Category Archives: Press Releases

RecognizingDiane Newman

 

In her current position, Diane Newman is the first female VP in the 30-year history of Caldwell & Walsh Construction.  It couldn’t be a more exciting time for Diane to be in the construction industry.  With only 9% of all workers being women, she says it is an unbelievable personal achievement.

Not only is Caldwell & Walsh recognizing the need for diversity at the executive level, they are planning for continued success and tremendous growth, and this is where Diane’s expertise shine. She has always enjoyed operations, and she has a personal desire to make the workplace more collaborative and streamlined, and to build solid business relationships and partnerships.  Being the first female Vice President is something she takes seriously.  She knows she will be a strong asset to further the success of Caldwell & Walsh.

Outside of work, her family is paramount along with her two rescue dogs, Bud & Lillian.

Women’s Networking Association Member, Diane Newman, can be found on the Association Directory, where she is looking forward to networking with you.
 
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RecognizingLeesa Williams

 
In July 2019, Leesa Williams established Quality Assistant Corporation (QAC), a firm dedicated to providing assistance to industrial, manufacturing and automotive companies.  Based in her more than 40 years of experience, she serves as president to the firm and offers on-site assistance with ISO9001 and ITF16949 certifications, as well as a myriad of other staff training, health and safety, and problem solving services. She is skilled in supplier development activities, VDA 6.3 auditing, process control, failure mode, inspection, ISO9001/TS 16949 internal auditing and effects analysis (FEMA)).  International Supplier Audits have been performed in South Korea, Mexico and Canada in addition to supplier visitations in Germany, Czechoslovakia and Slovakia.
 
Leesa began her career in the steel industry and decided early on to take a focus on the metallurgical sector.  Her extensive knowledge of the screw machine, cold heading and fastener manufacturing processes coupled with her keen business acumen, led her to progress far up the corporate ladder before branching out on her own.  Prior to launching Quality Assistant Corporation, she served 18 years at Plymouth Steel in various capacities, 5 years at Super Steel Treating as Lab Manager, 14 years at Quality Manager of Emerald Steel Processing and finally 4 years as Supplier Development Engineer for KAMAX LP.
 
Leesa earned a degree in Metallurgical Science and Engineering from Macomb Community College.  She is based out of Attica, Michigan, and in addition to being a lifetime member of the WNA is a member of AIAD.  She credits her success to her strong believe in continued education that enabled her to have a broad range of knowledge about the steel industry.  Outside of running her company, Leesa enjoys travel and spending time with her family.
 
Women’s Networking Association Member Leesa Williams can be found on the Association Directory, where she is looking forward to networking with you.
 
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RecognizingJill Allison

 
As Real Estate Consultant for Harcourts Grenadier in Christchurch, Jill Allison is dedicated to putting her clients at the forefront of her business. She has nearly three decades of professional experience, and oversees sales, scheduling, and client relations at the firm. A highly driven saleswoman, she really listens to her clients, ensuring she can uncover the most for each and every person to help them realize their dreams.
 
Known for her skills in budgeting, operations management, and business development and forecasting, Jill employs a broad range of skills in negotiation to close deals, and is relentless in her pursuit of discovery and learning. Previously, she was owner and Managing Director of Breads of Europe, a wholesale artisan bakery and retail establishment.
 
Her biggest achievement in business was starting up a business called Baby-On-The-Move and franchising it throughout New Zealand. This was a business that supplied baby car seats and all other baby/child related products. She set up 13 franchises across the country before selling the whole franchise operation off.
 
Also a celebrated athlete, Jill had great success in the 400m and 800m events, and competed in the 1990 Commonwealth Games. She also co-founded a NZ trade cycling team that won the South Island Elite Road Series in 2014 and was named 2014 New Zealand Cycling Team of the Year. Today, Jill remains an active sportswoman, and enjoys swimming, biking: both road and mountain, and walking her dogs.
 
Women’s Networking Association Member Jill Allison can be found on the Association Directory, where she is looking forward to networking with you.
 

RecognizingAlma Gómez Valdés

 
Alma Gómez Valdés has over 22 years of experience in her field. As Deputy Director Legal Department of Tecnicas Reunidas, she oversees a group of 10 lawyers, negotiates all contracts, handles disputes and problems in projects, and conducts litigation. Having followed a natural progression in her career, she is highly knowledgeable in the oil and gas and energy sectors, and has assisted on the building of power plans, refineries, and processing plants.
 
Alma holds a master’s degree in Construction Law and Arbitration from Robert Gordon University, class of 2018. Looking ahead, she plans to continue to grow and progress in her field. She credits her success to her dedication and love for her work.
 
Women’s Networking Association Member Alma Gómez Valdés can be found on the Association Directory, where she is looking forward to networking with you.
 
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RecognizingMaya Taher

 

Maya Taher has over a decade of experience in her field. As a self-employed Founder and Trainer, she is a Human Behavioral Expert Specialized in Traumas & Bulimia. She oversees training programs in leadership, including one on one executive coaching in the corporate world. She is a skilled researcher, and previously served as Director of Sales and Marketing, Front Office Operations at a 5 star hotel in Kuwait.

Maya is the founder of a female movement called “Empowered to Greatness Mastermind” that brings women from different parts of the world on an empowering mission, where she coaches them on understanding who they are, what they truly want, how to set goals, and what action plans to create to execute them! She also follows up with them on monthly basis to ensure that their 2020 is on the right track, and that their greatness is inevitable!

Maya is a member of the Tony Robbins Leadership Team, and is also a NLP Master Trainer, where she certifies people on becoming coaches. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool, class of 2013. She works with women in Dubai and is affiliated with Malak, a school for refugee children. She credits her success to hard work, dedication, and persevering through all the challenges along the line. She advises up and coming professionals to transform anger into something constructive and productive that will have a impact on their lives and society. She is looking forward to connecting with like-minded professionals.

Women’s Networking Association Member, Maya Taher, can be found on the Association Directory, where she is looking forward to networking with you.
 
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