Here 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 gals who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Cathy Smith

My Current Job/Company:
Commercial Lines Sales Officer

My Birthdate:
01.01.1963

My Work:
I discover and prioritize sales opportunities for Grange Insurance, and lead teams in finding ways to capture them.

My Passion:
Putting my faith into action.

My Family:
David (Best friend, husband and biggest fan), Erick (Daredevil son – 13), Ben (Charming son, second biggest fan – 13)

My Heroes:
The not-for-profit leaders in Columbus have something special going on and contribute immeasurably to our community.

My Escape:
Being on the water, in the sun.

My Pet Peeve:
Intolerance (ironically).

My Indulgence:
Spa treatments. Red wine.

My Roots:
Southern, active outdoors.

My Future:
Purposeful, focused, with outward orientation.

My Quote on Life:
“If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.” (unknown)

My Accessory:
Brighton earrings and my sapphire cross.

My Advice to Young Women:
The world is lucky to have you and all that you will contribute. Know yourself so that you can make the most of those contributions.

How I Balance it All:
Sometimes, balance actually does happen for me. When it does, it’s because of a supportive husband first, GREAT girlfriends second (I love you, Reddy Sisters), a compassionate work environment, and a solid faith that it’s all for a bigger purpose.

Here 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 gals who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Stephanie R. Hanna

My Current Job/Company:
Attorney/Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP

My Birthdate:
04.28.83

My Work:
I am a member of our firm’s litigation practice group, focusing on commercial litigation, business conflict mediation, and administrative proceedings. I try to use my background with the court to bring a unique perspective to help clients avoid the common pitfalls of litigation.

My Passion:
Giving back, supporting others, and promoting health and well-being.

My Family:
My parents (hard-working and consistent), my sister (rock star and future doctor), Bugsy (6-year-old dog/human), AG (super supportive partner-in-crime), my work family, my YWCA family, my Children’s Hunger Alliance family, my Columbus Bar Association family, and my friends that are like family. It truly takes a village.

My Heroes:
There are so many with situations tougher than I will ever know. Having worked in the public service sector, it is very easy to see the real heroes all around us. Those who have to work much harder to do the things many of us take for granted – get to work, put food on the table, survive month to month.

My Escape:
The gym (lifting heavy things makes me happy) and taking a true electronics time-out.

My Pet Peeve:
Not putting yourself in someone else’s shoes before making a judgement.

My Indulgence:
Dark chocolate (the real stuff, 85%+).

My Roots:
Happy, simple, giving.

My Future:
Exciting.

My Quote on Life:
“There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.”

-Madeleine Albright

My Accessory:
A smile, a positive attitude, and trying to find the good in every person and situation.

My Advice to Young Women:
Be kind, be patient, and have a little confidence.

How I Balance it All:
First, balance is overrated and a misnomer. Second, balance is defined differently for each of us and there is no perfect fit. I try to stay true to what is most important to me and let the rest fall where it may. Recognizing that I can’t be everything to everyone at all times is very freeing.

Here 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 gals who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Kate Underwood

My Current Job/Company:
Executive Assistant to President/National Church Residences

My Birthdate:
9/22/80

My Work:
I assist the President and other SVPs at National Church Residences. I work as a liaison with the board and ensure all of the details are taken care of so we can leverage their time, talent and energy to help steer our organization and strategically plan for future endeavors.

My Passion:
My family, my faith, my relationships and anything that I invest my time in.

My Family:
Chris (he’s the one who keeps me grounded), Alex (my strong and playful “sun” – 3-year-old son), Sadie (my ray of sunshine – 4-month-old daughter)

My Heroes:
I have so many – my parents, my husband, and my friends all inspire me in some shape or form.

My Escape:
Time off the clock, mountains, fresh air and hiking some amazing trails.

My Pet Peeve:
Drivers who are in a hurry

My Indulgence:
An Audrey Hepburn flick, a date night with my husband or a day at home with my kids.

My Roots:
Adventurous, nomadic Missionary kid who has tromped all over the world and seen lives changed by God’s love. I live a very rich life!

My Future:
Unknown, but positive and an adventure!

My Quote on Life:
“A good name is more desirable than great riches, to be esteemed is better than silver or gold” – Proverbs 22:1

My Accessory:
I love dramatic necklaces and lipstick

My Advice to Young Women:
Don’t waste your time with jealousy or envy; it’s a dead-end street. Don’t take yourself too seriously and laugh as often as possible. Know that you’ll make mistakes, own up to them and work to do better next time. Forgive people who hurt you, then strive to love and be kind to everyone. Always be true to yourself and live on purpose.

How I Balance it All:
Lots of prayer, choosing to be grateful for what I have and surrounding myself with exceptional people who love and inspire me every day.

Here 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 gals who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Michele S. Gregory

My Current Job/Company:
Senior Vice President, Development/Children’s Hunger Alliance

My Birthdate:
04.30.69

My Work:
At Children’s Hunger Alliance, I have the pleasure and awesome responsibility for the coordination of development and marketing function areas, including all aspects of annual/major gifts fundraising, special events, grants, volunteer management, marketing/communications, and media relations.

My Passion:
My family, my work, sports and recreation activities (as both an active participant and passive observer) and baking.

My Family:
Chip-my patient husband; Olivia Grace (13) and Sydney Faith (8)-my smart and sweet daughters; Jack (3)-my energetic black lab.

My Hero:
My mother, Sandy Kawa. She lived by the following motto: Always try your best but be sure to have FUN along the way!

My Escape:
A long, solitary run – by water if at all possible.

My Pet Peeve:
Negative people and saying in an email what is better said face-to-face.

My Indulgence:
Good wine. A warm fire. A good book.

My Roots:
My mother raised my three siblings and me after my parents divorced and made it a point to stay connected with our extended family. My fondest memories as a young child are of spending time in the kitchen with my grandmothers or on the New Jersey shore with my aunts and uncles.

My Future:
Long-lasting and full of opportunity!

My Quote on Life:
I have two that I like….

“I can’t think of many things more attractive than a beautiful person whose beauty isn’t what actually attracts you.” – Dau

“May my heart be kind, my mind fierce and my spirit brave.” -Anonymous

My Accessory:
Plaid winter coat, felt hat and aviator sunglasses

My Advice to Young Women:
Train your mind to see the good in everything – it is there; just be patient and keep looking.

How I Balance it All:
I am learning as I go along….some days are easier than others. I do know that taking time to take care of myself each day, whether it be through an intense workout at the gym, game of Uno with my daughters, a cup of coffee, listening to my husband strum his guitar or a conversation with a good friend or colleague, it makes a difference in how I feel and how I see the world.

Here 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 gals who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Cynthia Peters

My Current Job/Company:
VP Of Marketing/Highlights for Children

My Birthdate:
11.28.66

My Work:
I am the Vice President of Marketing over the Direct-to-Consumer business line at Highlights for Children. I lead a terrific and talented marketing team, overseeing the strategic development of all marketing initiatives for our magazines, book clubs, merchandise, and digital products.

My Passion:
Making a positive impact on children.

My Family:
Frank – My wonderful husband and best friend since college
Lauren (age 14) and Elise (age 12) – My two terrific, funny daughters
Leo (our 4 yr old Border Collie), (Pixie and Patch – 2 rescued cats of unknown age), (Finn-our 12-yr old goldfish)

My Heroes:
My mother and her mother – both trailblazers
My father – who showed up to every one of my soccer games and rooted me on in his quiet, gentle way

My Escape:
Heading into the great outdoors – for days at a time

My Pet Peeve:
Blame – “When you blame others, you give up your power to change.” ~ Robert Anthony

My Indulgence:
Long baths and a good book (or magazine)

My Roots:
Supportive, close family who valued hard work, education, and humor.

My Future:
Staying amazed, enthused, and pleasantly surprised each day

My Quote on Life:
“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

My Accessory:
Handmade silver rings I collect when I travel

My Advice to Young Women:
Your voice is as important as anyone else’s in the room. Use it wisely.

How I Balance it All:
I rely more on family and friends than I used to. This has not only allowed me to accomplish and grow more, it’s made that growth even more enjoyable. And I laugh whenever chaos creeps in – laughing makes it easier to push back out.