The Aligned Woman: Balancing Self-Care, Passion & Business Growth



As a woman in business, do you ever feel torn between ambition and the need to care for yourself? Do you hesitate before taking an afternoon walk, scheduling a massage, or saying yes to a midweek dinner with friends—worried that time away from work means falling behind?

True success isn’t just about doing more—it’s about aligning with the woman you are meant to be in both business and life. When you prioritize self-care and inner growth, your passion flourishes, and your business thrives.

For our March event, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Donna Novak as our guest speaker. A licensed psychologist and founder of Simi Psychological Group, Dr. Novak will explore the deep connection between self-care, productivity, and personal fulfillment. She will guide us in understanding how embracing balance and intentional growth can elevate not only our businesses but also our alignment with our truest selves.

Dr. Novak specializes in couples therapy and transformational work with women, helping them break through limiting patterns and step into their full power.

She also co-facilitates a weekly women’s group dedicated to supporting women in becoming the best versions of themselves with kindness, love, and authenticity.

Step into your highest alignment—because when you grow, everything around you flourishes.

Board Member Spotlight

Liz Bystrom

I’ve called Simi home for 37 years! My kids, John & Cat are my joys! My SAHM years

were so happy, all the fun activities like Scouting & Horse Shows! I still get to hug those

big 4 legged pals and breathe fresh air! Best stress reliever is brushing a horse!

When Fritz passed, life tested me, but I reached out for a career where I can HELP

others. New York Life gave me a new direction, and now I get to LISTEN and provide

solutions for all the needs of LIFE!

I had an exciting travel year last year. New York Life rewarded me with a trip to

Nashville! I saw family in Hawaii, and the highlight was traveling on a Caribbean cruise

with my very dear friend Cheryl from WINS.

With the friendships I’ve developed from WINS, I feel so blessed. LIFE IS GREAT!

Exciting News...

Our March 26th luncheon will feature a Delicious, Fast & Wonderful Self-Serve Salad and Deli Sandwich Buffet!!!  

Serving time will be between 11:30 and 11:45 so please arrive in time to check in, get your lunch and network!

All reservations must be prepaid. If you have problems with paying, contact Jan @ 818-427-0958

RSVP Today with the following link:

https://www.womensinfonetwork.com/rsvp



You may cancel your reservation by the Friday before the luncheon and have your payment carried over to the next month.

2025 WINS Board

President –

Ana Asatouri

Vice President Programs –

Christina Henteleff/

Amy Corneau

Vice President Membership –

Liz Richesson

Secretary – Jennifer Warner

Treasurer - Liz Bystrom

Past President/ Parliamentarian –

Jan Sandstrom

 Historian –

Christina Henteleff

Newsletter/Hospitality –

Jan Sandstrom

Hospitality –

Jan Sandstrom/ Darci Richardson



Public Relations –

Amy Corneau

The Tale of the Pencil Motivational Short Story

The Tale of the Pencil is a metaphorical story that emphasizes the idea that everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses that can be used to create something beautiful and meaningful.



In the story, a pencil maker tells the pencil five important lessons as it goes through life.

First, the pencil maker says that everything that happens to the pencil is part of its sharpening process.

Second, the pencil maker reminds the pencil that it can always correct its mistakes.

Third, the pencil maker tells the pencil that what’s inside it – the lead – is what’s most important.

Fourth, the pencil maker says that the pencil will be useful only if it allows itself to be held and guided by the hand that holds it.

Finally, the pencil maker reminds the pencil that eventually it will be left behind, but the marks it leaves behind will make a difference.

The story is often used as a metaphor for personal growth and the idea that everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses that can be used to create something meaningful.

It emphasizes that we should accept ourselves for who we are, learn from our mistakes, focus on what’s most important, be guided by others, and make our mark on the world in a positive way.