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By Felix Hoover
For YourNewColumbus Posted 05-12-09
How to move forward in tough economic times was at the core of this
year's Personal and Professional Development Retreat for Women of
Color.
The fourth annual event, presented by the Women of Color Foundation,
was held on Monday, May 11, at The Columbus, A Renaissance Hotel
"The retreats are valuable because we don't normally have a venue
where we can share our challenges," said Alexandria Johnson Boone of
Cleveland, chairwoman and founder of the Women of Color Foundation.
The foundation co-sponsored the event with National City, now a part
of PNC.
One of the participants, Rita Yates of Aubris House of Clean Inc.,
said her residential and business janitorial company tells a tale of
opportunity.
After being laid off she didn't let circumstances bog her down.
"God gave me the tools to know how to clean since I was a child, so I
started a business,: she said.
She has built the operation to serve 60 businesses, and since starting
the venture in 2001 has cleaned more than 3,000 homes, she said.
Sessions were held on financial management, resume writing and a host
of other skills needed to adjust to change, especially after job loss
and financial crisis.
Several women gave testimonials on how they coped with tragedy and
found success at homne and in the work place.
The following awards were presented during the luncheon program:
2009 Stephanie Tubbs Jones Courage Award
(Given annually to extraordinary women in recognition of their
tireless efforts on behalf of all women)
Stefanie Steward-Young, National City, now a part of PNC
Debra S. Moore, National City, now a part of PNC
Barbara Smith-Allen, Columbus State Community College
Mary Lawrence, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections
Outstanding Corporate Sponsor Award
Barbara Smith-Allen, Columbus State Community College
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