MEN WI N HEALTH www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 39 After a peripatetic early childhood, with stops that included Michigan, Minnesota and Canada, Kimberly Borts and her parents settled in the Northern Virginia suburbs. While most of her childhood was anchored in Virginia, she spent as much time as possible in the Lowcountry at a second home her family enjoyed on Seabrook Island. Borts graduated from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, with a bachelor’s degree in political science. While an undergraduate, she was the first woman ever elected vice president and then president of the student body. While at George Mason, she had interned on Capitol Hill. She was able to participate in two very different 1996 presidential campaigns, those of Sen. Bob Dole and President Bill Clinton. From that position, she was recruited to be co-director of the Institute for Business Travel Management. While in that role, she completed certifications in business management from the Wharton School of Business, as well as in events management from George Washington University. Upon returning from a business trip in 2001, she realized that her heart was in the Lowcountry. She made a leap of faith and left her job to relocate here permanently, joining her two brothers, who were already here after graduating from college. For six years, she served as development and communications director for Sea Island Habitat for Humanity. While at Sea Island Habitat, she completed her fundraising management certificate. Borts was next recruited by Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community. “Senior living is a growing and expanding sector offering unlimited new opportunities. This industry is so quickly changing that the sky is the limit,” she said. By Bill Farley Dentistry was the specialty of choice for Dr. Dana Blalock of Sleep Better South Carolina ever since she was in junior high school. She geared her high school and college coursework toward getting into dental school, and the rest is history. “After dental school, I joined the Navy. I was blessed to get orders to Charleston and spent my eight years of service here. I met a born-and-raised Charleston guy, left the Navy, married and started my private practice 29 years ago,” she said. She practiced general and restorative dentistry for 36 years. During the last five or six years, she wanted to stay in health care but treat patients with sleep apnea, so she learned about sleep medicine and oral devices. “It has been such a rewarding experience. We help them stop snoring, sleep better, return to bed with their partner and have more energy and better health,” she pointed out. She said she is inspired by strong women: “Those who are not afraid to stand up and speak for what they think is right. I must admit to having a girl crush on Nikki Haley because I like her feisty side. I, too, have been known to not shy away from a conflict or concern.” Dr. Blalock noted how much dentistry has changed over the years, with more women now entering the field. “When I was in dental school 37 years ago, my class had a very small percentage of women. Now those numbers are much different. It can also afford you flexibility with your schedule if you want to raise a family or work different hours. There are numerous options and opportunities for women today that might not have been available 30-plus years ago.” By Christine Steele Dr. Dana Blalock SLEEP BETTER SOUTH CAROLINA Charleston 843-494-5004 sleepbettersouthcarolina.com @bettersleepbetterlife Kimberly Borts BISHOP GADSDEN Charleston 843-762-3300 bishopgadsden.org @bishopgadsdenlifeplancommunity
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