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After four years of college at Kansas State University in Elementary Education, Jean Ketcham had one problem; she knew she definitely did not want to teach. She married her college sweetheart (still married after 47 years) and became an “executive secretary” to an insurance mogul—very stressful. Jean’s solid, grounded, no nonsense approach to life has served her well in raising her daughter, owning an upscale clothing store in St. Louis, pioneering an international commercial fabric line in the Midwest and consulting to develop an extraordinary line of wrinkle fighting skin care. As a cancer survivor now battling asthma she is always trying to put her struggle with weight in its proper perspective. Her intense spirituality, passion for cooking, discipline for exercise, love of business and dedication to friendship weaves a complex, yet gratifying life.
C. Suzanne Bates’ bold and vivacious personality, wit, evolved spirituality and powerful will to succeed has been fueled by her A.D.H.D. and minor learning disabilities. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Stephens College (the oldest women’s college west of the Mississippi) and has completed graduate level work at Harvard University. Her design work has been published in every major design magazine in the USA. In Minneapolis she was design editor for the upscale magazine Twin Cities, and was featured in a weekly television segment for Corporate Video. Most recently she was with HOK one of the largest architectural firms in the world. Her connection with Young Presidents Organization/World Presidents Organization combined with her equestrian accomplishments, philanthropy, four children, passion for fitness, love of the visual arts and thirst for knowledge have kept her “occupied” for the past few decades.
