Jeri Meola, president of Minnetonka-based Satisfaction Management Systems (SMS), has come a long way since her volunteer candy-striper days. In addition to her company’s success, five years ago, Jeri became one of the founding members of Women’s Leadership Council in the Twin Cities.

Jeri’s introduction to the Council came from Janel Goff, who was working with Lauren Segal to bring Women’s Leadership Council to the Twin Cities. Working as part of this group is something that Jeri is passionate about. “It takes a community of individuals to support the community,” she says. “It doesn’t happen alone. Power comes in numbers.”

In 2009, Jeri became the chair of Women’s Leadership Council and has already made a very positive impact. One of six goals set by the Council was to raise $300,000 to support early childhood education programs. That goal was exceeded by 16 percent and on May 10, $355,000 was awarded in grants to nine programs. “Minnesota just doesn’t have a good story to tell about how we’re helping children in need,” Jeri says. With the Council’s support, United Way is helping improve that story; one of the organization’s goals is to have 80 percent of the state’s children ready for school success by 2012.

Jeri is passionate about the community that has helped her company become successful. “I have a social responsibility, especially being a business owner. I have a responsibility to give back to the community that helped us succeed,” she says. In fact, SMS has been so successful that Jeri recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners for 20 years of business.

With that success brings opportunity. In May, Jeri had the chance to present at the Minnesota Monthly Women of Influence Luncheon, where she spoke about Women’s Leadership Council, her business and surprising things about her life that people never knew. For instance, Jeri actually went to college to play basketball. Jeri was also recently interviewed by the Star Tribune about the success of her company and how she gives back to the community.

Jeri’s charitable involvement doesn’t end with the Council. She is also on the board of WomenVenture and the Minnesota Council for Quality. Other affiliations include Women’s President Organization, Heart Association Go For Red Women’s Executive Team, Business Marketing Association and the Humane Society.

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