"Newbie Nearly Nuked" got fired after just 4 weeks for minor offenses like talking fast. Mel advises it's a communication breakdown. The manager should've given clearer feedback sooner. But, Newbie Nearly Nuked might've rubbed colleagues wrong. Mel suggests Newbie work on "reading the room" - picking up on non-verbal cues and adjusting communication style. It's a tough lesson, but a chance to develop communication skills for future success.
Discover how to shatter financial barriers in "Unlocking Women's Financial Power." Delve into the unique challenges women face and learn effective strategies to achieve financial equality.
From exploring societal pressures to unveiling transformative policies and supportive networks, this series empowers women to take control of their financial futures. Join us as we journey towards creating a more equitable financial landscape for every woman. Don't miss out—empowerment starts here!
In today's episode of Mental Health Monday, Dr. K addresses the profound impact of unexpected loss, sparked by the sudden announcement of the closure of Wells College, her alma mater. This news serves as a stark reminder of how abrupt losses can shatter our sense of stability. Dr. K explores the intense emotions that accompany such events, from disbelief and sorrow to confusion and devastation. She emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to grieve without judgment, seeking support from loved ones, prioritizing self-care, and when necessary, consulting professional help. Dr. K also discusses finding meaning beyond the pain, suggesting that these harrowing experiences can lead to personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose. Through understanding and compassion, she offers guidance on navigating the tumultuous journey of healing after an unexpected loss.
In this heartfelt advice column, "Mom of the Year" shares her struggle with managing a high-pressure career in crisis services while juggling the demands of being a dedicated wife and mother to two young children, each with their own unique challenges. She also navigates the complexities of caring for aging parents with minimal support from distant siblings. Feeling overwhelmed and guilty for not being able to be everywhere at once, she seeks advice on how to handle the relentless pressure without feeling like a failure.
The response from Mel offers practical advice and emotional reassurance, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and building a supportive network. Mel encourages "Mom of the Year" to find time for self-care and open communication with her husband to collaboratively find solutions that can bring some much-needed balance to her hectic life. The post encapsulates the universal challenge of balancing professional success with personal responsibilities, and provides insightful strategies for anyone feeling overwhelmed by similar circumstances.
Unleash your inner superhero with your squad by your side! Surround yourself with mentors, coaches, friends, and the Women's Opportunity Center for unstoppable support. Ready to conquer challenges and chase dreams? It's time to take action and soar to new heights. Don't wait for tomorrow – start making magic happen today!
Stuck in a difficult situation? The Women's Opportunity Center (WOC) empowers women to break free, build a brighter future, and create a lasting legacy for themselves and their families.
Escape unhealthy relationships, heal from silent abuse, and achieve sustainable independence. WOC offers support, resources, and a supportive community to help you thrive.
Empower yourself, empower your family, empower your community. Reach out to WOC and discover the support network you have been searching for.
In social interactions, humor often fosters connection, but there's a darker side when jokes disguise belittlement. Belittling behavior, often masked as "just kidding," subtly undermines self-esteem and confidence. Red flags include consistent criticism, dismissal of feelings, isolation tactics, and gaslighting. While not always overtly abusive, its impact can be profound, leading to self-doubt and isolation. Confronting belittlement involves setting boundaries, seeking support, practicing self-care, and evaluating relationships. Recognizing and addressing this behavior is crucial for preserving mental well-being.
In this empowering message, the writer shares their experience of overcoming life's challenges and rejecting labels like "trauma" or "victim." They emphasize that individuals are not defined by these labels and encourage others to embrace their strength and resilience. Through solidarity and community support, they inspire readers to redefine their narratives and celebrate their journeys authentically.
Discover the hidden struggles of women in achieving financial security! Part One exposes the startling gender pay gaps and financial stressors faced by women, while Part Two delves into unique challenges like the "mommy tax" and educational disparities. Uncover the truth behind these barriers and learn how women are fighting for equal pay and financial empowerment. Don't miss out – read now!
In this insightful advice column, Mel, an experienced HR professional, delves into the challenges of navigating workplace etiquette amidst rude behavior. Through a compelling scenario and practical guidance, Mel offers solutions for fostering a respectful and productive work environment. Learn effective strategies for addressing rudeness, promoting empathy, setting clear expectations, and nurturing a positive workplace culture. Dive into Mel's expert advice to empower your team and enhance organizational success.
Sitting in an office, seeking help, I heard my daughter's innocent voice narrate a nightmare to a policeman. Her words shattered my heart—my daughter was inadvertently learning that abuse was acceptable. That moment sparked a fire within me; it wasn’t just about survival anymore. It was about rewriting the script for my daughter’s future.
In the shadow of abuse, I navigated a nightmare disguised as love—strangulation, assault, and perpetual fear. Witnessing the impact on my daughter, I knew I had to break free from the cycle of violence. Strategizing my escape, I hid bags for safety, determined to reclaim life beyond mere existence. Months later, I emerged liberated, embracing peace I never knew. Today, I stand a survivor, a voice among the 1 in 3 women facing domestic violence. At the Women’s Opportunity Center, we offer sanctuary, support, and tailored services to empower others in their journey from victim to warrior. Together, let’s rewrite our narratives and thrive, unbound by fear. Join us, reclaim your power, and create a world where every woman thrives.
ITHACA/SYRACUSE, New York—Today, the Onondaga and Tompkins County Women’s Opportunity Center (WOC) announced that a New Executive Director, Jan Bridgeford-Smith will be starting as head of the organization on March 29, 2021. Bridgeford-Smith will be serving as the Executive Director for both the Syracuse and Ithaca locations. The WOC is a non-profit organization that offers free programs and services to advance women’s success in the workplace by providing employability skill training.
“When I saw the position was open, it just seemed right to apply—it was like coming full circle,” said Jan Bridgeford-Smith, Executive Director of the Women’s Opportunity Center. “When I first moved to Ithaca, I was active for years in advocating for legislation and services important to women; and I couldn’t imagine a better way to honor the spirit of all the women I’d known who had inspired and supported me my entire life. The Women’s Opportunity Center is an organization laser-focused on empowering women—still an urgent piece of unfinished business. I’m honored and excited to be joining the agency.”
A native of Washington, D.C., Bridgeford-Smith was raised by her single mother, who worked full-time as a secretary, and took college classes at night. Bridgeford-Smith went on to get an undergraduate degree in education from the University of Maryland. After two years of teaching special education in a small, rural, southern Maryland school, she moved to the Ithaca area.
In Ithaca, she completed a graduate degree in counselor education with a concentration in organizational management from Syracuse University. Bridgeford-Smith held executive management positions with the Tompkins County Mental Health Association, H.O.M.E.S., Inc. and Family & Children’s Services of Ithaca. She was a founding member and co-coordinator of the local chapter of the National Organization for Women, and served on the boards of Rape Crisis and The Task Force for Battered Women, organizations that eventually joined forces to form the Advocacy Center.
Former Women's Opportunity Center client Charise Titus discusses building success in the workforce.
Eileen L. Collins Graduated from Strayer University in 2009 with an Associates Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. She has 30+ years Administrative experience with 4 years experience through the USAF. Her previous employment was with Wells Fargo Bank for 14 years as an Executive Assistant and Trust Associate combined. She is certified in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook. Eileen is married with 3 boys, 12 grandchildren, 4 greatgrands and 2 dogs. Her current business venture is called Admin-On-Call, Executive Assistant on the Run. They provide cost effective, professional administrative services on an as-needed-basis to busy Professionals, Sole Proprietors, Home Based Businesses, and Large and Small Business Owners. In 2019, Eileen Collins was awarded the Women's Opportunity Center Woman of the Year Award. She continues to be an inspiring presence at the center and is always generous with her time and knowledge.
