Gail-Mary Damelio

Spring brings warmth, renewal, and blossoms. This season is so appropriate to highlight Gail-Mary Damelio, our April Long Island Business Woman Who Makes a Difference. Professionally, Gail-Mary works for Lloyd Staffing in the role of Staffing Administrator in the Melville location. As an individual she is the symbol of joy, warmth and the true spirit of giving.

Are there people that were catalysts in your life?

I am the woman I am today because of the foundation I received from my parents. We were raised with love and faith. Our home was filled with music and laughter. Being kind, compassionate and having a strong work ethic were paramount in our home. My sister Jeanine made a huge impact in my life. She mentored me to be the professional I am and encouraged me to strive and reach goals I never dreamed I could attain. She emphasized, “quality through excellence.” Along with these lessons, I learned the value of friendship. My parents taught me to always be true to others and myself. Having friends was important, but more importantly was to remember that in order to have a friend, you must be a friend first.

Do you volunteer your time to worthy causes?

Do I volunteer? I served six years as a Board member for the LI Center for Business and Profession Women: co-chaired an Achievers Award dinner; and served seven years on the Community Outreach Task Force, educating and putting together programs and seminars for women entering and re-entering the workforce. Topics presented included, “Dressing for Success,” “Business Etiquette,” and “Interview Tips and Techniques.” I served on a task force for the National Center for Disabilities, I was a Board member for the charity, “From Our Hearts,” and am currently a Board member of the Suffolk Chapter of the American Cancer Society. I volunteer for the Arthritis Foundation. I made toiletry boxes for women in homeless shelters during the holidays and put together bake sales to raise monies for church. I participate in the American Heart Association Walk, MS Walk, and Marking Stride Against Breast Cancer Walk. I have volunteered for countless telethons manning the telephones and taking pledges.

My proudest moment was when I was asked to give the survivor speech at the American Cancer Society Breakfast, when over 960 people were in attendance. Having been diagnosed with three types of breast cancer, I am so grateful to have recently celebrated my fourth years in remission.

Do you have advice for women readers?

I learned that the joy is really in the GIVING and not the receiving. Go out and make a difference for someone else. Be a friend. Donate your time. Make a donation. Give blood. Give hope. Pray. You will be amazed the joy that unfolds in your life!

www.liwomen.com
April 2005