ATHENA Acceptance Speech

You know, when I was told that I was receiving this award, I felt like

President Obama when they announced he was receiving the Nobel Peace

Prize.

I imagined people asking, “What did she do?”

Then, I thought, “Maybe they are giving it to me for what they hope I’ll do!”

This was confirmed when I was asked by some friends, “What is the criteria for that award.”

So I decided to do a little research, and found out that Athena was the

Goddess of Wisdom.

I knew that wasn’t why they chose me!

Then, I learned that the award was established by a businesswoman to honor and mentor women in the workplace.

That struck a chord.

If there is one thing I know about, it is mentoring, because I have been mentored by the best – throughout my life, by outstanding women.

Growing up in the South, I was raised by a cadre of “ Steel Magnolias” , from my grandmother, great aunts, loving housekeepers, two amazing older sisters and, of course, my mother, who at age 95, is still living on her own in New Mexico, and who inspires me everyday by her ongoing creativity, curiousity, energy, and the way she embraces life.

Throughout my youth I was mentored by outstanding teachers. During the 12 years that I lived in New York City after college, I was mentored by many talented women who encouraged my aspirations to dance, paint, write and teach.

In the past 25 years, since I became a Pennsylvanian, I have been taught, coached, challenged and supported by so many remarkable women … colleagues, associates and friends, many of whom are present here today.

Some are recipients, many have been nominated, and all are deserving of this award.

Among them is Jane Miller, who, despite my daughter’s breaking her son’s heart when she left for college, still chose to nominate me for this award.

I am honored to have known and worked with all of you, and to be counted as one of you.

I am also constantly delighted, amazed and enlightened by the young women in my life, my co-workers, Khrista and Megan, friends, and especially my lovely daughter, Erin, who couldn’t be here today because she is studying in Spain.

But, of course, some very important people in my life have been men.

I learned about hard work, honesty and humility from my grandfather and from my father, about creativity and resilience from my late husband, Jesse, about service and optimism from my United Way colleagues, Mark and Don, and a series of wonderful United Way Campaign Chairs, many of whom are here today. I have learned to see the world in a completely different way through the eyes of my wild and wonderful son, John, who also couldn’t be here today because he is working in Cape May,

And more recently, I have learned about hope, about giving and about faith from my dear friend, Tom.

And, of course, it is only through the Grace of God, that I have done anything in my life.

And, I am motivated everyday by people who have not been as blessed as I have been, who struggle against seemingly insurmountable odds with strength and courage. As we say at United Way, “Underneath everything we are, underneath everything we do, we are all connected, interdependent, and when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all.”

So, when you see me accepting this award, please try to imagine a huge crowd standing behind me.

They are the remarkable women and men…my mentors, whom you are really honoring today for what they have done for me and for others.

Thank you.