Small Business and the Art of Social Entrepreneurship

Now in its seventh year, these semi-annual “Wise and Strong Women Speak” evenings are designed to give voice to the often unspoken stories of women. They have evolved into a magical community experience that inspires all who attend.

Each Wise and Strong Women program features two women in a public conversation about something they hold in common. The focus this fall is on two entrepreneurs, Karen Krzywda and Tricia Tomlinson. The conversations will again be hosted and facilitated by Marguerite Stapleton. Karen and Tricia are both small business owners in Lewiston who have made commitments to social entrepreneurship as part of their business plan. The focus of their conversation will be on the role businesses can play in enriching the lives of others, especially those who are less fortunate.

Karen Krzywda is the owner of Head to Toe Physical Therapy, an outpatient clinic located at the Health Club and Spa on outer Lisbon Street in Lewiston.  Originally from Massachusetts and a graduate of Simmons College, she has owned and operated outpatient physical therapy clinics for 18 years.  With 20 years of experience in orthopedic care, Karen focuses on manual techniques and aquatic therapy.   She has taken several advanced courses, involving cutting edge techniques such as Maitland and Mulligan training, and she is a certified Graston technique provider.  Karen prides herself and her clinic’s philosophy of treating the individual, not just the injury.  A resident of Lewiston, she is active in the community, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Center for Women’s Wisdom, and volunteering regularly at an Early Head Start in Oxford County.  Karen and her partner Diane love eating and paying it forward at Ben’s Burritos!

Ben’s Burritos is the brain child of Tricia Tomlinson and her sisters Jamie and Lindsey who have all had a love for cooking since an early age.  They first sampled authentic Mexican food while vacationing in the Yucatan Peninsula some 10 years ago. They instantly fell in love with the flavors and dreamed of one day recreating the dishes with their own twists. Since opening the business Tricia is giving back to the community in many ways. At Ben’s Burritos, she strives to use locally grown food and offers free food to those who can’t afford it with the pay it forward wall so that everyone can partake of delicious Mexican food and a wonderful atmosphere. Tricia put herself through school while raising two beautiful children and working, mostly by herself.  She has always supported local arts, agriculture, & the economy.

Light refreshments will be offered. There is no charge for attendance, although donations are encouraged to support The Center for Wisdom’s Women. Those who attend are invited to bring contributions of hygiene items (only basic, full size, unopened containers please) for the Center’s hygiene pantry! Most needed are shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, and sanitary pads.

No reservations are needed, just come and bring a friend to celebrate the gifts of women.  The Center for Wisdom’s Women is a day drop-in center for women. It is located off Bates St. between Pine and Ash. Parking at the site is limited, but is available on the street or a couple blocks away in the Park Street garage.