Meet Our National Board Member
Dottie Gandy!
Choosing to “rewire” instead of “retire,” Dottie Gandy currently serves as the Dallas Market Director for Mentoring Women’s Network. She sits on the National Board of Pass the Torch for Women and on the Board for Spirituality Today as well. She was the regional director for the Franklin Covey Company in Dallas, and continued her relationship with that organization for more than 20 years. She was also a corporate executive for 10 years with Giant Food, Inc. in Washington, D.C., a Fortune 500 food retailer, where she administered 16 of the company’s labor contracts.
Her mission drives her passion. Dottie is the founder of The Up to Something Group in Dallas, TX, whose members choose to be intentional about designing the lives they want – and create extraordinary results in the process. An avid supporter of women in business, Dottie is a co-founder of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and was inducted in the DFW Chapter’s Hall of Fame in 2014.
Dottie is a native Texan, with a B.A. in Communications from Baylor University. She currently resides in Fairview, Texas. Although much of her adult life was spent in Washington, D. C., she returned to Texas in 1991 to marry her college sweetheart, Tom Gandy. Dottie has two daughters, one stepson, and four extraordinary grandchildren.
We asked Dottie a few questions to get to know her better:
What made you get involved in Mentoring Women’s Network?
- I have a long history of supporting the success of women, including being one of the co-founders of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). Supporting MWN is another way of continuing to campaign for the success of women.
Why are you passionate about mentoring?
- My passion for mentoring comes from watching the extraordinary success of women who have had the benefit of mentors. A mentor helps you see what is possible – and then supports you in turning that possibility into reality.
What mantra do you live by?
- I have many mantras, and among my favorites is this affirmation: “Lead me where you need me and speak to me in ways I cannot possibly misunderstand.” Another guiding mantra comes from adding these 3 words to anything that otherwise stops me: “up until now.” Attach these 3 words to any limiting belief and that limitation becomes a possibility with a way forward, i.e. “I thought I was too old to start another career, up until now… (I turn 75 this year and I suspect I still have one or two more careers left in me.)
Who has been your greatest influencer or mentor?
- As a 16 year-old who wanted to be a tap dancer on Broadway “when I grew up” – my father assured me that if that was my dream, I would be the best tap dancer Broadway had seen. That unconditional support shifted my vision of what is possible in life – and I believe that mentoring opens up new possibilities for those being mentored.
In one sentence, what advice would you give your younger self if given the opportunity?
- My advice to my younger self: Listen first to your inner wisdom for guidance… and then believe that that wisdom supports you in doling, creating, or being anything you want.
Dottie touches lives in a meaningful way. We are honored to have her as part of our board!
Want to get involved in Mentoring Women’s Network? Visit our website to learn more!
