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Published by bbmccully, 2017-11-14 16:47:31

CYFEN Newsleter October 2017

OCT_2017_Vol14_issue_1

Keywords: CYFEN ABWA

October 2017 | Vol. 14, Issue 1

CYFEN News

Cy-Fair Express Network

A League of the American Business
Women’s Association

Inside this issue: Forever Top Ten

Letter from the President ...............2 ABWA named Jessica Smith, Assistant Vice President of
National Conference ......................3 IBERIABANK, one of the Top Ten Business Women of the
FHPW & Chamber of Year. The Top Ten Business Women of ABWA is a national
Commerce .....................................4 program that honors 10 outstanding members for achieving
Members in the Community...........5 excellence in career, education and community involvement.
Harvey visits and
Shield Bearer News .......................6 Jessica Smith is a branch manager at IBERIABANK. She has
CYFEN Executive Board ...............8 been in the banking industry for 15 years with a passion for
assisting local small to medium size businesses and seeing
The mission of the American them grow. Her strengths include providing excellent client
Business Women’s Association is to services and building long lasting relationships with her clients.
Jessica spends a lot of her time also volunteering in her
bring together businesswomen of community to help educate, guide and lead others both
diverse occupations and to provide personally and professionally.

opportunities for them to help While a current student at Texas Tech University, a firefighter’s wife, mother of two amazing kids
themselves and others grow and a full-time banker, she manages her roles day in and day out to serve as an active member of
personally and professionally through the Cy-Fair Express Network of the American Business Women’s Association (CYFEN), a
leadership, education, networking secondary active member of Women Empowering Women Express Network of the American
Business Women’s Association (WEWEN), a financial literacy volunteer for The Women’s
support, and Resource of Greater Houston, and an advisory council member of the Lone Star College Small
national recognition. Business Development Center which are all located in the community in which she lives.

“Being named as a Top Ten is an extraordinary honor on many levels,” says Jessica Smith,
IBERIABANK. “ABWA has helped me both personally and professionally to gain the confidence
needed to face everyday situations. Being a leader in my career, a role model for my children,
going back to school, and giving back to my community are just a few of the many.”

132

CYFEN NEWS October 2017 | Vol. 14, Issue 1

Letter from the President Welcome our Newest
Members!
Dear CYFEN Members, than Harvey relief, seemed in poor taste. The
board made the difficult decision to cancel Sandra Bienko
#CYFENSTRONG: To say the first quarter of the our September luncheon, and resume our Dazzling Premier Creations
2017-18 year has been met with unprecedented flight pattern in October.
challenges would be an understatement. Just as Joan Deasy
our new flight crew was settling in for what was Our CYFEN members did not allow Harvey Premier Design
expected to be a smooth flight, our plane was to crush our joy, however! The Federation of
forced to make an emergency landing in the Houston Professional Women held their Kimberley Clark-Idoux
towns of Hunker Down and Wait. That fateful day Women of Excellence Gala on September KCI Enterprise
was Friday, August 25th, just one day after our 16th. We honored Nicole Travis, CYFEN’s
first CYFEN luncheon of the new board year. Woman of Excellence. We filled 2 tables with D’Ann Gummelt
members and their guests to honor Nicole. A Splash of Sass
On August 24th, our membership voted in favor of Although we had to change the date, Cathy
the new budget, the revised Standing Rules, and Conrad and Kristin Severson organized the Verna Noack
the ABWA Proud Code of Conduct. Our VP of Meet the Board Happy Hour for September Reach Unlimited
Membership inducted 2 new members, and we 21st at Azul’s Italian Restaurant. Members
were mesmerized by the verbal tones of Toni joined the fun. Debbie Berry and Stacy Isola, (New members joining at end of
Harris as she taught us how to network and do Co-chairs of the Mentor Committee, held a quarter will be visible on ABWA
business. I would be lying if I said we were 100% New Member Orientation on September 22.
engaged, as we knew the calm before the storm The committee was present and welcomed member list next quarter)
was reaching its peak of silence outside. At the Verna Noack and Teresa Barba. Because
end of the luncheon, we said “Good bye,” “Good September 22nd was ABWDay, members rebuilding and making an even better
luck,” and “Be safe!” to our CYFEN friends and posted selfies at work on Facebook. Finally, place for celebrations. Our members are
family. Angela Altamuro and Rebecca Ward, our rebuilding their own homes, as well as the
Hospitality Co-chairs, organized a Vision homes of their affected relatives. One day
Not only did Hurricane Harvey dump his woes Board Workshop set for October 5th. Fun at a time is the motto of the month. Our
over our streets, he flooded our neighborhoods times were had by those who attended. All October luncheon gave members a new
and countless businesses, leaving a path of proof that nothing stops an ABWA member perspective on sisterhood, love, and
destruction like no other. Harvey stole our joy. from learning and growing, ever! education. Members who attended
Our 2018 ABWA National Top Ten Jessica Smith National Conference gave testimonials
and several members planned an exciting October could not come fast enough; our and answered questions. Seven members
program for our September luncheon. It was to focus was on a normal routine and National told the audience what they learned, what
be a swanky fashion show to raise funds for our Leadership Conference in Lancaster, PA. their favorite memories are, and why they
CyFair Educational Endowment. Unfortunately, Little did we know the impact the warm are looking forward to conference in
our faithful venue and other venues large enough reception from our ABWA sisters would have Augusta. We ended the luncheon with a
to host such a hot-ticket event were tackling their on us. Our first timers, Kristin Severson and discussion about APEX Campus and
own misfortunes caused by Harvey. And frankly, Angela Altamuro, discovered the power of Business Skills Tuition Reimbursement.
raising funds at that moment for anything other the ABWA sisterhood in its full glory. Not only And our 2018 ABWA Top Ten Woman
did we share tears and receive hundreds of gave her speech. This time, as we all said
hugs, we received high fives for what our Good-bye to each other, we left knowing
members did for the community in the we have grown immensely over the last
aftermath of the storm. As I perused two months.
Facebook, I found our members cutting
sheet rock and tearing out flooring, and As your President, I look forward to
serving displaced people in churches and helping each one of our members learn
convention centers. I saw the joys of cooking and grow through our education and
and delivering barbecue. Not once did our recognition programs. Our budget was
members hesitate to help where needed. As developed to allow more money for
conference attendees listened to our stories, education and recognition, and I intend to
I’m sure they would agree our use every penny of it to help our members
#CYFENSTRONG t-shirts we proudly wore grow.
were on point.

Returning to a sense of normalcy is how I
would describe October. A new Executive
board is finally becoming comfortable with
their duties. Our faithful meeting venue is

21

CYFEN NEWS October 2017 | Vol. 14, Issue 1

ABWA National Conference

LANCASTER, PA (October 11-14, 2017) CYFEN sissy Jessica take the stage and
be honored for all the work she has
Several CYFEN Members traveled to accomplished and see her become a Top
Ten Forever! When signing up for National
Lancaster, PA to attend the 2017 ABWA’s Conference you decide on a track to take
and I chose Women Leaders of the 21st
National Women’s Leadership Century. Our teachers were amazing and
made the course very fun with break out
Conference. Each businesswoman took discussions and dance breaks. They had
us find a conflict that we are struggling with
away something unique. in our business or personal life and we
walked through how to find a solution to
This was not only my first National this conflict. It was so helpful to get
Conference but the first time to travel to feedback from my fellow ABWA sisters and
the Northwest. I have been to three finding ways to resolve the conflict. –
regional events and was very excited to Kristin Severson.
see what National was all about.

The conference started with the
introduction and announcing the 2018
American Business Women of ABWA, I
was so nervous and excited to watch my

“Take Flight with ABWA!” What a great 2018 National Board and for our District II home to integrate into my life.
theme for this year! As I traveled to my 3rd Vice President. There were 3 candidates
conference with Kristin Severson, Michelle running for the DVP II and after a run-off, As I packed my bags to come home to
Becker, Angela Altamura and Jessica Charlotte Osbourne won! The new National my awesome family and friends, I
Smith, the theme truly showed through. Board was installed that evening at the realized that I can “Take Flight” and
Jessica Smith was named one of the TOP second part of the Annual meeting with our spread my wings to become even better
TEN Forever Winners. I was honored as past DVP II, Julie Burch as the new National as a wife, mother and friend! - Nicole
the CYFEN Woman of the Year for ABWA Vice President. The outgoing National Travis
and our league won the coveted Best President, Vanessa Willis was an amazing
Practices Level 1 award again! This was president this past year. Friday –We were I have been a member with ABWA for
an inspiring weekend of teamwork, eager to get to our Woman of the Year/Top several years. This was my first
leadership and friendship! The conference Ten Recognition Luncheon! Jessica Smith conference to attend, being able to first
began Wednesday evening with Rene was on stage and we heard her amazing hand celebrate the amazing
Street introducing Kathryn Knotts as the speech on how she has gone back to school accomplishments of my fellow
2018 Top Ten Woman of ABWA. This is as a wife, mother and manager at Iberia CYFEN/WEWEN sisters. During my
such an amazing honor to watch as all Ten Bank! Her own mother and daughter flew in courses, I learned the importance of
of these women are honored on stage. On the day before to be a part of the weekend of defining different leadership styles.
Thursday we voted for our new 2017- honors. I was also honored as the CYFEN Where I am at and where I would like to
Woman of the Year. Thank you for all the be. And also understanding truly how
amazing support throughout this journey! our brain processes information, holds
Friday night is our big night! We were on to it, but we are in control more than
presented with CYFEN’s Best Practices we realize was my favorite part. I have
Level 1 Award for 2016- 2017. So proud to already used the hand holding
be here representing our membership! technique a couple of times.
Congratulations to all our members for
making the commitment to be the BEST! I I look forward to attending the next
definitely learned a few things in the three conference. I have to say, as a new
days of sessions that I can bring attendee, the building of bonds with
fellow sisters was the best part. –
Angela Altamuro

123 October 2017 | Vol. 14, Issue 1

CYFEN NEWS

Federation of Houston Professional Women

HOUSTON, TX – (September 16, 2017) The 2017 Women of Excellence
Awards Gala was held at Norris Conference Center on September 16th.

Professional women from all areas of Houston were honored for professional

and personal achievements in the community. Nicole Travis was honored as CYFEN’s 2017 Woman of Excellence.

Monday, October 23rd was the last H and 7 years at Memorial Hermann, she reports on the Gala and on the FHPW
Educational Foundation.
quarterly meeting of the year. FHPW was asked to take over the Hispanic The 2018 FHPW Officer Election was held.
The slate was presented and accepted by
President, Dr. Jackeline Gascon-Webb Chamber of Commerce. In 10 years she acclamation. The new Board members are:
President – Gail Prather; President-Elect –
called the meeting to order and introduced has taken a struggling Chamber to the Liz Cloud; Vice President – Gracie Bradford;
Admin. Secretary – Donna Mitchell;
her board and recognized the Women of largest Hispanic Chamber in the country Recording Secretary – Judy Never;
Treasurer – Michelle Barnes; and Past
Excellence who were in attendance. and one of the largest Chambers in the President – Dr. Jackeline Gascon-Webb.
(by Nicole Travis, Texas Select Realty)
country. Her message woven throughout

The speaker was Dr. Laura G. Murillo, was about People – Passion –

President & CEO of Houston Hispanic Persistence.

Chamber of Commerce. She is also the

Founding President & CEO of the Greater Business matters addressed:

Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Approved the July Event Minutes,

Foundation. After a 15 year career at U of Accepted the Treasurer Report, and heard

Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce

CYPRESS, TX (September 19, 2017) - Academy pilot program with Lone Start For those who attended the October
This year is about "Opportunity for All", Chamber of Commerce luncheon were lucky
says Mark Henry, Ed.D. There are College-CyFair in 2017-2018 at to hear from US Congressman Michael
116,023 enrolled students in the Cy-fair McCaul. Mr. McCaul updated us concerning
ISD as of today, which makes this district Cypress lakes HS. The program will allow ISIS, North Korea, and affairs here in the
the third-largest in the state and the 22nd- US. Four members of the Cy-Fair Volunteer
largest in the nation. students who earn diplomas Fire Department received honors for their
heroic work rescuing flood victims as a result
School facility construction is booming in in 2021 to graduate with an associate degree of Hurricane Harvey. (by Michelle Becker,
2017, as CFISD continues to make Shots for Holly)
efficient use of taxpayer-approved bond from LSC-CyFair. The
funds.
CFISD is taking college readiness to Lone Star College Dual Credit will cost
another level with a College
around $72, where Lone Star

College will be double that cost. More than

17,000 students took

advantage of AP courses in 2016-2017,

while more than 6,000 earned

deal credit college hours. (by Michelle

Guerra, MichelleGuerra.com)

CYFEN NEWS October 2017 | Vol. 14, Issue 1

Business Card Roulette

“Business Card Roulette” is a great way to meet fellow CYFEN members in a one-on-one setting. Members who want
to participate drop their business card in a bucket at the beginning of the meeting. Each participating member pulls
out a card and contacts with the person whose card was pulled. This means each month members have the
opportunity to meet with two other members, whether it be over a cup of coffee, quick lunch or even a glass of wine.
This has been very successful and popular with everyone!

Meet the Board New Member Orientation

On September 21 a ‘Meet the Board’ Happy Hour was held to New Member Orientation was held on September
introduce the new CYFEN Board. Members were able to visit 22 at Azul’s Italian Kitchen. Welcome to CYFEN
with board members and get to know them better with games, Verna Noack and Teresa Barba!
light bites and of course a little wine.

21

CYFEN NEWS October 2017 | Vol. 14, Issue 1

Hurricane Harvey brings us together

HOUSTON, Texas (August 26, 2017) In Our CYFEN sisters and families were
the morning hours of Saturday, August more than eager to help in any way
26th, Category 4 Hurricane Harvey moved possible. From shelter, to clothing, to hot
into the Houston area. No one could meals delivered, to counseling for
foretell the widespread devastation complete strangers that became our
Harvey would bring to the area in the friends through this process of recovery.
coming days, weeks and even months. #houstonstrong
Throughout this tragic event, area Texans
bonded in a way like never before.

Shield Bearer Counseling Centers

Shield Bearer Counseling Centers would
like to thank those that have sponsored
breakfasts during the last quarter.
Deborah Bracken - August, Debbie Berry
- September, and Amanda Walker -
October for sponsoring breakfasts for this
quarter.

Also thank you for Hope After Harvey
donations. Because of your generosity,
we were able to reach hundreds of
families with clean up supplies, trauma
counseling, and Psychological First Aid
workshops.

On October 10th our Celebration of Hope
Awards dinner was held. Congratulations
to American Business Women’s
Association (CYFEN and WEWEN) for
being the 2017 Community Organization

CYFEN NEWS October 2017 | Vol. 14, Issue 1

Thank you to the following member advertisers! For more information
about seeing your business card on e-blasts and quarterly newsletters,
contact the VP of Communications.

12 October 2017 | Vol. 14, Issue 1

CYFEN NEWS

2017 – 2018 Executive Board Installed Changing
Women’s
CYPRESS, TX (July 24, 2017) – The newly Severson – AireServ of Northwest Houston – Lives…
elected CYFEN Executive Board was installed Past President; Dr. Michelle Becker – Shots for
at the July 24 luncheon. Julie Burch Trachea Holly – President; Cathy Conrad – Action Serving on the Board of
was present for the installation. ABWA’s “Take Specialties, LLC – VP of Marketing/PR; Kerriie Directors or on a Committee
Flight” theme was used a Saeger – Plexus Worldwide – VP of Programs; may be just what the doctor
Sonja Rucker-Hines – Amegy Bank – ordered to start you on your
Pictured left to right are Diana Saufley – Keller President-Elect. Not pictured is Patty Bergfiled leadership journey! If you
– Cruise Planners of Cypress – VP of are ready and willing to
Williams – VP of Communications; Robin Outreach. serve your CYFEN sisters,
talk to any of us!
Haynes – Robin Haynes State Farm – VP of
Patty Bergfield
Membership; Michelle Guerra – Expo Chair

Debbie Berry,
Stacey Isola
Mentor Chairs

Rebecca Ward
Hospitality Chair

(A new slate of chairs will
begin August 1)

MichelleGuerra.com – VP of Finance; Kristin

ABWA’s Proud Code of Conduct Dr. Michelle Becker
President
1. All members will serve as goodwill ambassadors for the American Business Women’s
Association. Cathy Conrad
Newsletter Editor
2. Members will not allow their personal beliefs and convictions to interfere with the
representation of ABWA’s mission. Cy-Fair Express Network
P.O. Box 1473
3. Members will always treat their member colleagues, guests, vendors and sponsors with
honesty, respect, fairness, integrity, responsibility, kindness, and in good faith. Cypress, TX 77410

4. Members will maintain compliance with ABWA National, Chapter and Express Network [email protected]
Bylaws.
ABC Chapter of the
5. Members will not use their personal power to advance their personal interests. American Business
Women’s Association
6. Members will strive for excellence in their professions by maintaining and enhancing Visit us online at:
their own business knowledge and skills, and by encouraging the professional
development of other members. www.cyfen.org


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