1. BROUGHT TO YOU BY
What Was Your Biggest
Accomplishment of 2013?
The members of Connect: Professional Women’s Network share
their proudest moments of the past year. Prepare to be inspired!

2. We‟re constantly in awe of the women of
Connect, so when a discussion about your
biggest accomplishments of the year
blossomed, we were, of course,
completely wowed.
From beating cancer to publishing books to
getting your motorcycle license,
this group never ceases to amaze.
Consider this round-up a collective round of
applause. We can‟t wait to see what next
year holds!

3. “Despite my 13-year struggle with Parkinson‟s, I
rode more than 2,500 miles and climbed more than
185,000 feet on my bike, including the seven-day
545-mile Ride the Rockies event. I beat even my
own expectations!”
Margaret Rae Tennant, former human resources professional

4. “Opening my winery on Red Mountain. It was a
moment I‟d dreamed of for years, and for it
finally to come to fruition was priceless.”
Shae Frichette, Proprietor at Frichette Winery

5. “I got a law passed in Michigan. No one thought it could be
done because of the special interests involved. It is amusing
how few people take a lady seriously until it gets right up to the
wire and becomes clear, „Yes, she is going to make this
happen.‟ The old boys‟ network trick of „ignore her‟ didn‟t work.”
Constance Brigman, Attorney

6. “My most accomplished moment in 2013 was walking
across the stage to receive my college degree. It took
34 years, but I did it. It was truly the most amazing
moment of my life, next to giving birth to two beautiful
daughters.”
Laurie Ross, Corporate and Foundations Gift Officer

7. “I finally took the plunge to follow my dream. I quit my
job and started a business roasting and selling
coffee, a project I had been studying for more than 20
years. It feels awesome to finally do what I love.”
Paula Jones, Coffee Roaster at Pirate‟s Brew Coffee

8. “I turned 90 in October, and my biggest accomplishment was the publication
of my bio of Louis Armstrong, as well as a book of poetry. My bio of Louis
has won three national awards and the Paterson prize. In years past, I‟ve
gone through divorce, cancer surgery, etc., but now at 90, I can say I‟m
feeling satisfied, hopeful and pleased with myself.”
Muriel Harris Weinstein Writer

9. I obtained a patent for BRCA1 function-based
assays to identify targeted drugs for triple negative
breast cancers. Getting close to my passion to find a
cure for these aggressive breast cancers.
Veena N. Rao, Professor and Co-Director Cancer Biology Program

10. “This year I adopted my youngest child. I have been a parent to 6, and managed to go
to university (as a single parent of 2), work as a lawyer in private practice and as inhouse counsel, and married my soul mate in my 40s. To really reward myself and stop
putting everyone else's needs ahead of my own, I allowed myself to take a three-month
parental leave. I'm loving it, and will be invigorated when I return to work in January.”
Helen T.

11. “I was able to pay off $31k in credit card
debt that has been weighing on me for
five years!”
Nikki Kuban Minton, Beachbody Coach

12. For 20 years, I have been breeding for the perfect pack llamas: friendly, largest of the
breed, minimal fiber coat for ease of maintenance, maximum strength with strong legs. A
new registry designation has been developed by a group of llama packers/breeders. Two
weeks ago, 25 of my llamas passed the screening! This will mean their offspring will also
be eligible for this special designation. My most enjoyable days are spent above 8,000
feet elevation, walking with my beautiful llamas.
Lorene Grassick, Owner, Highland Llama Trekkers

13. “I published two books, launched a speaking
career, and changed my marital situation. Of all
that, my greatest accomplishment in 2013 was
learning to accept and esteem myself.”
Nancy Virden, Author, Biographer

14. “I became a sponsored athlete and get
to be paid for something I love to do!”
Jessica Kuepfer, Advertising, Marketing, Outreach

15. Join the conversation!
Connect: Professional Women’s Network, Powered by Citi, is an online
community on LinkedIn that helps women achieve the careers they want
and discuss the issues relevant to their success
For more great insights from Connect members, check out
the discussion: What Was Your Biggest Accomplishment in 2013?
Visit linkedin.com/womenconnect for more information
and to join the group for free!
PHOTO CREDITS:
1: Anthony Cramp/Flickr
2: Nina_Susik/Shutterstock
3: Lukas Eklund/Flickr
4: Vina Caliterra/Flickr
5: DanMacMan/Flickr
6: Earlham College/Flickr
7: Elephotoniric/Flickr
8: Karen McCown/Flickr
9: Vanier College/Flickr
10: Nina Buday/Shutterstock
11: sixninepixels/Shuttertsock
12: GrahamPics1/Flickr
13: razihusin/Shutterstock
14: Ren Norman/Flickr
©2013 LinkedIn Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

16. ©2013 LinkedIn Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN‟S NETWORK 16