Q&A With Michelle Zattoni, Co-founder of Women Transforming the Valley
We all understand the struggles women have personally and professionally so we wanted to use our experience and education to help other women as other women in our lives have helped us.
Tell us a bit about WOMEN Transforming The Valley.
Women Transforming the Valley is a non profit corporation owned and operated by women. Although we are based in Lehigh Valley, PA we work with women all over the world. Our mission is to educate, empower, and support our fellow women focusing on self love/self esteem, education, and professional development.
What gave you the idea for your business and how did it start?
My partners and I were separately doing programming and events for women, in which we supported each other but when we realized we were on the same mission, we decided to join forces. We all understand the struggles women have personally and professionally so we wanted to use our experience and education to help other women as other women in our lives have helped us.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
Since I am Director of Operations and a certified project manager, I tend to be behind the scenes most of the time. However, my favorite part of my job is seeing projects being completed efficiently and effectively because that means we have at least helped someone…
What are your keys to making yourself productive?
My keys to making myself productive are:
Understanding that there is always work to be done
Having the desire to constantly improve
Listening to feedback about how we’ve helped someone and wanting to continue doing so
Tell us one long-term goal in your career.
A long term career goal is to be able to look back and know I have made a positive impact on my community and the world through my work.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to believe in yourself and know you will put in a lot of work to be successful. (A lot of work meaning on yourself and sleeping 3-4 hours per day)
What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?
To be successful in any field, you must be resilient, be an effective listener, do your research, don’t be afraid to ask for help, don’t let anyone steer you into things that do not include your mission, and you will have times when you want to give up but stay focused and remind yourself of the reasons why you’re doing what you are.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I love to experience different cultures so traveling is one of my favorite past times. I also enjoy cooking, going to the movies, and spending time with family and friends.
Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.
Books:
Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Coleman
Five Dysfunctions of a Team, The Advantage (The Importance of Organizational Health) by Patrick Lencioni
The Bible
Websites:
Entrepreneur Magazine online
Forbes.com
Contact for Women Transforming the Valley at
