CG Moving hosted the third annual CMSA Women on The Move in Sonoma, California on March 24, 2023.
A Third Year of Women on The Move, This Time in Sonoma
The 2023 Women on The Move event was held at Honrama Cellars in Sonoma on March 24, 2023.
On Friday, March 24, 2023, Olga Garcia and Griselda Gonzalez of CG Moving Co. had the opportunity to organize, plan, and host the California Moving and Storage Association “Women on The Move” event for the third year. We gathered at beautiful Sonoma, where Miriam Puentes, founder of Honrama Cellars, hosted us and took wonderful care of all the attendees. We were also honored to have association President Steve Weitekamp with us. Steve shows his support not only during Women’s History Month or International Women’s Day, but all year long. I am grateful to consider him a mentor, and I appreciate his many years of service and experience in the California moving and storage industry.
We also had the distinct support of Rick Hosea and N. Claret Fitch-Hosea representing Reno, Boise, and Spokane-based OneRelo Worldwide. They traveled from Reno, Nevada to be with us! Another long-distance traveler was Jane Carole Bunting from Boston, representing Daycos. We also want to acknowledge the shortest commute, Casey Myers, based right out of Napa.
The event started with a coffee service and delicious Mexican pastries and croissants by Napa-based La Cheve, founded by a former chemistry teacher. The women of the CMSA enjoyed beautifully rose-shaped conchas!
We were then formally welcomed by Miriam Puentes at her tasting room. Miriam shared the story behind the name “Honrama”, a tribute to her father, Don Honorio Ramirez Mata, who was born in Mexico and worked the fields as a farmworker. Mr. Ramirez Mata did not live to see the wines made by his daughter and son-in-law, but the legacy of hard work, resilience, and determination, and the love of family, lives on through Miriam and her husband Juan.
Steffanie Medina on Embracing Authentic Leadership
Steffanie Medina of Flow LLC presented on authentic leadership and Brene Brown’s BRAVING model.
After welcome remarks by Steve Weitekamp and Olga Garcia, we introduced our keynote speaker, Steffanie Medina, owner of Flow LLC. Steffanie is a seasoned mediator, coach, and consultant who has helped many businesses and individuals with workplace conflict, change management, and customer service. She also facilitates strategic goal planning, team engagement, and leadership development.
Her presentation “Embracing Authentic Leadership” explored the difference between managing and leading, the components of authentic leadership, and the specific challenges women leaders face. We were introduced to the BRAVING Model by Brene Brown, and watched the author share the story and research behind it. We talked through communication styles, the communication cycle, skillful listening, and mindfulness. The attendees were very engaged and took part in exercises together, sharing real challenges and reflecting on how they might approach them with new tools.
We later moved to the patio, where we enjoyed Mexican food prepared by local woman-owned Trini’s Catering.
Voices from the Day, Sally Bolger, Nurit Raphael, and Olga Mila Howells
Sally Bolger shared her cancer story, Nurit Raphael discussed cannabis, and Olga Howells led.
Shortly after lunch, we welcomed Sally Bolger, owner of Grace Moving Company, with locations in Modesto, Tracy, and Clovis. Sally shared her experience as a breast cancer survivor and how early detection helped her beat it. She encouraged all of us to take care of ourselves in every dimension, professionally, emotionally, physically, and mentally, and she spoke about how the diagnosis and treatment changed the way she views health and living fully.
We then heard from Nurit Raphael, owner and founder of Ona Life, a boutique and legal cannabis concierge located in Marin County. The conversation centered on the changing landscape of legal adult cannabis use, and how the current federal drug testing of commercial drivers does not align with California’s recent AB2188 cannabis employment law or the SHRM guidance on the state’s cannabis employment decisions.
Next, we introduced Olga Mila Howells, a former Fortune 100 financial executive, CPA, luxury real estate agent, and nonprofit founder. Her nonprofit Amor del Bueno helps young people recognize early signs of unhealthy relationships and escape before they escalate to violence. The program is currently focused in Mexico but is increasingly sought after as a model for other regions.
The Industry Panel, Military Moving and What's Ahead
Jeanette Homan shared updates on military moving, GHC changes, and HomeSafe Alliance opportunities.
We held a panel discussion with Rhonda Lopes Stephens and Jeanette Homan of Lambert Enterprises, where they talked about their style of leadership, how they communicate as a team, and how they handle disagreements. Jeanette also provided an update on the military moving industry and the changes coming under the GHC. As she has in other forums, Jeanette extended an invitation for licensed movers to team up as agents for the upcoming season and encouraged attendees to stay informed about HomeSafe Alliance for the next military moving season.
We ended the event with a tour of the wine collective where Honrama Cellars produces their wine.
Our next gathering will be at the convention. We hope to see you for informal drinks and networking at the beautiful Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa. Register for the convention before rooms sell out.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsors from the California moving community supported the event.
This event would not have been possible without the generous contributions of our sponsors. We are grateful to each of them and encourage you to support those who support us.
Gold
Dustin Ullmer of J & S Paper
Roseanne Orlebeck of Cardinale Moving and Storage
Silver
Casey Myers of Champion Risk & Insurance Services
Darcy Aman of A & P Moving Inc.
Bronze
Sally Bolger of Grace Moving Company
Jeanette Homan of Lambert Enterprises, Inc.
Laura Engen of L.E.A. Relocation & Moving Services
Andy Smith of CDS Moving Equipment
We also want to share a resource mentioned during the event’s welcome: Dr. Madeleine Wallace has a website where you can sign up for a chance to receive her book “The SEAM Framework, Achieving Organizational Transformation in 4 Steps.”
Photos from the event: Watch the photo recap on YouTube.
