Dr. Lauren Fisher, Del Ray Psych & Wellness/ Del Ray Business Association

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current path, and what obstacles did you face along the way?

I was inspired to be a psychologist at an early age after seeing my mother suffer and recover from clinical depression. Also, people often came to me in high school to share their stories and ask for advice. I really came to appreciate people and the interesting ways in which they experience life. I knew that I wanted to make a difference and this was the way for me. However, I never had a vision of owning my own business, let alone a group practice and wellness center. I was inspired to start my own business because I was miserable working for a narcissist who was unethical and underpaying me. At the time, it was more about necessity than inspiration.  That boss and others stated that I would not be able to "hack it" and that my business would fail. Sure, I had zero business experience, but I knew I could do it with the right amount of drive and support in place. My strong work ethic is part genetics and part environmental, as I had undiagnosed ADHD as a child and I had to work harder than others because school was always challenging. Within recent history, I was inspired to join the board of Del Ray Business Association because I wanted to be more connected to the business community, find ways to "give back," and to keep Del Ray being a really fun place to live. This involvement led me into a leadership role in the association and I am grateful for the opportunities to help our business and residential community flourish. There are so many wonderful people in Alexandria and this city is very special. All and all, it is very hard to live here and not be inspired! 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out in their careers?

Dream big, work hard, and follow your intuition. Don't limit yourself or let anyone else limit you. Find your supporters, cheerleaders, and mentors. Successful and happy people want others to do well too. I also think it is really important to accept the successes, the failures, and everything in between, as part of the journey. Having a vision does not mean that it will occur in the exact way and on the exact timeline that you wish. Honor the frustrations and disappointment, learn from them, and reroute. If career is where you want to derive some purpose (and it may not be and that is perfectly alright too), then honor yourself with a career that is as closely aligned with your values and passions. You will find that motivation, energy, and inspiration flow much more easily when this occurs. 

Q: What do you think makes this town unique or special, and how has it changed over time?

Del Ray is unique because it exudes a "home town" feel even though it is situated in a larger metropolitan area. When you live away from family or home or origin, your neighbors, friends, and community become your support network.  The Del Ray you know today has really been transformed over the past 25-30 years by numerous caring, enthusiastic, and passionate residents and business owners. It truly is the collective energy and spirit of the community that make this such a special place to live. I feel grateful to both live and work here. 

For fun!!! 

Q: What's the last thing you Googled?

Hotels in London; Booking my next travel adventure

Pat Miller, Alexandria Living Legend

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current path, and what obstacles did you face along the way?

I am retired from a very active political advertising and consulting firm -- we were always busy traveling and working in many different states across the US.  Therefore it is very difficult for me to sit still.  I always need to be busy doing something, creating something, helping a cause.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out in their careers?

Do not be afraid to try new and different things.  You never know what might be around the corner!  Take the time to volunteer and figure out what interests you.  Do not be afraid to just jump in and give something new a chance.

Q: What do you think makes this town unique or special, and how has it changed over time?

Del Ray is very unique -- it is a front porch community.  Almost every house has a front porch and these porches are used.  It is the people of Del Ray that brings Del Ray together.  People know when neighbor Gary, who is seven years old, is out walking his dog for the first time -- they all watch to make sure he is OK.  People care about their neighbors and help where needed.

For fun!!! 

Q: What's the last thing you Googled?

An artist that made a public art piece in Alexandria.

Jamila Smith, Carpenter Shelter - Alexandria

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current path, and what obstacles did you face along the way?

My mom—she has always prioritized serving others. After spending the first half of my career in finance, she encouraged me to volunteer at the shelter when we relocated to the area. I was in-between jobs at the time and volunteering to serve at the Front Desk of Carpenter’s Shelter. The Volunteer Coordinator at the time notified me that she was leaving and suggested I would be a good fit for that job. I loved the idea of refocusing my career and skill set on helping others. I applied and got the role. I've now been with the Shelter for five years. I am inspired every day by the kindness and generosity of our amazing community and the strength and resilience of those we serve. Although my previous career was more lucrative, this has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out in their careers?

My advice would be to lead with your values. During my career in both the for-profit and nonprofit sector, I always had the best experiences working with organizations that aligned with my values. During my twenty years in banking management, my best experience was when I worked for a credit union versus commercial banks. I loved all of my roles, because they allowed me to work with individuals to attain their financial goals, and lead and develop teams to do the same. But the credit union's business model is that of a non-profit, which centered the customer experience first. It meant charging fewer fees and penalties and pairing clients with financial products specific to their needs as opposed to focusing on just meeting quotas by any means necessary. As much as I loved working with the credit union, by far my best career experience has been in my role at Carpenter's Shelter. Being in a position to provide direct support to families experiencing homelessness, to affect their lives for the better, has truly been a gift. Prioritizing your values and your passions when determining your career path, in my experience, leads to a much more rewarding working experience.

Q: What do you think makes this town unique or special, and how has it changed over time?

I believe the diversity and the innate sense of community are what make this town unique. Alexandria is centrally located in the midst of a variety of cultural hotspots and magnificent restaurants. It's a nice mix of metropolitan and country, yet with a small-town feel. You truly get the best of all worlds. What I am consistently wowed by is how the community constantly pulls together to help those in need. The generosity and dedication to service is what truly makes Alexandria the best.

For fun!!! 

Q: What's the last thing you Googled?

The last thing I googled was this exact phrase: "the name of the horror movie on Netflix where a group of guys go into the woods for a bachelor party". The answer was The Ritual. My great friend and I were discussing horror movies we enjoyed, and I couldn't remember “The Ritual,” hence Google.

Diana Flores, Founder of ConectandoUs - Westminster

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current path, and what obstacles did you face along the way?

I was inspired to work within the nonprofit sector because I wanted to help people in the most effective way possible, and for me, that meant starting my own nonprofit organization at 18 years old. I founded ConectandoUs because I reflected upon my life story and the stories of those before me and I recognized the disparity of linguistically and culturally inclusive resources for the Hispanic community. As a young first-generation Mexican-American woman, I face many obstacles including stereotypes about my culture, age, and gender. I am often looked at as someone who is doing this work as a side gig when in reality this work is my passion. My whole heart is in it. This is my family, my love, my community. I am so excited for what comes next on this journey. 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out in their careers?

I would advise young women who are just starting out in their careers to find a quality mentor who helps them prioritize themselves, helps support them in advancing their career, and is their number-one cheerleader on the good and bad days. 

Q: What do you think makes this town unique or special, and how has it changed over time?

Westminster is full of light and hope. We work together to create joy and experience it together. This town has changed over time by creating beautiful new opportunities for growth, inclusion, and connection. 

For fun!!! 

Q: What's the last thing you Googled?

Sporadic studying method research 

Tina Thomas, Action for Kindness - Westminster

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current path, and what obstacles did you face along the way?

Entrepreneurship is a fun pursuit and right now worth the risk. After working in both the private and public sectors for decades, the notion that I could create and grow a business and live in line with the philosophy of Ikigai was an opportunity I could not pass up. The biggest challenge to getting where I am was maintaining patience to: gain experience, build a financial cushion, create connections, and prepare for opportunities that were yet to be revealed.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out in their careers?

Be kind to yourself and establish a healthy daily routine. It will be important to rely on when the going gets tough. Find your passion and follow it. Be confident in what you know. Stay humble and keep learning. Constantly build and maintain connections with people who can mentor you, and others with whom you can share your knowledge. Volunteer. Be patient. Know your worth. 

Q: What do you think makes this town unique or special, and how has it changed over time?

The small town charm that comes from being a 19th century railroad town with a main street makes being here feel like home. The motto of Westminster is very accurate: Where history meets tomorrow. There are so many people, and aspects of the town culture, with very deep roots and reverence for the past at the same time there are generations of the population looking to leverage emerging technologies and create a more inclusive forward thinking culture. One can feel the energy of the people on both sides as they/we strive to build a unique balance.

For fun!!! 

Q: What's the last thing you Googled?

The Westminster motto just now to verify that I was correct about it. It suits that I'm a member of the Rotary Club of Bonds Meadow, fact checking as I go is how I roll to be sure it's the truth.

Angie Staheli, Finding Patience: The Musical - Holly Springs

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current path, and what obstacles did you face along the way?

I began theatre acting and writing as a child and continued throughout high school and college. As someone who dances but does not sing, I quickly realized my options in theatre were limited. I would've caught a bus to Broadway after high school if I were a talented vocalist, but since I wasn't, I started gravitating toward directing. I took all of the directing classes I could find in college and found that I loved it as much as acting.  

With degrees in both Theatre and Sociology, I soon discovered that combining the two disciplines would provide the most fulfillment for me. So I started writing local history theatre scripts which utilize history as a sociological tool to build bridges within the community. Directing your own work is thrilling and it's been quite the adventure writing, directing and oftentimes producing my own work. I've also become passionate about film and documentary work to share stories on a broader scale. I continue to act in film whenever possible.

My biggest obstacle has been TIME. Writing about historical events requires a lot of objective research and interviewing. As a mom of 3 boys, I've had to become an expert at multi-tasking and being as efficient as possible, while staying open to creativity. You will likely find me writing while everyone else is snoring ;). 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out in their careers?

No one can take YOUR place. You will have ideas, insight, experience and perspective that no one else will have. You have the capacity to make unique contributions toward anything you choose to do - never underestimate this or compare yourself to other people's journeys. Your brilliance lies in the fact that there is only one YOU. Use that and don't be intimidated by others. Learn from them, but never let it make you doubt your own place at the table. 

You will never regret keeping your priorities in order and balance in life. It will always feel like a juggling act, but it's worth it. There really IS a season for everything and some seasons will feel out of balance, but always be strive to find it again. Never let your dreams become more important than people. 

Burnout is real. Make time for quiet and peace. Do things for the right reasons. Some of the most life-altering work you will ever do will not be attached to money or prestige. Seek after experiences that truly matter. 

Q: What do you think makes this town unique or special, and how has it changed over time?

There is something special about Holly Springs that most people can't quite put their finger on. I would say that it's been made up of people who on the surface may have seemed ordinary, but their integrity, dedication, hard work and passion made them extraordinary. The everyday heroes of Holly Springs have made the town what it is today. I am consistently inspired by the history of the Black community of Holly Springs, whose impact and influence can be felt in every facet of Holly Springs. 

For fun!!! 

Q: What's the last thing you Googled?

Panera gluten-free options - ha! 

Liz Simpers, President of the Wake Forest Area Chamber

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current path, and what obstacles did you face along the way?

Since I was in elementary school, my dad had me volunteering in our small town community of Kennett Square, PA flipping pancakes for the rotary club and serving coffee at the senior center. He was also the reason I decided to run for Wake Forest Town Commissioner in 2017. After those four years in office, I still wanted to find a way to give back to my community and when the opportunity was presented to me from the Wake Forest Area Chamber, I couldn't believe I could be able to do this work full time!

I started with the Chamber in February 2020, weeks before COVID officially challenged the way we operate as a business community. How could the Chamber, a social organization connecting people, stay relevant when we weren't allowed to be social or connect? I am fortunate to work with many progressive thinkers, and we as a Chamber have come out stronger as a result of what we have learned from the past three years. The good news? People still want to connect, and always will! I am just so blessed to lead an organization that gets to facilitate that work.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out in their careers?

Take the job that suits you! Often times we put on a different face when interviewing, but you don't want to get into a line of work that isn't your passion or your gift. When I lost re-election for Town Commissioner in 2021, I was devastated and crawled into a hole for a few weeks, but that afforded me the opportunity to take the role as President of the Wake Forest Area Chamber. Sometimes the thing you want is replaced by the thing you need!

Q: What do you think makes this town unique or special, and how has it changed over time?

People say it about Wake Forest all the time, but it's truly a small town with big opportunities. I have been here for just seven years, and even in that short time I have seen things change for the good. Yes, there is a lot of development and progress happening right now, but I think we remain connected with each other in spite of all the growth. 

I love that I work downtown on White Street, and can walk to our bank or our hardware store and I always see someone I know. It is truly a gift to work in such a loving and supportive community. Wake Forest has embraced me and my family in ways that I have not experienced since I was growing up as a kid!

For fun!!! 

Q: What's the last thing you Googled?

"How to create two columns in Google Slides." And it's not easy...actually, I never figured out how to do it. But before that? It was probably a YouTube video on how to fix something around the house!

Marcella Nelson, Volunteer extraordinaire

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current path, and what obstacles did you face along the way?

When I graduated I had 5 job offers in Bonners Ferry. The Manager of the Employment Office talked me into taking that position. I became the Manager after 3 years and 16 years later transferred to Sandpoint. I decided to stay in this career because l liked helping and working with people. You won’t believe the obstacles in those years for a female in management. Thankfully that has improved considerably.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out in their careers?

Advice for young women is to choose a career that gives them satisfaction and makes use of their unique abilities.

Q: What do you think makes this town unique or special, and how has it changed over time?

This town is unique and special to the people who live here. It is also filled with gifted folks in the arts so provides many artistic amenities that small towns rarely have.

It has grown so much that we have less neighborly contact.

For fun!!! 

Q: What's the last thing you Googled?

The last thing I googled was an answer to a crossword puzzle.

Shawn Keough, Former Idaho State Senator

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current path, and what obstacles did you face along the way?

I believe that actions are important to create positive momentum and the work I've done and continue to do is in an effort to make positive differences for people and our community. The obstacles came and can come from a variety of places but each one enables me to see and consider different viewpoints and possible solutions I hadn't thought of.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out in their careers?

Focus on the positives, know that you can always offer something - big or small - and collaborate with others along the way.

Q: What do you think makes this town unique or special, and how has it changed over time?

Sandpoint and our surrounding area is geographically beautiful and when I moved here in 1978 everyone I met was very welcoming and friendly. As our area grows we must work to maintain our friendly and welcoming natures and learn to respect divergent viewpoints civilly and in a way that keeps our area a positive place to be.

For fun!!! 

Q: What's the last thing you Googled?

Travel to Key West! 

Debbie Love, Bonner Community Food Bank

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current path, and what obstacles did you face along the way?

At this point, in my journey, I have found that I am my best self when I am helping people. There are always obstacles in anything that we pursue - but know that we all make mistakes, learn from them, and move on. 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out in their careers?

Keep your head down and keep at it - never stop learning. Your hard work will pay off! Seek out people and environments that empower you to be nothing but yourself. 

Q: What do you think makes this town unique or special, and how has it changed over time?

Our town is special in that we are surrounded by natural beauty, and our generous community makes us unique. The change that I have seen is the growth that we are experiencing and with growth comes need.

For fun!!! 

Q: What's the last thing you Googled?

Actually, funny cat videos! Ha! 

Carrie Logan, Former Mayor of Sandpoint

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current path, and what obstacles did you face along the way?

Being a "child of the sixties" I very much felt a calling to public service.  My work career was in social services and towards the end of that I decided to try my hand in service to my local city government serving on planning and zoning commission prior to being elected to two terms on city council including two years as mayor.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out in their careers?

Set your goal as high as you want!  Be diligent and as educated as possible to achieve your goal.

Q: What do you think makes this town unique or special, and how has it changed over time?

I arrived in Sandpoint in 1989 to a town with very different demographics from today.  Our town has grown, the county more so and newbies are injecting their ultra conservative beliefs into our area and trying to say this is how it was in bygone days!  Not so!  Sandpoint particularly has a live and let live attitude.  People were generally nice and kind.  I see those characteristics under assault.

For fun!!! 

Q: What's the last thing you Googled?

Directions in Mexico!

Jamie Johnson, Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current path, and what obstacles did you face along the way?

I never had a mentor, and past bosses had no interest in helping with my growth as a professional. This led to years of feeling non-worthy of bigger opportunities, even as I pushed myself to self-learn all I could and jump at any opportunity to overcome this feeling. Surprisingly, it was actually Covid that changed everything. I pushed past my fears and self-doubt and opened up my own business. This then led me to The Solana Beach Chamber where I succeeded in turning around the profitability of the business and making the Chamber an organization our members can be proud to be a part of. This also led me to finally see my value and potential.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out in their careers?

Find groups or individuals that you feel you can learn from and that will build you up. LinkedIn is a great way to search and identify who will be a good fit for your goals and personality. I am also happy to be contacted!

Q: What do you think makes this town unique or special, and how has it changed over time?

Solana Beach is a gem that is the pride of the local community. Besides the coastal feel, what makes it unique is the walkability of the downtown and the local shops, restaurants, and other small businesses that make up the Cedros District, the 101, Lomas Santa Fe, and the surrounding streets.

For fun!!! 

Q: What's the last thing you Googled?

Hours for the Pillbox Tavern

Chiqeeta Jameson, Culver City Neighbors Magazine

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current path, and what obstacles did you face along the way?

Before I took on the responsibility of creating from scratch and becoming the publisher of Culver City Neighbors magazine, the micro-targeted local Culver City publication, I did my research for almost two years. After speaking to many residents and local business owners about this idea and discovering that local print targeting does work, I committed to my mission of creating a monthly publication that is informative, positive, and educational and with the absence of negativity, politics, and controversy. 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out in their careers?

Always take responsibility for your decisions, your actions, the words that come out of your mouth, and how those words will affect the person or persons you deliver them to. Own this concept and your life will open up to many wonderful possibilities. Blaming others is always a waste of time and energy. 

Do the right thing for the right reasons and your heart will be lighter and others will gravitate to you. They will trust you.

Do your research and learn what careers are available. When you find a career that captures your interest. Go for it. Learn all about it. Most importantly, make a commitment to the work. Seek advice from a mentor who is a success in their position and learn all you can from them. Ask what their experience was when they first started this career and what did they do to get to where they are today.  

Make mistakes. That's how you learn. When you fail, know that you are one step closer to where you want to be so don't be afraid of failing. 

If the "work" brings you joy your passion for it will develop. If the work gets hard, stick with it anyway to determine if the benefits outweigh the alternatives. If they don't, then it is time to ask, "Is this career fulfilling? Am I making a difference? Am I right for this position and is this position right for me? Only after giving something the best you have to offer, will you discover the true answers.

Q: What do you think makes this town unique or special, and how has it changed over time?

Culver City, CA used to be a blip in the LA area that you felt you needed to get through as quickly as possible. This was not a city you wanted to call your home. Today, Culver City is still a small town of 39,860 residents and a more than desirable place to live. The average 900 sq. ft. home now sells for 1.8M. This is the home of Culver City Studios where Gone With The Wind, It's A Wonderful Life, and The Wizard of Oz, were filmed. Sony Studios, Apple, Apple +TV, and Amazon Prime call Culver City "home" as well. We are a close community where the residents care about their neighbors and local events are well-attended. Culver City is a charming small town where many artists, musicians, and techies have made their home. 

For fun!!! 

Q: What's the last thing you Googled?

United Airlines

Wendy Hamill, Culver City Education Foundation

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current path, and what obstacles did you face along the way?

My mother was involved in social justice and environmental issues when I was a kid and I think that influenced me to want to make a positive impact in the world. I get so much satisfaction out of being a "do-gooder"! I have been very fortunate to enjoy many different types of jobs along the way. I started out in the investment banking field, which was very male dominated at that time. Luckily, I had some amazing women as early mentors who really showed me how to be confident in what I had to offer.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just starting out in their careers?

For me the saying that "When one door closes another one opens" has been very true. Don't get discouraged when things don't go according to your plan. And be brave and trust your gut when you feel it's time to make a change.

Q: What do you think makes this town unique or special, and how has it changed over time?

Culver City is a gem of a community with a small town feel despite being surrounded by Los Angeles. I love running into people I know everywhere around town, and that generations of families grow up and stay here. We have access to all the amazing cultural offerings of the big city, and also the beach! Our local restaurants are incredible and the downtown area has such a fun vibe. With a strong school system, it's a great place to raise a family. The biggest change is that Culver City has been "discovered" and is now recognized for all it has to offer.

For fun!!! 

Q: What's the last thing you Googled?

Elvis movie Oscar nominations