Roundtable Members
Roundtable Members
Jean Hedges
Loan Officer
Over three years ago Jean Hedges recognized the power in what is now commonly refered to as networking as one of the most powerful tools available to a woman seeking to maximize her potential in the marketplace. She imagined a place where like-minded women in business could meet, join together to support one another and grow personally and professionally. Out of Jean’s vision, groups of women began meeting at weekly Coffee and Contacts events in their local business communities. Monthly Power Lunches were added to bring members of these chapters together at a central location to hear acclaimed educational and motivational speakers. Evening events called Cocktails and Contacts extended cross-chapter opportunities to enjoy one another’s company and further expand one’s influence. And thus, Women’s Power Networking was born.
Professionally, Jean has enjoyed a 10 year career as a top producing loan officer and now leads Team Hedges at PrimeLending. She is the author of The DARE Journal and founder of The Dare System – is a simple, systematic approach to overcoming the obstacles that stand between your dreams and your reality. Jean holds a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and sciences, a master's certificate in business management and is a licensed teacher who is known for founding one of the first charter schools in the country in 1994.
Marilyn Shannon
Personal Coach
Dialogue Inc. and ReEnchant Planet Earth
Marilyn is a wife, mother of 5, founder of Dialogue Inc. and ReEnchant Planet Earth, Co-Founder and National Director for Women's Power Networking. Dialogue is Marilyn's private coaching and mediation practice, and ReEnchant is a mission to restore the beauty and wonder in life by encouraging logical and heartfelt action. Women's Power Networking, a North Carolina based women's business group with 23 chapters, expanding across the US, supports women globally while helping them grow personally and professionally. Marilyn is a Superior Court mediator and has nationally presented workshops related to listening and communication.
Eileen Batson
Marketing and Public Relations
As a publicist and owner of Batson Group Marketing and PR for 20+ years, Eileen works with individuals, and small and medium size businesses to help them be well known, well thought of and well remembered. She is the PR Director for Women’s Power Networking; consults, holds workshops and speaks on public relations, social networking, marketing and blogging. In 2005, she moved to Raleigh from Los Angeles with her husband, award-winning songwriter and author, Jon Batson. Contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (919) 327.5021. Visit her website www.BGMPR.com
Nancy Bolts
Marketing Consultant
She is a veteran advertising professional with over 30 years of experience at the world’s largest advertising agencies where she directed campaigns for Shell, Huggies, American Express, Hardees and Pepsi. Her work has earned her multiple awards for marketing effectiveness including a gold Effie, two David Ogilvy Awards, an Echo and being named Media Director of the Year by the American Women in Radio and Television.
Leslie Flowers
Personal Growth Facilitator
A personal growth facilitator, Leslie is a master trainer in Carnegie’s principles of success, emotional intelligence, and is a motivational speaker. Her Style & Mindset® program is designed to promote self confidence and a sense of style in schools and inner cities. She is a founding board member for Grow And Share, a nonprofit dedicated to communities growing food for local citizens, and was selected as a 2010 Woman Extraordinaire delegate and 2011 Movers and Shakers winner by Business Leader media.
Pepper Oldziey
Web Design/Search Engine Optimization
Peppergraphics Design Studio and Positively Spherical
A New York City native, Pepper has been a professional designer for 40 years. She attended Parsons School of Design in New York, holds a BFA in Graphic Design and an M.Ed specializing in Educational Media. She has worked in Corporate Identity, University Publications Design, as a Magazine Art Director, a Textbook Designer, and is currently specializing in Web Design and Search Engine Optimization. She was awarded a " 'Webby' 2006 Official Honoree in the Non-Profit Philanthropic Category" for her website development for an educational foundation. Her freelance design business has been called "Peppergraphics" since 1969, and her online portfolio website is Peppergraphics.com Her newest venture is a collaborative team called PositivelySpherical.com specializing in web design, web presence management and Search Engine Optimization.
Mary Jo Sheerin
CPA, M.S.T.
MJ Sheerin, CPA, M.S.T
Mary Jo is the founder of MJ Sheerin, CPA, M.S.T.. She is a Certified Public Accountant, has a Masters of Science in Taxation, and a real passion for helping women owned businesses grow and prosper. MJ Sheerin, CPA, M.S.T. offers Accounting, Taxation, and Business Consulting Services. Among the Taxation services offered are the preparation of Individual, Business, Property, Sales & Use tax returns. Among the Accounting services offered are Financial Statement Preparation, General Ledger Consulting and Payroll consulting services. She specializes in working with individuals and small-to-medium sized businesses. The primary focus of MJ Sheerin, CPA, M.S.T. is to assist other women owned businesses grow and prosper while providing superior tax and accounting services!
Alicia Veit
Holistic Massage & Bodywork Therapist
Healing Arts, Relaxation Station
Alicia’s main focus in her massage & bodywork business, Infinite Serenity, is to help clients achieve balance in their lives. She does this through a variety of massage techniques, reflexology and Qi Gong classes. She is committed to educating her clients about the benefits of therapeutic massage in improving health, controlling stress & helping in achieving a balanced lifestyle. She also enjoys working with hospice patients and in company health programs. She serves clients at Relaxation Station, Wake Forest and Cameron Village, Raleigh. Alicia is the organizer of the Morrisville chapter of Coffee & Contacts and is on the membership committee of Women In Networking Wake Forest. 919-622-3568
Barbi Saunders
Virtual Admin
Another You Virtual Assistance
Barbi Saunders, a native of Boston, is a highly skilled independent contractor. She founded ANOTHER YOU! Virtual Assistance on the strong principle of business partnering, and collaborating with entrepreneurs to build resources, achieve goals and realize growth and profit. As the owner, Barbi takes pride in the ability to give her customers the personal service they deserve. Her 35 plus years of administrative and secretarial experience is evident in her work. As Barbi strives for perfection, she offers her clients “the best of the best” by serving them professionally and with courtesy and prompt attention. We all have “24 hours” in a day, let us be your 25th. You don't have to sacrifice your "free time", you do have Another You! Visit the website at www.anotheryouvirtual.com or call 919-261-0010. Barbi is the Event Director of Women’s Power Networking and the Co-organizer of the Knightdale Chapter of Coffee and Contacts.
Lynn Cummins
Realtor/Broker
Prudential York Simpson Underwood
Lynn Cummins, REALTOR®/Broker, ABR, CRS, Prudential York Simpson Underwood Realty, specializing in residential sales in Cary/Apex, Durham and Chapel Hill. Member of North Carolina and National Associations of REALTORS®, Council of Residential Specialists and Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council. BS/Math Bowling Green State University. Lynn has lived in the Triangle area since 1988, has three grown children and granddaughter, and enjoys backpacking/hiking on the Appalachian Trail and singing with the Choral Society of Durham.
Renee Groom
Independent Consultant
A New York Native, a wife, mother of two sons and has 3 grandsons. Worked for IBM for 15 years, a mortgage broker for 8 years, retired from JCP after 5 years and is now an Avon Representative. I am a Unit Leader with Avon and have a team of representatives that I work with to help them achieve their dreams and goals. As an Avon Representative I sponsor a Vendor Expo every month at the BNC in Cary featuring a Charity organization each month! I am the Event Calendar Liaison for the East Cary Chapter. I have been an Ambassador for the Cary Chamber for 9 years and am proud to support them in their efforts to help grow our community. I am a Notary Public for the State of North Carolina.
Meg Russell
Broker-Mgr/Realtor
Green Luxury Homes Group, Allison James Estates & Homes
The Director of Special Projects for WPN as well as a 2011 Women Helping Women Expo Co-Chair, Meg is the regional Broker-Manager for the fist-ever Raleigh -Cary office of Allison James Estates & Homes, cited as the nation's greenest brokerage. She advocates sustainable choices in housing including Energy Star/LEED homes or remodeling to save on utilities, reduce greenhouse gases and maintain the greatest competitive resale edge. Her skills are backed by 20+ years of real estate analysis and a strong builder team to assess her clients' purchases.
Meg is an Accredited Luxury Homes Specialist, Green and Ecobroker Certified, Accredited Buyer Representative, Certified Short Sale/Foreclosure Resource, US Green Building Council and Luxury Home Council member, a VP of Cedarbrook Construction, the Bluffs of Greenview HOA Webmaster and is a proud supporter of the Humane Society, SPCA and St. Baldrick’s Foundation for childhood cancer research. 919-795-5973 or Toll Free 800-882-7752
Kathleen Peden
Lecturer, Motivational Speaker
She owned a profitable Amway distributorship, a gourmet deli, a daycare, and a modular company. She’s been a web designer, a top-selling realtor, and an adjunct professor of Marketing & Management. She holds a master’s degree in business administration. Her one-hour production on Marketing aired on public television. As motivational speaker, Kathleen has presented to audiences of up to 6,000 people. Kathleen is a lecturer, speaker, teacher, entrepreneur, mother of four & grandmother of two.
Vicki Parks
Repair, Maintenance, & Relocation
Our family business is based in Repair, Maintenance & Relocation. We have over 40 years combined experience in the field. Our services include everything from Electrical, HVAC, & Carpentry, to Space Planning, Move Coordination and Downsizing. I love working with the older population and one of my specialties is Retirement Transitions. With so many families now spread across the country, many in their retirement years don't have family nearby to lend a hand when it's needed most. Give us a call and get started on those home projects that you have been putting off. office 919-533-6610 cell 919-636-1636
Joanne Dahill
Certified Doula
Joanne supports women living in Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding North Carolina communities during pregnancy. Offering childbirth and new parent education classes, and fertility, preconception, prenatal, labor-stimulation and postpartum massage as well as labor support as a birth doula, Joanne provides continuity of care throughout the childbearing year. Calm Birth ~ Hypnobabies Hypnosis for Childbirth ~ HUG Your Baby ~ Baby's First Massage In addition to supporting women in the birthing year, Joanne maintains an active massage therapy practice for both men and women. With over 25 years of experience, she is able to tailor each session to meet the individual needs of her clients. NC lic# 548 contact number 916-698-9110
Ronica VanGelder
Window Treatment Professional
Ronica's Custom Creations is an award winning window treatment design and fabrication studio dedicated to making ideas and plans become reality to beautify the home. By attending educational seminars and trade shows, Ronica keeps up with color trends, designs, and fabrication techniques. Memberships in the Custom Home Furnishings network and the WCAA, as well as the Window Fashions Certification Program, provide educational opportunities and contacts with colleagues.919-266-9705
Melissa Reynolds
Gift Professional
Melissa is the Organizer of the Brier Creek Chapter, the Coffee & Contacts Ambassador Director, and one of the Vice Chairs for the Business Alliance Rally. Melissa is a Gift Professional, she helps individuals, and businesses become well thought of through the use of gifts and incentives. She consults with her clients about their needs, and shows them the best options that gift collections will allow, whether for an individual or a corporate event. Since there is no shopping or guess work involved, Ribbon truly is the Gift of Choice, purchasing a gift is simple, perfect and enjoyable all at the same time, choosing a gift collection based on your budget or occasion could not be easier. Melissa attained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Ramapo College of New Jersey, relocated to North Carolina in 2009 with her husband, and is currently pursuing her Masters in Education with Strayer University. 919-426-8078
Nancy Davison, PT, LAc
Licensed Acupuncturist, Physical Therapist
I combine traditional acupuncture, physical therapy and zero balancing to reduce your symptoms show you how take control of your health on a physical, mental and spiritual level. Since stress is an underlying component of many physical and emotional symptoms, you can appreciate one-on- one attention in a private, quiet setting. Since I believe we are as young as we think, I offer monthly workshops to reinforce that idea in addition to cosmetic acupuncture. I received my Physical Therapy & Masters of Public Health at UNC-CH and completed my Masters in Acupuncture in 1999. In addition to WPN, I enjoy Inside 919, N Raleigh Leads Group and Unity Church or Raleigh.
Laurie Levin
Health Coach
Laurie Levin Health Coaching
LAURIE LEVIN helps people create optimal health and wellness. She has been studying and training people all over the country for almost 2 decades. What began as a mission to improve her own health and her family’s, became a career change after 25 years in corporate America. She now helps people make healthy choices so they can create optimal health and reverse the damage caused by everyday stresses and unhealthy diets. Laurie specializes in weight loss, nutrition and stress reduction. She is a Certified Health Coach with Take Shape For Life and Certified Health Coach and Educator in nutrition. She is also a Licensed HeartMath(R) Stress Reduction Provider and has trained people all over the U.S. to reduce and eliminate stressful reactions to life's challenges, no matter how challenging. Laurie has an MBA and loves helping busy people create health and wellness for themselves and family members. 636-233-3330
Michelle "Shellie" Lempert
Commercial Real Estate and Jewelry Design
Community Investment Corporation of the Carolinas (CICCAR)
Personal Website www.shellielempert.com
Shellie graduated from Michigan State University in dietetics and has worked on the finance side for commercial real estate ever since. She runs a multi-million dollar servicing system for CICCAR, a subsidiary of the North Carolina Banker’s Association that finances Low Income Housing Tax Credit multifamily and senior housing developments in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. She is a LEED AP and a member of Triangle USGBC. Shellie designs unique pendants on the side.
Chiara "Claire" Idhammar
Culinary Arts Food & Beverage
Culinary Delights Cooking Class
Born Italian, studied in Paris at the Sorbonne and married to a fine Swedish fellow, I have traveled much of the world and enjoyed cooking wherever I went. In Paris, cooking in my two restaurants was a passion for me. I believe artful food celebrates your passion for living. I am looking to share my knowledge and provide fun and memorable culinary experiences by creating deliciously fun cooking classes.919-349-3264
Cindy Prince
Loan Officer
Cindy Prince is a Cary native. She has had the pleasure of serving her community as Mortgage Loan Officer for the past 30 years. Cindy chose Starkey Mortgage as her lending partner because they share the same core value system. They believe customers always come first, no if ands or buts! Cindy states her goal is to educate, guide, and provide the proper loan programs to her clients. Cindy can not do every deal but she is forthright, honest and believes in coaching customers so they can one day own a home.
Cindy also serves as Co-Director of Membership for Women’s Power Networking. She loves Women’s Power Networking and is dedicated to growing the organization. Cindy can be reached at (919) 354-3105 office, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or CindyPrince.com.
Jessica Sabatini
Dating and Relationship Expert
After years of enjoying a successful life coaching practice, Jessica turned her attention to her true passion, helping single women find REAL LOVE. She’s always been the one her girlfriends called for advice about love and relationships. Not only because she seems to have an uncanny sense of understanding men and what they sense and believe, but also because Jessica will tell you the truth in a kind, supportive way (with a lot of humor thrown in). Through studying relationships and human behavior for more than 20 years, Jessica discovered there are reliable steps to creating Real Love in anyone’s life. Jessica Sabatini is the for-real, down-to-earth, funny, fun and wise go-to woman for do-able, tried-and-true relationship advice.
Jessica Sabatini is Organizer of the Heart of Durham Chapter where she delights in helping female business owners connect and support each other in growing their businesses with joy and sanity.
Jessica Kuse
Dermatological Skincare
Jessica Kuse is an entrepreneur, team builder, leader and independent consultant with Rodan + Fields Dermatologists. She loves helping people love the skin they are in and build their confidence to follow their dreams. Rodan + Fields offers clinically proven treatments for anti-aging, sun damage, blemishes and sensitive skin. Jessica’s background as a Professional Engineer, certified public manager, mediator, trainer, and program manager prepared her to lead teams nationwide. 919-368-8154