In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division’s 50^th Anniversary, we featured 50 Leading Women making an impact in the Plano community. Thank you to these leaders for creating a space at the table, mapping out the multiple paths, tearing down the barricades, and encouraging us all to strive towards excellence. Another round of applause for our 50 Leading Women!

Dr. Cheryl Jackson

The Honorable Florence Shapiro

Lin Adi

Mabrie Jackson

Dr. Crystal Clayton

Dee Maddox

Ann Christenson

Assia Mahmood

Kristen Lollar

Emily Zoog

Meryl K. Evans

Kris Sanders

Kelsel Thompson

AJ Barkley

Lisa M. Ong

Julissa Estrada

Ebele Kemery

Courtney Echols

Pamela Zeigler-Petty

Taryn Limpach

Jessica Baca

Shanette Eaden

Rachel Chang

Debra Austin

Kalpana Murthy

Jo Via

Tatsumi Paredes

Stephanie Pope

Dr. Theresa Williams

Susan Swan Smith

Dr. Shun Thomas

Mary Jo Dean

Monica Shortino

Tammy McSwain

Debbie Thomas

Missy Bender

Andre Davidson

Julie Godfrey

Mona Kafeel

Mimi Conner

Kat Smith

Tina Young

Kendall Rowden

Elizabeth Sullivan

Jan Rugg

Tiffany Derry

Betty Manetta

June Jenkins

Wendy Hanna

Ginny B. Kissling

In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.

Introducing, Ginny B. Kissling, Global President and Chief Operating Officer, Ryan. Ginny is a nationally recognized award-winning leader on tax advisory and has been frequently recognized as a role model for female leadership. She is a sought-after speaker and industry thought leader and has authored several published articles. Ginny joined Ryan in 1992 as the Firm’s first college intern and seventh employee. In 2002, she was promoted as Ryan’s first female Principal. She is the first woman to hold her current position of Global President and COO, along with her previous position of President of U.S. Operations. She was also the first woman to be appointed to Ryan’s Board of Managers in 2012. Her exemplary career has led to recognition at both local and international levels. The Dallas Business Journal recognized Ginny in 2010 with their 40 Under Forty Award and again in 2014 as a Women in Business Honoree. Most recently, she was named to D CEO’s 2022 Dallas 500 list. Ginny finds time to give back to her community by volunteering for organization’s such as, Habitat for Humanity, National Charity League, North Texas Food Bank, and Ronald McDonald House. She current serves on the Board of Directors for the North Texas Food Bank and is the Chair of their Finance & Executive Committee. Her accolades, awards, and acclaims are well deserved and end less. We are thrilled to have her blazing trails for the next generation!

 

1. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.

I try to motivate and inspire those around me while also being direct and candid with my team members. It is important to support, empower, and guide rather than dictate how work should be accomplished. I trust my team’s experience and talent and lead in a way that amplifies them and the results they deliver while ensuring the best interests of our firm are kept at the forefront.

2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?

Women should use their voices and unique perspectives to share ideas, seek insights, and collaborate with those around them. Speak up. Get involved. I believe you develop and grow as a leader by seeking out challenges that push you and being willing to step out of your comfort zone.

3. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?

Obviously, leaders make important decisions each day, but the most important for me are centered around how we are impacting our team members and clients. The experience we create for our team members is integral to the client service we deliver, so the most important decisions I make, as a leader, are rooted in which choice is best for my team members.

4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?

My biggest joy as a leader is seeing someone excel and finding passion in their career. I’m a firm believer in encouraging my team members to find what they are passionate about. . .and do that. Team members thrive when they are working on initiatives that excite them. I want that for everyone on my team, and I thrive with the chance to nurture those opportunities. It’s fulfilling to see those around me shine.

5. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?

I believe that listening to others helps promote inclusion. Rather than being the one to always offer up ideas, take time to listen to different perspectives, and keep an open mind. We broaden our minds and drive better results when we choose to welcome others in and truly listen and act upon their ideas and experiences.

6. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

Believe in yourself, never stop seeking new challenges, and don’t be afraid to seek feedback from others. Have confidence in yourself and the value you provide. No one is an expert in everything so be willing to learn new things and gain new passions. Listen. Ask questions, request feedback from those around, and listen to the insights they provide. Take risks. I was told early in my career that I needed to work at one of the Big Four firms in order to be successful. I knew this is what I was told I had to do, but I took a “risk” and accepted a role at Ryan. Look how that turned out! All the years later, I’ve gone from being the first intern to Global President and Chief Operating Officer. Risks can pay off.

7. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?

This advice would be the same advice I’d give to my 25-year-old self. Believe in yourself. Never stop seeking new challenges and don’t be afraid to seek feedback from others. Have confidence in yourself. Ask questions and listen. Take risks.

8. Who inspired you and why?

I have a few answers for this, but I think I’d say my mentor and CEO, Brint Ryan. He never steers me wrong, and he is always honest with me. He gives blunt, hard-hitting advice and guidance while also offering grace. He allows me to be the leader I choose to be and make the decisions I see fit while providing advice when needed. He has allowed me to flourish in my career, and I seek to do the same for others.

9. What do you want to be remembered for?

There are many answers to this question. One that is close to my heart is being remembered for what I give back to my community and those around me. I have been very fortunate in my life and want to give that back to others. I participate on boards like the North Texas Food Bank where I am able to use my professional experience to chair their Finance Committee, and when I’m not in the board room, I like to roll my sleeves up and volunteer my time. It’s important to me that I give back to causes that are near and dear to me, and that I am remembered for pouring back into my community.

In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.

Introducing, Wendy Hanna, Executive Director of The Turning Point Rape Crisis Center of Collin County. The Turning Point’s mission is to provide counseling, education, and advocacy for those impacted by sexual violence. For the last eight years, Wendy has served as the Executive Director as she leads a team of volunteers and advocates to work with victims and survivors of sexual violence. Through Wendy’s leadership, The Turning Point has added a satellite location in South Dallas serving survivors at Methodist Dallas Hospital, advocacy and forensic nursing services at Children’s Medical Centers in Dallas, Plano and the University of Texas at Dallas, a law enforcement training program, and implemented a state recognized Primary Prevention Education program. Additionally, North Texas’ FIRST community clinic for survivors of sexual violence, Courtney’s SAFE Place, found it’s home at The Turning Point. Courtney’s SAFE Place is a free clinic that provides forensic exams, evidence collection, and advocacy for people who have experienced sexual assault within the last 120 hours. Last year alone, The Turning Point received 1,693 calls to their crisis hotline, provided 3,899 counseling sessions, accompanied 402 medical appointments, and performed 472 forensic exams.

Prior to her current role, Wendy spent two  plus decades working in the healthcare industry. Most recently she spent 12 years at Children’s Medical Center of Plano serving in various roles such as the Director of Anesthesiologist for Children’s and Director of Ambulatory Services. She grew up in Dallas, TX before heading up north to earn a Bachelor’s degree in sociology, with an emphasis in social work from Oklahoma State University. Wendy has a passion for volunteerism and has worked with many local agencies including Body & Soul homeless mission, Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, Ronald McDonald House and various other charities through Outreach Mission. We thank you for your service and for the safe place you have created here in Plano.

1. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others

I feel, especially in a smaller agency, it is important to have an inclusive leadership style.  Creating a strong management/leadership team is critical.  Program leaders have the insight and knowledge to lead but you need to allow them autonomy and decision-making abilities in order to excel.  Transparency is important too. Telling your staff the “why” when you have to make the big, important agency-wide decisions in order to gain the buy-in you need to make change successful.

2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?

Find a great mentor and meet regularly!  You can read all the leadership books, subscribe to the best podcasts and leadership sites but seeing and learning from someone who you admire as a great leader is the best education.

3. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?

Balancing the needs of our clients verses the need to protect staff from burnout.   When you work in a direct client services field, and especially one that provides 24hr crisis intervention, you have to be mindful as a leader that this work can come at a very high cost to your staff.  You must create an environment of trust that allows for vulnerability and open communication about their needs – a safe space for them as well as the clients.

4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?

Opening Courtney’s SAFE Place is definitely the greatest. Our community-based forensic clinic for safe, trauma-informed sexual assault exams is a HUGE benefit to our community. It was a vision I shared with several staff and community leaders and it took a village to see it open in late 2018.  I’ve had the good fortune of having very fulfilling roles in my career, the least of which was at Children’s Health opening and operating several ambulatory sites in Plano and across the metroplex, but CSP is a first in North Texas and certainly the most fulfilling. Helping survivors of sexual assault seek survivor centered care in their darkest hours has been instrumental in ensuring their recovery. We are all very proud of this center.

5. What has been your greatest career disappointment? What did you learn from it?

Very early in my career I took a position because it offered me much greater pay. I was miserable. While there were some perks with the job, the least of which was the salary, I lasted only 1 year and not very good at it because I was so unhappy.  The organization was great, but I was not in a role that played to my strengths or passions.  For me, I have to not only love the mission, but love the role I play in it. I believe you have to follow your heart and recognize your aptitude and success will follow.

6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?

I think it starts with the right hiring practices. Posting open positions with inclusive professional organizations, HBCs and colleges that promote diversity, and seeking candidates with diverse abilities and backgrounds is key.  Forming a Diversity and Inclusivity committee that brings learning opportunities to staff and centering your community outreach team on education within culturally specific groups.  Your organization should be a safe space that cultivates inclusivity internally and externally to attract diverse candidates then you have to continue to practice inclusivity daily.

7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

Continually practice mindful affirmations. I wish I would have done that more in my earlier years.

8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?

It sounds cliché but believe in yourself above all else. Trust your instincts even if the advice you are getting seems counterintuitive to your gut. You know deep down what to do, you just have to listen to that inner voice.

 9. Who inspired you and why?

My great aunt Jo Million. She was a hoot. She was the happiest, most joyful person and had a job her entire life and she seemed to love her independence. She was single most of her life but enjoyed every relationship in her life. She passed away in her late 80’s when I was in college and I was blessed to spend those last few years with her. She was a real role model on how to find purpose in the small things.

10. What do you want to be remembered for?

Being the best mother. That is real purpose and success. IT’S HARD!

In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.

Introducing, June Jenkins, President of Collin County Nation Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). June leads the Collin County Branch of the NAACP as they continue to promote social justice and equality throughout Collin County. The Branch strives to fight for equality through civic advocacy initiatives. Their members are committed to improving the political, educational, social and economic status of minorities and to eliminating racial prejudice through educating the public on the adverse effects of racism. Today, the strategic priorities of the Collin County Branch are to advocate for equal employment opportunities, access to high quality education, youth leadership development, voter mobilization and health. Outside of her role & work with Collin County NAACP and drawing on her 20+ years in corporate leadership, June is the owner of ECP Legacy Group and founder of Noir Lifestyles of Collin County. June has worked tirelessly to ensure the next generation moving to and living in Collin County receives the resources, education, and access to information she lacked upon arrival to Plano in 1986.She recognized the need to hear and share the stories of the Black community, culture, and perspective thus leading her to found Noir Lifestyles of Collin County. In June’s words, “Noir Lifestyles is an inclusive publication that will tell the stories of the African American community.” June  is a member of the Junior League of Collin County and a 40-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she has served in leadership roles at the the local, state, regional and national levels.  She is in the current cohort of Leadership North Texas where she is expanding her knowledge of issues in North Texas and deepening her awareness on how to become a better community advocate. As a 38-year resident of Plano, TX, June’s hope and heart is to pave the way for the next generation of world leaders, difference makers, and social justice warriors. She is a force for good and we could not be more honored to have her living in and serving the Plano community.

1. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.

I am a servant leader who serves my community and seeks to help those I serve to grow as individuals. I serve along with other leaders who have similar beliefs and passions. I encourage my team to use their passion and our mission to guide them in creating goals and defining the advocacy work for our organization.

2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?

My experience has shown me that leadership skills are developed in several ways.  First, training and workshops provide “textbook” definitions of leadership skills required to lead.  I greatly advocate reading books on leadership styles and stories about successful leaders. Secondly, hands-on experience allows you to exhibit your skills on the job. A 360-degree evaluation review will help identify areas of success and need for improvement.  Finally, I think women must have mentors who can help sharpen their leadership skills.  Finding male and female mentors who align with your career path is essential.  Everyone needs at least one mentor who will tell you the truth no matter how hard it hits.  Find mentors outside your job that can give you an unbiased perspective. Your outside mentor will show you another view and prepare you if/when you decide to leave your current work environment.

On another note, your volunteer leadership is an excellent way to strengthen leadership skills.  Personally, my leadership in a non-profit organization provided me with some of the best experiences for my corporate leadership positions.

3. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?

The nature of my role as the President of a civil rights organization presents exposure to many issues that confront residents of our community.  Unfortunately, some cases resulted in the loss of life, while other issues can have a life-changing impact on the trajectory of a young child.  Therefore, I must be empathetic and compassionate when listening to issues, diligent in documenting issues, and resolute in advocating for changes in the process to eliminate discrimination.

4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?  Issues regarding discrimination are never considered an opportunity for a joyful occasion; however, I think the outcomes of our cases create energy for me to continue my advocacy work. We have several issues that come before our group.  One case that I would share involved a young teenage boy who was wrongfully accused.  Our work on this case alongside the young man’s attorney resulted in a thorough investigation and charges being dropped.  When I got in my car, tears rolled down my eyes because I realized that had the young man not had our support, he could have become another statistic in the school-to-prison pipeline.

5. What has been your greatest career disappointment?  I would like to publicly recognize the leaders/members of our organization for their volunteer work in the community.  However, the nature of our work requires discretion, and our impact is not always visible. As a result, the community often does not understand our efforts in working with the city leaders, school system, and law enforcement.  What did you learn from it?  I realize that what matters is the “thank you” we receive from the people we serve. I constantly challenge myself and the team to “do the good work anyway.”  I use our annual meeting to recognize our leaders and submit our efforts for state recognition and awards.  Recently, six of our leaders were recognized for their work on programs and issues in Collin County.

6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?  Leadership in the workplace must be diverse and reflect the people it serves both internally and externally.  Until there is representation at every level of the organization, true inclusion will never be achieved. Inclusion must be a continuous goal of the organization that MUST be a measured, key metric. What is not measured is not done.

Some organizations spend 2-3 years putting together a DEI team/plan and are still working on recommendations for the next steps. At the same time, successful organizations have identified “quick hits” that can be implemented immediately while working to define a long-term solution.

7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

When I was 25 years old, I worked in Plano but did all my volunteer work outside of Plano.  As I got more engaged in my local community, I realized there were opportunities in my own backyard.  So, take time to enjoy the space you live in.  Get involved in your areas of passion and determine how you can serve/give back to your local community. Yes, Plano is one of the wealthiest cities/counties in the country, and yes, there are people with needs and need your helping hand.

8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders? 

I love everything I see in our next generation of female leaders who are not afraid to go after what they want, yet they speak out if you push them down a path not aligned with their dreams.  Female leaders today are climbing the ladder of success much more quickly than in previous generations and they speak up and speak out. So, continue – Reading books; they make you a better leader. Travel as much as possible – it helps you become a more inclusive leader. Take a gap year/Continue to care for your mental health– it deepens your compassion and appreciation of self-care/self-love.  Continue to believe that you don’t have to wait for a 30-year successful career and family to begin to live your best life – it makes you a better leader!

9. Who inspired you and why?

My parents.  My mom was a teacher, and my dad was a principal. They had a lifelong career in Education for the hard of hearing/deaf.  I learned how to advocate from my parents. I often remember going with my parents to meetings with state legislators to support their students.  I think my experience of growing up on the campus of a deaf school and watching how people often responded to people with a disability led me to my involvement with the NAACP and other groups that advocate for civil/human rights.

10. What do you want to be remembered for?

I did what I could to help make my community a better place.