50 Women Final

2008 “50 Women Who
Make a Difference”

Ester Mitchell-Patrick
Administrative Assistant, Le Bonheur Surgery Department, Perioperative Services
Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center
“In her position as Administrative Assistant of the Peri-operative Services Department (Le Bonhuer Surgery), she provides love, compassion, support and guidance to children undergoing surgery and to their families faced with the challenge of awaiting their outcome. Ester’s gift of always offering an energetic hello and a positive thought has made her a true legend at Le Bonheur. No matter where you are within Le Bonheur, someone knows and loves Ester. She offers encouragement, time and her famous beautiful smile to all.”
Nominated by Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center
GOALS: To help fund the halfway house for pregnant girls, to ensure adequate healthcare for all children, to get information to our citizens that will save them from foreclosure and predatory lenders.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Tenn. Diversity and Disparities Institute, World AIDS Day, LeMoyne-Owen College Community Development Corp., Life Blood Committee, History and Heritage, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Black History Month, Reward and Recognition Committee Tennessee State Band yearly visit to Le Bonheur
Ester’s family includes Mia Mitchell-Randolph Patrick, Mya Olivia, Quincy Mitchell-Hughes, Kathryn Victoria and Reginald David.

Amy O’Bannon
Vice President/Trust Officer, Regions Morgan Keegan Trust
“[Amy] is a member of the Germantown Chamber of Commerce and co-chaired the 2006 Taste of the Town that helps raise money for Make-A-Wish through their live auction. She is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Germantown, an Executive Committee board member of Leadership Germantown, and member of the Education Commission for the City of Germantown. She is also a member of the Republican Women of Purpose and Board Member of the Memphis Estate Planning Council. She was recently elected to the Council Relations Committee for the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils. She is one of 25 people that represent 25,000 members across the country. Amy O’Bannon has it all and she is definitely making a difference in Memphis. Not only in the business and civic community, but also as mother, wife, and role model to thousands of young women in the area.”
Nominated by Williams, McDaniel, Wolfe & Womack
WHAT INSPIRES & MOTIVATES YOU: People and the human spirit. A kind word or a compliment can warm another’s heart. I’m inspired by the smiling faces from other people.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Member – Memphis Estate Planning Council, Board Member Memphis Chapter – Society Financial Service Professionals, Germantown Education Commissioner, Youth Volunteer and Sunday School Teacher, United Methodist Women, Board Member and Treasurer – Leadership Germantown, PTA and school volunteer.
Amy has been married to husband Sean O’Bannon for 16 years. They are the parents of Brooke, 13, Webb, 11, and Cara, 8.

Marie V. Pizano-Firtik
Founder & President, Marie’s Mission
Owner/Creative Director, Zazu & Valentina, LLC
“Marie Pizano-Firtik is in the business of giving. Marie gives of herself in so many ways, turning heads with her innovative ideas and event planning, and as VP of Special Events and PR Director of the International Children’s Heart Foundation (ICHF), her goal is to significantly increase fund raising and recognition through events and publicity. Her passion and enthusiasm, energy and spirit, strength and courage clearly shine when she raises awareness for women and children’s concerns both locally and nationally. She is an extraordinary woman that impresses everyone she comes in contact with. She’s the superwoman that doesn’t have to prove she’s superwoman, it obvious when you’re in her presence.”
Nominated by Women’s Wisdom Network/US Learning, Inc. & International Children’s Heart Foundation
GOALS: My grandparents and my parents taught and inspired me to give back and make a difference, to have love in my heart and to serve others. I have many goals. But mostly, my main goal is to be a good role model for my children and family. To inspire them to be a good people, take care of their health, have integrity, confidence, make a difference by truly helping someone else, take a stand to do what is right and be who you are- be who you want to be - but always do everything with love and truth!
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Board, Women’s Foundation for Greater Memphis (WFGM), VP of Special Events & PR Director, Board, International Children’s Heart Foundation (ICHF); Women’s Wisdom Network, Board; Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary; Memphis Symphony League, Member/Volunteer; Italian-American Civic League of Chicago; Mid-South Safe Kid’s Coalition; Co-Chair, 2008 GO RED for Women, American Heart Association; Founder-Emeritus, Tiara Tea Society; Co-Founder, Diva Dinners (for St. Jude); Co-Founder, Green Hope Foundation
Marie is married to Gregory C. Firtik and they have two children: Dalton and Jordan.

Peggy Quinn
Asst. Professor and Director of Fashion Merchandising
& Internships/Freshmen Orientation Program Consultant
The University of Memphis
“Peggy has been a member of the Memphis Chapter of Executive Women International since 1996. In addition to serving as President of the Memphis Chapter, she has also served as Vice President and Secretary as well as the Chair of numerous committees. Peggy wrote and put into place EWI’s Fellows Awards Program that awards between $1,000 and $5,000 to EWI members enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate programs. Peggy is completely dedicated to anything she takes on. Her friends and associates have benefited from her advice and support, and she has helped to shape the lives of many students. She has made a difference in so many lives from young to old”
Nominated by Executive Women International, Memphis Chapter
WHAT INSPIRES & MOTIVATES YOU: My very supportive family and the inquisitive and creative minds of the many students that I’ve had the pleasure to mentor and teach is what continues to inspire and motivate me daily.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Executive Women International (International Corporate Vice-President/President Elect), Executive Women International Business Career Development Board, Executive Women International Global Alliance Board, Madonna Circle, Circle Arts, Birthright of Memphis, Inc. Board of Directors
Peggy and her husband Charlie have been married for 35 years and have three sons, Charlie and Robert Quinn of Memphis and newly wed son John Quinn and daughter-in-law MaryLouis who reside in Birmingham, Alabama.

Flo Patton Ryan
RN/Supervisor, Community Health Nursing Program, Shelby County Health Department
“Since Florence “Flo” Patton Ryan began her professional career in 1977, she has dedicated herself to making our community a better place to live. Over the years Flo has conceived and implemented many significant programs to improve the health of babies. She implemented a home visiting follow up program for high-risk pediatric patients and TLC perinatal patients. Flo supervises the Campaign for Healthier Babies media and marketing initiative to encourage early and continuous prenatal care. To Flo, she is just doing her job, but the competent and compassionate manner in which she interacts with each person she meets makes her a very special woman.”
Nominated by Maternal League of Memphis
YOUR GREATEST PASSION: Being a nurse and responding to the needs of others, changing lives, and making a difference.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Regional Health Council, Infant Mortality Prevention Committee, Child Fatality Review Team
Flo recently married for the first time in March 2008 to William Charles Ryan.

Victoria Shields
Assistant Principal, Influence 1 / City University School of Liberal Arts
“Fully dedicated to the scholars of City University School of Liberal Arts, Victoria Shields’ love for her job is unbelievably noticeable. She possesses the qualities necessary to be the Dean of Students; sternness and compassion for the scholars; the commitment and aptitude needed to run the school; and the dedication to give it her all everyday. Beyond the educational environment, she affords scholars with great experiences in their community endeavors, as each scholar is required to complete 120-community service hours before graduation. She also provides them with exposure to the world beyond Memphis, as many of our scholars have participated in national programs to aid in their future achievements. Due to her efforts, City University scholars truly flourish.”
Nominated by City University School of Liberal Arts and endorsed by The Influence1 Foundation
YOUR GREATEST PASSION: My greatest passion is definitely working with children. I strongly believe in reciprocity and the urgency to give knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to our youth of today to help create a better and brighter tomorrow.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Big Brothers Big Sisters & City University School of Liberal Arts Executive Board
Victoria is married to Cornelius Shields and has two daughters, Ashanti and Gabriel.

Rev. Dr. Gina Marcia Stewart
Senior Pastor, Christ Missionary Baptist Church
“ [Rev. Dr. Gina Marcia Stewart] captured the vision of the Christ Missionary Baptist Church founders forty-one years ago and was elected as the first African American female to serve an established African American Baptist congregation in Memphis and Shelby County in 1995. Dr. Stewart has led the congregation of Christ Missionary Baptist Church for 13 years, which has grown from 500 members to more than 3,000. Under her leadership there have been many defining moments instrumental in resurrecting the pride and prowess of so many lost souls in the community such as the erection of a new worship center. She boldly tells everyone, “The grass may wither, flowers may fade, but God’s word will stand forever.” That is what she teaches her congregation and it is what she lives her life by.”
Nominated by The Write Place for Young Authors
KEYS TO SUCCESS: Proverbs 3:6 says "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" (New International Version). The foundation for success is to live with the recognition that God is the designer of my life and when a life is lived in harmony with God, God can be trusted to govern, guard, and guide.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Team Leader, Pastoral Excellence Program for Lott Carey International; Co-Convener, Women in Ministry Conference; Trustee, Samuel DeWitt Proctor Pastors Conference; board, National Civil Rights Museum, Bread for the World; Advisory Board, The African American Pulpit
Dr. Stewart is the daughter of Leopolia (deceased) and Ann Stewart; she has three siblings, Lorraine, Dwight and Maria.

Kathy Toes-Boccia
Dean, St. Agnes Academy Lower School
“[Kathy’s] contributions are innumerable from her initiative promoting Peaceable Schools, her determination to get the “Game Face” exhibit for SAA, to her strong desire to share with the faculty her love of the concepts found in The Courage to Teach movement. In all aspects of her life, Kathy Boccia is a strong leader. Intelligent, sensitive to and aware of the diverse needs and challenges of her students, Kathy is impressive as an administrator who elicits positive responses and nurtures potential.”
Nominated by St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School
KEYS TO SUCCESS: I believe that one of the keys to success is creativity. To be creative one must love learning, understand the importance of taking risks, and be open to the inspiration and direction that comes from God, the quintessential Creator.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: I serve as a lector and Eucharist minister at the Church of the Holy Spirit. I am also a member of the Order of Dominican Associates which is a Catholic organization of lay persons committed to the four pillars of the Dominican Tradition – prayer, study, community and service.
Kathy’s almost 20-year history as a CLUE teacher for Memphis City Schools has greatly influenced her two children, Lauren and Bob. Lauren is a high school history teacher, and my son Bob is currently working on his Masters Degree in Teaching.

Joy Vernon
Coordinator of Volunteer Service, Juvenile Court of Memphis & Shelby County
“For the past 20 years Joy Vernon has worked for Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County, now as the recently appointed Volunteer Coordinator for the Volunteer Services Bureau. In every position she has held, she treats people as she would like to be treated, and has proved herself indispensable as a motivated and efficient employee. She currently oversees 160 + volunteer auxiliary probation officers who supervise children placed on Court ordered probation. Eleven years ago, while caring for her mother, Joy was diagnosed with a kidney disease and had only 5% use of her kidneys. After 8 months on the donor waiting list, Joy successfully underwent a kidney transplant, … continu[ing] to demonstrate unconditional love for her mother during health and sickness, until the day of her mother’s death. [Additionally], she extended her parenting by assuming the role of foster parent to two teenage girls, who are her ex-husband’s [nieces].”
Nominated by Juvenile Court of Memphis & Shelby County
YOUR GREATEST PASSION: My greatest passion is to empower young people by letting them know that by making good choices and setting goals they can turn any obstacle into a stepping stone to success.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Volunteer for Mid-South Transplant Foundation; Member of Tennessee Juvenile Services Association
Joy has two adult children: daughter, Shunna Vernon and son Haile Vernon. She is also legal guardian of two nieces, Dedra Ford, 18 and Darrah Hall 16.

Terri Murphy
Speaker, Author, Producer
Creator of www.WomensWisdomNetwork.com
Co-President, International Children’s Heart Foundation
“[For] the past two years, she has served the International Children’s Heart Foundation as co-president of the board of directors. Terri has brought to our foundation a level of energy and commitment that encourages the rest of the board and staff to give more of themselves. Terri has an amazing ability to read people. She uses that ability to encourage and motivate, challenge and praise.”
Nominated by International Children’s Heart Foundation
GOALS: Using passion and purpose to help others find the resources they need to fulfill their own passion and purpose, which is why I developed and founded the Women’s Wisdom Network. With the magic of the Internet, I can help women connect with worldwide experts to get information and education they seek easily, affordably and without leaving home.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Intl. Children’s Heart Foundation, St. Jude, American Heart Association, & Junior Achievement
Terri is married to Don Hutson.

Carol Peterson
Director and Organizer, VDay Memphis
English Teacher, Northside High School
“Carol Peterson has worked tirelessly for the past 9 years to better the lives of members of our community affected by domestic violence. Every year, she organizes a popular, welcoming, and wonderfully-coordinated community event that raises awareness and thousands of dollars to help end domestic violence against women and girls in our community through VDay Memphis, and as part of a larger global movement with VDay International. Carol's boundless energy, unwavering spirit, and tireless devotion to women's rights is infectious. She's fearless. She doesn't just ‘talk the talk’ -- Carol ALWAYS walks the walk. Whenever there's a domestic tragedy in the community, Carol is there to show her support, … to simply say ‘I'm here and I care. How can I help?"
Nominated by VDay Memphis
REWARDS: Writing the checks to YWCA of Memphis, The Exchange Club of Memphis, and Seek for the Old Path Home for the Homeless gives me a tremendous sense of satisfaction. I cry every time I write these checks because I know I am doing something to stop the cycle of violence for women and children, both those I know and those I have yet to meet. I have also created a production that provides healing for our cast and audience. It reaffirms my strength and the strength we create when we come together to plan anything for our collective belief that women and children have the right to be happy, healthy, and unscarred by violence.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: VDay Memphis-Director- 5 years, Shelby-Memphis Council of Teachers of English- co-chair membership, Tennessee Council of Teachers of English-state affiliate, Memphis in May- 7 years, Blues Ball/Blues Foundation- 5 years, Crawfish festival for Porter Leath- 5 years

Mary Poplawski
Pilot Airbus First Officer, FedEx Express
“Mary contributes locally by speaking during Career Days at public and private schools and volunteers her time and energy annually to the Mid South Airshow; with proceeds benefiting several local children’s charities. She volunteers her time with Project Aviator/Aerospace, a group that assists and encourages Memphis area high school students to attend college. She also volunteers with ISA+21, the International Society of Women Airline Pilots as a mentor for women who wish to pursue or advance their career in aviation.”
Nominated by Memphis Belles Chapter of Women in Aviation
MOST RECENT PROJECT: I help coordinate volunteers and talk to students for Project Aviator/Aerospace with OBAP (Organization of Black Airline Pilots) at Wooddale High School. This program helps high school students get ready for college. We help them with their resumes, ten year plans, and interview preparation. It is so rewarding to see the students grasp an idea, succeed in getting to college and achieve their dreams.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Volunteer, Project Aviator/Aerospace with OBAP(Organization of Black Airline Pilot); Women in Aviation, Memphis Belles, Local Chapter: Scholarship committee; ISA+21 (International Society of Women Airline Pilots): WIA Coordinator
Mary is married to Tom Poplawski

Alice Donohoe Roberts
Vice President of Education & Community, The Orpheum Theatre
“Alice Donohoe Roberts is the Vice President Of Education & Community at the Orpheum, she is an agent of change personally and professionally, partnering with many non-profits focused on arts, children, families and literacy. Under her leadership since 2000, the Orpheum has created programming to serve over 30,000 Mid-South students annually. Her drive, personal initiative and passion for arts education makes her partnership with Echoes of Truth mutually beneficial.”
Nominated by Gregg A. Coats, Memphis City Schools
YOUR GREATEST PASSION: Every child in our community needs to experience the arts as part of their education. Each child’s voice, actions and feelings change the shape of our community. Exploring the arts as a child fosters self-expression, nurtures the soul, and develops the critical thinking skills every child needs to thrive.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Advisory Board, Overton High School for Performing Arts; Immediate past- President of Bravo, ArtsMemphis; Junior League of Memphis; Friends for Life – Feast for Friends Volunteer
Alice is married to John Roberts, Jr. and became parents to their first child in June 2008.

Dr. Sarwat Salim
Ophthalmologist, Hamilton Eye Institute
“As a glaucoma specialist, Dr. Salim has a deep interest in public health. She regularly works with community health screening projects to detect the potentially blinding disease of glaucoma in at-risk populations. Last spring, she screened underserved patients in the Greenlaw area. As an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the UT Health Science Center, she also plays a role in educating future doctors, teaching surgical skills to residents and fellows in ophthalmology both here and abroad. On her most recent travels to Malaysia, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Guatemala, she performed cataract and glaucoma surgeries and taught surgical skills to local doctors to help improve the quality of care in their communities.”
Nominated by UT Medical Group, Inc.
KEYS TO SUCCESS: The key to success is to take small steps along the way and not be discouraged by obstacles. With preservation and commitment one will reach his or her goals.

Kay Shelton
Executive Director, Mid South Reading Alliance, Inc.
“Kay Shelton is Executive Director of the Mid South Reading Alliance, Inc. Ms. Shelton’s background is in education with a Masters in Reading. She has served as an education consultant, presenting at national and local conferences, as well as working in schools as teacher, Dean of Studies, and Principal. She also has worked in the educational publishing field and with Turner Broadcasting in the development of a documentary series.”
Nominated by Sunny Ross, Mid-South Reading Alliance
REWARDS: The partnership with Mid South Reads and The Commercial Appeal Newspaper in the Classroom programs serializations of books in the newspaper. The whole Memphis community reads and discusses the selected book. Teachers sign up their classrooms with anywhere from 5,000-9,000 students, along with the 150,000 newspaper subscribers, reading and discussing the selected book for 6 weeks. I now have people calling me and bringing me books to serialize. It is very rewarding seeing the Memphis community excited about reading and discussing a book!
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Assisi Foundation Literacy Advisory Panel, Board member for Shelby County Books From Birth’s Imagination Library, Youth Express Board, Germantown Historic Commission, Germantown Arts Alliance Commission, Memphis Chamber of Commerce
Kay is the mother of one son, who is attending the University of Memphis. She is also the proud owner of a dog and cat.

Laurie Stanton
Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning, Hutchison School
“Laurie has served in a variety of roles during her 38 years at Hutchison School. [She] has instituted numerous outreach programs during her time at Hutchison and many of those programs have been adopted by other academic institutions Certainly, Laurie has educated many of the women who have gone on to become leaders in our community and leaders throughout the nation and the world, but it is her impact on each girl’s daily life which sets her apart from her peers. Described as bold but modest, firm but kind, serious but fun-loving, wise but fresh, Laurie Stanton never ceases to instill confidence in all who know her whether it be a freshman in high school or a seasoned educator.”
Nominated by Hutchison School
KEYS TO SUCCESS: Listening and following the Golden Rule
COMMUNITY SERVICE: church committees and teaching Sunday School at Third Church of Christ, Scientist
Laurie is married to G. Russell Stanton, Jr.

Christie Taylor
Living LIFE Seminar Creator and Facilitator
“[Christie] has dedicated over 10 years of service on the airways. Not only does Christie serve inside the station, she gives her times to many local charities such as All About Kids Tutorial, Inc. Child Advocacy Center, Memphis Literacy Council, just to name a few. When Christie is not on the air she is promoting her free seminars, Living Life in FULL Expression. In the midst, of her busy schedule she finds time to care for her mother, run a business, conduct seminars, accept speaking engagements, maintain that smile through the airway and bring many folks home daily.”
Nominated by All About Kids Tutorial, Inc.
YOUR GREATEST PASSION: My greatest passion is to live my life in full expression and to teach others how to do the same through my daily living, volunteerism, profession in media and seminars.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Founder/President, Jamestown Heritage Society; Board Member, Sistahs In The Groove Inc.; Jackson Elementary School Adopter; Klondike Elementary Oratorical Contest Volunteer; Member, ASCAP, NARAS National Academy of Recording Arts and Science Memphis Chapter, NABFEME (National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment); Supporter, Memphis Child Advocacy Center; I volunteer as a speaker/reader at various schools in Memphis and Shelby County as well as periodically provide free Living LIFE Seminars at the Hickory Hill Community Center
Christie is the daughter of Dorothy S. Taylor. She is sister to Brenda Stewart and Michael Anthony Taylor.

Joy Vernon
Coordinator of Volunteer Service, Juvenile Court of Memphis & Shelby County
“For the past 20 years Joy Vernon has worked for Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County, now as the recently appointed Volunteer Coordinator for the Volunteer Services Bureau. In every position she has held, she treats people as she would like to be treated, and has proved herself indispensable as a motivated and efficient employee. She currently oversees 160 + volunteer auxiliary probation officers who supervise children placed on Court ordered probation. Eleven years ago, while caring for her mother, Joy was diagnosed with a kidney disease and had only 5% use of her kidneys. After 8 months on the donor waiting list, Joy successfully underwent a kidney transplant, … continu[ing] to demonstrate unconditional love for her mother during health and sickness, until the day of her mother’s death. [Additionally], she extended her parenting by assuming the role of foster parent to two teenage girls, who are her ex-husband’s [nieces].”
Nominated by Juvenile Court of Memphis & Shelby County
YOUR GREATEST PASSION: My greatest passion is to empower young people by letting them know that by making good choices and setting goals they can turn any obstacle into a stepping stone to success.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Volunteer for Mid-South Transplant Foundation; Member of Tennessee Juvenile Services Association
Joy has two adult children: daughter, Shunna Vernon and son Haile Vernon. She is also legal guardian of two nieces, Dedra Ford, 18 and Darrah Hall 16.

“50 Women” Portraits by Skipworth