FOUNDER FAVORITES

God. He’s the center of everything I do. Can’t live life without Him…am nothing without HIM. That includes Jesus and the Holy Spirit. My faves for sure.
My family. I LOVE my family. I love being with them and spending time with them. It’s nice to have people that you’re related to that you enjoy.
Church. I love my church. I get so excited to go there, then meditate on the message and seek to apply the valuable teaching I obtain.
Books. There’s nothing like a good inspirational book. I’m all about self-improvement, so I lean towards any topic related to that, especially if it’s focused on women.
Delicious Food. Grilled vegetables. Grilled Trout. Homemade mac and cheese. Jeni’s Salty Caramel Ice Cream…yum! I love trying new restaurants and making good food.
Fresh flowers. I buy fresh flowers weekly or biweekly. They’re so easy to get these days. I keep them in my home at all times.
Live Music. I enjoy a variety of genres. One of my favorite memories is attending a Sade concert. She was phenomenal! Community. I am so thankful for the opportunity to impact and connect to community through service, investment and partnership. Travel. New York is one of my favorite cities to visit. I lived there for a bit and interned with Vera Wang. I have also enjoyed visiting some countries Europe; I’d like to go back soon.
New Adventures. I love roller coasters (yes, front row, first seat, that’s me!), new places and new activities. I believe you should try new things in life (within reason, ha!) Inspiring and developing others. I love to inspire, empower and connect others. That’s my purpose and passion!
Humor. I enjoy a funny movie, a good meme, a hilarious social media post. I have some friends that are quite funny and I’m always drawn to people who make me laugh.
Entertaining. I enjoy hosting a good party or event that’s not only beautiful, but meaningful and/or fun!

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE

Elizabeth is the founder and CEO of Polished31, a personal development firm for women and girls. She has received and delivered training modules on a variety of topics including self-esteem, professional presentation and image, communication, leadership, etiquette and more. As a youth she modeled and participated in local and state pageants in her home state of Ohio. For several years, she served as the leader of a faith-based image, character and leadership development program for girls 8-16 titled GRACE.  “When I consider topics related to personal enhancement and self-improvement, I always think '“you won’t know unless someone tells you.”  And obtaining information for personal development is important, but I also never want anyone to feel like they have to fit into a tight box. I think polish and finishing is about obtaining the tools to become your best self.  As individuals we should be gracious, kind, and strive to be excellent at work, at home, in our interactions with others, and for God. I appreciate decorum and beauty and elegance, but I also love to dance, and I love to have fun! I think balance is important. Stuffy and uptight is out.  Relaxed grace is in. Polished not perfect.”

PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

Elizabeth Carter Trotman has worked in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector for more than 20 years, leading several community initiatives focused on improving the lives of children and families by focusing on education, health and wellness, workforce development, economic mobility, entrepreneurship, place-based neighborhood development and leadership.

Her professional background includes strategic planning, community engagement, marketing, branding, communication, program and research report development, and more than 20 years of event planning experience. She has developed and delivered events ranging from award ceremonies, donor recognition and women-focused events to televised events with nationally-recognized speakers such as Geoffrey Canada, Paul Tough, Dr. Bruce Perry, Dr. Pedro Noguera and Carla Harris. She has directed multiple volunteer efforts including a citywide volunteer event involving more than 28,000 participants, and the initiation of a statewide summit.

Elizabeth has received and delivered training modules on a variety of topics including leadership, meeting facilitation, conflict resolution, diversity and inclusion, board service, and more.  She has worked with various audiences including corporate leaders, community partners, education stakeholders, government officials, board members and nonprofit organizations. Elizabeth holds a bachelor of arts in public relations with a minor in speech communication from Otterbein University and a Masters of Public Administration and Leadership from The Ohio State University. She currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina and she is the proud step/bonus mom of one daughter, Camille.