"May this masterful piece inspire you as it has undoubtedly done for others."

Words From The Chair

Kernesa Samana / 2020 THE Ohio WiNUP Chapter Chair

The WiNUP Ohio chapter recently participated in a Double Your Impact fund raiser for the Mid-Ohio Food bank. Due to your generosity, we ended up raising over $15,000, which was matched for a total donation of over $30,000. The Foodbank is able to turn this donation into over $278,000 worth of groceries. I’d like to offer a heartfelt thank you to Kris Watts, Patrice White and the rest of the Clothing Drive committee for pulling this together. Martha, Deb and Lisa who helped get the word out and to all who helped spread the message and especially to those who were able to donate. THANK YOU!

Your willingness to help our community reminded me of this quote from Fred Rogers: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers-so many caring people in this world.”― Fred Rogers, The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember

Despite the hardship or challenges you are facing, you became the helpers - the people who care, and that speaks loudly about the amazingness of our members!

In our May Ohio Chapter board meeting, we approved that all WiNUP activities for 2020 will be virtual. As the world is opening up around us, we still want to promote safety and caution and feel that large gatherings are not something we should do this year. That does not mean that our year is cancelled! We have some great virtual programming in the works. We are partnering with the PUCO, Tonya Tiggett and other professionals. Our topics will include the Journey to Leadership, Next Level Leadership and being Unapologetically Bold. Stay tuned for invitations for these upcoming items.

A big thanks goes out to Sheila Rettig for recommending this month’s song - Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye - it lifts my spirits and makes me move every time I hear it!

If you have a song that moves you - send it to me, I may include it in a future newsletter!

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Are you feeling anxious, with heightened levels of fear as we all grapple with new concerns that we didn’t see coming? Everything that brings the feeling of security has become uncertain: our health, finances, jobs, even our daily routine. It’s normal to be affected by all of this! But, we know that what is certain in this life is uncertainty. We also realize that we have an opportunity to turn to and genuinely rely upon the One who is certain.

Ohio WiNUP Chapter Executive Sponsor - Carla Donev, NiSource

Why did you choose to support WiNUP?

"When I began my career in cybersecurity, I found it hard to find other women who related to my work. Over the years, I have always taken the time to support other women in their journey to excel in a very male dominated field. When I joined NiSource and heard about WiNUP, I loved the purpose of the organization and helping support other women. I knew that I wanted to get involved so when the opportunity came up to be the NiSource sponsor, I happily said yes! I am hopeful that we can get more women and men within Central Ohio involved in growing the organization."

What is your background in the utility industry?

"This is my first role in the utility industry! I have previously worked in healthcare and retail. And I have to say that the utility industry is very unique compared to what I have experienced in the past."

What are your likes and hobbies?

"I love to travel with my family. We really enjoy exploring new places and it is amazing to see the world through the eyes of my children. When I have time, I also enjoy cooking."

WiNUP Mentoring Program

Friday - May 15, 2020

"As the Chair of the 2020 WiNUP Mentoring Program -- proud to announce we had our kick-off meeting to welcome 17 FABULOUS mentees! So pleased that we were able to have such a successful networking event … despite the fact it was virtual. It was great to connect and learn from each other! Special thanks to Co-Chair, Elizabeth McClain, professional Coach Keri Forney, returning mentor Anne Marie Meyer, and returning mentee and committee member Brittany Noland. Also a very special thank you to our sponsors: Greg Filipkowski and Derek Kramer. #2020WiNUPMentoringProgram. #empoweringothers"

Sandy Nessing, Managing Director of Global Sustainability at AEP & Ohio WiNUP Chapter Executive Sponsor, talks about how COVID19 is ushering in a new era of corporate strategy. #RiskManagement #Digitalization

"In 2017, I decided it was time for me to increase my involvement in WiNUP. I applied for and was awarded a conference registration for the 2017 conference in Philadelphia. During the conference, I connected with other women and agreed to be part of an International committee. In 2018, I was part of the mentorship program and put in a ton of extra work to make the opportunity worthwhile. I frequently met with my mentor, soul searched and created a thoughtful career development plan that I started implementing, openly shared my plan with my direct manager, and was connected with many different leaders to discuss my goals and tips for success. My mentor was aware of my interests and when the opportunity arose, recommended I be considered to assist on a high profile project. The experience took me out of my technical comfort zone, but I dove in, learned so much about the business-side of an electric utility, and gained professional exposure.

In late 2019, I was promoted to Project Environmental Support Supervisor for the Ohio and Indiana Michigan regions! Our team supports environmental permitting for Transmission, Distribution, and Telecom capital projects. If it weren’t for WiNUP, I’m not sure I would be as prepared as I am for this role. WiNUP has helped provide insight into the utility business, connection with a wide network of professionals, and unique development opportunities. I look forward to continuing to be part of WiNUP and encourage you to take all the opportunities it offers for your own personal and professional development!"

Virgin Pulse's "Virtual Exercise Dice"

Do you want to add some fun to your daily home exercise routine, the start of a conference call or a virtual meeting with a co-worker? Then, check out this site, recommended by AEP Sharecare: Virgin Pulse's "Virtual Exercise Dice"- every time you click the dice, it rolls a different home exercise like "10 push-ups" or "20 air squats". It’s a great way to kick off meetings and keep you and your meeting attendees positive, active and engaged. See link below!