“Mimi is a doer, a fixer, and a giver; she is a successful entrepreneur, empowered feminist, and someone of immense heart, who lifts the next generation through her mentoring. When you know Mimi, you know the true and fierce heart of Happy Valley. Eat First, Cry Later brings Mimi’s story and spirit to life for the next generation.”

“Mimi and I served Penn State together at a very auspicious time in the University’s history.  We were two women firsts, I as the first female to serve as Senior Vice President for Administration, and Mimi as the first female Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. We worked shoulder to shoulder with many powerful and highly successful male colleagues, all of us fully committed to placing the interests of the University before our own.  We share the good fortune and joy of having been full partners in those heady days, when Penn State emerged as the world class university it is today.”

“Mimi’s always there as a resource to help lead us in the right direction for mutual benefit. You’ll enjoy reading many personal anecdotes that help define the depth of her involvement and influence in our community. I depend on her wisdom.”

“No one has been more influential on the State College community and the ‘town and gown’ relationship for Penn State than Mimi Barash Coppersmith. She has been a neighbor, friend, connector, diplomat, influencer and leader for decades. Her influence has been positive and lasting for the University and for the community. Her success and wisdom — shared in this book — are inspiring and motivating.”

“I worked for Mimi for 30 years. She set goals and did whatever it took to reach them. She put her creative skills to work to create business solutions. Mimi took over a fledgling business at a time when women rarely were in charge. She succeeded because she treated vendors, clients, and employees in a firm but fair fashion. Her success motivated me. Mimi gave me the environment and direction to succeed.”

“Mimi has been a great partner and supporter of the State College and Pennsylvania State communities. I have appreciated her help and collaboration over the years to improve the quality of life in State College. Her lasting impact, passion and commitment for our community was recognized by the State College Borough Council in 2008 when she received the Legacy Award. State College and Penn State are better off for having Mimi as a part of our community.”

“I value Mimi’s generosity of time to advise and empower women like me who have a vision but are just beginning to find their voice in their profession. Through stories of her life and a genuine compassion for a thriving community, she helps me feel unstoppable in my efforts to create a great science center. What an inspiration!”

“Half a century ago, Mimi established herself as a chronicler of a community’s growth and change. In spearheading progressive causes and mentoring several generations of women leaders, she has become a part of that history. Those of us who have been guided and inspired by her know that Mimi’s story is the foundation of our own.”

“I have been privileged to work with Mimi Barash Coppersmith for nearly 17 years as the staff member assigned to the Renaissance Fund Board of Directors. No one will accuse Mimi of sitting quietly on the sideline when there is something to be done for a cause she believes in. She is articulate and persuasive, and more importantly she walks the talk. She gives generously of both her time and her resources and never asks another to do what she is not willing to do herself. Of the many dedicated volunteers that I work with, Mimi in particular has had a profound influence on the kind of volunteer that I strive to be when I am working with an organization. She has taught me not just to show up, but to work for the cause with heart and intention. Every organization should be blessed with a volunteer like Mimi Barash Coppersmith.”

“I’ve known Mimi since the early 1990s, when I chaired the Sy Barash Regatta, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society named in honor of her first husband. She helped me secure my first professional job in university development, and has been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration to me professionally and personally ever since; one of the best parts of my move back to Penn State as Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations is that I get to work closely with Mimi again to support the communities we both love. She has a perspective on State College and its interconnected relationship with Penn State that very few others do, and this book is an insider’s peek into the inner workings of both — woven together with her inspirational personal story and colored with her tremendous wit.”

“I learned so many lessons from Mimi working on what became LifeLink. The most important: do not accept ‘no’ as the final answer for something you are passionate about. If you truly believe in something, go after it regardless of how big it is.”