Recently, the Western St Charles Chamber of Commerce honored Little Black Book with its top award, “Business of the Year.” Here is the acceptance speech that I delivered: 

“My name is Angel Magasano and I am the Founder of Little Black Book: Women in Business. Little Black Book originated in October of 2012 as an organization for female professionals to share best practices as we helped one another acquire the knowledge, skills, resources, and confidence necessary to be successful in their personal and professional lives. 

The organization still follows that mission, but would not be what it is today without my fellow finalists.  
Jamie Gittemeier joined LBB in 2015 when the organization needed direction and leadership. She continues to serve in a leadership capacity to this day inspiring every woman she connects with, starting with me.  Alysia Kerkove joined Little Black Book in a pivot point in the organization’s history. It was Alyisa’s collaborative mindset, leadership qualities, and creative critical thinking that helped to propel LBB forward in a dynamic direction.  As the 2019 recipient of the LBB Pillar Award, Alysia has proven herself to be one of LBB’s most valuable assets.  

I am the lucky woman who has the honor of being the spokesperson who receives the compliments and collects the award. However, the organization is really about the women of Little Black Book.  If you are a proud woman of LBB, please stand and be recognized. If you are a LBB Wingman, please stand. These are the people who attribute to the continued success of Little Black Book. We are unstoppable together! Thank you.” 

I mentioned Jamie and Alysia by name in my acceptance speech because without them Little Black Book would not exist. 

Likewise, LBB would not exist: 

• Without Kimberly, Justine, Shanna, Sara, Adrienne, Elizabeth, Jeanne, and Anna working behind the scenes to make great things happen 
• Without Katie, Val, Sherry, Rachel, and Eileen leading from the front of each chapter
• Without Angie, Joan, and Michelle running our amazing Book Club and Rhonda running our “For the Run of It” walk/run community  
• Without our founding members: Diane, Dr Kristin, Michelle, Adrienne, and Jeanne
• Without Julie, Tara, and Bridgette who open their businesses for our regular meetings 
• Without all of the women who serve on our BrrrBASH, Scholarship, Girls Gone Wine and Monster Mash 5K Dash committees 
• Without all of the women who donate items, baskets, time, and money to charitable events
• Without all of the women who pioneered the way for the rest of us on the very first LBB Escape
• Without all of the women who organize and attend vendor events
• Without all of the women who contribute to posts in our online Connect & Share community 
• Without all of the women who attend meetings so that they may be present to fill another’s cup
• Without all of the women who attend meetings because they need their cup filled

LBB would not exist without you. The women of LBB are cut from a unique and wonderful cloth. Together we have created a beautiful community that is a force to be reckoned with…and as a result, the winner is YOU!

Angel Magasano
LBB, Founder

​Organization’s Name
The Meadows

What did you want to be when you were a child?
Oh man, I wanted to be an accountant because I loved calculators! Such a ridiculous reason but man I’m fast punching in those numbers!

What called you to your work?
Interesting question. I never went to college but I knew I wanted to be successful and not work “for the man” but be the WOMAN!

Who in the community do you look up to? Do you have a role model?
I look up to so many women in the area. I’ve always wondered how so many working moms balance work and life. I figure if they can do so can I!

Do you have a personal or professional motto?
Work Smart and Play Hard!
#onlyatthemeadows
Keep Calm and Go Shopping!
Name your greatest success, or what you are most proud of, in your business experiences.
This is a tough one. I would say getting my real estate license in the middle of the holiday season at the mall at the age of 41!

What product/service do you offer?
I’m a Senior Retail Property Manager for Balke Brown Transwestern, where I oversee retail shopping centers. In other words, I shop for a living!

What makes your business unique?
The Meadows is an outdoor lifestyle center that is unique to St. Charles County. We have lots of businesses that are one of a kind to our area.

What is the nicest thing a customer has ever said to you about your products/service?
Don’t help many customers but I do help business owners. I had a current tenant tell me that I was a great communicator and made their leasing process simple, easy to understand and have continued to stay in contact to make sure they are reaching their desired sales/goals.

What are three things you use every day in your job?
1. Cell Phone
2. Debit Card
3. Highlighter

Tell us about organizations/charities you are passionate about.
I currently work with United Services for Children for their fundraising efforts to bring a museum to the Meadows. In the past two years, I have learned so much about all the services they offer. As a community, we are truly blessed to have this as an option if needed. Truly remarkable the work they do with kids of all abilities.

When you are not working, what do you like to do in your spare time?
If I’m not working then you can find me at the pool or on the golf course!