October 2022

A Message from Leadership

Welcome to the month of October!


I cannot believe that not long ago I was toasting to 2022, and here we are, less than three months away from another new year!


I love this time of year because it is a time for not only thanksgiving, but a time of reflection. I

mention this because when I look back over my career, I think about the challenges I faced and

the people who helped me along the way. It was the kind gestures and encouragement I

received that reminded me to focus on my goals and continue pursuing my dreams.


Of course, as I continued to grow in my career and rise in rank, I made sure I reached back to help other young officers in their journeys. Reaching back is important as it not only demonstrates a selfless act, but it promotes a culture where we look out for others and encourage their success. As everyone knows, I am a huge advocate for mentoring our youth as these are our future leaders. They will be future leaders who will make decisions that will affect us, and they will be the voice of those who are not often heard.


Helping others is also a form of leadership, which is one of the pillars of Montgomery Women. It is not reserved for those with a title of authority; it is an action and can be followed. Our leadership is what we do which others observe and remember. As the end of the year approaches, I challenge each of us to find a way to support another individual. It does not necessarily have to be in the form of money, but can also be through mentorship. I encourage you to consider becoming a Montgomery Women Mentor. It does not cost much, just time.


I look forward to all the work Montgomery Women is doing and the achievements the organization will accomplish this year!


Stay safe,

Ijeoma Enendu

Vice President, Montgomery Women

Member Spotlights

Larissa Johnson

Residential Energy Program Manager, MCDEP


For the last 15 years, Larissa has dedicated her life to working with and for communities. As the Residential Energy Program Manager for the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, Larissa helps educate the over one million county residents about lowering their utility costs and switching to clean energy, all while keeping money in their pockets. In order to help the County accomplish its goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035, she has established creative partnerships and innovative initiatives to meet residents where they are.

Michele Potter

Executive Director,

Asbury Methodist Village


As the Executive Director of Asbury Methodist Village, Michele assures the very best quality of life for residents and associates of the community, honoring Asbury’s Mission to do all the good you can for those you serve. 


During her 20-plus years serving the City of Gaithersburg, Michele developed close ties with Asbury Methodist Village and the dynamic people who live here, serving on its Community Advisory Committee. Now as the Asbury Methodist Village's leader, she is eager to help drive its nearly 100-year legacy forward and strive for greatness every day.

Quick Tips

For the Everyday Leader

A great leader is one who makes those around them better. There are many litmus tests for a great leader, but take a good look at their followers. Are they growing, becoming better leaders themselves, motivated, advancing in their lives and professions? Are they happy and engaged?

Practice active communication skills and transparency to build trust among your team and improve overall morale. In your communications, it is important to be genuine above all else. There are many leadership styles; there’s no right and wrong. Yet there is genuine, and there is fake. There’s no following to fake leadership.

Keep a positive attitude. Look at three positive things about a problem before you identify what makes it dissatisfying. The more you look at the positives in a problem, the more positively people react with one another.


Have a leadership tip or resource you want to share? Click below.

Share Here

Key Updates

Participate in Our Mentorship Program

The Montgomery Women Mentorship Program welcomes another class of Mentors and Mentees for October 2022 through May 2023. After the success of the inaugural class, Montgomery Women would like to continue the mentor/mentee practice to provide a professional and personal enriching experience. If you are interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, please complete our application form.

Our Newsletter Naming Contest Winner

Montgomery Women would like to thank and congratulate Mary Bradford for coming up with the new official name for this monthly leadership digest, "Advance." As the winner of the newsletter naming contest, Mary will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.


Holidays & Observances 

September 15 - October 15: Spanish Heritage Month

October 1 - 31: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 4: Yom Kippur

October 5:  World Teachers' Day

October 10: Indigenous Peoples' Day

October 10: World Mental Health Day

October 11: International Day of the Girl Child

October 15: Hoshana Rabbah

October 24: Diwali

October 27: National Mentoring Day

October 28: National First Responders Day

Upcoming Events

October

7

First Friday Breakfast

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

Mosaic Cuisine - Rockville, MD

RSVP Here

October

19

New Member Connect

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Virtual via Zoom

RSVP with Alison Jovanovic, Membership Co-Chair

November

4

First Friday Breakfast

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

In-person

Details to follow

View All Events

Stay Connected

Facebook  LinkedIn  Twitter
Become a Member