Page 9 - The Decorative Painter Winter 2017

society update
WHO IS JENNIFER ARNOLD?
I am a person with a great passion for helping people. I always want to make a positive impact on every person I encounter! I am mom to three amazing kids: Allison, 24; Ashlyn, 20; and Logan, 15. I am also the proud “Gigi” of a 2-year-old granddaughter, Adley Rose. I have spent many mornings dropping kids off at school, and every day to this day, the last thing that they hear in from me is, “Make this day count. Go be awesome!”
We live just outside of Wichita, where I get the privilege of en- joying nature and the Kansas sunsets every evening. Family is the center of my universe.
They are the ones who have set my foundation and inspire me to be the best I can be each day. My grandmother Rosella (who will turn 90 this December) once told me, “Do your best, be proud of your work, and on days that you may not feel 100% put on some lipstick, and go make it the best day!” Life goes by in a blink, and I try to make each day count (with a lot of lipstick)!
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?
My first job and driving force is to be a great parent. That is a full-time job! Second,
I have always wanted to make a difference. I started out teaching pre-school children. I actually think they taught me more than I taught them. After working with elementary children I decided I would like to have more daily adult conversations and went on to be the Executive Director of the Clearwater (KS) Chamber of Commerce and then the God- dard (KS) Chamber of Commerce.
I had the honor of helping businesses grow and prosper, as well as supporting the residents with community development. This led me to a financial planning firm where I specialized in retirement planning. I helped pre-retirees maximize their saving so they could retire with the assets needed.
After doing this I realized I missed all that a non-profit offers, and went to the Girl Scouts. I was the Director of Program where I led all volunteers, programs and activities for girls and yes, the well-known cookie program for the local council. If you are wondering if I ate a lot of cookies, the answer is yes. I also spent many eve- nings at a campfire with s’mores.
WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR SDP?
When I envision what is in store for SDP, I first see the mission: We are a global com- munity for painters and aspiring artists to share ideas, develop skills and participate in a fun, creative environment. We recognize diversity and excellence in all styles of painting. That is our driving force. I want every painter to be a part of this painting family and grow in their painting journey, as well as develop lifelong friends and endless memories. I want every member to think of the Society as family.
WHAT CAN THE MEMBERSHIP EXPECT FROM YOU?
I want every member to know that I care about them and will do my best to provide opportunities through the Society for them to grow in their painting journey, as well as continue building and supporting an organization they can be proud to be a part of. We are going to try new things, enjoy old traditions and have the best time along the way!
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST WORKING WITH SDP OVER THE NEXT YEAR?
I love learning new things! I recently did my first painting project with Make With PaintTM. I thought it was going to be so easy. I was quickly humbled that I have a lot to learn! I am so excited to grow my skills with all the new painters in the Society and I’m very privileged to have the best teachers supporting me... all of YOU!
Hitch Up Your Sleigh
and Head Our Way! OKC Painting Palooza’s
October 22-27, 2018
Contacts:
Darla 405.203.0991 Janette 405.642.0603
okcpaintingpalooza.com
Yuletide Treasures
DECORATIVEPAINTERS.ORG The Decorative Painter • WINTER 2017 7
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