I don’t know about you, but I am already sneezing my head off! Not surprisingly, Greensboro is ranked 10th in the nation for pollen. Even so, this is such a beautiful time of year with everything coming back to life and blooming. I always think of Spring as a time of new beginnings. April is stress awareness month, and I cannot think of a better way to deal with stress than getting outside and enjoying all the flowers and blue birds building their nests.
I also love April because it is my mom’s birthday month. My mom, Faye, will be 78 years old this year. She is an amazing wife and mother who always puts her family and friends first. It’s like I grew up with my own Judith Martin; as my mother is also the queen of etiquette and manners. She always made every season and holiday truly special. I am fortunate to have had such strong examples with my mother and grandmother, we are/were best friends and could talk to each other about anything.
This week, I had dinner with a dear friend and WPF sister. As we talked, we reflected: as we get older, our friends become like family. The bonds we share with each other, like in WPF, are priceless. Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes, the people we’ve known and loved for so long may no longer be with us. But in those moments, it’s our friends — our sisters — who help us carry on. We’re there to support each other, laugh together, and provide comfort during life’s most challenging moments.
I think that’s what makes WPF so special. It’s a place where we can be ourselves, lean on one another, and grow together personally and professionally. As we celebrate the beauty and renewal of spring, I encourage you all to take a moment to appreciate the friendships you’ve built and the wonderful women around you. Life moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, but let’s not forget to stop and smell the flowers, literally and figuratively.
So, as we embrace the new beginnings that spring brings, let’s also remember to nurture the relationships that have shaped us into who we are today. Reach out to a sister in the group, share a laugh, or attend one of the Small Group Gatherings coming up. Let’s stay connected!
Wishing you all a joyful and refreshing spring! May this season be filled with growth, connection, and lots of good times together.
WPF is committed to supporting and endorsing equal opportunities for al people without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
Business High Point - Chamber of Commerce/Congdon Yards
April Program
What is in High Point's Secret Sauce: WOMEN & Partnerships!
Get the inside scoop to the real reason that there has been and will continue to be such rapid growth occurring in High Point.
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Rachel Collins, IOM, is a dynamic and accomplished leader with over sixteen years of experience in executive leadership roles. In 2023, she was named President & CEO of Business High Point – Chamber of Commerce and Congdon Yards, following a decade-long tenure as Chief Operating Officer.
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Throughout her career at the Chamber, Rachel has spearheaded transformative economic development and social capital initiatives, including the creation of the Congdon Yards campus.
The Congdon Yards campus, a $65 million private philanthropic investment, stands as a testament to Rachel's vision and leadership. Home to more than fifty businesses and continuing to grow, the campus was established to foster entrepreneurship, cultivate social capital, drive economic development, and revitalize downtown High Point. Under Rachel's leadership, Business High Point – Chamber of Commerce has become a pivotal force in the city's rapid growth and revitalization, serving as the leading voice for business and a crucial connector between public and private partnerships that fuel ongoing progress.
Rachel's exceptional contributions have earned her significant accolades and recognition. She is a recipient of the 40 Leaders Under 40 award, the Outstanding Woman in Business award, and has been named a Triad Power Player by the Triad Business Journal in both 2023 and 2024. On a national scale, Rachel was honored as a BizWomen Headliner by the Triad Business Journal, distinguishing her as one of thirty-nine women across the country recognized for excellence in public and private service.
With a steadfast commitment to fostering collaboration and driving positive change, Rachel Collins continues to shape the future of High Point through innovative leadership and a dedication to empowering businesses and the community.
NEWS & UPDATES
Greeters and 4 minute Specials
Please consider being a greeter or sharing a 4 min special for an upcoming membership meeting this year.
Greeters: Arrive to the monthly meeting of your choice around 11:50am. Sherry will provide you the purple greeter sash. Grab your nametag, stand near one of the entry doors and welcome your fellow WPF sisters. SIGN UP HERE
4 Min Special: If you have never done one please consider signing up for one of the dates available. This is a chance for you to tell us about you, not just your work but what makes you- you! This year 4 min specials will be given after the program and we ask that you try to keep them to a few short min. Not comfortable speaking to the group? No problem, write a 4 min special to go in a newsletter.
Email Marleegfoster@gmail.com with your 4 min special for a newsletter and we will include it during this year.
WPF Small Group Gatherings
Happy Spring!
It is time for our spring small group gatherings!
We have expanded the range of offerings to include lunch, happy hours, and dinners. To allow as many WPF members as possible to participate, please remember to only sign up for one gathering!
We also want to extend a special thank you to our many members for offering to host these events. We could not do this without you.
A Note From Chandra Hackenbruch, WPF Foundation President
Dear Sisters,
Spring has sprung, and with it, a sense of renewal and vibrant possibility fills the air! Just as the earth awakens with blooming flowers and fresh green shoots, we at the Foundation are witnessing the blossoming of opportunity for women and girls in Guilford County. This season of growth and hope perfectly mirrors the impact of our collective efforts.
And what a beautiful bloom we've seen! Take, for example, the story of a woman who, after a decade of being away from the workforce, sought direction from the Women's Resource Center's “Women to Work” program whom we awarded a grant of $9625 last year. She came to them, like a seed seeking fertile ground, needing support to re-enter the workforce. Her words speak volumes:
"I came to the center for direction after being away from the “working world” for a little over a decade... The center offered the Women to Work series where I could polish my skills and obtain additional transferrable skills for a new resume, the confidence in interviewing, and using my experiences for the changing job market as a prime candidate – I learned so much! After investing in the Women to Work classes I snagged a Decedent Care Representative (Morgue) position at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. I knew this job was the perfect fit for my skillset and I would be an asset to Duke University Hospital. I now receive outstanding reviews from my Direct Supervisor and the Director of the Department; and have been ‘classified’ as an exceptional employee! A BIG SHOUT OUT to the Women’s Resource Center and the Women to Work Program Director for all of their help!"
This is the kind of transformative growth we're cultivating. This is the "rich harvest" of your generosity. This woman, like a flower reaching for the sun, found the resources to not only re-enter the workforce but to thrive, receiving outstanding reviews and being recognized as an exceptional employee.
With the same excitement that comes from seeing the first dogwoods blooms emerge, I'm thrilled to announce that the Foundation has finalized grant awards for five remarkable organizations. These grants are seeds of empowerment, poised to nurture impactful programs that will transform lives. We'll be revealing the full bloom of these details at our annual May meeting.
At this gathering, we'll not only share the financial health of our Foundation, but also cultivate a deeper understanding of how your generous contributions are yielding a rich harvest of positive change. You'll hear firsthand how these grants have enabled vital programs, fostering growth and resilience in our community.
Just as Spring encourages us to step outside and embrace the beauty around us, we’re planning a special program to allow you to experience the joy and gratitude these organizations will express. Imagine the warmth of the sun on your face as you witness the tangible impact of your generosity.
This May meeting is also an opportunity to sow seeds for future growth. Your contributions will ensure that next year’s recipients, like budding flowers, have the resources they need to thrive. We invite you to join us as we celebrate the blossoming potential of women and girls in Guilford County. We look forward to seeing you there, ready to cultivate change together!
WPF FOUNDATION
2025 Board of Directors
Chandra Hackenbruch, President
Leslie Loyd, Vice President
Jody Susong, Treasurer
Directors at Large:
Neena Ballard
Andrea Bunn
Laura Burton
Beth Fischer
Keyshia Gray
Susan Gutterman
Maria Hanlin
Kimberly Marriott
Amy Meinecke
Jennifer Mencarini
Martha Peddrick
Ernestine Taylor
Sasha Trosch
WPF Membership News
Marcy McHenry, Membership Chair
Only two more luncheons to bring potential new members for qualification for 2025 Membership! Hoping we’ll have another great year of new members for our wonderful organization!
As a reminder, here are the qualifications for Sponsorship and for applicants. More details are available on the WPF website: wpforum.org.
Sponsorship Requirements:
A WPF member is qualified to be a primary sponsor for a new member after she has been an Active member for at least two FULL years. (The membership year for new members begins August 1st).
Qualified members may sponsor or co-sponsor NO MORE THAN TWO applicants in a year. The year begins with the application deadline, running from June 1 to May 31.
Supporting members, members of the Membership Committee, and the WPF President may not serve as primary or secondary sponsors.
The primary sponsor is responsible for ensuring that an applicant appears to meet the basic membership qualifications set out in the New Member Application and can comply with attendance requirements.
Questions regarding a potential applicant's suitability for membership should be directed to the Membership Chair before asking the applicant to submit an application.
Confirm, through the Membership Chair or the Administrative Assistant, that the Occupational Category of your applicant has not reached its quota.
Email all required documents/files to the Membership Committee Chair by the June 1st deadline.
Sponsors agree to provide any information about the prospective member as requested by the Membership Committee.
If an applicant is declined for membership, the primary sponsor and co-sponsors will be notified prior to notifying the applicant.
To qualify for Active membership, applicants must:
Be employed full-time or be employed in a career where the content and professionalism of the work is the measure of eligibility rather than the number of hours worked.
Work or reside in Guilford County.
Be an experienced upper-management executive, licensed or degreed professional active in the profession, business owner, or official elected or appointed to public office.
Have a minimum of five years of professional experience and a minimum of two years of experience in the same or related field of work in which she is engaged at the time of her application.
Be cleared by their Primary Sponsor for an available slot in the appropriate Occupational Field Category (please contact Membership Chair).
Be sponsored by a total of three sponsors. The primary sponsor must be an Active or Active Retired member. Secondary sponsors may be Active, Active Retired or Emeritus members.
Prospective members must attend a total of three WPF lunch meetings, one with each of her sponsors, within the twelve months prior to application filing.
Please reach out with questions: Membership Chair Marcy McHenry at marcemch@aol.com or 336-509-5660.
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
BOOK CLUB
April 1
7:00 pm
Host: Beverley Gass, 2014 Rolling Road
Discussion Leader: Nancy Radtke
Book: Mother/Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simone
We have four more meetings for this year so we need to pick books for the rest of the year from the list that was suggested in December and January.
Please join us for dinner and a concert featuring the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. The symphony has offered us prime seats for half price, $45.
Beforehand, we will enjoy private dining at B Christophers at 5:30. The dinner is not included in the $45.
Please reserve a ticket by sending $45 by Venmo to @Anne-Smith-4 and let her know if you will also be joining us for drinks and dinner (annefsmith@gmail.com.)
You are welcome to come solo or bring a partner or friend.
LADIES OF LEISURE
North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill
Friday, April 11, 10:30 am
Join the Ladies of Leisure SIG of the Women’s Professional Forum of Greensboro for lunch and a visit on Friday, April 11 to the North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill.
See its amazingly rich flora, including many plant species found nowhere else in the world. For more than half a century, the North Carolina Botanical Garden has been dedicated to conserving that unique botanical legacy. Experience the garden’s healing and restorative power.
Admission and parking are free. We will have a tour guide for the garden at a cost of $5 per person.
We will carpool from the parking lot of Whole Foods in Friendly Center, meeting at 10:20 a.m. and departing at 10:30 a.m. Lunch is at 11:45 a.m. at Tandem restaurant, 200 N. Greensboro St. #1A in Carrboro. Each person is responsible for her lunch tab.
Depart the restaurant at 12:45 p.m. for the 1 p.m. tour. After that, we can wander the garden, check out the Garden Shop, explore the watercolor exhibit of North Carolina birds in the DeBerry Gallery for Botanical Art, or play a game with the giant Chess Set.
We will depart for home at 2:30 p.m. (or a little later if people want to stay) and arrive at Whole Foods at 3:30 p.m.
Working Mom’s group is part support group and part resource group. We learn so much from each other and have the chance to share the trials and tribulations of being a working Mom in this day and age. There is always laughter, an empathetic ear, and sometimes a great suggestion to help you when you thought you have exhausted all possible options.
FINANCIAL DIVAS
Wednesday, April 23, 9-10 am
Weaver Park Center
324 W. Wendover Ave, Ste. 140
Join us in the “O” for a discussion of Senior Living Options: What You Need to Know. Should I plan to stay at home, move to a Continuing Care Retirement Community, live with family or another option? Whether for yourself, family members or clients, there is a lot to know in making the right decisions for successful senior living. What are the options, costs, tips and pitfalls to avoid? Plan to attend for a discussion on what goes into making the right “one size fits one” decision. For more information or questions, contact Paula McMillan at 336.337.9507 or pmcmillan@stearnsfinancial.com.
WOW - WOMEN OF WALL STREET Investment Club
Thursday, April 24
6:00 pm
Mt. Pisgah Church
2600 Pisgah Church Road
Our second quarter business meeting will be on Thursday, April 24, at 6 pm at Mt. Pisgah Church located at 2600 Pisgah Church Road.
We will review our portfolio and discuss the companies we own.
Please mark your calendar and plan to attend!
See you in April 24th!
BOOKS & ARTS
Saturday, April 26
1:30 - 4:00 pm
Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Andrew Wyeth Exhibit
Tickets are $18 plus any ordering fees. For anyone interested, we can have lunch at Village Tavern in the Reynolda Village. Afternoon ticket is from 1:30-4pm. If the day is nice, we can also stroll the Reynolda House gardens during our visit. – https://reynolda.org/visit/
Please sign up through the link above Any questions can be sent to diningout@wpforum.org or 336-848-3198
BOOKS & ARTS
Bless My Bloomers ... make your own container flower garden!!
Saturday, May 10, 2025
1-3 pm
Held at the family farm of Altina Layman in Summerfield – 405 Pearson Farm Rd.
Join WPF sisters Mebane Ham & Altina Layman for a beautiful Saturday afternoon to make your own garden planter with pots, plants, soil, and instructions provided. Christina Larson (past owner of Guilford Garden Center) will instruct us on the fine art of container flower gardens. Bring your favorite wine or beverage to share. Cost is $40 per member, payable through venmo to Mebane or by check. RSVP to Mebane Ham at mebane@mebaneham.com. We promise snacks and a fun afternoon. Don’t forget you garden gloves!
Dance with the Sippin Sisters!!!
Barbecue, Bourbon, Boogie, and Boots!!
The professional dancer
Bo Parker
will be there to teach his Line dancing!
May 20 at 6:00 pm
at Jody’s house,
4901 Setter Court, Jamestown
Howdy Hosts
Jody Susong, Cathy Nosek, Christine Byrd, and Janice Lanier
Hurray!
$25 Check or Venmo @Jody-Susong
to reserve your spot!
LADIES OF LEISURE
Annie Leibovitz photography exhibition Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte Wednesday, May 28
The Ladies of Leisure SIG of WPF will travel to the Mint Museum Uptown in Charlotte on Wednesday, May 28, for a guided tour of the Annie Leibovitz/Work exhibit.
The landmark exhibition celebrates Leibovitz’s illustrious 50-year photography career. Her images feature a remarkable roster of artists, musicians, politicians, athletes and other influential figures, captured with intimacy and artistry. From her early back-and-white work to her more recent painterly conceptual portraits, the exhibition shows the breadth and depth of her creative journey.
We will carpool to Charlotte, get an early lunch, and be ready to see the exhibit at 1 p.m., then travel back to Greensboro. The guided tour is $28. We will have lunch as a group, with each person responsible for her tab.
We need 10 attendees to qualify for a tour guide; otherwise, we are on our own to see the exhibition. Reserve a spot ASAP at retired@wpforum.org.
Books and Arts
Blowing Rock Summer Outing-July 24th to 27th:
Spend a long weekend in Blowing Rock with great friends and participate in any or all of the following activities:
Chetola Symphony By The Lake-(think MUSEP on steroids),
cost around $60 to $70, evening of the 25th
Blowing Rock Home Tour-morning or early afternoon of 25th, cost $30
Tubing on Saturday, the 26th, cost around $35
Wine Tasting
Cost of housing around $250 to $300
Deposit to save space-$125
At this point, we are considering adding another house for accommodations, so time is of the essence if you want to be included, as housing will become impossible to find as we get closer to July.
British Virgin Islands Sailing Trip-January 23rd thru 31st, 2026
Per person cost for 58 ft sailing catamaran, captain, cook, and steward and all food and beverages-$3,742/person, plus crew tip of $600 to $700, plus airfare
There is only one space left for this trip,
Contact Kris Landrum (klandrum@tuggleduggins.com) if you want additional information about either of these trips.
Women's Professional Forum, PO Box 38594, Greensboro, NC 27438
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