Blog
Who am I?
As a businesswoman
I am an award-winning speaker, author, and business consultant/coach.
Before launching Advanta Strategies, LLC, I was President and Chief Marketer for THE LRF Design Group, Inc., a leading mid-size interior design consulting firm in NJ, creating relationships with Fortune 500 companies and building a 7 figure business from a room in my basement.
As a student…
Graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in Interior Design
I graduated from Rowan University with a degree in Education – Art.
I am currently attending Kutztown University for my M. Ed. Art
During COVID-19, I completed a six-month noncredit program through the University of Pennsylvania, Foundations in Positive Psychology through the University of Michigan, and Finding Purpose and Meaning In Life: Living for What Matters Most.
Recently, I completed a certificate program in Feng Shui to add depth to my knowledge as I gave the workshop “Envision Possibilities” based on the Feng Shui principles on Jan 20th, 2024.
Today, I attend a watercolor class with the most fantastic teacher. I’m excited to explore those rusty skills.
As a Rotarian
I’ve been a member since 2000 – State College Downtown Rotary, Trainer for District 7360, National Immunization Day Madagascar, and Humor Week in Bulgaria as a clown. I was married to a district governor, so I underwent the same training he did during the ramp-up to his leadership position.
Wife of Jerry Friedman – deceased
I was married to a great guy. A brilliant Aerospace Engineer and Astrophysicist who died of Alzheimer’s in 2019. I was his primary and only caregiver. You can see the drop off in activity since 2017, when doing anything other than caregiving was impossible. I wouldn’t change a minute of our time together.
My personal timeline is an exciting ride. I caught the tail of that comet as it swung by, and I’ve been hanging on every sin
The Designer Pause
Remember: silence isn’t empty. It’s elegant.
Branding
Branding isn’t built in a studio—it’s built in the moments between meetings, at networking events, and even while waiting for your latte.
From Drawings to Dialogue
Designers aren’t just visual thinkers—we’re translators of imagination.
When you can turn drawings into dialogue, every presentation becomes a partnership.
Stop Saying ‘Um”
Stop Saying "um" Every “um” chips away at your authority—here’s how to stop. Three Key Points: - Use pauses instead of fillers. - Practice with recordings. Slow down your pace “The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as...
Mood Boards to Mic Drops
Mood Boards to Mic Drops – Using Visual Aids Like a Pro: 1. Keep it Simple A clean, uncluttered visual is easier for your audience to absorb quickly. Too much text, too many images, or busy backgrounds can distract from the message you’re delivering. Think of...
Successful Speaking
Your design may be flawless, but if you can’t communicate it, the brilliance gets lost.
More of YOU
Leadership Is a Lifelong Practice
Say No
Every “yes” you say is a “no” to something else. Make it count.
Design your life
Design Your Life: Why Planning Three Futures Might Be the Best Thing You Ever Do”
Wow! You’ve accomplished so much! It is inspiring. It gives me hope that I can reach my greatest potential.