Women’s History Month: Paving the Way

March is a special month and home to many celebrations such as St. Patrick’s Day and our Bi-Annual Food Truck Festival. Women’s History Month is also in March, and we chatted with a few leading ladies in our community to hear who inspires them and what advice they have for emerging women in business.

April Burriss – VIP Office Furniture & Supply

Burriss is the Vice President of VIP Office Furniture & Supply. “I equip organizations with everything office, providing office products, office space planning and design services and solutions that keep their workplaces running efficiently,” she said.

Who are some of your favorite female trailblazers?

• Rosa Parks for refusing to give up her seat.
• Princess Diana for shaking hands without using gloves.
• Queen Latifah for showing the world that girls can rap too
• Coco Chanel for inspiring women to ditch the corset and embrace the little black dress
• Stevie Nicks for her poetic genius and writing the book on how to be a rock goddess.

What is a piece of advice you would give to other women in your career field?

“Anyone can be a ’me too‘ by offering commodities at the lowest price. Customers still value the relationship and service. Believe in your business, understand what makes you different from your competition and be relevant to your customer,” she said.

Susan Poole McCorkle – Liberty Regional Medical Center

McCorkle manages the nutrition department at Liberty Regional. While the doctors and nurses are taking care of your medical needs McCorkle and her staff take care of your nutritional needs.

Who are some of your favorite female trailblazers?

“I’m not sure I have any favorite female trailblazers, but I do think there are women in our community who set the course for other females:

• Leah Poole, President and CEO of the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce.
• Kathy Villafane, Owner and Broker of the Real Estate Resource Center.
• Karen Bell, Executive Director of Keep Liberty Beautiful.
• Brynn Grant, CEO of the Liberty County Development Authority.

These women have dedicated their time, energy and strengths to improving our community, our county, our piece of Georgia and helping others, letting no one tell them NO.  They all give their time selflessly, in each of their career fields,” she said.

What is a piece of advice you would give to other women in your career field?

“Be determined to be the best you can, helping others as you grow in your knowledge.  There will be failures and times you get discouraged, it’s okay to have a few hours or a day to have that pity party but regroup and start again. Now is your chance to be strong and determined to succeed. Always remember, you started at the bottom so help others along the way and give back, it’s very rewarding,” she said.

Leigh Smiley – Coldwell Banker Southern Coast

Smiley is the Owner and Broker of Coldwell Banker Southern Coast and she is also a Councilwoman for the City of Flemington.

Who are some of your favorite female trailblazers?

• Susan B. Anthony– She was a pivotal figure in the American women’s suffrage movement, and dedicated her life to the fight for women’s rights, particularly the right to vote.
• Malala Yousafzai– She is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, she has become a global symbol of the fight for girls’ education.
• Susie King Taylor– An African American Army nurse, teacher and author during the American Civil War. Born into slavery in Liberty County, Georgia, she became the first black Army nurse, serving with the Union Army’s first black regiment, the 33rd United States Colored Troops.

What is a piece of advice you would give to other women in your career field?

“Embrace confidence, never stop learning, stay informed through involvement in your community and politics, take a leadership position and make a difference. Build a strong network, leverage your strengths, focus on people, prioritize work-life balance, and leave a positive lasting impact in every endeavor and with everyone you encounter,” she said.

Barbara Martin-VanDuser- GeoVista Federal Credit Union

Martin is the Vice President of Branch Operations at GeoVista Federal Credit Union.

Who are some of your favorite female trailblazers?

“Being from another country, I believe in the strength and perseverance of the women who were labeled ’Truemmer Frau’.  These women, in the aftermath of World War II, helped to clear and reconstruct bombed Germany.  They worked relentlessly to create a safer environment, and a better future for their families and communities. In the US I find Arianna Huffington, the co-founder of the Huffington Post, to be one of the most influential women.  I had the opportunity to meet her during a conference.  She is successful, insightful and centered,” she said.

What is a piece of advice you would give to other women in your career field?

“One must have goals and a good support system of mentors, co-workers and friends.  If you fail, make it a learning opportunity.  Education is continuous,” she said.

Women’s History Month is a celebration of those who have come before, paving the way to bigger and better things. And this month we also celebrate all of the amazing women in our community who make our world go round! We encourage everyone to celebrate the amazing trailblazers in their lives.