Meet Erin: In her own words - "An empty theatre, an empty stadium – these have always been happy places for me. In truth, empty is not quite accurate, as I’m surrounded by the people who actually work in these spaces. It’s the behind-the-scenes, the “empty” before the audience arrives, that I have always loved. I can quite honestly date it back to high school, working on theater productions for our drama club – painting sets, sourcing props, adjusting costumes. Looking back, it’s what ultimately guided me to my work as a television producer. I have always loved what I do, but it took me a long time to realize that, at the most basic level, I am a storyteller. It is difficult to describe how I do what I do - the big picture and the nuance, the perfect visual, the right phrase – it is hard work, but I love what it takes to get stories to the audience. At the end of a long day, I often don’t feel like I’ve “worked” at all. The last big shoot I produced before the country locked down – or more specifically, before professional sports and theaters shut down – was with a long-time, arts-focused client. We were in Houston working with the national tour of Come From Away, a musical telling the story of what happened in Gander, Newfoundland, when dozens of planes were diverted there on the morning of September 11, 2001. Yes, a musical about 9/11. It is a remarkably uplifting story set in the darkest of times. We are again in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty, this time courtesy of coronavirus. The global pandemic has shut down our economy, closed our borders, and shuttered so many of the traditional avenues we use to convey stories. How do we capture stories for a captive-at-home audience when sports, television and stage production are not considered safe? The stories are still there to be told, the audience is still there to watch… and not just because we’re supposed to be staying at home. Thus the short answer is – we think of new ways to tell them. We take technology invented for distance meetings, for remote learning, and turn it into a new vehicle for storytelling – the Zoom recital, the livestream of a favorite play, today’s commentary added to shows and games past. We face a long road back to capturing stories in person, whether those you see on traditional screens, on the playing field or on stage. For now, theaters and stadiums remain empty; production remains dark. So for now, I will look for a new happy place as we continue to look for new ways to tell the stories that really matter." *** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Erin. 52 Phenomenal Women is now in its second year! This is week 42 of 52.2 Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!

Meet Allie: In her own words - "I was the kind of five year old that picked flowers during a soccer game instead of actually playing the game. I preferred to paint seashells and draw sunsets. I kept my anti-sports lifestyle until sophomore year of high school, when I started photographing Texas football for my school’s yearbook. And then I fell in love. I covered almost every game my junior and senior years of high school, and then once I got to Northwestern, I joined The Daily Northwestern’s photo team and started covering Big Ten football. I photographed over 15 games in six states in my four years at Northwestern. As a journalist, there’s a certain kind of rush you get after ending an incredible interview — I got that same feeling on the sidelines. I interned at Tampa Bay Times as a photojournalist, where I learned that my love for sports photography wasn’t exclusive to football — I loved baseball, too. I photographed over 25 Tampa Bay Rays games in six months. I don’t call myself a sports photographer because I still love every kind of photography, especially storytelling. But sports photography holds a special place in my heart. Nothing beats that sideline rush, press box food and late nights leaving a stadium. I’m patiently waiting for sports to safely resume. Until then, you can find me telling the stories of Texas, my home state." *** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Allie. 52 Phenomenal Women is now in its second year! This is week 41 of 52.2 Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!

Meet Tamara: In her own words - "For many years I had been pondering, “What am I supposed to do with my life?” The answer came at 4:30 a.m. on July 25, 2017, the reassuring voice of God whispered to me, “Do the cakes first!” When you think of cakes the first thing that comes to mind is a delicious sweet treat. While I do make the best cakes on Earth, CAKES became my manifesto. Silver Spoon Desserts was born in August 2017. I prepared my business plan and started baking! Everything lined up with my calling. Giant doors began to open. My grandson asked me “Mom, why are you baking so many cakes?” I answered “Because it’s the way out! Success came my way. I entered and won three business plan pitch competitions from $2,500, then $10,000, and finally $25,000. Winning the prizes boosted my confidence and set me on a blazing path of success. I am on a mission to transform, enrich, and empower the lives of women -especially single mothers. We are transforming the “silver spoon” from a symbol of privilege to a symbol of inspiration, prosperity and freedom for all! C+A+K+E=S Live. Because life is the richest, most delicious cake on Earth. Then imagine the magic. Add your own silver spoon, especially when there are none to be found. The big “aha”: you create the spoon, the opportunity, the promise, the hope. The silver spoon is inside you. It always has been. It took Courage to see the silver spoon. I had to create courage when courage is scarce. The courage to create, to make a difference, to lend a hand to those in need, to believe when no one else around me believed. Courage meant having faith in myself. This was the only way up and out. Then I took massive Action. I connected with people. I shared my vision and dreams. I lived my values and let the world see them every moment and with every decision I make. I never stopped taking action. I made plans and executed them. You see, I was no longer dreaming, I was doing. I brought Kindness with me. Kindness comes from love — love for what I do and the people I am doing it for. Kindness is light in a world sometimes dark. I put 100% Effort behind everything I do. I am all in for my family, my employees, and for every single mother on planet Earth that needs a way up and out. I am my own best advocate. This is my remarkable responsibility. Lastly, I accepted all my current and future Success with grace. I am humble, grateful, and generous in sharing of all that I have achieved. Because life tastes good!" *** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Tamara. 52 Phenomenal Women is now in its second year! This is week 40 of 52.2 Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!

Meet Lucy (@lucy_brummett) - https://lucybrummett.com/ #phenomenal_friday 6/12/20 Instagram takeover with Lucy (@lucy_brummett) - What a nice addition to our weekly #52PWP blog features. Drop us a line if you'd like to participate - It's so important to stick together during these difficult times. #phenomenal_friday with @amyboylephoto

Meet Hillary: In her own words - “When my mother and I immigrated from Venezuela, I knew we arrived here to form a better life– escaping from a country where there was no true freedom of speech and where our friends and family were getting their voices stripped away. I knew that here in the U.S, I was going to receive a better education, greater opportunities, and as they say, “live the American dream.” I have always felt like I immigrated here for a purpose, as if I could use my words for change. Seeing the oppression that was taking place back home in my country and witnessing the oppression and struggles that communities of color here in the U.S also have to go through, I knew that there was something that I had to do. Those thoughts were the ones that ignited my passion for journalism. I want to be able to tell peoples stories, their struggles, and be able to give communities of color the voice that they need without having a language barrier. I began the publication of La DePaulia at the start of 2020 alongside mentors and colleagues at DePaul to do exactly that: give communities of color a voice. As more and more Spanish language publications shut-down throughout the U.S, I wanted to be able to inform the Latinx community in their own native language and give them back the voice that they deserve. As a journalist, our job is to give a voice to the people without there being an obstacle. We need to tell peoples stories, as small as they may seem. I do not want my voice being shut down, nor do I want the voices of those from my community being shut down. This is who I am: I am a woman, a Latina, and a journalist. I want to show other younger girls that it is possible to achieve their dreams, it is possible to take on leadership roles, and to always love your flaws. There were always people around me who told me that I would not make it in the industry; I know that I still have a lot to learn as a young journalist, but I am proud of being able to build a publication as an undergrad that has given a platform to the Latinx community not only at DePaul, but also around the Chicago area. Now more than ever, there is a need for our communities to be informed with truthful information and not only read, but also learn from each other’s experiences and stories. I will never take my freedom of speech for granted and as a bilingual reporter, I want to break barriers and fight to continue sharing diverse stories. Stories that will make people feel emotions– connecting them to one another even if they’re located in different parts of the world. I am unafraid to bring the truth forward and I hope that just like I built La DePaulia at DePaul University, I also continue building others around me and show the world the power that communities of color have.” *** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Hillary. 52 Phenomenal Women is now in its second year! This is week 39 of 52.2 Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!

Meet Sue: In her own words... "Finding Joy in every moment has always been my reward in this life. At 80 I lost my husband of 57 years to COVID-19 after a brave battle. Through the grace of God, my son and his family were there to share this life changing event. The next day, we packed up and moved me from my home for the past 27 years in Fishers IN, to their home in Chicago. My neighbor, a realtor, agreed to list my house. It sold in 2 days! My life has been based on my faith in God, who has chosen many wonderful paths for me to follow. Volunteering for 35 years at my local hospital in its Gift Shop and buying its products has given me great joy. Give and you shall receive is also a motto of mine. I have given many hours in making blankets for the needy through my church, which allowed me to utilize my artistic abilities. Gardening is another rewarding joy. From the planting stage in the warmth of spring, to the brilliant blooms of summer and the careful end in the fall, it makes each day a new surprise full of happiness. My love for a wonderful family is perhaps my greatest joy, and I thank God daily for them and all of the great friends who are a part of my life. I now have a beautiful studio apartment with my Chicago Kiddos and am starting a new chapter of fun and giving back. I will begin to volunteer in a local flower shop to continue my life of finding joy in all that I do. What you make of your life is up to you, so find joy each day of your life and give thanks." *** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Sue. 52 Phenomenal Women is now in its second year! This is week 38 of 52.2 Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!

5/29 Instagram takeover with Megan Murphy founder of the Kindness Rocks Project - What a nice addition to our weekly #52PWP blog features. Drop us a line if you'd like to participate - It's so important to stick together during these difficult times. #phenomenal_friday.

Meet Tanya: In her own words... "I am pretty sure I am the poster child for looking beyond what is and imagining what could be. You see, I grew up in a podunk neighborhood with an abusive and alcoholic step-father. Mom filed a restraining order and walked away from the marriage. The struggle to keep our household afloat was real. There were days when we had no electricity, no heat, and we ate sugar sandwiches (that's pretty poor). If I paid attention to how grim things always looked, I would be having pity parties on the “regular”. Instead, I kept thinking about how things could be better. I was the first in my family to attend college. There were no college savings or even a scholarship to cover expenses. I had three credit cards in rotation and borrowed from one to pay the minimum balance on the other, semester after semester. I was also put on academic probation because dealing with the stress of undergraduate life felt insurmountable. Giving up was not an option so I had a tape recording of affirmations constantly playing inside my mind “…You can. You can have better. You can do better. You will succeed”. On graduation day, I walked across the stage with a huge smile (and over $10,000 in credit card debt). When I graduated with a degree in Computer Science, I looked forward to sitting alone in a corner and coding in various machine languages. One of the things I enjoyed most was creating solutions to business problems through code. The debt was paid off in three years and as destiny would have it, I found myself in a lucrative field before anyone knew it would be. There’s a lot more I could say about the downside in my life’s journey, but why focus on that? The glass is refillable! Everyone and I do mean EVERYONE, is presented with opportunities that can help them grow, turn a corner, forge a new path, or get to the finish line! Sometimes the journey has bumps in the road, but that doesn’t define who you are. You are an overcomer. You were made to win. You have the power to succeed! And when you’ve done all that you can do, just stand and look in the bleachers. Family, friends, loved ones, and peers are there for you. They are cheering you on and they want the best for you! You are not alone! Change the tape that plays in your head. Don’t let a setback keep you in the back. Be at the table with a sound voice. Own your actions and hold yourself accountable for being the best version of you. It is possible to have the life you want. See it in your mind and work towards achieving it. And when those tough moments come, feel the feeling and push through it! Don’t give up. You deserve the best and it’s yet to come. When I’m not drowning in my full-time work, you will find me on Instagram at @ttaylor2u2 or blogging about my travel, food, or life experiences at www.travelsandtreasures.com." *** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Tanya. 52 Phenomenal Women is now in its second year! This is week 37 of 52.2 Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!

5/22 Instagram takeover with Rachel Simmonds- What a nice addition to our weekly #52PWP blog features. Drop us a line if you'd like to participate - It's so important to stick together during these difficult times. #phenomenal_friday.

Meet Allison: In her own words - "I don't remember who gave me my nickname, “The Historian“, I am not sure it was given out of love or appreciation, probably more out annoyance other's felt about my deep-seated drive to document, save, collect, and record everything about family. I came by it honestly. Both of my grandmothers have passed along everything from court records and books about our family history to photos so old you can barely make out the people in them. My father made audio recordings of my brother and me when we were little. While I love watching videos, nothing touches me more than closing my eyes and listening to the voices of people I love. My mother saved special outfits, toys, every piece of schoolwork and art, my brother and I ever created. I find myself doing the same with my two boys. When I married, family silver was passed down to me along with generations of china, and crystal. When we bought our home, my mom and grandmother brought us daffodil bulbs from gardens of friends and family members, and after my Grandmother Breland passed away, I added Purple Dutch Iris bulbs from her garden. When you walk through our home, you will find it decorated with memories, history, and experiences. My father chides me from time to time about attaching too much meaning to objects of the past, but I've come to believe that's when you know it's time to pass it on to the next generation, changing the old guard to new. I realize there are parts of our past we should relinquish, it's therapeutic, I've done it myself many times. But it's the pieces of my family's collective history that give me comfort. I've spent time learning about relatives I've never met and honoring the others I have loved and lost, warts and all. I have two beautiful boys whose lives I started to document before they were born. I have to remind myself not to spend too much time preserving the past lest you forget the importance of the present; after all, it's what gives you history. I spend time telling the stories behind these seemingly random objects - like an old wooden box that sits on the top shelf of our entertainment center. When I pulled it down explained it was bible box carved for our family in the late 1700s, the boys couldn't wrap their minds around the fact we had something so old in our home. I explained we have it because generations passed it down, trusting us to keep it safe and their stories alive for their own children. You see, it takes about three generations to lose track of stories, people, and events that have gone before you. I hope you make time to listen to and record stories of loved ones, sort through photos, and write the names, dates, and relationships of the people in them. It takes time and patience, but I promise it's a journey that will feed your soul and countless other generations." *** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Allison. 52 Phenomenal Women is now in its second year! This is week 36 of 52.2 Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!

Our first Instagram takeover with Chef Alexia - What a nice addition to our weekly #52PWP blog features. Drop us a line if you'd like to participate - It's so important to stick together during these difficult times. #phenomenal_friday. Wishing you a beautiful weekend! Amy

"Tin, and Lead. Sn, Pb. Six years ago, I knew nothing of these elements. Now, they are my bread and butter. In the summer of 2014, my father - my rock - passed away. After three weeks on life support following a fall, we held his hand and said goodbye. After the funeral, my brother, Steve, asked me to help him run the family business, Mayer Alloys Corporation. Mayer Alloys is a distributor, specializing in tin and lead alloys, as well as a recycler of nonferrous metal and electronic waste. Doing so would not be an easy task. Mayer Alloys is based in the Detroit suburbs, 300 miles from my Chicago home. Moreover, Steve had worked with my dad for over 20 years, whereas I knew nothing about the business. However, with the support of my husband and son, I accepted the challenge. Thus, the question was raised: how do you run a business you know nothing about? The answer: you learn. For the first couple years, I watched, listened, and learned from those with more experience than me. I believe you can’t change what you don’t know, so I studied the periodic table, researched the various alloys, and asked a lot of questions. I learned something new every day, while also leveraging my past, to improve our company’s future. I graduated from the University of Michigan, Dearborn in 1985 and began my 30+-year career in marketing and advertising. I worked on accounts for some of the largest companies in America, like Microsoft, USPS, Chrysler, and, Chevrolet, which offered me the memorable experience of touring with the Beach Boys at the height of their “Kokomo” resurgence. I loved building brands, and helping my clients grow their business. I liked what I did and was good at my job. However, despite decades of late nights and weekly business trips, I was never able to break the glass ceiling. I watched as men doing less work, with equal or less success, got promoted, because, as I was told, they had families to support. Though I had little experience in metals, my marketing expertise is what gave me the ammunition to help move the company forward. With Steve running the day-to-day operations from Detroit, I sought new ways to grow the business. Together, we acquired our own warehouse, emphasized government contracting, and expanded into military packaging and warehouse distribution. These decisions were often met with skepticism. I was changing things and I had to work hard to earn the respect of our staff. Today, Steve and I to continue to expand upon my father’s legacy, abiding by the values he taught us as children - putting honesty, fairness, and responsibility at the company’s core, and focusing on what matters most, the people in our company and our customers. I cannot say that these last six years have been easy. I had to learn how to run a small business from scratch, and made many mistakes along the way. I work a lot and spend roughly a quarter of the year away from home. But now, I work on my terms. I never broke the glass ceiling, but now, I’m standing on top of it." *** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Ilene. 52 Phenomenal Women is now in its second year! This is week 35 of 52. Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!