My Name: Renata Ramsini

My Birthdate:
November 2, 1983

My Passion:
Photography. I love taking photographs of people in particular and the best thing about photography is that you are always learning. You never master everything, there is always something new!

My Family:
My parents; my sister and brother-in-law; and my dogs (Sprout and Tonks).

My Heroes:
My experience in the political realm has given me a greater appreciation for historical figures and organizations who stood up against various injustices when they knew that doing so put the livelihoods of themselves or their organizations at risk. Thus far in my career, I have been incredibly fortunate to work with and for people and organizations who embody such courage, but I’m not sure that they are in the majority given the current political climate. I hope I’m wrong.

My Escape:
Although I don’t do it as often as I’d like, I absolutely love going to the movie theater to see a movie. There’s just something about the experience that I’ve always enjoyed. I think it’s also why I have a mild obsession with big screen tv’s and computer monitors!

My Pet Peeve:
Inefficiency.

My Indulgence:
Chocolate-covered strawberries!

My Roots:
As the daughter of a Christian Assyrian, I grew up with a strong sense of pride in my heritage and although I grew up in a small town, my parents made sure that I understood that there was an entire world outside my hometown that was filled with different people and different cultures.

My Future:
Unknown and uncertain.

My Movie:
I love thrillers and action movies!

My Quote on Life:
“He who speaks for the innocent, is eloquent enough.” (Publius Syrus)

My Accessory:
My Scosha bracelets. I never take them off and plan to add more!

My Advice to Young Women:
Surround yourself with people who believe in you and encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone. If you can say “if it wasn’t for ___, I wouldn’t have done ____” then they are someone worth keeping around. Life it too short to surround yourself with people who are consistently negative and/or apathetic. Such attitudes are toxic and will eventually bring you down and lower your quality of life.

How I Balance it All:
I try to take one day at a time and to not let myself get unnecessarily overwhelmed by thinking of the plethora of tasks I’ve yet to do. They aren’t all going to get done today, so I’m not going to worry about them today.

Toshia Safford

My Current Job/Company:
President and CEO/The Center for Healthy Families

My Birthdate:
08-28-70

My Work:
I serve as the President and CEO for a local non-profit that engages pregnant and parenting teens in opportunities for growth and to achieve economic and social self- sufficiency.

My Passion:
Life, my children, my family, my friends and the community that I serve.

My Family:
Morgan Boyce (Driven and Loveable son-10), Mackenzie Chaser (Colorful and Amazing Daughter – 7)

My Hero:
My mother. (Patricia A. Williams)

My Escape:
A white sand beach with clear blue water.  Being submerged in earth’s most abundant resource (water) is powerful and healing; it allows me to rejuvenate.

My Pet Peeve:
Pessimism

My Indulgence:
Shoes and New York Cheesecake

My Roots:
Humble, Hardworking and filled with laughter.

My Future:
Full of opportunity and surprises

My Love:
Listening to my children laugh.

My Movie:
Shawshank Redemption; it speaks to the power of the human spirit and integrity; maintaining your feeling of self-worth when placed in a hopeless position.

My Quote on Life:
“…two roads diverged in a yellow-wood, and I, I chose the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference.” (Robert Frost)

My Accessory:
One special accessory that I rarely take off is my cross.

My Advice to Young Women:
Develop the Art of Being Yourself.  Socrates’ guiding rule was, “Know Thyself.”   It is only when we truly know ourselves that we can be open to accept others.  Dare to be different and to set your own pattern.  Develop your circle of 10; individuals that will be honest with you and help you grow and move forward.  Make sure the group is diverse.  Choose wisely.

How I Balance it All:
Taking my time, I put one foot in front of the other and exhale.    I recognize that I cannot be all things to everyone all the time.  I accept me for all of my strengths and short-comings.  My support system is great, I call them my Circle of Jewels; both men and women.  I value and cherish each individual for they are precious, rare, honest and bring a unique value to my life. I am a work in progress: constantly evolving and striving to be better than I was yesterday.