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AMBER LEWIS

The Amber Lewis Group Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group

Amber Lewis moved from Maryland to Tampa in 2005 to attend the University of Tampa and immediately fell in love with Tampa Bay.

She has had the opportunity to work with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Lightning, representing both organizations in the community. She is an active member in the Junior League of Tampa and Leadership Tampa Bay Alumni.

Amber has been investing in real estate for over a decade and is a leading full time Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

She started her real estate team, The Amber Lewis Group, in 2020, which has grown to include Realtors Nanette Mateo and Melissa Rummells. Together, they are able to provide superior availability, service and knowledge to their customers. The team assists buyers and sellers throughout the Tampa Bay area navigate the fast paced real estate market.

AmberLewisGroup.com @AmberLewisGroup @AmberTampasRealtor

BERNADETTE PELLO

Livingstone Academy, Inc.

Bernadette Pello grew up in New York. It was there where she learned the importance of family, hard work, and how a great Italian meal can bring people together.

After relocating to Florida, she and her husband Chris identified an opportunity to provide educational options for children with unique learning needs. In 2002, they started Livingstone Academy, now serving families on four campuses. Florida Trade Academy, their newest venture, will launch in 2022.

Bernadette served as the 2020 Chairman of the Board for the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. She additionally serves the community in other leadership roles and has just launched her own nonprofit, Charity Godmothers.

Rounding out her passions, you will often find Bernadette cooking with her son Michael. As a family, they run Pasta Monsta LLC, a food truck that makes fresh, Italian eats.

Family, hard work, and food. For Bernadette, That’s amore!

bpello@livingstoneschools.org @bernadettepello livingstoneschools.org

CHEQUITA BURGESS KRISTIN LISI THERESE WHITEHURST

Livingstone Schools, Inc.

Chequita Burgess is the Principal at LAEC, Livingstone Academy Exceptional Center. She is a graduate of Leadership Brandon 2018 and has a degree in Liberal Studies from UCF. Chequita joined Livingstone Schools in 2017.

Kristin Lisi is the Principal at LAAC, Livingstone Academy Autism Center. She is a graduate of Leadership Brandon 2019. Kristin has a Bachelor of Arts in Exceptional Student Education, K-12, and a Master of Science in Psychological Studies, School Guidance and Counseling. Kristin joined Livingstone Schools in 2004.

Therese Whitehurst is the Principal at the Riverview location. She is a Leadership Brandon graduate of 2020. Therese has a Bachelor’s degree in Exceptional Student Education and a Masters degree in Exceptional Student Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Therese joined Livingstone Schools in 2011.

Chequita, Kristin and Therese are respected leaders and they are passionate about the population of students that they serve.

cburgess@livingstoneschools.org klisi@livingstoneschools.org twhitehurst@livingstoneschools.org

CHRISTINA K FLORES

Volkswagen North Tampa

As an automotive veteran and retail expert who holds over 20 plus years experience covering every facet of the industry. Christina is a true professional who takes pride in her work and is constantly striving to make others better around her. Starting as a receptionist, she found love for the business and knew she could make a difference as a female leader. Christina is very involved with her community and actively supports local charities and events. As a General Manager for Volkswagen of North Tampa, she strives to provide an exceptional experience to her customers and everyone around her. Christina states “ My employees and customers TRUST ME-and that’s everything to me”

@christinakflores ckflores82@live.com @ChristinaKFlores

JENNIFER STALS

Land Rover Tampa

Jennifer started her adventure with Land Rover when she purchased her first one in 1998. After attending her first off road event, she fell in love with the brand and everything it stood for. Her passion for the brand led her to selling Land Rovers in Louisville, KY and finally Tampa, FL where she continued developing her career, becoming Centre Manager in 2007.As a brand advocate and consistent top performer she earned an advisory role on the Land Rover National Advertising, Customer Service and Regional Dealer Councils. She consistently earned the Land Rover Managers Guild Award as well as the Marque of Distinction Award as #1 Manager in the Country. Jennifer loves nothing more than fostering the same passion for Land Rover in both her team and their customers. Land Rover Tampa has become the most awarded Land Rover Retailer in the United States for customer service and business excellence.

jstals@landrovertampa.com landrovertampa.com 813.375-3554

ANGIE RICHISON

Dolan Mortgage Group

Angie Richison is an award-winning marketing professional that built a career on making dreams come true for children. For over 20 years, she watched as their eyes lit up with excitement for the show to start at live family entertainment events! The pandemic opened the door to be the perfect time to combine her marketing expertise with a personal passion for real estate.

As the Business Development Manager at Dolan Mortgage Group, she can make the whole families’ dream of home ownership come true by helping them find the right mortgage option for their financial goals. The excitement of families being able to get the keys to open the door of their dream home is the most rewarding feeling.

Angie and the team at Dolan Mortgage Group are dedicated to helping you understand your mortgage financing options along with developing strategies for achieving wealth through real estate.

angie@thedolanteam.com 630.336.0401 thedolangroup.com

CHRISTINA BARRETT

Luxe Light Images

Christina is a Florida native with a gift for making people feel beautiful. She believes wholeheartedly that a boost of self-confidence can be life-changing. That’s why it’s her mission to show everyone their own authentic beauty. When you book with Christina it’s like meeting up with a girlfriend. Her sessions are specifically curated down to every detail so everything is perfect for you. She has a fabulous client wardrobe and even provides professional hair and makeup in studio! She pours herself into giving you images that don’t change you but showcase you as your best self on your best day. With a thriving studio in the heart of downtown St. Pete and a busy family she gets what it’s like to be a woman trying to gracefully do it all. She specializes in photography for women and whether it’s boudoir, beauty or branding she’s got you covered. You’ll enjoy a super fun session, a jolt of self-confidence and beautiful photos to remember the whole experience.

@luxelightimages 300 Beach Drive NE, #125 LuxeLightImages.com

JAMIE BROWN

Soshal Events

It’s all in the details! Is what founder, Jamie Brown of Soshal Events specializes in with her event planning company. All her events are customized to accommodate each individual client. Soshal Events, specializes in planning for corporate and social occasions. Since, 2016 Soshal Events has been making memorable experiences including weddings, private parties and nonprofits. The team brings over 20 years of combined experience to the table. Brown also has a decade of knowledge in corporate America and a degree in Hospitality from The Florida State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Recently, Jamie became a realtor with Combs Premier Realty Group, where she is excited to be servicing the Tampa Bay Area. Jamie believes in building an empire and passing down her entrepreneurial spirit to her 3 sons. Her family is her world, and she enjoys spending free time with her husband and kids.

@mrsjbrown_mba info@soshalevents.com soshalevents.com

JENNIFER REYNOLDS

Jenergy Air Services LLC

Jennifer Reynolds or “Jenergy” as dubbed by her friends and family is a mother of 2 not so little kids, she is a wife and the proud owner of a growing HVAC business Jenergy Air Services. Jen is also the current president of the Seminole Chamber of Commerce, former president of the Seminole Rotary Club and a 12 year award winning member of the BNI chapter Success Masters. In her spare time you will find her networking or working out and she loves both! She enjoys interacting with customers and helping them find solutions to create comfortable climates in their homes and businesses. A woman’s touch in this industry is what separates her from the competition as Jenergy employees treat customers like family not like sales opportunities. They also take pride in taking time to educate customers about their choices and options without the haggle of an aggressive sales pitch. On top of that, friendly customer service from start to finish is their priority.

Jenergyairservices.com 727.595.5366 @jenergyair

JESSICA ANDREWS

Dreams 2 Reality Design

In the middle of a pandemic, after years of designing and planning birthday parties and holiday parties for family and friends, Jessica Andrews decided to take it to the next level by planning her own Joshua Tree wedding. After the success of the wedding, she decided to turn her passion for curating beautiful and unique experiences into a business; and so Dreams 2 Reality Design was born.

Since the launch in June 2021, Jessica has planned over 70 events! All while working full-time as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and running her other business, Take a Break Babysitting.

Dreams 2 Reality Design is more than your average event planning company. With a fleet of 6 modern white bounce houses, adult and kid sized ball pits, 360° igloos, and customized backdrop designs, they always deliver on their promise to turn your event dreams into a reality.

813.586.3390 @dreams2realitydesign

KESHA PORTER

Dj KP

One of the most sought after female DJs in the Tampa Bay area, Kesha has been a music lover her entire life. Her passion is making other people happy through the gift of music. Music is the language of the world and her passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all things is resonated through the music she plays. Even just shy of one year in business, she considers herself BLESSED to work with some great organizations including Aloft Tampa Downtown, 7th & Grove, and Studio Ci Hair Salon. She sits on the board of Progressive’s African American Network and this seat gives her an additional opportunity to be a part of and even facilitate some great conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Whether it be a corporate event or private wedding, her motivation is to continue to impact the world we live in one, or maybe five songs at a time.

@ _dj.kp_

MELISSA SNIVELY

Snively Insurance Agency, Inc. & Hillsborough County School Board Member

As a small business owner, elected official, and mom of four, Melissa doesn’t slow down for much. If you can keep up with her, you’ll find Melissa at one of several locations across Tampa Bay. She leads a team of insurance professionals at her State Farm Agency which she has owned for over 20 years. She also is a Past Chairwoman of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, so you might find her supporting one of its many networking events. As a Hillsborough County School Board member since 2014, she spends time at the 62 public schools she represents in Eastern Hillsborough County. Finally, she loves her time with family, volunteering for Scouts, and cheering on her alma mater, the University of Florida Gators. Melissa is passionate about advocating for children, helping her customers protect what’s important, and giving back to her community. She is a true Servant Leader.

MelissaRules.com 813-662-3622 Melissa@MelissaRules.com

MIYA JONES

Miya Jones Photography

Miya Jones is a freelance photographer who specializes in black and white portraiture. Born and raised in Michigan, Miya’s love for black and white photography began at the age of 16 when she took her first photography class at a local art institute. While Miya has always booked clients here and there since she graduated high school, she became serious about photography in 2013 when she decided to focus on children and families. In 2017, Miya relocated to Tampa and had to rebuild her network. In the time she’s been in the Bay, she has made great connections with local bloggers and influencers, and is often hired for her beautiful black and white imagery. In her spare time, you can find Miya at the beach, brunch, binge-watching a TV series or babysitting, as she also has over 15 years of childcare experience working as a professional caregiver.

miyajones.net @miyajonesphotography info@miyajones.net

ROBIN STONE

Legends Escape Rooms and Game Over Escape Rooms Tampa

Entrepreneur Robin Stone was born and raised in rural Kentucky. After earning a master’s degree, she settled in Florida where she practiced Speech/Language Pathology for the first 20 years of her career. While emerging to new heights in this role, she privately nurtured a desire to become an entrepreneur. With a passion for health care, she took a leap of faith and launched out as a business owner. She has been running her own medical facility for the past 17 years and is also the co-owner of several Escape Rooms in the Tampa Bay area. Robin’s career endeavors have allowed her to experience some of the most rewarding years of her life while also making memories with her husband Jeff and son Blake. Additionally, she enjoys the beach, long walks and spending time with family and friends. Robin’s roots are strong, and she believes her journey has just begun.

@RobinWallenStone @LegendsEscapeRooms @GameOverEscapeRooms Tampa

ROSE MANDES - BARRANTES

CENTURY21 Beggins

Rose is a real estate agent servicing the Tampa Bay area, specializing in firsttime homebuyers, and helping owners sell their home. After a bad experience with the purchase of her first home, Rose decided she wanted to become a Real Estate agent to enhance the experience for others who work tirelessly to achieve the American dream. She takes pride in educating her clients, providing them with options and navigating through unforeseen challenges. The combination of a Computer Science and Management degree along with 20+ years of experience in Training and Management has taught Rose that you need knowledge, grit, and emotional intelligence to survive in a thriving competitive industry.

Rose is a native New Yorker; she is no stranger to multi-tasking. Being a mother of three, she thinks on her feet while enjoying family time. Rose is also an excellent Salsa dancer who enjoys participating and watching dance competitions.

RosemarieBarrantes.c21.com @RoseGarden55 REALESTATEROSEM@Gmail.com

SHANNON KEIL

The Regent

Shannon has built her 20+ year award winning career working for global companies and now resides as the CEO of The Regent.

Through this career journey, learning from amazing mentors and industry leaders, she gained the understanding of corporate events, meetings, workshops, and conferences. Her goal is to walk brides down the aisle to their most memorable moment, plan dinners, galas and events helping charities, non-profits and political campaigns increase their bottom line, while honoring the needs of different cultures.

Shannon prides herself as an innovator, thinking outside the box, creating experiences that makes the industry take notice and ignites change. She looks at her growing community as an opportunity to bring the outside world she has called home back to the place she loves. For her it isn’t the event itself that brings the success but all the small details that bring a memory making experience to life.

theregentfl.com @shannon-keil-ppc @shannonkeilregent

YA BY THE BAY

TURNING READERS INTO LEADERS… BE THE AUTHOR OF YOUR LIFE. That’s the message Emmy Award winning news anchor and reporter Sorboni Banerjee hopes to bring students as a co-founder of the nonprofit YA BY THE BAY – a young adult book festival focused on leadership. Sorboni and fellow young adult authors Kelly Coon and Dominique Richardson have partnered with the Oxford Exchange to host a festival that brings library systems, education departments and local businesses together with best-selling and awardwinning authors to teach teens the importance of empowerment, diversity, ambition and dreaming big. Sorboni has spent twenty years as a broadcast journalist, and hosts an online talk show called Find Your Fairytale all about finding your happily ever after every day. Sorboni’s debut novel is a romantic thriller Hide With Me. Kelly is the author of the Gravemaidens and Warmaidens duology. Dominique and Sorboni are coauthors on an upcoming suspense series inspired by fairytales.

TIA YOUNG

Tia Young Image and Etiquette, LLC

Tia Young is the Founder and CEO of Tia Young Image and Etiquette, LLC. She has been helping her clients learn the soft skills for success through professional development and etiquette training for over 20 years. She also enjoyed her roles as an International Flight Attendant & Trainer, Teacher, Modeling Coach and Ms. Mompreneur Queen. Tia is the proud published author of “How to Navigate Premium Experiences with Confidence. Your Guide to Social Success.” She is also the Host of “Normal to Formal” Podcast. On her time off, Tia enjoys international travel, playing tennis, and spending quality time with her husband, Victor and three daughters. She is excited to be an upcoming TEDx Speaker! The event will take place January 29, 2022, in Eustis, Florida.Tia’s passion is to help others polish their social skills for success and bring back the lost art of good manners. This Tampa Native’s goal is to speak around the world.

tiayoungimage.com @MrsManners @MrsTiaYoung

TINA EAST

Star Status

Tina East is the founder of Star Status Events, LLC. She is an innovative, creative, custom designer and event planner. Tina has 16 years of decor and design experience. Always with a keen eye for helping clients turn their dreams into reality. Her creativity started at just 8-year-old as she would rearrange the dinner table for her grandmother adding a floral accent. Star Status Events was intentionally named because every client should feel like a star. From flower arrangements, handcrafted centerpieces, to building custom walls she commits to giving every customer a unique experience. Today, Star Status Events has two core functions: event planning and embroidery services and home to a future logistics/trucking service. Tina has won event planner of the year in 2018/2019 and recently she graduated from the C.A.T.C.H entrepreneurial boot camp in 2020. Her array of clients includes, Pinellas County School Board, Hilton Hotels, NAACP, Manhattan Casino, City of St. Petersburg, Mahaffey Theater, Hospice, and a host of local civic and private clients.

813-481-1896 Starstatusevents.te@gmail.com @Starstatusevents

ZOË GALLINA

Botanica + Style House Rentals

Known for her uniquely creative concepts and flawless attention to detail, Zoë Gallina sets the standard for experiential custom designs serving as the Vice President and Creative Director of Botanica International Design & Décor Studio and Creative Director of Style House Rentals.

At the tender age of eight, Zoë won a design competition hosted by the American Floral Society. Little did she know, this proud and defining moment foreshadowed her leading role in continuing the legacy her father built. Zoë has been professionally trained by the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants and is certified by the American Academy of Floriculture. She is at the helm of Tampa Bay’s leading event industry and contributes her design services to large charitable organizations and social events.

Zoë’s clients fall in love with her kind demeanor, cutting-edge creativity, and passion for all things beautiful.

@botanicadesign @stylehouse info@botanicaflorist.com