Behind the Scenes of Power Women

Oh, what a difference 12 months make. This time last year, I was on maternity leave after the birth of my son, William. He arrived at the beginning of August, so I was absent for the production of Main Line Today’s October, November and December issues.

It was the first one that I missed the most, as I didn’t have the opportunity to interview some of the most accomplished and hardworking ladies in our area. I’d been involved in the selection of 2014’s Power Women, but I was wrestling with breast pumps, battling sleep deprivation, and basically sucking up every ounce of time I had with my precious infant while associate editor Melissa Jacobs handled the story. 

I wouldn’t have traded that time with my child for anything, but I did experience a pang of regret when my copy of MLT came in the mail and my name wasn’t in the byline for the cover story. Right then, I truly understood the balancing act of family and career. You simply can’t be in two places at once. 

That said, I am thrilled to be involved in this year’s feature. Without question, the 23 “Women of Influence” we’ve profiled are inspiring. As a working parent, I have a newfound appreciation for what they’re able to accomplish day in and day out. Though not all of them are mothers, each is a caretaker in some aspect of her life. 

Tara Behan

Col. Teresa Wolfgang is balancing two careers. During the week, she’s relishing her new role as executive director of Wayne’s Women’s Resource Center. On weekends, she’s an active member of the U.S. Army Reserve. Wolfgang has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and she’s also mentored Afghan businesswomen through a global management program. 

Emily Kramer-Golinkoff is another powerhouse. She’s juggling a day job in social media at the University of Pennsylvania with managing the Emily’s Entourage foundation. As the 30-year-old continues to battle cystic fibrosis, her organization funds research to find a cure for her mutation of the disease. 

I hope you’ll join me in recognizing all of this year’s honorees at our Women on the Move Luncheon on Oct. 22 at Drexelbrook. The keynote speaker is Main Line Health’s Dr. Marisa Weiss, founder of Breastcancer.org, who will be chatting with NBC10’s Tracy Davidson, a breast cancer survivor. For tickets and more information, visit www.mainlinetoday.com. 

I look forward to seeing you there.