WOW Members Spotlights

The W.O.W. Members Spotlights feature new members, highlighting how our members’ work in their businesses or occupations is making a difference both in the community and in their respective fields. The spotlight offers an opportunity for members to share their initiatives with our network, inspire other women to consider membership and strengthen awareness of our mission and association.

Women Optimizing Women. is not just a group of successful women in business. It is a solution to a problem: helping women advance their businesses and incomes by spotlighting them through various means. W.O.W. encourages businesswomen not just to survive but to thrive and prosper. Discover how our members achieve financial WOWNESS through the WOW Spotlight Questions.

Successful Women in Business

Shana Bender

Shana Bender is a Mortgage Loan Originator at Cazle Mortgage in Middle River, MD, with seven years of experience. Cazle Mortgage is a small company known for its creativity in getting deals done, closing quickly, and making homeownership dreams a reality.

Specializing in helping first-time homebuyers, Shana also assists clients looking to upsize, downsize, or invest in vacation properties. Whether you’re navigating down payment assistance programs or unique credit situations, Shana has the expertise to guide you. Licensed in 21 states, including FL, TX, and CA, her company supports refinancing and purchases across the nation.

I truly believe in homeownership to feel like you are part of your community and an excellent way to build wealth.

Your home is your Castle (Cazle!)

I take the time to explain options clearly and make sure the borrower understands the process. I know this takes more of my time, but it is the right thing to do. 

I frequently hear terrible stories of borrowers’ previous experiences and create a new experience with honesty, expertise, and excellent communication.  

I love when someone knows they are ready to purchase a home.  There is a sense of more stability in terms of job experience and savings combined with the clarity of wanting a real home for their family. I hear stories of issues with renting and wanting something better.  I am inspired by hard work towards the goal of homeownership.

I will be taping videos to use on social media, and I’m excited about it. We have a studio at the new office in Middle River that I can use.  I can also have a customer about to do a testimonial (great story of saving a deal!).  Realtors who want to work with me can also do videos here.

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Spotlighting Women's Empowerment

Stacy Gillis

A Baltimore native, Stacy Gillis is a trailblazer with over three decades of expertise in the video production industry. As the founder of Advanced Video Systems, Inc., she revolutionized video marketing, from launching video clubs in the 1980s to being featured on the cover of Smart Woman magazine.

In 2020, Stacy moved her business to Clearwater, Florida, where she actively contributes to her local community as an Ambassador for the Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce and The Bluff’s Business Association. Her leadership exemplifies successful women in business who embrace innovation while giving back to their communities.

My Why is a Journey of learning and growing to be the Best Person Possible. 

I pay it forward

My 3 kids inspire me. They teach me to shut up and stay in my lane!

Physically I am attending Crossfit. I started 2 years ago at the ripe age of 58. I am getting stronger everyday. I also started drinking an all natural tea called SipBlu. https://sipblu.com/ It has improved my energy, aches and pains, morning fog went away and blood flow is better!

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Tricia Soderstrom

As a Virtual Assistant, Tricia Soderstrom supports small business owners by streamlining workflows and enabling them to focus on their passions. Her expertise in technology and administration has helped many businesses optimize their processes, reflecting the power of women’s empowerment in action.

My passion for organization and efficiency serves as the cornerstone of my role as a virtual Assistant. I thrive on streamlining processes, managing tasks seamlessly, and creating order out of chaos. I have the privilege of working closely with individuals and businesses, understanding their unique needs, and contributing to their success. The relationships formed in this collaborative journey add a profound sense of purpose to my work.

For eight years, I’ve built an online platform for Lyme disease education, supporting and coaching moms and children affected by the illness. Having transitioned from my role as a homeschooling mom, I continue to give back by mentoring homeschooling parents and offer discounted services to nonprofit homeschool businesses. In addition to my work in the health and education spheres, my husband and I support Christian missions through Christian Aid Missions, aligning our efforts with spreading Christian values and providing aid to those who need it.

My three adult daughters inspire me! Each one has overcome significant health challenges associated with chronic Lyme disease. Presently, they are not just thriving; they are embracing life to the fullest. Each one has followed their unique path whether traveling, learning new skills, caring for their families, or engaging in creative pursuits. I have enjoyed watching them successfully achieve their goals and create lives where they are flourishing.

I have always been committed to ongoing growth. I actively pursue new skills to better serve my clients. I strive to stay informed about the latest technologies and efficient task management methods. I enjoy networking within my industry which allows me to learn from successful peers. Additionally, I am always learning new things in personal areas of interest such as natural medicine, gardening and furniture restoration. 

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Explore our WOW Members Spotlights to see how these successful women in business are creating waves in their fields and communities.

Check out our Membership Spotlight Archives for more inspiring stories of W.O.W. women breaking barriers and advancing together.
Past Spotlights

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