Struggling economy? Difficult times ahead? While many companies are contemplating their own uncertain future, Admin and Beyond is determined to find ways to turn it around, and help others do the same.
The Women’s Career Makeover event, sponsored by Admin and Beyond, January 24th, set out to prove that, with the right resources and the right attitude, anyone can rise above their circumstances to be successful.
This event, featured personalized consultations from 15 organizations on such topics as:
hair and nails (Mario Tricoci)
dressing for success (Dressbarn)
body language (Nancy Moran and Associates)
teaching your mind tools for success (Greater Achievements Hypnosis)
job loss grief counseling (Rene Czerwinski MA, LCPC, NCC, CH);
continuing education (Harper College);
job search and skills training (Illinois WorkNet);
resume review (St. Hubert Job and Networking Ministry);
networking (Peak Marketing and Sales);
financial planning for a crisis (National City);
life after COBRA (RR Financial);
how to obtain affordable legal advice (Pre-Paid Legal Services);
starting your own business at 50+(Bizstarters), and
business advocacy (Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce)
And, was designed to inform, inspire and prepare women for career transition, job search and general well being through these tough economic times.
Expo-esque in appearance, the environment was made to feel inviting and familiar by accommodating personalized one-on-one consultations. The resume review area alone was manned by 11 HR Managers, thanks to Bob Podgorski of St. Hubert Job and Networking Ministry. Event speaker booths were arranged to address only 6 people at a given time. Initially, this had some large-group speakers feeling a bit out of their element, however, post-event feedback noted a high level of satisfaction from both exhibitors and attendees, who felt the personal interaction made the experience all the more rewarding. Exhibitors were even seen working together, beyond organizational boundaries. Enthusiastic attendees stayed 3 hours, or more, taking advantage of all the expert advice available.
Informational in nature, this event took a fun detour as Mario Tricoci, Mary Kay and Dressbarn teamed up to do some “complete makeovers” for the beautiful women at Advance Preschool who, so graciously, volunteered as Dress for Success models. A number of attendees also joined in the fun receiving cutting, styling, and makeup application during the event!
The day concluded with eager anticipation and applause as the “Women In Need of Growing Stronger (WINGS)” fundraiser raffle portion of the event gave attendees and exhibitors alike, an opportunity to win great prizes donated by local businesses and fellow exhibitors.
Raffle items awarded include:
a leather briefcase packed with business essentials
a Dell laptop computer with bag
career transition coaching
Altogether, $2,100 was raised for the WINGS domestic violence program, $1693 of which was raised through the inspiring efforts of the Hilton Garden Inn of Hoffman Estates, in response to this event.
“What started out as an idea, evolved over time…each exhibitor becoming increasingly more instrumental to its success, and, as we watched the tearfulness and guarded hearts of our attendees give way to smiles and excitement, we knew, together we had made a valuable difference, if only for a select few.”
A Warm Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors for Their Contributions
Platinum Admin and Beyond, LLC
($1000 or more)
Gold Boehm, Rothchild and Associates
($500 - $999) Prime Outlets at Huntley
Bizstarters
Hilton Garden Inn – Hoffman Estates
Mario Tricoci
The Tranel Financial Group
St. Hubert Job and Networking Ministry
Bronze Spa Bleu
($100 - $499) Gunther Hot Runner Systems
Czerwinski Therapy
Dr. Michael Lovda, DDS
Multiform Fitness
Wyatt Austin Jewelers
Franklin Covey, Streets of Woodfield
Mary Kay, Chrissy Tighe
Mary Kay, Laura Hutchinson
Nancy Moran and Associates
Curves – Hoffman Estates
Illinois WorkNet
Harper College
Pre-Paid Legal Services
CyberLife Tutors
Peak Marketing and Sales
Prairie Stone Sports and Wellness Center
Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce
Elizabeth Ioriatti
Silver Lining Greater Achievements
($99 or less) Starbucks - Hoffman Estates
Dressbarn
Chicago Wolves
Regular Joes Coffeehouse
Arlington Park Racecourse
National City
Garibaldi’s Italian Eatery
RR Financial
Linda Bradshaw
DeDe Langer
Extra Special Thanks to Bob Podgorski, of St. Hubert’s,
Whose Contribution to this Event was Beyond Measure.