COVER | story
As you get to know the P.E.O.s in your chapter or flip through the pages of The P.E.O. Record, you’re sure to recognize what a wide variety of special interests and areas of expertise those in our organization possess. We’re continuously impressed with how P.E.O.s use their talents—whether it’s a casual hobby or a career built over a lifetime—it’s all part of the beautiful mosaic that makes up our Sisterhood. In this issue of The Record, we’re excited to share stories of P.E.O.s who have taken their special interests and expertise to radio and television airwaves, and to the wide world of podcasting. These sisters explore topics ranging from career advice, aging and politics to ghosts and storytelling. P.E.O.s ON THE AIR Sisters in Radio, Television & Podcasting
WHO: Roni Burgener, IN, Louisville, Colorado WHAT: “Big Girl Money” podcast Roni Burgener, a fourth-generation P.E.O. and engineer, had been working in tech for only six months when the corporate world began to pummel her with some hard-to-learn lessons. She soon learned that no matter what rocky
road you’re on, there’s a woman who has been there and all you have to do is find her. Thankfully, Roni found that woman early in her career, Wendy Bohling. Wendy’s advice helped her through discrimination, bad bosses, infuriating meetings with HR, pay negotiations and coping with everyday work life. Through all this turmoil, Roni couldn’t stop thinking about how incredibly ill-prepared she was to deal with all these challenges and how many other women must be feeling the exact same way. Roni has never known a world without P.E.O. She remembers going to pancake breakfasts and holiday galas. She joined her mom and aunt’s chapter, Chapter IN in Colorado, when she was 19 and has been an active member for seven years. For Roni, growing up with P.E.O. instilled in her a core value—women should help women reach for the stars. As Roni was dealing with challenge after challenge at work, the P.E.O. in her couldn’t stop worrying about all the other women in corporate America dealing with these same issues. Roni had an instant career advice hotline through her mentor, Wendy. What about women who didn’t have a Wendy? That’s when it hit Roni—they should start a career advice podcast for women. Fast forward to today, they have now released more than 80 episodes of their award-winning show, “Big Girl Money.” The pair blends their intergenerational wisdom to deliver career advice and leadership skills in a practical and humorous way. Each episode they feature guest interviews, career advice, leadership skills and more. You can hear an interview with another P.E.O. in episode 43, titled Joan Motley – Doctor and Two Time Cancer Survivor. For Roni, producing the podcast has been a beautiful lesson in perseverance, positivity and staying open to unexpected friendships. She encourages all P.E.O.s to never stop thinking about the new and creative ways they can be women who help women reach for the stars. Roni (left) with her co-host Wendy Bohling
WHO: Kay Henderson, GH, Des Moines, Iowa WHAT: “Iowa Press” TV show Kay Henderson, GH, Des Moines, Iowa, is the host and moderator of “Iowa Press,” the Iowa PBS public affairs program. Kay first appeared on “Iowa Press” in October of 1987. For the past 20 years, she has been the national political director for Learfield news networks in Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin. She has served two terms as president of the National Association of State Radio Networks’ news directors group. Kay received the Iowa Broadcast News Association’s 2002 Jack Shelley Award, an annual recognition of “outstanding contribution to the cause of professional journalism.” In addition to her work in Iowa broadcasting, Kay has appeared on the “PBS NewsHour,” NBC’s “Meet the Press” and ABC’s “This Week” as well CNN, Fox News and MSNBC. Each week, “Iowa Press” invites newsmakers, policy makers and elected officials to join capitol reporters in a weekly discussion. The program airs Friday evenings and Sundays at noon on Iowa PBS. Past episodes of “Iowa Press” are available online at iowapbs.org.
8
THE P.E.O. RECORD | January–February 2022
Women helping women reach for the stars
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease