Exceptional Women in Business

IN BUSINESS

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Our City profiles women business leaders to inspire the next generation in our community. We hope you enjoy getting to know each of them as much as we did!

Dr. Marcela Torres

OBGYN

Modern OBGYN Care

Her Story

Marcela Torres, M.D. is a board-certifed OBGYN at Modren OBGYN in Miramar. She pursued a career in obstetrics and gynecology because it involves one of the most intimate aspects of a woman’s life. Keeping women healthy is her priority and helping them care for themselves and their babies brings Dr. Torres an immense sense of satisfaction.

Dr. Torres was born in Cali, Colombia. She earned her Bachelor’s in Biology at Kean University in New Jersey and graduated from Ross University School of Medicine with honors. She then completed a General Surgery Internship at the University of Maryland. In 2017, Dr. Torres graduated from OBGYN Residency at Mercer University School of Medicine. “I enjoy practicing in the field of obstetrics because having a baby is the most memorable moment of a women’s life. I strive to make this moment special and perfect for each of my patients.” Dr. Torres is focused on the latest innovations and surgical techniques available today. Her unique skills help her patients heal faster and get back to their normal lives.

Advice to Young Women Pursuing a Career in Medicine

I advise young people entering our industry to keep up to date and learn the latest medical recommendations to provide the best currently available medical treatment for the patient. Treatments, techniques and technology are always improving. It is important to stay up to date.

What makes your practice successful?

It is simple. Compassion and love for my patients and the science of medicine make my practice successful.

Terri Braun

Kido Creator

Kidokinetics

Her Story

Terri Braun is the Founder and visionary behind Kidokinetics, a national franchise with rapidly growing locations across the country. Kidokinetics has engaged children with fun, high-energy sports, and fitness classes since 1996, introducing physical education to boys and girls of all ages. It is a premier sports, fitness, health, and recreation program provider that comes to your preschool, elementary school, local park, or community center. Kidokinetics brings an elite physical education program, along with all the sports equipment needed, to you! Terri is an athlete, leader, teacher, and mother of three. When she began Kidokinetics, many people asked about starting a Kidokinetics in their community. So Terri set out to build a franchise system that would make it possible for others to share in her vision and to bring sports knowledge and fitness skills to children of all ages and abilities. Her programs keep children moving and active and are especially in-demand as schools eliminate recess and cut their P.E. programs, meaning kids have more screen time, at school and at home.

Advice to Young People Beginning a Career

This work truly matters. For children to develop to their greatest potential, they need to be active, they need to have a safe place to play and they need to build their confidence. It is so fulfilling to work in an area where you really make an impact on people, especially kid’s lives.

What Makes Kidokinetics Unique?

We are a 20-year-old company, but in many ways, we are just getting started! I love what I do. There is no work like the work of giving children a brighter future.

Deborah Marras Bautista & Sheila Marras David

IN BUSINESS

Co-Owners

Zona Blu Restaurant

Her Story

Deborah Marras Bautista & Sheila Marras David are sisters and co-owners, together with Executive Chef, Andrea Fadda, of Zona Blu Restaurant, established in 2015. Zona Blu was created out of the passion they share for the culture and cuisine of their island, Sardinia, Italy. Their vision was to not only offer great food, but an exceptional dining experience where guests can enjoy excellent service, and ingredients unique to the island of Sardinia. While their partner, Executive Chef Andrea Fadda, has extensive culinary experience, Debbie and Sheila have used their skills in marketing, advertising, planning and logistics to create a necessary balance between creative freedom and strategic business planning. Debbie graduated with a Master’s degree in Marketing from Florida State University and worked in strategic market planning in New York City and Boston. Sheila, also an FSU graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Communications, worked in merchandising and planning at Sunglass Hut International for many years.

Advice to Young Women Pursuing a Career in the Restaurant Industry

Do not hesitate to go out of your comfort box. In order to be successful, you have to work hard to master your craft and learn all aspects of running a business. Do not be afraid to take risks, grow from your mistakes, and most importantly, treat your employees and customers with respect.

Is there anything new at Zona Blu?

We are excited to bring Zona Blu to West Palm Beach with the opening of our second restaurant, Zona Blu WPB, in spring 2022! Since opening Zona Blu seven years ago, we have surrounded ourselves with an amazing staff that truly cares about our customers. With our vision, a great team, and a loyal customer base, we feel confident that we have the recipe for success to replicate what we’ve accomplished and share it with the residents of West Palm Beach.

Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming after all, is a form of planning. – Gloria Steinem

Laura Gonzalez D.M.D, P.A.

Founder & Cosmetic Dentist

Best Smile Cosmetic Dentistry

IN BUSINESS

Her Story

Dr.Laura Gonzalez is the president and founder of Best Smile Cosmetic Dentistry where she has spent the last 20 years creating life changing Smile-Makeovers.

A natural-born artist with an immense passion for helping others— found her calling as a cosmetic dentist. Her experience, skill, and meticulous attention to detail attract patients from all over to Best Smile. In order to stay on the leading edge of her profession, Dr. Gonzalez has also completed extensive hours of post-graduate training both at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and the world-renowned Mish Implant Institute.

Best Smile Cosmetic Dentistry is designed to make every patient feel like a VIP. Dr.Gonzalez is a pioneer in spa dentistry, and her team is committed to making each patient’s experience soothing and enjoyable. At Best Smile you will enjoy a menu of complimentary spa amenities, featuring luxuries such as heated massage chairs, Netflix , noise-canceling Bose headphones, and a dedicated patient concierge.

When you visit Best Smile Cosmetic Dentistry, you will experience something new and exciting—a dental spa founded on creating a positive patient experience from start to finish. Our comprehensive process involves you and your goals every step of the way. Together we will create a beautiful smile you will love sharing.We provide excellence in dentistry with outstanding aesthetic results.

Advice to Young Women Pursuing a Career in Dentistry

Dream big and do not be afraid to create your own vision according to your beliefs. Do not Conform but rather pursue excellence in all you do.

Did you know Smiling is Important?

Smiling not only offers a mood boost but helps our bodies release cortisol and endorphins that provide numerous health benefits, including: reduced blood pressure, increased endurance, reduced pain, reduced stress and a strengthened immune system. Studies show that people who smile appear more likeable, courteous and competent. Smilers tend to be more productive at work and make more money. Want to increase your daily smile average to take advantage of these benefits? The first step is easy, start your day with a smile. Smiling is contagious, and when we smile we activate neurons in the brain that fire a synchronizing feature. You’ll notice that one smile will lead to additional smiles not just for you, but for those around you.

IN BUSINESS

Dr. Katya Pizarro

Founder & President

Elite Language Academy

Her Story

Dr. Pizarro leads and manages Elite Language Academy (ELA). She creates and implements short-and long-range strategic plans in collaboration with the faculty and administrative team. She also oversees all aspects of curriculum design, marketing, and execution based on ELA’s goals and mission for international enrollment to promote a diverse and culturally competitive world’s community. As an innate educator, Dr. Pizarro is devoted and dedicated to teaching and learning. She frequently presents academic and professional lectures to international college students and instructors at American high schools on second language acquisition, ESL teaching methods, and accommodations for English language learners in mainstream classes.

Advice to Young People Beginning a Career

You are ultimately responsible for your success. A growth Mindset needs to be present in your life. Having goals without planning is just having positive thoughts! We learned that we obtain knowledge and growth when we consciously set goals and practice self-reflection. Do not hesitate to make changes that will lead you where you want to be. Your understanding of intelligence & skills is key. There’s no doubt that developing a growth mindset allows your dreams to become realities. It’s worth it! Katya truly values the Golden Rule. The idea of treating others in the same way you’d like others to treat you. It is true people are different, but they all value respect, work ethic, honesty, empathy, and kindness. They all help her to be connected to her staff and students.

Ivis Mateos

General Manager

Tiny Planet Preschool

Her Story

Since a young age, Ivis Mateos has been convinced that education has the ability to transform society in a positive way. She brings this perspective to Tiny Planet Preschool every day! Ivis creates a magical learning environment and experience for all of her students. The role the teachers at Tiny Planet play is extremely important. Ivis creates an environment where teachers promote children’s strengths in all disciplines. Kids are encouraged to have fun while they learn in a safe environment. At Tiny Planet they promote the potential of all the students, by providing a fluid environment where they encourage social conscience and respect for others. Education is focused on kids’ development, including critical thinking, independence, and making decisions to influence others positively.

Advice to Young Women Pursuing a Career in Early Childhood Development

Our industry is unique in that we are the first to impact the life of the child outside the home. We are responsible for planting the seed of knowledge, compassion, teamwork, and love for education in the life of each student.

Something to Know About Dr. Pizarro

I am grateful I have a chance to refresh that there is always room for growth mentally, physically, and spiritually. We all need to be constantly curious. We must also consider that passion, determination, and perseverance will make any career path and dream possible!

Fun Fact about Tiny Planet Preschool

In addition to learning and teaching, everyone at Tiny Planet from teachers, to parents, and kids have lot's of fun. WE ROCK at Tiny Planet Preschool!