How Good Is Your Word?

An honest man’s [woman's] word is as good as his [her] bond.  --Proverb

The Road Ahead...

To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.  --Chinese Proverb

You Are Valuable!...Malcolm Forbes

Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.

--Malcolm S. Forbes

Image source: http://www.teachersparadise.com/c/poster-you-are-valuable-13-x-19-large-p-9690.html

Leadership Tuesdays: Leadership vs. Tyranny...Dee Hock

"If you don't understand that you work for your mislabeled 'subordinates,' then you know nothing of leadership. You know only tyranny."

— Dee Hock

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY provides a platform for a variety of voices and 
resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. This week, we continue the discussion looking at why women are not seeking advance degrees in business at the same rate as they get other professional degrees. Also the discussion seeks to answer why women are not proportionately represented in senior leadership positions in business. This is Part II of "Are We There Yet? My Climb and Journey" by V. Nona Ogunsula.

___________________

I remember driving to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in January 1996 like it was yesterday. I braved a wintry mix praying for at least two of the approximately five hours that it took to drive to Pittsburgh because my Toyota Camry ran out of windshield wiper fluid halfway through the trip. You see, driving was a last minute decision. Although snow had been in the forecast, I wasn’t sure if we’d really get any snow. U.S. Air was the only airline who flew non-stop into Pittsburghfrom the Washington, D.C. area and well, let’s just say, given the number of winter airplane accidents that had occurred at that time, I felt driving would be less stressful and safer. Nothing short of a blizzard was going to keep me from arriving in Pittsburgh for my orientation as a student in the Executive Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program at the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business.

I was so excited to be beginning my MBA program. Months earlier I had been accepted into this program that was fully supported by my company, AT&T. An Executive MBA program meant that I could attend school full-time and yet remain employed full-time. I had ambition and I wanted...

To read the rest of the story, click here. For more on Leadership Tuesdays, click here.

A Smile Is...Phyllis Diller

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. 

--Phyllis Diller Actress and Comedienne (1917 - 2012)

A Rippling Effect...

...like stones thrown into a pond, our lives are meant to have a rippling effect so others can feel the influence of our gift and faith.  

A Person Is...Desmond Tutu

A person is a person because he recognizes others as persons. --Desmond Tutu

A Champion's Heart...Chris Evert

If you're a champion, you have to have it in your heart.

--Chris Evert, No. 1 Professional Tennis Player, (1974-78, 1980-81)

 

 

Video: Sisters On Set

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/26/magazine/venus-and-serena-against-the-world.html?ref=magazine

There Is Beauty In Diversity...Maya Angelou

“It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”  --Maya Angelou, Author and Poet Laureate

2012 U.S. Olympics Gymnastics Team

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY provides a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. This week, we continue the discussion looking at the why women are not seeking advance degrees in business at the same rate as they get other professional degrees. Also the discussion seeks to answer why women are not proportionately represented in senior leadership positions in business. This is Part II of "Are We There Yet? My Climb and Journey" by V. Nona Ogunsula.
___________________
 

I remember driving to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in January 1996 like it was yesterday. I braved a wintry mix praying for at least two of the approximately five hours that it took to drive to Pittsburgh because my Toyota Camry ran out of windshield wiper fluid halfway through the trip. You see, driving was a last minute decision. Although snow had been in the forecast, I wasn’t sure if we’d really get any snow. U.S. Air was the only airline who flew non-stop into Pittsburghfrom the Washington, D.C. area and well, let’s just say, given the number of winter airplane accidents that had occurred at that time, I felt driving would be less stressful and safer. Nothing short of a blizzard was going to keep me from arriving in Pittsburgh for my orientation as a student in the Executive Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program at the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business.

I was so excited to be beginning my MBA program. Months earlier I had been accepted into this program that was fully supported by my company, AT&T. An Executive MBA program meant that I could attend school full-time and yet remain employed full-time. I had ambition and I wanted...

To read the rest of the story, click here. For more on Leadership Tuesdays, click here.

Where Our Strength Lies...Stephen R. Covey

“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities”  --Stephen R. Covey

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY provides a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. Today, we continue the discussion looking at the why women are not seeking advance degrees in business at the same rate as they get other professional degrees. Also the discussion seeks to answer why women are not proportionately represented in senior leadership positions in business. This is Part II of "Are We There Yet? My Climb and Journey" by V. Nona Ogunsula.
___________________

I remember driving to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in January 1996 like it was yesterday. I braved a wintry mix praying for at least two of the approximately five hours that it took to drive to Pittsburgh because my Toyota Camry ran out of windshield wiper fluid halfway through the trip. You see, driving was a last minute decision. Although snow had been in the forecast, I wasn't sure if we’d really get any snow. U.S. Air was the only airline who flew non-stop into Pittsburgh from the Washington, D.C. area and well, let’s just say, given the number of winter airplane accidents that had occurred at that time, I felt driving would be less stressful and safer. Nothing short of a blizzard was going to keep me from arriving in Pittsburgh for my orientation as a student in the Executive Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program at the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business.

I was so excited to be beginning my MBA program. Months earlier I had been accepted into this program that was fully supported by my company, AT&T. An Executive MBA program meant that I could attend school full-time and yet remain employed full-time. I had ambition and I wanted...

To read the rest of the story, click here. For more on Leadership Tuesdays, click here.

Leadership Tuesdays: Don't Live Without It....William Sloane Coffin

“Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with, and perhaps the most dangerous thing for a society to be without.”

--William Sloane Coffin Jr.

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY provides a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. Today, we continue the discussion looking at the why women are not seeking advanced degrees in business at the same rate as they get other professional degrees. Also the discussion seeks to answer why women are not proportionately represented in senior leadership positions in business. This is Part II of "Are We There Yet? My Climb and Journey" by V. Nona Ogunsula.

___________________







I remember driving to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in January 1996 like it was yesterday. I braved a wintry mix praying for at least two of the approximately five hours that it took to drive to Pittsburgh because my Toyota Camry ran out of windshield wiper fluid halfway through the trip. You see, driving was a last minute decision. Although snow had been in the forecast, I wasn’t sure if we’d really get any snow. U.S. Air was the only airline who flew non-stop into Pittsburgh from the Washington, D.C. area and well, let’s just say, given the number of winter airplane accidents that had occurred at that time, I felt driving would be less stressful and safer. Nothing short of a blizzard was going to keep me from arriving in Pittsburgh for my orientation as a student in the Executive Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program at the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business.

I was so excited to be beginning my MBA program. Months earlier I had been accepted into this program that was fully supported by my company, AT&T. An Executive MBA program meant that I could attend school full-time and yet remain employed full-time. I had ambition and I wanted...

To read the rest of the story, click here. For more on Leadership Tuesdays, click here.

Attitudes...Charles Edwards

Attitudes are the forerunners of conditions.  --Charles Edwards

You Belong...Nona

You belong where you are appreciated! Period! God's love is unconditional.
--Nona

God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. --John 3:16 God's Word Translation

"God is love." I John 4:8b

The Secret Of Champions...Wilma Rudolph

Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday.

--Wilma Rudolph (1940 - 1994), Track & Field Olympian, became "the fastest woman in the world" in Olympics and the first American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics

Fly Like An Eagle...Steve Maraboli

“If you hang out with chickens, you're going to cluck and if you hang out with eagles, you're going to fly.”

― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

Honest People...Emily Bronte

Honest people don't hide their deeds.  --Emily Bronte

Be Careful How You Treat People...Nona

Be careful how you treat people, because whether or not they say anything to you, they will remember how your actions and behavior made them feel.  --Nona

**In honor of Grandparents Day on September 9, 2012, "Women History Makers-DC, MD, & VA" is inviting you to submit a blog telling us why your grandparent is special. Some very special tributes will be published on http://www.womenatliberty.com/ for Grandparents Day! Contact on us via Facebook at Women History Makers-DC, MD & VA, @womenatliberty (Twitter) or info@womenatliberty.com and let us know you're interested.

Traits of A Great Leader...Nona

Vision, education, intelligence, compassion, accountability and integrity with a strong sense of history are the traits of a great leader. --Nona

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY provides a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. This week, a special issue of  Leadership Tuesdays is presented to recognize a major milestone of the oldest African American singing organization in the United States. The National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses (NCGCC) was founded in 1932 by Thomas A. Dorsey who is credited with creating the genre of black gospel music. On August 6, 2012, the organization inaugurated its first woman as president. Dr. Marabeth E. Gentry was installed at NCGCC's Annual Conference held in Washington, D.C. from August 4 -- 10, 2012.

Dr. Gentry talked about the organization's rich history and tradition, the legacy of leadership that was imparted to her, and her vision for the organization. She is a native of St. Louis, Missouri and a retired educator who worked in the St. Louis Public School system for 32 years. After her installation services, she graciously agreed to an interview with WOMEN AT LIBERTY/Women History Maker-DC, MD & VA's founder, Nona Ogunsula.

To read the article about Dr. Gentry, click here. 

Also, this past May, I had the opportunity to talk with Dr. John T. Delaney, Dean of the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, regarding the women empowerment and leadership program I launched in March 2011, Women History Makers-DC, MD & VA and Leadership Tuesdays. (See womenatliberty.com for more information.)

As a Pitt Alum, I was interested in finding out how Katz was addressing this problem in its Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Executive Education programs. Further, I wanted to know if Katz was involved in any partnerships and/or research to 1) explain the cause for the lack of women and minorities in leadership positions; and 2) improve the status quo.

To read about the premise for our discussion and my corporate work experience and background, see "Are We There Yet? My Journey, My Climb".

For more information on Leadership Tuesdays, see here.



Holding Power Accountable...Thomas Paine

“A body of men [women] holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.”

― Thomas Paine

Who Are You Really?...Nona

Whether it is known publicly or privately held, your consistent actions define who you are.  --Nona

Advice From Mom...Shannon Hale

“Mama used to say, you have to know someone a thousand days before you can glimpse her soul.”

― Shannon Hale, Book of a Thousand Days

Integrity Is...

Integrity is the opposite of hypocrisy. 

Source: SeanMChandler.Com!

Give Them Something To Talk About...Nona

"People are going to talk. Some will praise you while others will always find something negative to say no matter what you do. Some people will even lie about you. Don't let this deter you from your purpose. You must keep going, keep winning and give them something to talk about!" 

--Nona O.

Gabriella "Gabby" Douglas is the first African American
woman to win gold in the All-Around Gymnastics Competition.
--2012 Summer Olympics, London England

How To Be A Successful Servant Leader...Marabeth Gentry

 "You have to have the organization at heart...to really want it to succeed. You're not there for what you can pull out. You have to want to put in more than you get out.”

--Dr. Marabeth E. Gentry is the first woman to lead the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, Inc. (NCGCC) as its President.

http://www.ncgccinc.com

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY provides a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. Today, a special issue of Leadership Tuesdays is presented to recognize a major milestone of the oldest African American singing organization in the United States. The National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses (NCGCC) was founded in 1932 by Thomas A. Dorsey who is credited with creating the genre of black gospel music. On August 6, 2012, the organization inaugurated its first woman as president. Dr. Marabeth E. Gentry was installed at NCGCC's Annual Conference held in Washington, D.C. from August 4 -- 10, 2012.

In today's Leadership Tuesday, Dr. Gentry talks about the organization's rich history and tradition, the legacy of leadership that was imparted to her, and her vision for the organization. She is a native of St. Louis, Missouri and a retired educator who worked in the St. Louis Public School system for 32 years. After her installation services, she graciously agreed to an interview with WOMEN AT LIBERTY/Women History Maker-DC, MD & VA's founder, Nona Ogunsula.

To read her article, click here. For more information on Leadership Tuesdays, see here.

Motivational Moment: Servant Leadership...Marabeth E. Gentry

...to be a leader you must first be the servant to the people. To be the servant doesn’t mean subordinate. It just means that you take the people and their welfare, their [well-being] first. And then you consider yourself.

--Dr. Marabeth E. Gentry is the first woman to lead the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, Inc. (NCGCC) as its President.

http://www.ncgccinc.com

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY provides a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. Today, a special issue of Leadership Tuesdays is presented to recognize a major milestone of the oldest African American singing organization in the United States. The National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses (NCGCC) was founded in 1932 by Thomas A. Dorsey who is credited with creating the genre of black gospel music. On August 6, 2012, the organization inaugurated its first woman as president.  Dr. Marabeth E. Gentry was installed at NCGCC's Annual Conference held in Washington, D.C. from August 4 -- 10, 2012. 

In today's Leadership Tuesday, Dr. Gentry talks about the organization's rich history and tradition, the legacy of leadership that was imparted to her, and her vision for the organization.  She is a native of St. Louis, Missouri and a retired educator who worked in the St. Louis Public School system for 32 years. After her installation services, she graciously agreed to an interview with WOMEN AT LIBERTY/Women History Maker-DC, MD & VA's founder, Nona Ogunsula.

To read her article, click here. For more information on Leadership Tuesdays, see here.

There Are Women Who...Ashley Rice

“There are women who make things better... simply by showing up. There are women who make things happen. There are women who make their way. There are women who make a difference. And women who make us smile. There are women of wit and wisdom who- through strength and courage- make it through. There are women who change the world everyday... Women like you.”

― Ashley Rice

Celebrating the 2012 Women History Makers-DC, MD & VA Honorees

 

An American Debate: Belief vs. Rights

"In America, you may believe whatever you want to believe. However, you do not have a right to force your beliefs on others. Nor do you have a right to discriminate against others in employment, housing, public accommodations, etc. because they believe differently than you."  --Nona

For a full blog on the recent Chick-fil-A debate over marriage and freedoms guaranteed by the American Constitution, see http://libertyip.blogspot.com/2012/08/an-american-debate-beliefs-vs-rights.html. 

The More You Dream...Michael Phelps

“You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get.” 

--Michael Phelps, Swimmer, Most Decorated Olympian! Olympics 2012 London

Love Is A Super Hero...Maya Angelou

Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it destination full of hope.

--Maya Angelou

Undiscovered Leadership...Gloria Steinem

Clearly no one knows what leadership has gone undiscovered in women of all races, and in black and other minority men.

--Gloria Steinem

 

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY provides a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. Today, Leadership Tuesdays continues a series looking at why women are not seeking advanced degrees in business at the same rate as they get other professional degrees. Also the discussion seeks to answer why women are not proportionately represented in senior leadership positions in business.

This past May, I was given the opportunity to talk with Dr. John T. Delaney, Dean of the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, regarding the women empowerment and leadership program I launched in March 2011. The purpose of Women History Makers-DC, MD & VA and Leadership Tuesdays is to:

Highlight and profile women role models in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia who have been trailblazers and pioneers
Provide resources to develop, strengthen and encourage women to pursue leadership
Provide online and offline opportunities for mentoring and motivation that enable women to live better lives.

(See womenatliberty.com for more information.)

Given the low rate of women in corporate senior executive and Board of Directors’ positions in U.S.companies, I decided that I wanted to focus our talk on the representation of women in those areas. I also wanted to find out how Katz is addressing this problem in its MBA and Executive Education programs. Further, I wanted to know if Katz was involved in any partnerships and/or research to 1) explain the cause for the lack of women and minorities in leadership positions; and 2) improve the status quo.

Some of the statistics that informed my conversation with Dr. Delaney came from "Women In America, Indicators of Social and Economic Well-Being", a 2011 Report released by the White House Council on Women and Girls. (See Leadership Tuesdays for the statistics.) As mentioned in his earlier guest blog for Leadership Tuesdays, The Great Business School Challenge Hidden In Plain Sight, Delaney discussed..

For more, click here...

A Relentless Pursuit Of Integrity!

"A person is not given integrity.  It results from the relentless pursuit of honesty at all times."

--Author Unknown

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY provides a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. Today, Leadership Tuesdays continues a series looking at the why women are not seeking advance degrees in business at the same rate as they get other professional degrees. Also the discussion seeks to answer why women are not proportionately represented in senior leadership positions in business.

This past May, I was given the opportunity to talk with Dr. John T. Delaney, Dean of the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, regarding the women empowerment and leadership program I launched in March 2011. The purpose of Women History Makers-DC, MD & VA and Leadership Tuesdays is to: 

• Highlight and profile women role models in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia who have been trailblazers and pioneers 
• Provide resources to develop, strengthen and encourage women to pursue leadership 
• Provide online and offline opportunities for mentoring and motivation that enable women to live better lives. 

(See womenatliberty.com for more information.)


Given the low rate of women in corporate senior executive and Board of Directors’ positions in U.S.companies, I decided that I wanted to focus our talk on the representation of women in those areas. I also wanted to find out how Katz is addressing this problem in its MBA and Executive Education programs. Further, I wanted to know if Katz was involved in any partnerships and/or research to 1) explain the cause for the lack of women and minorities in leadership positions; and 2) improve the status quo.


Some of the statistics that informed my conversation with Dr. Delaney came from "Women In America, Indicators of Social and Economic Well-Being", a 2011 Report released by the White House Council on Women and Girls. (See Leadership Tuesdays for the statistics.) As mentioned in his earlier guest blog for Leadership Tuesdays, The Great Business School Challenge Hidden In Plain Sight, Delaney discussed... 


For more, click here...

*This is not an endorsement of any type of behavior or actions that endeavors to restrict free speech or freedom of religion.