This Monday, we are featuring Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) member, Elizabeth Miars, as part of our Member Monday series. Elizabeth is the Vice Chair of the Done in a Day Committee and is currently a buyer at Wells Fargo. Read more about the Wilmington native below.
1) Thanks for taking time to share some personal insights with us today. Can you give us some background information about you?
I grew up in Wilmington, NC. I’m a beach girl! I went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with a degree in journalism. I moved to Charlotte shortly after graduating for a job with Wachovia in Corporate Real Estate. I found myself loving Charlotte so I’ve been here ever since. I currently work in Corporate Properties for Wells Fargo. I buy the furniture for the bank. I have an English cocker spaniel named Remi who keeps me busy. We love to go for walks around Freedom Park. In my free time, I love traveling, trying new restaurants and playing tennis.
2) What is the best and worst decision you’ve ever made?
Best decision – Going to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I met so many amazing people who became life-long friends and had such wonderful experiences.
Worst decision – There are quite a few, but I look at them as learning opportunities.
3) What woman inspires you and why?
As I reflect on the women that inspire me every day, my mother stands out as the true inspiration for me. As a retired educator, she truly shows what it means to serve her community. She is avidly passionate about education and the welfare of children. My mom inspires me to be a better version of myself. She taught me to be fearless and to have the courage to take risks.
4) From start to finish, what would your ideal day be like?
I would be at Wrightsville Beach, NC in the early fall. The day would start with breakfast with my family. After breakfast, I would head to the beach for a walk. I would take a sunset boat cruise followed by dinner with friends. That’s my perfect day!
5) What keeps you up at night?
Stress! However, I’m trying to get better about managing stress.
6) If you could tell your 23-year-old self-one thing what would it be?
Respect yourself, that’s the advice I would give to my younger self. Respect your body, it’s the only one you have. Respect your word, form opinions and openly speak up. Respect your time, ask yourself what is important and balance your priorities. Respect your opportunities, say yes more often. Everything you do, all the choices you make, your successes and your failures are related to how you feel about yourself. Respecting yourself holds the key to living a fulfilled life.
7) One thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I love sports. Fall is my favorite time of year because college football is on.
8) How has the Junior League helped you develop your potential, taught you something unique, and/or given you an opportunity that you never would have had otherwise?
Where do I start? Through the Junior League, I’ve learned so much about Charlotte. The Junior League has really opened my eyes to the needs of our community. I’m grateful for the hands-on volunteering opportunities and the opportunity to do this work alongside women who share my passion for serving the community. These women are great leaders, mentors and friends. In addition to providing access to this great group of women, the Junior League has helped me develop skills that I’ve transferred to my professional and personal life, including leadership, communication and event planning.
Written by Marielle Harris
