Letta Nagel
Step Up Member
As a woman building a career and personal life it has been very easy along the way to "not have time" to get involved in some way with helping others. I have frequently donated to other organizations but never quite found the right one that I wanted to affiliate myself with. I was introduced to Step Up about 2 1/2 years ago and have attended several events. I truly believe in and am inspired by the ways that the organization reaches out and helps women of all ages, in different stages of their lives — more importantly, helping them feel empowered no matter what the challenges that cross their life path may be. I love the creativity of the programs that members can participate in, as well as the panels/events that are always very professional, inspirational and a real treat! It makes giving to others fun and rewarding and that's unique from other organizations.
For all of these reasons, I've made my 2008 about "giving to get" and one of the ways I chose to reinforce my commitment to this pledge is by upgrading my membership to the Visionary level. My next step will be to get involved more through the teen volunteer programs.
Mari O'Connor
Step Up Mentor
WOW!! I attend about 15-20 conferences and seminars per year. Last night was absolutely among the most impressive ever.
Thanks for all of your efforts - for inviting me to mentor - for recognizing the effort that both Dara & I and all the other mentoring duos put into that by inviting us to network with such a powerful group of women - for putting together a very elegant event with the perfect combination of chocolate, wine and nosh - for the great goody bag (I never am impressed with goody bags, but this one was really special, not junkie, just enough and all relevant to your event - bravo!).
I was so impressed - well organized and planned, giving the panelists time to review the questions and prepare relevant answers - I am going to write to Tory Johnson right now and thank her - she was just perfect - and I am buying her book today. I could go on and on - but I will just say thank you, If there is any way I can help you over this next few months, please do not hesitate to call me.
Joey Soto
Step Up member
I am an environmental consultant, and I noticed that most people involved in the land development/planning industry were male, introverted, or both! I joined Step Up's Professional Mentorship Program to find out ways to encourage the involvement and success of women in the environmental industry, as well as how to incorporate fun and social elements in the consulting business. I became the events liaison for the Professional Mentorship Program to learn how to execute events that combine both social and professional benefits.
Jennifer Hochman
Step Up member
I didn't know any Step Up members when I joined online. After receiving a call from a volunteer I immediately felt connected. I attended a few events but wanted to get more involved so I joined a committee. I knew the Membership Committee would be a good fit for me since I often found myself talking enthusiastically about Step Up. At my first meeting I volunteered to be a Welcome Caller. Knowing that this call made a dramatic difference in my Step Up experience, I wanted to ensure that all our new members felt the same way. Volunteering has fulfilled my desire to make a difference and be a part of the solution. It is very rewarding for me to see that we really affect change and have such a positive impact on other people’s lives. It is a privilege to be a part of this great network of dedicated, like-minded women.
Wiley Bartine
Store Manager, Bloomingdales
I enjoyed working with Step Up Women's Network again. We had a very successful event yesterday and had a nice increase versus last year. I know this was due in part to the tremendous effort you and your organization put into helping create awareness for our event. I feel very confident in saying that we will continue to grow this relationship , ever mindful of the young ladies that benefit from your passion for their future.
Merck & Co., Inc.
Former Corporate Partner
Through the media, the internet, public service announcements, and national and local community events, the cervical cancer education partnership between Step Up and Merck is one of the most innovative and successful health education partnerships ever supported by Merck. Thank You!
Kimberly Goodman
Step Up member
I was inspired to join step up and get involved with the volunteer program because I saw how much it impacted the lives of these young women. I went to the first Gallery event and spoke with some of the children whose photographs were hanging in a beautiful gallery under light. Seeing the excitement in their faces, hearing the confidence in their voices, and seeing the beautiful photographs touched my heart in such a way that I wanted to be apart of helping, teaching, and letting the children know that there is no limit to what you can do.
Tammy Tibbetts
Step Up member
I am still feeling inspired from our breakfast this morning with Joanna Coles, Editor in Chief of Marie Claire. It's amazing when you admire a woman from afar for so long and then get to meet her in person - and find out she truly is as accessible and intriguing as she comes across on the page. One of the most exciting parts for me is Joanna's invitation to send her two thoughts on the April issue - I have so many, but I'll be brief, now that I know what a day in her life is like!
Thank you for bringing me into one of my dream magazine offices for the first time. I also made at least two wonderful contacts in the industry who I plan to stay in touch with. It was an honor to attend as a student.
Roger Lowenstein
Founder, Los Angeles Leadership Academy
One of our greatest challenges as educators is expanding our students’ world view.
The average experience of our students is so painfully narrow. Step Up is not only a mentoring organization,
it is a window into a wider world that fuels our students’ imaginations. One cannot succeed unless you first
are able to imagine success. Step Up fuels that imagination by showing our students new and exciting things and
places, and modeling what a successful woman in our society looks and talks like. And here’s the critical part –
our students are told over and over again how these experiences are within their reach. Once in Step Up, our
students are talking about which college they want to go to, not whether they will go.
Last month one of our
students stood up in front of 700 people at a Beverly Hills hotel, at Step Up’s annual luncheon, and described
the most painful experiences of her life and how Step Up is helping her choose never to give in to those who would
defeat her dreams. She got a standing ovation. Step Up’s women get a standing ovation from all of us who have
experienced their terrific program.
