Meetings and Membership Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Room 14 of the Potomac Building.

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ST. MARY S COUNTY GOVERNMENT COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Marta Kelsey, Chair Elizabeth Servello, Vice-Chair Katie Werner, Secretary COMMISSIONERS OF ST. MARY S COUNTY: James R. Guy, President Michael L.

1 ST. MARY S COUNTY GOVERNMENT COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Marta Kelsey, Chair Elizabeth Servello, Vice-Chair Katie Werner, Secretary COMMISSIONERS OF ST. MARY S COUNTY: James R. Guy, President Michael L. Hewitt, Commissioner Tom Jarboe, Commissioner Todd B. Morgan, Commissioner John E. O Connor, Commissioner Annual Report 2014 Background The St. Mary s County Commission for Women (CFW) was established in July 1976 as a result of legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly to address matters of specific concern to women. Members are appointed by the St. Mary s County Commissioners. Purpose To provide the Board of County Commissioners with advice and assistance concerning issues affecting women such as employment, education, health, public office and legal rights. Meetings and Membership Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Room 14 of the Potomac Building. Elected leaders from Jan 1, 2014 Aug 8, 2014: Kyle Bishop, Chair Elizabeth Servello, Vice Chair Katie Werner, Secretary Membership from Jan 1, 2014 Aug 9, 2014 Makeba Atkins Kyle Bishop Stephanie Figeroux Terry Hall Elisa Height Marta Kelsey Mary Ludwig Norma Pipkin Elizabeth Servello Karen Ann Talbot Katie Werner *Ms. Talbot and Ms. Servello served as the CFW representatives to the Family Violence Coordinating Council. P.O. BOX LEONARD HALL DRIVE, LEONARDTOWN, MD PHONE , EXT: 1849 FAX

2 Elected leaders from Aug 9, 2014 Dec 31, 2014 Marta Kelsey, Chair Elizabeth Servvello, Vice Chair Katie Werner, Secretary Membership from Aug 9, 2014 Dec 31, 2014 Makeba Atkins Kyle Bishop Joanna Colvin Stephanie Figeroux Terry Hall Elisa Height Marta Kelsey Mary Ludwig Norma Pipkin Elizabeth Servello Karen Ann Talbot Katie Werner *Ms. Talbot and Ms. Servello served as the CFW representatives to the Family Violence Coordinating Council. Lynn Fitrell, the St. Mary s County representative to the Maryland Commission for Women, regularly attends the CFW meetings and events and keeps the CFW informed of activities at the state and regional level. Community Outreach February 2014 Norma Pipkin attended a County Commissioner s Training hosted by the County Attorney s Office. Marta Kelsey, Norma Pipkin, and Elizabeth Servello represented the Commission at the Women s Wellness Day on February 22 nd at Mt. Zion Church in Mechanicsville, MD. March 2014 The Commission developed the first ever CFW Facebook Page. The purposes of the Facebook Page are to provide information regarding and pictures of upcoming and past CFW events, to raise awareness about issues that affect women in St. Mary s County, and to provide resources for women in St. Mary s County. The Commission s Annual Women s History Month Banquet was held on March 20, 2014 at the James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. This year s theme was Celebrating Women of Courage, Character, and Commitment. P.O. BOX LEONARD HALL DRIVE, LEONARDTOWN, MD PHONE , EXT: 1849 FAX

3 There were over 200 people in attendance (not including the CFW membership and members of the Division of Human Services) who heard Elizabeth Oliver-Farrow, CEO of The Oliver Group, Inc., deliver the keynote address. For the fifth consecutive year, all proceeds benefitted the Jane Hale Sypher scholarship (est. 2010) at the College of Southern Maryland. The scholarship is for a returning (or nontraditional) student. Approximately $2,528 was raised at this year s banquet. The Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Loretta Ann Dove who has volunteered with many organizations including St. Mary's Women's Center, St. Mary's Pregnancy Center, Delicados, and the NAACP. There were ten outstanding nominees for the Woman of the Year award all successful women who tirelessly give of themselves to serve the citizens of St. Mary s County. Janice Walthour was named Woman of the Year 2014 for her significant contributions to the community for the last 35 years. She has been a member of many community boards, including the College of Southern Maryland Board of Trustees, the St. Mary s County Public Library Board of Trustees, and the Board of Directors of the Unified Committee for Afro- American Contributions. The five nominees for Woman of Tomorrow impressed us with all that they have accomplished already in their young adult lives. Gia Beaton was named Woman of Tomorrow 2014 for her creation and development of a program to tutor underprivileged children in local elementary schools. Woman of the Year 2014 Nominees: Adrina Allen Delora Crafton-Chase Shirley Dickerson Deborah Johnstone Cheryl Keen Christy Kelly Toni Long Trish Post Anne Richards Janice Walthour Woman of Tomorrow 2014 Nominees: Shenia Allen Gia Beaton Gabrielle Cory P.O. BOX LEONARD HALL DRIVE, LEONARDTOWN, MD PHONE , EXT: 1849 FAX

4 April 2014 Rachel Muir Abigail Wild Local resource Shoe Cards were created and printed by the Commission to be distributed at outreach events and to community agencies as a resource for women of St. Mary s County. August 2014 The Annual Planning Session and Retreat was held on August 9 th at the Loffler Senior Activity Center. o New members were welcomed and commission basics such as mission statement and by-laws were reviewed. The importance of attendance was emphasized. o Elections were held and new officers were appointed. o Activities from the last year were reviewed and special attention was paid to the annual banquet and changes that will be made moving forward. A Lifetime Achievement Award recipient was chosen for the 2015 banquet. o The Commission viewed a short video: The 2.0 Project. o The Commission discussed new projects for the upcoming year, which included a Career Enhancement Workshop, collecting supplies for and creating emergency toiletry bags for victims of domestic violence, developing a Public Relations Calendar, and the development of a Women s Resource Directory for the Commission s Facebook Page. A proclamation was received from the St. Mary s County Commissioners to recognize Women s Equality Day on August 26 th. September 2014 Members represented the Commission at the St. Mary s County Fair. On September 17 th Commission member, Marta Kelsey, attended the College of Southern Maryland Scholarship Reception to support the recipients of the Jane Hale Sypher Scholarship. October 2014 P.O. BOX LEONARD HALL DRIVE, LEONARDTOWN, MD PHONE , EXT: 1849 FAX

5 A proclamation was received from the St. Mary s County Commissioners to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month on October 7, November 2014 Norma Pipkin attended the Human Trafficking Community Discussion on November 2 nd. Commission members visited the Charlotte Hall Veteran s Home on November 14 th to present veterans and spouses of veterans with flowers and certificates of appreciation. December 2014 The Commission held an annual holiday gathering on December 8 th, an event that s always a welcome opportunity for fellowship and team building. The members adopted seniors within the Guardianship Program to buy gifts for Christmas. In Closing The Commission had a successful year with significant contributions and dedication from members to provide community outreach and another successful Annual Women s History Month Banquet. Respectfully Submitted by Kyle Bishop P.O. BOX LEONARD HALL DRIVE, LEONARDTOWN, MD PHONE , EXT: 1849 FAX

6 Appendix Press releases, news clips, event programs, etc. from the community outreach of the CFW in Shoe Card of Local Resources P.O. BOX LEONARD HALL DRIVE, LEONARDTOWN, MD PHONE , EXT: 1849 FAX

know their names Those women I would have walked with All those women who could have known me.

7 National Women s History Month Banquet Celebrating Women of Courage, Character and Commitment Sponsored by The Commission for Women To benefit the Jane Hale Sypher Scholarship Fund March 20, 2014 I need to know their names Those women I would have walked with All those women who could have known me. Where in the world are their names? Lucille Clifton Dr. James Forrest Career and Technology Center Leonardtown, Maryland 14

A recognized leader in the Hispanic community, Oliver-Farrow served for six years

2002. During her Chamber tenure, representing over 1.

markets including Puerto Rico, Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Spain.

Communications Network and Advisory Board of Comcast in Washington, DC. Ms.

She is a member of the International Women's Forum/Women's Forum of Washington, DC

8 A recognized leader in the Hispanic community, Oliver-Farrow served for six years on the board of the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and was elected Chair During her Chamber tenure, representing over 1.2 million Hispanic business owners, she was an invited speaker to the top 22 US markets including Puerto Rico, Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Spain. She serves on several corporate boards including: CareFirst, Inc, Hispanic Communications Network and Advisory Board of Comcast in Washington, DC. Ms. Oliver-Farrow is also Chair Emeritus of the Hispanic College Fund, where she has served as a trustee since She is also Chair of the NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education. She is a member of the International Women's Forum/Women's Forum of Washington, DC and Ex-Officio Board Member of the DC Chamber of Commerce, where she was elected 2000 Chair. From 1997 through 2004, she was Board Chair of Southeastern University and from , Elizabeth served as Chair of Greater Washington Ibero American Chamber of Commerce. She is listed in Who's Who in America since 1997 and Who's Who of American Women since

Elizabeth Oliver-Farrow is President & CEO of The Oliver Group, Inc.

She brings over 40 years of public relations, marketing and production experience to OGI and is a media

with Federal Government and private sector clients.

Relations Society of America, 1997 Gold and Bronze CINDY Awards in Public Service category, International

Award in Regional/National Radio Advertising.

community, among them: 2009 Service Award, Hispanic College Fund, Inc.

9 Elizabeth Oliver-Farrow is President & CEO of The Oliver Group, Inc., (OGI) a public policy and communications company based in Washington, DC. She brings over 40 years of public relations, marketing and production experience to OGI and is a media consultant to CEOs and senior executives integrating corporate initiatives with successful communications strategies. She was formerly President and CEO of a public relations, management consulting and community outreach company with Federal Government and private sector clients. Under her leadership, the firm received the 2003 Thoth Award Certificate of Excellence from the Public Relations Society of America, 1997 Gold and Bronze CINDY Awards in Public Service category, International Association of Audio-Visual Communicators, and 1997 Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington Annual Show Award in Regional/National Radio Advertising. Prior to moving to the District, she promoted music, movies and an international destination and resort in New York City. Since 1992, Oliver-Farrow has received numerous awards in recognition of her contributions to the business community, among them: 2009 Service Award, Hispanic College Fund, Inc.; 2009 Latina Lideres, National Puerto Rican Coalition at George Washington University; 2006 Hispanic Visionary Award, New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Top Latinas, Hispanic Magazine; 2002 International Leadership Award, Mexican American Chamber of Commerce; 2002 Civic Leadership Award, Hispanic Magazine; 2001 Imágen Award, Puerto Rico; 2000 Reconocimiento, III Gran Encuentro ADME, Dominican Republic; 1996 Women in Leadership, Wal-Mart; 1996 Businesswoman of the Year Award, US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; 1993 Blue Chip Award, US Chamber of Commerce. 12 3

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11 Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That s what little girls are made of; the heck with sugar and spice. Bethany Hamilton From her book Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family and Fighting to Get Back on the Board 10 5

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ADVISORY COMMITTEE Gold Hunter Green. ALTERNATE DELEGATE Gold Maroon. Gold Hunter Green. ASSISTANT TREASURER Gold Green.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE Gold Hunter Green. ALTERNATE DELEGATE Gold Maroon. Gold Hunter Green. ASSISTANT TREASURER Gold Green. 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 15 YEARS 20 YEARS 25 YEARS Gold Silver 30 YEARS 35 YEARS 40 YEARS 45 YEARS 50 YEARS ACHIEVER ADVERTISER ADVISOR ADVISORY BOARD ADVISORY COMMITTEE ADVISORY COUNCIL AFFILIATE ALTERNATE ALTERNATE