Published: October 11, 2008 01:25 am            

From Meridian to California ...Music exec advises women on road to success

ibrown@themeridianstar.com



While she had enjoyed a successful career creating jingles (McDonald's "Have You Had Your Break Today"), scoring movies ("Twins," "My Best Friend's Wedding" and "Hope Floats") and penning songs for major artists (Chaka Khan and Patti LaBelle), former Meridian and Waynesboro resident Tena Clark's career took a major turn when one woman stood up for her.

"I had hit a glass ceiling with record companies at which women were not given opportunities as producers," said Clark at Friday's Women in Leadership Symposium at Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus.

That changed when R&B singer Vesta Williams refused to complete her album unless Clark produced it. The two women had worked together before and had become friends. Clark penned the song "Congratulations," which became a major hit for Williams, as well as her signature song.

"We, as women, have to help each other," Clark said. "I like to think of it as The Pink Ladder Sisters – lifting each other up as we climb that ladder of success."

Inspiring and challenging women to take on greater leadership roles is the focus of the symposium, which will raise funds for MSU-Meridian's Women in Leadership Scholarship Fund. Instead of admission, those attending the symposium donated to the scholarship fund, which is aimed at financially assisting female students in achieving their educational goals as a means of preparing them for future leadership roles.

"Upon being named dean, one of the first projects I envisioned was the creation of an annual Women in Leadership Symposium here on the MSU-Meridian Campus," said Dr. Donna L. Clevinger, who became the school's first female dean in August 2007.

"With a large percentage of our student population being female, it is essential we take an active role in fostering the development of our community's current and future female leaders."

The goal of the symposium is to provide a forum for discussion on issues, concepts and practical skills necessary for women to expand their opportunities and achieve excellence by becoming leaders in all aspects of their lives – from the office to the home to their communities, Clevinger said.

The symposium's morning session featured a panel discussion with Dr. Jeralynn S. Cossman, director of MSU's Gender Studies Program and associate professor of sociology on the Starkville campus; Barbaree Rosenbaum Heaster, former educator and current local community developer who has played a major role in Meridian's downtown revitalization; Dr. Deanna Osborn, executive national vice president and independent consultant of Arbonne International; and Dr. Charlotte B. Tabereaux, executive director of the MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts.

Clark, who currently resides in California, is founder and CEO of DMI Music and Media Solutions, based in Pasadena. She has composed and produced well-known and award-winning commercial campaigns for corporate brands such as 7UP and Pillsbury, as well as written for film and television with credits that include "CBS This Morning" and "Entertainment Tonight."

Recently, Clark composed an original song for the "Desperate Housewives" soundtrack, recorded by LeAnn Rimes. She also produced Dionne Warwick's first holiday CD, "My Favorite Time of the Year" as well as "Church: Songs of Soul & Inspiration," a dual music CD and CD-ROM box set featuring Mayo Angelou and Toni Morrison, along with top black female artists performing a collection of favorite R&B, pop and gospel songs. She recently completed producing a holiday CD for Aretha Franklin.

"She is such a positive role model for women, especially those from Mississippi, where there is a popular misconception of you cannot be successful," Butler said.

Reflecting on the negativity that often surrounds her home state, Clark said it is up to Mississippians to change that.

"If you are living and breathing in Mississippi, it's time to make a change," she said. "We're either first or last in everything that you don't want to be first or last in ... I see that there has been change here, but we've got to do more so that others will also see that change."

Clark's words were well-received by the audience, which included women of all ages and backgrounds. As she spoke, heads nodded in agreement and at the end of her presentation, the audience responded with a standing ovation.

"I just want women to realize that it is crucial to be awake – being aware of your surroundings and being alive," she said. "If you are awake and alive, you will follow your passion. Find your passion, and go for that."

During the afternoon session, attendees had the option of choosing breakout sessions on the topics of business, health care, politics and government, education and the arts and technology. Discussions were led by several women, drawing on their own personal experiences with success. The program ended with an afternoon job fair.

        

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