Women Connect

Get to Know Two Members of Our Women Connect Community

At Women Connect, we love seeing women show up for themselves—and each other. That’s exactly what Dori Stanfield and her mom, Gloria Guillard, do every time they attend.

Dori works at Mutual of Omaha and serves on several nonprofit boards, including the Methodist Hospital Foundation Board. She still finds time for dancing and loving on the three dogs and three cats she shares with her husband.

Gloria is a retired HR professional and active volunteer who loves to golf, garden and read... a lot.

Together, this mother-daughter duo has turned Women Connect into a special tradition.

Q: What attracted you to Women Connect initially—and what keeps you coming back?

Dori: I started attending to support the Methodist Hospital Foundation Board, but I stayed because every event teaches me something new. It’s like a one-stop-shop to learn, meet other great women, and practice self-care. There’s so much clutter out there about health. It’s wonderful to be able to attend something where you know you are getting facts.

Gloria: My first visit was by invitation; Dori brought me. (She invites me to a lot of events.) I keep coming back because I fell in love with the concept of providing helpful information to women. I like the format and the caring atmosphere provided by all of those who work hard to put these events together. The screenings and classes are also a huge benefit. 

Q: What’s been a favorite Women Connect experience or takeaway so far?

Dori: My favorite Women Connect experience so far was on the topic of cancer.  This hit close to home because I am an ovarian cancer survivor, and I received my treatment at the Methodist Estabrook Center. It was a very difficult experience, but I have so much love for the infusion therapy nurses who cared for me. I might not be here if I hadn’t listened to my body and sought care. That is what these sessions are all about, taking care of YOU.

Gloria: The cancer session was very informative. All women should have the opportunity to hear how to be more aware of what’s going on in our bodies—and learn about the support and resources available to us. Just when you think you know everything, you find out you don’t.

Q: Why is it meaningful to attend Women Connect events together?

Dori: I love attending Women Connect with my mom.  She is my very best friend, and I want us to have as much time as possible together here on this earth. Going to Women Connect is a tradition now. It’s our time to utilize a beautiful Saturday morning to learn how to live healthier lives and hang out.    

Gloria: I like attending events with my daughter. You really have the opportunity to bond. Plus, there are always questions you don’t think of that someone else does. The discussion brings out even more questions and answers. 

Q: What are some small ways you try to incorporate ‘healthy living’ into your lives?

Dori: Meditation is something small you can do to provide some self-care. It helps me manage anxiety and focus my thoughts. I love the Calm app that I have on my phone. It has various meditations and sleep stories that help quiet your mind for bedtime. But you don’t need an app. I have a bird feeder outside my home office window. When I need a moment, I look outside and watch the birds. It’s incredibly calming.

Gloria: I had a glucose screening at my first Women Connect event. My numbers were in the prediabetic range. My doctor confirmed it, and I’ve been closely watching my diet ever since. I also take classes at my gym a few times a week, walk our dog, and golf two days a week. Being able to do something physical, as well as social, helps me to maintain a good life balance.

Want to start your own Women Connect tradition? Join us at our next event and bring someone you love. Learn more at MethodistHospitalFoundation.org/WomenConnect.