Running a Real Estate Business

Anyone that tells you owning rental properties is a great way to make money has got to be a wonderful fix-it person or insane.

My husband and I currently own three rental properties.

The house at 103 Weir Point Dr., Manteo, NC, was on the market but didn’t sell. So, we rented it to a lovely family from WV. I cringe each first of the month now for the “wait for funds” to be transferred from them to me via Zelle. I also cringe when they call or text me about the latest problem.

One involved an animal in the attic. I called the pest control company (something we pay for as the owners). The problem is that racoons from the nearby national park are climbing a tree, jumping on the roof, and hopping onto the Andy Griffith fig tree for a snack. (Yes, the tree originally came from a cutting from Andy Griffith’s fig tree.) I’m not joking, especially since the lawn, care including tree trimming, is their responsibility as outlined in the lease.

Are you interested in purchasing a home in Manteo, NC? $650k including fig tree and potential racoons. The Cabin at 5956 Critton Owl Hollow Rd., Paw Paw, WV’s original structure was built in 1789. It does have plumbing, heat, internet, and 38 acres.

My renter recently vacated, leaving a mess behind that I won’t try to describe to you. Let me just say that 5 cats, 2 dogs, and 2 parrots were involved. I’ll also mention he “sublet” to a couple, one of which was wearing an ankle bracelet gifted by the state of WV. Subletting was not part of the rental agreement, which stated the rent as $400/month. This fiasco involved calling a parole officer who hadn’t done her job in terms of getting the proper approval for this couple to live there.

It should only take me a couple more weeks to clean that mess up including replacing the furniture they destroyed. Interested in an off-grid get-away? Maybe I’ll AirBNB it at some point.

And finally, the Tudor Square Townhouse. We have owned this one for over 20 years. The first renters were Scouting America connections. One was an Eagle Scout and his new wife (I knew his parents and helped him earn his Eagle badge), followed by a lady who worked at the Department of the Interior Indian affairs (I think she was a friend of one of the former scoutmasters).

Next was a couple who became down on their luck and asked their church to pay their rent. We didn’t take the church money but allowed them to break their lease with no penalties.

Then there was a retired government worker who was a chain smoker. That was bad enough, but the staircase and design of the second floor acted like a chimney leaving smoke residue which had to be scraped off the walls and ceilings prior to re-painting.

Our current renters are two sweet women with two cats. They called me on Monday night to let me know there was no water. The first thing I asked them to do was to open the crawl space and check to see if there was a pool down there or if they heard water running. The pipe has burst before. Nope no water. Then I’m thinking huh, did I put that water bill on auto pay? Yes, I did.

Did I change it when my credit card was last breached? Yes, I think so. On further investigation, no it wasn’t on auto pay and I had indeed gotten a letter stating service was to be cut off by October 14. They cut it off on October 20. I had neglected to open the letter. So, I apologized profusely and offered to pay for bottled water until the next morning when I could take care of the bill.

They declined driving to the store for water since they had consumed adult beverages. They said they’d get help from neighbors should the need arise. Happy they consumed alcohol responsibly. I was able to pay the bill online that night but could not re-connect the water without speaking with a human.

The next morning, I called the water company. The first message I was given was, “We are having issues with autopay, please contact us directly for more information.” When I was connected with a human, I was able to get the water turned on. Thankfully no extra $75 connection fee was required and the ladies had water by 10:30am.

The morals of the story, because sometimes we all need to be reminded:

• Open your mail as soon as you get it.

• Have a handy person on speed dial, you will need them unless you live close and have a bunch of duct tape.

•  Screen all applicants and have an iron clad lease for the state in which the property is located

• Have a lawyer on speed dial, just in case.

• Insure your property as a rental.

• Have a good sense of humor.

• Be willing to keep the deposit if someone really messes up the place.

Happy land-lording to you!

Marsha Riibner-Cady (NC)

Chair Entrepreneur & Small Business Committee

2022-2026

At NFBPWC, the “B” and the “P” are at the heart of our name.

Our members lead as entrepreneurs, executives and professionals across industries.

Celebrating the Businesses and Professionals in NFBPWC.

These companies are from the Member Business Directory; shouldn’t your business be on this list?

Category: Professional Services

Kathy Telban	ISOLVIT	www.isolvit.org
Michele Guarino	A Second Office, LLC	asecondoffice.weebly.com
Valentina Solarin	IAGIFTED	iagifted.org
Kemi Oyebade	Vagabond Rebel Art Studios	vratgo.com
Teressa Gehrke	POPCYKOL	PopCykoL.com
Ella McElwee	HEALTH BY CHOICE, INC	healthbychoice.net
Charmin Jacobs	Teachable Learnable Solutions	www.teachablelearnablesolutions.com
Theresa Szczurek	Technology and Management Solutions	www.tmsworld.com

Category: Entertainment

Ashley Maria & Lea-Ann W. Berst	Pioneers In Skirts	pioneersinskirts.com
Ashley Maria	Ashley Maria Productions	ashley-maria.com

Category: Health & Wellness

Marsha Riibner-Cady	Cady CPR Solutions	cadycprsolutions.com
Michele Guarino	Cherry Blossom Reiki	https://www.facebook.com/CherryBlossomReiki/

Category: Jewelry & Clothing

Dr. Jo Naylor	Joniqua’s	https://www.etsy.com/shop/joniquas
Michele Guarinao	Cherry Blossom Reiki	https://www.facebook.com/CherryBlossomReiki/

Category: Travel & Transportation

Barbara Jean Maresca

Evolve (La Dolce Vita)

https://evolve.com/

Category: Miscellaneous

Shirley Zeller	Friends of Mary Sheldon Ismon House	ismonhouse.org
Barbara Bozeman	Sights & Hounds Photography	sightsnhounds.com
Michele Guarino	Vesta Blue Studio	vestabluestudio.com
Margie Kotzalas	Les Etoiles in Haiti	etoilesinhaiti.org
Kathleen Ray	Hyde Park Refugee Project	hprpchicago.org

Want to learn more and connect?

Visit our NFBPWC Member Business Directory, your hub for women-owned services, products, and expertise.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in September, for the topic: Next-Gen Entrepreneurship in Action: A Young Woman’s Perspective.

We were honored to welcome guest speaker and Young Entrepreneur, Izadora Letchacoski. As the COO of a family law firm, founder of a consulting company, and a member of the BPW International Executive Committee, she shared her unique perspective on entrepreneurship that crossed industries and borders.

Thank you Izadora and we look forward to hearing from you again soon!

Upcoming October Event

In October, we turn our focus toward this month’s theme: Women Mean Business, with the program Showcase Your Business, Share Your Story!

Join us on October 8th as we spotlight our Member Business Directory and give you a chance to introduce your own business.

Whether you’re listed already or still considering it (it’s free by the way!), this is your opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

We’ll also share quick tips on crafting your elevator pitch so you’re ready to make the most of every introduction.

Sign up for this event at: https://nfbpwc.org/event- 6084103

Recommended Reading October Book Pick:

The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings on Authenticity, Connection and Courage” by Brené Brown. Drawing on her own research, Brené Brown’s 2012 book highlights how embracing vulnerability allows people to live more wholehearted and authentic lives. Included are practical approaches for building empathy, resilience, and stronger relationships. She also has a 2020 TEDTalk on the topic.

Recommended Blog/Article

8 Leadership Traits for Women to Thrive in 2025. By Pete Ford (June 03, 2025)

Professional “To Do” for October: Spotlight Your Business

This month, take one hour to boost your visibility:

• Where is your business listed? Is it effective for your market?
• Practice your elevator pitch. Can you describe your business in 30 seconds or less?
• Share one update (big or small) about your business on LinkedIn or with your BPW network.
• List your business on the NFBPWC and BPW International Business Directories.

A SIMPLE ACTION TODAY

CAN OPEN THE DOOR TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES TOMORROW.

Marsha Riibner-Cady (NC) Chair

NFBPWC Entrepreneur and Small Business Committee

2022-2026

Barbara Bozeman (NC) Vice Chair

NFBPWC Entrepreneur and Small Business Committee

2022-2026

---

Would you like to list your business with NFBPWC?

On our Website:https://nfbpwc.org/entrepreneur-business-program Scroll down to the Business Directory Form

Email your logo to smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

On our Blog Post: https://nfbpwc.org/NFBPWC-Blog

On our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC

On our Facebook Marketplace page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nfbpwcmarketplace/

Contact us at: smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

These lovely “home frocks” (L) would cost $53.65 today, and it’s unlikely anyone would feel the need to be so dressed to stay home and wash the kitchen floor and make dinner. They might even be overkill for many of todays’ more casual offices, and while

none of us is likely to wear a sundress (R) to work, it is evocative of the era when the

disparity between different “classes” was on dramaticdisplay as Americans showed off their new-found post-war incomes and began to move to the suburbs to climb the social ladder.

  

We want to thank everyone who joined us in August for Alice Gallop West’s inspiring Vision Board & Goal Setting Workshop. The event was a wonderful success — the audience was enthusiastic, participative, and left with powerful tools to help shape both personal and professional goals. We especially enjoyed hearing members share their “One Word” and watching vision boards come to life on the screen. It was a night filled with energy, creativity, and new possibilities!

Upcoming September Event 

Our September gathering will continue to build momentum as we turn our focus toward this month’s theme:  Young  Women  in  Leadership. (Details about the speaker/event will be finalized soon

— stay tuned for the announcement!)

This theme invites us to spotlight the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs, highlighting the challenges they face and the fresh, innovative perspectives they bring. Whether you’re a young professional yourself or a seasoned mentor, this discussion will help us explore

how to support, inspire, and collaborate across generations.

Recommended Reading

September Book Pick:

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg.

A modern classic, this book challenges us to think critically about leadership, ambition, and the barriers women face in the workplace — all while offering practical tools for growth and empowerment.

Recommended Blog / Article

Why It’s Never Been a Better Time to Be a Female Entrepreneur. By Maggie McGrath (June 27, 2025) https://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/20  25/06/27/why-its-never-been-a-better-time-to-be-   a-female-entrepreneur-plus-keep-your-focus-during-uncertain-times/

Small Business “To Do” for September

Conduct a Mid-Year Leadership Self-Check.

As fall begins, take one hour to reflect:

• What leadership roles (big or small) have you stepped into this year?

• Where could you delegate or mentor a younger colleague?

• What’s one leadership skill you want to sharpen before December?

A small step today will set you up for stronger growth as the year moves forward.

We look forward to seeing you in September as we celebrate and elevate Young Women in Leadership!

Would you like to list your business on the NFBPWC Website? Go to: https://nfbpwc.org/entrepreneur-business- program

and scroll down to the Business Directory Form And email your logo to smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

Find us at: ESB Page - https://nfbpwc.org/entrepreneur- business-program

Blog Post - https://nfbpwc.org/NFBPWC-Blog

NFBPWC FB - https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC NFBPWC Marketplace

https://www.facebook.com/groups/nfbpwcmarketplace/

Contact us at: smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

NFBPWC Entrepreneur and Small Business

Committee (2022-2026) Marsha Riibner-Cady (NC) Chair

Barbara Bozeman (Virtual/NC)

Co-Chair

Small Business: 

During the UN General Assembly High-level week 2025, there will be a “Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy” on September 24^th from 9am – 6pm. Available for viewing via UN WebTV https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule

We want to thank everyone for attending our last meeting “Turning Insights into Action” by putting into practice what Brooke Burns taught us in June about AI. Barbara Bozeman did a great job leading the meeting. Thank you, Barbara!

At our next meeting Alice Gallop West, a NC member and best-selling author, will guide us as we, "transform our business (personal) goals into greatness!"

Alice presented the Vision Board and Goal Setting Workshop at the Congress, International Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, St. Kitts in November 2024. The workshop was met with enthusiastic acclaim! Alice will lead this dynamic workshop on August 13, 2025, at 8 pm Eastern Standard Time.

Please read more about Alice below and the materials you need to bring to the workshop if you choose to actively participate. Should you choose to just come and enjoy a beverage or a snack while we work, we welcome you, too! Keep in mind this meeting will be 90 minutes long.

Alice Gallop West is a seasoned social work professional and military program leader with over 30 years of experience across the U.S. Department of Defense and federal civilian agencies. A veteran of the

U.S. Army and former Corrections Program

Manager, she has led correctional vocational programs, victim advocacy services, and compliance initiatives within military justice systems. Alice holds a B.S. in Social Work from Spalding University and is a credentialed victim advocate, certified instructor, and public speaker. She is also the founder of The Gallop Group, LLC, a leadership development firm, and a best-selling author and advocate for women veterans and Indigenous communities.

Vision Board & Goal Setting Workshop The Vision Board & Goal Setting Workshop is designed to empower participants to take control of their personal and professional goals through the powerful tools of vision boards and SMART goal setting. This interactive workshop will guide attendees through visualizing their goals using vision boards, setting clear and achievable objectives using S.M.A.R.T. goals, and harnessing the simple yet transformative power of the One Word concept. Participants will leave with practical strategies to manifest their dreams and maintain focus throughout the year.

The workshop begins with an introduction to vision boards highlighting their benefits then explores the One Word concept derived from the book "One Word That Will Change Your Life" by Dan Britton and Jon Gordon. Participants will go through the 3-step process for selecting their One Word.

Then we will dive into practical goal-setting tips and strategies, emphasizing the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

The link below is for Barnes and Nobles, however this text can be purchased from any bookstore, retail store, amazon or book re-seller.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-word-that- will-change-your-life-expanded-edition-jon- gordon/1117239037?ean=9781118809426

We will finish the workshop with attendees engaging in hands-on activities including creating their own vision boards and completing goal-setting worksheets. By the end of the session, participants will have a clear action plan to achieve their goals and maintain motivation throughout the coming year, along with the tools needed to track their progress and celebrate their successes.

Objective:

The objective of this transformative workshop is for participants to gain clarity on their goals, harness the power of visualization, adopt effective strategies for personal and professional growth, leave with an action plan, and feel empowered to go after and achieve their goals.

Resources:

Each participant is encouraged to do the following:

1. Download the worksheets and print them for use during the workshop. They will be sent in your registration confirmation and reminders.

2. Purchase the following text: "One Word, That will change your life" - by Gordon, Britton, Page. If you do not have the text, don't worry, you will have time to purchase after the webinar.

3. Gather together the following: scissors, colored markers, colored ink pens, poster board or writing paper, glue sticks or tape and magazines to cut-up.

4. Your favorite beverage and snacks are encouraged - this is a fun and interactive webinar! See you in the zoom room!

We hope you will join us for this fun interactive workshop. There will be door prizes!

NFBPWC Entrepreneur and Small Business Committee (2022-2026)
Marsha Riibner-Cady (NC), Chair
Barbara Bozeman (Virtual/NC), Co-Chair

Contact us at: smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

BPW: A Legacy of Lifting Women in Business

From it’s earliest days, Business and Professional Women (BPW) was more than a name – it was a mission. Founded in 1919, BPW emerged from a post- war world where women had proven themselves in the workforce but stillfaced steep barriers to advancement, recognition, and equal opportunity. The organization became a national voice for women who were determined to build businesses, lead in the workplace, and shape their own financial futures.

BPW was built to connect women in business and the professions, creating a space for mentorship and skill- building. Its early members campaigned for equal pay, access to credit, and the right to work without discrimination – issues that still resonate today. Over time, BPW also became a launchpad for entrepreneurship, helping women chart their own paths as business owners, consultants and innovators.

Today, our Entrepreneur and Small Business Committee carries that legacy forward by empower members with tools, training and community. We understand the spirit of BPW lies in building each other up – sharing insights, lifting voices, and igniting economic potential. As we look to the future, we honor the past by continuing to champion women who are bold enough to dream and brave enough to build.

Honoring  the  Past, Present  and  Future  of Entrepreneurs:

1919: Madam C.J. Walker build a thriving business empire in the early 20th century by creating and selling hair care products for Black women. She is often recognized as the first self- made millionaire in the United States. Though she passed away in 1919, her legacy was in full force and her company employed thousands of women. She championed not only economic independence for women but also education, philanthropy and community activism.

2000: Sara Blakely. In 2000, Sara Blakely launched Spanx, turning a $5,000 personal investment into a billion-dollar business. With no background in fashion and no outside investors, she revolutionized the shapewear industry and became a role model for women-led startups. Her success story highlights the turn of the century surge in women entrepreneurs breaking into global markets with innovation and grit.

2025: Kim Roxie (Emerging Entrepreneur) As the Founder of LAMIK Beauty (Love and Makeup in Kindness), Kim Roxie is gaining attention as a trailblazing beauty entrepreneur focused on clean cosmetics for women of color.Based in Houston, Texas, Roxie combines social entrepreneurship with beauty innovation. By 2025, her company continues to grow as a digitally native brand with purpose at its core, embodying the future of business: inclusive, mission-driven, and tech savvy.

ESB met on June 11th. Our speaker was Brooke Burns, a member of NFBPWC-Virtual. Brooke Burns is an amazing and talented Life and Business Coach from North Carolina. June’s topic was “AI – How to Use ChatGPT in Your Small Business” Thank you to the 42 members who signed up for this workshop. Any Brooke Burns presentations is interactive and informative and valuable – and the June workshop was no different. We had fun and learned so much.

Your ESB team highly recommends contacting Brooke Burns for future virtual or in-person presentations to your clubs.

Contact Brooke: info@brook-burns.com

COMING IN JULY! ESB PRESENTS:
Building from our June session, the July interactive workshop will guide you in turning AI insights into action. We’ll walk through real-life applications of ChatGPT to help you craft a practical social media or outreach strategy for your business or cause. Whether you are promoting a product, your business, or raising awareness, you’ll leave with personally developed content.

Register and join us on July 9th at 7pm Eastern
https://www.nfbpwc.org/event-6084100

NFBPWC Entrepreneur and Small Business Committee (2022-2026)
Marsha Riibner-Cady (NC), Chair
Barbara Bozeman (Virtual/NC), Co-Chair

Contact us at: smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

You are invited to join us at our next meeting on June 11, 2025 at 8 pm Eastern to learn more about AI from our NC member Brooke Burns. Please register at www.nfbpwc.org

Small Business and all the other committees have been tasked with developing a project that can be completed by the end of the calendar year. Please read about our project here:

1. Starting in July we want to spotlight a business each week on our social media platforms. If you are interested or want to nominate a business, please contact us at: smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

2. Did you know we have a business directory on our website? It’s found at: https://nfbpwc.org/entrepreneur-business-program

We encourage you and your members to use this directory to find businesses to support as you consider purchasing products or services for you, your home, or family.

3. Do you have a business or know a member who does? If they are not listed on the directory, please reach out to us at: smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

4. This is also a recruiting tool to increase our membership by sharing your local club and NFBPWC with women who own businesses in your community.

Please feel free to reach out to us at smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org or call or text Marsha at 252-423-0819.

NFBPWC Entrepreneur and Small Business Committee (2022-2026)

Marsha Riibner-Cady (NC) Chair

Barbara Bozeman (Virtual/NC)

Co-Chair

Contact us at: smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

Women who communicate effectively are statistically 1.5 times more likely to be perceived as leaders

Our April 9th session, co-hosted by the ESB Committee and the Women on the Move Committee, was a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of strong communication skills—especially for women in leadership and entrepreneurial spaces. We had the pleasureof participating in this session led by the dynamic Odile Bocande-Koffi, an executive coach whose work spans multiple continents. Odile brought a wealth of experience and insight, opening the session  with  a compelling message: communication isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a leadership imperative. She reminded us that many women struggle to effectively present themselves in professional settings, often due to subtle, yet significant communication gaps. The session quickly focused on how mastering both verbal and non-verbal communication is essential to building presence, negotiating confidently, and stepping into leadership roles with authenticity.

What made this session especially engaging was its interactive format. Odile skillfully guided us through personal reflections, encouraging participants to share real-life stories of miscommunication. Some of the tales were funny, others deeply relatable—but all illustrated how easily misunderstandings can occur when we aren’t mindful of our tone, body language, or the clarity of our message.

From written communication tips to active listening techniques, Odile provided a toolkit that participants could immediately apply. She also emphasized that women who communicate effectively are statistically 1.5 times more likely to be perceived as leaders—an empowering statistic that sparked discussion and motivation among everyone in the virtual room.

One of the most impactful segments centered around how we tailor our communication to different personality types. Whether dealing with assertive, passive, or aggressive clients or colleagues, Odile provided practical strategies for adjusting our approaches without losing authenticity. We were reminded that professionalism doesn’t mean stripping away who we are—it means amplifying our strengths with purpose and clarity. As we wrapped up, the takeaway was clear: strong communication is not just about being heard; it’s about being understood and respected. This collaboration between our two committees showcased not only the power of partnership but also the deep desire within our community to grow, lead, and lift others through our words and actions.

The outline for “Mastering the Art of Impactful Communication” included “Captivate Your Audience” Odile Bocande-Kofi did exactly that. We thank her for sharing her wisdom with us so effectively. 

Honoring Military Appreciation Month: The Strength Behind the Service from the ESB Committee May is Military Appreciation Month—a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who serve and have served in our Armed Forces, and to recognize the vital role they play not only in our nation's defense but also in our communities and economy. For the ESB Committee, this month is particularly meaningful, because among our members are veterans, military spouses, or strong supporters of military-affiliated entrepreneurs. Their stories, resilience, and values remind us that service doesn’t end with a uniform—it continues in boardrooms, home offices, and storefronts across the country.

Veteran-owned and military-affiliated businesses bring a unique perspective to the marketplace. Discipline, adaptability, leadership, and commitment—qualities honed through military service—translate well into entrepreneurial success. The SBA (Small Business Administration) says that one in ten small businesses in America is veteran- owned. These businesses generate billions in revenue each year and provide jobs to millions, creating ripple effects that strengthen our local and national economies.

We encourage our members to connect with the small business owners and women entrepreneurs. This month especially, we encourage our NFBPWC community to take a moment to connect with and support veteran-owned businesses. Whether through a purchase, a collaboration, or simply sharing their story,  your  support  honors  their  service  and contributes to a thriving, values-driven economy. Let’s also take time to express appreciation for military spouses, who often manage the dual challenges of supporting their servicemember while pursuing careers of their own. They, too, are an essential part of the military community—and their entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability are worth celebrating.

As we observe Military Appreciation Month, let us continue to uplift and empower those who have served, and those still serving in different ways.

Learn more through:

NFBPWC Entrepreneur and Small Business Committee (2022-2026)

Marsha Riibner-Cady (NC) Chair

Barbara Bozeman (Virtual/NC)

Co-Chair

Contact us at: smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

In our first collaboration with the Women on the Move Committee – chaired by Nermin Ahmad, the ESB Committee invites you to our April Program:

We look forward to the presentation and learning about other opportunities to collaborate in the future. Register for this event: https://nfbpwc.org/event-6084096

The ESB Committee chairs appreciate Steve Wachnowsky from SCORE for his March presentation.

He truly made our March program a great success, providing valuable tools and information that every business woman will find valuable. Even those among us who thought we knew a lot about SCORE came away inspired and armed with new information.

For more information about SCORE: https://www.score.org/

*Steve has been a terrific mentor for our chair, Marsha Riibner-Cady.

There are currently over 5,300 mentors available across the country.

If you are interested in working with a SCORE mentor, head over to the website and learn more about SCORE (link above) and when you are ready – go to https://www.score.org/find-mentor

ESB is always happy to find programming to fit your interests and needs, whether your needs are professional, business start-up or anything in between. Please communicate with Marsha and Barbara if you have any special requests for future programming.

Links to Articles of Interest:

Lessons From Women at the Forefront of Small Business Growth

Five Ways to Turn Business Disruption into Growth (Larisa Miller)

The Startup Roadmap - A Step-by-Step, How To Guide for Starting a Business

NFBPWC Entrepreneur and Small Business Committee (2022-2026)

Marsha Riibner-Cady (NC) Chair

Barbara Bozeman (Virtual/NC)

Co-Chair

Contact us at: smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

Save the Date for our March Program:

(register for this and all meetings via nfbpwc.org

Remarkable Woman – Betty L. Shotton

Leadership Coach and Consultant

Submission by Marsha Riibner-Cady

Betty Shotton has definitely been a woman in history for me and for women’s education. She was in the first class of undergraduate women at  the  University  of

Virginia in Charlottesville, VA in 1974. I highly recommend that you read more about that in:

Here to Stay

The Story of the Class of Women Who Coeducated the University of Virginia

By Gail Burrell Gerry· 2025

But more about Betty. I met her during my work with the Girl Scouts Council of the Colonial Coast in Chesapeake, VA. I was told I should contact Betty so many times until I finally did. What an amazing person. Not only did she mentor me through several work crisis but also several personal ones. Her book Lift off Leadership was written to show us we can do anything. Betty is an amazing person, she flies airplanes, she helped build an airport, she is an

amazing supporter of the Girl Scouts. Now living in Western North Carolina, Betty is working hard to help folks in need recover from the devastation there.

According to Wikipedia: “Betty Shotton is committed to elevating the role of leaders in our society. To that end she is an avid speaker, author, and advocate for leadership accountability and contribution. Betty has over 25 years’ experience as a CEO, Entrepreneur, and Leadership Consultant.”

She says, “OWN THE LIFE YOU WANT TO LEAD, AND LIVE DELIBERATELY WITH CLARITY & INTENTION…To

me there is no greater honor than the privilege of leading ; nothing more challenging than starting up a new company ; nothing that can teach you courage like soloing an airplane and no greater reward than being able to share what you've learned in helping others and their organizations to succeed. https://liftoffleadership.com”

NFBPWC Entrepreneur and Small Business Committee (2022-2026)

Marsha Riibner-Cady (NC) Chair

Barbara Bozeman (Virtual/NC)

Co-Chair