Cindy Reed handles corporate sales and marketing for Rolling Oaks Hospitality, which manages the Comfort Suites Medical District and Sleep Inn Medical District in Springfield. In May, she was elected president of Greater Ozarks Business & Professional Women. Drucilla Owenby was elected vice president; Sharon Mangan is secretary; and Pat Houk is treasurer.
Q: Tell us about your professional history.
A: I graduated from Central Methodist University with a degree in business administration, but I couldn't even get a bank teller job. I started working at the old Howard Johnson's for Lee McLean - that's now the Oasis Convention Center. I started in the sales office and within two years was the director of sales over convention services. At 24 years old, I had a staff of 25. Later, I was with John Q. Hammons Hotels Resorts - I opened the Holiday Inn North, the Courtyard by Marriott and the Residence Inn. I joined Rolling Oaks in November 2005.
Q: What is the goal of Greater Ozarks Business & Professional Women?
A: Our goal is to be an advocate for working women, and I think that's what got me involved. I was invited to the Christmas party, and I met a lot of women that had like interests. We work very hard to bring a diverse group of women together, in jobs and in age. In our specific organization, we like to help in leadership, friendship and fellowship, and the networking opportunities that we have are great. We also do charity work with the Victim's Center, the Family Violence Center and other groups.
Q: Who were your mentors?
A: Professionally, there are people like Barbara Lucks. She was my mentor with McLean Enterprises, and now she's in the city Public Works department. She's always been firm but fair, and she helped me grow because she saw my potential. Even though I fell into the industry, because of my positive female role models growing up and early in my career, I learned that I could accomplish things in business.
Q: Why is having a mentor so important, particularly for women in business?
A: I see a lot of older women who have been through a lot of the same situations I have, but I'm able to talk with them and find out how they overcame challenges. I think that's what draws me to this group - the ability for women to come together and develop new leaders and friendships.
Q: What challenges do women still face in the business world?
A: We see so many women who have things to offer, but often it's a matter of getting women in a nonintimidating environment and keying on their strengths, finding out their strengths and passions. We're also seeing more women in nontraditional positions, and the more we can do that, the more we'll be accepted.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
