Three professional, inspiring, and exceptionally driven women are being featured during the 2019-20 Women’s Success Series at ֱ State University at Tuscarawas. Carmel Haueter, Executive Director of Rainbow Connection, kicks off the series on Fri., Nov. 15, followed by Dee Grossman, Executive Director for the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau, on Fri., Feb. 7, 2020, and Sarah DiFazio, a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, on Fri., April 3, 2020. Each session is held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at ֱ State Tuscarawas. Cost to attend each session is $15 when paid in advance and $20 at the door. The fee includes a continental breakfast.
The Women’s Success Series is designed to inspire women of all ages to succeed personally and professionally. Each year, the leadership series features three dynamic women who have enjoyed a measure of success in Tuscarawas County. The sessions also include networking opportunities and a book discussion. The November 2019 book selection is The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates and is available at any Tuscarawas County Public Library.
“Each year we select three outstanding women who will make a positive impact on our audience by sharing their own success stories,” said Wendy Zucal, director of Dennison Railroad Depot Museum and one of the Women’s Success Series organizers. “In doing so, they inspire our audience to move forward in their own lives and careers. Our audience is comprised of women of all ages and from all walks of life, which creates an interesting mix and leads to dynamic and thoughtful discussions. The women encourage each other. And everyone learns something new during the program.”
This year’s first speaker, Carmel Haueter, attended Bergen Community College, where she studied to be a dental hygienist. In 1975, life adventures brought her to Tuscarawas County, where she worked at Anderson Medical as a Medicare part B biller. Her skill set and dynamic personality caught the attention of the company president, who recommended her to fill the executive director position at a nonprofit agency. Serving in this capacity for over 21 years, Carmel became the name and face of Rainbow Connection. Her passion to advocate for children and families is what motivates her to create change while engaging the community to assist those who are served by the organization. Through Carmel’s positive energy and commitment to families, the annual Rainbow Connection Telethon has become part of the county’s culture during the month of March. The success of the telethon is due in part to her leadership, dedication and support. Carmel enjoys spending time with her husband, Jim, and their family that includes two daughters, two sons and four granddaughters.
The Women’s Success Series is sponsored by Dennison Railroad Depot Museum and ֱ State Tuscarawas in collaboration with Carlene Farms, Tuscarawas County Public Library System and the Tuscarawas Economic Development Corporation.
Other organizations contributing to the Women’s Success Series are Claymont Health and Rehabilitation; Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital; Dominion East Ohio; First Federal Community Bank; First National Bank of Dennison; Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District; Rodriguez’s House of Stones; Trinity Hospital Twin City; Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce; and What’s Cooking Café.
In addition to Zucal, planning committee members include Adria Bergeron from Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, Debbie Ellwood from ֱ State Tuscarawas, Connie Finton from Carlene Farms, and Michelle McMorrow Ramsell from the Tuscarawas County Public Library System.
Registration deadline for the November 15th session is Nov. 8. Registrations are limited to the first 100 participants. For more information or to register, contact the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum at 740.922.6776 or email womenssuccessseries@dennisondepot.org. To register online, visit and click on Events.
ֱ State Tuscarawas is located at 330 University Drive NE in New Philadelphia.