in our history books.

My Escape:
Soaking up sun on a clear blue day while reading a good book!

My Pet Peeve:
Pharmaceutical commercials.

My Indulgence:
Soaking up too much sun on a clear blue day while reading a good book! 🙂

My Roots:
My old stomping grounds are in Eastern and Central Kentucky.

My Future:
Full of possibility. Exciting!

My Favorite Quote:
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” (Antoine de Saint Exupéry, The Little Prince)

My Accessory:
My laptop.

My advice to Young Women:
If you want to pursue a career, but also want to raise a family, even though doing both together is extremely challenging, my advice is to go for it.

How I Balance it All:
I plan months ahead for key family and work events.

Woman of the Week – Margaret Strotman

View More: http://renataramsini.pass.us/mstrotmanHere at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women 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 women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name:
Margaret Strotman

My Current Job/Company:
VP, Home Lending Partnership Operations Manager, Huntington Bank

My Birthday:
09/22/65

My Work:
I help mortgage brokers and lenders service their customers by providing loan programs, financing, and operational execution. My team provides support and helps customers achieve their goal of home ownership.

My Passion:
My family, my faith, my community, staying in shape, the Cincinnati Reds, Iowa State University basketball, and traveling

My Family:
Sam (my husband and cheerleader), Andy (Roll Tide-20), Grace (empowered young woman – 17), Tom (still thinks I’m hip – 13)

My Hero or Heroes:
My parents. Married over 50 years, raised me to appreciate God, country, family, service, and hard work. There are no better role models for my kids!

My Escape:
The Big Island of Hawaii – where else can you ski and share a bottle of wine watching the sun set on the beach all in the same day? 

My Pet Peeve:
People who point out a problem yet don’t offer solutions, and drivers in the left lane going 55! Move over!

My Indulgence:
Greaters Ice Cream – Buckeye Blitz.

My Roots:
Effort = Results. Faith is comforting. Be grateful every day. Family first. Friendships evolve but can last a lifetime!

My Future:
Exciting and fulfilling. Goals to achieve

My Favorite Quote:
In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.  
-Abraham Lincoln

My Accessory:
Glasses and my mother’s class ring from 1956!

My advice to Young Women:
Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.
-Lyndon B. Johnson

How I Balance it All:
Exercising first thing helps me feel good all day and reduce stress. The path to yes means no. My husband is the ying to my yang.

Woman of the Week – Karen Rizzo

Karen pic.6x6Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women 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 women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name:
Karen Rizzo

My Current Job/Company:
Manager of Customer Experience/IGS Energy

My Birthday:
07.28.62

My Work:
I am the Solutions Center liaison for all Emerging Business units, specializing in relationship building. I develop strategies and advocate for long term solutions that meet business and Customer expectations. In addition, I lead the Customer Experience team. Our focus is to review customer interactions and provide meaningful feedback that promotes an optimal Customer Experience and employee development.

My Passion:
My family & helping others to understand the value they bring in both their personal and professional lives.

My Family:
Bob (soulmate & best friend, my husband), Tyler (talented son – 19), Brian (successful son – 26), Katie (sweetest daughter-in-law, married to Brian), Belle – (lovable grand dog)

My Hero or Heroes: 
My grandmother and son Tyler – both are two of the strongest and bravest people I will ever know.

My Escape:
Laughing and spending time with my fabulous family. Love them so much.

My Pet Peeve:
Injustice.

My Indulgence:
Nail polish and ice cream.

My Roots:
Native New Yorker. Passionate, hard working family filled with laughter and strong convictions.

My Future:
Hopeful. Happy. Successful. Love and family.

My Favorite Quote:
Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss

My Accessory:
Bangs. Eyeglasses. Polished nails. Genuine interest in getting to know you.

My advice to Young Women:
Work hard to understand yourself. Be courageous. Believe.

How I Balance it All:
Self-reflect. Share my challenges with my family. Ask for help. Breathe.

Woman of the Week – Cheri Reynolds

View More: http://renataramsini.pass.us/creynoldsHere at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women 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 women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name:
Cheri J. Reynolds

My Current Job/Company:
Credit Manager for Mortgage, Consumer and Credit Card Underwriting at Huntington Bank

My Birthday:
04.20.1964

My Work:
I manage a great team of underwriting managers and underwriters that help our customers purchase and refinance their homes. My goal is to assist with their career path with training, mentoring and to provide guidance.

My Passion:
My faith, my family and my two labs who always love unconditionally.

My Family:
Dale (supportive husband), my blended family and my dad.

My Hero or Heroes:
My dad and my mom (deceased 9.2004). My parents, Bruce and Barbara Scudder were married 43 years. My mother in law, Sue Reynolds.

My Escape:
A great movie date with my husband. Riding bikes. Being with my family anywhere and hearing their laughter.

My Pet Peeve:
Being taken advantage of, dishonesty and negativity.

My Indulgence:
Donuts.

My Roots:
Remembering your roots, being raised in the south (South Carolina) and keeping it simple.

My Future:
To retire one day.

My Favorite Quote:
“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?”

My Accessory:
My phone and dental floss.

My advice to Young Women:
Believe in your abilities and balance yourself in confidence.

How I Balance it All:
Prioritize, keep a “To Do” list and remembering it’s A-OK to say no at times.

Woman of the Week – Lori Mahood

Lori Mahood 5x7Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women 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 women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name:
Lori Mahood

My Current Job/Company:
Business Systems Analyst Specialist Senior, American Electric Power

My Birthday:
08.05.1970

My Work:
At American Electric Power I  partner with business units across Corporate AEP to develop technology plans that align with business strategies. As a result, we develop prioritized multi-year forecasts and business cases to ensure proper utilization of budget in a fashion that ensures achievement of corporate goals.

My Passion:
Inspiring others (family, friends, teens, co-workers). Living with purpose.

My Family:
Robert (husband of 25 years), Katie (newly engaged oldest), Karleigh (courageous and driven teen), and Trace (athletic pre-teen)

My Hero or Heroes:
My father, who allowed me to be his shadow growing up and always worked very hard for our family while keeping a great sense of humor.

My Escape:
Running is my escape, especially when I take my dogs. It makes me feel powerful, successful and full of energy.

My Pet Peeve:
Negativity and the inability to seek joy in daily life.

My Indulgence:
Starbucks and buying exercise clothing and accessories.

My Roots:
My father was a coal miner and my mother was a stay-at-home mom who juggled side jobs that matched our school schedule. My sister and I were the first of our family to go to college. We were always encouraged to invest in an education to become self-reliant and independent.

My Future:
I look forward to a future where I am leading and inspiring people, and living life with integrity.

My Favorite Quote:
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
― Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

My Accessory:
Fitbit Surge, I love that it tracks my health but also serves as a running watch.

My advice to Young Women:
Believe in yourself. Define your values and live by them.

How I Balance it All:
Making health a priority ensures stress management while allowing me to be a positive role model for my children. They see that I am able to work hard and play hard.

Woman of the Week – Jaimine Johnson

JaimineHere at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women 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 women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name:
Jaimine L. Johnson

My Current Job/Company:
Senior Vice President / Corporate Real Estate Manager at The Huntington National Bank.

My Birthday:
02/06/70

My Work:
Corporate real estate for The Huntington National Bank where we celebrate having over 750 physical bank locations throughout our seven state core portfolio. I manage all of our small office concepts throughout the USA. I am also on the due diligence team for all merger and acquisition activity.

My Passion:
My faith, my family, my friends and my community.

My Family:
Garrett – 25, Zack- 24, Maredith -22, Hunter- 12 and a new grandbaby, Marley – who is 4 Months.

My Hero or Heroes:
My Parents. My mother, Mary Kaye Walters, her late husband, Wayne Walters and my father, Dennis Siebeneck. They are simply amazing. Don Kenney of DRK AND COMPANY who has been a true mentor to me.

My Escape:
Yoga and any beach. The sun and water rejuvenate my spirit and my soul.

My Pet Peeve:
Negative people. You cannot hang out with negative people and expect a positive life. -Joel Olsteen.

My Indulgence:
Reading, walking and biking. Oh yes, and wine.

My Roots:
I have been blessed with a large family that is my foundation. I grew up in a small rural area with an amazing value system.

My Future:
I hope to share my gift of helping others grow and create the authentic life they desire. I encourage others to build a true foundation.

My Favorite Quote:
The greatest pleasure in life is in doing things people say you cannot do. -me

My Accessory:
I wear my stepfather’s thumb print on a necklace. On the back it says, I love you – Dad. It reminds me every day that I have one of the best guardian angels.

My advice to Young Women:
I encourage you to build a true foundation based on faith, strength and authenticity. Everything begins within. Allow your true self to flourish. Almost every successful person begins with two beliefs: the future can be better than the present and I have to power to make it so.

How I Balance it All:
Prioritize, calendars and simply, my mother and daughter and their support.

Woman of the Week – Angela Hammond

View More: http://renataramsini.pass.us/ahammondHere at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women 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 women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name:
Angela Hammond

My Current Job/Company:
Director of Convention Sales at Experience Columbus

My Birthday:
October 7, 1975

My Work:
I lead a team that pulls together the Columbus community to host meetings, conventions and tradeshows in our awesome city.

My Passion:
My faith, my family, my friends, my city.

My Family:
Troy (Incredible Husband) and Evan (Adorable Son-7).

My Hero or Heroes:
My parents. They taught me compassion, integrity and that if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing right.

My Escape:
Disney World with my husband & son. It is truly a magical place.

My Pet Peeve:
Whistling. It is like nails on a chalkboard to me.

My Indulgence:
Shopping!

My Roots:
I grew up in a small rural community in Ohio, where we knew everyone!

My Future:
Bright and full of joy!

My Favorite Quote:
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened!” – Dr. Seuss

My Accessory:
Jewelry – rings, watch, bracelets & earrings!

My advice to Young Women:
Lead your life with integrity, be confident and ask for what you want.

How I Balance it All:
Staying organized and relying on family & friends for support.