Throughout March, Dress for Success Luzerne County is teaming up with DiscoverNEPA to share their Women In Power campaign, which coincides with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. Both of which are an opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Each week we’ll highlight a woman in our community and share how they have found their own power.
Women In Power Series Highlights April Vinciarelli
April Vinciarelli is the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Wealth Advisor at Jacobi Capital Management, LLC. She is known as a problem solver with a passion for helping her clients, and that passion extends to her community, where she serves on the board of Northeast Sight Services and supports organizations like Dress for Success and Candy’s Place. April was also the recipient of a Sister of Success award at the Dress for Success International Women’s Day luncheon on March 3rd, where she was recognized for her long time support of Dress for Success Luzerne County and her dedication to empowering women in her industry.
What does “Woman In Power” mean to you?
A woman who is empowered to lead; who is both independent and supported at the same time; a woman who is able to influence decisions and networks; a woman who takes responsibility to step forward on behalf of others.
What would you tell a woman who is feeling powerless/experiencing powerlessness as a result of inequity?
So many have walked that same path and have forged even the slightest amount of way forward. Persistence and perseverance are so critical in spite of challenges because they lay the groundwork for young women we may never meet in our lives.
Who were your female mentors in your career, and how would you suggest growing leaders identify possible mentors for their growth?
In my industry there were only a small number of female advisors who had been visible to other young women starting out. I have been lucky enough to have a male mentor who has helped guide me through my career. I think you need to look for someone who suits you and is willing to help and not just who may look like they should be willing to help.
What barriers have you faced in your career and how did you overcome them?
Many times I have been considered an assistant to a male colleague or at times others may copy a male colleague on communications because they believe I am not empowered to engage in the subject matter at hand on my own. Every bit of time and experience is needed to help move forward with confidence when you encounter situations like this.
What message do you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
I think you need to have a drive to work on a career that is fueled by passion. Achievements that come from the heart are those that give you the most satisfaction. Make sure you have passion. That will get you through all the hard work you need to put in!
About Dress for Success
Dress for Success ® is an international not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to nearly 150 cities in 30 countries. To date, Dress for Success has helped more than 2,000,000 women work towards self-sufficiency.
Since Dress for Success Luzerne County became operational in December of 2010, the program has reached 2,500 economically challenged women from the area by providing clothing, job interview support and workforce guidance. Dress for Success Luzerne County continues to create programs to enhance economic and social development, encouraging self-sufficiency through career development and employment retention.
To learn more about Dress for Success Luzerne County and the Women in Power campaign, please visit their website or on Facebook.
