Can you please give us a brief introduction of who you are and your current business?

My name is Jackie Brown Smith and I am a project manager at Princeton University in the School of Public and International Affairs focusing on public health inequities, specifically around gun violence and epidemiology. I have adjunct appointments at Duke University School of Nursing and University of Mount Olive. I recently launched a leadership training company called Every Phase Leadership (EPL). It offers resources to women in all phases of their leadership journey.  I have a Bachelors in Political Science from UNC Chapel Hill, a double Masters in Health Administration and Organizational Leadership from Pfeiffer University and a Doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University.  I am married and live in Garner. 

Why did you join BPW? I am a returning member of BPW, but I have admired the scholarship opportunities and safe spaces for women! It's a great organization.  

What are your favorite hobbies or interests outside of work? I love the arts. My husband is a professional illustrator, so we enjoy travelling and visiting museums and concerts. We also love hiking, going to the beach and visiting parks. I enjoy being an Auntie, so that includes going to sporting events, Frankies and anything that requires sneakers - sign me up! I also enjoy cooking gourmet meals for my family. 

What is your favorite super hero and why? 

Shuri is the sister of the original Black Panther.  Her story after her brother passed, was a story of resilience and triumph.  I lost my brother not too long ago, and it unexpectedly strengthened me.

What chores do you hate doing?

Putting up laundry.  

What did or do you want to be when you grow up?

Pediatrician.  

If you could learn to do anything what would it be? 

Draw. I watch my husband, and it's so seamless, but I am the Queen of Stick Figures.

How do you define success?

Waking up everyday and taking a step forward toward your goals is success!

What can BPW do to support you in your career journey?

Continue to offer programming that builds me, and continue to engage and welcome a diverse membership.  

Can you please give us a brief introduction of who you are and your current business? 

I am Alto Gary, and I am a Raleigh native.  I grew up in local dance studios and performing magnet programs of Ligon Middle School and Enloe High School. I received my undergraduate degree and MBA from East Carolina University.

My 20+ years professional background is in Sports and Entertainment Marketing, where I developed entertainment programs and collaborated with sponsors in WCW Wrestling, the NBA, and the NFL.  I organized two Super Bowl TV appearance events and the halftime for the MLS All-Star Game.  I have also created content for Paramount, Turner Broadcasting, MTV, and TBS.  Specializing in talent development, I launched the career of Stacy Keibler and worked with World Champion Simone Biles and many other celebrities such as Ric Flair, Vanilla Ice and Bell Biv Devoe. 

Why did you join BPW? 

I am currently seeking a career change. I joined BPW to get out of my shell and network with other vital businesswomen. I want to learn and see other businesswomen’s perspectives and experiences.

What are your favorite hobbies and interests outside of work? 

My favorite hobby and interest outside of work are exercising and relaxing. I know they are the opposite of each other, but that is what interests me. I believe in self-care and personal energy to take care of oneself.

What is your favorite superhero and why? 

My favorite superhero is Wonder Woman. I watched the TV shows when I was young, and the combination of her beauty and strength was captivating.

The current movies disappoint me because I would like to see her invisible plane and for her to go off to the side and twirl to change into her suit. I’m nostalgic about this character.

What chores do you hate doing? 

I hate folding clothes. I don't know why, but it is the one thing I severely procrastinate on.

There is a machine that folds clothes for the residential consumer, but it costs too much now.

When it gets down to "normal people's price," I will be the first to purchase it.

What did you want to be when growing up? 

Growing up, I wanted to be a dancer and choreographer. I did achieve that goal, but I dreamed of taking it further. I fell into the other side of the world of entertainment, and that is management.

I enjoyed being behind the scenes and making moves. I never dreamed that dancing could take me to the different places I have been.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? 

If I could learn to do anything, it would be carpentry. If I could go back in time and take a woodshop class in high school, my life could be totally different. I enjoy creating things. If I knew then what I know now. I wish I had the skill to make things and update my home myself.

How do you define Success?

I define success as achieving the goals you have set for yourself and to be happy with what you have accomplished no matter how small or big.

Do you have a favorite quote or inspirational phrase? 

The Mountain Is You Quotes Showing 1-30 of 187

“Your new life is going to cost you your old one.

It’s going to cost you your comfort zone and your sense

of direction.

It’s going to cost you relationships and friends.

It’s going to cost you being liked and understood.

It doesn’t matter.

The people who are meant for you are going to meet you

on the other side. You’re going to build a new comfort

zone around the things that actually move you forward.

Instead of being liked, you’re going to be loved. Instead of

being understood, you’re going to be seen.

All you’re going to lose is what was built for a person you

no longer are.”

― Brianna Wiest, The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery

Edited April 14, 2024: This post has been updated to reflect the success of Altovise Gary for obtaining her MBA. Congratulations!

Can you please give us a brief introduction of who you are and your current business?

My name is Katie Connors and I currently work for Epic Games supporting the relocation program.

Why did you join BPW?

In one of my prior jobs, I had the chance to watch the BPW/NC History movie that was made by the same mother-daughter team who made Pioneers in Skirts. The film is owned by BPW/NC, under which BPW/Triangle has its charter. It moved me to join this venerable organization.

At first I just attended events, but I’ve seen over the years that the only way to really get the most out of my membership is to volunteer. It’s my activity outside of attending events that has led me to make connections I never would have had otherwise.

What are your favorite hobbies or interests outside of work?

If you talk to me for even one minute it’ll be clear that I love fostering dogs. I’ve been fostering through the Wake County Animal Center’s program since 2016.

I also enjoy stand up paddle boarding, camping, and napping.

What is your favorite super hero and why?

My favorite superhero is probably Deadpool. I like the idea of physically healing faster and enjoy his random dialogue.

What chores do you hate doing?

Vacuuming, but I generally dislike carpet and would rather sweep.

I’m also pretty terrible at starting and putting away laundry.

What did or do you want to be when you grow up?

As a child I wanted to be a veterinarian. Fostering is much easier.

If you could learn to do anything what would it be ?

I regularly consider picking up the violin again. I played a little in high school.

How do you define success?

To me, success is being proud of yourself and what you’ve accomplished.

What can BPW do to support you in your career journey?

BPW has already done so much. When I first joined I was nervous about volunteering but now I see it’s really about what you make of it.

Now BPW is more like a playground for me to test out ideas, think creatively, and practice skills I don’t get at my job. I may not find my next job in this group, but BPW continues to help me make the connections that expand my experiences.

Can you please give us a brief introduction of who you are and your current business?

I am a Navy veteran originally from PA. I moved to NC last year to take a job starting up a Metrology Lab in a brand new Biotech Facility. I have one child – a 25 year old son who lives in Knoxville, TN with his girlfriend, but they are planning a move to NC next year. I also have 4 dogs who made the move from PA with me. I’m a big sports fan – hockey is my favorite but also football and college basketball. I love to travel. Between the Navy and my work, I’ve been to 43 states and over 20 countries. I hope to check the other 7 states off my bucket list one day soon.

Why did you join BPW?

I wanted to meet some new people and find ways to get involved in my new community.

What are your favorite hobbies or interests outside of work?

I like bowling and golf and trying new things.

What is your favorite super hero and why?

It’s probably Batman because I spent so much time watching different versions of him with my son when he was little. I think Christian Bale is my favorite Batman from the movies, but I also have a soft spot for Michael Keaton, being from Pittsburgh.

What chores do you hate doing?

I don’t like dusting or washing windows.

What did or do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to transition into Project Management once I finish my degree later this year.

If you could learn to do anything what would it be?

I always wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument, specifically guitar or piano.

How do you define success?

I think of success as that feeling you get when you’ve accomplished a difficult task or finished a grueling journey.

What can BPW do to support you in your career journey?

I would like to get to know BPW members to learn about their careers and businesses and see where we can support each other.

BPW Member Spotlight Questions

1- Can you please give us a brief introduction of who you are and your current Business.  Married with two grown children. Glad to be back in NC. Sr Mgr of Industry Strategy at American Express. 

2- Why did you join BPW?  I am new to Cary and want to meet Professional Women and learn their stories.

3- What are your favorite hobbies and interests outside of work?  We have so much fun  hanging out with my grown children, and I am  interested in art. Pictures are so interesting- how often do you get to see the world through some one else eyes?

4- What is your favorite Super Hero and why?  Moms - all Moms who manage competing priorities and make everyone feel loved ! Talk about a Super Hero!

6- What chores do you hate doing?   All chores are not my friends ! Lol

7- What did you want to be when growing up?  Gosh- I cannot recall an ambition. 

8- If you could learn to do anything what would it be?.  Voice Lessons, I would like to learn to read music.

9- How do you define Success?  People. The people feel valued and are contributing to the best of their ability. 

10- What can BPW do to support you in your Business?  I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and learning from you! 

Can you please give us a brief introduction of who you are and your current business? 

My name is Jill Badalati and I recently moved to Raleigh from Durango, Colorado to be closer to family. After years of managing and owning my own business, I founded Endurance Within. I'm a Resilience Coach specializing in sound therapy.  I work with individuals and group sessions. 

Why did you join BPW? 

I joined BPW to build friendships and network with like minded women. 

What are your favorite hobbies and interests outside of work? 
Trail running, cycling, powerlifting. My husband and I love the mountains so we like to load up our gear and two dogs in the campervan and explore. 

What is your favorite superhero and why? 
I would have to say Wonder Woman as she has great physical, mental and spiritual strength. She uses her strengths as power versus force to help bring out the best in people while being loving and supportive. 

What chores do you hate doing? 
I grew up on a ranch, so anything that requires a shovel or a rake. 

What did you want to be when growing up? 
Sports Agent

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? 

Ice Climbing 

How do you define Success?
Success to me is living authentically and incorporating daily practices that help me become a better version of myself. 

Do you have a favorite quote or inspirational phrase? 

1. “And into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul”  John Muir

2.

Metta ( Loving-Kindness)

May I be filled with Loving-Kindness

May I be peaceful and at ease

May I be well and Healthy

May I be safe from inner harm and outer harm

May I be free

May I be happy

What can BPW do to support you in your Business?  
Continue to provide an environment to network, learn and share.

·       Can you please give us a brief introduction of who you are and your current business? 

·       Why did you join BPW?  

·       What are your favorite hobbies and interests outside of work? 

·       What is your favorite super hero and why?  

·       What chores do you hate doing?  

·       What did you want to be when growing up?  

·       If you could learn to do anything what would it be?  

·       How do you define Success?

·       Do you have a favorite quote or inspirational phrase? 

·       What can BPW do to support you in your Business? 

• Can you please give us a brief introduction of who you are and your current business?

• My name is Lauren Leggett… I am a North Carolina native, mother and learning and development professional with a focus on the insurance industry.

• Why did you join BPW?

• I was introduced to BPW by one of my best friends and current member. I view BPW as a way to build connections with other professional women in the triangle and get me outside of my comfort level a bit building connections and networking.

• What are your favorite hobbies and interests outside of work?

• Some of my favorite hobbies and interests outside of work would have to be spending times with family and friends, shopping, watching college basketball/football, a good brunch and beach day. Wow, I promise I’m not thattttt basic;-)

• What is your favorite Super Hero and why?

• I would say that my favorite super hero probably has to be my mom. I’m not well versed in all of the ‘true’ superheroes but she is one that I’ve always admired, appreciated, respected and wanted to emulate. She is strong and confident.

• What chores do you hate doing? 

• A chore that I really dislike doing would have to be either putting the laundry away OR washing my car. I love the outcome of both but finding that motivation is rough. BUTTT you put me in front of some dishes and it’s on ;-)

• What did you want to be when growing up?

• Growing up I wanted to be a meteorologist. I used to go to sleep watching the Weather Channel – weather on the 8’s. This probably lends to my fascination and slight obsession with the weather even today.

• If you could learn to do anything what would it be?

• If I could learn to do anything, it would likely be having some sort of musical or artistic ability. I admire art and music but give me a paint brush or microphone and you’ll run the other way.

• How do you define Success?

• I think each individual defines their own success. Success looks very different for many people. For some it’s money, some it’s status, some it’s having children, etc. For me success is better attained in smaller chunks – and for me specifically, sometimes that needs to be daily. Did I speak kindly to myself, did I complete the items on my to- do list, did I do something positive to impact someone else.

• What can BPW do to support you in your Business? 

• BPW can support me/my business by providing a way to connect with other strong professional women not only to grow in my professional development but also in my personal life as well. Hearing tips and tricks and success stories for what has worked for other ladies is a huge reason why I’m here.

• Can you please give us a brief introduction of who you are and your current business? 
•  I’m Jackie Flynn.  I work at MYCO Medical Supplies, Inc.   We’re a small but mighty team of people trying to reduce healthcare costs by bringing competition and innovation to healthcare with the products we supply.  I lead the supply chain and distribution teams.  I work with over 15 global manufacturers of medical devices helping introduce and launch their products in the US Market. 

• ·      Why did you join BPW?  
• I was invited by one of your members (Juwana Hancock) to attend a dinner meeting.  The topic was on point, but more importantly, I really enjoyed the interaction.  It was an incredible opportunity to listen to women speaking of their experiences in workplace/life that were similar to my own. 

• ·      What are your favorite hobbies and interests outside of work? 
•  Right now, all of my free time is devoted to my new puppies, Ferguson & Leonard.  I love to read and listen to music. 

•    What is your favorite super hero and why?  

• Hmmm..that’s tough.  I’m going to go with Flash because he can get things done faster and I would love to have that power.

• ·      What chores do you hate doing?  
• I absolutely cannot do dishes.  I can’t stand wet food.  I don’t even understand how people put their hands in water with foreign objects floating around in it.  That is a superpower. 

• ·      What did you want to be when growing up?  
• A lawyer like Grace Van Owen from LA Law.   I still do.

• ·      If you could learn to do anything what would it be?  
• Really play piano.  I still sound like my 14 year old self when I play.  

• ·      How do you define Success?
• I’ll let you know when I think I finally have achieved it!

• ·      Do you have a favorite quote or inspirational phrase? 
• “Weaknesses are just strengths in the wrong environment.” — Marianne Cantwell

• ·      What can BPW do to support you in your Business? 
• Continue to offer meetings with relevant content.  Foster a safe environment for women to share their experiences and learn from each other

• Can you please give us a brief introduction of who you are and your current business?
• • My name is Lauren Moock. I work for a property insurance company, serving roles as a project manager and team lead for a claims admin team
• Why did you join BPW?
• • I joined BPW after my first BPW meeting in 2021. We had our first in person meeting at my office and our CEO emailed out invitations. I really enjoyed the speaker; she spoke on how to handle receiving all types of advice in the workplace. At the end of the meeting, it was mentioned that a social chair position was open, and I thought – “I’m social! I could do that!” and I emailed Leslie the next week and expressed my interest. Here I am today!
• What are your favorite hobbies or interests outside of work?
• • My absolute favorite hobby and interest outside of work is spending time with my 8-year-old daughter, Nina. We spend our free time outside playing any and all sports, inside making arts and crafts, and cooking together!
• What is your favorite super-hero and why?
• • Storm from Marvel Comics is my favorite superhero for a couple of reasons. First, she is part of X-men, who fights for equal rights between humans and mutants. Second, Halle Berry did an excellent job playing her role, and Halle Berry is awesome!
• What chores do you hate doing?
• • Laundry. I hate laundry the most!!!
• What did you want to be when growing up?
• • Apparently, I wanted to be an actress that wore really fancy dresses. My mom found an old poem of mine from 4^th or 5^th grade where I wrote about how I was going to grow up, become an actress, wear long dresses, and drink from a coffee cup.
• If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
• • Scuba dive. I’ve travelled a few places and snorkeled, but I think it would be really cool to explore an old shipwreck or something!
• How do you define success?
• • I believe if I am happy with my present day life, I am successful. I think we so easily define success for something we are seeking or a past accomplishment. Everyone has successful moments and not so successful moments. At the end of the day, if I’m happy with my life, I have success!