Vip Members

Tasheea Nicholson is a business professional who uses her strengths to her advantage. Ms. Nicholson is a vibrant individual who is driven, persistent, and creative. Tasheea has over ten years experience in the marketing profession and continues to thrive in the creative world. She received her Bachelor's in Marketing at Villanova University in 2001. At first, Tasheea was a biology major then switched into business. Business was too black and white for her; therefore, Tasheea took the creative route in Marketing. At Villanova, Tasheea was an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and attended a majority of the school's basketball games. Tasheea is still an active member of AKA and follows Villanova during March Madness. Tasheea is currently the Account Director for Phoenix Marketing Solutions. She transitioned into this position at the company back in November 2016. Tasheea has full ownership of a single multimillion dollar account for Phoenix Marketing Solutions. She is in charge of negotiations, executing plans, and project management. Tasheea was working as the Operations Manager for the company prior to the transition. She was responsible for 18 team members that were divided among four subdivisions. The team would have meetings about promotional marketing materials. In the next upcoming years, Tasheea sees herself diving into the entrepreneurial field. She wants to get back to her roots in event planning and grow her non-profit organization. Tasheea is the cofounder of Project 16 which is an organization that helps empower women who live under the poverty line. She hopes to serve as their voice and promote women's advocacy

Ricardo Vargas G was prompted to enter his field due to a lifelong love of music. Mr. Vargas G began his studies through a government grant in his native Costa Rico in 1972. He continued his musical education in the US at the University of Louisville, completing a double masters in conducting and trumpet performance, as well as a masters in business administration. Throughout a career which has spanned over 40 years, Ricardo has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including a Fulbright Scholarship and the Peace Keeper award from the Minister of Culture of Costa Rico in 2009. He is currently the orchestra/band conductor at the Banda de Conciertos de Cartago at the Universidad de Costa Rico where his days are spent in performance and instruction. In the next 3 to 5 years, Ricardo would like to continue to pass on his musical knowledge to others through teaching and mentoring. He credits his success to his faith in God and hard work. He also has a strong sense of organization and a genuine desire to make the world a better place through the use of his talents. The career accomplishment of which he is most proud is the founding of a youth organization called SINEM. As a member of the WANA, he enjoys the networking benefits it provides.

Norman Jaffe is a distinguished and highly accomplished software developer with over 45 years professional experience. Norman graduated from Simon Fraser University with his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and Math; during his time at the University he participated in the Micro Computer Group on campus. He began his academic career studying forestry and in 1971 began working as a chemist. After his introduction to computers in his role as a chemist, Norman decided to pursue a major in computer science. Professionally speaking, Norman is currently working as a senior program developer at Vecima Networks; in this role he is responsible for hardware and software for cable systems and developing and maintaining software tools. In the next three to five years Norman will be keeping his options open regarding his professional career but he would like to work on more projects in wearable systems and embedded systems. Norman regards his greatest professional accomplishment as being his time working with a research company and being able to contribute to the computer software industry. In joining the WANA he is looking forward to networking with members within similar industries and increasing his business contacts.

Kimberley Febich graduate from Boston University with a Bachelor in Arts Degree in 1973. She was a scholarship student and made dean's list. She initially studied both dance and theatre and then she only had time for dance. Kimberley studied classical ballet, modern, and jazz. She formed the Boston Dance Theatre and traveled to Europe with the company and performed in Portugal where she stayed. Professionally speaking, Kimberley is an Actress and Model and currently performs with Companhia Maior where she acts and sings. She is also a retired classical dancer for Companhia Nacionao de Bailado Portugal where she excelled at character roles. Kimberley worked for Companhia Nacionao de Bailando for nearly 40 years as a dancer, teacher, assistant and touring manager. She also does modeling and works in commercials. Kimberley Febich was prompted to enter her profession when her mother put her in her first ballet class at three years old. In the next 3-5 years Kimberley would like to tour outside Portugal with Companhia Maior and possibly start a professional dance/theatre company. She contributes the key to her success to having great relationships with her colleagues. Kimberley considers her greatest professional accomplishment or achievement to be all her principal and solo roles, which she was very happy to do. In her spare time, Kimberley enjoys traveling, painting, sculpting, fitness, her theatre company and singing. Additionally, she does volunteer work with Companhia Maior when they perform for children. She is fluent in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.

Elie Eter graduated from the University of Miami in 2010 with a Doctoral Degree in E.N.T., he has 10 years experience in this field, Elie’s current holds a position as an M.D in a very busy clinic. He also gives lectures along his line of work. He believes a great background with a great university is the true key to success, along with hard work and great determination to get things done. In the next 3-5 years he plans to continue his career of helping his patient's and dedicating his life to helping others.

Michael Runals served 32 years in the Navy and has traveled to 46 states and 13 countries holding positions in both the military and civilian communities. Mr. Runals also has extensive management, risk management, operations, planning, training, investigative and financial experience. Michael’s management positions have resulted in quality performance from him and staff. His leadership style is one that is of concern for his staff and training to ensure their success and promotion. He has received Letters of Recommendation and Commendation for his work as an Operations Site Lead and Senior Planner for Navy District Washington. As a Senior Accountant, he saved over 1 million dollars in a research grant, enabling a one-year extension. Michael is an alumnus of the University of Phoenix where he graduated from the MBA program with honors and inducted into the Honor Society Delta Mu Delta. Mr. Runals credits God, dedication, and intelligence as the keys to his success. He sincerely enjoys training others to succeed. Michael was published in 1980 in the Military Sea magazine. He currently resides in Orchard Park, Florida. In joining the WANA he hopes to connect with like minded professionals to exchange ideas and knowledge based upon his career and academic accomplishments.

Mary Mei began her professional career as a Cross Cat Special Ed Teacher in 2011, she graduated with her Masters in Special Education in 2013. Ms. Mei always had a love for children especially ones who needed extra attention, also there was a high demand for this career; therefore she decided to take up this major. Her role varies from day to day; her work depends on the student and the student’s schedule. Mary believes dedication and having great mentors was the key to her success. She was recently asked to become a coach and that has been her greatest professional accomplishment, thus far. Mary Mei has hobbies that include horseback riding, golf, travel and boating. And lastly Mary loves to do community work helping out others in her school district.

Lorena Barquin Santilla graduated from Universidad Salle, attended 1977-1982, highest degree is a Ophthalmologist Professionally speaking Lorena has more than 33+ years of active experience in her career. Currently Lorena is a working as a Ophthalmologist with ISSSTE in Mexico. Lorena main role is to work with external consultants, handle surgeries, handle medical emergencies, and attend meetings. Lorena also works with external patients, doing treatment and diagnostics. and many other things. All the main functions of an Ophthalmologist. Lorena has been with ISSSTE for the last 28 years and still growing. Lorena was prompted to get involved in this profession, naturally, as her father was Cardiologist, it seems like an easy fit. Lorena's interest and passion lied in Ophthalmology, sticking with that it all became a very natural progression for her and a passion. Lorena became and expert in external pathology as well. In the next few years Lorena plans to continue to grow in this profession. Networking and connecting with other like minded professionals is what is important to Lorena at this stage in her career, being able to share ideas and areas of expertise with other professionals is awesome. Lorena bases her many years of experience on hard work , consistency, passion and drive. Lorena is most proud of having her patients and her peers congratulating her on work she has done , finding that to be one of the most rewarding aspects of this profession.

Jonathan Story worked as an Professor at Insead premier business school for 32 years. He taught international political economy that analyzes economics and international relations using interdisciplinary tools and theoretical perspective. He held the Marusi chair of business at the Lally school, Rensselaer Polytechnic institute; was visiting Prof. at the Fordham School of Business. Jonathan is now a retired Professor Emeritus and has done some consulting on international affairs to small business and companies for a few years after retirement. In 2015, he published a chapter on business and energy in the book " Purpose of business". Currently Jonathan is a Professional singer in Salzburg. His musical focus is classical and he has toured all over London. Jonathan received his PhD from Johns Hopkins University. He prides himself on his rigorous worth ethic and dedication. He also strives to build his music career as a professional singer. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys singing and reading and blogging

Marceli Rybinski is a London based professional who has graduated with a Masters Degree in Film and Television production in 2008. Since then he has broadened his horizons within the cultural association named Libera Mente and specializes in food and wine tastings internationally and globally in which he has been quite successful thus far. Because his experience is so vast he has now decided to branch into the area of radio and broadcasting. Marceli believes the key to success is enjoying what you love as well at networking and establishing a good rapport with like minded individuals. Marceli also donates to charity for dogs and for children with hearing disabilities.

Thabi Nguyuza graduated from the University of Maryland College Park with a Masters Degree in International and General Business in 2010. Professionaly speaking Ms. Nguyuza holds the title of Strategic Portfolio Manager at ABSA Bank. She oversees a team of 10-12 project analysts and ensures the bank is complying with all state and international regulations, she and her team are the core that keeps the structure stable. Thabi enjoys wine tasting along with wine collecting, she loves reading biography's, and traveling. In the next 3 to 5 years she is looking forward to continue her education and continue to grow.

Ruth is a distinguished and highly accomplished professional with over 40 years of experience in business. Ruth began her academic career at Tuskegee University in 1956 and she notes the university as being a defining and life changing moment. During her time at the university Ruth was able to make life long friends, participating in the school Choir and remaining involved in campus initiatives. Due to an accident Ruth had to leave the University and went on to complete her studies Widner University and also attended Cosmetology School. Professionally speaking Ruth went on to a successful career working with Scott Paper Company for 15 years as a secretary and owning a beauty salon. Within the next three to five years Ruth plans on continuing to enjoy her retirement. After a career spanning over 40 years she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and spending time giving back to her community. In joining the WANA she is looking forward to reconnecting with those from Tuskegee University, networking with members, and helping others in any way that she can.

Dirk John is a dedicated, accomplished police officer and homicide investigator with over 24 years of experience in law enforcement and criminal justice. Currently, he serves as a Police Officer with the Ministry of National Security Trinidad & Tobago where his key responsibilities involve investigative work, finding criminals, and working as part of the homicide team. Dirk graduated with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice from Ashworth College in 2013. As a full-time cop, he was attracted to their flexible schedule and excellent criminal justice program. Initially, he looked at their program and discovered that they had very interesting courses. Originally, Dirk was inspired to pursue a career in police work for one reason: justice. He wanted to lend a helping hand in bringing criminals to justice and allowing for victims' families to achieve a sense of closure and justice. Going forward, he would like to start a Master's in Criminal Justice or International Relations, and is a big fan of linguistics. The key to his success is having a great attitude and being a firm believer in what's right, as well as always learning from other people. Sometimes he's involved with the International Policing arena and finds the occasional opportunities for public speaking to be powerful. The highlight of his career is successfully bringing justice to families of murdered loved ones in several cases. When he's not working, Dirk enjoys movies, running and exercise. He also likes supporting local youth organizations.

Darlynn Smiley has been with Temple Insurance Company in Calgary, Alberta for over six years. She is presently working as the Assistant Vice Present of Casualty. Darlynn has been involved in insurance for over 35 years. She specializes in the oil and gas industry. She is one of the Top 12 Oil & Gas Underwriters in the world. Darlynn received her Bachelors Degree from the University of Calgary in 1981, and is a Certified Insurance Professional. She is a member of CIP. Darlynn attributes her success to having good relationships as well as having technical knowledge. Her goal is to continue to grow within her profession. She enjoys reading in her spare time, and donates to various charitable organizations.

Begonia Carrasquillo Rivera earned her Bachelors Degree in Education from Sacred Heart University in 2005. She has been a teacher for over eighteen years. Begonia's love of teaching stems from her desire to help people. She hopes to attain her Master's Degree in the near future and work up the chain to become a principal or school board director.

Teresa Medina Mora has a Doctoral Degree in Modern History and has more than 20 years of experience in her field. Ms. Medina Mora presently works for the Mexican government and is the CEO of Federal Public Service, in which she is responsible for establishing communication and cooperation strategies, with authorities from other countries. Teresa’s main goal is to get people involved in economic sector of the country Mexico and to educate people of legislations in their country. Teresa believes the reason she has been able to be successful is due to her leadership skills and her ability to work well with others, as well as having a continuous drive to keep learning and growing in her field and as an individual. Her future goals are to expand her horizons by being able to network with other governors globally.

Luis Urtado is an accomplished professional with 25 years of experience in the field of Engineering Administration. Recently, Luis has been applying his expertise with Gobernacion Provincial del Tamarugal in Chile for the past 5 years. Luis has been able to gain a broad range if knowledge within his field of engineering, from project management to collaborations with administrators and engineers. Luis devotes most of his time to his work, pushes himself to become greater, developing his skills and gaining experience from around the world to better be in the field and to improve himself. Luis is proud that he was able to receive the insightful education from Arturo prat university and continues to apply the knowledge he has gained throughout his academic and professional career. Luis would like to get to know professionals around the world, to interact with them and gain and share experiences.

Sonia Lewis has proudly served in the US Army for the past 29 years. She has won numerous medals, serving tours in Iraq, Fort Bragg and Sam Houston. An expert in logistics, she has added in Special Operations and Logistics J-4. Sonia's average work day consists of leadership, mentorship, training, logistics and staff development. She is looking forward to tackling opportunities in the private sector.

Samuel Roeder-Zaijicek obtained his Masters Degree in Economics from Queens University. With 23 years of professionals experience Samuel founded and runs the company Invertebrados Peruanos S.A.C. He decided to open his business because he was not going to let anything stop him from living life, after his diagnosis of cancer 13 years ago. In the coming years, Samuel is looking to expand his business into Spain, among other countries. In addition, he has several other projects that he is working on including launching a distribution company for comics. Samuel says the key to his success is hard work and determination to defeat the odds. His greatest accomplishment is that he is still going strong after 20 years despite the doctors telling him he had 6 months to live, Samuel is looking to network and connect with likeminded business professionals in order to grow his network and his brand.

Joan Wohlner, a graduate of Brooklyn College and Wayne State University holds a Bachelors degree in English, History and Teaching and a Masters degree in Speech Pathology. She is an American transplant living "happily retired," in Stockholm, Sweden. She is an innovator who founded the first private, bi-lingual school in Sweden for students returning from the United States to Sweden. She was motivated to start this school because she saw a great need as these returning students were often segregated from the other students, unhappily, upon their return to Sweden. Now, as a result of her efforts and initiative, there are at least 40 of these schools in Sweden. She worked as an English teacher prior to founding her school. She ran her school for 23 years and sold it in 2014 so it continues to serve children. Joan is spending her time with heavy involvement with the American ex pat community's engagement in political activism with the United States current political reality. She plans to get even more deeply involved over the next 3 to 5 years. Joan was very successful with her school and says her stubbornness and hard work and motivation to establish a multi-cultural school for a purpose other than making money made her successful. Her school is her greatest and proudest professional accomplishment. Joan would very much like to connect with members around northern Europe and Germany.