Women Entrepreneurs meeting Aug. 26 at CVI

The Carson Valley Chapter of Women Entrepreneurs of The World is holding its monthly group meeting 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Carson Valley Inn in Minden.

This month's speaker is Diane Ortenzio-Cooling, owner and instructor of Sierra Dojo Martial Arts in Gardnerville. She will share with the group some fundamentals of women's self-defense, including demonstrating some simple martial arts moves.

Ortenzio-Cooling began her karate training in 1979. Today, she holds the rank of seventh degree black belt. A resident of Gardnerville for 14 years, she started her own martial arts school, Sierra Dojo, in 1999.

Ortenzio-Cooling was inducted into the International Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame in 2003, and has also earned the Female Instructor of the Year and Spirit of Isshin-Ryu award from the organization. For more than 21 years, she was a competitor in tournaments on the East Coast, consistently placing in the top three spots for kata, weapons kata, and sparring.

Locally, Ortenzio-Cooling has served as an operations leader for the Douglas County Sheriff's Search & Rescue team, earning certifications as an EMT and investigative mantracker. Additionally, she recently became a certified defensive tactics instructor for law enforcement officers.

Monthly WE meetings are open for all to attend. Cost is $15 for WE members, $20 for guests. Reservations are requested by Monday. To pay by credit card, RSVP online at www.weoftheworld.com/carson-valley. Those wishing to pay at the door (cash or check only) should RSVP via e-mail to carsonvalley@weoftheworld.com.

For more information, visit www.weoftheworld.com.