As the June edition of skirt! hits the street on Monday, you’ll see profiles of our Sheroes, the five women we chose to feature in the magazine and on our website, nominated by people who have been touched by them in some way.

But we received many nominations, heartfelt nominations, and I want to share some of these with you now, so that you can see the type of women who work, live and play in our community. They’re inspiring and when you read them, you’ll see how difficult it was to choose the five we chose to feature. (And, yes, I’m making you wait until Monday to find out who are featured Sheroes are!)

Glenda Alexander, who owns a pet-sitting business in Raleigh, nominated a competitor for the honor, Debbie Bull of Pet Pleasers.

She wrote, “I met Debbie 10 years ago when I started my pet sitting business. When my mom became ill a few years ago, Debbie stepped in and managed my business and her own. Without Debbie, I could not have kept my business. I admire her honesty, integrity and professionalism.”

So do we!

Pam Long of DocuSource of NC nominated her company president and CEO Kathy Murchison, writing, “Kathy’s drive and passion for people, clients and business partners is an inspiration. Her daily involvement within the company has created an environment where employees’ input and ideas are valued and implemented to improve communication and morale. This empowerment allows our employees to develop career skills and enrich their lives.”

Melissa Prevatte of One Source of NC nominated the company’s founder/managing partner, Dana Dorroh.

“Dana Dorroh’s legacy in business and life embraces a diverse group within the Triangle community. Her ability to combine hard work and humanity, bring about change in women’s health issues, and give back to others is an inspiration for the many people fortunate enough to know her and love her.”

Nancy Campbell, partner at accounting firm Hughes Pittman Gupton, was nominated by colleague Lauren Joyce, who wrote, “It is Nancy’s dedication to service excellence and leadership abilities that resulted in a well-deserved promotion to partner at HPG. Her industry expertise and attention to detail has proven to be invaluable to clients in meeting their business objectives. I feel privileged to have her as a mentor and friend.”

Audrey Wilson nominated Wendell accountant Lisa Schaut for the honor, telling us, “Lisa is my Shero because she knows the importance of being financial stable and generates multiple streams of income for herself and her family. With hard work and prioritizing, she proves that as women, we can have it all – a great career, a healthy lifestyle and time for family.”

Candice Markham of Hughes Pittman Gupton, nominated Heather Dean, one of the partners at the firm. “Heather manages HPG’s corporate tax practice. She inspires me with her skill in helping clients with complicated intergenerational and multi-state tax issues. She is dedicated to effective leadership, graduating from Leadership Raleigh 22, she serves as a trainer for FastTrac, and on the Council for Economic Development Venture Recruitment Committee.”

Brian Van Norman, who works at Articulon, nominated Articulon’s principal, Cindy Stranad, writing, “Cindy has been an inspiration and mentor to me, both in the workplace and the community. Leading by example, she has shown me the value of giving personalized service to a client, as well as the importance of using your talents to give back to the community.”

Erin Graul nominated Beth Traynham, a partner as Hughes, Pittman, Gupton (those folks really got into the spirit of celebrating powerful women!). Erin told us, “Beth is my career mentor and has created her own specialty accounting services practice at HPG. Beth gives back to the community, serving as Susan G. Komen for the Cure, NC affiliate treasurer, and as a board member for Interhealth International Inc. and the Wake County Community Foundation.”

When you read these nominations, don’t you feel proud of the women of the Triangle? Don’t you feel inspired?

I’ve invited all of these women, and the people who nominated them, to our skirt! after work party on June 23 at 518 West, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Sheroes featured in the magazine and their nominators have also been invited.

I’d like to invite all of you to join us, to celebrate the contributions women in our community are making every day, inspiring contributions. Congratulations to all you and thank you for everything you do.

Well, skirt! readers, what do you think? Do you have any Sheroes in your life that you’d like to tell us about? Feel free to add your comments. I love to hear from  you!

brenda