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Friday, April 5, 2019

Cheers! To be publishing my 100th post today on my blog page is quite a milestone. I started blogging in October 2018 and my audience includes followers from not only the U.S. but also Canada, Jamaica, United Kingdom, Mexico, Germany, Asia, Italy, Austria, Greece, India, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and other regions. It has been rewarding to know that people around the globe read my blogs.

I’ve held positions in corporate, nonprofit and federal capacities but writing has been the most rewarding. While in my previously held positions, I was either asked to write for the company’s newsletter, write letters to sponsors/partners, compose some type of literary work or assist with content editing for programs. I’ve written articles for a women’s magazine that is distributed throughout the southern region of the U.S. and available online.

Backdrop: I discovered my GOD–given gift while in high school. One of my sisters was our school’s newspaper editor while I served as one of her writers. Oh wow; I had no idea [then] that a hobby and ability to weave words into a story was really my “purpose”—at least one of them. I’ve always delighted in providing information for others to read. The information will be based on facts and a smidgen of my opinion about the facts. I also believe that misconceptions about people, places and things should be corrected with receipts—receipts that should have already been collected.

The difference between high school days and now is that my written work for the last few decades has been based on the foundation to innovate, encourage and inspire people. I blog about causes such as preventing bullying, diversity awareness, taking care of elderly parents/grandparents, and supporting HBCUs amongst other topics like sports and entrepreneurship. I generate the empowering news that anything is possible by sharing others’ journeys and success stories, even if they failed along the way. The story is even better if there was a moment of failure yet their story did not end there. Failure promotes strength and tenacity. It never has to end there and it won’t with hard work and faith, even as small as a mustard seed. GOD will do the rest. Oh yes! I’m a Believer.

I created a special publication issue for my blog page entitled, “Honoring Women Series”. Approximately weekly, I embrace a woman from any given part of the globe without bias to race, ethnicity, religion nor political ideology. My criteria is that there is a contribution that supports others, impacting others’ lives, displaying a noble act of being less concerned about position, money or fame and more about individuals’ needs on some level. My purpose is to be the example for empowering and celebrating deserving women “out loud”. I do not/will not exclude the celebration of men’s contributions—never disregarding those who are true leaders. Together, men and women can be a powerful force.

⭐️Blog Page Reviews & Comments:

1. Allison Waymyers: “Congratulations on your 100th blog! It’s mind-blowing to think that you have highlighted and celebrated people so effortlessly. It’s not surprising that you would take the time to do this; it’s who you are. We celebrate you, a woman of valor who is known as the Barbara Walters of our family. In a world full of negative news, it’s refreshing to read uplifting stories of triumph and success. Here’s to 100 more, and we lift up our glasses in a gesture to toast you. Thank you for being a woman of impact, Mom!”

2. Janine Toney Chandler: “I learned early on in life that everyone has something to say, but not everyone will have something to contribute. It didn’t take me long to realize Goya is definitely a woman with much to contribute! Your messages encourage, inspire, uplift, and bless everybody! Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. 😘”

3. Rick Clark: {Personal message is in below image.}

4. Cherry Griffin: “It was an honor to be a featured story on Plugging in with GPS. It was an unsolicited honor that confirmed to me that it is important to be genuine in your character because you never know who is watching. Goya has stayed true to her mission and has inspired me to stay true to mine. Congratulations on meeting this milestone and I will be with you for many more.“

5. Neka Alston: “Congratulations on your 100th post Goya! 🎉 Thank you for creating a place where positive relationships are developed, engagement in meaningful conversations is encouraged, and where  learning of and celebrating those around us who continue to do great things, inspires hope. I’ve enjoyed it tremendously…Blessings for a future of next 100’s and beyond!”

6. Lisa: “One Word – Phenomenal! You are an inspiration that is in acceleration mode!  You’re unstoppable!  You are delivering messages that are inspirational, educational and empowering! Best, Lisa”

7. Lawrence Heflin: “Big congratulations to you!!!!!

🙏🏿💯❤️🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🔥🔥”

8. Dale Allen: “Congratulations on your 100th! I have enjoyed every last one of them. I am so proud of you and what you do for others. May you be blessed always on your journey now and forever. I love you!”

9. Melvin Spencer: “I have not read all of your blogs but have read enough to know that you have a genuine concern for others. Your blogs have given inspiration and encouragement to others. You have not excluded any one group while blogging. Continue to blog and others will continue to read. Helping out the next man should be everyone’s desire and you have chosen to add to your list of ways to help others by blogging.”

10. Marshall Feaster: “Congratulations! Both inspirational and informative, your blog has meant so much to me and, from the number of countries represented, to many others as well. We need your particular brand of encouragement.

Thank you and ILYATT NMW.”

THANK YOU, everyone, for supporting my blog page. I truly appreciate your “public and private” comments and reviews. I plan to continue blogging for as long as I have YOU as a reader. I have a small favor to ask of you. Share the blog page address so others can receive “good news” too. As long as there is life, I’ll always have much to share.

Your Innovative Blogger,

🦚 GPS

Send a private message.

👉🏼 1goyaspry@gmail.com

Thursday, April 4, 2019

💫Because I respect and believe in the power of a woman, I’ve decided to honor women in 2019 and beyond on my blog page. There will be one woman “embraced” at least once per week. There will be “no biases”, and the women will be representatives of all walks of life from all over the world who contribute “positively” to family, community, city, state, country, and therefore the world. 

🌟Today’s Honoree

ARIADNA HERZIG is a human swan. Like many professional ballet dancers, she’s been dancing for many years, starting as a little girl. She’s had leading roles including in the ballet production, Swan Lake chor. Swan Lake is one of the most popular of all ballets.

Ariadna makes it look easy; i.e., forming her body so gracefully with every calculated movement in perfect placement. During her performances, her heels and toes are in standard first through fifth positions as required as a classical ballet dancer. There is never a forgiving misplacement of legs, arms, feet, and toes when performing. Any ballet dancer, whether an amateur or a professional, will tell you that their tendons go through quite a bit of stress. Practice classes are grueling yet a professional dancer stays committed.

Ariadna has entertained for years now and has brought much joy to her audiences. The best part of her invested hours of preparation and rewarding performances is the influence she has on young dancers—little girls and boys who aspire to dance professionally. Ariadna does not want to give the impression that her journey has been a cake walk. Her journey consists of rejection for roles in a play and negative performance reviews. Ariadna never relinquished to the naysayers. Many of her critics have been critical of her performances constructively—to perfect her skills. She remained focused and determined. One of the quotes that she shared is by Haruki Murakami.

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in.”

Ariadna lives in Warsaw, Poland. As many years ahead as a professional dancer, the world and I look forward to more of her dynamic performances.

Encouraging all women to encourage and empower one another,

🦚 GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

Send a private message: 1goyaspry@gmail.com

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

💫Because I respect and believe in the power of a woman, I’ve decided to honor women in 2019 and beyond on my blog page. There will be one woman “embraced” at least once per month. There will be “no biases”, and the women will be representatives of all walks of life from all over the world who contribute “positively” to family, community, city, state, country, and therefore the world. 

🌟Today’s Honoree

Mellody Hobson Lucas has undeniable business skills. She’s a Financial/Investment Management Executive, President of Ariel Investments. Mellody interned at Ariel. Before long, she became a senior executive and kept climbing the echelon ladder. Joining Ariel Investments in 1991, she’s been quite the asset for the firm, which is Black American-owned. Managing over $13 billion in assets, it’s one of the largest money management and mutual funds companies in the U. S.

After negotiating an unprecedented acquisition for DreamWorks Animation (NBCUniversal), Mellody stepped down as chairperson in 2016. Upon leaving that leading role, she became the first Black-American to take the helm as head of The Economic Club of Chicago. Adding to her business resume, “Mellody was inducted as a Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois and awarded the Order of Lincoln (the State’s highest honor) by the Governor of Illinois in 2018.”

In high demand, Mellody serves on the board of many organizations, including JP Morgan Chase & Co., the Chicago Public Education Fund, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and the Sundance Institute. She is also a director of the Starbucks Corporation and The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Mellody has been acclaimed in selections such as Time’s 2015 Time 100 List, (the magazine’s annual list of the one hundred most influential people in the world), Ebony magazine’s “20 Leaders of the Future” (1982), Working Women Magazine’s “20 Under 30” (1982), the World Economic Forum’s Global Leaders of Tomorrow (2001), Esquire’s “America’s Best and Brightest” (2002), The Wall Street Journal’s 50 “Women to Watch” (2004). As recently as 2018, Mellody was named Vice-Chair of Starbucks Corporation.

On several occasions, Mellody has expressed her position on diversity in the workplace. She said, “It’s time for corporate America to stop trying to create workplace diversity. It’s time to start doing it. Trying is not the same as doing.” She wishes more chief executives would emulate the football player Colin Kaepernick, who repeatedly knelt during the national anthem to protest against social injustice, especially the deaths of Black American men at the hands of the police. “I’ve never met Colin Kaepernick, but he’s a hero of mine,” Mellody said. “I’m in awe that he took it upon himself to publicly promote the American values of life and liberty that we all cherish.”

Despite the depressing numbers that we see out there, relative to diversity, including at Fortune 500 companies, the reality is that there are incredibly qualified people who can move into positions. There has to be an universal agreement to put women and minorities into the pipeline. Mellody has an influential, powerhouse platform to continually promote diversity while serving on numerous Boards and speaking to top executives in a wide range of forums. Based on her track record and passion about diversity, she has no plans to backstroke on the importance of pushing the subject amongst her colleagues and using the medium to keep audiences informed. More progress is needed.

A woman who has accomplished so much already, there is little convincing needed that more will come from Mellody who brings shape to the business world. Business scholars already know she’ll continue with contributing to purposeful change. Mellody, on behalf of women and the minority population, thank you. Mellody is married to billionaire filmmaker and entrepreneur, George Lucas. He’s best known for his creation of Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Mellody and George have one child.

Encouraging women to encourage and empower one another,

🦚 GPS – Your Innovative Blogger

You may send a private message to: 1goyaspry@gmail.com

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Because I respect and believe in the power of a woman, I’ve decided to honor women in 2019 and beyond on my blog page. There will be one woman embraced at least once per month. There will be no biases, and the women will be representatives of all walks of life from all over the world who contribute positively to family, community, city, state, or country, and therefore the world.

It is my distinct pleasure to honor ALLISON WAYMYERS. Allison has accomplished so much in her young life. Within her repertoire of professional positions, she’s weaved in a philanthropic path; Allison unselfishly gives of her time and resources to catapult others in the direction they aspire to be personally and professionally. Her faith in GOD and trusting HIS guidance and wisdom have sustained her strength while she pushes for a ‘Yes’ when the world sometimes is more comfortable saying No. Allison does not accept ‘No’ because she knows that all things are possible with commitment and an innovative spirit. Highly motivated, she believes that people should always pursue their endeavors and never give up. Is this the recipe for her own personal and business successes? The answer is a resounding YES. Allison’s multiple successes have proven that. And she has no plans to take her foot off the pedal of acceleration.

Allison showed strong leadership skills as a young child. When she was only nine, she entered the readers’ contest sponsored by her school. She won 1st Place for reading the most books during summer break. Allison ‘wowed’ the judges with reading an impressive 300+ books, ranging from very short to long stories, within a two and one-half month period. That certainly gave insight to her tenacity and what was to come.

Fast forward, Allison has received the below listed accolades over the years and have been hired for positions that women and men dream about. It’s a short list of all she has accomplished thus far: 1. The State’s Top 20 Under 40, 2. Black Expo’s Top 40 Under 40, 3. Worldwide Who’s Who In Business, 4. First Female Hired In A Leadership Role: Clemson Football – Coach Dabo Swinney, 5. Designed An Inaugural Course: Paradigm Shift – Women Leading In Men’s Sports, 6. Leadership Columbia, 7. National Council of Negro Women Living the Legacy Award.

Allison seems to be a magnet for teaming with the best organizations. She’s served in a leadership role for Clemson University’s football program, a top-notch program that has won the national championship title three times. Currently, she serves as the Director of MIB Graduate Career Education for the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. The international business school has ranked #1 in the U.S. for 20 consecutive years. She’s also a professor at Columbia College where she instructs an inaugural course that she designed. Is there anything that she cannot do? Allison is sought after by top-rated organizations because of her reputation of having an innovative mindset, being super resourceful, strategic, and obviously result-driven, not to mention she’s one of the most motivating people you’ll ever cross paths with.

Known to be razor-sharp, Allison is often asked to speak at events and company meetings. If you ever get the opportunity to hear her, you’ll have an unforgettable “take away”. She’s known to leave her audiences speechless and hungry for more. Allison is also asked to be a guest on local radio talk shows. Despite her rigorous schedule, she manages to find the time to contribute to radio station program’s mission. One of her statements that stands out amongst many is: “We have so much to give of ourselves. If we don’t share the gift that GOD gave us to serve others, then we’ll shortchange many.”

Allison is also the Founder and Owner of Spry Players Group, LLC. Visit http://www.bespry.co for details about her firm.

Allison is married with one child. She’s a busy professional who always values quality time with her Family. Amongst many things, she enjoys attending son’s sports events, playing with him at home, and traveling.

One of Allison’s favorite, poignant quotes is: “Upgrade your reality to your vision; don’t downgrade your vision to reality.” -Anonymous

If you want Allison to speak at an event or meeting, you may contact her via email: allisonsway14@gmail.com.

Celebrating a real game changer,

Goya {GPS}

Your Innovative Blogger

Plugging In With GPS™️

Read more of my blogs. https://1goyahome.wordpress.com

Listen to my podcast. https://anchor.fm/goya-spry

Email: 1goyaspry@gmail.com