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COVER STORY
The Magazine
Celebrating Fifteen Years
of Celebrating Women
By M.T. Hyatt
FEATURES
First Ladies
Dee Johnson and Barbara Richardson: Looking Forward
By LuAnn OConnell
Past Cover Girls:
Where Are They Now?
Marie Peña Snyder, Mary Ann Weems,
Rosie Fritzsche, Betty Blea, and Cate Stetson
By M. T. Hyatt
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DEPARTMENTS
From My Desk
by Jill Duval
Women on the Up & Up
Worthy of Note
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The
Magazine: 15 Years of Women Celebrating Women
By MT Hyatt
Our staff: clockwise from upper left:
Jackie Grommes, Jill Duval, Velsy Enriquez, MT Hyatt, Little Sue,
Linda Parratto
As time goes by, it becomes a little easier to celebrate the anniversary
or birthday of something or someone else. Another year older is
not a milestone that most of us want to celebrate any more. But
we can and will celebrate the fact that New Mexico WOMAN is fifteen
years old. Fifteen years of women celebrating women.
Lets all congratulate us for fifteen years of survival, accomplishment,
growth, and achievement. Lets congratulate, all of us for
the fundamental changes we have helped bring about in the world
and the economy. The changes that have occurred in the last fifteen
years are phenomenal. There are now assets and resources that give
women the wherewithal to operate and communicate, to develop ideas,
and grow with the technological explosion.
This year is a mile-marker for Duval Publications, fifteen years
of NM WOMAN, a magazine devoted solely to the pursuit of telling
the stories of the most accomplished, dedicated, and successful
women in business in New Mexico.
Jill Duval, our publisher, is well
known in New Mexico for her activism and her generosity with her
time and the magazine to support important womens issues.
Instrumental in the establishment of a strong womens community
in New Mexico, Jill has been involved in the formation of most major
womens organizations, such as The New Mexico Womens
Foundation, Wesst corp, the Womens Expo, Women Entrepreneurs,
and NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners, Northern
New Mexico Chapter.)
She is a vital player on the New Mexico womens scene, having
garnered awards as the PNM Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year (2002),
SBA NM Women in Business Advocate of the Year (1994), SBA NM Media
Advocate of the Year (1992), Y.W.C.A. Woman on the Move (1990),
and the Governors Award for Outstanding New Mexico Woman (1986).
Jill continually comes up with ideas and promotions to help support
the organizations that she is involved in, professions and businesses
that are traditional or up and coming. There are those that provide
valuable and/or meaningful information or inspiration to the womens
community, and many that need promotional or marketing support.
Jills idea of relaxation is a company retreat with intense
strategic planning for the editorial calendar, the magazine, and
other upcoming events.
A small, but very dedicated staff creates New Mexico WOMAN each
month, the New Mexico Women in Business Directory, produces New
Mexicos Top 25 Women-owned Businesses (now in its tenth year),
and The Young Women of Promise Awards.
Jackie Grommes, assistant to the
publisher, has been with Duval Publications for three years. Jackie
is a part-timer with a sense of humor and a strong belief in the
company. Her experience is a valuable asset to the magazine and
her fervor is boundless. Recently a first-time grandmother, Jackie,
we think, would prefer to babysit. She still finds time to handle
the bookkeeping, however, now that we have worked out a compromisebring
Ally to work, too!
Linda Parratto, marketing consultant,
is a saleswoman extraordinaire who makes friends with all her clients.
Her expertise and enthusiasm keep the entire office going at full
tilt. We dont think she ever met a stranger, and we love to
hear her on the phone. She is also the athlete of the office, often
disappearing for a walk after lunch. She is a distance cycler and
she and husband, Steve, participate in marathons that take place
throughout the country.
M.T. Hyatt, managing editor, joined
the staff after having known and worked with Jill for almost twenty
years. She admits that she always enjoyed the magazine and admired
Jill for her tenacious spirit and drive. Its a great place
to be, we always know whats going on in the community, and
just dealing with outstanding accomplished women every day is exciting.
M.T. spends as much time in Phoenix with her two grandsons as possible.
Velsy Enriquez is administrative
assistant. The New Mexico WOMAN staff would have a tough time without
Velsy. She knows where everything is and can contact anyone. We
sometimes call her the vice president of operations. Velsys
dedication and reliability are amazing for one so young, and she
knows the drill. All of Velsys dates must meet
with the prior approval of her co-workers.
Sue Duval is the official office
courier. Sue (who is also Jills mother) picks up and delivers
the mail, ads and artwork, magazines, and supplies. She picks up
the loose ends and saves us hours. She is a little dynamo, a social
butterfly who does not neglect health and fitness. We all aspire
to have her positive, inquiring attitude and sunny disposition and
to be as active as she is at 85.
Lisadiana Bates is our Santa Fe marketing
consultant. She is the newest member of the staff, and newly married,
too, Lisadianas enthusiasm is ceaseless; her we can
do it all attitude is wonderful. She has great ideas for promotions
and production. Lisadiana spends her free time as a volunteer in
many programs at Christ Church in Santa Fe.
It takes teamwork to create and publish the magazine, directory,
and to produce two special annual events. It would be nearly impossible
without the help of invaluable, unofficial members of our team,
the many freelance writers and designers, whose skills, talents,
and help we count on each month. Carolyn Gonzalez, Laurie Mellas-Ramirez,
Susan Kellogg, Jahaan Martin, Deborah Davis, LuAnn OConnell,
Susanne DeWitt, Dr. Marilyn Walker, Geraldine Mosher, Megan Bartolucci,
Janie Johns, Robin Miller, and Karen Walker are the writers that
we rely on to research and write about the issues that are timely
and pertinent to our readership.
Two talented and patient graphic designers alternate with the work
for the layout and design of New Mexico WOMAN.
C. Kinsman Design and Debi Kline of Signal Creative provide terrific
layout and design services for the magazine, and Julie Farresta
of JFarresta and the Resta designed the 2002 Directory. Amy Turner
and Aquilla Renare have designed our recent marketing and promotional
materials.
New Mexico WOMAN is one of the oldest, most consistently published
special interest magazines in New Mexico, and our team is very proud
of it. We thank all of you who help with the effort, everyone named
above, our advertisers, patrons, and the subjects of our stories
and profiles. We enjoy all of your comments, and we hope you continue
to enjoy our efforts. So lets celebrate fifteen years of NM
WOMAN celebrating women, and celebrate all of the other accomplishments
of the last fifteen years.
What they say about New Mexico WOMAN:
Jill Duval is committed to developing and supporting a strong
womens community in New Mexico. As the publisher of New Mexico
WOMAN magazine, she provides a forum for empowerment, enlightenment,
and discussion. And Jill walks her talk. She has been instrumental
in the development and growth of numerous womens organizations.
Thanks for being a leader, Jill. We appreciate all that you do!
Rebecca Jo Dakota, Executive Director, NM Commission on the
Status of Women
New Mexico is indeed fortunate to witness the fifteenth anniversary
of New Mexico WOMAN. The magazine has become a vital force in promoting
the ongoing development and success of women-owned businesses and
the organizations that serve women business owners. The driving
passion behind the company, Jill Duval, is one of the most committed,
tenacious entrepreneurs that I know. Her advocacy of women and issues
impacting their economic lives should be applauded in every corner
of the state. Agnes Noonan, Executive Director, Wesst
corp.
I love Jill and her magazine! The articles share good information
for everyone, and the stories that feature women of New Mexico are
great. NM WOMAN keeps me in touch with many of the things that happen
in our city and state. Congratulations Jill, youve worked
hard and done a great job! Roberta Salas, Atkinson
& Co.
Jills commitment to promoting woman-owned businesses
and her community involvement have inspired women state-wide, not
only those already in business, but also those just beginning their
business careers. Carole Petranovich, Computer Corner,
Inc.
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Guess who we are?
Answers






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Trends
The
Center for Womens Business Research biennial update
on trends in women-owned businesses for 2002 documented that
there are 6.2 million majority-owned, privately-held, women-owned
firms in the U.S., employing 9.2 million people and generating
nearly $1.15 billion in sales. Women owned businesses are
growing at twice the rate of all U.S. firms. When he spoke
at the recent Women Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century Conference,
President George Bush said, When it comes to entrepreneurship
and job creation, ours is an increasingly womans world.
The advancement and respect for women in business is something
to celebrate.
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Baby Pic:
Lisadiana
Linda
MT
Jackie
Jill
Velsy
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First Ladies
By LuAnn OConnell
Dee Johnson (top)
Barbara Richardson (bottom)
Photos by John Nugent Photography
Trench worker is Dee Johnsons
description of herself as a behind-the-scenes First Lady of New
Mexico for the past eight years. Her involvement in social causes
to benefit New Mexicans, however, shines as brightly as a Christmas
tree decorated with a thousand points of light.
Hi, Im Barbara, was the casual,
down-to-earth telephone greeting from Mrs. Johnsons successor,
Barbara Richardson, whose cosmopolitan background could rival that
of royalty.
Despite the fact that the two are studies in contrast,
they share influential new beginnings with the advent of 2003. As
the incoming and outgoing First Ladies launch their respective missions,
they recently disclosed their objectives and reflected insightfully
on the past.
Barbara Richardson grew up as the eldest of five
siblings in Concord, Massachusetts. She and Governor Richardson
met while he was attending school back east. Theyve now been
married for thirty years.
Its very exciting, commented
Barbara concerning the campaign and the victorious outcome, but
added, Theres a lot of work to do. This work
is indicative of Barbara Richardsons own initiative; she has
been traveling the state for the last six months assessing various
intervention programs with a keen eye. Although still
in the campaign mentality, her solitary sojourns have yielded valuable
insight into the available assistance and funding unique to certain
areas. This, in turn, will help her determine those programs in
greatest need and ultimately define the social causes emphasized
by the new First Lady.
Even though its too early to identify her
name with particular concerns, she hinted at championing the abolition
of violence against women in the state. Count on her keen
eye being trained toward shelters for teens and head start
programs as well. Voicing concern for the youth of New Mexico, Barbara
also plans to promote such mentoring programs as Big Brothers and
Big Sisters. She would like to encourage seniors and other adults
to donate their timethat will feature significantly on her
agenda.
Even though Bill (Governor Richardson) has
been in public life since 1982, said Barbara, this is
a much higher profile job than any of his past positions.
One might be tempted to raise an eyebrow at Barbara Richardsons
assessment of high profile when considering her intriguing background.
Barbara spent 15 years in Washington, D.C., as the wife of then
Congressman Richardson, who later served as Secretary of Energy
in the Clinton administration. When her husband was appointed United
States Ambassador to the United Nations, the Richardsons moved to
an apartment on the 42nd floor of the Waldorf Towers in New York
City. Barbara termed the initial experience of being thrust into
the highbrow culture of New York very intimidating.
Yet she fondly recalled living in New York as
one of her most thrilling experiences. The Richardsons typically
attended nightly dinner parties that included a staggering diversity
of people representing the visual and performing arts along with
a host of diplomats from around the globe. They had occasion to
meet people from all over the worldoften traveling to remote,
exotic locales. At first in New York, I didnt know my
way around, remembered Barbara. But I came to know many
lovely people there who genuinely befriended and included me, making
me feel accepted and at home in all the glitz. One friend,
with whom she remains especially close, is the wife of the Secretary
General to the United Nations, Kofi Annan. He, coincidentally, was
named Secretary the same day Governor Richardson received his ambassadorship
from then-President Clinton.
As she assumes the role of First Lady of New Mexico,
Barbara thinks she will probably miss the element of privacy she
previously enjoyedtime she might have spent reading, gardening,
or collecting antique accessories. Im the type who needs
time to step back and take some time for myself, she disclosed.
With the demands placed on an elected official and the spouse,
often that luxury is nonexistent. At the same time,
she continued, my capacity as First Lady will enable me to
lend a higher profile to those social issues which I feel are particularly
important. So its a double-edged sword.
Barbara Richardsons aim is to bring the
people of New Mexico together. Citing the emphasis placed on the
Rio Grande corridor often to the exclusion of the rest of the state,
Barbara says that her objective will be to concentrate equally on
those social issues relevant to New Mexicos smaller, rural
communities as well.
New Mexico is often dumped on as one of
the remedial states, but, she countered, theres
a lot out there thats good and so much right about the state.
Its all about harnessing the high energy and expertise of
our peopleand there are so many ready to pitch in. For
example, those with some of the greatest desire and resources, according
to Barbara, include many celebrities who now reside here in New
Mexico. She wants to tap into that community, as well as others,
for the betterment of the state, suggesting we bring them
together as a group in a collaborative effort.
In the wake of the campaign frenzy as she industriously
helps establish a new administration, its clear that Barbara
Richardson is, indeed, reaching out to make good things happen in
New Mexico. Yet, the question remainedwhat will she do the
day after the inauguration?
Wearily and jokingly she replied, Stay in
bed!
Conversely, when Dee Johnson was asked about her
post-inaugural plans, she noted that at the stroke of midnight,
her husband will no longer be Governor and will also turn 50 at
that very hour.
Its two bullets in one stroke,
said the former First Lady. We will be celebrating his birthday
and probably heading up to Taosjust Gary and Dee Johnson.
Prior to Gary Johnson assuming the governorship,
Dee had worked side-by-side with her husband in their construction
business. Accustomed to seeing him throughout the day, Dee recalls
that life changed abruptly and drastically with the election. Gary
was basically married to 1.7 million people in the state and I had
to share him with that many people every day of our lives, and thats
a very hard thing to do. It can become very lonely with periods
of time where it seemed like I would never ever see him.
Instead of wallowing in a lonely transition, however,
Dee Johnson hit the trenches.
During her tenure as First Lady, she devoted much
of her attention to womens health issues. Of particular interest
to her was the subject of breast cancer. In her position, she was
able to speak, educate, and fund raise for the cause. Because she
was a founding member of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation,
the issue took on personal relevance for Dee when her sister was
diagnosed with the disease. Thats when it really hit
home to me, said the former First Lady. Fueling her passion
to eradicate it is the fact that breast cancer is indiscriminate,
and she added, Every woman has a chance of getting breast
cancernot just a certain group.
As the mother of two and a volunteer in school
libraries, Dee knew that the promotion of literacy was a natural
extension for her. I saw how it could just change a childs
life when the light bulb went on and they could learn how to read.
She told of poignant times when grown men would
apply at their business for work. Unable to read the application,
they would bring a wife or girlfriend along to read the questions
and then tell their companion what to write. Recognizing the fundamental
aspect of knowing how to read prompted Dee to embrace this cause
as well. I realized how important literacy is. Its just
the whole evolution of lifewhat it can do for you in your
life.
Another natural fit for Dee, a nuts and bolts
kind of gal, was her involvement in Habitat for Humanity. In conjunction
with that organization, she and other First Ladies from throughout
the country have actually hammered and nailed homes for the deserving
in each of the nations state capitals.
After she has served the state as First Lady for
eight years, completed her child-rearing, and sold the family business,
whats on the horizon for the 50-year-old Dee Johnson? She
responded philosophically, Im looking at it as beginning
a whole new chapter in my book of life. Ive never been in
this position before and its exciting. Its frightening.
Its a bunch of emotions all mixed up together. All of a sudden
Ive come to this point in my life where I can concentrate
on me!
She used the universal example of many women who,
for years, have concentrated solely on and invested themselves in
their husband, children, home, and business. Suddenly, and with
almost dramatic awe, they discover a chance to focus on themselves.
Emerging from the conglomerate whirlwind of being
First Lady, wife, mom, and business partner, Dee Johnson finds herself
experiencing flashes of possibilities and wishing for
that clear cut visioncaught in kind of now what?
and oh wow! limbo.
She plans to allow about a years respite
to step back and evaluate just how best to spend the second part
of her life. This downtime will be spent between the
Johnsons two homes in Albuquerque and Taos along with following
her adventurous husband on a trip to Mount Everest. An outdoors
enthusiast herself, this Albuquerque native can most likely be spotted
on the ski slopes, scuba diving, or just walking and enjoying the
splendor of the state.
Concerning political aspirations of her own, Dee
admitted to having been asked by many if she would consider running,
but she emphatically declines. When I get into the political
process, I love it, and Im good at it, but I dont think
I have the temperament. I think Im much more effective working
behind the scenes with legislation for organizations. There could
be some things I would come up with this next legislative session
and lobby for or help with.
Thankfully, we havent seen or heard the
last from the former First Lady, a title that she says still doesnt
sink in. I still think of myself as just Dee Johnson and want
to be remembered as somebody who tried to make a difference in peoples
lives, working with organizations and in developing the arts in
our state. I loved my job and love my state. It was a pleasure to
have been given this job.
Entering the New Year with their own personal
goals and resolutions, the two First Ladies each proffered words
of advice and assurance for their sisters of New Mexico. Barbara
Richardson reemphasized her theme of bringing New Mexicans together
for the betterment of all, saying, I want the women of New
Mexico to know that as we embark on 2003 in this new administration,
the social programs will have strong advocates in both the Governor
and in me. While Dee Johnson urged, Take care of yourselves.
Dont always put yourself on the back burner, because taking
care of ourselves is just as important to our families as taking
care of them.
Barbara Richardson & Dee Johnson, although
diverse in personality, are, fortunately for New Mexicans, similar
in their commitment to the welfare and quality of life for all its
citizens. We wish them both well as they embrace 2003 and the years
beyond.
LuAnn OConnell is an Albuquer-que freelance
writer specializing in feature articles. Formerly with the Albuquerque
Publishing Company, she was also the Public Relations Director for
a local Indy Car Race Team, Galles Racing.
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New Beginnings
by Jill Duval
I always approach the beginning of a new year with anticipation
and a feeling of hope. New year, new beginning, and fresh start,
all at once. Its a time for reflection and resolution to try
harder to make the world a better place, to strive to be a better
person, and to finish up the things that fell by the wayside during
a very busy 2002.
As a young teen I had many dreams and ambitions. I was drawn to
the story of Joan of Arc without understanding why. There was something
about her story that spoke to me. She believed so passionately in
her cause.
Somehow, my own dream got lost along the way and I fell into the
expected role of wife and mother. Please dont misunderstand.
My daughters are and always will be my first passion in life
feelings I know many of you share. Then as my girls grew up and
left, I was drawn into the world of helping other women and I remembered
those long-forgotten feelings from my teens.
Many of you know I happened into publishing by accident
long story if you're really interested in details call me
for coffee sometime. The work that I have been called to do is my
gift from the Universe. If I had meticulously planned out my life
I could not have dreamed up anything as rewarding and fulfilling
as what I have found here. I hope that my knowledge and experience,
and the stories of the women that we bring to you each month will
enlighten and encourage you throughout the year.
It goes without saying that if you believe in what you are doing,
and are doing something worthwhile, all will end well. If a woman
puts her mind to it she can do anything. Women have so many more
options to consider and their dreams are taken more seriously than
ever before.
Its particularly appropriate to anticipate a new beginning
as we celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of New Mexico WOMAN. As
I wonder where the fifteen years have gone, I have spent some time
thinking about what I have accomplished. I am humbled by the love
and support from our readership, our community, and our advertisers.
As our world continues to become ever more complicated and intense,
we have decided to lighten up a little this year. We will still
bring you the same important information we always have but now
each issue we will also bring you something light and fun. In February
we have planned an article on fun ideas for Valentines Day.
And of course we will continue to run our fabulous Pat Ryan cartoons.
We are, as always, open to your suggestions as well.
May the coming year be the best ever for you and yours. May our
country continue to be strong and prosperous. May women everywhere
find the peace for which we all yearn.

First
State Bank of New Mexico has announced the appointment of Linda
Wedeen as senior vice president of strategic marketing. Wedeen was
previously a partner in the strategic planning and development firm,
The Synergy Group, Ltd., and with AT&T.
Cara L. Atencio has been appointed director of operations at the
University of Phoenix, New Mexico campus. Atencio earned her Bachelor
of Science degree in business and masters in organizational
management from the university.
Nancy L. Heideman has joined the UNM College of Pharmacy as visiting
professor of pediatrics. Dr. Heidelman previously worked as a clinical
pharmacist at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis,
Tennessee, and also served as an adjunct professor at the University
of Tennessee.
Naomi House, Pharm.D., has joined the UNM College of Pharmacy as
assistant professor of clinical pharmacy. Dr. House, a board certified
psychiatric pharmacist, most recently completed an internal medicine
residency at the Boise VA Medical Center.
The UNM Health Sciences Center has appointed Barbara Carver as
senior program manager in the office of the Vice President for Health
Sciences. Carver has previously held several other positions at
UNMHSC.
Katherine Rowe has joined Meyners + Company, LLC, as senior tax
manager. Rowe has more than 25 years of experience in tax return
planning and will handle individual, estate, trust, fiduciaries,
and small business tax services.
Henderson, Black and Company, P.C. has announced the addition of
Georgianne Ortiz, senior audit manager, and Janet Pacheco-Morton,
senior auditor. Both Ortiz and Pacheco-Morton are Certified Public
Accountants.
Congratulations to Amy J. Diaz, who has won the Legal Aid Award
from the University of Colorado School of Law. Diaz has also recently
joined the law firm of Jontz Dawe Gulley & Crown, PC. Diaz will
practice primarily civil litigation at the Albuquerque firm.
Andrea Schulte of the Albuquerque Hilton was recently selected
as the Best of Show Grand Prize Winner in the Fifth Annual Johnson
& Wales Recipe Classic. The competition is sponsored by Bacardi.
The March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards 2002, presented by
Lovelace Health Systems, recognized outstanding nurses in 18 professional
categories. Maureen L. Boshier was named Distinguished Nurse
of the Year. Also named at the event were: Ann Norrie Smith,
Abiquiu; Ana X. Gutierrez Sisneros Mora, Española; Rosalia
O. Annua, Las Cruces; Jane C. Smith, Roswell; Sharon Weaver, Alamagordo;
Anne Karlovitz, Sally Hrymak Hunter, Paula D. Johnson, Patricia
L. OBrien, Susan G. Smuda, Barbara A. Walker, Katie Benson,
Mary C. Jarrett, Maurcena E. Wells, Mary A. Santos, Jane Dillon-Hermann
and Jon P. Thayer of Albuquerque.
Honored at the awards for outstanding contributions to building
the profession as Legends of Nursing were retired nurses: Katherine
Augustine, Virginia Crenshaw, Marion R. Fleck, Ruth Franklin, and
Estelle Rosenblum.Sandia Health System has named Renee Sussman Chief
Nursing Officer for the systems Northeast Heights Medical
Center. Prior to joining the Womens Center in 1998, Sussman,
a 20-year Air Force veteran, was a flight commander of the military
HMO at Kirtland Hospital on Kirtland Air Force Base, nurse manager
of obstetrics at the U.S. Air Force hospital in Arkansas, and served
eight years as a flight nurse.
Amanda Viramontes has been named president of Star Western Wear
in El Paso, Texas. Viramontes is a graduate of New Mexico State
University, with her degree in fashion design.
Carolyn Laarkamp has been named director of human resources for
Northeast Heights and West Mesa Medical Centers, formerly St. Joseph
Northeast Heights and West Mesa Hospitals. Carolyn has been
an important part of this organization for years, said Ruth
McDaniel, the institutions CEO.
Congratulations to Sherry Gentry, vice president of operations
for Presbyterian Medical Group, who was recognized with this years
lifetime achievement honor from the Medical Group Management Association.
Gentry was named 2002 winner of the Harry J. Harwick Award recently
at the national conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Our Past Cover Girls: Where are they now?
By M. T. Hyatt
The mission of New Mexico WOMAN is to inspire,
promote and advance woman-owned businesses and professional working
women in New Mexico. Through the last fifteen years our cover stories
have profiled a variety of dedicated businesswomen. Many of these
successful women led the way for their younger sisters. Since the
five largest counties of New Mexico now boast nearly 25,000 women-owned
businesses, we believe that these women and their stories, have
truly inspired many, many others.
Marie Peña Snyder
(February. 1997)
Complete Custom Decorating:a
comprehensive line of window coverings, (draperies, blinds, shades,
cubicles, top treatments, and cornices) as well as bedspreads, table
coverings, cushions and more, with custom decorating services for
private, residential clients and commercial businesses.
Color Her Successful: The story of a true
pioneer of the home based business; Marie started a business in
her home in 1980, at the age of 50. Marie started with $3,000, a
lot of creative talent, and the added benefit of her fascination
with art, color, and design influenced by her world travels.
Maries 32 year-old granddaughter,
Niko Stevens, is now deeply involved in the business. Niko says
that she grew up in the shop, having worked there from about age
12. Like her grandmother, she has learned it all. She sews and particularly
likes the creative end of the business. She has learned to manage
the workroom, with four employees on the premises. Niko has computerized
the bookkeeping and some of the operations.
Niko has two daughters, aged eight and five,
who spend lots of time in the workroom. They too, are interested,
as she was, in the fabrics, the colors, and supplies and are practicing
their own designs by pinning scraps to the dummies.
The business thrives, based on referrals
from clients who are pleased with the service and detail that Marie
and now Niko put into every project. And because of some of those
clients, starting with the Sheraton Hotel in Santa Fe in 1980 to
Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico Tech in Socorro, schools, dormitories
and reservations, and to making all the Thomas-ville displays, Complete
Custom Decorat-ing continues to run a very busy shop.
Rosie Fritzsche
(February 2000)
Academy Printers: is
one of New Mexicos finest commercial printers. An expansion
and major move in 2000 has proven a shrewd and timely business strategy
and put Academy at the top of the industry. The firm has grown into
its spacious facility and presses and equipment are humming.
With all of the technological
advances that have taken place in the design and printing business
in the last several years, Rosie is confident. The expansion provided
the opportunity for the plant to increase productivity, cut turnaround
time in half, and create a much more efficient workflow. Academys
newest projects are the development of a really cool website, and
the addition of an electronic proofing system to operate simultaneously
with the one currently in use.
Academy has a reputation
for the reproduction of artwork for many of the finest galleries
in New Mexico and beyond. A recent project for the American Embassy
in Bolivia is a perfect example. Numerous international phone calls,
communications, securing the approval of the State Department, plus
educating the client to the entire process resulted in a completed
calendar that the client loved. That client, like many others, thanked
Rosie profusely for her patience and all her expertise in guiding
the project to a very successful completion.
Rosie has lots of help
in the day-to-day operation from her husband Doug. Her son grew
up in the plant and recently returned from a stint in the U.S. Navy.
He has taken over much of the production management, planning, and
scheduling. Mambo, her black lab, still goes to work three days
a week and loves it. If everyone shared that enthusiasm for her
job, Rosie says, it would be a very different world.
Betty Blea
(January 2000)
Homes by Marie: In
the three years since Betty appeared on the cover of New Mexico
WOMAN, she has continued to do what she started out doing in 1990building
beautiful, affordable homes.
She remains a strong personality in the home-building
arena, well known for her large, magnificently appointed creations
that are truly stunning.Homes by Marie has garnered many industry
awards, including the Home-builders Association Builder of
the Year award. She had five homes in the annual Parade of
Homes in 1998, including her own. Betty and her right hand man and
company foreman, Charles Breckenridge, acknowledge that times are
changing a little, with a demand for new styles, such as old
world and Northern New Mexico styles gaining in popularity.
The cover of the magazine brought her a lot of recognition, many
calls about the homes that she builds, and some calls and responses
from women looking for advice about getting into the building business.
At the time, she noted that more and more women were becoming involved
in the industry, and that it is no longer viewed as a nontraditional
field. Betty spoke to several with encouragement.
Homes by Marie is recognized for the quality of
their homes, in the $270,000 to $1 million plus price range. Betty
is now building second homes for many of her previous clients. And
thats a sure sign that they are happy clients.
Cate Stetson
(January 2002)
Stetson Law Offices P.C. Appearing
on the January 2002 cover didnt hurt Cate Stetson, who was
in Santa Fe lobbying for the Navajo Nation during the 2002 Legislative
Session. Every legislator got a copy to make sure they knew
who I was, Cate told us, especially the Republicans.
Actually, it turns out that pretty much everyone knew me anyway,
but I sure enjoyed the attention. The cover also brought her
inquiries from an independent film producer, amused reactions from
Congress (a Republican Senator kissed me and called me movie star),
and an invitation from one man bold enough to ask for a date based
on the cover picture.
The picture was really pretty, I admit,
Cate told us, but I was stunned by how many people asked for
an autographed copy! One Pueblo Governor hung his copy in the tribal
office, and another copy is hanging in a friends art gallery
in Florence, Italy next to the paintings of Tuscany and photographs
of Matt Lauer. Go figure.
What else has happened to Cate Stetson in the
past year? She became a member of the Board of the New Mexico Jazz
Workshop, which produces the Madrid Blues Festival and Jazz and
Salsa Under the Stars. It also provides jazz education in the schools,
introducing children to American culture through the various jazz
traditions. Its time I spend more time with the music
I love, Cate explains. I do a lot for others, and right
now I want to do something nice for myself and for the music that
is Americas culture. So let it begin again.
Mary Ann Weems
(November/December 1992)
Weems Enterprises: After
23 years Mary Ann Weems enterprises include the Weems Artfest, (ranked
nationally among the best art shows in the country), Weems Gallery
at Eastdale Shopping Center, and Weems Gallery in Old Town, (voted
Albuquerques favorite gallery numerous times.)
The phenomenal growth of Weems Artfest brings
a great deal of satisfaction. Childrens Artsmart received
international recognition with a Pinnacle Award from the International
Festival and Events Association (1996) as the best on-site educational
event for children.
One of the most rewarding facets of the art business
that Mary Ann has built (and there are many) is the knowledge that
many fledgling artists, who began showing their art at the gallery,
have grown and continued on to major success and recognition.
Mary Ann Weems and publisher Jill Duval actually
started their businesses about the same time, a little over 20 years
ago. Mary Ann says, Neither of us had much money, but Jill
was very supportive. New Mexico WOMAN is a necessary and integral
part of the success of women-owned businesses in the state; its
a wonderful magazine.
Mary Ann is surely one of the most successful
and well-recognized businesswomen in the state. She is an ardent
advocate in developing arts and educational programs and lobbying
for educational bills in the state legislature. While her businesses
continue to go and grow.
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Managed
Health Care Bureau
Get Smart About Insurance
Week will be held January 20-24. The Managed Health Care Bureau
of the State of New Mexico and the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners sponsor this special informational event, and it is
supported by state insurance agencies. These organizations are encouraging
consumers to get smart about insurance. Call the Get Smart Hotline
to request a free brochure, or get information about insurance coverage
toll-free at (866) SMARTWEEK, or visit www.naic.org/gsw
or www.nmprc.state.
nm.us/inshm.htm
Handed Whammy!
Our parents card
parties were great fun and low-cost entertainment. If you like Canasta
or Rummy, you will love Handed Whammy! The game is designed for
ages 10 to 110. The Handed Whammy card game, developed by Marilyn
Salsbury and partners Susan White and Mary Schmidt, is now available
at Albuquerque area retail stores and at www.whammygames.com
11th Annual Chocolate Fantasy
The annual fundraiser,
Chocolate Fantasy, presented by the New Mexico Museum of Natural
History Foundation and KPMG, will be held on Saturday, March 1,
at 7:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque. Tickets may be purchased
for $150 each at the museum or charged by phone at (505) 841-2801.
Authors Venue
Monthly meetings to help authors get published
and sell books are held on the third Saturday of each month by the
Authors Venue Association. A workshop, titled Finding
Free Publicity will be presented on January 18. Meetings are
held at 600 Central S.E., Suite 235, in Albuquerque. Call (505)
244-9337 or check the Websitefor more information at www.Authors
Venue.com
Mid-Life Support Group
Womens Specialists of New Mexico and Presbyterian
Healthcare Services sponsor a professionally-facilitated group that
explores mid-life womens issues. The group hosts ongoing meetings
on the first and third Mondays of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the
Presbyterian Healthplex. There is no fee or registration required.
For more information call (505) 843-6168, ext. 3092.
Coffee Kids
A compelling documentary about Coffee Kids, a
Santa Fe based non-profit organization that has helped thousands
of children, women, and men in coffee-producing regions was recently
aired on KNME as part of an Emmy-nominated series called The Visionaries.
Coffee Kids projects are aimed at creating long-term solutions to
poverty and malnutrition through community-based education, health-care,
training and microcredit programs. For more information contact
Jenny Sanborn at (505) 820-1443 or info@coffeekids.org.
Human Resource Fundamentals in New Mexico
Lorman Education Services will present a two-day
seminar designed for human resource and payroll professionals, business
owners, and managers on January 23 and 24. Sandy Cody, owner of
Resources for Excellence, Inc., Gena Jones, Charles Mayfield, Theresa
W. Parrish, Joan Schlueter, and Whitney Warner have been selected
to provide a comprehensive overview of the human resource function.
The seminar will be held at the State Bar Center of New Mexico in
Albuquerque. Phone (715) 833-3953 or contact www.lorman.com for
more information.
One World Celebration
The New Mexico One World
Celebration will be held on February 16 at the Creative Arts Center
on the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. The ceremonies for universal
peace will include music, speakers, dance, and art and provide an
opportunity to assemble, network, and share knowledge to help inspire
practical actions for peace and service in our community. The event
is sponsored by The Wisdom School and Ileya Center for Integrated
Healing. For more information call (505) 550-9838 or visit www.NMOneWorldCelebration.org
Womens Events at Faith Church
Rev. Patricia E. Walker
has announced a series of special events in 2003 for women. Call
Rev. Walker for information about the Spiritual Coaching Class for
Women; a seminar series on Women and Abuse; and a series on the
Seven Spiritual Steps To Success.
Faith Church is a non-denominational,
multicultural church that meets for services at Mitchell Elementary
School, 10121 Comanche Road N.E., in Albuquerque. Contact Rev. Walker
for more information at (505) 249-1235.
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