Guest speaker Carla Harris, managing director at Morgan Stanley Investment Management and author of the book “Expect to Win,” provided advice on how to thrive in the workplace.

“You should always expect to win and play to win,” she said. “Maximize your success.” Harris shared several of her “pearls” of wisdom learned during more than 20 years on Wall Street.

“The most important thing I learned is perception is the copilot to reality,” she said. “You can train people to think about you in the way you want them to.”

Honorary co-chairs were Kathy Mallatt, plan president for UnitedHealthcare Community and State, Share Advantage, and Connie Ryan, president of Streck Inc. Luncheon co-chairs were Renee Black and Susan Schnase.

Grants totaling $133,000 were presented to nonprofit agencies for their work on behalf of Omaha-area women and girls. Recipients recognized at the luncheon were Catholic Charities, College of Saint Mary, Family Housing Advisory Services, Girls Inc., Habitat for Humanity, Heartland Family Service, Legal Aid of Nebraska, Lutheran Family Services, Metropolitan Community College Foundation, Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest and Women’s Center for Advancement.

Shannon Spears, a participant in Family Housing Advisory Services’ Opportunity Passport™ Program, was the recipient of a “Recycled Rides” 2005 Dodge Caravan mini-van. Spears is a full-time student at Metropolitan Community College who works two part-time jobs while also taking care of her infant son. The van was donated by State Farm Insurance and refurbished and repaired by Northwest CARSTAR Body Shop of Omaha.

From left, Connie Ryan, Carla Harris and Kathy Mallatt.