20 working moms who ‘wear the K’
They have kids. They have careers. Who says they can’t have Kiwanis too?
Women not only volunteer more frequently than men in every state, but those who work and have children volunteer at significantly higher rates than other women.
Those are the facts, according to a “Volunteering in America: State Trends and Rankings” survey conducted by the Corporation for (US) National and Community Service.
What does that mean for Kiwanis? For starters, it means working moms are a ripe demographic for membership. But it also supports an educated guess that Kiwanis already has in its membership ranks a cache of vibrant working moms who are vital leaders, invaluable contributors of time and talent, and above all, dedicated to serving the children of the world.
To prove that hunch, Kiwanis magazine asked readers to submit information on female members who embody the balance of career, kids, and Kiwanis. The response was overwhelming.
And so, to kick off Kiwanis’ 20th anniversary of women in membership,* and to salute the organization’s working moms, following are 20 ladies who wear the savvy of a professional, the knowing smile of a mom, and the servant heart of a Kiwanian.
(Following are the women honored in the April issue of Kiwanis magazine. Read "Working moms prove prominent, key members" to see the complete list of women nominated by coworkers, fellow Kiwanians, kids, spouses, and friends.)
| *Watch for your August Kiwanis magazine, which will celebrate Kiwanis International’s 20th anniversary of inviting women into membership. The August issue will pay special tribute to all female Kiwanians and their invaluable contributions to the organization. |
Michelle Basciano
Tracy Downing
Eugenia “Jean” Bajorek
Kelly Hudson Danner
Cecile “Cis” Strout
Amber Turner
Jeanne Hagen
Sherrie Sanchez
Benita Martin
Victoria Cain
Linda Stewart
Teran Armstrong
Julie Wallace
Nancy Boudreau
Henrietta Nye
Cyndi Friend Kay
Kelly Steck
Jane Frankart
Adele Perkins
Robbin Skaggs
Michelle Basciano, Kiwanis Club of St. Catharine’s, Ontario
Kiwanian since: 1999—current club treasurer
Children: 4—ages 3 and 2, plus 2 step-children, ages 15 and 13
Occupation: Property Manager for Mountainview Properties
Other: With husband Martin, Michelle raises alpacas in a “side business” known as “Pride Rock Alpacas.” Besides learning about breeding and the alpaca fleece industry, Michelle has learned to spin the animals’ fleece into yarn.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “The simple answer is ‘I was asked,’ and I loved the group that was doing the asking. I had a good feeling about this group of people, and I knew it was going to be a good fit for me.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “Kiwanis is my avenue to give back and to make a very real and positive difference not only in my community but worldwide. The Kiwanis Club of St. Catharine’s provides the opportunity to do this alongside an exceptional group of people who I consider dear friends. How could I not fit it in?”
Tracy Downing, Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee, Florida
Kiwanian since: 2000
Children: 3—ages 3, and identical 1-year-old twins
Occupation: Assistant Principal at Seminole Elementary School
Other: Tracy is a former member of the Department of Juvenile Justice Council—one of many other youth-serving organizations she supports with her time and talents.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “My parents instilled in me a feeling of community and country. I’ve always viewed the Kiwanis club as an elite group of people who selflessly give their time and energy.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “The Okeechobee County School District superintendent of school has made involvement in community organizations a priority. As the assistant principal of Seminole Elementary School, I am able to attend the club meetings. I make it a point to attend, because Kiwanis takes an active role in my school.”
Eugenia “Jean” Bajorek, Kiwanis Club of Rochester, Michigan
Kiwanian since: 1998—current club president
Children: 3 grown; 4 grandchildren (and one on the way)
Occupation: Hairdresser; owns the salon/art gallery building and now works for her daughter, Kris (also a Kiwanian)
Other: Eugenia’s youngest daughter died suddenly at age 12. To honor her, Eugenia became involved in a wish-granting program, The Rainbow Connection, for chronic and terminally ill children. She makes and sells polymer clay pins for Valentine’s Day (her daughter’s birthday was February 9). So far, she has raised enough funds to grant three wishes.
“Through the years since Suzanne’s death, I look for things to do in her memory. Kiwanis’ focus on helping the children of the world gave me another opportunity to keep her memory alive.”
Why she joined Kiwanis: “An important part of my life has been helping others in small ways. Twenty years ago, I opened Eugenia’s 3rd Street Hair/Gallery. From our beginning Eugenia’s has been involved in the community. When a friend (and then-lieutenant governor) came to our shop to talk to us about Kiwanis and all the work they do in the community and the world, it seemed like a natural for Eugenia’s to join Kiwanis to work together to achieve similar goals. My husband and I joined at the same time. For us, Kiwanis has been a family affair.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “As with all busy people, you make choices, have priorities, multitask, work longer hours, and still enjoy and see the value in the things you do to help others.”
Kelly Hudson Danner, Kiwanis Club of Carroll, Iowa
Kiwanian since: 2003—current club secretary
Children: 3—ages 10, 8, and 6
Occupation: Insurance agent, plus assists husband on family farm on weekends
Other: Kelly has a red belt in tae kwon do and spends some weekends as a food caterer. Adding to her prowess for juggling kids, career, and Kiwanis, she did so alone for 16 months while her husband was deployed to Afghanistan.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I was looking for a club that would allow me to better my community, become more socially involved with other business members, and yet still enhance our children’s lives.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “I guess it is just part of my life and my family’s life. My husband and my family are very supportive of helping out when I need to go to a meeting or benefit. It’s just a matter of learning how to prioritize your time.”
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Cecile “Cis” Strout, Kiwanis Club of Berlin, New Hampshire
Kiwanian since: 1991—current Key Club advisor
Children: 2 grown; 2 grandchildren
Occupation: Postmaster of Berlin, New Hampshire, and certified Emergency Medical Technician
Other: Cecile has an interesting résumé: She has worked as a police officer and deputy sheriff as well as a court security officer for the Superior Court. Also, Cecile’s husband joined Kiwanis in 2004 because “he was doing so many Kiwanis events with me, he might as well be a Kiwanian. We are known as a Kiwana-couple.”
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I was asked to join by Past International President John Morton. He explained to me what Kiwanis was all about and how much good Kiwanians do in the community—and he took the time to show me. It was being able to make a difference that interested me.”
How do you fit Kiwanis into your life: “Once I was ‘hooked’ on Kiwanis, I worked my life around the meetings and activities, and I got my children involved in what Kiwanis was doing so they could learn about how to make a difference. Now I take my grandson to events and explain to him the importance of volunteering, helping people, and being a part of the community.”
Amber Turner, Kiwanis Club of Florence-Pee Dee, South Carolina
Kiwanian since: 2006—current club secretary
Children: 1—age 1
Occupation: Mortgage originator
Other: Though Amber has a long list of commitments outside Kiwanis, her job, and her family, her husband, John, had this to say in his nomination:
“Many people, when balancing work and life lose some day-to-day pleasantness due to stress. Amber is one of those rare people who lights up a room when she enters and always has a smile and a kind word for everyone.”
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I joined at my husband’s advice. He knew I would appreciate the club and its service-oriented nature. After visiting the meetings, I knew this group was right for me.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “I have learned the key to making time for anything in such a hectic world is remaining committed to what I am passionate about and learning to say ‘no’ to activities that take time and energy away from what I have determined is most important to me.”
Jeanne Hagen, Kiwanis Club of Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Kiwanian since: 1997—current New Jersey District governor
Children: 4—ages 25, 24, 17, and 16
Occupation: Vice-president and Human Resources director for Somerset Valley Bank
Other: Jeanne volunteers as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at her church.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “In 1996, my husband passed away very suddenly. I had four children at home. I really didn’t know much about Kiwanis, but my sister was a member of the Phillipsburg club. The members came to my house with food, cards, and offers of help immediately, though none of them knew me. It was because of their generosity and caring that I began thinking about the impact they had on my life and the lives of my children. It was then that I decided that those were the kind of people I wanted to associate with and Kiwanis was the type of organization I wanted to join so I could help others like they helped me.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “I think we can always find time to do things that are important to us. If you have a passion for what you are doing and make sure you are having fun, it makes life so much more meaningful. As a working mom, I think one thing that is very important is to know that you deserve time for yourself and what you want to do. We cannot feel guilty about making time for our own needs.”
Sherrie Sanchez, Kiwanis Club of Magic City, Barberton, Ohio
Kiwanian since: 2002
Children: 1—teenage
Occupation: Director of Marketing and Admissions for HCR ManorCare Nursing Home; co-owner with her husband of Casa Del Ranchero restaurant
Other: Sherrie runs a program at HCR ManorCare called “Hearts Desire.” Through the program, one nursing home resident per month experiences his or her “dream come true,” such as riding on the new town fire truck, having a poem published, and the like.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I wanted to help my community, and I believe Kiwanis makes a difference in our community.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “We meet at 6:45 a.m.—that helps!”
Benita Martin, Kiwanis Club of Umatilla, Florida
Kiwanian since: 2002—current Builders Club advisor
Children: 2—ages 25 and 13 (vice-president of his Builders Club)
Occupation: Membership Marketing Manager for Girl Scouts, Citrus Council; Mayor of Umatilla
Other: Benita also serves as a missionary to East Africa and South Africa. She traveled this past year to Uganda, and, at the time of publication, she and her son were setting out for Kenya.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “A dedicated member of 45 years looked into the community (for prospective members) and asked me. I believe in the purpose of Kiwanis and would love to see us reach 1 million members by 2015.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “Kiwanis is not an added responsibility; it is a way of life for my family and me.”
Victoria Cain, Kiwanis Club of Oakville, Ontario
Kiwanian since: 2005
Children: 2—grown
Occupation: Owner and director of Dignity Care Senior Support Services
Other: Victoria is passionate about marketing and public speaking relating to her club. She’s also passionate about the field of gerontology and causes that help the aged in Canada. She teaches belly dancing to senior citizen ladies three times per week.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “Kiwanis is about building stronger communities; it’s about spreading goodwill and making this world a better place. Kiwanis is a group of like-minded individuals who are passionate about getting out there in the front line and offering the energy, sweat, and heart that benefit those in need.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “One must make a conscientious effort to make time for important things in your life—your family, friends, and yes, giving back to the community. I let everyone know in the family that Kiwanis was my one night a week for me. I laid the law of the land down—in a nice but firm way—and everyone accepted and respected this. Sometimes you’ve just got to be creative with time and the unplanned moments of life. It’s something that comes with the territory of being a mom.”
Linda Stewart, Kiwanis Club of Biloxi, Mississippi
Kiwanian since: 2004
Children: 2—ages 14 months and newborn
Occupation: Senior manager of conventions for the Harrison County Tourism Commission
Other: Linda gave birth to her new son in February.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “My father-in-law had been trying to get me to join for a long time, and he convinced me to come to a meeting. I liked the cause and the camaraderie. Having children has opened my eyes to see other children who are in need and who we can serve.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “I just do it. I just sign up for things and keep it in line with my husband’s schedule. He’s very supportive. It’s a joint effort.”
Teran Armstrong, Kiwanis Club of Zionsville, Indiana
Kiwanian since: 1997—current president-elect
Children: 2—grown; plus foster children
Occupation: PhD; Assistant Superintendent of Zionsville Schools; Full Colonel, Army National Guard
Other: In her duties with the Army National Guard, Teran served in Bosnia for one year; and in Biloxi, Mississippi, for a month (after Hurricane Katrina).
Why she joined Kiwanis: “As an educator, I have worked with children for nearly 30 years. It’s a lifelong labor of love. Working with community members to advance the well-being of children is a privilege. Working with Kiwanians who are fun, happy, positive ‘can-do’ kind of people is a blessing.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “I fit Kiwanis into my life in many different ways. I attend weekly meetings, I have attended the International convention, as well as district events. I work on projects as time allows, and being a school administrator allows me to find opportunities to link Kiwanis with service to children. Sometimes I fit Kiwanis into my life by sitting down and reading the monthly publications. It allows me a few precious minutes to sit calmly and reflect upon what we are doing here on this Earth. I always feel good after doing this! And sometimes, I just drop by a fellow Kiwanian’s house after work for a few moments of pure enjoyment. Kiwanis is a big part of my life.”
Julie Wallace, Kiwanis Club of St. Charles, Illinois
Kiwanian since: 1996—current lieutenant governor
Children: 2—ages 14 and 12
Occupation: Office manager for dental office
Other: Kiwanis is “all in the family” for Julie. Her father and brother both are Kiwanians, and her daughters are in Builders Club and Key Club.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I have always been involved in many community organizations. After being introduced to Kiwanis and seeing firsthand the wonderful things we do for children, I felt Kiwanis would be a great group to be involved with, and I was right.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “I believe so strongly in our organization, that I do as much as I can to continue my work. Fortunately, both of my girls also understand how important Kiwanis is, and they help out as well. All of us have been to numerous International and district conventions. Whenever possible, the girls attend meetings, dinners, and events with me. I think they already have consumed their lifetime limit of chicken dinners. Both girls are involved in Builders Club and Key Club. I have always felt that it is important for the kids to be involved with me and to see what a difference Kiwanis makes to so many children. Along with helping the children of the world, I am able to teach my children the importance of helping and caring for others.”
Nancy Boudreau, Kiwanis Club of Inverness, Florida
Kiwanian since: 2004—current club secretary
Children: 1—age 9
Occupation: Photography teacher, Citrus High School
Other: Since Nancy is a graduate of Citrus High School and returned to teach at her alma mater, Kiwanians thought she would be the perfect person to reorganize the schools struggling Key Club. They were right. Nancy became involved, and the Citrus High School Key Club now boasts about 170 members.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “Kiwanis came to me in way of the Key Club. When I started teaching in 1995, we had a Key Club (at Citrus High), but it was very small. I was approached by a fellow alum of CHS, who was then the Kiwanis president. He asked if I had ever heard of Kiwanis or the Key Club. He invited me to a meeting, and I noticed I was the only female around! They began talking of rebuilding and sponsoring a Key Club, and they thought I would be the perfect person for the job. I took on the challenge. I guess you could say I really joined the Key Club to become involved with Kiwanis.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “I’m a multitasker at heart, always on the go. So it’s really quite simple to fit Kiwanis into my busy lifestyle. I think having the support of my club behind me and allowing my daughter to participate in all we do is the best experience a single mom could hope for.”
Henrietta Nye, Kiwanis Club of Middletown, Ohio
Kiwanian since: 1998—current Builders Club/Key Club advisor
Children: 3—1 grown and 2 teenagers
Occupation: President and CEO of Keir Educational Resources
Other: Middletown Kiwanian Bonnie Riesbeck said: “Henrietta is involved in many, many activities, but no matter what she’s involved in, she’s always right in front. And to whatever activity she is working on at the moment, she gives 150 percent.”
Why she joined Kiwanis: “My eldest son was in high school and a Kiwanian told me about Key Club. I love to work with youth, and this was a great opportunity to be involved with the youth in my kids’ school.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “The meetings are at lunchtime, so it involves giving up an hour and a half of my workday. Many of our activities take place nights or weekends, so my family time is invaded. My husband has always been very supportive of my involvement. We both have our ‘escapes’ and encourage one another to be active in various projects. We often help each other with our outside interests. Love and support are the keys to fitting Kiwanis into my life.
Cyndi Friend Kay, Kiwanis Club of Les Bois, Boise, Idaho
Kiwanian since: 1991
Children: 2—ages 12 and 10
Occupation: Vice-president-financial consultant with RBC Dain Rauscher
Other: Cyndi was her club’s first female president, and delivered her second child while she was club president. Her title as “mom” is more clearly defined as “stage mom” to her oldest daughter in school theater, and “Girl Scout Cookie Mom” for her youngest daughter’s Girl Scout troop.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “For business purposes; to develop contacts and relationships. A couple years down the road when I changed careers, I made the decision to stick with Kiwanis.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “I start work each day at 7 am, and we are a breakfast club that meets at 7 am; so, the meeting time is perfect for me. I try to include my family as often as I can so that we do things together rather than take time away from my family.”
Kelly Steck, Kiwanis Club of Lakewood, Colorado
Kiwanian since: 1999—current lieutenant governor
Children: 2—ages 14 and 4
Occupation: Broker and Owner of Steck Realty Group
Other: Says Kelly, “As a family, we love to travel. Alea (14) and my husband, Phil, attended their first International convention in Montréal. It was the third time for Rylie (4) and me.”
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I was a Key Clubber at Alameda High School. When I graduated, the Lakewood Kiwanis club invited my mom to join. In 1999, she invited me to join. It was never a question of ‘why’ for me—just ‘when.’”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “Kiwanis is just a way of life for my family and me. I don’t really think about having to make time for it. Being a Kiwanian is just a perk of being healthy and able to help out!”
Jane Frankart, Kiwanis Cub of Fostoria, Ohio
Kiwanian since: 1992—club president-elect
Children: 2—a college freshman; and a high school junior
Occupation: Assistant Manager for Key Bank
Other: Though her own children are grown, child safety is important to Jane. She heads up her club’s car seat safety program, “Fit Safe Sit Safe,” and bicycle safety helmet program, “Lids for Kids.”
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I joined, because in my job as part of the management team, I was required to belong to a service organization. Though there were many choices, mine was easy because my father was a member of Kiwanis, and he often told me how Kiwanis differed from many other service organizations. As a tribute to my father after he died in 2002, I became a president for 2003-04.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “Just like church, Kiwanis is something you have to prioritize in your life. It is not something I have the time to do, but something I make the time to do. Anything you do, you have to decide is important, and Kiwanis is important to me.”
Adele Perkins, Kiwanis Club of Mount Olive Township, New Jersey
Kiwanian since: 2003
Children: 2—ages 5 and 3
Occupation: Meeting Manager for American Express Corporate Meeting Solutions and Johnson & Johnson
Other: From Adele’s nomination: “Both (Adele’s children) are often present at our meetings and projects. They help stuff and ‘hide’ Easter eggs, place program books at place settings, and assist in other ways.”
Why she joined Kiwanis: “Having moved to Mount Olive with a young child, I wanted to find the local Easter egg hunt. I located a hunt run by the Kiwanians, who indicated they were looking for volunteers to assist. So, I offered my time. I have continued to help nurture and grow the hunt and add on other community events so that we could raise more funds for more projects to bring our community together and help others. I find that keeping my children active in community events shows and encourages them to get involved and to do positive activities.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “Very strategically. As they say, ‘Want something done, ask a busy person.’ I guess I fit that saying. You work to live; you don’t live to work. You find something in your life you enjoy doing, and you simply find the time to do it.”
Robbin Skaggs, Kiwanis Club of Kootenai, Libby, Montana
Kiwanian since: 2005
Children: 4—ages 16, 14, and 7 (twins)—all adopted after she was a foster parent to them.
Occupation: Marketing Director and Admission Coordinator for Libby Care Center
Other: Robbin had more than just a “troubled” childhood, but she uses the abuse and tragedy she suffered as a child to relate to children and the elderly. “Fortunately,” she says, “I had an amazing social work mentor, Cathy McInroe, who helped me to believe in myself and taught me to use my past experiences in a positive way to help others recovering from abuse.
Why she joined Kiwanis: “I joined Kiwanis shortly after moving from Texas. I believe strongly in the mission of Kiwanis—changing the lives of children, one child at a time. I have seen firsthand that it is possible, with each of my foster children. Every person involved in their lives—caseworkers, therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, teachers, doctors, pastors, Sunday school teachers, foster families, neighbors, friends, babysitters, camp staff, and coaches—proved this to be true. It is for this reason my husband and I involve our children in voluntarism today: So that they may learn to give back to others and also make a difference.”
How she fits Kiwanis into her life: “Because of my busy work schedule, it is hard for me to attend the weekly meetings. I go as I am able and participate in as many of the Kiwanis activities as possible. Including my children in these projects allows us to still spend time together and promote voluntarism.” |
