Women's group debuts with panel event

Local women business owners will share their experiences in changing careers at 6 p.m. at Twin Oaks Country Club.

“All three of them have dynamic personalities,” said Ruth Shryack, local leader of Ladies Who Launch, of the panelists. “What I liked is all three of them are at new chapters of their lives, which I’ve found is so common for women.”

One woman at such a crossroads is Janell Manley, who was a residential builder in the area for about 15 years, operating as Janell Manley Homes Inc. She retired from building in June 2004.

“I’ve just been taking some time off and trying to decide what I want to do next,” said Manley, one of SBJ’s Most Influential Women in 2001. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet others and brainstorm.”

Joining Manley on the panel are Julie Higgins, founder of Julie’s Chewies, currently running Higgins Marketing, and one of SBJ’s Most Influential Women of 2005; and Suze Dunville Powell, who recently sold Nearly Famous Deli & Pasta House after 30 years.

Ladies Who Launch is a national organization founded in 2000, now with a local presence.

“Our big push is to help women move forward in whatever they want to do,” said Shryack, who will retain her day job as chief financial officer of Jordan Valley Community Health Center while conducting Ladies Who Launch activities on the side.

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