Spirit of Eleanor
Women are amazing creatures. Born with an innate desire to nurture, a deep-rooted need to persevere and a God-given ability to love unconditionally, each generation leaves a bigger, more difficult footprint to fill than the last as mothers and teachers; sisters and cheerleaders; girlfriends and comforters.
When we at MetroValley began planning our unveiling party for the Mid-Ohio Valley for this issue, the theme “Celebrating the Past, Empowering the Future” made perfect sense. We wanted to highlight some of the women throughout history who have changed the world or left their mark on society while embracing the women that continue this legacy today. The Spirit of Eleanor award, which we will be presenting to four women at our event, celebrates the lives of women and their dedication, perseverance, courage and loyalty.
We chose to name the award in honor of Eleanor Roosevelt because of the many roles Eleanor played, particularly for her husband. When he fell ill, she cared for him. She upheld his interest in politics by getting involved and reporting to him the events taking place. Once in the White House, she stepped outside both her comfort level and the boundaries of the role of women in the early 30s—much like the four women we are honoring—by participating in her husband’s politics, traveling the world and expressing her opinions in a daily newspaper column. She broke the mold of the traditional housewife and helped women find their independence in a man’s world.
If the epitome of powerful women is achievement, determination and strength, our Spirit of Eleanor winners radiate power. These four women have overcome obstacles and beat the odds to lead, to guide and to succeed. They are, each in their own way, examples in courage, strength and determination, and they are role models for women of all ages. Please join us in congratulating these women for their successes and for the footprints they have left on our communities.
Judy Sheppard, ParkersburgJudy Sheppard is no stranger to obstacles. She’s also no stranger to success. As the owner of Professional Services of America, a Parkersburg-based business gone national, Judy sets an example of vision and perseverance for all women.
The road to success has been a long one, marked with taking chances and embracing change. Today, Judy manages a business that allows her to do what she loves—help others. “Being able to reach out and help others is so rewarding—that’s what I enjoy most.”
As a female business owner, Judy says that her biggest struggle has probably been overcoming what a lot of people still look at as the “Good Ol’ Boy Network.” “I have to work harder and smarter to basically prove to (some men) that I am what I am and that I can do great things for their businesses. I have to earn it.”
Despite her demanding job, long hours and a family at home to care for, Judy also does her part to give back to the community. She participates in several community organizations, including the Volunteer Action committee, the Chamber of Commerce and the Polymer Alliance Zone.
Judy has no problem staying motivated. “What really drives me the most is my work and its challenges. The fulfillment of coming to work and knowing that I’m going to help several people every day also keeps me going.”
Felice Jorgenson, ParkersburgThe essence of the spirit of volunteerism, Felice Jorgenson is no stranger to Parkersburg or its arts community. If it wasn’t for her drive and commitment, some say, the historic Smoot Theatre in which she devotes her time and energy would be simply that: history.
In 1989, on the eve of the theatre’s planned demolition, Felice was introduced to the great need of the theatre—a strong person willing to take on a wide variety of responsibilities to make the theatre functional again. Nineteen years later, Felice serves as the Smoot’s go-to lady. She operates the theatre and manages performances—all on a volunteer basis.
Felice will tell you that the thing she does best is teach, but she is also a warrior and guardian for the Smoot, explaining that finding money is the hardest part of her job. “It’s a constant battle,” she says, “to balance the books, write grants and find sponsors.” She also struggles with finding entertainment that has a wide enough appeal to draw a large crowd to make the theatre a profit.
Any number of people in Parkersburg will attest to the great things Felice has done for the Smoot Theatre, from bringing great entertainment to the venue to keeping things running smoothly. “My life has less stress if the theatre runs smoothly,” she says of her hard work. “It also makes the theatre appear to the outside world as though it’s a real business and not just a non-profit that is run by volunteers. This is extremely important to the success of the theatre.”
Mayor Jean Ford, WilliamstownMayor Jean Ford has lived in Williamstown all of her life. There’s no doubt that her familiarity with the town and its people have made her the perfect candidate for mayor, and the softness and tenderness she has brought into the office as a woman has contributed to her success.
Jean, who will begin her 6th term as mayor in May, recognizes her role as the first woman mayor of Williamstown to be a milestone not only for herself but for the town as well. “It was a real challenge,” she remembers of becoming mayor, “because the town had never had a woman serve before, but they believed in me. I felt really good about that.”
When Jean is not in the offi ce at City Hall, she is running the two jewelry stores she and her husband had started together in 1971. When he died three years ago, he expressed his wish to have Jean carry on the business. She says that the only real obstacle she’s faced, both as a mayor and a business owner, is that some people still don’t believe women are qualifi ed to do either.
Jean’s roots in Williamstown keep her motivated to serve her neighbors and do the best she can for her hometown. “I want children to come back here when they leave and say, ‘You know, I came back because this is where I really felt good about living and felt that somebody back here cared.’”
Teri Ann Zide, MariettaIf you’re familiar with Marietta and the eclectic mix of retail that lines its streets, you’re no doubt familiar with Teri Ann’s, an up-scale women’s clothing boutique. What you may not be familiar with, though, is the 46 years of history and the story of loss, courage and perseverance that the store represents.
In 1961, Teri Ann’s parents opened the shop and named it after their oldest child. When both of her parents died unexpectedly in 1972 and 1973, at the age of 16 Teri Ann took over running the shop and caring for her three younger siblings. “Every day was a new day and a new struggle,” she recalls, “and every day I learned a little more.”
Teri Ann is committed to the community that helped her young family through tragedy. She is involved in several community organizations and helped start the merchants’ and artists’ walk in downtown Marietta to draw more customers into the area.
Customers keep Teri Ann motivated. “I’m always surprised when someone says they don’t like their job,” she admits. “I can’t imagine not liking what I do, and what I really like doing is helping my customers. I feel very blessed that I get to come to work every day and love what I do.”
