It's that time again. A dozen or so designers have gotten together with girls at the well-known girls development organization Girls, Inc to team up and raise funds at their annual "Power of the Purse" show. Some of the so-called "Purse-O-Nalities," which include:
Eliza Dozono— Miller Nash attorney
Sho Dozono—Owner of Azumano Travel
Jill Eiland—Corporate Affairs Manager at Intel
Janna Mock Lopez— Publisher of Goodness magazine and Portland Family
Helena Lankton— Ferguson Wellman Capital Management
Terry Porter (and his wife Susie Porter)—former Portland Trail Blazer
Tiffany Milbrett—US Olympic Soccer Star
Mimi Ausland— Founder of freekibble.com
Pat Welch and Diane Boly—Founders and managing partners
I caught up with them over cyberspace.....
Examiner.com: What appeals to you personally about the work that Girls Inc does?
Elisa Dozono: The idea of empowering girls to dream and see that they can reach their potential and do anything they want.
Jill Eiland: The focus on girls which is the same focus that Intel has in its philanthropy and outreach.
Janna Mock Lopez: Their ability to reach girls at an impressionable time to positively influence them becoming strong, smart and bold.
Helena Lankton: That it provides young girls options and encourages them to be powerful.
Terry Porter: I have a daughter of my own and believe it’s crucial to have proper role models and resources available to support girls.
Susie Porter: The fact that the organization is working to build confidence in young women.
Tiffeny Milbrett: The fact that there is still more work left to do! Girls still aren’t getting what they need.
Mimi Ausland: I love how Girls Inc. brings girls together because hearing other girls stories can help you get through your own tough times.
Pat Welch and Diane Boly: We love that Girls Inc. empowers young women to thrive. The mentoring of young women who are our future appeals to us.
Examiner.com: Why is mentoring so important?
Elisa Dozono: Mentoring is important to have someone to push you and pull you and remind you that you can do anything you put your mind to.
Jill Eiland: I wouldn’t be where I am in my career without the several mentors that I’ve had.
Janna Mock Lopez: Mentoring is so important because it opens up a young person’s eyes and mind to a world of possibilities. Once they see what’s possible, they can see what they can create.
Helena Lankton: Mentoring allows young girls to have someone they trust whose good guidance can be carried with them.
Terry Porter: Mentoring is important because I know I had mentors who kept me out of trouble when I was younger. Even in adulthood, it’s important to have family and friends surrounding you and helping you stay on the right path.
Susie Porter: Because kids learn by example and if they have someone show them how to have self confidence they strive to be better people themselves.
Tiffeny Milbrett: You learn by doing, seeing. Through mentoring and seeing someone who’s been through what you’re going through now, kids see results of hard work. Mentoring shows kids what is tangible through the sharing of experiences.
Mimi Ausland: Mentoring is important because it inspires girls and gives them someone to look up to.
Pat Welch and Diane Boly: With future generations coming into the workforce, mentoring can play such an important role in demonstrating a strong work ethic. A mentor can model how to be an independent person and be successful. It shows young women they have options. If two old ladies can do it, young women can, too!
Examiner.com: Who was an important mentor in your life or career and how did they affect your development?
Elisa Dozono: Vera Katz; when she would have children come into the office she would make sure to introduce herself and have a firm handshake so they could show that they are here and present and a force to be reckoned with. She is definitely bold and fearless. She shows that a woman can beat the boys and become mayor.
Jill Eiland: It started with a dance teacher and then I graduated to a U.S. Senator. Pushing me beyond what I thought I could do and serving as role models and coaches and good listeners.
Janna Mock Lopez: My grandma was an important mentor. She was strong. She was independent. She never had regrets and always forged ahead and that became everything for me.
Helena Lankton: Brenda Flatland. I used to call her my ideal woman. In an era before Title IX she became a stockbroker and took the world by storm, never looking back.
Terry Porter: My mother passed away when I was very young and it was my sisters who really raised me. I was the youngest child and my two oldest sisters Mary and Gloria did everything for me.
Susie Porter: My mother. She stressed education and always told me that once you have an education it’s the one thing no one can ever take away from you. Education opens up doors that might never have been opened for you.
Tiffeny Milbrett: My mom was #1 in my life. She raised me as a person, not as a boy or as a girl. She allowed me to find “ME” inside and didn’t believe in gender roles. She didn’t believe women should be thought of in certain ways.
Mimi Ausland: My mom. She helps me know what’s important in life. She’s happy in her own life and this inspires me to be that way with mine.
Diane Boly: My aunt who always showed me how to look at life positively – like the glass of water half full instead of half empty.
Pat Welch: My mother who had four daughters and rooted us on. She was always excited about everything we did. She had a tremendous sense of pride in what her kids have done. Also, my Grandma Jean who went back to college at the age of 80. She joined a sorority, became an artist and started having one woman art shows--she lived to be 96 and was always positive.
Inspiring stuff! Don't miss out on this two-day event, including an exciting Boutique Shopping Night. It is truly fun on top of being a great cause.
Boutique Shopping Night:
Time: Thursday March 3rd, 4:00pm
Place: Pure Space in the Pearl (NW 14th & Overton)
Time: Friday March 4th, 5:30 pm
Place: Purespace in the Pearl (NW 14th & Overton)
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