Woman of the Week: Stephanie Hanna

Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting gals who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Stephanie R. Hanna

My Current Job/Company:
Attorney/Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP

My Birthdate:
04.28.83

My Work:
I am a member of our firm’s litigation practice group, focusing on commercial litigation, business conflict mediation, and administrative proceedings. I try to use my background with the court to bring a unique perspective to help clients avoid the common pitfalls of litigation.

My Passion:
Giving back, supporting others, and promoting health and well-being.

My Family:
My parents (hard-working and consistent), my sister (rock star and future doctor), Bugsy (6-year-old dog/human), AG (super supportive partner-in-crime), my work family, my YWCA family, my Children’s Hunger Alliance family, my Columbus Bar Association family, and my friends that are like family. It truly takes a village.

My Heroes:
There are so many with situations tougher than I will ever know. Having worked in the public service sector, it is very easy to see the real heroes all around us. Those who have to work much harder to do the things many of us take for granted – get to work, put food on the table, survive month to month.

My Escape:
The gym (lifting heavy things makes me happy) and taking a true electronics time-out.

My Pet Peeve:
Not putting yourself in someone else’s shoes before making a judgement.

My Indulgence:

Dark chocolate (the real stuff, 85%+).

My Roots:
Happy, simple, giving.

My Future:
Exciting.

My Quote on Life:
“There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.”

-Madeleine Albright

My Accessory:
A smile, a positive attitude, and trying to find the good in every person and situation.

My Advice to Young Women:
Be kind, be patient, and have a little confidence.

How I Balance it All:

First, balance is overrated and a misnomer. Second, balance is defined differently for each of us and there is no perfect fit. I try to stay true to what is most important to me and let the rest fall where it may. Recognizing that I can’t be everything to everyone at all times is very freeing.

Woman of the Week: Julie Presas

Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting gals who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Julie Presas

My Current Job/Company:
General Counsel & VP of Legal Services at OCLC

My Birthdate:
08.23.1967

My Work:
Leading the corporate legal function at OCLC, a worldwide library cooperative, providing services and research to improve access to the world’s information. Regardless of what the day brings, I just love this job!

My Passion:
First and foremost, running. I also love being a lawyer (I’m a bit of a workaholic).

My Family:
Several BFFs

My Heroes:
Ted Turner, media mogul & philanthropist
Kathrine Switzer, first woman to run the Boston Marathon as a numbered entry (5 years before women were officially allowed to compete in it)

My Escape:
Anytime I get out for a run

My Pet Peeve:
Adults who ride their bicycles on the sidewalks

My Indulgence:

Craft Beer (special affinity for IPAs)

My Roots:
Big family from Toledo, Ohio

My Future:
Active, continuing to be energized by tough challenges, perhaps another sub four hour marathon

My Quote on Life:
“Now bid me run, and I will strive with things impossible.” (William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar)

My Accessory:
Fitbit Flex

My Advice to Young Women:
Under-promise and over-deliver

How I Balance it All:
I require very little sleep