3 Women of the Year honored at Bellevue Business Professional Women October luncheon

On October 17, 2012, 3 women were honored as Women of the Year at Bellevue Business Professional Women luncheon for their contribution to our community.  

Helen Leuzzi, executive director of Sophia Way

Ollie Garrett, President and CEO of PMT Solutions

Irene Reyes, (The Glove Lady), President of Excel Supply Company

Each woman shared her story of how their work got started.  Helen Leuzzi was on her way home one late stormy Friday afternoon after her work at a day homeless shelter.  She thought to herself, "I am going home to an evening with my family. Where are these women going after they leave this warm shelther?"  And that's how Sophia Way was born.  Sophia Way's mission is assisting women from homelessness to independence.

Ollie Garrett followed her inner prompting each step of the way when she started PMT Solutions.  Her personal story of faith inspired us.  The words from a Whitney Houston's song speaks to her, "I didn't' know my own strength."  

Irene Reyes, (also known as the Glove Lady) is the owner of Excel Supply Company.   She shared how thankful she feels for the people who offered to help her left and right.   While standing in line one day and answering her many phone calls, the person standing behind her got curious and asked her what she did. And right there, she got another big account. 

A dessert auction was also held to raise scholarship funds for our 2013 recipient.  Attendees generously supported the auction.  We also supported one another by connecting each other with people who can further our goals.  It truly was a meeting as our founding mothers intended in 1919--Women Helping Women.