War Veteran Miyoko Hikiji is Today’s Honoree

Miyoko Hikiji joined the U.S. Army in Iowa as a way to pay for a college education. Near the end of her enlistment contract in the Iowa National Guard and before completing her degree in journalism, her unit was called to active duty in Iraq in early 2003. Good looking at 5’3″ and 120 lbs., she didn’t “look the part,” but passed all of the qualifying tests, including weapons training and a 12.5 mile march in full uniform carrying a rifle and a 50-pound backpack.

“All I Could Be: My Story as a Woman Warrior in Iraq” is Miyoko Hikiji’s account of the year she spent in the Iraqi war. It’s her personal journey, but also a convincing argument that women in the military are beneficial to the mission, whatever it might be.

Her job in Iraq was to drive a five-ton truck transporting supplies, equipment, troops, and enemy prisoners in support of a regiment securing the northwest quadrant of the war-torn country. Her role was considered non-combatant, but it was dangerous and nerve-wracking. She was required to carry a rifle at all times.

“Our convoys of vehicles moving slowly across the open desert were an easy target,” she says. “Ambushes and explosions along the road were common.”

She and the few other women in her unit had to overcome gender bias. “You constantly had to prove that you were just as capable as the men. They often overlook the fact that women possess organizational and multi-tasking skills and a high level of selfless service that contribute to the mission.”

In addition to coping with the same fears, discomforts and frustrations as the men-long days, boiling heat, sand in their sweat, bad food, sleep deprivation, boredom, loneliness, homesickness, low morale, and the constant threat of an attack from any direction-women also had to deal with other soldiers’ snide remarks, crude behavior, and sexual harassment.

“Men enjoy having women around, but when men have to compete for their attention or affection, they often get angry, jealous and resentful.” The military forbids romantic relationships, but the policy is widely ignored. Hikiji and a tall machine gunner connected early on. They were discreet and never allowed their relationship to interfere with their
responsibilities. They didn’t object when given assignments that kept them apart for weeks at a time. Still, they were blamed for damaging morale.

“As long as a woman soldier does her duty in a war zone, as I did, she should be allowed to enjoy the comfort and support of a loving companion”, she says.

Hikiji earned respect from many of her comrades as well as 12 decorations during her full military career.  Her company received the second highest unit decoration, The Valorous Unit Award, for extraordinary heroism.

All I Could Be is part military history, part memoire and part personal therapy. The book is a tribute to every man and woman in uniform for the sacrifices they make for their country.

About the Author

Miyoko Hikiji, whose father is of Japanese descent, served a total of nine years in the U.S. Army and in the Iowa National Guard, five on active duty. Among her 12 military decorations are two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and an Iowa Humanitarian Service Medal.

Miyoko completed her B.S. degrees in journalism and psychology from Iowa State University in 2004. She is represented by Peak Modeling Agency and has been featured in print advertising and commercials regionally and internationally. She, her husband and two children live in Iowa.

What People Are Saying

“Given names such as Bev, Marlis, and Di now grace the combat roles of the American Army.  This list includes the name of Iowan Miyoko Hikiji, and her chronicle ‘female Soldier’ is a compelling and enlightening read of life in a land of foreign sands, weather, culture, and language.  Her sojourn of Operation Iraqi Freedom comes during the disjointed combat that saw females fight alongside male soldiers. Her story reveals that the American Army is stronger now with women in its front combat lines.”

-       Scott Ayres, Colonel, Iowa Army National Guard

“A powerful story detailing the challenges, struggles and triumphs faced by the female Soldier on the non-linear battlefield.”

-       Colonel Paul Ladd, U.S. Marine Corps (ret)

Visit Miyoko Hikiji for more information.

America’s #1 Leadership Life Trainer Dr. Will Moreland is Today’s Honoree

A father that was in jail, a single mother of two and living in what was considered the worst city in America doesn’t sound like a recipe for success. Throw in a low self-esteem, a speech impediment and a sense of hopelessness and you will have the beginning of my journey.

Growing up in Compton, California at a time where the drug issue, gang violence and murder rate was at an all time, Dr. Will made a critical CHOICE in his life. He wasn’t going to let his start determine his finish.

Over the last two decades he has studied and implemented the tools, habits and mental perspective it takes for ANYONE to achieve success in life. His has read over 1500 books on the subject, listened to countless audios and video recordings on the subject. He has been mentored by some of the most respected people in the arena of personal development and business development.

Because he is passionate about his message and knows it works FIRST HAND, he wanted to share it with as many people that would listen. Dr. Will is on a mission to help you “LIVE GENIUS.” That means to Live In Victory Everyday while Getting ENgaged In Unique Significance!!!

Since 2001, when Dr. Will finished his time serving in the United States Army, and was released with an Honorable Discharge, he has presented over 1700 presentation on Leadership Development, Personal Development, Business Development, Team Development and Success Development, to name a few.

Visit Dr. Will Moreland for more information.

Chief Travel Consultant Joanne Ruddell is Today’s Honoree

Joanne Ruddell brings a sustainability focus to Turpial
Travel, a travel service based in Venezuela and Chile. She evaluates every activity offered by Turpial for its impact on the environment and local people.

Because of Joanne, Turpial guarantees responsible travel, which promotes the economic development of local communities, reduces each traveler’s carbon footprint (by promoting public transportation), and minimizes any negative environmental and social effects which may be attributed to foreign travel. Joanne fostered the development of relationships between Turpial Travel and Fundación AndígenA (a neotropical biodiversity conservation organization dedicated to the Venezuelan Andean Region environment) and Sustainable Travel International (STI)’s Carbon Management
Programs.

She even encourages travelers to volunteer within their host communities, which fosters greater global consciousness among both travelers and locals and creates a unique and rewarding travel experience for travelers.

Joanne was born in Peru, but has since traveled the world. She received a Bachelor in Business Administration from Lake Forest College and an MSc in Local Economic Development from the London School of Economics. Upon graduating, she lived and worked in the USA, Europe, and Latin America, collecting 8+ years experience in local, regional, and international development. She is fluent in Spanish and English and is well-versed in French, Italian, and Portuguese.

Visit Joanne Ruddell for more information.

Mortgage Lender Jared Martin is Today’s Honoree

Jared Martin is the CEO of Keystone Funding . After graduating with a Masters of Engineering from MIT and serving as a
systems engineer for the United States Department of Defense, Jared decided to bring his inquisitive mind to the world of mortgage lending.

He was drawn to the business, because of the noticeable lack of ethical practices in the industry. He sought, and continues to seek, to provide a mortgage lending service with transparency, quality service, and honesty and the core of its processes. Jared’s customers continue to praise his dedication to integrity, and his company thrives to large extent off this asset.

Jared dedicates a portion of his companies proceeds to supporting the nonprofit
organization, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).

Please visit Keystone Funding for more information.

Haitian Resource Center Rising Star Judeson Saintil is Today’s Honoree

Judeson Saintil of Hudson Health Plan Is Named a ‘Rising Star’ of Westchester County

A Haitian Native and White Plains Resident Is Honored for Organizing the Newly Opened Haitian Resource Center in White Plains

Tarrytown, NY – While there are several community outreach groups that help overcome language barriers and assist Westchester’s Latino population, nothing similar existed to assist the approximately 18,000 Haitians in the county. But thanks to the hard work of Judeson Saintil, a community relations representative for Hudson Health Plan in Westchester and Rockland counties, the Haitian Resource Center at the Thomas H. Slater Center opened this year. What’s remarkable is that it took Saintil, who is only 29, just weeks to turn his idea into a reality.

In recognition of his achievement, the Business Council of Westchester has named Saintil a “Rising Star” and one of Westchester’s 40 Under Forty for 2013.  The distinction is given to 40 individuals under the age of 40 who exemplify leadership, foresight, and a vision for the future of Westchester.

“I expect to see many great things in the future from this capable young man,” says Georganne Chapin, President and CEO of Hudson. “Although Judeson is only 29, he has the poise and maturity of someone much older. He is both patient and diligent, and can manage challenges that might overwhelm others his age.”

Saintil explains: “I am honored to be considered a Rising Star. I have to credit Hudson Health Plan, and its outstanding reputation in the community, for giving me an opportunity to develop relationships with community-based organizations, and to learn how to overcome barriers and really help people.”

Since Saintil joined Hudson in 2005, he has earned the respect of dozens of  community-based organizations helping underserved populations. He has given generously of his time, organizing health fairs, bagging groceries at food pantries, and playing Santa for children living in public housing. His ability to educate individuals about access to public health insurance is legendary. But most importantly, he is there to help community organizations support as many people as they can.

So when Heather Miller, the executive director of the Slater Center, did not have staff to assist a Haitian client, she called Saintil. He and Miller conceived the idea to start the Haitian Resource Center at the Slater Center. In a month’s time, Saintil did a needs assessment of the Haitian community, organized an advisory board, enlisted work-study students from Berkeley College to staff the center, and set up a training program for nearly 20 volunteers. The center officially opened on March 16, 2013, with Saintil as chairman of the advisory board.

A Voice for Haitians:

A Haitian native who came to the United States when he was eight, Saintil says: “I personally know what the Haitian immigrant experience is like. Schools have English as a Second Language programs for students who speak Spanish, but Haitians speak Creole. Young Haitian immigrants may not understand their teachers, and Haitian parents can find it difficult to communicate with school officials. There’s a language barrier, not just at school but in the community, and it prevents people from accessing resources.”
Saintil explains that the Haitian Resource Center provides English classes for Creole- or French-speaking adults, as well as Creole classes for young Haitians who want to preserve their ethnic roots. Students receive after-school homework help, and Creole-speaking volunteers assist parents in advocating for their children in school. Haitian natives get answers to common questions about immigration status, or help with tax preparation and other official paperwork.

Although the Haitian Resource Center might be Saintil’s most notable achievement, he has been active in other organizations: he is a board member of WESTCOP (Westchester Community Opportunity Program, Inc.), and previously served on the board of the White Plains Community Action Program. Saintil is a trustee with Bethel Baptist Church in White Plains, and active with the vibrant Haitian community organization in Spring Valley, NY. When the earthquake struck Haiti in 2010, he traveled to Haiti with medical personnel, bringing much-needed medical supplies, and raised funds for earthquake relief.

A resident of White Plains for 20 years, Saintil earned a BA in Psychology from SUNY-Old Westbury, and an AA in Social Science from SUNY-Morrisville. He sees himself at Hudson for many years to come. As he explains: “I will continue to help people at Hudson because the problems of the underserved will always need to be addressed.”

About Hudson Health Plan:

Hudson Health Plan is a community-based not-for-profit health care organization that provides state-sponsored Medicaid Managed Care, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus insurance coverage to 120,000 members in New York’s Hudson Valley. Hudson uses every government dollar it receives to fulfill its mission, which is “to promote and provide access to excellent health services for all people.” Hudson improves the health of its members and the communities in which they live through its innovations in integrated care coordination, and by working with more than 5,000 local health providers. Hudson received the national 2012 Medicaid Health Plan Innovation Award for its Westchester Cares Action Program, an innovative integrated care management project. In both 2009 and 2010, Hudson achieved the highest quality incentive scores of any Medicaid plan in New York State, and in 2010, it received the highest overall performance rating of any Medicaid plan in the Hudson Valley. It also has earned the highest ratings in overall satisfaction among Medicaid Managed Care members in the Hudson Valley region since 2003.

Visit Hudson Health Plan for more information.

Author and Poet Amber Hasan is Today’s Honoree

Amber Hasan,  acclaimed author and poet from Flint, MI will be the featured performer at Charis and Cliterati’s Open No MIc Thursday,  June 29^th at 7:30 p.m., ET., located at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE., Atlanta, GA 30307.

The special event is part of the Charis Circle from Margin to Center Literary Program, presented the 3^rd Thursday of every month by Charis Books and More and Cliterati. The ongoing literary series cultivates the voices of aspiring authors and novices, and seeks to highlight the talents of the city’s top poets, songstresses and storytellers. The fierce and compelling open mic program is hosted monthly by the anarchic spoken word team of Karen G and Theresa Davis, members of the Art Amok Slam Team.

Amber Hasan an award winning Slam poet is set to re-release deeply personal collection  published work,“Drowning in My Own Spit” on August 1st, 2013. The collection, based on reflection and inspiration from daily life, has received enthusiastic reviews from the public and area critics.

Thursday, June 20th, Charis and Cliterati’s Open No Mic event is open to the general public. Doors open at 6:30PM, ET, and a suggested donation of $5 dollars is collected to support the performers. For more information about the Open No Mic, series and the Charis Circle from Margin to Center Literary Program please visit 
http://www.charisbooksandmore.com/
.

Charis Books and More, is the oldest and largest feminist bookstore in the South. Open since1974, the bookstore will celebrate 38 years in business this fall. In addition to published works, Charis Books and More collects and highlights original stories including poetry, biographies, short stories, plays, essays, songs and novels from the city’s aspiring writers and storytellers. Selected submissions are featured at the bookstore in a historical circle setting of men, women and children. From books to the sharing of tales and dreams on location, Charis Books and More invites storytellers, fans and the public at large to visit the bookstore located at1189 Euclid Ave NE., Atlanta, GA 30307 in Five Points, Atlanta, GA.

Visit Amber Hasan for more information.

Cancer Advocate Cindy Campbell is Today’s Honoree

Cindy Campbell is a cancer mom blogger and childhood cancer advocate.  Along with her husband Louis, they founded the Ty Louis Campbell (TLC) Foundation after the recent loss of their son, Ty, to fund innovative research geared toward the treatment of the deadliest childhood cancers (including brain and spinal cord tumors).

Based out of New York, Cindy is leveraging her 15 years of experience in corporate marketing and agency PR to fuel the fight against childhood cancer.  She has interviewed with various news outlets including WNBC-NY, Huffington Post, AOL ParentDish, LoHud.com/The Journal News, WFAN-FM, Bloomberg Radio and WPLJ.  Her blog at www.superty.org has generated 4.5 million hits, Ty’s facebook page (www.facebook.com/thelittlefighter) has more than 16,000 fans, and his Twitter @SuperTyCampbell has more than 1,500 followers.

Her son, Ty Louis Campbell, graced this earth for five beautiful years, and before he left he made it a better place to live.  He was astoundingly beautiful and always quick to smile.  His sheer magnetism developed not because of the cancer that consumed him, but rather his love for life that defined him.  In honor of his courageous fight and infectious spirit, Cindy is committed to spreading general awareness for cancer’s littlest victims while helping uncover better treatment options for children.  Treatments that work without robbing children of their childhood.

Prior to her position at the TLC Foundation, Cindy was a marketing director at PricewaterhouseCoopers for five years.  Before making the change to corporate marketing, she was employed at various PR agencies including Weber Shandwick and Cohn & Wolfe.

Cindy lives in Pawling, NY with her husband, Lou, and four-year old son, Gavin.  She holds a B.A. in Communications/Public Relations from Marist College.

In the brief time since Ty’s passing, Cindy has already done some AMAZING work in his honor and with its latest program: “The Muddy Puddles Project” which is a celebration of children and childhood and finding the fun in all things messy.  A series of Muddy Puddle “Mess Fest” events will be taking place later this year.

Visit Cindy Campbell for more information.