Women’s History Month: “Moving Forward Together”

By Jennifer L. Warren

GOSHEN – For Lori Pine it was not necessary to center her honoree remarks upon herself; something with a much wider scope was the priority.

“I want to make a rally cry, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, affirmed the CEO of The Joy where she is an Executive Leadership Coach and Consultant, assisting ambitious, successful women with the deft art of balancing family and professional life. “We have to come together, and the only way we get to rise is to take care of ourselves, something that’s not always natural, as we are givers, movers and shakers, who need to find a new definition of joy, and when we know better, we do better.”

It was the exact energetic, upbeat, forward moving vibe that was at the epicenter of Shirley Sutphin’s mission, as CEO of Let’s Talk, when she created the Annual Women’s History Month event, celebrating the multi-layered talents and potential of all women. Sunday, inside of Delancey’s Restaurant in Goshen, four remarkable females were highlighted for the selfless, impactful contributions they have made to their communities and beyond, something Sutphin makes it a point to recognize in others each and every day of the year.

“This is a special time for women; it’s really about us all coming together and nurturing the new generation and putting ourselves first in order to do that,” said Sutphin, who was introduced by Amy Coopersmith as a visionary for change, who empowers women and strengthens communities. “Women supporting women is vital; we are faithful to all things-family, career, community-we do it all; today is not about me, but about all of you.”

One of those individuals saluted by Sutphin was Jean Antonelli, an innovator with a long career in the insurance field who is a devoted volunteer. “Women need to be in charge of their own destiny; today there are no limits as to what women can do,” said Antonelli in her remarks. “There’s still a lot of work to be done; in many parts of the world, women are still fighting for their rights, but it’s important to stay strong.”

Another honoree, Vicki Mastronardi, an Assistant Vice President of Orange County Bank & Trust, who has been in the bank industry for 25 years and been involved with extensive volunteering, was introduced by Sutphin as a person defined by “the kindness she shows.”
“It’s important for men to speak up and be supportive for their female allies,” said Mastronardi who presented her mother with a book, showing her extreme gratitude. “It’s all about connecting; friendships make a difference; we need to build each other up and be authentically ourselves.”

Alicia Roe, a Branch Manager for Walden Savings Bank and another avid volunteer was the fourth honoree of the afternoon.

“My career has allowed me to grow a great deal, learning that it’s ok to need to ask for help,” said Roe, who discussed her balancing act of being a devoted mother and banking professional. “Team work and hard work go hand-in-hand.” Roe added, “Always look for ways to encourage other women in life; you just never know when it can make an impact.”
Pine, who left a successful, “big and fun” corporate career, working with global superstar brands such as Coco-Cola and Campbell’s, to provide more time for family while leading her own company, one centered upon joy, knows first-hand the potency one life-a woman’s-can have on others.

“We have an opportunity to choose joy, to choose a sense of holistic well-being that lives within each of us; in doing so, creates a ripple effect into our families, our workplaces and our communities, which is our power of leadership as women,” said Pine. “This award is fuel for me to keep going, encouraging more and more women to lead with joy.”