Wrapping up 2024
By alicia pringle
megan belcher, win n. am
"The Director of the Center for Interreligious Studies at the University of St Thomas invited me to join a stakeholder group of executives and professors for cross-functional strategic planning. Together we are developing initiatives that engage diversity and pluralism to create an environment of true belonging."
sheryl doherty, WIN N. AM
"My daughter, who has been working as a fine gardener, help me expand and revitalize my gardens. Under my tree, I had 3 plants and it was over grown with weeds and grass. We also removed and replaced a lot of my foundation plants. It was a lot of hard work, but it looks so much better. It is such a great feeling to know things are fresh and in a few years, as the plants multiply, my gardens will look amazing."
priyanka jhaveri, win india's 2024 recap
jonalyn gacayan, WIN APAC
"One of my greatest achievements is celebrating my 4 years here in Newfold. I was able to accomplish this after struggling to be alone following the passing of my common-law partner in February 2022. We had been together for 13 years. I initially thought that the toughest time in my life was when my father left us for another woman, and I had to step up as the head of the family. This was the reason I went overseas to ensure I could send my brother to college and provide for the needs of my sister with a disability and her baby. However, losing my partner and being burdened with debt due to the medical expenses before his passing, while still fulfilling my work commitments, has been one of the proudest achievements of my life. I cannot thank my Newfold family enough for being part of the lows."
We are always here for you, Jonalyn, and so glad to have you at Newfold.
- From your WIN crew!
samah nasr, win europe chapter highlights
We are proudly sponsoring Women in Tech SEO for one year. Women in Tech SEO is a global community in the SEO and marketing industry that discusses, shares, and learns from one another. This community aims to empower women in a positive, inspiring, and beneficial way, help build our network, and accelerate our careers.
We would love to welcome Giulianna Boscardin, Jessica Harker, Melissa Thomson, and Olga Ryzhuk as new members of the WIN Europe organising team!!
- 🎀 WIN Europe’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month Highlights
- Here’s a quick look at what we did:
- A Look Back at October:
- October was all about breast cancer awareness. With educational posts, personal stories, and our October 8th meetup with Samia Kasmi-Abali from Mammarosa, we covered everything from risk factors to early detection.
- Breast Cancer Basics:
- Breast cancer awareness starts with knowledge. Self-exams, clinical screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices are essential. Check out these trusted resources for more info:
- World Cancer Research Fund UK
- National Breast Cancer Foundation
- Breastcancer.org
- Myths, Facts, and Resources:
- Together, we’re busting myths and sharing facts. Check out articles like "10 Breast Cancer Myths Debunked" to separate fact from fiction.
- For Extra Reading:
- Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book by Susan M. Love
- The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer by Professor Trish Greenhalgh and Dr. Liz O’Riordan
- Donations:
- We had so much fun with the React to WIN Challenge! Here are our amazing winners:
- 🎉 1st: Sabrina - €100 donation
- 🎉 2nd: Honglei - €75 donation
- 🎉 3rd: Oksana - €50 donation
- Sabrina Joest, Honglei Zhang, and Oksana Tkachuk lovely winners, please reach out so we can set up your donations!
- Our bake sale raised €338.25, and with an additional €1,500 from Newfold, we’re thrilled to donate to Mammarosa.
- Yoast contributor Day winners also donated to:
- Mammarosa.nl - €50
- Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester - €50
- Düren-Birkesdorf Oncology Support Association - €50 (donation in process)
- And Remember: Sharing support, raising awareness, and staying informed make all the difference.
- Thank you for joining us in this month of learning, growth, and support.
- Here’s to a strong finish!
- Lots of love,
- The WIN Europe Organizing Team
- (Agnieszka Szuba, Aida Marfuaty, Florie van Hummel, Judith Terbeek-Arts, Nynke de Blaauw, and Samah Nasr)
Sasmita sahu, WIN india
"There are collective events that have happened and I am so happy to share. 1st I took a right decision to join the Newfold Back. 2ndly, I am going to be a proud mother for the 2nd time. 3rd I am happy to help my team and my manager to achieve more goals towards their deliverables."
cheryl tan, win apac
"Participated in the yearly Tech Week 2024 - Cloud Expo, and showcased Vodien in the expo. The expo garnered more than 300 leads and gained us exposure amongst the visitors to the event. It's one of Vodien's most successful roadshow to date. and I am proud to have done this with our team members.From left to right: Joel Lor, Cheryl Tan (me), Saachi Belani, Vaibhav Srivastava, Sasi Kabi, Quaid Johar Wardhawala"
bev campbell, win n. am
"I was blessed to have been able to take a European cruise with my husband, Neil, in the spring. We traveled in/out of Southampton England stopping in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, France and Germany. We took Newton the Newfold newt with us. He was marketing's version of Flat Stanley! Learned that the Bluetooth symbol came from ancient Danish runes representing Harold Bluetooth, the man who improved communication across Denmark. It is always fascinating to see and hear about the history of Europe. It is amazing how much we can learn."
sitara nair, win india
"One of my highlights of 2024 will be a trip to Dharamshala, India's spiritual, mountain-side town. Taking this trip with one of my best friends in the world and colleague, Himani, was mind-altering. Having been going through a rough time mentally, this trip brought about many perspective changes. Fresh air, beautiful views of valleys, and the calming Tibetan culture, including the incredibly healing cuisine, totaled into an amazing experience!"
paola lorenzo, win n. am
"Hi, I'm Paola! I was recently appointed as a Board Member of the UNF Alumni Board of Directors. On the board, our purpose is to foster, maintain and support the University of North Florida and its alumni by setting policy and providing guidance for the Alumni Association's programs and activities. For me personally, this is a big accomplishment as I've stayed involved with UNF over the years and I'm now beyond grateful for this opportunity to make a positive impact and give back to my alma mater."
jennifer weir, win n. am
"After 13 years as a resident alien living and working in the United States, Jenn Weir has officially taken the important step toward becoming a U.S. citizen! Having successfully completed the final interview process, she now eagerly awaits the date of her swearing-in ceremony, marking the culmination of a remarkable journey. This milestone reflects her dedication and commitment, and is a testament to her deep connection to the country she now calls home."
"Jenn Weir has achieved another impressive milestone in her professional journey, successfully completing a rigorous training course and earning a coveted Product Growth Certificate! This accomplishment further enhances her already extensive expertise, underscoring her commitment to continuous learning and growth. With this new certification in hand, Jenn is more equipped than ever to drive impactful innovation and lead the way in product development!"
ge-ann salapa, win apac
"This year, our small foundation, "The Solongon Kid's Ministry," celebrated its first year anniversary back in June 2024. The Solongon Kid's Ministry is an initiative dedicated to bringing hope and inspiration to the children of Barangay Solongon, La Libertad, Negros Oriental, Negros Island Region, Philippines.
Founded by my mother (Angela Salapa) and me (Ge-ann Salapa), and aided by the help of the wonderful women from our small neighborhood (Ate Juliet, Ate Mannilyn, Inday Stephanie), our mission is to foster hope, instill good moral values, and nurture every kid's deep connection with the Lord. Through engaging activities and spiritual teachings committed to imparting essential life skills and nurturing self-esteem, we can empower them to become beacons of hope for the future. We envision a brighter tomorrow shaped by resilient, compassionate, and kind children.
In the midst of challenges faced by rural communities, we aim to illuminate the path of these children, enabling them to blossom into beacons of positivity, resilience, and inspiration. "
Founded by my mother (Angela Salapa) and me (Ge-ann Salapa), and aided by the help of the wonderful women from our small neighborhood (Ate Juliet, Ate Mannilyn, Inday Stephanie), our mission is to foster hope, instill good moral values, and nurture every kid's deep connection with the Lord. Through engaging activities and spiritual teachings committed to imparting essential life skills and nurturing self-esteem, we can empower them to become beacons of hope for the future. We envision a brighter tomorrow shaped by resilient, compassionate, and kind children.
In the midst of challenges faced by rural communities, we aim to illuminate the path of these children, enabling them to blossom into beacons of positivity, resilience, and inspiration. "
Get To Know Your WIN Mag Team: megan belcher
What’s a book or movie that has significantly influenced your perspective on life?
“The Gifts of Imperfection” by Dr Brené Brown. It helped me find the language and the tools to work with my shame, vulnerability, and humanity, and led me to equally revelatory and inspiring works by Dr Harriet Lerner, Pema Chodron, and bell hooks.
If you could travel to any fictional world from a book, movie, or game, where would you go and what would you do there?
My island in the Nintendo game “Animal Crossing.” There is no anxiety, drama, or stress - just beautiful nature, cute animals, lovely music, and an abundance of creative options for decorating and landscaping. It's my happy place where my real-world problems melt away and I can express myself with imaginative, innocent joy.
What’s a quirky or unusual fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t guess?
I'm actually an introvert! While I'm perfectly comfortable talking with strangers, singing on stage, and being my outspoken and silly self, my energy rapidly depletes in social settings and is recharged in peaceful solitude.
What’s a cause or issue that you’re passionate about, and how do you like to get involved?
I'm an advocate for all intersecting aspects of social justice. From my work here at Newfold in our Affinity Groups to my current DEI graduate program at the University of St Thomas, I strive to “do the next right thing" to be the change I want to see in the world. Compassion, kindness, peace, and love on earth begin with me.
Get To Know Your WIN Mag Team: Tracy deffenbaugh
If you had to choose a theme song for your life, what would it be and why?
"Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" by Daft Punk. The lyrics focus on pushing boundaries and becoming a better version of oneself. It also has that energetic, futuristic vibe.
If you could instantly master any skill or hobby, what would it be and why?
If I could instantly master any skill or hobby, it would be the ability to speak any language fluently. The reason I’d choose this is simple: being able to communicate effortlessly with people from different cultures would allow me to build deeper, more meaningful relationships. Language is at the heart of how we connect with others, and being able to speak multiple languages would help me break down barriers, whether in travel, work, or personal connections.
What’s your go-to comfort food, and does it have any special meaning or memory for you?
My go-to comfort food is a roast with mashed potatoes and corn. It’s not just a meal to me; it’s a reminder of my mom. For my birthday, she would make it because it was my favorite meal.
Get To Know Your WIN Mag Team: sitara nair
What’s your go-to comfort food, and does it have any special meaning or memory for you?
My go-to comfort food must be my mother’s recipe for Shrimp curry. I have never tasted a more wonderful Shrimp dish in my life, and I know I never will. I guess that it is my mother’s recipe is what brings magic to it. Along with white rice, it tastes heavenly. This is a recipe I am going to write down first among many recipes from my mom. I hope to keep a recipe book that can be passed down to generations!
What’s a book or movie that has significantly influenced your perspective on life?
That would be the book ‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak. To watch the story, unfold through the perspective of ‘Death’ during a grueling time and to watch Death become endlessly fascinated by a little girl’s penchant for life was beautiful. The book taught me a great deal about the attitude we can keep towards life.
If you could instantly master any skill or hobby, what would it be and why?
I would love to learn languages worldwide, including local dialects! I dream of traveling around the world, and knowing languages would certainly help.
If you had to choose a theme song for your life, what would it be and why?
‘The Beginning’ by Flawed Mangoes. There aren’t lyrics, just music. However, when I close my eyes, I can see all my dreams coming true.
Get To Know Your WIN Mag Team: lauren robinson
What’s a quirky or unusual fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t guess?
I actually really love the first four Rocky movies. That whole genre is not “on brand” for me whatsoever—but there’s just something so endearing and entertaining about those films.
What’s your go-to comfort food, and does it have any special meaning or memory for you?
Rice pudding! I would only ever get it out at a certain restaurant when I was a kid (shout out to Mark II Family Restaurant in Edwardsville, PA!) and I just loved it SO MUCH. I recently had rice pudding at a diner here in St. Augustine, FL, and they served it to me in an honest-to-goodness parfait dish! It was like I was seven all over again.
If you had to choose a theme song for your life, what would it be and why?
“I’ll be Mellow when I’m Dead” by “Weird Al” Yankovic. This is a raw song off his first album way back in 1982. The song is basically an anthem for being yourself and not caring what everyone thinks about it. If you’re not hurting anyone, you might as well do what makes you happy. Because you’ll “have plenty of time to be laid back when you’re six feet underground.”
Get To Know Your WIN Mag Team: alicia pringle
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and what would you want to discuss?
I’d love to have dinner with Zelda Fitzgerald. She was talented and bold, and I’d bet we’d have the best time. I’d want to hear her take on creativity and independence, and what it was like to be part of the Jazz Age.
What’s a quirky or unusual fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t guess?
Most people wouldn’t guess it from my introverted nature, but I love planning and hosting parties. I really enjoy putting all the details together to make everything feel memorable and comfortable for my guests. To echo Jordan Baker in my favorite book, The Great Gatsby, "And I like large parties. They're so intimate. At small parties there isn't any privacy."
What’s your go-to comfort food, and does it have any special meaning or memory for you?
Pierogies from many family gatherings with the Polish side of my family!
What’s a cause or issue that you’re passionate about, and how do you like to get involved?
I’m passionate about literacy and the difference it can make in someone’s life. I support Reach Out and Read, which helps get books into kids’ hands early on and encourages families to read together. It’s all about setting up kids with a strong foundation for learning and success.
The Hard Stop.
Curated by Sitara Nair