Debbie Waskow, President

Debbie has been a member of LWEN since 2004. She had held the positions of V.P. of Marketing and Arrangements, V.P. of Administration, President-Elect, and the 2010-2011 President for LWEN. She has chaired the Woman of the Year, Top Ten and Election committees. Debbie was named LWEN’s Top Ten for 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. She has sponsored 10 members for LWEN. Debbie and her husband, Dan are owners of Superior Auto Service and XPRESS Rent-a-Car in Bryan, Texas. Debbie is certified to manage an automobile service business.

She has also been in the legal field for 23 years and is presently working as a paralegal for attorney Robertson Neal.  She supports the Alzheimer’s Association and is a committee member for the Brazos County Alzheimer’s Memory Walk this year. She also supports the Brazos Animal Shelter. Debbie has lived in Bryan/College Station for 17 years, with her husband Dan and their two shelter dogs, Sparky and Bandit. She is the mother to Will Johnson, step-mother of Brandon Waskow and mother-in-law of Stephanie Waskow and Gram to Austin and Barrett Waskow.

Debbie Holladay, President Elect

Since joining ABWA in 2007, Debbie is active with the Leading Women Express Network, Bryan-College Station Charter Chapter and the Houston Area Council. She has held many positions such as: Publicity, Newsletter, VP of Marketing and Membership, Council Delegate, Financial Officer, HAC Women of the Year, ABW Day celebration and National Conference Credentials Committee. In 2009, she was LWEN's Protege' award recipient.

Currently Debbie is employed by B-CS Tax Group, Inc. and with over 20 years experience in the Tax and Accounting field, she continues to stay abreast of the latest developments in tax accounting through continuing education and review of tax law changes that help her clients achieve their financial goals. She enjoys giving back to her community by volunteering with various service organizations within the Brazos Valley and currently sits on the board of a non-profit organization. Debbie is married to Ben, co-owner of B&M Equipment Service and the mother of four wonderful sons; Christopher, James (married to Tori), Blake (married to Rebecca) and Dusty.

Brandi Ring-Cooper, VP of Programs

Brandi Ring-Cooper has been a member of ABWA since 2003. Throughout her membership, Brandi has served as VP of Education and Resources, VP of Networking, VP Marketing & Arrangements, President Elect and served as President of LWEN for the 2006-2007 year. She has also been selected as a past Top Ten candidate for LWEN.
Brandi is a graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in Communication. She is a Broker/Owner at Ashford Square Realty, LLC and has been selling Real Estate in the Bryan/College Station area for 8 years.

 

Lina Lawson, VP of Finance

Co-Owner & Executive Marketing Specialist, Twinz Co. Marketing Lina graduated from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas in 1994 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with an emphasis in Advertising,
Graphic Design and Marketing. Immediately afterwards, she went to work for C.C. Creations, the largest screen-printing and embroidery company in Texas, as an entry-level designer.

Within one year, she moved into the Senior Designer level working on corporate accounts such as Walt Disney, Garfield, Looney Tunes, ESPN, XGames and many more.

Building a relationship with these licensed properties was Lina's ultimate goal and it moved her into the Licensing Director position. She built a great rapport with NBA, NHL, Lou Brock and Major League Baseball, top ranked universities, and a variety of professional athletes. She was at the forefront of the company making presentations for licenses C.C. Creations wanted to obtain.

In 2002, Lina and her identical twin sister Tina started their own business, Twinz Co. Marketing in Bryan, Texas. This new venture brought recognition and they were named 2002-2003 Leading Ladies of the Brazos Valley for their community involvement and as women business owners, calling them the "EnTWINpreneurs."

Lina was the 2007 – 2008 National President for the American Business Women's Association. She was a 2007 Top Ten and was named the 2007 ABWA Women of the Year in Anaheim, California at the 2006 National Leadership Conference, the Association's most prestigious honor.

The Co-Owner & Executive Marketing Specialist says to find success; she sought out the resources provided by mentors and ABWA. Lina and Tina believe that their company is built on the success of others and credits their success from those who believe in them.

Pamila Johnson, VP of Hospitality

Pamila Johnson has lived in the Bryan/College Station area since 1999 and has worked in the real estate land development business since 2003 and served as Vice President of Tree Line real estate for 4 years. After a successful career in the in real estate industry, Pamila recently made an exciting change and is now working as an associate broker with the Brandi Ring Realtors team at Ashford Square realty.

After joining LWEN in 2008 she has benefited greatly from the relationships established not only professionally but personally as well. Pamila is currently or has recently served with the Brazos Valley American Cancer Society board, numerous committees with local realtor association and homebuilder association. Pam also served as marketing officer for the local mother/daughter service corp and was recently accepted as member of the Leadership Brazos Valley group of 2010.

Pamila is most proud of her three wonderful children and feels extremely fortunate to live in this community. Believing strongly in giving back to a community that has so richly enhanced her own life, Pamila is excited to be a new board member of LWEN and the year ahead!

Denise Joiner, VP of Networking

Denise grew up in Bryan and married her high school sweetheart, Michael. They have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandsons. Denise and Michael moved to Ruidoso, New Mexico in 1986 and returned home in 1995. While in Ruidoso, she worked in the Lodging and Hospitality Industry and made a big change when she moved back to Bryan to pursue a career in Banking. Denise has worked for three local banks and is currently the Banking Center Manager for First Victoria's newest bank located at University Drive and Copperfield Parkway in College Station. Her goal is to deliver the ultimate banking experience to her clients through excellence in personal service. With attention to your goals and financial planning, she can assist you with checking, savings, loans and investing.

Denise has been a member of ABWA / LWEN since 2007. She is the 2007 – 2008 Protégé Award winner for LWEN, served on the LWEN Board as Vice President of Marketing & Publicity for 2008 – 2009, Vice President of Programs for 2009-2010 and VP of Networking for 2010-2011. Additionally she served Boy Scouts of America as a committee member for a local troop for seven years, volunteers for Bryan ISD HOSTS Program, and is a member of The Junior League of Bryan College Station. She strives to grow personally and professionally through strong involvement in her community.

Denise enjoys antiquing and traveling with her husband, she is an award winning artist in fine needlework and enjoys spending quality time with friends and family.

Contact Denise Joiner at (979) 774-1701 or email at djoiner@firstvictoria.com.

Jennifer Burnett, VP of Adminstration

Jennifer is dedicated to our community. After graduation from Texas A&M University with a degree in Communication, Jennifer jump started her career as the Assistant General Manager at Post Oak Mall where she excelled in her region as a member of the CBL Million Dollar Club, a recipient of Best Overall Specialty Leasing Program and numerous Premiere Visual Merchandising awards. It is with this gained knowledge and experience that Jennifer is currently pursuing her career passion in the marketing industry. As the Marketing Coordinator at C.C. Creations, LTD., Jennifer works closely with the sales team to maintain product samples and catalogs, vendor relations, and community relations.

Jennifer is committed to service through strong organizations such as the Leading Women's Express Network, the B/CS Chamber of Commerce, the B/CS Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program, Leadership Brazos Alumni Association and the Junior League of B/CS. Jennifer's goal is to surround herself with successful leading men and women, who also share her vision of making Bryan/College Station a great place to live!

Outside of her responsibilities to work and the community, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family. Whether it's playing golf with her Father, Bruce, or scrapbooking with her Mother, Janet; Faith, Family and Friends are her core. She also enjoys cuddling on the couch with Jack, her 3 year old Yorkshire Terrier.

For questions about joining LWEN or how to get involved in our community, Jennifer may be reached at: J.Burnett@CCCreationsUSA.com.

Miriam Rieck, VP of Communications

Miriam is a believer in small business supporting the community they work in. She has been a member of Bryan Independent Business Alliance and now a member of ABWA.

 

Geanna Kincannon, VP of Marketing & Publicity

Geanna graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Psychology. She has earned her Senior Professional in Human Resources certification and has more than 20 years experience in the field in industries including biotherapeutics, telecommunications, and consumer goods and services.

As an active member of the Brazos Valley Society of Human Resource Management, she currently serves on the Board as the Director of Membership. Geanna joined ABWA in 2007 and has since held many leadership positions in Leading Women Express Network (LWEN), the Bryan‐College Station Charter Chapter and the Houston Area Council. She was nominated as LWEN's Network Women of the Year 2010 and was recently named LWEN's Top Ten Candidate for 2011.

Geanna enjoys living in Bryan‐College Station, is actively involved in the community and volunteers with various service organizations. She
balances her life with family, is the mother of four, Brandon, Brittany, Brooke and Brayden and is a grandmother or "GiGi" to her precious
granddaughter, Nevaeh.

Cindy May, VP of Education/Resources

Cindy May is originally from San Antonio, Texas but moved to College Station in 1993 She has 17 years experience in the legal field and is presently employed by West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry, P.C. as the Office Manager.

While living in the Brazos Valley Cindy has volunteered her time with many organizations, such as the Brazos Valley Chorale, the Cattle Baron's Ball for the American Cancer Society, Brazos Valley Younglife, the College Station
Soccer Club, and the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women. She has also been a member of the Junior League of Bryan-College Station since 1995.

Cindy is a Charter member of the Leading Women Express Network and has served on numerous board positions since LWEN's charter. She is the 2010-2011 LWEN Woman of the Year, and the current Vice President of Education and Resources. Cindy is happily married to John May, and is the proud mother of Collin, Brooke and Addison.

Desarie Hobbs, VP of Marketing & Membership

Desarie Hobbs graduated from Texas A&M University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Development. Desarie has been working in Real Estate and Finance for over eleven years. She is currently a Sr. Loan Officer with LegacyTexas Mortgage in College Station. Desarie has been involved with the Bryan-College Station Regional Association of Realtors, College Station Rotary Club and is active in planning events for the children of the Wheelock Civic Association. Desarie has served as VP of Marketing and Arrangements and VP
of Hospitality for Leading Women Express Network. Desarie and her husband Robby are the proud parents of Harrison and Samantha.

Victoria Greene, VP of Marketing & Membership

Victoria Greene is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch. She joined Merrill Lynch, and the George Georgiades & Associates team in 2008 after graduating from Texas A&M with a B.A. in Management from the May's Business School. She had two years of intern experience with Merrill Lynch before becoming a Financial Advisor.

She earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Councilor (CRPC ®) designation through the College of Financial Planning in 2009. Additionally, she is a Certified Special Needs Advisor and is currently working on her Certified Financial Planner Designation. Her team focuses on high net worth financial planning and portfolio management, with her specialty being portfolio construction and retirement consultation. Victoria is also active in the community, being a member of LWEN since 2008, and teaching financial basics to low-income women through the Women's Resource of Houston. She is also an active member of the Houston Polo Club, and Texas A&M Alumni association.