Based on the volunteer work at the church, I learned that I could squirt mustard onto burgers, sort canned goods, greet visitors and set-up, chop, cook, serve and clean up at church lunches. But I felt I wanted to leverage my management skills and possibly build my own business. With a group of friends I organized monthly meetings. We talked and talked about how women with professional background could help women that were going through tougher times for many reasons. We decided on the idea of workshops to teach women job search skills. We outlined a curriculum and we volunteered with other non-profits doing similar work. In 2013, we formed a board for Gals Starting Over that contains my therapist who is CEO of an alcohol recovery center, my pastor whose is now pastor of his own church, my accountant, my best work buddy who is also CEO of a software consulting company, and my two best friends who supported and participated in every aspect of the program. Now, we have volunteers helping with curriculum, with marketing and social media, and with fund raising. We have volunteer coaches, instructors, and supporters that help with so many aspects of this small business. We have been offering the program three times a year at the church starting in 2013. Our vision is to expand to communities around the United States by providing the program through churches, community centers, and groups of women that want to make a difference.
In addition to the blessings of heading Gals Starting Over and working on our expansion, I am living in Long Beach with Dennis Sverkos, a handsome Greek entrepreneur who is a great cook, gardener, and family man. We enjoy time with our four adorable grandsons.
