See the beauty in yourself!

If you haven't already seen this short (3 1/2 minute) video, it's absolutely worth the watch.  Two different people describe the same person to a forensic artist-- see the results!
http://www.upworthy.com/2-people-described-the-same-person-to-a-forensic-artist-and-this-is-what-happene?c=reccon1

Say Hello to Diane Syrcle!

 In our continued series 'Meet our Members'
we present Diane Syrcle! 

What is your business or what leadership roles do you hold?
I am the Executive Vice President for Development at the Oregon Symphony, a role I have enjoyed for a year.  My role with the Symphony is to build relationship within the community to connect the heart and the imagination to the ears, inviting people to invest in the amazing gift of inspiration provided by the Oregon Symphony.

What do you personally get from The Link events and the community?

I was fortunate to participate in A Seat at the Table and developed life-long friendships with a group of women I respect and continue to learn from.  I learn and I connect with amazing women at each event. 

What separates The Link from other groups?

The Link is intentional - we come together to connect, to build bridges, to develop new skills and friendships.  The good old girls network at its very best.

What aspects of the Link have you engaged in?

A Seat at the Table and members only events.  The content is exceptional and feeds my need to learn.

Bio

Diane Syrcle joined the Oregon Symphony as Executive Vice President for Development July 2012. Prior to joining the Symphony, Ms. Syrcle was the Executive Director for Oregon Ballet Theater for two years and Executive Director of the Portland Youth Philharmonic from 2003 until 2012. She served as Director of Education at Portland Opera for seven years following a career as a professional opera singer. 

Syrcle holds an MBA in Organizational Development from Marylhurst University, a Master's of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor's of Music/Music Education from West Texas A&M University. She is a graduate of A Seat at the Table Leadership forum hosted by The Link and the first Executive Leadership Cohort supported by The League of American Orchestras. She chaired the Best Practices Task Force on the State of Oregon Leadership Council for K-12 Arts Education, as well as the Professional Development Committee of the Right Brain Initiative Arts Integration Program. She also served on the board of directors of both the Youth Orchestra Division of the League of American Orchestras and on the Business for Culture and the Arts Board. She received a Young Audiences Sunburst Award for Arts Education Advocacy in 2010.  Diane is an accomplished banjo player and is known to spontaneously burst into song.

Introducing Susan Clark!

Susan was the very first President of The Link For Women Ambassador Board...and a longtime friend and colleague! 

1.  What is your business or what leadership roles do you hold?

I’m the proud owner of Heartspark and the principle facilitator of the Ignition series where we teach you how to discover what you truly want and experience how easy it is to get it by tapping into your natural patterns of success.

 2.  What do you personally get from The Link events and community? 

A breath of fresh air. Even though I’m surrounded by clients I adore, being an entrepreneur can be isolating at times. The Link offers laughter, learning and connection – usually accompanied by a glass of wine. What’s not to love?

 3.  What separates The Link from other groups you belong to? 

Access to the stories behind the women. Cindy encourages speakers to share their personal stories – trials and triumphs – in addition to their planned “message.” That seems to open the door for the rest of us to do the same. The masks come off. I’m not big on small-talk, so this makes for genuine connections that are deeper than I’ve found elsewhere.

4.  What aspects of The Link have you engaged in and how have they been a benefit to you?
My involvement as a business partner, board member (and former chair,) occasional speaker, book club member and facilitator for A Seat at the Table and Using It has allowed me to develop friendships with other members who I would only have a passing acquaintance with otherwise. This has benefited me personally as well as resulted in tangible business results as well.

Featuring Leslie Mills!

As we continue to highlight our members, may we introduce
Leslie Mills
past President of The Link Ambassador Board.

What is your business or what leadership roles do you hold?
Financial Planner - Wealth Manager for the past 24 years with Waddell and Reed, 18 years of which were spent as Managing Principal.  Chapter leader for Dining For Women a national non-profit and The Link For Women Ambassador Board.

What do you personally get from The Link events and community?

      The Link For Women offers an opportunity to gain knowledge and inspiration from the stories and experiences of amazing women. No matter where we are in our careers and lives, there is always room to learn more and be inspired.

What separates The Link from other groups you belong to?
The Link is unique because it's not about networking but rather relationship building.  It's a community of professional women helping each other connect with the individuals they need to be acquainted with to grow not only professionally but personally.


What aspects of The Link have you engaged in and how have they been a benefit to you?
I have learned so much by participating in the speaker and members-only events and I am continually inspired by other like-minded women. I recommend The Link to everyone.

The Link Member Highlight!

Sacha Basho
The Link Ambassador Board President

 

What is your business or what leadership roles do you hold?
Integra provides connectivity to businesses in our region including voice, data and application solutions.  My current leadership roles include Director of Sales – Government,  Go Red For Women Luncheon – Corporate Sponsorship Chair and The Link for Women Ambassador Board Chair.

What do you personally get from The Link events and community?
The Link provides connection to women business leaders in the community.  Through that connection, I find inspiration, mentorship and support.  It also allows me to give back to other young women looking to expand their support community.

What aspects of The Link have you engaged in and how have they been a benefit to you?

As a member of The Link For Women, I attend the speaker series events and member events where I am constantly inspired by the stories in the room.  The intimate setting that is provided allows for true connection with women of all walks of life and experiences.  We share the desire to commune with current and future women business leaders, as well as, stretch ourselves personally and/or professionally. 

In addition, I am a graduate of A Seat At The Table- Using It.  This program gave me insight into “why” I make the choices I do, “what” I really want from my career and life and “how” that plays out in my work place.  With this program, I received the peer and mentor support that enabled me to make the hard “asks” for myself and others in the organization.  Our organization is stronger for it and the women involved are using their voices and influence.  Bottom line, it was a life changing program and will continue to impact my personal and professional journey!  Thank you, Cindy! 

What separates The Link from other groups you belong to? 
The link is unique because it attracts women from all walks of life who have a common interest in expanding their experiences and connecting with the female leadership community.  Many of the members are in varied stages of their careers but are interested in what they can learn from each other.  The focus is not a business exchange but a knowledge exchange.  Simply put, there is no other community like The Link For Women.