Inspirational Women Series #5 - Deidre Tavera

This month another truly inspiring woman who's passion is deeply rooted in improving peoples' lives as well as communities.  She says she has seen first hand the affect one person can make...

She is currently holding a director position with many responsibilities  and has a loving and supportive family - read below her story, her philosophy and how she juggles it all...

Can you give me a few sentences describing your current job and your prior experience as a non-for-profit consultant?   

I am currently Director of Strategic Planning and Development for Hartford Public Schools where I oversee institutional advancement activities including strategic and program planning, internal communications, district events, as well as, fund development and grants management. Prior to joining Hartford Public Schools, I owned a management consulting firm and, over an 8 year period, worked with over 30 diverse nonprofit organizations facilitating planning and designing implementation recommendations related to board governance, strategy, fundraising, operations, and organizational design.  Perhaps my most formative work experience in the nonprofit sector took place at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts where, over a 15 year period, I worked in various areas of the organization including marketing-communications, education, human resources, finance, programming, facility and general operations.

You have worked in non-profit for over 20 years - what drew you to this sector initially and what has kept you there?

My undergraduate degree is in psychology and through both my studies and my community activities during college (e.g. Big Brothers/Big Sisters) I became increasingly interested in the work of non-profit organizations because of the impact they have on people’s lives and the larger community. I just knew that in order to feel fulfilled, my work would need to align with my values and contribute to society in some way.  In addition, my parents both worked in education. My mom was a teacher and my dad an elementary school principal. Their work was very important to them and I saw firsthand that one person can make a significant difference in their communities.   

What do you see as the current opportunities (and/or needs) in your specific not-for-profit sector?

I am so very fortunate to be a part of the exciting school reform work at Hartford Public Schools.
Hartford Public Schools is one of a small group of districts across the country that has undertaken a comprehensive, strategic and bold reform effort to turnaround a poor performing district and significantly improving student achievement. Clearly, there is a major need in our country to focus our attention and resources on education – especially urban education. I believe that this needs to be a national priority not only for our children today but for the future health and success of our country.   

Which have been your most rewarding projects and why?

There are so many…I really like working on team-based projects.  There is nothing better than scoping out a challenge or opportunity to pursue with a group of staff members, colleagues or volunteers. Over a period of days, weeks or months, you can see the team form into a cohesive unit and successfully move the project forward.  In my early career, I served as a project leader on a community-wide fundraising event to raise awareness and support for local AIDS organizations.  Working with a diverse group of arts organizations, artists, community leaders, community based and faith organizations, and several local unions to pull off a major musical and theatrical event was one of the most challenging projects I have ever worked on. On that night when dancers, musicians, and actors came together to celebrate our community and to change perceptions about people with AIDs – it was worth it all!

What resources helped get you where you are now?

I have always been blessed to have wonderful mentors in my life. Most have been women and served both as advisors and friends. As a result, I now mentor young women when I have the opportunity. I think it is very important to help others maneuver through the world. It is incredible how much we learn over the years and this knowledge can be helpful to younger professionals. 

What do you find yourself doing during down time at work?    

I have three children, Kate (19), Evan (15) and Emma (11) – spending time with them and my husband, Frank, is where you’ll find me during off work hours.  I also volunteer and currently serve as Chair of the Women and Girls’ Fund of the Main Street Community Foundation in Bristol, CT and President of the St. Michael’s College Alumni Board.

What is your motto or a philosophy that you live by?

“Whatever it takes…”

How do you balance being a wife, mother and professional?  Any tips?

 
Exercise for stress relief and energy, sleep at least 7 (prefer 8) hours a night and have a supportive spouse/significant other/confidant who can help keep you in balance. Oh, and a good cup of coffee every morning!

Inspirational Women Series #4 - Andrea Ferry

I've had the pleasure of knowing Andrea for some years now.  I met her through my sister who she use to work with.  Andrea is an immediate inspiration to many of us who have known her.  I really enjoy her enthusiastic personality and energy for life.  Andrea is driven and tough yet personable. She was perfect to interview for this series.  After reading a bit about her, you'll see why...

·        You currently work in finance at Lincoln Financial Group – can you tell how us long you’ve been there and a bit about your position?    

I have been working for Lincoln Financial Group for 13 years and have had several positions ranging from customer service to sales to relationship management. My current position involves managing projects for the relationship management team.  My team works with consultants who help plan sponsors (institutions) look for the best fit for their retirement (401k/403b) plan.

·        You also were a national level figure competitor and ranked powerlifter in the past.  Who or what inspired you to participate and compete in this sport?

When I was 26, I met a man (Fairfax Hackley) who worked with Arnold Schawrzenager back in the past and said I had the shape for figure shows and that I should try it out.  He was involved in the Fitness/Figure/Bodybuilding Circuit so he had set me up with a lot of introductions.  Once I started winning regionally, I decided that I wanted to compete at the National Level, which was even more challenging.  That took the competition to a whole new level.

What were your proudest moments during this time?

My proudest moment at a regional was winning first place and overall in the NPC Empire State Kim Klein Fitness/Figure Championship.  The second proudest moment was making the “top 5” selection at the NPC Pittsburgh Show. 

Where there any particular challenges you faced?  

The biggest struggle for any competitor is the constant dedication to dieting and training. Everything that you put in your mouth was weighed, measured and on a schedule (also, there is no drinking alcohol).  The longer I competed, the more critical I was of my body and sometimes that can affect your mindset and confidence.

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Can you share some of your achievements over the years in this sport?

§  2002 LA Fitness Bencfh Press Champion

§  2003 North American Bodybuilding championships – Womens Shape and Figure – 1^st place

§  2005 GNC Metrx Pharmagenex Worldwide NPCRochester Figure Show – 1st Place

§  2006 NPC National Figure championships – 3^rd place

§  2006 Jim Rockwell/Powerhouse Gym Rochester Bodybulding Fitness and Figure Championships – 1^st place

§  Philadelphia Championship Greenwood Classic – 2^nd Place

§  2007 NPC Pittsburgh 4^th Place

§  2007 NPC Gaspari Nutrition Junior USA 5^th Place

§  WNPC – 1^st place 148 weight class – September 2010

§  WNPF – 1^st place 132 weight class – December 2010 (Deadlift 320 lbs, squat 290 lbs, bench 150 lbs)

·        Wow, that is pretty impressive!  For those of us who barely have enough energy to get off the couch, how did you manage juggling bodybuilding, working at Lincoln Financial and personal training?

        To be honest, it was a lot of work. I would do my cardio from 5:00am to 5:45am, go to work from 8:00am to 5:00pm, go home to train myself (another 45 minutes of lifting and another 45 minutes of cardio) and then train clients afterwards.  Then I would go to bed and start all over again the next day.  I had such a drive to help people be healthy and feel good about themselves.

·         And now you are currently a nutritional consultant.  How did you transition into this?  

            I started learning a lot about nutrition when I studied under my last coach for four years John Sheaffer.  I saw how he was able to transform his client’s bodies and became so intrigued that I started sitting in on all of his client consultations.  Overtime, I was able to take what I learned as a figure competitor, power lifter and trainer and apply it to the average person.  It is amazing; the smallest changes in your nutrition can have a HUGE positive effect.  I saw people struggle with “diets” so I changed the way I spoke about getting in shape and eating better by giving people a nutrition plan and performance goals, versus purely aesthetic goals.  Aesthetic goals are simply a byproduct.  I also do not let my clients get on the scale – we use a measuring tape measure progress by how their clothes fit.   There is so much information in the market that people get overwhelmed – I keep it simple for my clients.

·         How would you describe your personality?

I would describe myself as outgoing, caring and absolutely loving life. I love helping people feel good about their bodies and lighting them up inside... I love to make people smile and laugh.

Who are two closest people to you and why?

The two people closest to me would be my parents (I count them as one!) and my best friend from college Andrea Clidy (yes we have the same name). My Mom and Dad always believe in me and support whatever dream I am focusing on. 

Andrea and I have share a love for fitness and health and are in the process of making that passion a national, and eventually international, business.

         What are your current passions in life?  What motivates you?

Helping people feel good naked motivates me to provide my nutritional advice at a larger scale then it is today. There is nothing better than helping people feel good every day of their lives whether it is through nutrition, physical training or life coaching.  I like to surround myself with positive people who want more in life than to just focus on themselves. I attend inspirational seminars and try to find ways to help people live a more balanced life. Now that I have put my figure and powerlifting days behind me, it is time to give that knowledge to others and serve a greater purpose in life.

An Amazingly Inspirational Woman - Thanks to Andrea and Enjoy your Spirit for Living!