Fairygodboss Of The Week: Judy Weaver
This week, we salute Judy Weaver, the Co-Founder of Connected Warriors, Inc. She uses her years of corporate operational experience to bring yoga and other wellness programs to servicemembers across the globe. Weaver inspires individuals across the globe with her message of health and hope.
Fairygodboss of the Week: Judy Weaver
Co-Founder, Connected Warriors, Inc.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
FGB: Tell us about your career. How did you get to where you are now?
JW: When my husband was stationed at Langley in Virginia, I started out working for a CPA/tax attorney learning the technical aspects of accounting, taxes, estate planning and small business operations. I took a controller position with a small insurance company in Florida when he separated from the Air Force and within two years was promoted to VP Operations overseeing IT, accounting and general operations for five locations with over 200 employees.
When I stopped working in the corporate world in 2001, I got certified to teach yoga in San Francisco and have continued to study with several master yoga teachers, physiologists, functional movement, doctors and other therapists; I have become a teacher's teacher and a yoga therapist. Utilizing my business/operations background, my love of research and passion for teaching and empowering my students I started Connected Warriors, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with a Marine Vietnam veteran, Ralph Iovino, in 2010 to provide worldwide Trauma-Conscious Yoga programs to servicemembers, veterans and their families at no cost to them.
FGB: What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?
JW: Expanding Connected Warriors, Inc. from one weekly class in south Florida to over 150 weekly classes in 24 states, Washington D.C. and seven countries.
FGB: What is a challenge that you've faced and overcome?
JW: A continual challenge is being taken seriously as a woman in this male-dominated demographic — the military. We are being taken seriously now and have been able to contribute to the change in the Department of Defense’s perspective and acceptance of our programs.
FGB: What is the #1 career tip you'd like to share with other women who want to have successful careers like you?
JW: What do you do if you aren't afraid?
FGB: Why do you love where you work?
JW: It is my passion and it's wonderful to collaborate with those who choose to work in the non-profit space - because it's not about money it's about heart.
FGB: Who is YOUR Fairygodboss? Why?
JW: Jan Savarick. She is an advisor to Connected Warriors and she is doing this pro-bono because she believes in our mission. This woman has heart, passion and an incredible work ethic; she has been one of the most successful fundraisers in the local area.
FGB: What do you do when you’re not working?
JW: Spend time with friends and family, practice yoga, make jewelry, travel, scuba diving, reading, antiquing and exploring.
FGB: If you could have dinner with one famous person — dead or alive — who would it be?
JW: Dalai Lama.
Lightning Round:
FGB: What is your karaoke song?
JW: “Hello” by Adele.
FGB: What is your favorite movie?
JW: “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.”
FGB: What book would you take with you on a desert island?
JW: “Power of One.”
FGB: What is your shopping vice? What would you buy if you won the lottery?
JW: Shopping vice — shoes. Lottery — 3 Cartier love diamond bracelets.
Fairygodboss is all about women helping other women - so each week, we celebrate a woman who made a difference in another woman’s career. Is there a woman who has made a difference in your career? Celebrate her and thank her by nominating her here.
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