Name: Benan Boke
City and State: Ankara, Turkey
Web Site: www.benanboke.com
Why did you choose the Etiquette and Leadership Institute?
ELI's great reputation and credibility were very important to me. The affiliation of the Protocol School of Washington with ELI was significant too.
The most valuable thing you learned in training:
Today's children are tomorrow's leaders and we are the ambassadors who will bring civility to our communities.
Who are your mentors?
My senior instructor in college, Ms. Siva Azezian.
What was your childhood ambition?
When I was a child I wanted to be able to attend a finishing school to be a lady and to travel around the world.
If you could share an afternoon with anyone, who would it be?
My mother, my family and friends.
What do you like to do when you have free time?
I read many books, go to the theatre, cinema. And, of course, I love to travel. My friends and family are a large part of my free time. And, I go to yoga, jazz and play tennis.
Relate a faux pas?
In a formal reception, when I was introducing my friend to a Greek diplomat, I forgot the diplomat's name which I knew well. I was embarrassed!
What is one of your proudest moments?
When I developed and introduced a 2-day business etiquette seminar.
Can you share with us a professional "Tip of the Day?"
Etiquette training will provide children essential skills they need to succeed in life and business.
Current book being read:
The Rituals of Dinner by Margaret Visser
What is one ELI training experience that you will always remember?
I will always remember the impact the ELI women have made on the teen's lives with etiquette and social dance.
Name: Pamela Minyard
Company: Pamela Minyard Inc.
City and State: Westchester, New York
Web Site: www.pamelaminyard.com
Email: pamela@pamelaminyard.com
Why did you choose the Etiquette and Leadership Institute?
I was looking for an exceptional program that would enhance my leadership training business and I found it with ELI. I not only wanted to be trained but certified which helps with credibility. I also spoke with several graduates from the ELI training and they gave me an positive insight to what the program was all about.
The most valuable thing you learned in training:
I learned that leadership and etiquette goes hand in hand.
What was your childhood ambition?
When I was a child I wanted to become a doctor, I felt they had the ability to empower others.
If you could share an afternoon with anyone, who would it be?
Hmmm, do I really have a free afternoon?
Relate a faux pas?
When I met President William Jefferson Clinton, he graciously introduced himself and wanted to know my name. I was thrown off and said "Hi Bill" when shaking his hand!
What is your favorite subject matter in etiquette?
I love teaching the power of the handshake.
Can you share with us a professional "Tip of the Day?"
The "Tip" is always the same; as I was taught at ELI, "Always take the high road."
Current book being read:
The books I am reading and rereading are The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and How to Be by Harriette Cole
What is one ELI training experience that you will always remember?
I will always remember the beautiful, strong, and supportive women of ELI and those sisters who went through the training with me. That, for sure, I will never forget!!!
Name: Virginia Johnson
Company: Contemporary Etiquette
City and State: Houston, Texas
Web Site: www.mannersplus.com
Why did you choose the Etiquette and Leadership Institute?
I could not wait to meet the staff of ELI after talking on the phone with them for 2 years.
The most valuable thing you learned in training:
To enforce the value of leadership - manners are not just about which fork to use...it is all about being at ease.
Who are your mentors?
My grandmother was. She was the Grand Dame of manners - and was always gracious.
Do you have a motto?
"Because nice matters!"
Relate a faux pas?
As 10 year olds, my two brothers and I drank from our finger bowls...no kidding!
What is one "life lesson" that you have learned?
If you want something badly enough - never give up! Persevere!
What is your favorite portion about manners or etiquette?
I love teaching dining manners and integrating bits of history in the teaching.
What is one ELI training experience that you will always remember?
The instruction on "how to teach the young people dance" made ME feel like a kid again - it was a blast!!
Can you give us a professional "Tip of the Day?"
Etiquette is a bunch of rules but manners come from the heart. Manners teach us how to get along with folks...because nice matters!
Current Book: Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer
Name: Vartouhi Keshishyan
Company: Universal Etiquette
City and State: Glendale, California
Web Site: www.universaletiquette.com
Why did you choose the Etiquette and Leadership Institute?
I chose ELI as my school because of its professional reputation, its affiliation with PSOW, the directors' high professional skills, their enthusiasm and dedication to their work and passion for etiquette and politeness and their ability to spread kindness and civility around them.
The most valuable thing you learned in training:
One of the most valuable pieces of information I learned during training was that being an Etiquette consultant is not just a profession; it is a specific lifestyle.
What was your childhood ambition?
My childhood ambition was to become an historian and archeologist.
If you could share an afternoon with anyone, who would it be?
If I could share an afternoon, it would be one of my great-great grandfathers - M. Keshishyan.
Relate a faux pas?
It was when I asked a lady to introduce her grandchildren and found out that they were actually her children!
What is your favorite subject matter in etiquette?
I like to teach people international protocol because of my multicultural background.
Can you share with us a professional "Tip of the Day?"
The "Tip" is always the same; as I was taught at ELI, "Always take the high road."
Current book being read: The books (notice plural) are "The Art of the Table" by S. V. Drachenfels and "Choosing Civility" by P. M. Forni
What is one ELI training experience that you will always remember?
I will always remember the atmosphere in training where professionalism, civility and fun are established as standards, and made trainees rise to those high standards.
Name: Amanita Thomas
Company: Raleigh's House of Etiquette
City and State: Raleigh, North Carolina
Why did you choose the Etiquette and Leadership Institute?
I chose ELI because of the industry credibility, reputation and history.
The most valuable thing you learned in training:
I learned that there were 21 other women across the nation trying to have a positive impact on their communities and children.
What is one ELI training experience that you will always remember?
The evening we got to dance with the Perfectly Polished graduates.
What was your childhood ambition?
To understand the stock market and be the boss of me!
If you could share an afternoon with anyone, who would it be?
Oprah Winfrey and if she is unavailable because of a scheduling conflict, Iyanla Vanzant.
Relate a faux pas?
I was 17 and a part of Miss Black Pennsylvania's entourage. Prior to her making an entrance, I cut in front of her.
Can you give us a professional "Tip of the Day?"
It takes more muscles to make a frown than it does to make a smile...so? Smile!
Name: Mary White
Company: White House Etiquette LLC
City and State: St. Helena, California
Why did you choose the Etiquette and Leadership Institute?
I chose the Etiquette and Leadership Institute because of the long standing reputation it has with Dorothea Johnson. I knew it would be professional and I would have the support from all the graduates and trainees for years to come.
What is one of the most valuable pieces of information you learned during training?
Study, study, study...practice, practice, practice.
Who are your mentors?
My mentors are my husband and grown children - they have taught me a lot and continue to do so.
What was your childhood ambition?
I asked for wisdom, so I could spread it to human kind.
If you could share an afternoon with anyone, who would it be?
Mother Teresa - she had such insight and knew how to respect life with dignity!
Do you have a motto?
"Manners will take you anywhere."
Can you relate a faux pas?
One dark and rainy, early morning, I dressed for work in the dark only to arrive at work with one black and one navy shoe on (same style, though). A lady can't have too many shoes, right?
The most valuable thing you learned in training:
The one memory I have of the ELI training is the positive, upbeat, enthusiastic, knowledgeable trainers. Their first hand active teaching with young people was invaluable to me as I made my decision to come to this training. Then, I observed them teaching a class of young people using the curriculum that just that morning I was trained to use myself. The benefits of just that day in training were priceless.
What is your favorite etiquette or manner?
It is treating people with kindness and respect no matter what their age.
Current Book: Maria Montessori and Her life Works by E. M. Standing
Name: Barbara Jackson
Company: Barbara R. Jackson Etiquette Consultant
City and State:Natchidoches, LA
Why did you choose The Etiquette and Leadership Institute?
I considered other programs but after corresponding via e-mail and speaking with Debra and Cindy, I felt that ELI was the best “fit” for me. I have not regretted that choice for one moment.
The most valuable thing you learned in training:
Teaching etiquette is important, but it can and should be a fun learning experience for everyone involved.
Name: Savannah Shaw
Company: Savannah Shaw Etiquette and Protocol Consultant
City and State: Charlotte, NC
Web Site: www.savannahshaw.com
Why did you choose The Etiquette and Leadership Institute?
Out of all the companies I researched, Etiquette and Leadership Institute was by far the most professionally represented.
The most valuable thing you learned in training:
I do have the desire and now I have the skills to make this my career. Etiquette and Leadership Institute provided me with all the information and support I needed.
Favorite Book: The New Book of Wedding Etiquette (because my sister is the author)
Favorite Book: Choosing Civility by P.M. Forni
Name: Donna L. Ullrich
Company: Protocol Consulting Group, Inc.
City and State: Flint, Michigan
Web Site: www.protocolconsultinggroup.com
Since training, briefly describe the classes you have completed/age of child/type of child/place, etc.
Our first class was for young women at a community college; then we taught a "preparation" for the workforce class through a career planning enrichment series and then 13 programs for our local parks and recreation department.
The most valuable thing you learned in training:
Etiquette is not about being perfect. It is about being respectful and humble. Etiquette is being gracious.
Would you recommend The Etiquette and Leadership Institute Training to other entrepreneurs?
Yes! Their history with Dorothea Johnson and their continued affiliation with The Protocol School of Washington in addition to their successful business in children's etiquette were very important to me.
Why did you choose this kind of business/training to go into as opposed to other businesses?
My partners and I shared an interest in teaching, communication, marketing, and mostly, civility and respect. We all are committed to continuing our education specifically in etiquette and I chose to attend the Etiquette and Leadership Institute, the leading children's etiquette training company.
Favorite Book:To Kill A Mockingbird and David Copperfield
Name: Deborah Wright
City and State: Oakland, California
Why did you choose The Etiquette and Leadership Institute?
Reputation! Reputation! Reputation! I knew and had followed the Protocol School of Washington and knew of its standard for excellence. After speaking with the principals of ELI, I knew their focus was too achieve excellence in all you do.
Since training, briefly describe the classes you have completed/age of child/type of child/place, etc.
My classes have been for teens 9th thru 12th grades at a public high school.
What was the one thing you learned from them?
Teens are so much fun. When you meet them without history and with an expectation that they are ladies and gentlemen, their defenses are gone and they open up to reveal a wonderful innocence.
What was the one thing they learned from you?
Smile. Be formal when interacting with adults.
The most valuable thing you learned in training?
Having good manners has nothing to do with feeling superior, but it is making others comfortable in your presence.
How has your training impacted your community?
I am working with local churches and developing programs to meet the needs of teens and parents.
Why did you choose this kind of business/training to go into as opposed to other businesses?
I have an interior design certification from NYU, my former business was designing products for the home and etiquette was the final element I needed. I am developing a dining retail store business. I wanted my store to have the added value of etiquette. Many adults under age 40 were not raised having family dinners, because of both working parents and busy schedules. I want my store to be an unique place where people will come when they want to have a special business dinner party or other dining events.
