Amazing Women!

Since Mother's Day just came and went, I decided that this blog entry would be about some of the amazing women in my life.  Granted, I have known too many to mention, but here is a short list of those that I will never forget.   

The first woman who comes to mind is someone who endured tragic loss and hardship while raising four young children.  She lost the love of her life suddenly and without warning.  It was up to her to cope with the sadness and raise her children as best she could.  I cannot imagine overcoming such loss, dealing with the grief, and yet being responsible for four young lives.  She is the most important woman in my life-my mother.  Words cannot express the love and admiration that I have for her.  She is a strong and loving mother who raised us in a loving family.  Thanks to her there are two other women to mention.  My sisters Cheryl and Mary who both did their part to help my mother cope, and now have families and careers of their own.

Chris's mother, Mary Ann, comes to mind next.  She did an extraordinary job raising four children who have all become successful.  Mary Ann is one of the most loving, caring, and welcoming people that anyone will ever meet.  She gives 100% of her heart and soul to her children and the people in her children's lives.  Her heart goes into her family, and her career.  She will talk to everyone around her and make them feel welcome.  Quick to hug and quicker to say the words I love you, that’s Mary Ann.  She is one in 1 million!

Each of my brothers are married to women who excel in their careers and still manage to raise kids that are smothered in love.  I can't help but acknowledge my older brother’s wife Pam for standing by his side through some very tough times.  She embodied dedication and commitment.  Also Ashley Hakaim, my niece and the youngest out of everyone that I will mention, but with the  skills and personality to reach beyond her wildest dreams!

I have been lucky enough to work with many brilliant women.  Powerful because they overcome the odds that society places against them.  My CST team at EA is teeming with examples, but Carrie Fowler, Cristina Kerekes, Sandy Beardsley, and Christine Cicchi never cease to impress.  Each have mastered their profession and stand in support of their teammates ensuring that the entire team and company wins.  What makes this group so special is that I have only met one of them in person, yet they have all impacted my life!  While I am on the topic of Electronic Arts, I have to mention Denise Christie-Caputo!  Before coming on site at Firemonkeys our only interaction was over the phone and via e-mail.  I knew then that she was a powerhouse, but now that I work with her on a daily basis and witness her in action I am in awe!  She's passionate, extremely intelligent, and yet the first one to mentor and share her knowledge.  You just have to see her in action!  In all seriousness, the entirety of EA is one hell of a team.  I can write pages upon pages that just speaks to the sense of team.  Its incredible!

Liz Smiley, Dana Weldon, and Vivien Young, whom I worked with at Landmark Education, saw to it that I realized my own potential and completed each task that I started.  Back in the day that was no easy task!  Without Jodi Schwartz, who cheered me on and helped me overcome my fears, I might have never completed the training necessary to become a staff member at Landmark.  When it comes to recruiting,  I owe Marilyn Rebman, Maria Barton, and again Christine Cicchi, for their patience and mentoring while I was just learning the industry.  Their training and ongoing support allowed me to learn the necessary skills that eventually led to my job at Electronic Arts.  

I can’t finish this blog entry without mentioning Deirdre Bowdish who never ceases to amaze me with her business savvy and warm smile.  She knows more about me (good and bad) than I care to admit!  Last, but certainly not least, are my two newest friends Tanja and Cynthia.  Your stories of strength and perseverance changed my life forever.  

The moral of my story here is that the women of our world, or at least my world, deserve more than just a day’s worth of recognition.  This is my attempt to acknowledge just a few of the women who impacted my life, and its my way of saying THANK YOU!    

Whoever it was that coined the phrase, "Its a man's world", surely never knew any of you!

PS-  Deirdre, I didn't spell check or grammar check, so lay off! :)