{"id":296,"date":"2017-01-26T19:55:28","date_gmt":"2017-01-27T00:55:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=296"},"modified":"2017-02-23T12:21:33","modified_gmt":"2017-02-23T17:21:33","slug":"in-her-own-words-past-go-red-chairwomen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=296","title":{"rendered":"Past Go Red Chairwomen"},"content":{"rendered":"

Past Go Red Chairwomen<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Compiled by SWM staff<\/em><\/p>\n

Every year, SWM partners with the American Heart Association to help spread the message of heart-healthy living. Here are a few words from the past chairwomen of the Go Red for Women campaign on their experience.<\/p>\n

2007 Chairwoman<\/strong>
\nGwen Webber-McLeod <\/strong>
\nPresident and CEO Gwen, Inc. <\/strong><\/p>\n

SWM: How did you get involved with the American Heart Association?<\/em>
\nMy involvement with the AHA began after my sister Terri Webber-Simmons died from cardiac arrest in 2003.<\/p>\n

SWM: Talk about your experience serving as chairwoman. <\/em>
\nThe local Go Red movement was \u201cyoung\u201d during my tenure as chairwoman. I think the early chairwomen contributed to laying the foundation for today\u2019s larger events. We were educating women about heart disease and designing methods for engaging the larger community in fundraising.<\/p>\n

SWM: How did serving as chairwoman influence your life? <\/em>
\nIt truly gave me a way to channel my grief. I decided to use my sister\u2019s death as an opportunity to help others.<\/p>\n

SWM: Share a favorite memory from your time as chairwoman. <\/em>
\nOne of my favorite memories is working with the AHA team to pilot the first Circle of Red fundraising effort.<\/p>\n

SWM: What is your \u201cwhy\u201d? <\/em>
\nMy why is to honor my sister\u2019s memory and to ensure women of color are increasingly engaged in the Go Red movement locally.<\/p>\n

2012 Chairwoman <\/strong>
\nSusan Crossett <\/strong>
\nCorporate Strategy and Public Affairs Advisor Harris Beach PLLC <\/strong><\/p>\n

SWM: How did you get involved with the American Heart Association? <\/em>
\nI was asked to chair the Go Red for Women campaign by the former CEO of Welch Allyn, Julie Shimer.<\/p>\n

SWM: Talk about your experience serving as chairwoman. <\/em>
\nAs chairwoman, I learned much more about how heart disease impacts women, including the fact that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. I also learned we may be able to avoid heart disease by taking control of our own health. The things we all know we should do really can prevent heart disease: get plenty of exercise, eat right, don\u2019t smoke and know your numbers! I became much more aware of how all of us have been impacted by heart disease in our lives. Truly everyone I speak to has been impacted in some way.<\/p>\n

SWM: How did serving as chairwoman influence your life?
\n<\/em>My experience as chairwoman made me a committed advocate for the AHA. It\u2019s an organization that has grown and has a very real and positive impact on our community. Heart health awareness is at an all-time high, and not just for women. We now rank among the fastest growing Circle of Red groups in the country. We have benefited from a strong staff that understands how best to influence our community involvement. Their creativity and responsiveness is demonstrated by our fundraising results. The leadership provided by Franklin Fry and his entire team makes it a joy to continue to be part of this organization.<\/p>\n

SWM: Share a favorite memory from your time as chairwoman. <\/em>
\nI would have to say the Go Red for Women luncheon. When I stood on the stage to welcome everyone and saw a packed house \u2014 with women cheering for and supporting one another \u2014 I felt incredibly gratified.<\/p>\n

SWM: What is your \u201cwhy\u201d? <\/em>
\nMy why is three people important to me in my life. First is my mother, who had triple bypass surgery 14 years ago. Second is my cousin, who suffered a heart attack at age 40. Third is my friend, who had a heart attack at our work. I\u2019m happy to report all three are doing well! My why is also our community. I stay involved because of the wonderful friendships I\u2019ve made or strengthened through Go Red. The women I get to work with are a committed and talented team that supports and encourages one another. I’m fortunate to be a part of Go Red for Women.<\/p>\n

2013 Chairwoman <\/strong>
\nAnne Messenger <\/strong>
\nExecutive Coach and Facilitator <\/strong><\/p>\n

SWM: How did you get involved with the American Heart Association? <\/em>
\nJulie Shimer, then-president of Welch Allyn, a customer and the 2011 Go Red For Women chairwoman, asked me to be on her committee. I said yes, reluctantly \u2013 not enough time, didn\u2019t like asking for money \u2013 and then never looked back.<\/p>\n

SWM: Talk about your experience serving as chairwoman. <\/em>
\nAs someone not in love with fundraising, I went into the role with reservations; but the AHA was smart \u2014 it got Stickley\u2019s Aminy Audi to ask me. I actually laughed when she did \u2013 people knew I would never say \u201cno\u201d to her! When executive director Franklin Fry and I sat in my office to settle on a goal, my heart was in my throat, as I thought, \u201cHow are we ever going to pull this off?\u201d It was a big goal. Three things fueled me, though: the mission, which unexpectedly completely engaged me; the gift of a fundraising committee of truly remarkable, energetic women; and working with the staff, which was swiftly responsive and just plain fun. All of that wrapped up into a great outcome: we knocked the goal out of the park.<\/p>\n

SWM: How did serving as chairwoman influence your life? <\/em>
\nThe top Go Red fact \u2014 heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women \u2014 simply blew me away. Blew. Me. Away. When Julie pulled me into this campaign, I thought of myself as being in the know on health facts, but I was clueless about that very big one, and aggravated with myself. Then I discovered that other women \u2013 really smart, connected, savvy ones \u2013 were just as clueless as I was. Furthermore, they didn\u2019t know the \u201cwomen\u2019s signs\u201d of heart attacks or simple preventative measures to avoid heart disease: eat right, exercise, stop smoking. Well, maybe those practices aren\u2019t so \u201csimple\u201d to put to work, but we didn\u2019t even know them. So, there was a message to get out. I got fierce and we embraced it.<\/p>\n

SWM: Share a favorite memory from your time as chairwoman. <\/em>
\nOh, so many! One of the top ones was driving around Syracuse the night of National Wear Red Day \u2013 I think it was in February that year \u2013 taking pictures of all of the buildings that had lit up in red. It was the first year we went big with that effort. We had community leaders calling their staff to check their building colors, figure out what old switches to use, practice their lighting, put special gels on roof lights. Really, so many people pulled together \u2013 some at the last minute \u2013 and we wound up painting the town red! What a kick that was!<\/p>\n

SWM: What is your \u201cwhy\u201d? <\/em>
\nEasy. My father died of a stroke and my husband died of a combo of cancer and heart disease \u2014 ultimately congestive heart failure. I gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on our bedroom floor, and it didn\u2019t work. Then there\u2019s my daughter, who\u2019s young but needs to internalize this information well before I did. And then, my beloved friends \u2013 if just a few of them benefit from this work, it\u2019s abundantly worth it. I love this campaign. It has me for life.<\/p>\n

2014 Chairwoman <\/strong>
\nKathy Ruscitto <\/strong>
\nPresident and CEO St. Joseph\u2019s Health <\/strong><\/p>\n

SWM: How did you get involved with the American Heart Association?<\/em>
\nI have a very close, very real perspective of the impact of heart disease in our community. The prevention, detection and treatment of heart disease are critical areas of focus for us at St. Joseph\u2019s Health. Did you know St. Joseph\u2019s Hospital actually performed the first open-heart surgery in 1958? Our open-heart program is one of the top 15 programs in the nation, as ranked by Consumer Reports. That\u2019s just one of more than a dozen national recognitions our cardiac team has earned. We currently serve more than 90 percent of the open-heart needs across Central New York. Given our focus and expertise in this area, we have worked closely with the AHA for years, and there was no question as to whether I would be personally involved. My goals have always included advancing community understanding \u2014 particularly in underserved communities \u2014 of the signs of heart disease, and encouraging workplace wellness campaigns. The AHA was a perfect fit for those goals, because it\u2019s critical that the medical advancements we are making in cardiovascular care are matched by parallel advancements in prevention through research and education. In addition to other service positions I have held with the AHA, I was blessed to be chosen to serve as the 2014 chairwoman of the Central New York AHA\u2019s Go Red campaign, and 2015 chairwoman of the Central New York AHA\u2019s Circle of Red.<\/p>\n

SWM: Talk about your experience serving as chairwoman.<\/em>
\nThe women who lead the Go Red movement are nothing short of amazing. Their vision, their leadership and their commitment are unwavering. I still feel so honored to have had the opportunity to not only work alongside these women, but also leave my own mark on the successes of this effort. Well before I stepped into the role of chairwoman, I knew the number of people involved, and that their passion doesn\u2019t stop at the Go Red committee. You see hundreds of people who attend the annual Go Red for Women luncheon show tremendous support of our efforts through volunteering and financial support, and you get to hear about amazing things they do year-round to support the organization and the cause. As chairwoman, I was sought out at this event even more than usual, which gave me the opportunity to meet so many of these people and hear their stories.<\/p>\n

SWM: How did serving as chairwoman influence your life?<\/em>
\nThe stories that you hear! The stories from people who have lost loved ones to heart disease, and from people who have been saved or had their loved ones saved. I\u2019ve heard these stories through my leadership roles with the AHA, and I continue to hear them from patients and their families who come through St. Joseph\u2019s. And every single one is as moving for me as the first stories I heard. They never, ever get old. These stories are what keep me feeling connected to the community we serve and passionate about the work we do every day \u2013 whether it\u2019s through an organization like the AHA or the work of the doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers at St. Joseph\u2019s.<\/p>\n

SWM: Share a favorite memory from your time as chairwoman.<\/em>
\nEvery year before the Go Red luncheon, we conduct blood pressure screenings. We always find someone with elevated levels, who goes right to their doctor after discovering the previously unknown problem. It saves lives to know your numbers! SWM: What is your \u201cwhy\u201d? We all have our own \u201cwhy\u201d \u2013 our reason for joining the fight against heart disease and stroke. For me, setting an example for the entire St. Joseph\u2019s family by \u201cwalking the talk\u201d and making sure our doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers take care of themselves, so they can continue providing the best care for people in our community and continue saving the lives of others \u2013 that\u2019s why.<\/p>\n

2015 Chairwoman <\/strong>
\nEvelyn Carter <\/strong>
\nDirector, Community Relations at Wegmans Food Markets <\/strong><\/p>\n

SWM: How did you get involved with the American Heart Association? <\/em>
\nThe Heart Walk was my first experience with the AHA. We had a team of more than 100 Wegmans employees who participated. Wegmans has a strong emphasis on a company program called \u201cEat Well Live Well.\u201d The Heart Walk fell into the \u201cLive Well\u201d portion of that program, as we were encouraging our employees to exercise. The Heart Walk was a perfect fit for achieving that goal. We had a great time. We have been participating in the Heart Walk ever since. I also recall going to the Go Red luncheon many years ago. It was quite an intimate affair then.<\/p>\n

SWM: Talk about your experience serving as chairwoman. <\/em>
\nServing as chairwoman was a little intimidating at first, particularly due to the financial goal associated with serving in that capacity. What enabled me to overcome that fear was being surrounded by a great group of women who took their roles as leadership team members just as seriously as I took the chairwoman role. We worked together. We laughed together. We spread awareness of heart disease together. We exceeded our financial goal together. My employer, Wegmans, was a huge supporter. They made it easy for me to devote the time and attention needed to serve in this role. There was even a group of Wegmans employees who participated in the Circle of Red, all to support me. It couldn\u2019t have gotten any better than that.<\/p>\n

SWM: How did serving as chairwoman influence your life? <\/em>
\nIt was a confidence booster. Exceeding the financial goal, leading a team of high-powered, influential, dynamic women \u2014 and the overwhelming support I received from so many individuals and organizations \u2014 was a great feeling. I\u2019m more confident in my abilities to lead, influence others and make a difference.<\/p>\n

SWM: Share a favorite memory from your time as chairwoman. <\/em>
\nI have two favorite memories. The Go Red photo shoot at Bellevue Country Club is one. It was the most fun I\u2019ve ever had at a photo shoot. It was the climax of the campaign, in my opinion. It was a beautiful day filled with sunshine and plenty of laughter. We took the photo outdoors. There\u2019s a photo of me and my leadership team we took that day that says it all. It\u2019s just perfect. My other favorite memory was the Go Red luncheon. It was truly a celebration of all the hard work we had put in. The d\u00e9cor of the ballroom, the \u201cWegmans paparazzi\u201d taking photos as guests entered, the DJ spinning tunes and my parents traveling from Long Island to be at the luncheon with me \u2014 it was an awesome day. And we mustn\u2019t forget ending the luncheon with more than 500 women doing the electric slide \u2014 ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!<\/p>\n

SWM: What is your \u201cwhy\u201d? <\/em>
\nMy why is simple. I want to live. Very simple, but that\u2019s my why. I want to enjoy life, and live life to the fullest. I want to see my son Austin grow up. I want to be around to see the man he will become. I want to live to fulfill my calling in life. I want to live to continue to experience love and happiness. Life is a precious gift, and my package is still being opened. I want to keep opening that package, so I can see more of what\u2019s inside. I. Want. To. Live.<\/p>\n

2016 Chairwoman <\/strong>
\nKim Townsend <\/strong>
\nPresident and CEO Loretto <\/strong><\/p>\n

SWM: How did you get involved with the American Heart Association? <\/em>
\nI first became involved in the Go Red campaign when I joined Julie Shimer\u2019s executive leadership team in 2010. At that time, we had roughly 20 Circle of Red members. Today, we have more than 100 great leaders focused on women\u2019s heart health. What an accomplishment!<\/p>\n

SWM: Talk about your experience serving as chairwoman. <\/em>
\n2016 was a year of personal growth for me as the chairwoman of the Syracuse Go Red campaign. Following closely on the heels of Evelyn Carter\u2019s record-setting campaign left me with very large shoes to fill. I was excited and apprehensive about the challenge of meeting the Go Red goal of raising $340,000. Behind the excitement was the opportunity to play a meaningful part in the work Go Red does nationally in empowering women to take control of their health. Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women \u2014 more than any cancer. Eighty percent of all heart disease is preventable. Women\u2019s deaths from heart disease have declined by 30 percent in the last 10 years. What we do as individuals \u2014 and as a movement \u2014 makes a difference.<\/p>\n

SWM: How did serving as chairwoman influence your life? <\/em>
\nI learned that while the fundraising goal seemed large, the compelling vision of a world in which no woman dies of heart disease was larger. It was humbling to see so many people rally together to achieve our goal. SWM: Share a favorite memory from your time as chairwoman. It\u2019s hard to pick just one! The Circle of Red reception at Laci\u2019s. The reception at Owera Vineyards. The Red Hot. Red Heart. event at Hotel Syracuse. The photo shoot at Stickley. And of course, the luncheon at the Oncenter where Loretto\u2019s \u201cBetter You\u201d participants were introduced. Truly a year full of great memories.<\/p>\n

SWM: What is your \u201cwhy\u201d? <\/em>
\nMy five daughters, my granddaughter, my mother, my mother-inlaw, my sister and my sister-in-law. The women with whom I work and with whom I play. Every woman deserves a long, full life. Go Red is a movement that can make that happen. SWM <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Answers have been edited for length and clarity. For more information on the American Heart Association\u2019s Go Red for Women campaign, visit goredforwomen.org<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Past Go Red Chairwomen Compiled by SWM staff Every year, SWM partners with the American Heart Association to help spread the message of heart-healthy living. Here are a few words from the past chairwomen of the Go Red for Women campaign on their experience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":398,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[101],"tags":[169],"class_list":["post-296","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features","tag-january-2017"],"gutentor_comment":0,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Evelyn-Carter-1.jpg?fit=4803%2C3429&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1545,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=1545","url_meta":{"origin":296,"position":0},"title":"Q & A with Evelyn Carter","author":"Staff","date":"February 1, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Going Red Again Photography by Edges Photography\u00a0 This year, Evelyn Carter, director of community relations for Wegmans Food Markets and past SWM cover woman, once again takes the helm of the American Heart Association\u2019s Go Red for Women campaign. We caught up with her to talk about her plans for\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Features"","block_context":{"text":"Features","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=101"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/AHA-redcarpet-9.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/AHA-redcarpet-9.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/AHA-redcarpet-9.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/AHA-redcarpet-9.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/AHA-redcarpet-9.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1550,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=1550","url_meta":{"origin":296,"position":1},"title":"Little Hats, Big Hearts","author":"Staff","date":"February 1, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Hats for Healthy Hearts\u00a0 Every February, volunteers join the American Heart Association and The Children\u2019s Heart Foundation to knit and crochet red hats for babies born this month in participating hospitals. According to the AHA, they aim to empower mothers and children to lead heart-healthy lives. We talked with some\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Causes"","block_context":{"text":"Causes","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=104"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Daniel-Rivera-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C798&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Daniel-Rivera-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C798&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Daniel-Rivera-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C798&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Daniel-Rivera-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C798&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Daniel-Rivera-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C798&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":620,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=620","url_meta":{"origin":296,"position":2},"title":"Notes from the Board","author":"Staff","date":"March 30, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Five members of the WISE Women\u2019s Business Center advisory board share their stories, memories and advice. Madelyn Hornstein Dermody, Burke & Brown CEO SWM: How did you get involved with WISE? A number of my business associates and\/or clients had been involved with WISE, so I believe they mentioned my\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Features"","block_context":{"text":"Features","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=101"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/cropped-SWM-logo-use-this-one.jpg?fit=930%2C448&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/cropped-SWM-logo-use-this-one.jpg?fit=930%2C448&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/cropped-SWM-logo-use-this-one.jpg?fit=930%2C448&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/cropped-SWM-logo-use-this-one.jpg?fit=930%2C448&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":298,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=298","url_meta":{"origin":296,"position":3},"title":"Meg O’Connell","author":"Staff","date":"January 26, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Living with Heartfelt Intent By Lorna Oppedisano | Photography by Alice G. Patterson Every action taken by Allyn Foundation executive director Meg O\u2019Connell is intentional. In raising three daughters, now ages 20, 23 and 25, she made purposeful decisions to teach them healthy habits and lifestyles. In her decades working\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Featured"","block_context":{"text":"Featured","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=99"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Meg-OConnell-0014.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Meg-OConnell-0014.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Meg-OConnell-0014.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Meg-OConnell-0014.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Meg-OConnell-0014.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1431,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=1431","url_meta":{"origin":296,"position":4},"title":"New Year, New Smile","author":"Staff","date":"January 1, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"What Happens When Women Work Together Photography by Alice G. Patterson Last year, Revercomb Dental Group put out a call for members of the community to nominate a deserving mother in need of a smile makeover. Local mother of four, Michelle Martuscello, was picked as the winner of the Mother's\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Featured"","block_context":{"text":"Featured","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=99"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Michelle-Mitchell-0007-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Michelle-Mitchell-0007-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Michelle-Mitchell-0007-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Michelle-Mitchell-0007-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Michelle-Mitchell-0007-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1031,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=1031","url_meta":{"origin":296,"position":5},"title":"In Her Own Words","author":"Staff","date":"August 31, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Jackie Wilson This month, we sat down with American Fashion Network\u2019s founder and president, Jackie Wilson. Jackie filled us in on why she picked Syracuse as home base for her company, what it\u2019s like to be a leading entrepreneur in the industry and the future of her business. 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