Delta's
top 50 women in business:
Women in the Delta continue to prosper
Polly Anderson
Greenville Eye Clinic
Practice Manager
Greenville, MS
Background
information:
Graduate of the Mississippi University for Women. Involved
in the optical field for 14 years. Member of St. Joseph
Catholic Church. Board Member at Large for the Cerebral
Palsy Foundation of Mississippi. Co-Chair of VISSIONS Project
and Member of the Statewide Consumer Advisory Council with
the Institute of Disability Studies. Steering committee
member for the Families of Children with Special Needs Support
Group.
Favorite
part of job:
Working with staff and patients to ensure that patients
are properly educated about their healthcare needs and their
vision requirements according to their lifestyle.
Major
accomplishments:
Organizing and staffing a 25-year-old practice to meet today’s
new demands in technology, patient relation and education.
Advice
to other women in business:
Organize and set priorities. Enjoy your work and set a model
for your children whereby through your work, you can obtain
satisfaction in reaching your goals and serve others within
your community.
Annett Autrey
New South Directory, Sales
Greenville, MS
Background
information:
I have been selling phonebook advertising and lived in Greenville
for three years. I am married with two children
Favorite
part of job:
Meeting and getting to know people all over the Delta
Major
accomplishments:
Always try your best. Smile and think positive, don’t
worry about the little stuff. Enjoy what you do.
Cindy Baird
Community Bank
Executive Vice President
Indianola
Background
information:
Cindy is a 1969 graduate of Indianola High School and received
her B.S. Degree in Accounting from Mississippi State University.
She is a member of the First United Methodist Church where
she serves on the Finance Committee. Mrs. Baird is active
in the community and has served as secretary of the Indianola
Educational Foundation, was a member of the Indianola Academy
board of directors, past President of the Indianola Chamber
of Commerce, and member of the MSU Alumni Association.
Favorite part of job:
Being able to encourage my customers to work through their
financial problems and slod to help young people succeed
in purchasing the first homes.
Major
accomplishments:
Being President of Indianola Chamber of Commerce was really
exciting to me because of all the young people that are
involved in our Chamber. Our town has suffered some of the
economic downturn, but the enthusiasm of the young professionals
returning to their home is encouraging not only for me personally,
but also for the future of Indianola. Last but not least,
being married to my high school sweetheart and having two
wonderful children who I am very proud to claim.
Advice
to other women in business:
Persevere and stand true to your beliefs. Don’t just
talk the talk or walk the walk, let your walk talk.
Coretta Bell
The Bolivar Commercial
Job Printing Shop Foreman
Cleveland
Background
information:
Graduate of John F. Kennedy High School in Mound Bayou Graduate
of Coahoma Community College Married to Clinton Bell with
one son, Cordarius Father is Floyd Young of Mound Bayou
Member of New Salem Baptist Church
Favorite
part of job:
Meeting people and providing complete job printing service
to a customer’s satisfaction.
Major
accomplishments:
Promotion to Shop Foreman
Advice
to other women in business:
Hard work, determination and genuine respect for others
will lead to customer satisfaction.
Anne Ceranti
Vice President
James Ceranti Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Greenville
Background
information:
Originally from Clarksdale, MS; moved to Greenville in 1996.
Married to James Ceranti for 15 years Two children: John
Austin (19) and Ashley (13) Held property & casualty
insurance license from 1988 to 2001; began insurance experience
at Fiser Insurance Agency in Clarksdale, MS; was a Farm
Bureau agent in Coahoma County for 3 years and most recently
worked in commercial and agricultural insurance with Cottonland
Insurance in Greenville, MS for 4 years. Began working part
time in auto industry in 2001 and full time in January 2002
with James Ceranti Motors Inc.
Favorite
part of job:
I have the opportunity to grow by leaps and bounds on a
daily basis because I’m now working in an entirely
different industry. My favorite part is when I can look
back at the time spent and actually measure how much I’ve
learned!
Major
accomplishments:
The “working mother balancing act”– the
blending of one’s personal and professional lives–is
an accomplishment at which I hope my family would judge
me successful.
Advice
to other women in business:
Priorities should be God first, family, then business and
community. Take a little time for yourself on a daily basis.
Colleen Frey Clark
Panola Partnership, Inc.
Main Street Manager
Batesville
Background
information:
Born Long Island, New York. Grew-up primarily in the Midwest.
Graduated from San Angelo Central High School; San Angelo,
Texas. Received B.B.A. Marketing Texas A&M University
(College Station, TX). Began working with the Panola Partnership;
in April 1999; Member: Mississippi Main Street Association;
Junior Auxiliary of Batesville, Batesville Garden Club;
Batesville Presbyterian Church; USTA (United States Tennis
Association) and Texas A&M’s Association of Former
Students and 12th Man Foundation; Volunteer for Boys and
Girls Club of Batesville. Married to Brad Clark (from Greenwood,
MS.)
Favorite
part of job
My interaction with the area’s business owners, community
leaders and citizens as we work together in the enhancement
of Batesville and Panola County. And, I especially enjoy
the excitement of planning community events such as Batesville’s
annual SpringFest (musical celebration) and Panola County
Legislative Open House.
Major
accomplishments:
As Batesville’s first Main Street Manager, I have
enjoyed being involved with and watching a renewed interest
and revitalization in the downtown area. The Main Street
Program has been instrumental in the development and growth
of special events as well as instituting programs to aid
in the visual improvements of the downtown including sign
grants, an awning replacement program and new sidewalk planters.
Advice
to Other Women:
My advice goes out to everyone– always be open to
new ideas and experiences, but remain true to your values
and beliefs.
Anita
Clary
Kinder Morgan Bulk Terminals, Inc.
Terminal Manager
Port of Vicksburg
Vicksburg
Background
information:
Business Trade School (Germany); MSU (Starkville, MS) Employed
at the Port of Vicksburg since 1979. Married to Raymond
Clary, Jr.
Favorite
part of job:
Teamwork! I love it when we overcome all obstacles, still
provide quality work, and still meet deadlines.
Major
accomplishments:
Advanced from clerk to manager while raising four children;
served on the board of IRPT, MWRA (presently), and my church
Advice
to other women in business:
Be true to yourself. You can be strong and succeed while
maintaining the quality that makes you a woman.
Jeanine Coker
Collectibles by Jeanine
Owner
Cleveland, Greenville
Background
information:
Graduate of Palmer College, married to Greg Coker and raised
three children. National Minaturist, taught modeling, manners
and etiquette. Wedding Consultant, restaurateur, and entrepreneur.
Favorite
part of job:
Selling beautiful dolls and getting to shop and buy products
that I like and hope others will enjoy also.
Major
accomplishments:
Started a business selling hand modeled china miniatures.
Started a mail order catalog for miniatures and a gift and
collectible doll business. Added an internet business selling
Lee Middleton Dolls Internationally.
Advice
to other women in business:
Thank God for any talents he has given you. Work hard and
use these talents. Stay focused on important priorities.
Vickie M. Cook
Smith, Turner and Reeves, P.A.
Vice President and Stockholder
Oxford
Background
information:
After graduation from Ole Miss in 1975, I have enjoyed a
career in public accounting for more than twenty years.
Favorite
part of job:
Although most people think of my profession as numbers,
I value the professional relationships with individuals
associated with the numbers.
Major
accomplishments:
To build a successful practice and then merge with Smith,
Turner and Reeves while maintaining strong family relationships
has been a rewarding experience.
Advice
to other women in business:
As a certified public accountant at partner level, I recognize
the demands placed on women both professionally and personally
and encourage work-life balance.
Jane Crump
Viking Range Corporation
Manager, Public Relations
Greenwood
Background
information:
Jane is a native of Cleveland, Mississippi. She received
a degree in Home Economics Education from Delta State University.
In 1995, Jane was hired as a Home Economist for Viking.
This position evolved into product training and then into
public relations. Public relations involves dealing with
media, chefs and culinary celebrities and numerous other
facets of marketing.
Favorite
part of job:
I love meeting and working with new people, both co-workers
at Viking and the many people I meet in my frequent travels.
Major accomplishments:
I have been happily married for almost 27 years and have
two wonderful sons. I have a fulfilling, challenging job
which has allowed me to expand my horizons and skills on
a daily basis.
Advice
to other women in business:
Be open to change and challenges. Always keep learning,
and avoid getting in a rut. The world is changing so fast,
and, to keep up, you must learn new skills. Keep your priorities
in order and BE FLEXIBLE!
Bertha Cummings
State Bank and Trust Company
Sr. Vice President
Cleveland
Background
information:
Born August 21 1953, graduated from East Side High School,
Delta State University and Ole Miss school of Banking. Married
to William and have two daughters Sonia & Sherita.
Favorite
part of job:
Serving Customers and assisting them with their financial
needs. Providing personal and hometown banking services
to the local community.
Major
accomplishments:
Rearing my two daughters and seeing their success. Being
able to be a part of the expanded growth and success of
State Bank and Trust Company in the past seven years.
Advice to other women in business:
Be patient, performance oriented and always do your very
best. Remember where you want to go and don’t dwell
on where you are; thing change.
Melitta L. Davis
Entergy
Budget Coordinator
Greenville
Background
information:
I am a 1994 graduate of Gentry High School and hold an accounting
degree from Delta State University and I am second year
MBA student at DSU.
Favorite
part of job:
Collaborating with a diverse group of individuals
Major
accomplishments:
The successful pursuit of higher learning and the opportunity
to be featured in the Delta Business Journal.
Advice
to other women in business:
Continue to seek knowledge and skills relative to your career
choice and always welcome change because it is inevitable.
Belinda E. Dawkins
Dawkins Office supply &
Equipment Company, Inc.
Owner, Vice President
Greenville
Background
information:
Belinda was born in Southern California and moved to the
Mississippi delta in 1984 after spending three years in
the United States Army as a Military Police Officer. She
met and married her husband and business partner Roy Dawkins
in 1994.
Favorite
part of job:
Belinda is the majority stockholder of Dawkins Office supply
which serves businesses not only in the MS/AR Delta but
national accounts as well. Dawkins Office Supply provides
product for every aspect of ones business form office supplies
to printing, janitorial/breakroom supplies, audio visual,
landscaping tools, educational products, furniture, and
office design lay-out just to name a few.In the last four
years Belinda has expanded the family business from 5 to
20 employees and has increased the annual sales to over
900%. In addition, Dawkins has opened a second location
in Greenwood. She has employed seasoned people that have
a combined 300 plus years experience. The favorite part
of Belinda’s job is the constant change of product
and technology and the challenge of educating her customers
and prospects of these changes, but most importantly the
satisfaction of a job well done by her company when they
have convinced a new customer that they can and do compete
with mail order supply houses and superstores successfully.
Major
accomplishments:
Dawkins Office Supply has proudly adopted Stern Enhancement
School in Greenville and are members of the Greenville,
Cleveland, Greenwood, and the Lake Village Chamber of Commerce.
Belinda’s proudest accomplishments are her three children,
Johnnie, Boomer and Olivia, her three stepdaughters Anne
Marie, Jennifer, Julia and five grandchildren.
Monica Patterson Dixon
RMO, Inc. dba Curves,
BeSlender and Total Fitness
President, Manager
Cleveland
Background
information:
I am a Cleveland High graduate and attended U.S.M. I have
owned my own business in Cleveland for ten years. My husband
is Ralph Dixon and I have three sons Madison, Grant and
Denver.
Favorite
part of job:
Motivating and inspiring other women to build their best
bodies and minds.
Major
accomplishments:
Writing inspirational articles for Life in the Delta, competing
in Galaxy Figure and Beauty competition, Territorial Sales
Manager for Healthy Tan, Inc.
Advice
to other women in business:
Do not let your past failures dictate your future. Keep
searching for a career that motivates you to be the best
you can be.
Denise Cameron Dunigan
The Shelton House
Owner/Operator
Greenville
Background
information:
Married in 1980 to my husband Patrick, mother of daughter
Julia. Received a BS in Education from Delta State University.
Member of the First Baptist Church in Greenville. Purchased
the Shelton House in 1998
Favorite
part of job:
Going to gift markets, merchandising and marketing products
to our customers and watching as they finish the buying
cycle.
Major
accomplishments:
Full-time teacher Western Line School District, full-time
owner/operator of The Shelton House, and full-time mother
and wife, while maintaining my sanity!
Advice
to other women in business:
You don’t plan to fail, you fail to plan. Set priorities
and watch the pennies, the dollars take care of themselves.
Megan Sewall Ellis
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
Officer/ Conservation Biologist
District Three (This district covers thirteen counties with
its district office in Greenwood.)
Cleveland
Background
information:
Megan is originally from Moon Lake and currently lives in
Cleveland, MS. She graduated from Lee Academy in 1995 and
went on the Delta State where she received a B.S. in Environmental
Science in 1999 and her M.S. in Natural Science in December
2002.
Favorite
part of job:
Besides the fact that she works outdoors, the best part
of her job is working with the Delta’s youth. She
loves teaching educational programs to children about conservation,
hunting ethics, endangered species, and outdoor recreation
in Mississippi.
Major
accomplishments:
She is one of three female conservation officers in the
state, and was nominated for Mississippi Wildlife Federation’s
Conservation Officer of the Year award in 2001.
Advice
to other women in business:
Her advice to other women is to never let anyone tell you
that you can’t do something. If you make up your mind
to achieve a goal, you will.
Lynda Erwin
Tunica County Government
Administrative Assistant to the County Administrator
Tunica
Background
information:
Life-long resident of Tunica, with 23 years in banking and
three in county government. Married, with one son and two
grandchildren.
Favorite
part of job:
Going to work and the excitement of making a difference
in a rapidly developing community.
Major
accomplishments:
My family, learning to listen and understand more than is
actually said, and the ability to care about people.
Advice
to other women in business:
Give respect if you expect to receive it. Maintain a positive
attitude. Think before speaking. Pray for guidance.
Tonya K. Flesher
University of Mississippi
School of Accountancy
Professor of Accountancy
Oxford
Background
information:
Received Ph.D from the University of Mississippi, where
I have taught accounting and taxation since 1977.
Favorite
part of job:
Getting to know a new group of students each semester to
help them prepare for professional careers.
Major
accomplishments:
First female Dean at the University of Mississippi. Author
of eight books and nearly 100 articles. Outstanding teacher
and researcher awards.
Advice
to other women:
Find a satisfying and beneficial mission for your life.
Lonnie
Gaines
Business Services,
Signs First franchise
Owner, Manager
Robinsonville, Tunica County
Background
information:
Three of the last ten years of employment with a major commercial
real estate firm as manager of the Casino Factory Shoppe,
a retail factory outlet in Tunica County. Left the company
in October of 2002 to finalize plans to purchase a business.
Favorite
part of job:
The marketing aspect of Business Services gives me the chance
to meet a variety of different people with a diversity of
ideas and personalities.
Major
accomplishments:
Leaving the security of a managerial position with a steady
income to invest in my own company.
Advice
to other women in business:
Keep in constant communication with God. Stay focused on
your goals and have a plan for achieving those goals.
Wanda Clay Garner
City of Grenada
City Development Director
Grenada
Background
information:
Attended the University of Southern Mississippi. Attended
the University of Notre Dame in Organization Management.
Attended the University of Arizona in Economic Development
course. MS Municipal League Certified Public Official Program.
Favorite
part of job:
Discovering projects and creating programs the community
needs and finding sources able to fund them.
Major
accomplishments:
I have been fortunate to serve with many different groups
in many different areas to do my part to give back to my
community.
Advice
to other women in business:
Don’t tell me where you’ve been. Tell me where
you’re going. Lead, follow or get out of the way.
Diane M. Gawronski
River Region Health System
Director of Marketing
& Public Relations
Vicksburg
Background information:
Dedicated the majority of my interests to health care marketing
and public relations. Married to Lawrence Gawronski since
1979.
Favorite
part of job:
Serve as River Region’s liaison in community affairs
through the development of business and professional relationships.
Major
accomplishments:
Created and directed numerous community outreach and health
education events.
Advice
to other women in business:
Challenge and push yourself daily. Tenacity is essential
in achieving your goals. Never, never give up.
Rebecca
Goodman
S. Goodman’s Dept. Store
Asst. Manager
Greenville
Background
information:
Born and raised in Greenville, MS. Attended LSU. Lived in
Durham, NC for five years. Lived in Hilton Head, SC for
five years. Always involved in business/sales, real estate,
furniture buyers, cleaning business, clothing business to
name a few.
Favorite
part of job:
Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds as a buyer
or saler, being the best businessperson I can be by doing
a thorough job, successful problem solver and trying to
make a difference on the life of every person I meet.
Major accomplishments:
Working with The Clubhouse Program/Mental Health Center.
Running and building a successful clothing business. Being
supportive and helping others.
Advice
to other women in business:
Be positive, be determined, and be informed. Be focused
and always be the best.
Sara Whitten Helms
Tunica County Chamber
of Commerce
Marketing Coordinator
Tunica
Background
Information:
A native from Tunica, I attended Tunica Institute of Learning
where my interests included being a part of a championship
tennis team, cheerleading, and being active in the Tunica
Presbyterian Church youth group. Mississippi State University
was my next stop where I was active in Phi Mu Sorority,
the Roadrunner organization and a member of the President’s
Cabinet. I received a degree in Elementary Education, Cum
Laude. Instead of moving immediately into education, I have
had the opportunity to further my experience and knowledge
through Marketing and Public Relations with the Tunica County
Chamber of Commerce.
Favorite
part of the job:
Being the Marketing Coordinator of the Tunica County Chamber
of Commerce comes with a very diverse job description. I
enjoy the fact that my job is never boring and that I have
the opportunity to plan and participate in many types of
events. From putting together a quarterly newsletter and
developing media campaigns, to planning the Tunica Rivergate
Festival and The Maker’s Market, I am blessed to be
a part of such a great Organization that focuses on economic
development and diversifying the economy of Tunica County.
Major
accomplishment:
Creating successful media campaigns for both the Tunica
Rivergate Festival and The Maker’s Market was a major
task for me. Being involved as one of three principals to
develop the concept for The Maker’s Market, a specialty
retail gift show that is now three years old was a rewarding
and fun experience.
Advice
to other women in business:
Rely on the Lord for all of your strength. Keep a positive
attitude in the workplace-because it is contagious. I have
also learned that when God closes a door, He knows what
He is doing.
Alice F. Herbison
Bank of Benoit
CEO; Director
Benoit
Background
information:
I’ve lived in the Delta all my life. I attended Delta
State University and graduated from from the MS School of
Banking at Ole Miss.
Favorite
part of the job:
I love working with the public and serving the community
through the bank.
Major
accomplishment:
Thirty years ago, I started working at the Bank of Benoit
as a teller. I have worked my way up the corporate ladder
to my current positions.
Advice
to other women in business:
Balance your life; always put God first, your family next,
then your job. Set goals high and never, never, never give
up!
Helen Y. Hong
State Bank & Trust Company
Senior Vice President
Greenville/Greenwood/Jackson
Background
information:
Began banking career with summer job at First National Bank
as high school senior and while attending college. Left
banking briefly and moved to Great Britain to join my husband
in the U.S. Air Force. Upon return to States, was employed
full time by same bank and was offered opportunities to
learn various aspects of banking; received promotions to
Assistant Cashier then Operations Officer. A merger with
Sunburst bank afforded me a corporate level position in
Grenada as Assistant Vice President then a promotion to
Vice President. Joined State Bank & Trust So. (formerly
Valley Bank) in 1995 as Vice President and currently serve
as Senior Vice President on the corporate level. My parents
are Kin and Sue Yee. Married to Sam Hong. Member of First
Baptist Church and Greenville Optimist; served on United
Way Allocations Committee, Chamber of Commerce, Jr. Achievement
and March of Dimes.
Favorite
part of job:
The favorite part of my job is working with customers throughout
the Delta area and the South. the most exciting part of
my job is that each day I am guaranteed new and challenging
opportunities.
Major
accomplishments:
Was youngest lady to be promoted to Assistant Cashier by
First National Bank; recipient of President’s Award
for three consecutive years at Sunburst Bank; recipient
of Chairman’s Award at State Bank & Trust Co.
Contributed to the success of opening a new State Bank &
Trust Co. branch in Greenville.
Advice
to other women in business:
Let your deeds and actions earn your worth–not your
words. Remember it is a privilege to work for your employer
and honor that trust. Never think you know it all. Success
cannot be achieved alone. Be true to one’s self and
fair to others. Give credit to God. Enjoy life and be happy
in your career or change careers.
Lynn
Jones
Drew Chamber of Commerce
Public relations Chairman, member of the Drew Chamber of
Commerce, Board of Directors, Managing Editor and News Editor
of The DREW LEADER, chairman-Drew Flea Market and Festival.
Background
information:
A graduate of the University of Mississippi and a teacher
for thirty years, Lynn is married to Sam Jones. They have
three children: Coy Jones, Samantha Jones, Captain Tripp
McCullar.
Favorite
part of job:
The dedicated people of Drew have touched my heart by sharing
their time and their talent to revitalize Drew, celebrating
the future, preserving the past.
Major
accomplishments:
The revitalization of Drew was initiated to show my appreciation
to Sam for his understanding and care during five years
of serious medical problems.
Advice
to other women in business:
By pursing your dream, focusing on your goal, meeting the
challenges, and overcoming the obstacles, your vision will
become an anchor to the past, a lifeline to the present,
and a beacon to the future.
Melody Lemonis
Mitchell Distributing
Market Coordinator
Greenville
Background
information:
BBA from Delta State University
I have been working with the company for nine years (Riverside
Distributors first then, Mitchell Distributing after–change
of ownership)
Favorite
part of job:
My favorite part of the job is that I get the opportunity
to meet people from all different walks of life.
Major
accomplishments:
I started as the bookkeeper and worked my way up to Office
Manager and then Market Coordinator.
Advice
to other women in business:
Work hard in a career that you enjoy.
Jane O’Neil Letchworth
Ferretti Building Materials, Inc.
Secretary-Treasurer
Shelby
Background
Information:
Born in Memphis. I am a graduate of Memphis Sate University
with BS in biology. A former high school science teacher.
I am married to John Letchworth and we have three daughters
and five grandchildren. I am a member of St. Mary’s
Catholic Church. In 1987 my husband and I became owners
of Ferretti Building Materials, Inc., a family business
founded by his uncle, John S. Ferretti, in 1959.
Favorite
part of job:
My favorite part of my job is living and working in Shelby
where we enjoy a personal relationship with our customers
throughout the Delta. Our knowledgeable, loyal co-workers
enhance our business and share our commitment to good customer
service.
Major
accomplishments:
I am interested in improving the status of women and have
served as chair of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson Commission
on Women in Church and Society. As chair of the Shelby Public
Library Board of Trustees, I am proud to be a part of the
countywide effort to offer our citizens cultural advantages
and improve the literacy rate.
Advice
to other women in business:
Women are natural communicators. Hone those skills and use
them to promote better understanding among customers, co-workers
and vendors. It is important to recognize and encourage
the accomplishments of employees and always take time to
give back to your community through volunteer service.
Beverly Luckett
WXVT
News Director/ 5 & 6 pm Anchor
Greenville
Background
Information:
Beverly Luckett has over 14 years experience in broadcast
news. Beverly began her broadcast career in Tupelo, MS with
WTVA. She holds a BA degree form Mississippi State University
and was recently wed to Dwight Luckett.
Favorite
part of job:
My favorite part of the job is seeing reporters I helped
train at WXVT grow into strong journalists who are capable
of tackling any assignment and working anywhere in the world.
Advice
to other women in business:
Always be persistent, believe in yourself, and put God first
and let him direct your path.
Yvette M. Mangum
Vicksburg Warren County
Chamber of Commerce
Director of Vicksburg Retirement Development Program
Vicksburg
Background
information:
Began work for the Chamber of Commerce as a temporary employee
in 1997 as a secretary. Fell in love with the people and
the job and simply never left.
Favorite
part of job:
Having the opportunity to watch and participate as the members
and staff sit down at a table together and plan and implement
something that will make a difference in the place that
I live.
Major
accomplishments:
The transition from a community member who didn’t
know and didn’t want to unless it interfered with
my life, to a person who fell in love with the place I live
and believes that even the smallest project is worthwhile
if it will make a difference to my community.
Advice
to other women in business:
Never stop wanting to learn more. Involve yourself on some
level even in the projects you assume you aren’t capable
of. The best learning experiences I’ve had came from
working beside someone who did know what they were doing
and were willing to teach me as well. My favorite saying
is “Those who say it can’t be done are usually
interrupted by those who are doing it.”
Joycelyn Mitchell
State Bank & Trust
Senior Vice President
Greenwood
Background
information:
Born and raised in NOLA and a resident of Holcomb, MS since
1985. Has had extensive education in Banking and Finance.
Favorite part of job:
Dealing with the public and the satisfaction of seeing a
new small business you assisted prosper.
Major
accomplishments:
Financial advocate of the year for SBA, my husband, five
children, and four grandchildren.
Advice
to other women in business:
Never give up, continue with your education no matter what
and always give thanks to the Lord.
Cynthia
Mitchell
Merkel & Cocke, P.A.
Attorney/Partner
Clarksdale
Background
information:
Born and raised in Mississippi. Went to a public high school
in Coahoma County. Went to Indiana University and graduated
with BA, Magna Cum Laude 1978. Went to Harvard Law School
and received Cum Laude 1981.
Favorite
part of job:
My favorite part of practicing law is the feeling when I
have completed a case and obtained good results for a client
who needs help.
Major
accomplishments:
Just qualified to run the Boston Marathon this coming April.
Advice
to other women in business:
Do a good job, work hard, but take time to enjoy life outside
work, and don’t worry about what others think of a
woman in the business world (Remember–they may not
think anything of it).
Jackie
Morris
Bobo Ford
Office Manager
Cleveland
Background
information:
Born and raised in a small community east of Drew and still
live there. I am married with 1 child and 1 grandchild.
Favorite
part of job:
Being able to get duties done way before their due. I like
to set up goals and beat them.
Major
accomplishments:
Have received my 26th year award from ford Motor Co. for
excellent performance as a Ford Dealer Accountant.
Advice
to other women in business:
Never put off doing things for tomorrow what you could do
today and do your best at what you do.
Rebecca
Murphy
Shelby Clinic
Nurse Practitioner
Shelby
Background
information:
BSN from the University of Memphis MSN from University of
Southern Mississippi Nurse Practitioner at the MS University
for Women Shelby Clinic eight years, Delta State University
two years, Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center
16 years
Favorite
part of job:
Being able to help people on a daily basis, and address
their health and personal needs in a community setting
Major
accomplishments:
Being able to complete my education and family while working
and being able to provide health care to a small community
Advice
to other women in business:
Take reasonable risks, make reasonable sacrifice in pursuing
goals, but keep personal values first in mind.
Lee Dogan Murphy
Horne CPA Group
Senior Manager
Grenada/Oxford
Background information:
Graduate of Delta State University. CPA, active in the MSCPA
and the Delta Chapter. Married to Rodney Murphy, 2 children-Matthew,
age 6 and Sara Ellen, age 2, Active member of Emmanuel Baptist
Church.
Favorite Part of Job:
Working with an outstanding team of people who share the
common goal of helping our clients succeed. It is fulfilling
to know that you have performed a valuable contribution
that made a difference in a client’s business.
Major accomplishments:
President-elect of the Grenada County Chamber of Commerce,
Leadership Mississippi Class of 2003, MS 50 Leading Business
Women presented by the MS Business Journal, 2001, Grenada’s
Business & Professional Women Honoree by the Grenada
BP&W
Sherry
Nelson
WABG-TV6
Local Sales Manager
Greenwood/Greenville
Background
information:
More than 20 years experience in broadcasting. Worked for
Bahakel Communications as a radio on-air personality, radio
sales, television news reporter, weather anchor, and television
sales.
Favorite
part of job:
The favorite part of my job is developing relationships.
I’ve become a business partner with many wonderful
people in the Mississippi Delta while helping with their
marketing needs.
Major
accomplishments:
I have been one of the top Account Executives at WABG-TV6
for more than 10 years. I was recently promoted to the Local
Sales Manager’s position.
Advice
to other women in business:
The best advice I can give is to always keep a positive
attitude, do more than what is expected of you, and be willing
to take on new challenges.
Becky
Palmer
Dickson & Associates, P.A., Architect
Clarksdale
Background
information:
Received Bachelor of Architecture in 1987 from Mississippi
State University. Registered Architect in the State of Mississippi
since 1993. Employed at Dickson & Associates for 15
years.
Favorite
part of job:
Seeing two-dimensional solutions become building realities
is a major high!
Major
accomplishments:
Designed numerous buildings in and around the Delta, including
Clarksdale High School. First woman member and president
of Clarksdale Noon Lions Club
Advice
to other women in business:
Recognize your strengths and capitalize on them. Be ready
for long term commitment in any profession. Like what you
do!
June W. Patterson
Patterson Chiropractic Clinic, PA
Office Manager
Cleveland
Background
information:
Native of Shelby, MS. Attended Delta State University. Married
Dr. Michael Patterson and moved to Cleveland in 1975 after
working 8 years in banking and insurance in Jackson.
Favorite
part of job:
Meeting people and being part of a health care team that
makes people feel better!
Major
accomplishments:
Executive Board of MS Chiropractic Association Auxiliary,
Executive Board XI Alph Eta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, Executive
Board Cleveland Camp Gideon’s Int’l. Auxiliary.
Advice
to other women in business:
Treat others the way you would like to be treated and try
to always put God first in your life. Everything else will
be a by-product of that.
Tracy Reister
Jubilee Casino
Marketing Director
Greenville
Background
information:
Established Graphic Solutions, a graphic design and advertising
business in 1997. Jubilee Casino was my main client.
Favorite
part of job:
Creating a promotion, designing and marketing it to a successful
outcome.
Major
accomplishments:
Being marketing Director of Jubilee Casino and being nominated
for this.
Advice
to other women in business:
Always keep your mind open to new opportunity. Hard work
does pay off!
Lee Tedford
Delta OB/GYN
Office Manager
Cleveland
Background
information:
I am a lifelong resident of Cleveland and graduate of Cleveland
High School. I am the mother of two, Adam (18) and Jessica
(16). I have been employed with OB/GYN since the business
opened in Aug. of 1998.
Favorite part of job:
Playing an integral role in the live of our patients. There
is no greater satisfaction than seeing the joy on a new
mother’s face.
Major
accomplishments:
Being a wife, and rearing two beautiful, healthy children,
while running a very successful specialty clinic.
Advice
to other women in business:
Always work hard and persevere– never take “no”
for an answer.
Ann Timbs
Indianola Pecan House
Secretary/Treasurer
Indianola
Background
information:
MDCC graduate, 35 years with the Moorehead Garden Club,
Communicate of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Married
to Wheeler Timbs Jr.
Favorite
part of job:
The opportunity to spread the “taste” of the
Delta with our Mississippi Delta Made gourmet pecan products.
Major
accomplishments:
I am the Mother of four happily married children and Nana
to eleven grandchildren.
Advice
to other women in business:
Work hard and your dreams will come true.
Amanda S. Williams
Delta Regional Medical Center
Director of Physician
Network Development
Greenville
Background
information:
Graduated from Bayou Academy in 1989, MBA (1994) and BBA
(1993) from Delta State University, Currently teach management
classes for Delta State University
Favorite part of job:
I enjoy working to bring physicians into our area to share
the ambiance of the Mississippi Delta. I recruited nine
doctors to Greenville in 2002.
Major
accomplishments:
Graduate of Leadership Mississippi program; International
Who’s Who of Professional Management; Lexington Who’s
Who of Empowering Executives and Professionals; President,
Mississippi Delta Advertising Federation
Advice
to other women in business:
Be yourself, never give up, and always make time for your
family...no matter what.
Sharon
Wyatt
Amsouth Bank
Assistant Vice President,
Assistant Branch Manager
Greenwood
Background
information:
I have been in banking for over 30 years. I also worked
in customer service, mortgage lending, investments and consumer
lending.
Favorite
part of job:
Interaction with customers; finding the right financial
product to benefit the customer as well as finding solutions
to customer’s problems.
Major
accomplishments:
Three wonderful children, my banking career; Treasurer for
American cancer Society (6 yrs); Member of the Chamber of
Commerce, North Greenwood Baptist Church, various committees
Advice
to other women in business:
Be determined, stay focused on goals and be willing to go
the extra mile.
Neysa Nowell Yeager
Neysa’s Fireside Shop
President/Owner
Cleveland
Background
information:
Born and raised in Cleveland, MS, third generation in business
in Cleveland. Married to Jimmy Yeager and mother of three;
Jeff Casey, Kriss Bass and Brandi Gle.
Favorite
part of job:
The people I have formed so many special relationships with,
customers and business relationships that are irreplaceable.
Major
accomplishments:
I received a love of “old things” from my mother,
and acquired my business enthusiasm from my father.
Advice
to other women in business:
Love what you do.
