Meet Sarah Ohanesian

Name: Sarah Ohanesian

Title/Company: Productivity Consultant

Chapter: Newtown Square, PA

Contact: sarah@so-productive.com or call (484) 318-1547

Q: Tell us about yourself. You're a member of the Newtown Square, PA chapter, where do you live? 

I'm currently a productivity coach, speaker, and corporate trainer, but I was a chief marketing officer in my former career. I loved what I was doing but was stressed, burnt out, and overwhelmed. So, I created systems and processes to help my marketing team and realized I could help the world do the same. I live in Valley Forge, PA suburb of Philly. It's a hybrid area close to everything but secluded and serene, unlike where I grew up in Chicago. I found this area after I attended Villanova and never left.

Q: What is one thing everyone should do at least once in their lifetime?

Travel to an intimidating location that's outside your comfort zone. For example, a place with no cell phone service is exotic. Some of the impactful places I've been are the middle of the outback in Australia, remote areas of China, and rural areas of Guatemala.

Q: Did you choose your profession, or did it choose you?

It chose me for sure. I've always been a student of productivity but felt called to this profession and to share the gift.

Q: What goals are you working on now?

I'm professionally honing my craft of professional speaking. It's such a wonderful opportunity for learning and development. I strive to be world-class in an engaging way. Personally, I want to spend more time with people I love. I have an aging grandparent, just my lost father-in-law, and a 94-year-old grandparent. These life changes remind me how I need to work efficiently to maximize my time with loved ones.

Q: What do you like to do when not working?

I like to travel, spend time with friends and family, and love to get out in nature, especially go on long walks.

Q: How does your work connect you to The W Source network?

We're a newer chapter of Newtown Square in PA. I'm excited to be one of the first members. It's been wonderful to connect with women across different specialties. I also love getting instant feedback/gratification on things I'm working on at group meetings. That has been powerful! It's like finding friends in surprising places.

Q: What else would you like W Source members to know about you?

Productivity isn't one size fits all. Give yourself some grace. Seasons and goals change. Know that there is always room to do a little bit better. A little bit better is so much better than doing nothing at all. Meaning you should take small steps to win the race. I know The W Source actively uses Asana. I'm an Asana-certified pro. I can help businesses train and build their teams; Another resource (Hannah loves this) is that I've completed my Full Focus Planner certification. Feel free to have companies of any size reach out to help implement those types of productivity tools!

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Our Mini Member Spotlight series was created for you to meet the many amazing women who make up The W Source®. 

If you are a current member and would like to be nominated for a future spotlight or know someone who could benefit from connecting with The W Source®, please contact us for more information!

Meet Eileen Gould

Name: Eileen Gould 

Title/Company: Interior Designer & General Contractor (lic. #978861) at Eileen Gould Design & Construction

Chapter: Westlake Village, CA

Contact: egould07@gmail.com or call (818) 706-8825!

Q: Tell us about yourself. You're a member of the Westlake Village chapter, where do you live? 

I live in Westlake Village, where I’m a chapter member.

Q: What is one thing everyone should do at least once in their lifetime?

Skydiving is so absolutely invigorating and scary. Everyone needs to do it at least once, no matter your age.

Q: Did you choose your profession, or did it choose you?

My first career wasn’t in design or construction. My mother enrolled me in college to learn to be a medical technologist and I managed to graduate, despite hating blood. I came out to Los Angeles to work for a Hollywood doctor. My claim to fame is that I helped Jack Nicholson, took Mel Brooks’ sperm, and looked at Diana Ross’ nose. 

While I was working I went back to UCLA at night to get certified in design and construction. I got married young and had my son and daughter. I started working in the interior design business, but then figured out that the designer was left to do all the hard work! This encouraged me to pass my contractor license exam, where they mistakenly thought I was there to take a secretary test! 

Currently I have seven subcontractors that work under me. My mom is my inspiration as she had a physical disability, which gave me the idea to specialize in aging house modifications and ADA remodels.

Q: What goals are you working on now?

I want to raise my revenue from two million to five million, design boutique hotels, and a line of beautiful products for aging in place use.

I'm looking forward to finishing my second book to help everyone’s environment be safe, stylish, and sustainable. One of my books is already available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1425991645

Q: What do you like to do when not working?

I'm passionate about adventure, meeting new friends, and running 5k races. I do a lot of yoga, am an avid reader, walker, love to travel, and shop where I travel.

Q: How does your work connect you to The W Source network?

I work with a lot of realtors, financial planners, and mortgage brokers, as their clients are either people who are getting their homes ready to sell or need plans for a remodel. I work the entire process from design to build; I’m also a licensed interior design and general contractor.

Q: What else would you like W Source members to know about you?

I’m very good with people who are scared of construction. My job is to hold their hand especially as we balance budget and design. In my spare time, I teach interior and construction locally. I have 3-year-old and 5-year-old grandchildren.

Plus, I won an HGTV Design challenge!

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Our Mini Member Spotlight series was created for you to meet the many amazing women who make up The W Source®. 

If you are a current member and would like to be nominated for a future spotlight or know someone who could benefit from connecting with The W Source®, please contact us for more information!

Meet Lisa Hutter

Name: Lisa Hutter

Title/Company: Senior Wealth Advisor at Comerica Private Wealth

Chapter: Texas

Contact: LBHutter@comerica.com or call (212) 844-9848!

Q: Tell us about yourself. You're a member of the Texas chapter, where do you live? 

Austin TX by way of NY. I moved here with my two daughters and husband about 6 years ago when a career opportunity arose in my then-leadership role at a large bank. After only 6 weeks here we all knew it was home.  

Q: What is one thing everyone should do at least once in their lifetime?

Go on a Backroads vacation. I went to Spain and Portugal on a hiking trip with them last year and it was unforgettable. Truly the best vacation and adventure I’ve ever experienced. I went with my best friend, but am planning to do it again with my husband and my girls. I think experiencing adventures like this as a family are magical and worth the opportunity while the fleeting nature of childhood is still intact for your kids! 

Q: Did you choose your profession, or did it choose you?

A little bit of both. My dad was a police officer and I really looked up to him growing up. I knew I wanted to be an attorney, but always thought I would go into criminal law despite my dad's begging and pleading not to do so. In my second year of law school I took an income taxation class and the day we reviewed estate taxes was the day that I fell in love with the subject and decided that was what I was going to do with the rest of my life.

Q: What goals are you working on now?

I have dedicated the last few years to the practice of stoicism. It’s following some of the ancient philosophers in their writings. It has a lot to do with controlling what you can control, gratitude, reminding yourself that life is short and every day could be your last day, controlling your reactions and being really purposeful about your interactions. A lot of it is much easier said than done which is why it takes practice. I can apply it across both personal and professional areas, allowing me to love what I do and do what I love.

Q: What do you like to do when not working?

The gym is my second home. My husband owns a CrossFit gym and we have been engaged in the sport for about 10 years. It involves gymnastics, Olympic lifting, and powerlifting as a community of amazing individuals. It is the way that I get rid of stress and take my mind off of things. It is where I have met some of my closest friends and have some of the longest friendships. It’s also the time when great ideas sometimes pop into my head; usually in the middle of some terrible workout of the day that I’m suffering through!

It is also a family affair; we have started my nine year old training which is helping a lot with her ADHD and all of the energy that she has to burn. My 14-year-old is a competitive diver and she often cross trains in our gym as well. 

Q: How does your work connect you to The W Source network?

Whenever I am out at other events I’m always thinking of my chapter and opportunities to engage them. I definitely feel like our chapter members all do the same for me. Also because of the nature of my role as a Wealth Advisor, I get to know everything about my clients so there are oftentimes chances to refer to The W Source for their needs.

Q: What else would you like W Source members to know about you?

I’m a GSD (Get Stuff Done) kind of person and work very hard on listening more than I speak (two ears one mouth after all). I love taking care of people and finding solutions to everything from what restaurant to enjoy to how to monetize their portfolio and the best way to pass on their legacy. I’m also a serial connector, so I always enjoy meeting new folks and introducing them to others who can help them or their business.

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Our Mini Member Spotlight series was created for you to meet the many amazing women who make up The W Source®. 

If you are a current member and would like to be nominated for a future spotlight or know someone who could benefit from connecting with The W Source®, please contact us for more information!

Meet Cindi Gortner

Name: Cindi Gortner

Title/Company: Realtor, Founder of The Cindi and Suzi Realty Group, Pinnacle Estate Properties 

Chapter: Ventura / Thousand Oaks, California 

Contact: cindigortner@gmail.com or visit the company website! 

Q: Tell us about yourself. You're a member of the Ventura / Thousand Oaks chapter, where do you live?  

I have lived in Thousand Oaks, CA for the last 11 years, but in the Conejo Valley for a total of 27 years. Currently, I reside in the older section of Lake Sherwood. My home is historic and dates back to the 1940's – once owned by Leo Carrillo's sister and a woman who owned a speakeasy!

Q: What is one thing everyone should do at least once in their lifetime? 

My partner Suzi says everyone should ski the Swiss Alps. I’d say try scuba diving or paragliding over by Hendry's Beach in Santa Barbara.

Q: Did you choose your profession, or did it choose you? 

I worked in brand management at Nestle, but eventually the corporate travel became too much while raising my children. I always wanted to be in the driver's seat and needed something with minimal travel – real estate seemed to fit the bill. Plus, my husband had his broker's license (he’s in investment real estate), so it just made sense. 

It’s a great career combination of business and my love of real estate. You also can’t beat the commute – I sold one home behind me and another next door! We’re also selling a home a couple houses down that was owned by a Gilligan's Island cast member. That’s a fun neighbor to have!

Q: What goals are you working on now? 

Personally, I’m working on writing a family cookbook/history book. It’s to preserve family stories and recipes, and become a legacy for my children. It has been a joyful collaboration for the entire family to talk about food and our heritage. 

Connect with me for some great stories about bringing the family together with familiar food. Don't miss the oatmeal cookie recipe!

Professionally, we’re growing our team to continue to provide first-class service. We want each client to feel like they're our only client. We have added one new team member who is fluent in Korean, and another who has a background in staging. Our secret sauce is that we own storage units full of staging furniture to help people face the overwhelm of getting a house ready to show. 

Q: What do you like to do when not working? 

I love hiking and e-biking, especially with our W Source friends and our dogs. Outdoor activities are huge for both me and my business partner, Suzi. Thrift store shopping is a fun activity we both enjoy.

Q: How does your work connect you to The W Source network? 

I find synergy in our different professions. Even though our chapter is fairly young, we are already referring back and forth. I get asked for recommendations all the time and it has been great to have a qualified group of ladies I know and trust as a resource. These women are so inspirational and I've made some amazing personal connections.

This group is a new experience for me and I get a lot of value from the monthly meetings. We even had a group mixer with another W Source chapter and it was so energizing meeting even more ladies from our network!

Q: What else would you like W Source members to know about you? 

I would like the W Source women to know four things: 1) My team sells homes ranging from small condos up to high end luxury homes (we are currently writing an offer on an 11,000 square foot home in Lake Sherwood) as well as secondary homes especially when someone is doing a 1031 exchange, 2) we specialize in helping sellers prep their homes for sale and do light staging complimentary, 3) we not only work in the Conejo Valley but we also work in the San Fernando Valley and all the way up the coast to Santa Barbara and 4) we would be very grateful for your referral. 

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Our Mini Member Spotlight series was created for you to meet the many amazing women who make up The W Source®. 

If you are a current member and would like to be nominated for a future spotlight or know someone who could benefit from connecting with The W Source®, please contact us for more information!

Meet Andrea Brundage

Name: Andrea Brundage

Title/Company: Professional Organizer at Simple Organized Solutions (aka SOS)

Chapter: Scottsdale/East Valley, Arizona

Contact: Andrea@ProfessionalOrganizerAZ.com or call (480) 382-1085

Q: Tell us about yourself. You're a member of the Scottsdale/East Valley chapter, where do you live? 

I live in Mesa, AZ, and I am a professional organizer. I’ve been in the business since 2003, long before Marie Kondo became popular. My clients are corporate and residential, which also includes seniors looking to downsize. I grew up in Southern California, and I have been in AZ since 1988. 

Q: What is one thing everyone should do at least once in their lifetime? 

Take a risk! Do something that makes you uncomfortable and that stretches you. Write that book, hike the Grand Canyon, cross something off your Bucket List! The biggest risk I’ve taken so far was starting my own business. 

Q: Did you choose your profession, or did it choose you? 

Professional Organizing chose me. I worked in corporate America for many years. Typically, my roles were in office management and/or accounting. My primary focus was to streamline the processes and train employees. Once I got the business back on track and things were running smoothly, I would get bored and find my next company to straighten up and streamline.  

People like me are usually born this way - with a Project Manager mindset. Organized and methodical. We are planners and have great foresight. I'm able to see the end of a project in my mind before it’s even started. In this profession, I feel blessed to have married my passion with my purpose. That’s what “in the flow” feels like to me. 

Q: What goals are you working on now? 

Personally, I'm prioritizing a healthy work-life balance, and to that end, I’m feeding my love for travel. The beauty of owning my own business is that I'm able to help my clients and also schedule trips here and there.  

Professionally, I have a couple more books in progress. One is a children's book and the other is for seniors to help them 'right-size' their lives, and organize their estates.  

I have two published books: One as the sole author and the other is a collaborative project with 45 other writers. Simplify Your Life: 8 Simple Principles to Turn Your Chaos into Calm and Guiding Grace: Wisdom of the Silver Sisters can be found here: https://professionalorganizeraz.com/shop/ 

Q: What do you like to do when not working? 

I love to spend time with my family. Whenever my kids or husband ask what I want for holidays or birthdays, I always ask for time that we can spend together. I have two daughters; one daughter is in Sandy, Utah and the other is in Houston, TX.  

Q: How does your work connect you to The W Source network? 

I know most W Source members work with the type of people I can help. For example, attorneys will meet with clients and send them home with paperwork that doesn't get done; that's where I come in. I enjoy helping people with their paperwork. I also help real estate agents and their sellers with decluttering and staging their homes. 

The W Source was attractive to me because of the high caliber of professional women I have met. In fact, I have known our chapter head for over 30-years. I've done a lot of networking over the years, and I'm so happy with this unique format.  

Q: What else would you like W Source members to know about you? 

I’d like to close with two quotes from my book:  

“Organization is a lifestyle, not a project.” 

“If you keep everything, nothing matters.” 

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Our Mini Member Spotlight series was created for you to meet the many amazing women who make up The W Source®. 

If you are a current member and would like to be nominated for a future spotlight or know someone who could benefit from connecting with The W Source®, please contact us for more information!

Meet Nicole Oden

Name: Nicole Oden

Title/Company: Attorney/Owner at Nicole Cheri Oden Law, P.C.

Chapter: Westlake Village, California 

Contact: nicole@nicolecheriodenlaw.com or call (626) 344-8537! 

Q: Tell us about yourself. You're a member of the Westlake Village chapter, where do you live? 

I've been a licensed attorney in California for ten years and have my own boutique virtual law firm – Nicole Cheri Oden Law, PC. Although I’m based in Simi Valley.

I practice settlement-minded family law with a focus on helping couples stay out of court - alternatives to the traditional court divorce process are both beneficial to families and less costly.

I also help online service providers (such as Virtual Assistants, Online Business Managers, Social Media Managers, graphic and website designers, and coaches) protect their online businesses and brands legally with custom contracts and policies (or legal templates that they can customize for their unique businesses) and federal trademark registrations. 

Q: What is one thing everyone should do at least once in their lifetime? 

Definitely, travel! I have a 6-year-old daughter and I love seeing the world through her eyes. My husband and I went to Ireland for our honeymoon. We drove around the country and even got stuck on a roundabout - which was quite an adventure! Now, we want to plan a trip back and bring our daughter this time.

Q: Did you choose your profession, or did it choose you? 

I feel like it chose me. My dad, when I was five or six, told me I would be an attorney because I loved to argue or persuade him to do certain things. It wasn't until my undergrad years when I took a social work class at school that I found my niche in family law to help people.

Q: What goals are you working on now? 

Personally, my goal is to complete a marathon by the end of this year. I got very stagnant during covid, and I'm trying to move my body and prioritize self-care going forward.

Professionally, I'm looking to increase my business by 30%, and hire my mom as my paralegal. My mom just retired last year from the Los Angeles County court system and I would love to bring her on as a support member of my team.

Q: What do you like to do when not working? 

I love to read fiction and some personal development books! It lets me shut my brain off from all the analytical reading and drafting I do on a daily basis. I recently read “Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes and loved it. I love Patricia Briggs, she's my go-to fiction author at the moment.

I also enjoy going out for hikes and being outside in the sunshine and fresh air with my family.

Q: How does your work connect you to The W Source network? 

Before joining The W Source, I was in a different networking group with one of the other Westlake group members. I decided to leave that original group because it felt like an 'old boys' network and honestly, it felt like a total waste of time. I was looking for a group of women that I could connect with. I provide a high-touch experience for my clients and I want to have a rapport with the referral partners I send them to. I’ve been able to build some amazing relationships in The W Source!

Q: What else would you like W Source members to know about you? 

I don’t feel like I fit the traditional attorney stereotype. My tagline is: “When you need access to a top-notch attorney without the stuffy office.” Because I believe legal should be affordable and accessible. 

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Our Mini Member Spotlight series was created for you to meet the many amazing women who make up The W Source®. 

If you are a current member and would like to be nominated for a future spotlight or know someone who could benefit from connecting with The W Source®, please contact us for more information!

Meet Samantha Baldwin and Jessica Phillips

Names: Samantha Baldwin and Jessica Phillips

Title/Company: Attorneys at Law at Maho & Prentice, LLP

Specialty: Personal Injury Representation

Chapter: Santa Barbara, California 

Contact: sbaldwin@sbcalaw.com or jphillips@sbcalaw.com or visit their company website! 

Q: Tell us about yourselves. You are both a part of the Santa Barbara chapter, where do you live?  

Samantha: I live a couple of blocks from the beach in the Mesa neighborhood with my new baby and husband. I am a part of the 1st generation in my Guatemalan family to go to college, let alone obtain a professional credential. My grandmother reached 3rd grade before starting to work. Ultimately supporting her 6 children, including my mother.

Jessica: I live near the rose garden at the Mission. I moved here 2 years ago, but I spent 3 years in Manhattan Beach before that (shout out to the Manhattan Beach Chapter!). I came to California from Baltimore. I have two adorable dogs. I come from a family of helpers. My grandmother was a teacher, my grandfather was a pastor, my mom a social worker, and my dad was a physical therapist. Seeing them dedicated to the people they interacted with made me know that I wanted to help people in the biggest way possible, whatever I did for a living. 

Q: What is one thing everyone should do at least once in their lifetime? 

Samantha: I highly recommend doing a chef’s table menu where you sit in the kitchen and get to interact with people and their art. It can be pricey, but one of the best ways to spend money.

Jessica: I have two! At least once in your life, be sure to have a dog. The second is more adventurey, biking down from the Haleakalā National Park at sunrise on Maui—it’s a can’t miss!

Q: Did you choose your profession, or did it choose you? 

Samantha:  It chose me! I have known one of our partners since right out of high school and while interviewing at other law firms, he brought me in as a law clerk, and I've been there ever since. And now I'm a partner!

Jessica: I actually chose my profession because I saw my family's limitations in their respective fields, for example, bound by rules and regulations as a teacher. I wanted to be in a career where I could do more and have more of a say.

Q: What goals are you working on now? 

Samantha: I'm personally trying to make myself more of a priority, like actually getting on my Peloton. Professionally, things are going really well. A goal of our team is to gain more of a California statewide presence. We want to prioritize seeing if we can help more people outside our local market.

Jessica: I want to solidify my networking relationships in the community. Since I'm relatively new in the community, strengthening the relationships via coffee and lunches is what I hope to do. 

Q: What do you like to do when not working? 

Samantha: l love spending time with family, friends, going on surf trips, and camping!

Jessica: I was really lucky to make a group of friends locally with similar interests. Camping, hiking, beach days and anything on the water are my top picks. Actually, I met one of my closest friends by joining the Santa Barbara chapter of The W Source!

Q: How does your work connect you to The W Source network? 

Samantha: We are honestly so lucky with what we do, despite the dark subject matter. We help people on their worst day - an accident. Someone you love has been hurt either intentionally or because of negligence. The reality is that we help people facing death, loss of limb, physical assault, or sexual assaults. To build relationships with clients from months to multiple years later is the rewarding part. Ultimately, when we walk with clients to the point that they get compensated for what they have been through, it makes it worth the late-night calls and difficult conversations. We wouldn't trade it for the world.

Jessica: I would add, one of the things our partners say is that they love the male and female counterbalances to client conversations and litigation. Our partners both are proud to have Sam and me on the team. They both have daughters and are very supportive of us in everything that we do. Bringing a female voice and empathetic element to a difficult situation allows us to help our clients navigate through those difficult days. 

Regarding The W Source, we're both members of Santa Barbara, CA. The W Source has given us a chance not to be that typical personal injury billboard attorney - but allows us to share who we are as people, what drives us, and what we care about. We know our group and have friendships with trusted resources. Once you're an attorney for one area of a client's life, they come to you for everything, so it's important to have that connection at our fingertips.

We're in other networking situations, so what I find most interesting about The W Source is that it's not just business. There are genuine friendships. I walk into a meeting and it's different from talking about cases or financial markers - we're friends first, and business second. 

Q: What else would you like W Source members to know about you? 

Samantha: Call us if you have a question or know someone who has been hurt. Literally, just call us. One of the best things we do is networking and making connection. If you have any questions, we want to help you! We're also really good at dog questions.

Jessica: Right! We have 4 attorneys at our firm and 6 dogs, but regardless we're here for any questions. We are always happy to have a free consultation any time.

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Our Mini Member Spotlight series was created for you to meet the many amazing women who make up The W Source™. 

If you are a current member and would like to be nominated for a future spotlight or know someone who could benefit from connecting with The W Source™, please contact us for more information!

Meet Michelle Boncel

Name: Michelle Boncel

Title/Company: Certified Public Accountant / Founder at AMB Consulting Services

Industry: Accounting

Chapter: Scottsdale/East Valley, Arizona

Contact: ambconsultingservices@gmail.com or (480) 444-8361 or visit her website!

Q: Tell us something about yourself, Michelle. You are part of the Scottsdale East Valley Chapter. Where do you live?  

A: I moved to Arizona in 2002 but live in the N. Scottsdale area now. As a Navy brat, I grew up around the world. I was born in the Philippines but moved to the States when I was less than a year old. In addition to AZ, I've lived in HI and FL.  

My drive for accounting came from my father. While working full-time for the Navy, my father went to night school to study finance and accounting. My husband also happens to be a CPA and is a CFO for a public company. 

Q: What is one thing everyone should do at least once in their lifetime? 

A: I was never an athletic person until after having children. In 2017 I ran the NYC marathon. If you have never been an exercise person, try training for a race 5k. It will change your mindset to be more efficient at work and at home and help you prioritize taking care of yourself and your health. 

Q: Did you choose your profession, or did it choose you? 

A: A little bit of both! Things fell in my lap as I mentioned my dad inspired me, but I found myself interested in it. In my high school accounting class, I met my best friend to this day. My job allows me to meet new people and build relationships just like my BFF.  

Q: It's the 4th Quarter of 2021. What goal are you working on now? 

A: It's my goal to be able to take time off during Christmas break this year. I feel torn to have everything for tax season starting in January, but at the same time, when my children are home, I don't want to put them on devices and have to work. So my goal is to instead focus on spending time with them. Since the pandemic, the tax season hasn't really stopped, and I want to find time for myself before it starts again. So we're surprising my daughter for her ten-year birthday to go to Universal Studios to see Harry Potter and spend time with family Tucson! 

Q: What do you like to do when not working? 

A: I love watching Bravo reality shows, especially the housewives franchises. Hannah had to ask me if I think Erika is guilty - I do! Haha. I also enjoy being with my kids and attending their sports activities on the weekends. 

Q: How does your work connect you to The W Source network? 

A: One of the Scottsdale/Arcadia group members I met in a mom's group years ago introduced me to this network. We reacquainted for coffee, and now I've been a member for almost two years! I love the great friendships, and the quality referrals receive. 

Q: What else would you like W Source members to know about you? 

A: I learned from my previous career as an auditor the importance of building relationships with other business partners. I want the women to know that they have someone trustworthy and looking out for their clients. Whenever the group of ladies in my network have a question about tax or accounting, they do not hesitate to reach out. I want to be a resource for all of you! 

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Our Mini Member Spotlight series was created for you to meet the many amazing women who make up The W Source™. 

If you are a current member and would like to be nominated for a future spotlight or know someone who could benefit from connecting with The W Source™, please contact us for more information!

Meet La Faye Baker

Name: La Faye Baker

Title/Company: Stunt Expert and Founder at Diamond in the RAW Organization

Industries: Entertainment & Non-profit

Chapter: West Los Angeles, California 

Contact: stntdva@gmail.com or (323) 974-8292 or visit her website!

Q: Tell us something about yourself, La Faye. You are part of the West LA Chapter. Where do you live? 

A: I am a native to the City of Angels. I'm born and raised in Los Angeles and have always lived here. I attended CSULB for undergrad, I completed UCLA for Film, Television, Digital and Entertainment Certificate program and received my MBA from University of Miami. I'm a professional actress and stunt woman, even though my start was in collegiate gymnastics. 

Q: What is one thing everyone should do at least once in their lifetime?

A: Be a daredevil. The riskiest stunt I've ever done was when I was featured in a Camaro commercial in Denver. I had to face altitude sickness while following a camera car at speeds up to 30 mph with no guardrails. It took extreme concentration!

Q: Did you choose your profession, or did it choose you?

A: I completely stumbled into my profession. I had no background in entertainment. Although I have always had a toe in ancillary fields. I used to travel for the Guinness World Records for hula hooping which piqued my interest in learning more about film. I used to be a probation officer, but resigned in 2017, while working in entertainment to embrace my full creative side.

Q: It's the 4th Quarter of 2021. What goal are you working on now?

A: I'm always trying to leave a legacy as an African American female trailblazer, and want us to change the balance of gender and race in stunts and the entertainment industry. I also am trying to grow my new brand in stuntwomen activewear. Feel free to check it out here (www.Stuntwomen.Shop). Finally, I'm producing my 11th Annual Stuntwomen Award Show, (Sunday March 20, 2022, honoring Stuntwomen, A-list Action Sheroes and Extreme Sport’s Enthusiasts (www.actioniconawards.com)

Q: What do you like to do when not working?

A: My focus is working with my non-profit that empowers teen girls through the arts, called DiamondintheRaw.org. We work with teen girls to help them produce short films, podcasts, acting, and learn stunt activities during summer. I also believe in pampering the mind, the body, and soul. Embrace creativity!

Q:How does your work connect you to The W Source network?

A: As you can see with my projects, I've always had an interest in giving back and working with women. The W Source gave me an option to expand my horizons outside of the box.

Q: What else would you like W Source members to know about you?

A: I'd love W Source members to connect with me to learn more about my work with teen girls and see if they could get involved or support. I'm working on a book that addresses mental health issues and tools to process the difficult parts of life. Finally, I want to remind all women that anything is possible. Be brave and take risks!

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Our Mini Member Spotlight series was created for you to meet the many amazing women who make up The W Source™. 

If you are a current member and would like to be nominated for a future spotlight or know someone who could benefit from connecting with The W Source™, please contact us for more information!

Meet Keren Birnbaum, Esq.

Name: Keren Birnbaum, Esq.

Title/Company: Partner at Schwartz Ettenger, PLLC

Industry: Estate Planning and Elder Law

Chapter: Long Island New York 

Contact: kb@selawny.com or (631) 777-2401 or visit her website!

Q: Tell us something about yourself, Keren. You are part of the Long Island Chapter. Where do you live? 

A: I live in Queens! I grew up on Long Island, spent a year in Israel between high school and college, then went to Brandeis University in Massachusetts. When I got married, my husband and I settled in Queens and have been there since. We live in a part of Queens with a detached house, grass, and trees. Who would've thought Queens has greenery? I like to call our home "Suburban Living with an NYC Zip Code."

Q: What is one thing everyone should do at least once in their lifetime?

A: Oh, tough one. I'd love to take a trip by myself one day.

Q: Did you choose your profession, or did it choose you?

A: A combination of both. I almost went to Julliard to become a Broadway Actress and Singer instead of Brandeis! When I was in Brandeis I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, so I went to law school - even though I don't love conflict. While I didn't choose to become a lawyer, I did choose my specialty. Trusts and estates is a happy medium that allows me to advocate (and sometimes fight) for my clients while focusing on the practice area's required skills of listening, empathy, and education.

Q: It's the 4th Quarter of 2021. What goal are you working on now?

A: It's pretty simple; between the changing laws, the start of the school year, and everything in between, my goal is to keep all the juggled balls in the air.

Q: What do you like to do when not working?

A: Of course, I love Broadway and the Arts, but it's been hard during COVID19. I’m looking forward to the return of Broadway, which has just begun. I love staying active and spending time with my family. I purchased a Peloton Bike 4 months ago and am loving it. Look me up! My name is "SpecialKGB."

Q:How does your work connect you to The W Source network?

A: As a professional, I believe in the power of educating my clients, especially imparting information to my female clients. As a trusts and estates attorney, I have unfortunately seen many situations in which it would’ve been beneficial for my clients, specifically females, to have been proactive rather than reactive. My goal is to help my clients avoid making any mistakes before it’s too late. Finally, I have three daughters, and I want to leave the world a better place for them, so a women's network really is authentic to me.

Q: What else would you like W Source members to know about you?

A: My favorite part about what I do is hearing people's unique stories. I like really understanding a client's history to help them best. Perhaps it's because my father is a psychologist, I like to bring some of his experience into my work.

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Our Mini Member Spotlight series was created for you to meet the many amazing women who make up The W Source™. 

If you are a current member and would like to be nominated for a future spotlight or know someone who could benefit from connecting with The W Source™, please contact us for more information!