Throughout 2024, the Dayton Daily News featured several women in business leadership in the local region. They were each asked:
What advice do you have for women growing their careers?
Below are their responses.
Carrie Mann, VP, business banking relationship manager with Fifth Third Bank:
“Work hard, ask questions, avoid drama. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind.”
Jessica Gaston, senior financial manager at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base:
“Take risks while giving yourself grace. You will hear the word ‘no’ many times before you get to ‘yes.’ But a ‘yes’ is waiting for you. Just believe in yourself — you don’t have to be perfect to win.”
Deb Meyer, director of purchasing at Norwood Medical, LLC:
“Work hard, enjoy life and support the women you meet, professionally and personally. It is still a struggle in business and women need to mentor and be advocates for the women beginning their careers.”
Hadley Williams, account executive with Elements IV Interiors:
“When I started my career, my grandma wrote me a card that said ‘Work hard and make us proud.’ If you get up every day, work hard, and do that right thing, I truly believe that all will work out. There will be challenging times in your career and you will be forced to make tough decisions, but trust your gut and stay the course. I love being an advocate for women in the workforce, and truly believe in growing the next generation along the way. It is crucial to be that person for others along your journey.”
Kathryn Karmeris, director of human resources at JYG Innovations:
“It is important to have a diverse professional board of directors who are familiar with business practices and mentorship. Seek out mentors, colleagues, and acquaintances that will inspire you and discover your potential. Don’t ever feel like you are alone, ask for assistance and advice and remember that one person cannot be successful without having a team. Always be aware of your own potential and lead with confidence. Continue to learn and grow throughout your career; take the class, attend the networking event, obtain the certification and join seminars.”
Pamela Rigling, operations manager at Back to Business I.T. powered by the Greentree Group:
“Belong in the room you are in. Own the space and know your worth. Spend less time doubting yourself and more time taking risks. You are smarter than you think you are and more competent than you believe yourself to be. Choose to be positive about change. Set aside ego and stop fearing failure. Work hard. Lift up the people around you. Don’t give up any part of your goals because someone else tells you they aren’t possible. It’s okay to leave work at 4:30 so you can make it to football practice on time. Reach out to the many amazing women in this community for connection, support and empowerment — we are cheering for you and we want you to succeed.”
Heather Corbin, SBA director, senior business development officer at CityWide Development Corporation:
“Be confident in your abilities and remember that you don’t need to know everything about a position to pursue it and be successful. Mentors are invaluable, you don’t need to be an island of one.”
Cindy Garner, executive director of Clothes That Work:
“There are opportunities everywhere to challenge yourself, to grow as a leader and to make a difference in your community. I have found that taking advantage of every learning opportunity is food for my soul. I love information and gathering knowledge that will make me a better person and leader. I encourage other women to do the same and use all of the resources available to grow and educate yourself.
“We are so fortunate to have places like Aileron that provide leadership training; cohorts like Empower, Leadership Dayton and Generation Dayton that offer leadership and networking opportunities through the Dayton Chamber; University of Dayton has a women’s leadership program as well as many more — all of these resources are located right here in the Dayton area for anyone to experience opportunities for professional growth.”
Jeannette Horwitz, Welcome Dayton coordinator in the city’s Dept. of Planning, Neighborhoods & Development:
“Career growth takes time and persistence, and it is important to be strategic about it. Seek out ways to improve yourself, develop new skills, take on leadership opportunities, engage in professional development, consider how you network and look for mentors who can help you navigate challenges. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to try something new.”
Hope Reger, executive director of Grief 2 Hope:
“First, you are enough. Second, Don’t be afraid to take a chance on an opportunity. We miss so many opportunities because it might not be the path we see ourselves in. Third, never settle on your dreams, hopes and beliefs.“
Carrie Dorger, owner of Spavia Austin Landing:
“Stay focused, set goals and be accountable. You are in control of your careers. There will be hiccups along the way but don’t give up.“
Maria Perez, CEO of EzKin Company:
“Be confident in your abilities and take ownership of your career and actions. No one is coming to do it for you, so don’t wait for opportunities — create them. Network actively and advocate for yourself, because you never know who might support you in return. When setbacks arise or you feel like you are overwhelmed, learn from them, figure out an effective way to ask for help and keep moving forward.”
Dr. Elizabeth Eckhart, owner of Modern Eye:
“Connect with your peers in the field. While it’s natural to see other businesses as competition, many are willing to offer valuable advice. Fellow entrepreneurs have likely faced similar challenges and may have already devised innovative solutions. By reaching out to others in your profession and community, you can gain fresh insights and support. An outside perspective can also help you view problems and solutions from a new angle.”
LaShawn A. Graham, Dayton Public Schools:
“My advice to women growing their careers is to embrace both patience and persistence. Growth doesn’t always follow a straight line, and sometimes the most valuable experiences come from unexpected paths. Be open to learning from every role you take on, even if it doesn’t seem like the “perfect” step toward your end goal. Every position builds skills and insights that will serve you later on.”
Ashley Scharrer, president of Moonlight Security, inc.:
“Always believe in yourself and if a company does not see your worth, it is time to move on. Take the risk.”
Johanna Hartley, Messer Construction Co.:
“As someone who is still growing their career, I have two pieces of advice: One, let your voice and ideas be heard. Ask to be part of meetings so that you can have a seat at the table. Be an active individual contributor. Create systems that make your organization even better and share with your team.
“Two, build a network of cheerleaders. Network with leaders in your organization. These may be the individuals recommending you for a promotion one day. Connect with other professionals in your area. Dayton has many professional organizations to assist, such as the Dayton Chamber of Commerce.”
Michelle Lovely, The Dayton Foundation:
“Always be open to meeting new people and doing things that are uncomfortable. One thing I have found through the evolution of my career is that it is ok to not have my entire career timeline planned out. Some opportunities, like The Dayton Foundation position for me, may find you when you least expect it. It was not on my radar at the time, but it’s been a perfect fit.”
Kelly Gray, Hot Head Franchising dba Hot Head Burritos:
“Become an expert in your chosen field through education and mentorship. Women especially need to time block their day, which includes a little block for yourself. Block time for your work, your family and for you! If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others. Put your oxygen mask on first.”
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Are you a women in leadership in your business or know someone who is and deserves the spotlight? Email details for consideration to be featured to Editor Mandy Gambrell at mandy.gambrell@coxinc.com.
About the Author
Mandy Gambrell is the Managing Editor of Verticals & Audience for the Dayton Daily News and Cox First Media, overseeing Lifestyles, Entertainment, Arts & Culture, Food, and Homes/Real Estate.
