Women of substance
From careers to motherhood and community, female leaders get real on the issue’s surrounding women’s health
Over the years, the RN&R’s annual Health Guides have zeroed in a lot of different themes, from death to sexual health. This time, we’re returning to a theme into which we’ve delved a few times in years past—women’s health. Of course, that’s a broad topic considering the variety of issues at hand—from emotional and physical health, to occupational and financial health, and even the health of the communities in which women live.
I’ve been thinking about pretty much all of these issues recently—which, I’ll admit, has been for somewhat self-interested reasons. Between a divorce and the rewarding but also stressful work of being a journalist in the era of Donald Trump, it’s been a tumultuous year for me, both personally and professionally. I’ve had greater reason to be concerned about the health of my community, my body, my mind and my bank account—among other things.
All of this got me thinking that it might be informative, not to mention fun, to pick the brains of a few local women who specialize in kicking ass and taking names on issues surrounding women’s health.
Renee McGinnes is the director of sales and event services for SMG, the company that manages the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority’s four properties. On page 18, she discusses what it was like to rejoin the workforce after a six-year hiatus. To get her feet under her, McGinnes started attending business networking events and eventually found the local chapter of the American Business Women’s Association, of which she’s now president.
Marlene Lockard was the first female chief of staff to a Nevada governor in the 1980s under then Gov. Richard Bryan. She’s also a professional lobbyist who represents, among other clients, the Nevada Women’s Lobby. On page 21, Lockard talks about the NWL and how any woman can get involved in the legislative process through lobbying.
Also in this guide is a discussion with doula Sarah Geo Walton. She sat down and spoke with Matt Bieker about the role of a doula in the modern birthing process, misconceptions about her work and the rewards of supporting expecting mothers from pregnancy to post-partum. Their chat can be found on page 24.
I also have an announcement to make—and it seems happily fitting for me to do it in the introduction to this women’s health guide. I’ve accepted a promotion to be associate editor of the RN&R. I’ll miss putting together these guides, but the new position is a definite win for my career health. And I’m very happy to say that Matt Bieker will spearhead our guides going forward, as the RN&R’s new special projects editor. You’ve probably seen his byline in our publication many times by now. He’s a talented reporter and writer, and I’m stoked to have him on our editorial team.
Happy reading!
Jeri Chadwell
RN&R Associate Editor