Three diverse, professional women who excel in their careers are being highlighted by the 2018-19 Women’s Success Series. Dover Schools Superintendent Carla Birney kicks off the series on Nov. 2, followed by Tracy Stevens, External Affairs Manager for Dominion Energy, on Feb. 1, 2019, and board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist, Dr. Chinyere Orafu, on April 5, 2019. Each session is held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Kent State University at Tuscarawas. The cost to attend each session is $15 when paid in advance and $20 at the door. The fee includes a continental breakfast.
The Women’s Success Series is designed to inspire women of all ages to succeed personally and professionally. Each year, the leadership series features three dynamic women who have enjoyed a measure of success in Tuscarawas County. This innovative leadership program is intended to be a catalyst for the women of our community to think differently about success and themselves as well as a catalyst to think differently about how they live, work and play in Tuscarawas County. The sessions also include networking opportunities and a book discussion. The November 2018 book selection is Braving the Wilderness, by Brené Brown, and is available at any Tuscarawas County Public Library.
“Each year we select three outstanding women who will make a positive impact on our audience by sharing their own success stories. In doing so, they inspire our audience to move forward in their own lives and careers,” commented Wendy Zucal, director of Dennison Railroad Depot Museum and one of the Women’s Success Series founding organizers. “This is the eighth year of programming for the Women’s Success Series. Our audience is comprised of women of all ages and from all walks of life, which creates an interesting mix and leads to dynamic and thoughtful discussions. The women encourage each other, and everyone learns something new during the program.”
This year’s first speaker is Carla Birney. Driven by her passion for children and learning, Birney leads the Dover Schools staff and community as superintendent. Originally hired as a kindergarten teacher in 1989, this year marks her 31st year working with Dover students. Throughout the years, she has also been the elementary curriculum coordinator and assistant superintendent. Her top priority as superintendent is watching Dover students succeed in the classroom, in fine arts activities and on the athletic field. Birney is currently working with district employees, community members, architects and construction managers to build a $47.9 million modern learning environment for Dover high school students.
The Women’s Success Series is sponsored by Dennison Railroad Depot Museum and Kent State Tuscarawas in collaboration with Carlene Farms, Tuscarawas County Public Library System and the Economic Development and Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas County.
Other organizations contributing to the Women’s Success Series are: Claymont Health and Rehabilitation; Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital; Dominion East Ohio; First Federal Community Bank; First National Bank of Dennison; Goodwill Industries; Muskingum Watershed Conservancy; District Rodriguez’s House of Stones; Trinity Hospital Twin City; Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce; and What’s Cooking Café.
In addition to Zucal, planning committee members include Adria Bergeron from Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, Debbie Ellwood from Kent State Tuscarawas, Connie Finton from Carlene Farms and Michelle McMorrow Ramsell from the Tuscarawas County Public Library System.
Registrations are limited to the first 100 participants. Registration is now available online at www.facebook.com/WomensSuccessSeries. For more information or to register, contact the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum at 740.922.6776 or email womenssuccessseries@dennisondepot.org. Registration deadline for the November 2nd session is Oct. 26.