The Motherlode Spring 2024: Women at the Helm

Connecting people to people is my favorite thing. When I exited my acting career, I was extremely fortunate to fall into a membership role with a local Chamber of Commerce. That sparked my love for leveraging networks and resources to serve the local community.

What made me take the leap was COVID-19; I witnessed my community suffer. A lack of resources made me feel that I needed to be out there and bring them what they needed. I opened a Facebook group based in Annapolis for the Latin community, and I started posting essential information about the virus, food pantries, or any other resources that they could get their hands on.... I translated it into Spanish and brought it to the group.... I connect people to whatever they need in my community.

I was working for a law firm where I was primarily managing most of the day-to- day tasks. Since I knew how much I was earning compared to how much clients were paying for my hourly rate, I decided it was time to take the leap to go out on my own instead of continuing to build someone else’s business.

- Kris Valerio Shock President & CEO, Leadership Anne Arundel

- Ethel Leon Wirth Founder & Administrator, Se Fuerte Annapolis

- Cary Jacobson Founder and Managing Partner, Jacobson Family Law

As a young single mom who has climbed the ladder from the bottom, the drive to become a leader stems from the desire to provide a better future for my child and myself. Nobody else was going to do it for me! The challenges I’ve faced have instilled in me a resilience and determination that fuels my ambition in my career.

- Catherine Brady Director of Marketing and Business Development, Annapolis Town Center

It is such an incredible feeling to witness the “a ha!” moment when instruction and practice finally clicks for a child who has previously been unable to read. They are so excited and suddenly want to read whatever they can get their hands on. I love when our tutors get to experience their students’ success and pride after working so many hours together.

You will never be able to please everyone - so stop trying! When I was younger, I let it really affect me if a client was unhappy, or we got a bad review. It came with experience and maturity to learn to say no, and fall back on the long list of happy customers and wins when things went wrong.

I was offered an unexpected opportunity and decided to embrace the challenge. My leap was more about seizing the moment and recognizing the potential for growth and fulfillment in that unplanned opportunity.

- Kristen Rowell

- Ashley Franz CEO, Even Keel Wellness Spa, Sunburst Tans, and Forever Linked by Even Keel

Owner/Executive Pastry Chef, Sweet Hearts Patisserie

- Jo Ann Mattson

Executive Director, Start The Adventure in Reading (STAIR) Annapolis

Photo Credit: DANIE Photography

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