Local businesswomen share their stories, triumphs with chamber

What appears to be impossible becomes attainable when we realize that others have done it. Hearing someone else's story of success helps us write our own. The Women's Leadership Panel, held at July's First Friday Coffee, provided an opportunity for three women to share their success and inspire others.

We commend Bob Neff, chairman of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce's board of directors, for moderating the event that highlighted Pam Vargas, Su Hill and Laurie Everett.

Hill owns several Cape Girardeau restaurants; Vargas is Southeast Missouri State University's director of research and grant development; and Everett's entrepreneurship includes an antique business.

A recent Bridget Brown article reported that the three women spoke on several topics at the event, the importance of mentors and pushing against adversity among them.

Like the chamber, we believe the key to success is not bypassing difficulty; it's pushing through it. Panelists shared their personal inspirational stories of doing just that. They also provided advice for young women who want to get involved in professional organizations and become mentors.

"You are the only person who can make yourself happy," said Hill. She said it is important to "be responsible," adding, "Find your passion. Ask for help."

Vargas said she exults in mentoring others and helping them soar: "I tend to take more pleasure in doing that than something I've done myself."

Everett stressed that, ultimately, people must possess the inner drive to become a success story, stating, "You can mentor someone all day and give them advice, but it also has to come from within."

Each of these successful women overcame adversity to get where they are. Everyone, not just women, should find inspiration in their stories; however, it's a good thing when women can look to other women and think, "Hey, if she can do it, I can do it!" Will it be easy? Not according to the three women on the panel. But is it possible? They testify that it is. The more they, and others like them, share their stories, the more people will hear -- and the more people will then emulate their success.

We offer our thanks to these women for sharing their experiences, and to the chamber for organizing the panel.