Theresa Corey Bishop’s radiant and upbeat personality is contagious. Her laughter seems to echo the hallways and brightens any room like a burst of sunlight. The recently promoted Philanthropy Manager of Dominion East Ohio and Dominion Foundation has her hands full. She doesn’t just manage the company’s philanthropic programs in Cleveland but also in the other major cities of Ohio – Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Lima , Marietta and points in between. The most recent geographic addition in her responsibilities is assisting with establishment of Dominion’s philanthropic programs in eastern Wisconsin where Dominion has recently purchased the Kewaunee Power Station. The area has its own unique twist. “In Kewaunee County it is documented that there are 60,000 cows and 20,000, so it really rural, and there lies the challenge.” she says, and chuckles.

“I have a great job, although it gets stressful at time. There are so many good organizations and projects, but dollars are limited and it’s not easy to reject a proposal because you know the time and passion that was put into it.” says Ms. Bishop. Her mission is to network with nonprofit organizations and find projects to invest the Dominion Foundation’s philanthropic dollar. With its roots deeply embedded in Ohio, Dominion East Ohio and the Dominion Foundation pays great attention to economic and community development projects. “Our gas lines are in the ground and we are not going anywhere, so we want the communities to be strong and viable,” she said. Other areas of interest include education, arts & culture, human services and the environment. They all are an integral part of strengthening the communities that we serve.

Each year Dominion allots $1.25 million dollars for grants and investment in Ohio. It is Ms. Bishop’s job to have a good working knowledge of the communities and sift through the proposals to find the ones best matching Dominion’s criteria and that fulfill the needs of the community. She advises all non-profit organizations to do their research on the grant, company and initiatives.

“I am very receptive to people calling first or sending an introductory email or telling me about the organization first rather than coming in with a blind request,” she says. Lack of knowledge of a funders giving priorities, giving levels and guidelines is a pitfall she says organizations should avoid Ms. Bishop prefers a hands on approach in selecting projects, “I am real believer in visiting the organization and seeing what the project is,” she says.

So what does she do to reduce stress and relax? “I break glass and play with fire!” Ms. Bishop enjoys glass fusing, lampworking(making glass beads with a torch) and stained glass. A very unique and exciting hobby for a very interesting woman!

What is your definition of philanthropy? Finding creative ways to make the communities that we serve a better place to live, work and play

What are your volunteer activities? Shoes and Clothes for Kids, Cleveland Botanical Gardens

What do you love most about your job? I really get to see a lot. And from that, learn a lot but what I like most is pairing an organization with another. It could be a similar program, problem, issue and they can be in different cities or states for that matter --- being that kind of a resource that is worth more than just a financial contribution.

What advice or tips do you offer new non-profit organizations? Do your homework as to what is a reasonable request and also who it is you should be talking to. Better yet, try to build a relationship first.

What do you like most about working in Cleveland? Can I change that to Northeast Ohio? I cover our entire footprint in Ohio (as well as a couple of other locations in a couple of other states) We need, across the board, to find ways to work together and to promote the region as one. There are numerous opportunities. We just need to get past the political and parochial ‘who -ha” and realize that we can work together.

If you had a magic wand, what changes would you make in Cleveland? World? A “quit your “bitchin’ and do something for someone else that helps make the world better campaign”

As a child, what was your greatest dream or aspiration? To be a teacher/ principal like my mother.

How can the spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy be instilled in the younger generations? By action and by example…..involve them!

What is your favorite charity or a cause close to your heart? Shoes and Clothes for Kids Why? The self-esteem that new shoes and clothes bring to kids that are in need. It’s not just charity, it’s empowerment - kid style! It is the only nonprofit in Cleveland that provides shoes and clothes for kids in need.

What event or person has influenced your life the most? My Mother and my Grandmother.

Which personal values do you cherish most? I am a hard-worker and can be a bit tenacious. But I also can “multi-task’ like crazy. It does drive some friends and colleagues nuts though.

What is the best gift you’ve received? One of my best friends surprising me on the New Year’s Eve of the Y2K year. We were having a small party with close friends. Did I tell you he drove 800 miles?

What do you consider your greatest achievement? This may sound kind of weird, but I haven’t missed a Kentucky Derby in 27 years. It’s an annual gathering of close friends that are scattered in many locations. We get together every year at the same place – kind of like the buzzards returning to Hinckley every year. Relationships and traditions are important – they help keep you grounded! And yes, I am going in 2008.

What do you like to do as a hobby or during your leisure time? I break glass and play with fire……really . I do quite a bit of stained glass, lampworking (that’s the fire!) and glass fusing. – Windows, cabinets, sidelights, also glass beads and jewelry. I do commissioned work and also will on occasion, make items for fundraisers – where I am involved. Frankly, it’s my sanity break and will hopefully be a profitable venture when I retire in a few years. My garden and back yard pond is also a huge passion of mine.

What do you think is the greatest problem we are facing in this country today? People not taking responsibility for their actions, decisions, or problems. We are quick to blame and point the finger in the other direction. THAT has to stop.

Who is the most interesting person you have met or worked with

I really can’t single any one person out. I meet so many and it would be a very long list, all for different reasons

If your life were a movie, who would play your part? Angela Lansbury…

What word describes you best? Resilient

What word would you like others to use to describe you? Knowledgeable and wise

What is the best advice you have ever received? If you don’t want to know the answer, don’t ask the question

What do you consider the most overrated virtue? I think we all need to pay closer attention to all the virtues……….maybe the question should be rephrased to the most underrated virtue

What is your most treasured possession? My family and my “critters”.

What was your first job / worst job? Dairy Queen when I was 16 - hated it, had several I liked much better after that.

What is your life motto? I guess it would be ….Work hard, play hard, do good and have fun!

If you could go back in time and do something differently, what would it be? Spend more time with my grandparents and great grandparents.