Mary B. Relotto has lived a colorful life. Born in Biella, Italy and transplanted to Ohio, her professional life has taken her everywhere from karaoke jockey to marketing director. she found her true calling, though, working in the nonprofit sector. She began down this path at Goodwill Rehabilitation services, and it’s there that she discovered the magic that takes place when a group of diverse women have a mutual respect for each other and unconditionally help each other thrive.
Remaining in the nonprofit sector to date, Mary was still inspired by the power of her first experience with the group of women at her first nonprofit job. Thus, in 1996, she started Dames Bond: a networking community that commingles attorneys with hair artists, dog-trainers with dentists, and so on. The only ground rule was that diversity in all areas was a must.
she explains, “Women have been taught to mimic what men do in order to be successful and it just doesn’t work for them. I founded Dames Bond to create common ground where women could connect and inspire each other. I wanted an equal playing field where suits can meet tees and at the end of the evening feel great about their experience and newfound friendships.”
Now that’s she’s been chosen as one of sunny 95’s “20 Outstanding Women you should Know,” Mary plans to continue working professionally in the nonprofit sector, as the transformation of people’s lives from “how can it get any worse” to “I have my life back” is what keeps her motivated to continue to give back. she also plans to continue to encourage and empower women to take chances and share their knowledge with one another, showing the world that, “When Dames bond, Dames really will thrive!”
To find out more about Dames Bond, visit: damesbond.com ▪