www.redmond-reporter.com [9]September 30, 2011

SAMANTHA PAK

spak@redmond-reporter.com

Editor’s note: The Reporter visited with three local women — Dr. Lauren West, Judy Jewell, president of a Redmond concrete manufacturing company and Redmond Police Commander Shari Shovlin — who have thrived in traditionally male-dominated careers. Here are their stories.

Lauren West did not have it easy at the beginning of her career in emergency medi-

cine — but the obstacles she faced helped her thrive in a male-domi-nated workplace.

Her � rst job was at a hospital in Yakima that served the surround-ing region and out of the roughly 250 physicians, only four were women.

“I was kind of lonely,” she admitted.� e 57-year-old said in the early

1980s when she was starting out, women in medicine were still so rare some patients didn’t think she was a doctor, but rather a nurse. West said one patient she treated even sent in a complaint because they claimed they never saw a doctor during their trip to the emergency room — not realizing it had been her.

West is now an emergency medicine physician at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, where she has worked for about 14 years. � ere are about 30 doctors in the department — � ve of which are female — and they rotate between the Redmond and Kirkland campuses.

Diane Rosonke, who graduated from medical school in 2006, is one of the remain-ing four female physicians at Evergreen and said West has taken an interest in her and been particularly helpful in welcoming the younger doctor into the profession.

“(West) is a pleasure to work with,”

Rosonke said. “She’s an inspiration.”West said when she was where Rosonke

was, beginning her career, her age was another obstacle she faced. At 28, not only was she young, but she looked a lot young-er. However, just as she has been mentoring

Rosonke, West was mentored by a number of veteran doctors along the way.

“I got a lot of wonderful teach-ing,” the Woodinville resident said.

And while being a female doctor came with its challenges in her early days, West said she also met people who were “very enthused” to see a woman in medicine. Some-times being female also worked to her advantage as some patients were more comfortable having a woman treat them.

“Even today, we have people who really do, for cultural reasons, pre-fer a female doctor,” West said.

She said in an emergency situa-tion, people will usually agree to be

cared for regardless of the gender of their doctor, but they do try to honor a patient’s request for a female doctor if one is available.

Another shi� in demographics West has seen in medicine is more male nurses which she said is something else she and her colleagues must keep in mind if a patient makes a similar gender-speci� c request in regard to their nurse.

Something else that has changed for West is how she views her job and what she enjoys the most. When she was younger, West said she really liked the drama of working in an emergency department, but now she enjoys the smaller cases that allow her to interact with people since unlike a family doctor, she does not see the same patients on a regular basis.

Shalimar BackmanThe Closet

16150 NE 85th Street Redmond • (425) 558-0809

527358

The Closet…a uniquely savvy women’s consignment shop in Redmond offers carefully chosen quality fashions, shoes, handbags and accessories at great prices. Whether you like couture fashions like St. John, designer jeans such as Seven’s and True Religion, Lululemon and other active wear, Anthropologie, evening wear, career wear, or just something new and exciting to wear, you’ll find it at The Closet. The store is well organized, clean and has a friendly and helpful owner to provide you with a pleasant shopping experience. Check out the most talked about hotspot in Redmond…The Closet.

www.theclosetredmond.net

Dr. Aditi AgarwalAvondale Smiles

11523 Avondale Rd NE, Ste 115 • 425-29-TOOTH(86684)

526113

What is a Smile? A Smile is the most overlooked and underval-ued human asset. At Avondale Smiles, we strive to create/ restore/develop and maintain each “Smile” by getting to know our patients as individuals and addressing their needs, concerns and/or fears. We try to achieve this by providing our Patients with flexible timings to accom-modate our busy moms; various sedation options for those who have had unpleasant experiences and warm blankets and towels to show each Patient how much we care. Dr Agarwal has been in Practice for over 8 years and is well versed in all aspects of dentistry including dentures and implants. As an all woman dental team, we at Avondale Smiles are dedicated in providing the best treatment in the most gentle and caring environment.For more information on Avondale Smiles- go to www.avondalesmiles.com or call us at 425-298-6684.

WO M E N B U S I N E S Sin LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Dr. Lauren West

Judy Jewell

Women who shine in male-dominated � elds

aNO LONGER

CLUBBOYS’

Redmond Police Commander Shari Shovlin, who has nearly three decades of police work experience, enjoys interacting with community members. She said women in police work was rare when she � rst started. “It was kind of new territory for women in law enforcement,” Shovlin said. “People had a lot of reservations.” Courtesy of Redmond Police Department [ more WOMEN page 11 ]

www.redmond-reporter.com[10] September 30, 2011

Ana JudehOwner of Ra Salon | Spa

16375 NE 85th St. Redmond • 425.284.0404

526094

While balancing her day with styling and running daily operations of the salon, Ana Judeh shows deep dedication to her industry. You see this through not only her business ethics, but her passion for the world of beauty. With an eye for detail and a hand for creativity, it was no surprise that Ana was immediately drawn to owning her own salon and spa. She knows that “this is not just a career, but a lifestyle”. It has now been just over 5 years since Ra’s doors have opened, and Ana and her team have been continuing to provide untouched, undisturbed, natural, organic beauty.

www.rasalonspa.com

Cathy VillemureCPA, Tax Manager • Falco | Sult

16150 NE 85th St, Ste 203 Redmond • 425-883-3111

528911

I’m happy to be working for a firm who has been voted the“Best Financial Advisor in Redmond” for the last two years and owe this success to our long-standing and loyal client base and friends here in the greater Redmond community. Thank you all for the opportunity to work with you and serve your companies. Since 1991, our firm has been helping clients with their personal and business tax, account-ing, planning and financial needs. Traditionally, we think of CPAs as boring compliance offi-cers but at Falco Sult, we are problem solvers who go beyond the numbers. We serve clients in a variety of industries, helping them through each phase of the business life cycle – what we call Financial Success by Design. It’s what separates us from the bean counters in our industry. If this approach appeals to you, please meet with me and see if we are a fit for your needs.

www.falcosult.com

Robin GrannellCanine Behavior Center

7551 205th Ave NE Redmond • 425-898-1341

530327

Robin Grannell, CEO of Canine Behavior Center, Inc., has 24 years experience as a Canine Behaviorist. She acquired Canine Behavior Center, Inc. in 1996, and runs the company as well as staying involved in the daily activities of the business such as private behavior modification and training, seminars, and training classes.

We develop programs that take into consideration the dog’s history, age and temperament. The schedule and pri-orities of the dog’s owners, and the goals that they set for themselves and their dogs are of primary importance.

Canine Behavior Center uses a positive approach to canine behavior problem solving. The emphasis is in making excellent handlers of the dog’s owners. We teach the dog’s family how to break the old patterns and how to create a new set of behaviors in the dog without punishment.

www.caninebehaviorcenter.com

WO M E N B U S I N E S Sin LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

West said she also enjoys the smaller cases because many times, the cause of the injury or ailment is not straightforward and she has more of a chance to problem solve.

“You have to � gure it out,” she said. “You have to think.”

JUDY JEWELLJudy Jewell’s initial career plan

was to go into human resources. A� er spending her early years around her family’s Redmond-based precast concrete manu-facturing company, it wasn’t too much of a stretch when she bought it from a bankruptcy court in 1987.

She and her husband Kevin Jewell renamed the company — which focused on architectural pieces and building components — to Olympian Precast, Inc. and it has remained in the family since then. Judy has been president since the beginning and runs the company with Kevin, who is the vice president of operations, and their son, who is in estimating

and project management.“We’re a small business,” Judy

said. “So we all wear di� erent hats. We all do a lot of things.”

She said although women in construction were rare when she started out, it wasn’t a problem for her. Judy said it was actually an advantage for her because as head of a construction company, she wasn’t what people expected and they remembered her for it.

As president of Olympian, Judy

said she spends most of her time focusing on the management side of things such as employee bene� ts and human resources rather than the actual construc-tion side of the company. She said she enjoys it that way because she is able to provide jobs for people, which she thinks is important.

“I like to provide work,” she said. “� at gives me my reason to get up in the morning.”

However, a� er being in the

business for 23 years, Judy has picked up a few things about con-struction along the way. And it has been those two-plus decades of experience that has established Olympian in the industry.

“You gain respect over the years with experience and it doesn’t matter whether you’re a woman or man,” she said. “We’re still get-ting credit for all the knowledge we’ve gained.”

Kevin said women are becom-ing more involved as owners or other leadership roles in all sorts of businesses. He said this is also re� ected in the government, refer-ring to the state’s female governor and two female U.S. senators. � is shi� can also be seen in construc-tion, he said.

“I think construction, while still male dominated, is certainly becoming more woman oriented,” Kevin said. “We constantly meet with women architects/engineers or contractor project managers today and don’t think there is anything out of the ordinary.”

Kevin said he and his wife have di� erent responsibilities in the company and while they do inter-act on some subjects, there is not

much overlap in their respective jobs. However, working in a small business with o� ces in close prox-imity, husband and wife usually have a good idea what the other is doing during the day, he said.

“As a consequence, one of the � rst things we realized is that we didn’t have the normal dinner-time conversation with each other that we might have had before we started working together,” Kevin said.

Although her gender didn’t present many challenges, Judy said, like most people in the construction world, they were hit by the economic recession in the last few years when many construction jobs were delayed or canceled.

“It happened overnight for us,” she said.

During this slow time, Olym-pian became WSDOT certi� ed, meaning they can now bid on state projects concerning road-ways and other transportation-related jobs.

“(� e recession has) been awful, but we haven’t been lazy during this time,” Judy said.

[ WOMEN from page 9]

Judy Jewell has been president of Olympian Precast, Inc., a Redmond-based concrete manufacturing company, since 1987. SAMANTHA PAK, Redmond Reporter

[ more WOMEN page 11 ]

Gotta Dance Studio

17945 NE 65th St, Ste 100Redmond • (425) 861-5454

526787

Gotta Dance is celebrating its 21st year serving this community. We provide a quality dance education while building self confidence and team work. Students learn jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, ballet, and pointe. There is a place for everyone at Gotta Dance, from the beginner to advanced dancers, ages 2 through adult. Our studio features an aspiring setting — a 12,000 square foot facility that includes four extra-large studios, a study, a party room and parent lobby. The staff helps dancers reach personal goals and potential while building strong and disciplined community members. We have over 700 students with 100 on a national-awarded performing team.

www.gttadance.com

Maggie Mitchell Wagner Mari Ann Lawler

www.redmond-reporter.com [11]September 30, 2011

Margo EngbergPinkaBella CupCakes

16481 NE 74th Street, Redmond • (425) 861-0300

527866

The lifelong dream of a bake shop of some sort became a reality for Margo Engberg just 2 short years ago. It all started at the Redmond Town Center location which she calls “home” her beloved first “Pinkabella baby” Now 4 stores later Pinkabella is wildly successful. What started as a passion for baking and giving back has turned into a little planet of it’s own. (Margo Engberg)”If i didn’t have to make a living I would give it all away, that is truly my heart... my passion. Pinkabella is a family affair, Every one in our house is on board and the employees at our store generously agree to donate 100% of our tips to our chil-drens’ feeding program” I am so proud of my staff and feel grateful for their loyal commitment to Pinkabella, I could not do it without them!” She calls the communities she is in and her staff her extended family and it seems the feeling is mutual, Pinkabella has been well received.

www.pinkabellacupcakes.com

Debra CobainOwner Marbella Day Spa & Boutique

16122 NE 87th St. Redmond • 425-883-3000

526018

Cosmetologist, Permanent Make up artist

Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce Executive Board member Chair: Gala Fundraiser

As I journey on through this life, I find myself always coming back to the same passions and desires. With over 20 years experience in the beauty industry, it is one of the most rewarding experiences I think anyone could find. I am blessed with meeting so many people as well as getting to exercise my creativity through hair styling and be exclusive with the art of permanent make up.

The support of our community has changed my life, and I am thrilled to give back!

www.marbelladayspa.com/

Denise EnsignKumon Math and Reading Center

8133 161st Ave NE, Redmond • 425-869-3939

527060

Kumon is a program designed to help children mas-ter math and reading, eventually studying above grade level. Children sharpen their academic skills by practicing them until they become second nature, just as they do in sports or the arts. What’s more, children discover - from the first day - they’re capable of more than they ever thought possible. Children become better, more confident students. They also learn how self-discipline, focus and practice can unleash their talents in school... and beyond. Kumon is the oldest supplemental education program in the world and Kumon of Redmond will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2012.

www.kumonofredmond.com

WO M E N B U S I N E S Sin LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

SHARI SHOVLINShari Shovlin was 18 and a half

years old when she joined the Po-lice Reserve Academy at Fullerton College in Fullerton, Calif.

She attended the college a� er graduating from high school in 1982 and was taking criminal justice classes when she joined the academy and since then, the Redmond Police commander has “never looked back.”

“I got addicted,” said Shov-lin, now in her 27th year in law enforcement.

Despite her love of the job, Shovlin said it wasn’t always easy. At the beginning of her career, she said the law enforce-ment � eld was only about � ve percent female and there was a fair amount of discontent and distrust about having women in a “man’s world.”

“It was kind of new territory for women in law enforcement,” Shovlin said. “People had a lot of reservations.”

Redmond Police Chief Ron Gibson has been in law enforce-ment for 32 years and said he remembers in 1979 being asked

how he would feel about working with a female partner.

“I don’t think you can even ask that question in an interview today,” he said.

Shovlin, who lives in unincor-porated King County just outside of Redmond, spent her � rst 11 years working in California and 16 with the Redmond Police De-

partment (RPD) — four of which have been as a commander, which is two positions below Gibson.

� roughout her career, Shovlin has worked in various positions ranging from a D.A.R.E. o� cer, to a patrol supervisor. She has also been a detective and worked in the vice and narcotics divisions.

Gibson said Shovlin’s varied

experience is an asset to the RPD and in addition to her commit-ment to the department, she is very involved in community activities.

“My favorite part of working with Shari is her willingness to call it like she sees it,” he said. “I value leaders that are willing to speak up and be a part of the solution.”

Shovlin said one of the biggest challenges she faced throughout her career, particularly when she was � rst starting out, has been working with o� cers who did not accept women in law en-forcement. Because of this, she and other female police o� cers worked extra hard to prove themselves and � t into a male-dominated � eld.

“You couldn’t slack o� ,” Shovlin said. “� at’s what we thought we had to do.”

But all of the hard work has been worth it, she said.

Shovlin said she has always admired those in law enforcement and considered it a noble profes-sion. Police o� cers work to try and keep people safe, something she said she has always found ap-

pealing about the � eld.Shovlin said she has particu-

larly enjoyed her time working for the RPD because it is a forward-thinking department with fantas-tic leadership. She said likes that the RPD works and collaborates with other city departments.

“I love the sense of community that the police department has,” she said.

A� er nearly three decades in her profession, Shovlin said law enforcement has de� nitely evolved since her early days.

Gibson agreed, saying women are now very well established in the � eld and serving in all roles.

“We have many examples of woman in leadership roles in our region such as our county sheri� (Sue Rahr) and many serving as police chiefs,” he said, referring to the cities of Bellevue, Woodinville and Spokane.

Shovlin added that there is more education all around on diversity and police departments are putting the right people in leadership positions — regardless of gender.

“� e � eld is more diverse than it was years ago,” she said.

Redmond Police Commander Shari Shovlin has earned the respect of her peers — and boss. “My favorite part of working with Shari is her willingness to call it like she sees it,” said Police Chief Ron Gibson. “I value leaders that are willing to speak up and be a part of the solution.” Courtesy of Redmond Police Department

Terri GatelyDogs-a-Jammin’

Located in Woodinville near Redmond • (425) 788-WOOF (9663)

529114

Dogs-a-Jammin’ is a kennel free dog boarding and daycare facility - your dog’s home away from home! I’m honored to have created a set-ting where dogs can enjoy themselves in a safe, comfortable, caring, and fun environment. Our personalized attention and extensive knowledge of canine behavior combine to create an optimal environment for your furry friend. Each member of the Dogs-a-Jammin’ team is a certified professional, ensuring that all dogs receive the highest quality care in a safe and friendly environment. I’ve always known caring for animals is in my blood, and I’m truly honored to care for “the pack.” Your pooch is a part of our extended family and I love having the opportunity to make each dog’s experience here the best it can possibly be!

www.dogs-a-jammin.com

www.redmond-reporter.com[12] September 30, 2011

� e Redmond Reporter will be recognizing local women business leaders at its upcoming second annual “Women in Business” network-ing event.

� e free event will be held � ursday, Oct. 6 from 5-7:30 p.m. at iPic � eaters in the Redmond Town Center at 16451 N.E. 74th St.

� e purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for Redmond women busi-ness leaders to network and socialize with each other, check out the latest workplace fashions and give back to the community, according to Reporter publisher Andrea Southern, who is in charge of organiz-ing the event.

Several business leaders will share their success stories at the event. Attendees will have

“a chance to mingle and be inspired,” Southern said.

� e event will feature a fashion show, show-casing clothing from several Redmond busi-nesses, such as Trade Chic, � e Closet and more.

� e event will also have a charity aspect to it.

� e Reporter will be collect-ing donations for Redmond’s YWCA Family Village “Work-ing Wardrobe” program,

which helps � nd job opportunities for people displaced from their homes by � nancial hard-ship or domestic violence. Women who attend the event are encouraged to bring gently-used work attire to be donated to the program, which also accepts men’s clothing.

Appetizers will be provided by iPic � e-

aters, which will give tours of their updated fa-cility. To RSVP for the event, call � e Reporter at (425) 867-0353.

For more information about the Working

Wardrobe program at the YWCA Family Village in Redmond, contact Brenda McCal-lon by e-mail at mccallon@ywcaworks.org or (425) 556-1354.

Gail KurpgeweitTaste of Amazing

18005 NE 68th St., Ste. A-115, Redmond • 425.867.1516

530181

Gail Kurpgeweit started this business with a cupcake. A coconut creation that she made for her daughter’s wedding, it was so good people were begging for more! From small Cupcake Open House events out of her home in Issaquah, Washington, and many new cupcake flavors later, the menu expanded to meal delivery services and then into a full scale catering company where Gail was able to pursue her passion for creating delicious, beautiful food.

In May of 2011, she purchased Savory Moment in Redmond, Washington. It was the perfect marriage. Today the menu continues to expand with delicious varieties of food – all packaged and ready for convenient heat-and-serve at home - and the catering services now include full-service, do-it-yourself and gluten-free options. Gail and her team passionately pursue exciting dishes that create the “OMG, That’s Amazing!” response from their customers, and find new ways to entertain with food.

www.TasteOfAmazing.com

Shannon de Jongde Jong Sawdust & Shavings

11807 Avondale RD NE • 425-885-1821

526397

Becoming the Queen of Sawdust but still just “The Girl”? I am Granddaughter of Cory de Jong II, daughter of Cory de Jong III, and mother of Cory de Jong IV. Where does that leave a third generation sawdust hauler? No place special if you’re not a man. It hasn’t been easy following or leading in the Corys’ footsteps. The title, “Sawdust Queen” wasn’t handed to me like some think. I started out as just “THE GIRL”. Even though I had my CDL that allowed me to drive trucks, my father wouldn’t give me a job. With CDL in hand, I managed to convince a company that I knew how to drive a truck and trailer to get the job. That wasn’t just the start of driving but the first time I realized I could sell anything. Eighteen, nervous and alone, I got into the fifty thousand pound rig and proceeded to teach myself to drive. A short time after I was finally hired on with the family business. Not knowing at the time that being the boss’s daughter was enough, I managed to learn to do it all. Drive and work on trucks, run loaders and dispatch and help customers. Computers came and I attacked them inside and out like I did everything else. As we grew so did I. I was born, work and still live on the same square block and am what I do. I sell anything to do with sawdust. You have to be able to do it all to earn respect and be able to lead by example not just who you’re the daughter of. Earning what I have and teaching myself what I know I am no longer just “THE GIRL” I am and always will be the “Sawdust Queen”.

www.deJongss.com

Lisa AlimentBear Creek Florist

17186 Redmond Way, Redmond • 425-883-3770

529837

The family business started in 1978. I graduated from the UW with a BA degree, then took over the family business in 1996 after working in the financial markets. Floral design has always been a passion, I started designing back in high school and on through college. I took additional floral design classes and got my master floral design certification through FTD. Through more recent years Bear Creek Florist has changed its scope to be more of a boutique florist. Carrying such items as scarves, handbags, jewelry, hats, gloves, and headbands. The giftware has increased to include such items as interior design pieces, unique holiday items, outdoor yard art, and as always many unusual vases and art glass. We still love our unique and artistic floral designs for weddings and special occasions, but we have ventured off to become much more than just flowers. I welcome you to stop off and say hello and receive a free hello flower from me.

www.bearcreekflorist.com

Irene LamSales Manager iPic Theater

16451 NE 74th St., Ste E200, Redmond • 425-636-5605

530308

“At iPic Theaters, we have a passion for movies and provide you with the ultimate escape. We take the stress out of going to the movies: no rush to the concession stand, no skipping dessert and hustling to get a good seat, park once and let you night unfold the way you want it to. At iPic Theaters we are transform-ing your movie-going experience to a great evening out.”

www.ipictheaters.com

Victoria HolsclawOwner of Koko FitClub

16510 Cleveland St., Suite R • 425-398-KOKO (5656)

527065

Victoria opened her first Koko FitClub in Woodinville in late 2010. Because of its overwhelming success and requests from her members, she’s now opened a second location in neighboring Redmond! As a former elementary school teacher (busy!), Victoria neglected her health and let her weight get out of control. Now, Victoria’s passion is to provide an effective, encouraging fitness solution that works for busy people who don’t have time to spend hours at the gym. Koko FitClub fuses exercise with technology to create the most time-effective, fun workout around! Victoria would love to meet you, so stop in to see her anytime!

redmond.kokofitclub.com

WO M E N B U S I N E S Sin LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Networking, charity event set for Oct. 6 at iPic Theaters

Christina Henning, senior marketing manager for the Redmond Town Center, left, introduces some of the women business leaders at last year’s “Women in Business” networking event. This year’s event will be Oct. 6 at iPic Theaters. File photo