|
FEBRUARY 2012  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Power of Inclusion
February Speaker Nikki Giovanni
 When a living legend like Oprah calls you a living legend, you know you’ve made your mark in this world. Named one of Oprah’s 25 “Living Legends,” author and civil rights activist Nikki Giovanni will speak at CABLE’s “Power of Inclusion” program on February 8th.
Having spent her life fighting for equality and inclusion, Nikki says that if you start with the concept of inclusion, understanding will follow. “Human beings are, like most mammals, naturally curious. You can’t possibly understand what you are not even interested in. You must first include, then seek understanding.
“I am not speaking of craziness. You don’t need to get drunk and drive before you understand that’s a bad idea. I am talking about being open to new experiences. Being intelligent in your decisions. And giving yourself a chance to learn something while giving others a chance to learn about you and your connections.”
Since her first volume of poetry, Black Feeling, Black Talk, was published in 1968, Nikki’s work has provoked, inspired and captivated her audience, but when it comes to understanding others, Nikki thinks reading and listening to poetry is an important part of the process. “I don’t know if the poems actually help as much as the sharing of the poems. It’s one reason music is a universal language. You don’t have to understand the words so much as to be willing to listen to the beat.”
While the concept of inclusion may only bring to mind the political arena or corporate environments, there are ways for individuals to incorporate inclusion in their daily lives. “I think a smile and a “Yes” are the most important things anyone can do to let people know they are safe with you.” Nikki says that “they are united. You smile and say, “Yes, I will help. Yes, I think that’s a good idea. Yes, Count me in. Yes. Count on me.” Yes and a smile will get you further than a rocket with a power pack.”
In addition to her numerous volumes of poetry, Nikki has also become an award-winning children’s author. Her book Rosa, based on the life of Rosa Parks, was named a Caldecott Honors book. Nikki wants her books to have a positive effect on her youngest audience. “Children are intelligent beings. I hope the respect I show will carry over to let them know they should never accept anything less than respect from the artists who present our visions for and to them.”
Currently a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech, Nikki has a strong connection to Tennessee. She was born in Knoxville and returned there frequently to visit her grandparents. She also graduated from Fisk University. Among her many awards, locally Nikki has received the Governor’s Award, and she was named Outstanding Woman of Tennessee. She has received a multitude of awards and acknowledges that every award she has received is important to her.
The 2012 Power of Inclusion luncheon is sold out.
2012 Power of Inclusion
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
11:30 a.m.
Nashville Airport Marriott
map and directions
The Power of Inclusion event has become one of CABLE’s premier annual initiatives. This year marks CABLE’s seventh annual Power of Inclusion event, continuing CABLE’s advocacy for all minorities that may have been denied opportunities in the workplace. Each year, the luncheon emphasizes diversity and attracts over 400 attendees representing Nashville’s most influential civic, political and business organizations.
The 2012 Power of Inclusion Awards will be presented at CABLE's June 2012 meeting; contact the CABLE office for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
2011-2012 President Sandra S. Vance is Senior Network Planning Manager at AT&T
|
|
Happy Valentine’s Day, CABLE family! This is the month we traditionally shower our loved ones with expressions of love and gifts from the heart. If you’re like me, nothing says love like chocolate and flowers.
This month we can all enjoy a special gift from the heart (and for the heart) with the Red Wine & Dark Chocolate Celebration presented by Saint Thomas Heart. Join us for this networking event where we’ll also learn heart-healthy tips specifically for women. Because this issue is so important to women, we are giving 50 percent of the proceeds to benefit the American Heart Association. Plus, is there anything better than knowing you can eat dark chocolate, and it is actually healthy for you?
February is also a month of celebration for CABLE. We celebrate the contributions of African-Americans with Black History Month. This year we will celebrate the Power of Inclusion luncheon during February with one of our country’s most noted poets, writers, commentators, and activists as our speaker, Nikki Giovanni. We are delighted to have such a prestigious speaker. We also greatly appreciate the generous support of each of our sixteen sponsors of this program.
Another celebration this month is the third annual Women on Corporate Boards Board Walk of Fame Breakfast. This meeting of high-powered business leaders recognizes and promotes women directors as important role models. Our guest speaker is Kathleen McQuiggan, President and Founder of Catalina Leadership, and Senior Consultant at PaxWorld Management. PAXWorld Management is the firm that pioneered “gender equality as an investment concept.” I would like to thank Avenue Bank for once again being the presenting sponsor of this event.
Go online to nashvillecable.org and check the CABLE calendar for more details on each event. Register today before they sell out. Also watch for the weekly Member Announcements released every Thursday and catch up with the accomplishments of other members.
Can you believe it? Rutherford CABLE is celebrating its 3rd anniversary! We want to extend our congratulations to our sister chapter. This chapter has achieved so much in such a short time frame and we celebrate their success.
We are also proud of three of our members who were selected as part of the Nashville Business Journal’s 2012 Women of Influence class. Join me in congratulating members Makesha Montgomery, Marty Nord and Linda Peek Schacht. Thank you, ladies, for all you do to enhance the Nashville community through your service.
As always, I would like to welcome our new members. You are important to us, and I look forward to meeting each of you at an upcoming CABLE networking event. Have fun at the February events and enjoy the benefits of your CABLE membership.
Finally, we are thankful to our many CABLE sponsors. Your contributions help us support our programming. I especially would like to thank each of our Reaching Nashville Women sponsors listed below.
Yours in service,
Sandra Vance
Special Thanks to our 2011-12
Reaching Nashville Women Sponsors
|
|
|
|
|
|
Platinum Sponsors
|
|
|
Diamond Sponsor
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Gold Sponsors
|
|
|
Silver Sponsor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bronze Sponsors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
CABLE Is Women of Influence!
Congratulations to CABLE members Mekesha H. Montgomery, Marty Nord and Linda Peek Schacht, who will be honored by the Nashville Business Journal as Women of Influence. Past honorees include Susan Hosbach, Susan Huggins, Mary Beth Ikard, Jan Maddox, Phyllis Qualls-Brooks, Linda Rebrovick, Yvonne Wood, Vera Chatman, Kim Riley. Deborah Chapman, Deborah Varallo, Rita Mitchell, Barbara Moss, Laura Smith Tidwell, Agenia Clark, Glenda Copeland, Stacey Garrett, and Janet Walls. We are so proud to have within our CABLE network these women who have been recognized by their industry peers for their talents and accomplishments.
CABLE member Linda Rebrovick will be the guest speaker at the NBJ Women Of Influence Awards Luncheon where the recipients will be honored, on February 9th. To register, go to http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/event/61431. If you are interested in joining a table with other CABLE members, please contact Karen Williams at kwilliams@bellsouth.net.
|
 |
|
|
February Member Focus
Yolanda Harris-Jackson
|
|
Meet CABLE member Yolanda Harris-Jackson
Spa Director, Relache Spa at Gaylord Opryland
Describe what you do in your job.
As the Spa Director, I am responsible for the overall day to day operations of our Spa, Salon, Fitness Center, and Pools for Gaylord Opryland Resort. I work with my team of leaders at the spa to create the best treatments and customized services you can find in the industry. I am also responsible for leading the execution of the sales and marketing strategies for the overall business. Lastly, I set the budget and adhere to the financial health of the business by ensuring our revenue, expenses, and profits line up to what is expected.
What are the greatest challenges and the greatest rewards of your career?
The greatest rewards is to see the transformation of our guests from the time they walk into our spa until the time they leave. They feel relaxed, relieved, and most of all free once they experience our result oriented treatments. This is a feeling everyone should experience, due to the stressful times we live in. The greatest challenge is getting some people to understand this is not a luxury business. This is your health and well-being. If you don't take the time to stress relief and care for yourself. It will only lead to bigger problems down the road.
What does the phrase "power of inclusion" mean to you?
The phrase "power of inclusion" means there is power in collaboration. I am a true believer in collaborative strategies to help any organization or business to grow. All backgrounds, experiences, and cultures can only make you stronger as a whole. This world will become stronger if we can only stop being selfish and come together for the good of each other.
What efforts have you seen in the business world at large or your company specifically to become more diverse and inclusive, and what has been the impact of those efforts?
Our company is leading the way when it comes to diversity and inclusion. From the front line STARS (employees) to our Leaders, you will find a variety of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. This is what makes Gaylord Opryland so special. Overall, in the business world I have seen companies actively reaching out to bridge the gap of generations so that strategies and tactics become more effective.
What do you love most about being a CABLE member?
I truly enjoy serving other women and ensuring their success. I have learned so much from this dynamic group of CABLE members. This has helped me to grow personally and professionally. The values, mission and purpose of this organizations aligns perfectly with mine. Not to mention being on the cutting edge of women's rights and equality keeps me connected to the group.
What is something that most CABLE members would be surprised to learn about you?
In my free time, I enjoy riding my Can-Am Spyder motorcycle with my husband and family. We take trips together and coordinate group rides in the name of various charities.
Connect with Yolanda on Facebook - click here.
|
|
|
|
|
Have an idea for an article for the CABLEgram? Send your announcements, committee event photos, or story ideas to your new Member Communications Chair, Vanessa Frye, at cablegram@nashvillecable.org.
|
|
