My memory of joining Women of Today is being in the Easton Town Hall in a dark cold room in March 1998. There was a very small article in the Easton Journal which invited women (me!) to the meeting about the potential of starting a chapter. We had met a few times and Eileen Murray and other members encouraged 5 of us to take the next step and charter the Easton Women of Today. At the time I joined the Women of Today I was engaged, had recently moved to Easton and knew one person in my town. I wanted to meet people. That was my entire goal in joining – to meet people.

Those of you who knew me then would say that Women of Today has really changedme. Iwasmuch quieter; I hated to speak in public; I was more of a follower than a leader. The Women of Today has given me so much – the opportunity to meet people in my town and develop a wonderful network of friends, to serve my community and to serve in leadership roles that have benefited my personal confidence and my career. Being able to serve as both my chapter and State President allowed me to develop leadership skills. When applying for a managerial position with no industry managerial experience, I was able to explain that I was the leader of a dynamic group of individuals working to positively impact our communities. When asked about projects, I was able to talk about helping to start the Greater Attleboro Women of Today, chair fundraisers and help in my community (I did indeed get the job). The public speaking at National Conventions, State and local meetings forcedme to speak in front of people. Now I am able to conduct training classes of up to 50 people and not feel like I am going to faint. Inmany ways I would say that I have “grown up”with theWomen of Today – I am now married and have three beautiful daughters; I work full time and I am more confident in myself.

I am really honored to have become the 125th recipient of the Ambassador award. I cannot thank enough everyone who supported me on this journey. Thank you to my chapter for giving me so many opportunities. Thank you to my friends for recognizing my contribution and being there for more when things were rough. Thank you to the Ambassadors and former State Presidents who guided me when I took the role of State President. Thank you to the National Staff who support us. It is everyone who has worked on a committee, completed a project, served on an E-board, solicited a donation and been a friend who makesWomen of Today what it is.

Where will the Women of Today take you? What can you become? Take advantage of all of the opportunities that you have – become a leader in your chapter, take a State or chapter position you never dreamed you could do – you cannot imagine where this may take you. You can grow as an individual, make new and lifelong friends, find a better job… and maybe even receive the highest honor you can imagine.