The Motherlode Spring 2024: Women at the Helm

Women are underrepresented on the golf course. Despite the sport being a great opportunity to build relationships and cultivate business, most of us ... are intimidated by it ... I decided to find a solution: Golf Clinics for Women Who Don’t Golf. Women WANT to be on the golf course, but we want to do it in a safe and supportive environment. In 2023, 100 women attended my clinics. This year, I’m making plans to double the number of clinics. I’m really excited to see all of the growth these women experience as they support each other in this stereotypically male arena. “ - Ellen Shirey, CPFA™, CDFA®, CFP® Partner, Murray, McGehrin & Shiery

Life is short. That is not just a statement but a fact. We do not know what tomorrow holds, and today is all we have. Heck, the rest of the day is not promised. Live passionately, boldly, and true to your authentic self. You will find love, purpose, and passion. You don’t have to seek it. What is for you, is for you, it will find you. Start the business, take the trip, go to the concert, and seek ways to be the light and an inspiration to others around you.

I would tell my younger self to take more risks. I was always apprehensive about taking a job that would make sure that I could save some money or make sure I could pay rent. And I wish I had taken more risks, maybe had two jobs or something to have an enjoyable experience. And then, when I was working in more professional jobs, I am glad that I took those kinds of risks and said yes when someone allowed me to do something new or a new assignment, and I would keep doing that over and over and over.

- Crystal Young Owner, Memories on Wayberry Consignment

- Christine Anderson Chief Administrative Officer, Anne Arundel County

About 10 years ago, I was working with women artisans in Rwanda and Haiti on product development, trying to help them increase their business by introducing their products to boutiques and gifts shops around the U.S. I noticed that we didn’t have any fair trade shops in Annapolis, and it was a dream of mine to open a shop where I could connect our community with amazing artisans across the world. When a storefront became available on Maryland Avenue, ... I jumped at the chance to open my store there!

So I took the leap actually, a long time ago when my dad took me out on the Chesapeake Bay at a very young age. He was the Sunday Sun Magazine photographer at the Baltimore Sun and his favorite shoots and mine were on the Chesapeake Bay. And we got to go out to Chesapeake Bay marshes at sunrise and sunset. And that moment inspired a love of the Chesapeake Bay that continues into today.

[I would tell myself] to be true to yourself, and to understand and realize your true passions and motivators. It is easy to get swept up in other’s expectations and what they think you can and should do. Your voice is important. Listen to it. “ - Michelle Bruno President, Children’s Theatre of Annapolis

- Shannon Riesenfeld Owner, Mango & Main

- Hilary Harp Falk President and CEO, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

SPRING 2024 | 55

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