An Industry Trailblazer

When Lynn R. Goldman applied to college back in the early 70’s, she wrote about saving the world for her entry essay. Now, decades later, in her current position as the Michael and Lori Milken Dean at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University (GW), Dr. Goldman is still passionate about, and dedicated to, making the world a safer and healthier place for all. Goldman directs an outstanding faculty, who are committed to training the next generation of leaders in the public health arena, worldwide.

Goldman’s academic background and inspiring career is astounding: She has an M.S. in Health and Medical Science from the University of California, Berkeley; an M.P.H. from the Johns Hopkins University, as well as an M.D. in pediatric and preventive medicine from the University of California, San Francisco. She has been recognized by the National Library of Medicine for being one of the most “influential physicians of our time,” and her remarkable story is included as part of their permanent exhibition, Changing the Face of Medicine : Celebrating America’s Women Physicians. While Dr. Goldman admits to not having had a master plan when she started out, but knew that she wanted to follow her passion.“ Every day, I wake up, excited about the work I do.”

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Branson Glitz

It’s only the beginning of November but it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Branson. When the weather turns cold, and the summer crowds retreat, Branson transforms into a Christmas wonderland.

In the distance, the rugged Ozark Mountains look like a perfectly manicured golf course. The intoxicating scent of hot toddies leads me to an enclave of shops selling maple syrup infused candles and cutsie knick-knacks for the house. Outside, a giant Christmas tree standing 20-feet tall is loaded with crimson ornaments. If you’re looking for more Christmas paraphernalia, an endless selection of baubles await across the laneway at Kringles Christmas Shop, the largest store of its kind in Missouri.

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Helen Ching-Kircher – In the Driver’s Seat

At the corner of Parliament and Front Street, across from the historic Distillery District in Toronto with its restored brick industrial buildings converted to galleries and trendy restaurants, Toronto’s exclusive Porsche dealership stands out as both modern and sleek.

In the spectacular showroom that feels more like a race track, glossy Porsche beauties are lined up- black Macans, cloud white Panameras and Boxster convertibles. An open steel staircase framed by glass railings rises up to the second floor leading to the office of Helen Ching-Kircher, Dealer Principal, President & CEO of Downtown Auto Group (DFC). Over the last few decades, Ms. Ching-Kircher, along with her husband, Dr. Peter Kircher, have turned DFC into a multi-million dollar luxury car business. Although her drive to succeed throughout her career remains a constant, she is, above all, fueled by her unwavering commitment to helping others.

“I’m deeply passionate about supporting endeavors and initiatives that promote health, culture and the arts. Perhaps that’s the common denominator in my business and personal life: being passionate about everything that I do,” she says softly.

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Small and Mighty Puerto Rico

As the pink sun is setting over Las Croabas Park, past the breathtaking El Yunque rainforest, and over an hour drive east of San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, children are still playing in the ocean watching the waves roll in.

I pay for my savory crescent-shaped cheese empanada in American dollars from a small kiosk nearby before joining a kayaking excursion to Laguna Grande (Big Lagoon). I hear parents calling to their kids in Spanish “Ven aqui” (Come here), holding up enticing bags of churros- traditional Spanish tubular shaped donuts powdered in cinnamon and sugar. Well, I know that I’m in the U.S.A., but it sure doesn’t feel like it.

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