#WomenWednesdays | March - April 2020 Recap

Erin Trybulec • May 19, 2020

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Over the last two months, we have had the opportunity to collaborate with a community centered organization and an incredibly talented make-up artist. Additionally, we also had the opportunity to sit down with one of our newer team members.

Be Sure to Support Our #WomenWednesdays Collaborators with their social media links ⬇️

Margie | Home of the Sparrow | McHenry, IL

#Repost from Home of the Sparrow's Faces of Homelessness Series (Shared with permission)

Instagram: @homeofthesparrowinc

Facebook: Home of The Sparrow, Inc.

Website: Home of the Sparrow

“When Margie arrived at our Home of the Sparrow shelter, she was out of work and without a home for herself, her daughter and a baby that was on the way. She had been staying temporarily with friends, but her instincts told her it was no place to bring a new life into the world. Not long after settling into the shelter and amid the support and joy of those around her, Margie gave birth to a healthy baby boy. With one milestone behind her, she put into motion a plan to create a better life for herself and her family.

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To better understand what it would take to become independent, Margie participated in the Thursday night financial classes at Home of the Sparrow. She also met with Home of the Sparrow career counselors to assess her skills and to identify job opportunities that would fit into her schedule. Margie was able to find part-time work at McDonald’s while taking classes in the Nursing Program at the McHenry County College. She completed the program and two weeks later was working part-time at a nursing home. She is now settled into her own two bedroom apartment. Her future plans are to return to college to continue her education in nursing.

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Today, Margie is like every other single mom who is trying to juggle work and home life. She is extremely optimistic, and this resilience has carried her through tough times. But it was her clarity that allowed her to recognize when to seek help. And she is grateful for the motivation and support of Home of the Sparrow staff, who helped her transition to the beginning of a new life. • When asked: ‘What does ‘home’ mean to you?,’ she responded: ‘A place of stability, security, and family.’"

Aneta | U.S. Water Heating Solutions

Human Resources Administrator | Since December 2019

Instagram: @uswhpro

Facebook: @uswaterhs

USWHPRO: Is there a woman who inspires you?

Aneta: A woman that inspired me is my mom. She is gentle, kind, loving, patient, and never raises her voice.

USWHPRO: What inspired you to make the career change into the HR field?

Aneta: I changed my career into the HR field to be challenged and to grow in a new area. My favorite part of the job is research and to learn labor law regulations. I also enjoy interviewing and learning about new candidates that I talk to.

USWHPRO: What is your favorite thing about working at U.S. Water Heating Solutions?

Aneta: My favorite thing about working at USWHPRO is the ability to be a part of a team that has the same core values and vision as I do. It’s a privilege to be part of a company that believes in you, helps you grow and learn in a very fast paced environment.

USWHPRO: Have you faced adversity as a woman in business? How were you able to overcome it?

Aneta: I have faced adversity as a young woman. My family and I have moved several times. We lived in 4 different countries and the ability to thrive in different environments has made me into the woman I am today. As a businesswoman, I am thankful because I view it as a positive and valuable learning experience.

USWHPRO: Do you have any advice for other women interested in shifting their careers and/or interested in the HR field?

Aneta: My advice for other women who are interested in shifting their careers is to PURSUE IT WITH PASSION! Life is about taking risks and learning from them.

Lydia | Home of the Sparrow | McHenry, IL

#Repost from Home of the Sparrow's Faces of Homelessness Series (Shared with permission)

Instagram: @homeofthesparrowinc

Facebook: Home of The Sparrow, Inc.

Website: Home of the Sparrow

“Lydia was in her seventh month of pregnancy, and became homeless due to a domestic violence situation. With no family able to support her, she was grateful to find comfort, support, and security at Home of the Sparrow. She delivered her healthy baby daughter, but staff members noticed that she began to struggle with postpartum depression. Staff at Home of the Sparrow met and developed a plan to ensure that all of Lydia’s needs were met, including the baby’s needs. Lydia participated in intensive case management and community support that included mental health services, referrals to medical providers, crisis assessment, employment support, and linkages to community resources and daycare. She also attended our parenting and financial budgeting classes.

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Home of the Sparrow places a strong emphasis on employment. The staff prepared Lydia with employment assistance, but it was her diligence in seeking a job, that paid off when she obtained a full-time employment at a local market. Lydia’s case manager noticed that Lydia began to smile for the first time! Lydia lived her new job, and began to show joy and pride in her position. Her job marked the end of her postpartum depression and the beginning of independence, as her self-esteem and sense of self-worth continued to grow.

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Lydia was always loving and attentive toward her new baby. Consistent support and encouragement from staff helped Lydia see that she was fully capable of taking care of herself and her daughter.

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After carefully saving most of her paychecks, Lydia was ready to move out of the shelter into her own housing after only six months! She now shares an apartment with a close friend, and now enjoys a full life of self-sufficiency.”

Dayna | Gals and Ghouls | Lake Orion, MI (+ beyond!)

Co-owner of an on-location makeup artistry company that offers bridal, beauty, special effects, body painting and more!

**Be sure to scroll down for a preview of the Gals and Ghouls portfolio!

Instagram: @galsandghouls

Facebook: @galsandghouls

Website: Gals and Ghouls

USWHPRO: Is there a woman who inspires you?

Dayna: Ve Neill is a makeup artist best known for her work on Beetlejuice to Pirates of the Caribbean, Mrs. Doubtfire and more! Other than being a phenomenally talented artist she worked very hard to make her place in the makeup world that was dominated by men. There is just something about her that I’ve always looked up to!

USWHPRO: What inspired you to start Gals and Ghouls?

Dayna: I have my master’s in social work but always had an interest and love for makeup, but it had always been a hobby. After graduate school, I was in a bit of a dark place and decided to do something truly for myself, as self-care, and started going to school for makeup. There I met my now business partner, Meghan! We became friends and constantly joked around that we should start a business together. After graduating we got serious and did just that – thus Gals & Ghouls was created!

USWHPRO: Have you faced adversity as a woman in any of your work experiences? How were you able to overcome it?

Dayna: We have been very lucky in our business and have only received love and support!

USWHPRO: Do you have any advice for other women interested in starting their own businesses?

Dayna: My advice for other women interested in starting their own business is to never give up! I won’t lie and say that owning your business isn’t hard, even when you are doing what you love. I will say that it is worth all the blood, sweat, tears!