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Member Spotlight - DorothyInez Del Tufo
Minister of Beauty DorothyInez Del Tufo Shares Lessons on Beauty and Success How does one go from spending 22 years in telecommunications to being a highly successful entrepreneur and author? Read on to find out how one of our members did it and how you can do it too!This month’s PWOCN Member Spotlight is on DorothyInez Del Tulfo. Also known as the Minister of Beauty, DorothyInez built her business by empowering women to embrace their inner and outer magnificence. She also offers valuable insights about beauty and success and shares what women can do to take their careers or businesses to the next level. Her StoryDorothyInez began her career in telecommunications training and sales. Although she liked her profession, she didn’t really love it. Which is why at age 38, recognizing that her heart was in the beauty industry, she decided to pursue her passion. . “Ever since I was a kid, there were two things I had not completed in my life, beauty school and college,” DorothyInez shared. In just 2 short years, she achieved both. Not only did she graduate from college with honors, she became a certified Makeup Artist and Licensed Esthetician as well. Shortly thereafter she also received her Image Consultant Certification from the London Image Institute. Armed with genuine passion and an impressive resume, DorothyInez landed a fabulous job at MAC Cosmetics. She really enjoyed her work, but after some time it dawned on her that she needed to be more and to do more. “I loved working there but after realizing a ‘job’ was not going to recognize or pay me what I am worth, it was time to go.” With her mind made up, she said goodbye to her job at MAC and became her own boss. DorothyInez started her business, catering to brides on their big day. From there she realized that she had a lot of things to offer both on the business and beauty side of things. She decided to combine the two, and that’s how her brand was born. DorothyInez as the Minister of BeautyAs the Minister of Beauty, DorothyInez helps professional women connect their inner and outer beauty to transform their business and personal lives. She provides a number of beauty services for career women and entrepreneurs who wish to update their looks, invigorate their personal brand, or simply look and feel better about themselves. It’s important to note that DorothyInez offers so much more than makeup services – which is only a fraction of what she does. She believes in transforming her clients inside and out by helping them awaken and reveal their unique brand of beauty through dynamic and transformative private one-on-one mentoring, in-person group coaching and workshops. “My style of engaging with clients infuses a personalized blend of spirituality, candor, wisdom and loving insight. My soul intention is simple…I want women to BE inspired, BE beautiful, BE transformed and stand powerfully in their TOTAL AND COMPLETE beauty in photos, videos and live in person.” Success in High HeelsDorothyInez recently landed the title of “International-Best Selling Author” with her anthology book; “Success in High Heels” co-authored with 29 other phenomenal women. There is no better teacher than your own business. In this book DorothyInez and the other 29 amazing and successful women, gathered together to help remove the stress factor and sense of being overwhelmed that sometimes comes with owning your own business. Each woman has a powerful lesson to share to help you achieve the success you so deeply desire in next to no time. No subject is left uncovered as each chapter is an absolute gem. As a source of inspirational and powerful moments of truth, this book is the only tool you will ever need to step onto the path towards your own success with confidence and self-belief. Beauty & Success Lesson #1: Determine the fears and barriers holding your backAccording to DorothyInez, when it comes to expressing and embracing “outer beauty” many women show signs that their resistance is actually deeply rooted in fear and other barriers that are keeping them from being the best that they can be. For example, if a woman is “afraid” to try a new eye shadow, lipstick or blush, it is often an indication of a deeper fear or issue. “It’s not always about the eye shadow” said DorothyInez. “I know you can easily remove the eye shadow, etc. But if you are so afraid to try it on, what else are you avoiding? In the BIG scheme of who you are called to be, how else is fear holding you back? My work is deeper than makeup…it’s what makes you up!” As the Minister of Beauty, DorothyInez helps women zero-in on issues that lie beneath the surface so they can overcome them. Beauty & Success Lesson #2: Look the partDorothyInez shared a story about how she was approached by a female financial planner offering her services. The only problem was that the financial planner’s words didn’t align with her appearance. Who she said she was and how she showed up just didn’t match. This misalignment impacted her credibility and trust factor. As a result, DorothyInez did not sign up for the woman’s services. “The sad part is many women miss out on clients/promotions because of their appearance. Who’s going to tell you that you don’t look the part other than a trusted advisor/coach? You are paying them to tell the truth right? If you say you can help me create a 6-figure income, at least look like you’re making that kind of income when you show up.” said DorothyInez. As the Minister of Beauty, she emphasizes the fact “BEAUTY IS BANKABLE” and that “Your personal brand AFFECTS and REFLECTS how you feel on the inside. It communicates 85% of your message to potential clients before you even say a word. Cashing in on your beauty is about more than dollars it’s about abundance in all areas of your life. True beauty is attractive on all levels. Pay attention to the messages that your appearance is sending to your colleagues, clients, or leaders.” Want to land that promotion? Working to seal the deal with a major a client? Then adjust your personal brand accordingly and make sure that your inner beauty and outer beauty are aligned with your goals and who you say you are. In the words of DorothyInez, “Beauty isn’t just about what you see; it’s also about who you BE. Beauty is a total package, not just one or the other.” Contact DorothyInezThinking about transforming your personal brand? Need help in letting your inner and outer beauty shine? Contact DorothyInez at info@DorothyInez.com You can also find her online atwww.DorothyInez.com and http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wakeupgirl Follow her on social mediawww.facebook.com/celebrityentrepreneur andwww.twitter.com/DorothyInez -
Ten Reasons Your Networking Is NOT Working
Are you where you want to be professionally? If not, you may need to take a look at how you approach networking. Your Professional Trajectory is directly influenced by your ability to connect, build and leverage relationships. You may be blocking opportunities without even knowing it. Read on to make sure you're not making one of the ten networking mistakes below and discover how to improve your skills!1) You’re a No ShowAs the saying goes, “you’ve got to be in in to win it” and if you are not making networking a priority in your life you will never have the opportunity to reap the amazing benefits it offers. The first rule in networking is to show up so what are you waiting for? Get your face in the place!Tip: Make networking a priority in your life. Schedule time in your calendar dedicated to networking events and activities.2) You’re Wishy WashyNetworking is not a one-time activity. In order to see results, you must be consistent. This means you commit to regularly attending the “right fit” networking events and actively seek to develop and maintain solid relationships with those you meet. A valuable benefit of consistency is that it is a great way to boost your visibility.3) You Don’t Know Why You’re NetworkingLack of clarity is not attractive! If you are not clear about the reasons you are networking it shows. Like attracts like and without clarity, you are missing out on the dynamic give and take that is experienced when sharing your vision, mission and goals with other success focused and forward thinking individuals. 4) You Have No System in PlaceEffective networking involves creating strategic systems for each phase; 1) Before (Your Plan), 2) During (Implementing the Plan) and 3) After (Execution/Follow-Up). Having a clear structure in place for your networking activities will allow you to reap greater benefits than if you go out all “Willy, Nilly” without a plan.Tip: Use our Networking Game Plan Worksheet to Begin Developing Your System5) You’re Self-Focused“Me, me, me”. If you are a self-focused networker, you make it all about you. One of the most important rules of networking is contribution but it is difficult to contribute when you are overpowering your connections. Chasing results over pursuing relationships will never yield the powerful rewards available to those who truly understand the principle of giving.6) You Under-Value YourselfNetworking involves an investment in self. You will need to invest your time, money and energy in order to generate results. In order to present your best self, you had certainly better take the time (and dollars) necessary to feel good about your greatest asset – YOU! You are seeking to attract clients, customers and build connections. As one of those potential connections, quite frankly, if you are not willing to invest in yourself, why on earth should I?Quiz: Do you Suffer from Low Investment Mentality Syndrome? Click this Link to Find Out!7) You’re A Multi-Faceted MysteryYou’re a Jane of All Trades and you overwhelm your connections instantly as you attempt to explain all that you do. You have more than one business, more than one business card, more than one pitch and only one opportunity to make a first impression. Your connections walk away from you confused and unclear on how to support you, do business with you or provide a referral. You are in desperate need of a clear branding message. Work that out!8) Your Marketing Misses the MarkIf your marketing materials don’t support your brand, you can expect a low response from those you connect to. Make certain your business cards, brochures, online presence and email address translate your brand. Tip: Your virtual presence must be able to successfully represent you in your absence. Ask a trusted colleague to review your website, social media pages, links, email address and provide their honest feedback. 9) You Stay in Your Comfort ZoneYou network but you do not leave your comfort zone. You attend events with the same friends, and won’t even consider showing up if they are not going to be there with you. You don’t network with others outside of your regular circle and are suffering from a “Group Mentality Syndrome”. This will not serve your growth and keeps you limited in more ways than you can ever imagine. Tip: Stretch yourself! Seek out networking activities that fall into one of these three categories: Affinity Groups (Those who look like you), Contrast Group (Those who look nothing like you) and Expansion Groups (Those who are where you strive to be).10) You're "Waiting" to Get Started“As soon as I start my business….”, “When I get ready to look for a new job….” If you are uttering these words and are waiting to start something before you begin networking, you have begun too late! Start networking now in order to develop the important connections and relationships you need to open the unlimited doors of possibility and opportunity.Sound Off: Which of these do you relate most to? Share your thoughts on our Facebook or LinkedIn Pages, I’d love to hear from you!About the Author Meko Lawson is the writer of Networking Tips. She is the CEO and Founder of the Professional Women of Color Network. She assists women of color who are seeking to market themselves or their businesses and provides services to businesses who wish to market to women of color. PWOCN helps Professional Women of Color grow their businesses or careers, be more successful, and achieve their goals. “Networking Tips” Copyright © 2012, Meko Lawson. All rights reserved. Reprint Guidelines: You may reprint Networking Tips free of charge in your newsletter, magazine, or on your web site, provided that they are unedited, and that the copyright, bio, and contact information appears with each article. Articles appearing on the web must provide a hyperlink to our web site. Please provide us with a courtesy copy of the print or email issue containing the article, or the URL of any article posted to the web. If you do use any material, simply include the following credit line: "This Networking Tip, copyright Meko Lawson, Professional Women of Color Network. All rights reserved. The Professional Women of Color Network web site is a comprehensive resource of professional networking events, resources and information for professional women of color. For more networking resources visit http://www.pwocn.org" -
Make the SHIFT from Ordinary to an Extraordinary Business Woman
By Monique Stoner, February 25, 2013 A large percentage of women have only tapped into a fraction of their full potential as leaders in business. Even after years of working hard and making significant contributions, women have just barely scratched the surface of what we can actually accomplish. Are you among the countless women who are highly skilled and ready to go higher, but are still behind the curtain, waiting to take center stage in your business or career? Have you been anxiously standing at the starting gate waiting for the right moment, the right organization, and the right opportunity to advance as an entrepreneur or corporate professional? If you are among this remnant of women with your eyes set on higher professional heights, let me first commend you for not being satisfied with mediocrity or maintaining the status quo. As women, we must relentlessly pursue our highest level of potential. Utilizing our full potential empowers us to serve the world with our unique gifts and talents, while being compensated accordingly for doing so. I believe that every professional woman should strive for extraordinary success. In order to reach your goals, all it takes is a MENTAL SHIFT in your perspective and attitude to go from merely believing to actually becoming a powerful woman in business. If you’re ready to make the SHIFT in your mind, as well as your actions, so that you can become an extraordinary business woman, here are four steps that you can take immediately: THINK BIG so you can do BIG THINGS. Big thinking is the ultimate formula for success. It’s the only way to become an expert in your field, advance your career, achieve superior sales success, and experience unlimited financial freedom.Take ACTION daily to maintain your Momentum. Big dreams can only be accomplished when you take action every day. Even taking small steps is better than standing still. Whether you create a new product, update your resume, or make 15 sales calls… take action and do something to get closer to accomplishing your goals.Focus on Where You’re Going, not Where You Are. Success in business takes the right mix of faith, hard work & dedication. So stretch your faith and begin to see yourself as you will be and not as you are today. Remember, your current circumstances are merely a stepping stone to your ultimate destiny. Invest in Your Success. If you are optimistic about your future, then you must value yourself enough to invest in the resources that you need to be successful. Executives, Celebrities and Athletes invest in the best coaches and trainers available to help them excel. In order to reach your goals at a much faster rate, invest in the best books, seminars and coaches to help you become an extraordinary business woman. PWOCN Small Business Expert, Monique Stoner, MBA, is a Business Coach, Brand Strategist & Trainer. She is the Founder of the MBA Center for Women and has 24-years of experience in the corporate business world with expertise in Strategy, Branding, Leadership and Business Development. To get more tips on Small Business Strategy and Success, visit http://www.moniquestoner.com -
The State of Women of Color in the United States
Although They’ve Made Incredible Strides, Many Barriers Remain for This Growing Population Photo: Governors Nikki Haley (R-SC), left, and Susana Martinez (R-NM) are the only current governors that are women of color. SOURCE: AP/ Denis Poroy By Sophia Kerby | July 17, 2012 The role of women of color in shaping our country’s economic and political climate is becoming increasingly significant as national demographic trends continue to shift toward women of color becoming the majority among all women. Today women of color comprise 36.3 percent of our nation’s female population and approximately 18 percent of the entire U.S. population. And by 2050 there will be no racial or ethnic majority among the general population of the United States. As our country rapidly grows more diverse, women of color are consequently a growing demographic. But women of color today are largely underrepresented in the national debate on key issues, including reproductive health care, women’s rights, and the economy—despite the direct impact these issues have on their families and communities. In fact, women of color have a lot at stake in the policy decisions being made, especially relating to jobs, the economy, and health care, because they are most likely to benefit from reforms intended to equalize opportunity for all Americans. To be sure, women of color have made incredible strides in educational attainment and in the workplace—especially in entrepreneurship—yet their earnings and net wealth still pale in comparison to white women. They also lag behind in political leadership positions and still face unique health disparities. So their voices are critical to shaping the policies that affect their lives. This issue brief examines the state of women of color in the United States at large in regards to four key areas: the workplace wage gap, health, educational attainment, and political leadership. While conversations in the mainstream media would suggest that women of color are a monolithic entity, it is important to note that women of color are a diverse group with a variety of experiences. We offer specific data points on various racial and ethnic groups where available as we present the issues of greatest importance to women of color today, but remember that data are not always available for direct comparisons of different groups of women of color compared to their white counterparts. The workplace wage gap While women of color have made significant strides in the workforce over the past decade, they still face unique employment barriers that harm their economic security. Despite efforts to lessen its effects, a significant pay gap still exists between men and women. And the gap is more pronounced among women of color: While women overall make 77 cents for every dollar the average white male makes, black women and Hispanic women only make 70 cents and 61 cents, respectively. The gender-based wage gap uniquely harms women of color who face greater occupational segmentation, even lower wages, and punishingly higher rates of unemployment than white women. Women of color currently make up about 33 percent of the female workforce and are twice as likely as their white female counterparts to be employed in lower-wage sectors such as the service industry. Not surprisingly, then, the earnings of women of color continue to lag behind their white counterparts. The wage disparity limits women of color from obtaining economic security by depressing their lifetime earnings: Estimates show that women lose an average of $434,000 in their lifetime from the gender-based wage gap, and women of color are hit harder by this loss because they have lower-wage jobs and higher rates of unemployment. Additionally, women of color also experience lower median weekly earnings, higher rates of poverty, and greater unemployment. In comparison to white women, whose median usual weekly earnings are $703, black women only earn $595 and Latina women just $518. Women of color also report living in poverty at much higher rates: In 2008 poverty rates among women were more than double for women of color compared to white women. The poverty rate of white, non-Hispanic women is 10.3 percent, compared to American Indian women and black women who had the highest poverty rates at 27.6 percent and 26.6 percent, respectively. Black and Latina women are also disproportionately unemployed. During the first quarter of 2012, black and Latina women saw rates of unemployment at 13.3 percent and 11.4 percent, respectively, which were much higher than the 7.2 percent unemployment rate for white women. If these trends continue, women of color will be left behind and their families and communities will be adversely affected, especially as more women become breadwinners—earning either as much or more than their husbands—in their households. According to a recent CAP report, in Hispanic households about 4 in 10 working wives were breadwinners in 2010—nearly double the rate in 1975. And among black households, more than half (53.3 percent) of working wives were breadwinners. As women continue to be providers, eliminating the pay gap is crucial for these communities to prosper. Occupational segmentation One obvious reason for this workplace wage gap is that discrimination and labor segmentation over the years has restricted women to low-income jobs. In fact, women are three times more likely to work in administrative positions and are overrepresented in lower-paying occupations of the professional sector such as education and health care. In 2007 less than 15 percent of women were employed in management, business, and financial operations occupations. In communities of color the labor segmentation becomes even more apparent. In 2007 only 5.6 percent of black women and 4.8 percent of Latina women were in management positions. The service industry was the most common occupation for black and Latina women, at 27 percent and 30 percent, respectively. And the health care industry is the largest employer for Asian American and Pacific Islander women. Women of color are underrepresented in professional and managerial positions and face significant barriers in transitioning out of low-wage jobs. Some of the barriers that hinder women of color from advancing are lower levels of educational attainment—as explored in more detail later in this issue brief—and lack of workforce training. Business ownership One area where women of color have made significant progress, however, is in entrepreneurism. Businesses owned by women of color play a key role in the current marketplace. Currently 1.9 million firms are majority owned by women of color, generating $165 billion in annual revenue and employing 1.2 million people. Latina-owned businesses are the fastest-growing segment of the women-owned business market, and are starting up at six times the national average. Currently, 1 in 10 of all women-owned businesses are owned by Latinas. Across the country, Latina-owned businesses have total receipts of $55.7 billion and total receipts have grown by 57.8 percent since 2002. African American women are also pioneers in the business world. According to the Center for Women’s Business Research, black women are starting businesses at three to five times the rate of all businesses. Despite facing financial obstacles companies started by African American women grew nearly 67 percent between 2002 and 2007 Health Women of color have disproportionately higher rates of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, hypertension, and certain forms of cancer, and also have increased mortality rates for certain forms of cancer. While white women are more likely to have breast cancer, black women have higher mortality rates from breast cancer. Every year, for example, 1,722 African American women die from breast cancer—an average of five African American women per day. There are also higher death rates from cervical cancer among older Hispanic women, Asian American women, and American Indian/Alaska Native women than among white women. Increased coverage will reduce these disparities by improving access to adequate health insurance and health care for women of color. Let’s look at each of these areas in turn. Insurance coverage While women of color represent 36.3 percent of the U.S. female population, they account for 53.2 percent of uninsured women, with Hispanics having the highest uninsured rates across all other racial and ethnic groups. Insurance coverage provides women with increased access to preventive health care that will significantly help reduce the onset of certain diseases that disproportionately affect women of color, such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and breast cancer. An estimated 5.5 million African Americans, 6.1 million Latinos, 2.7 million Asians, and 300,000 Native Americans—many of them women—are currently receiving expanded preventive service coverage under the Affordable Care Act. According to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 31 percent of Native American women and 20 percent of Asian Pacific Islander women lacked insurance coverage in 2006. Increased insurance coverage under Obamacare will reduce health disparities among women of color and provide adequate health services to these women. Medicaid More than 50 million people are currently enrolled in Medicaid—the joint federal-state health insurance program for the poor—and women represent more than two-thirds of the adults who receive it. Nearly 60 percent of children participating in Medicaid are from communities of color. Since women of color are disproportionately represented in low-wage jobs, they often do not have access to employer-sponsored health insurance. In 2010, 28 percent of African Americans relied on Medicaid compared to 11 percent of non-Hispanic whites.As many as 9 million low-income Latinos will gain health care coverage due to the expanded Medicaid eligibility under Obamacare. Family planning Women of color have historically had substandard health care and education, which has often led to higher rates of unplanned pregnancies. Disparities in reproductive health have caused Latina women to experience unintended pregnancies at double the rate of white women, and African American women experience unintended pregnancies at three times the rate. Due to unequal pay and high unemployment rates among women of color, high costs often deny many of these women access to contraception. Removing the financial hurdles to obtaining contraception will grant women of color access to this vital health service. Educational attainment While college tuition continues to skyrocket, it’s well known that postsecondary education is linked to future economic prosperity. This makes it that much more important that more communities of color attain college degrees at higher rates. Women of color have seen the most advances in educational attainment as women among most racial and ethnic groups are receiving degrees at higher rates than men. But women of color continue to experience setbacks in breaking into more lucrative fields such as math and science, face financial difficulties, and have lower completion rates in comparison to white women. In 2010, 30 percent of white women had a college degree or higher, compared to 21.4 percent of black women and a mere 14.9 percent of Hispanic women. Additionally, while women of color have steadily progressed in postsecondary education, those efforts do not always translate into equal earnings later down the road. According to Census data in regards to work-life earnings, regardless of degree obtained white women make more than black and Hispanic women among full-time, year-round workers. College enrollment and completion As our nation’s demographics continue to change, it’s imperative that attaining a college degree becomes a priority among women of color. Financial instability and fewer resources and opportunities are just some of the barriers that women of color face in postsecondary education. Below are some key points highlighting the advances and challenges for women of color in postsecondary education. Women of color are disproportionately represented among low-income students. A report by the Center for Women Policy Studies find that more than one-third—34.9 percent—of all women students are low income, but more than half of African American women students (52.6 percent) and Latina students (50.8 percent) are low income. Despite progress, women of color are the most underrepresented in science. In a 2010 Bayer Corporation study, 77 percent of those polled noted that “women and underrepresented minorities are missing from the U.S. STEM [science, technology, engineering, and math] workforce.” Women of color have a higher percentage of college completion. In the 2008-09 school year, women of color generally earned a greater share of college degrees compared to their male counterparts than white, non-Hispanic women. Women of color continue to make strides in advanced studies. The number of master’s degrees earned by women of color doubled from 1997 to 2007, and the number of doctoral degrees they earned increased by 63 percent over the same time period. Women of color have made significant strides in completing college at higher rates and obtaining advanced degrees in higher numbers, but lower completion rates than white women and financial barriers continue to hinder their full potential, particularly among Latinos—the fastest-growing population—who continue to have the lowest educational attainment levels. Political leadership Although women of color have made substantial advances in the workforce, business, and educational attainment, this group continues to be greatly underrepresented in positions of power in government. Women currently comprise only 17 percent of Congress, and the numbers are particularly bleak for women of color. Of the 90 women serving in the current 112th U.S. Congress, women of color comprise only 27 percent. Women of color are completely absent in the Senate, and only 24 currently serve in the House of Representatives. Of those serving in the House, more than half (13) are African American women, less than one-third (7) are Latinas, and only two are Asian Pacific Islanders. A Native American woman has never served in Congress. Women face unique barriers in running for office. Studies show that women are less likely to be encouraged to run for office and the demands of child care and household tasks hinder women. Below are some of the key facts highlighting the lack of representation of women of color serving in political office: There are even fewer women of color serving as statewide elective executives—such as governor, lieutenant governor, or attorney general—than in Congress. Women of color comprise 14.9 percent of female state elective executives, including the first two women of color to serve as governors—Gov. Nikki Haley (R-SC) and Gov. Susana Martinez (R-NM). State legislatures are even less representative of our current demographics. Of the 1,749 women in state legislatures, women of color represent 20.1 percent of the female state legislators and 4.8 percent of the total state legislators. There are currently no women of color in the Senate. The only woman of color to serve in the Senate was Carol Moseley Braun (D-IL), an African American who served from 1993 to 1999. In the nation’s 100 largest cities, only two women of color are currently serving as mayors. Previously only eight women of color have served—seven African American women and one Latina. Conclusion Women of color are a key growing demographic in the United States, representing 36.3 percent of the country’s female population today and about 18 percent of the entire U.S. population. As women of color continue to shape our political and economic climate, it's imperative to acknowledge that they are not a monolithic entity. As stated above, women of color have different experiences in the workforce and political leadership. Each demographic faces different health disparities and advances in educational attainment, making it that much more important that we acknowledge their diverse perspectives, particularly in the national discourse on issues directly impacting their families and communities. Sophia Kerby is the Special Assistant for Progress 2050 at the Center for American Progress.
Welcome to our Organization!
The
Professional Women of Color Network, a
diverse multicultural organization, facilitates and encourages strategic
connections and reciprocal networking relationships for all women of
color.
Upcoming Events
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June 26 - Tacoma, WA
Contact Us
206.659.6356 (p) | info@pwocn.org (e)