Women on the Scene 2018

100+WOMEN

SARASOTA / MANATEE

OF IMPACT & INFLUENCE

2018 WOTS $3.95 U.S.

A Sarasota Scene Magazine Special Issue

These are the women of Caldwell Trust, from left to right:

Back Row: Wendy Fishman, Executive Vice President and Senior Trust Officer; Sandy Pepper, Senior Vice President and Trust Officer; Jan Miller, Executive Vice President and Trust Officer; Marci Sweat, Trust Officer; and Donna Scaglione, Trust Officer Front Row: Sonya Kristie, Vice President and Trust Officer on left chair; Kimberly Evener, Trust Officer; Gina Jordan, Senior Vice President and Trust Officer; and Sheryl Vieira, Vice President of Marketing & PR.

CALDWELL TRUST Taking a Personal Approach to Building Wealth

F

or 25 years, the women of Caldwell Trust Company have helped create a legacy of stability in wealth management built on an unwavering devotion to client service.

Their focus on personalized client care in a traditional approach to trust services and wealth building has brought $1 billion in assets under care. As an independent privately-held firm, Caldwell Trust has retained the same leadership and core team of experienced and dedicated experts to help clients across multiple generations. The firm’s strong growth also has been supported by attracting talented professionals who are committed to carrying on the firm’s high standards of service for future generations. The women of Caldwell Trust listen, understand and support clients with compassion and the highest professional standards. Caldwell Trust’s women are equally passionate about supporting their community, volunteering their time and talent, aiding local nonprofits including Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, SKY Academy, Tidewell Hospice, The Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund and Sarasota County Search and Rescue.

For additional information about how Caldwell Trust helps clients achieve financial objectives, visit ctrust.com.

Venice | 1400 Center Road | Venice, FL 34292 | 941.493.3600 Sarasota | 1561 Main Street | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.926.9336

Women of EILEEN HAMPSHIRE

HEATHER WEISENBORN

Art to Walk On is a unique gallery that carries carpets from around the world–Antique, Traditional, Transitional or Modern. All our rugs are unique pieces of art, all are hand knotted, most are dyed with indigenous vegetable dyes and woven with hand spun wool and pure cocoon silk. Custom rugs are available through our Design Department 16 S Palm Ave | 941.951.5454 arttowalkon.com

Heather works closely with her clients to create tranquil retreats for their homes. Charlotte’s Grace (formerly Melange Home) is Sarasota’s only fine linen destination, curated with luxury home accents and gifts. She has renamed her shop in celebration of her children, who were her motivation to start this venture and connect with the wonderful people of Sarasota.

64 S Palm Ave. | 941.444.7969 charlottes-grace.com

Exceptional carpets for those who refuse to compromise.

Palm Avenue KAREN ANDREWS

MEG KRAKOWIAK

For Karen (and for most of us), the smell of chocolate is heaven. That’s just what you’ll experience when you shop at Peterbrooke Sarasota, your neighborhood chocolatier. There’s chocolate for every occasion – perfect for weddings, birthdays, corporate gifts, special gifts and anytime.

76 S Palm Ave. | 941.330.7616 peterbrookesarasota.com

Meg Krakowiak is an award-winning Sarasota based artist specializing in original contemporary paintings. “Clients say they love my color choices and my art brings happiness into their homes.”

Meg established her working studio inside her gallery allowing visitors to watch her paint and meet her personally. Serving Builders, Interior Designers & Homeowners. Commissions available.

60 S Palm Ave. | 941.400.2478 megkrakowiakstudios.com

SARASOTA

DREAM WEAVER COLLECTION 364 ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE CASHMERE WRAPS TRIMMED IN MONGOLIAN LAMB

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SARASOTA | 941-388-1974 DREAMWEAVERCOLLECTION.COM

Knot Your Average Rug Store!

VOTED BEST RUG STORE IN AMERICA

AmericasMart and the Oriental Rug Importers Association

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Rugs As Art ...And More!

6650 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 941.921.1900 rugsasart.com

Let us do the work at your next event. From formal affairs to small gatherings, Morton’s offers full-service catering and bar with custom menus and top-notch service.

You can take the credit. We won’t tell.

Historic Southside Village ∙ 1924 South Osprey Ave. ∙ Sarasota ∙ (941) 955-9856 ∙ MortonsMarket.com

From special occasions to daily dining, Morton’s Market has got you covered. Stop in for fresh seasonal produce, prime cuts of meat and seafood, and hot-from-the-oven baked goods. Choose from our tempting array of chef-prepared deli and gourmet to-go items, as well as fine wines, exotic cheeses and cut flowers. Think of us for your catered events, holiday menus and gift baskets too.

Historic Southside Village 1924 South Osprey Ave. ∙ Sarasota ∙ (941) 955-9856 MortonsMarket.com

WHOLE HOME AUDIO, VIDEO AND AUTOMATION

Essential technology for peace of mind.

The finest technology for indoor and outdoor enjoyment.

We offer the following professional services and products to enhance your home and life: • Home Theater Design and Installation • High Performance Music System and Components • Distributed Audio & Video • Whole House Music Systems • Lighting Design • Whole House Lighting Control and Shading Systems • Security, CCTV, Alarm Systems • In-Home and On-Site Service Technicians • Free In-Home Consultations Available

Client Testimonial…

“It is refreshing to see a company who truly cares about providing superior products and services to their customers. The design and installation team of Advanced ESI exemplifies professionalism”

4915 South Tamiami Trail | Sarasota, FL | (941) 554-5000

www.advanced-esi.net SARASOTA SCENE | WOMEN ON THE SCENE 2018

PAINT THE TOWN. THEN YOUR NEW HOME. MEET WITH COMMUNITY SPECIALISTS. TAKE A GUIDED TOUR. MINGLE AT A BLOCK PART Y. DISCOVER YOUR DREAM HOME.

ONE MONTH. ENDLESS EXCITEMENT.

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I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T E R - N O R T H 11506 RANGEL AND PKW Y. LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL 34211 941.753.1469

I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T E R - S O U T H 6220 UNIVERSIT Y PKW Y. LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL 34240 941.907.6000

There’s something about the collective strength and power of successful, impactful and giving women that is quite special. They are forces of nature, capable of accomplishing so much, and just by virtue of who they are, they serve as incredible role models.

We proudly present Sarasota Scene’s triennial special issue Women on the Scene, profiling more than 100 women of impact and influence. They come from various backgrounds, possess varied skills and passions, and are making a difference every day in their chosen vocation.

Please take your time reading every word of each profile and learn about the accomplished and enterprising women featured on these pages. They more than deserve the spotlight and your attention.

I encourage you to think of them should you be looking for the products they sell, the services they offer, or wish to get involved with the important philanthropic mission they support. They are distinguished women of our community we all would be proud to know.

Thank you and enjoy!

Julie Milton, Executive Editor

CEO/President Ronald W. Milton

Graphic Designer Darcy Kelly-Laviolette

Publisher/Executive Editor Julie A. Milton

Communications Specialist & Editorial Assistant Bobbilynn Hollifield

Profile Writer Sue Cullen Vice President Sales & Marketing H John Knowles

Distribution Dick Jackson

Office & Mailing Address: 443 John Ringling Blvd. Ste. #F Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.1119 Fax: 941.954.5067 scenesarasota.com Sarasota Scene Magazine is a locally owned, operated and printed publication.

Women on the SCENE is published by RJM Ventures, LLC.

Profile Photographers Nancy Guth Kelly Kearns John Revisky

SARASOTA SCENE | WOMEN ON THE SCENE 2018

All contents copyrighted. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. ISSN 1535-8895.

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WOMEN Photo by Jordan Kelly-Laviolette

OF IMPACT & INFLUENCE WOMAN ON ON THE THE SCENE SCENE 2018 2018 || WOMAN

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BayView Dental

ASSOCIATES

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BayView Dental Associates has been the dental home of Sarasota families for 35 years and has grown to seven locations, spanning from Venice to St. Petersburg by providing general, cosmetic and implant dentistry that is personalized and affordable. At BayView Dental, Dr. Meredith Galloway (left), Dr. Mine Turhan (middle) and Dr. Allison Konick (right) and focus on compassionate and gentle patient care while business operations from payroll to marketing are handled for them which offers greater work-life balance. Customized treatment plans address patients’ greatest concerns, both dental and financial, and optimal oral health is achieved using the latest in digital technology and materials.

Dr. Galloway was raised in Pensacola, FL. Orthodontic treatment at a young age showed Dr. Galloway the boost in confidence a smile transformation can achieve, and her career path was set. Dr. Galloway received her bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of Florida and her Doctorate of Medical Dentistry (D.M.D.) from Nova Southeastern University. She is a certified Invisalign provider as well as being certified in nitrous oxide sedation. Dr.Galloway is able to help anxious patients feel comfortable while creating healthy and beautiful smiles for life. “Often patients come to me with a long history of dental anxiety, and it is rewarding to change their view of dental treatment,” she said. “My staff and I take time to help them understand both their clinical and financial options.” Dr. Galloway is an avid Gators football fan.

She and her husband are very family-focused with a two-year-old-son and infant daughter at home.

Dr. Turhan was drawn to dentistry because it allows her to use her artistic ability to help others, and she has the distinction of graduating from dental school twice. She first graduated from the University of Istanbul in 1996.

After coming to New York for a course in implant dentistry, she fell in love with the city and later graduated from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Turhan likes to stay current with new technologies and materials and particularly enjoys implant and cosmetic dentistry. “I love helping people and making them smile,” she said. “I want long-lasting relationships and will always be ethical and make sure patients are comfortable in my chair.” Dr. Turhan also has volunteered her services for the National Health Corps and Remote Area Medical. Dr. Turhan and her husband relocated to Florida to raise their two young daughters where they can play in the backyard and on the beach.

Dr. Konick’s desire to help others motivates her to become better each day. She finds value in treating others with respect. “I am a down-to-earth person who truly cares for my patients and their wellbeing. I enjoy teaching patients about how they can make changes in lifestyle and oral hygiene to maintain a lifelong, healthy smile,” she said. “We want patients to feel welcome and comfortable and to know that dental appointments can be fun and treatment doesn’t have to be overwhelming.” Dr. Konick was born in Metuchen, N.J. She earned her undergraduate degrees at Villanova University and relocated to Florida where she earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) at the University of Florida College of Dentistry.

She and her husband came to Florida’s west coast to be near family and enjoy Lakewood Ranch’s hometown feel.

Dr. Kenneth Liszewski, founder of BayView Dental Associates, has made his vision a reality by providing dedicated practitioners a balanced work and home life while providing their patients exceptional, affordable dental care in a comfortable, family atmosphere.

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BMW OF SARASOTA

Walking into a luxury automobile dealership inspires a certain level of expectation, and BMW of Sarasota aims to deliver the ultimate premium experience. To achieve that, emphasis is placed on hiring people who understand and know how to provide that luxury experience and, as it turns out, many of those people are women. Customers looking to buy or lease a new BMW, purchase a Certified Pre-Owned BMW or other vehicle and patronize the service department will find women filling many leadership and advisory roles.

Women also make up 50 percent of those who purchase BMWs and influence 25 percent of the buying decisions for the remaining half.

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BMW of Sarasota’s commitment to its employees includes providing opportunities to advance through training and promotion, including nontraditional roles, which fosters longevity of service.

Maria Lizardi, a Service Advisor, and Jasmine Ingram, who is Reconditioning and Wholesale Manager, are good examples.

Lizardi began working for BMW 10 years ago as a part time front desk representative, was promoted to full time service coordinator and then to loaner coordinator before becoming a Service Advisor four years ago.

“My job is to ensure customers leave with a smile on their faces and say ‘This was an exceptional experience’,” she said. Lizardi tries to offer the ultimate experience for her customers through honesty, understanding and teamwork as do her Service Advisor colleagues Jessica Caycedo and Valentina Lizardi along with Service Drive Manager Jessica Parker.

Ingram joined BMW of Sarasota in 2012 after working in many customer service-oriented positions from jewelry sales to massage therapy and skin care. At BMW, she started as an executive

assistant and, with training and experience, now works with pre-owned inventory to condition it for resale and ensure it is in top shape. Ingram particularly enjoys being able to help customers and her teammates get what they need and want.

On the frontline of helping customers select their perfect new BMW or pre-owned vehicle are Client Advisors Tatiana Bourey, Susan Gatlin, Abby Abouzeid and Naycolle Wright. Also among those in close contact with customers are Concierges Loraine Campbell, Vanessa Arias, Sonia Torres and Anastasia Cherepanova. These women stay connected with BMW of Sarasota’s clientele in person, on the phone or through text and email. As Director of Client Relations, Susan Schoengold oversees the per formance of the Concierge/Reception Department with a focus on creating exceptional experiences.

Schoengold grew into her current position after joining BMW seven years ago as an appointment setter. She worked in business development and served as Internet Sales Manager before being named to her current position. “I like that my

personal vision aligns with the owners of BMW of Sarasota, and I get to live it on a daily basis. They invest in our personal and professional development,” Schoengold said. “My goal is for everyone to get as much joy as I do by giving to others.

I may offer a tissue, a cup of water for a puppy or a bag of freshly popped popcorn that takes a frown to a smile.”

Playing vital roles in delivering the ultimate experience– although sometimes out of customers’ sight–are Store Assistant Jen Folsom who handles a variety of administrative functions from banking to human resources, Warranty Administrator Samantha Benna, and Teresa Gordon who is responsible for digital record keeping. Ensuring that even the paperwork gets handled exceptionally is Financial Services Manager Tammy Saylor, who joined BMW of Sarasota seven years ago. “I make sure clients understand the products that help protect their new vehicles while ensuring that the dreaded signing of the paperwork is fun,” Saylor said.

“I like having them become part of the BMW of Sarasota family forever.”

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Bradenton East

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

Bradenton East Integrative Medicine combines traditional family medicine with complementary therapies and esthetic services to promote vitality and wellness rather than simply treating symptoms. The women-owned practice provides primary care for ages five and up that incorporates a full range of healing options designed to fit patients’ unique medical and personal needs. These dedicated practitioners work in partnership with patients to offer the most effective treatment possible by digging deeper for the underlying cause and providing clear, directed treatment for disease symptoms. New evidence-based treatments are continually evaluated and incorporated and–to bring this approach to as many as possible–Bradenton East Integrative Medicine is one of the only integrative practices in the area that accepts insurance.

Karen O. Brainard, M.D., co- founder and medical director, is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Integrative Holistic Medicine. Dr. Brainard has enjoyed caring for families through all phases of growth during her 30-year career as a family doctor. She originally trained and practiced as a nurse before entering medical school. Dr. Brainard believes in healing as service and spent 25 years practicing at a community health center in rural New Hampshire. Working in partnership with patients and staying at the forefront of natural, pharmaceutical and technological treatments, she also believes healing is most profound when a person’s community, family, and personal life are assessed along with physical concerns.

Robin James, co-founder and APRN, is Board Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. James has 13 years of experience as an adult nurse practitioner, caring for patients age 14 and up. After trying to restore the failing health of critically ill patients in Blake Medical Center’s medicalsurgical ICU for 22 years, She was inspired to shift her efforts toward individualized care and prevention based on physical, mental, and spiritual health. James provides evaluation and care for acute problems and chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, COPD and metabolic disorders. She also performs well exams and minor surgical procedures.

Samantha Notman, D.O., is a board certified family physician who focuses on the health and wellbeing of her patients.

Dr. Notman provides care for acute and chronic illness as well as preventative medicine for patients age 10 and older.

She has an undergraduate degree is in molecular science and microbiology, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Nova Southeastern University, and completed family medicine residency training at Larkin Community Hospital.

Deborah Coupland, MSN, APRN, is a nurse practitioner with more than 20 years of helping patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Coupland also promotes wellness through healthy living and specializes in bio-identical hormone therapy for men and women and medically supervised weight loss including HCG protocols.

Carol Lewis, APRN, has 23 years of experience as a nurse and 16 years as a nurse practitioner in family medicine and women’s health. Lewis has worked in hospital and clinical settings, and her love of medicine was fostered at an early age by her father, an osteopathic physician. Today, caring for patients’ physical and spiritual health is her passion.

Kahla Zeimis, LE, LMT, has six years of experience in skincare and massage. Her modalities for massage include vacuum therapies, trigger points, hot stone massage and more.

Skin care includes organic facials, peels, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, back facials and scrubs, and full body waxing. Zeimis listens to her patients and adjusts sessions to nourish body and spirit.

Susan D’Orazio, DOM, is Board Certified in Acupuncture and treats men, women and children suffering from a wide range of conditions. Dr. D’Orazio uses traditional Chinese acupuncture to treat infertility, hormone imbalances, allergies, chronic disorders, injuries and pain. She also offers allnatural esthetic medicine including body sculpting, facial rejuvenation and weight management.

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Jaimie

Sarah

MILLER

SARASOTA SCENE | WOMEN ON THE SCENE 2018

Sarah and Jaimie Miller spend their days surrounded by beautifully handcrafted wood furniture at Miller’s Dutch Haus Furniture. They are deeply engaged in what truly is a values-driven family business where customers often also become friends.

Sarah and her husband, Tim, are Mennonites who moved here to escape Ohio’s cold. They founded Miller’s Dutch Haus Furniture in 2001 on Bahia Vista Street in the heart of Sarasota’s Pinecraft community of Amish and Mennonite residents and began offering furniture that is handmade by Amish craftsmen in styles ranging from Shaker to modern. Their daughter, Jaimie, also has worked with them from the start. The business has grown steadily, and a second 17,000 square foot showroom was opened at University Parkway and Lockwood Ridge Road. Today, all five Miller children work in the business.

“It is interesting to interact with customers. I enjoy meeting people and offering them a product they can have for a lifetime. That is something we feel good about,” said Sarah, who manages sales and support for the two locations. “Furniture is something we use every day, and the pieces we sell are of heirloom quality and built to last. It is American made, which is important to us. We know the people who make our furniture and the care they give to it.” Custom pieces are also crafted for customers from furniture to entire offices or kitchens, and trusted employees handle delivery and installation.

Sarah, who is an accomplished seamstress, understands beauty and the value of fine craftsmanship. She grew up in an Amish farming family, milking cows and helping with her parents’ small food business. “I went to joint vocational school and took accounting, which I always loved, and the retail world became attractive to me,” she said. “When we came here, it was a little out of my comfort zone at first, but it became a part of me.” Sarah homeschooled all her children until moving here and, when she’s not busy with the business, enjoys cooking and baking and looking after her one-year-old grandson.

Jaimie, who is secretary/treasurer of the business, has a broad mix of responsibilities and likes the variety. On any given day, she may be paying bills, meeting with a mattress vendor, working on the website, ordering furniture, or when needed, helping out on the sales floor. Jaimie brings a mix of technical skill and creativity to the business with a talent for computer systems and an eye for design.

“We have a mix of classic furniture and also what is trendy. My favorite style is mid-Century modern, and we carry some very modern things,” she said.

“When I order furniture and put a set together, I consider design, type of wood, and what is in style at the moment as well as what is coming next.”

Non-working time is spent with her two teenagers and, whenever possible, kayaking or relaxing with a good book. Jaimie also loves to travel, and a trip to Europe was a highlight.

Both women bring the values of their heritage to the business where their goals are focused on ensuring customers are happy. “My faith in our Lord Jesus Christ has shaped my life,” Sarah said, “and he has always been a part of our business.” This devotion to customer satisfaction has resulted in bottom-line success and business growth. “We are a family business, and even as we grow, we are making sure the customer is most important and keeping our same level of service. Going that extra mile to find high quality furniture they like is important to us,” Jaimie said. “We have been in the business 17 years and are here for the long haul.”

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Ringling College

OF ART + DESIGN

Ringling College of Art and Design has continued on a strong trajectory of growth while maintaining a high ranking internationally among the premier institutions in higher education. Recent achievements include a number one ranking in the South and number two ranking nationally in Animation Career Review’s Top 50 Animation Schools and Colleges in the U.S. This year, it also received the largest single gift in the college’s history and began enrolling students in the world’s first Virtual Reality Development major. Ringling College’s state-of-the-art Alfred R. Goldstein Library, which opened in 2017, was featured on the cover of American Libraries magazine as part of its Library Design Showcase. In a very literal sense, these achievements would not have been possible without the leadership and contributions of these four women.

As Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, Dr. Tammy Walsh (back left) is energized by the College’s creative learning environment and working with its talented students, faculty and staff. Walsh understands firsthand the value of campus life in shaping students’ lives. As a theater major early in her college experience, her involvements as a resident assistant and orientation leader made her realize her passion for residence life.

Now beginning her 34th year in higher education and her 18th year as a senior officer, Walsh is responsible for leading the team that develops a successful holistic student learning experience. “We work hard to create a positive and supportive co-curricular learning experience that supports students’ development as individuals,” she said. “We help them realize their full potential.”

Stacey Corley (front right), Vice President for Advancement, serves as Ringling College’s chief development officer working with the donors who have helped fuel its growth and reputation as an outstanding learning organization.

Corley facilitates the philanthropic revenue that supports scholarships, capital spending and academics, along with

new and creative ideas. Her career began in pharmaceutical sales, but through her extensive volunteer work locally, Corley discovered her skills were applicable to professional fundraising, which is what she believes she was meant to do. And the results support her belief. “Our Advancement team has had a historic record fundraising year. It was an honor to work with the Morganroths to facilitate the first eight-figure gift in the College’s history,” Corley said. “I truly enjoy connecting donors to things they are most passionate about.”

Dr. Tracy Wagner (front left), Vice President for Finance and Administration, was a first generation student who has never lost sight of how a college education changed the trajectory of her life and how it can do the same for others. Wagner leads the financial and administration areas of the College and, in supporting Ringling College’s growth, she spends significant time with facility design and construction. “For me, that’s a natural part of helping shape a campus that has an institutional vision for growth,” she said. “Most people say ‘I’ve never met a CFO like you.’ It’s easy for me to see the big picture, and I also understand the role of leadership in creating a distinctive place in the higher education market.”

Vice President for Human and Organizational Development Christine DeGeorge (back right) leads the team that is responsible for hiring highly skilled educators and staff.

DeGeorge has worked in higher education her entire career for both a large public university and a small private college. She values the opportunity to facilitate the work of faculty, staff and students as well as to experience how learning enriches and empowers. “My guiding intention is to help others reach their full potential,” DeGeorge said, “and my role provides the chance to work alongside a group of talented people who have achieved goals far beyond our expectations.”

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State College OF FLORIDA

In Manatee and Sarasota counties, there’s only one college that offers a music program. State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) has developed musicians who are now performing in the region and across the country.

Behind the scenes, there are a group of women working hard to make sure that those musicians have the facilities they need to practice, study and become top-notch performers, contributing to the area’s quality of life. Barbara Najmy, Dianne Anderson, Cassandra Holmes and Dr. Carol Probstfeld, SCF President, are campaigning to raise money for a new Studio for the Performing Arts to replace the antiquated music building at SCF.

Najmy, a realtor who serves on the State College of Florida Foundation’s Board of Directors, is an alumna of the college and joined the board to support the higher level of education SCF provides the community. “Arts and the cultural amenities in our community help attract people from all over the world who enjoy the lifestyle that they offer,” Najmy said. “As a longtime resident, I will continue to support the growth of the arts and role the Studio for the Performing Arts plays.”

Anderson, a realtor who has three children and has been passionately involved in education, is happy to share the success stories of SCF students and its programs, including the nursing program, Gator Engineering at SCF and the College’s workforce degrees. Her research into the music program at SCF shows more than 50 percent of all state orchestra musicians are SCF alumni. “When you stop to consider that the total economic impact of the arts in the region is $975 million, developing the full potential for community and statewide programs serves us all for many years to come,” she said.

“SCF offers the largest, open access program in the region, yet the students practice and learn in an obsolete building

50-plus years old. A new performing arts building will create much needed practice rooms and instructor training space as well as a recital hall, which does not presently exist on the campus.”

Dr. Probstfeld is an avid fan of the music students, introducing them to opportunities through SCF’s Presidential String Quartet and the Presidential Jazz Combo. The musicians appear at a variety of events throughout the community.

The students are all first-rate musicians who have to audition to be a part of the quartets or combos and who receive full scholarships at SCF. “Every year, I am impressed by the talent and professionalism these student musicians display,” Dr. Probstfeld said. “They work hard and deserve acoustically sound spaces to practice in and for group rehearsals.”

Holmes shared that members of the board and key donors have raised nearly $1.5 million of the $3.75 million needed.

She is proud that many of SCF’s music graduates return to Manatee and Sarasota counties to teach music, including at Lakewood Ranch High School and Booker High School. Arts and culture in the region, she said, are vastly impacted by SCF students, who not only teach, but perform in places such as the Asolo Repertory Theatre, the Manatee Performing Arts Center and The Venice Symphony Orchestra and Sarasota Orchestra. In addition, SCF’s musicians perform around the world, including Reginald Lamar Williams, better known as R.Lum.R

“Whether it is theater, dance, music, or beyond, I am inspired by the talent and full self-expression the performing arts offer those who are called to them,” Anderson said. “It is a great joy to be able to attend local events and see students continue to follow their passion and interests in performing arts.”

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Liliana

ALLEN

As an industrial designer, marrying beauty with function is second nature for Liliana Allen, the owner of Oracle Flooring and Design, who emphasizes creating spaces that are inviting and livable. With a showroom in the heart of the Rosemary District, Allen is also bringing new surfaces to the area that are not available elsewhere. “I am very passionate about what I do, and I can visualize the end product. I can tell if something will work or not,” she said. “We have a comprehensive tile showroom and will manage projects from beginning to end if someone wants to do an entire renovation, and we also do design consultations and color selections.”

Showing artistic talent as a child, Allen liked industrial design because she enjoyed making things that were pretty and also had purpose. She studied industrial design at a university

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in her native Colombia. Allen has been in the flooring business since 2005 and has since owned two flooring companies. While she stays on top of the trends, such as the move towards very large format tile, her inclination is to create timeless looks for surfaces, which not only are foundational to design, but also remain for many years.

Oracle Flooring and Design handles installation because of Allen’s focus on workmanship. “I sell with the intention that it will have longevity,” she said. “It should be something a homeowner loves with the quality to last a long time.”

Allen indulges her creative side by painting and has completed commissioned artwork for a few customers. She is a devoted mother to her three- and six-year-old daughters who keep her very busy but are the motor of her life.

Altman RITA

Rita Altman’s mission is to help others transform into a better version of themselves, whether that’s from the inside out as a popular yoga instructor or from the outside in through her medical aesthetic practice Rita Medical Elite. “It’s important for people’s health, happiness and wellbeing to be true to themselves from the inside, so I teach meditation, yoga, breathing and healthy living,” Altman said. “The goal of my practice is for them to be transformed on the outside. Many people say they want to feel better and when they look better, they feel better.”

Altman is an expert with injectable fillers & tox and employs a combination of science and artistry to create a natural look. As an artist and Physician Assistant with 32 years of experience who specialized in surgery, she has an in-depth understanding of anatomy that

helps her employ wrinkle relaxers, fillers and other procedures to sculpt more youthful looks for men and women. Over the last 12 years, Altman has devoted her full time practice perfecting non-invasive facial contouring for clients who range in age from 21-90. Her expertise and gentle touch bring clients to her nationwide.

Altman first gained her passion for science and healthy living in the fifth grade and schedules extra time to connect with clients regarding their overall health and wellbeing.

“I am blessed to have the following that I have,” she said. “I get to do what I love, and every day I’m excited.”

Having had to reinvent herself more than once, Altman also is passionate about helping SPARCC, Selah Freedom and all women who have been harmed or exploited.

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Barbour

HOLLY

Dr. Holly Barbour took an unusual path into facial plastic surgery, but one that has enriched her practice and benefits patients. Dr. Barbour was recognized as a gifted artist as a young girl and, influenced in part by her mom who had done fashion illustration, she graduated from the renowned Pratt Institute. She advanced in her career as a New York fashion designer and is a couture-level seamstress.

Following a desire to pursue a profession where she could help people more directly, Dr. Barbour entered medical school at Case Western Reserve University. She completed a Duke University fellowship in a relatively rare specialty– oculofacial plastic surgery–which attracted her because of the meticulous detail work required. “I’m using my fine arts degree every day sculpting faces. I want patients to be the best version of themselves and to look absolutely natural,”

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Dr. Barbour said. “ My life’s mantra is compassion with wisdom, and I treat my patients’ faces as I would my own.”

Focusing her practice on the face and neck, Dr. Barbour has practiced in Sarasota since 1993. In addition to 25 years of experience as a plastic surgeon, she brings a range of nonsurgical treatments to her patients including medical grade facials, injectable fillers and collagenstimulating procedures to restore youthful tightness and elasticity. “When I left medical school, I thought I would go into academics, but I really love making people look better,” she said. “It’s all about quality of life.” Dr. Barbour married this year and looks forward to time as a couple, including riding the Legacy Trail to Venice on a tandem bicycle with her Iron Man triathlete for a Sunday morning breakfast at the Upper Crust.

Andria BILAN Andria Bilan is a woman on a mission to pull back the curtain on epilepsy, which despite being the fourth most common​neurological​ disorder, is often misunderstood and hidden by families who fear social isolation. As CEO of JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation, Bilan offers a message of hope to individuals and families who live with epilepsy along with practical assistance in daily life. She also brings firsthand understanding of the challenges they face.

As a college freshman, Bilan attended a party with her cousin and was greatly alarmed when he suffered a grand mal seizure. It was not his first seizure, but he kept it secret for fear he wouldn’t be able to ​d rive. Later he was seriously injured when he had a seizure while driving and hit a tree. Bilan also has two nephews who were diagnosed with epilepsy as toddlers. “One in 26 people will have a seizure i​n their lifetime​,” she said. “My experiences put a face on epilepsy, a ​ nd it’s important ​that people with epilepsy have a voice. JoshProvides is an advocate and a voice for children, individuals and families dealing with this disorder.”

Misunderstandings about epilepsy and driving restric tions can lead to social isolation, and JoshProvides’ support group​ offers a community connection, socialization, and delivers information on resources and treatment options. It also provides detection devices and monitors so parents are alerted to nighttime seizures, and seizure watches give independence to children and peace of mind to parents. In addition, JoshProvides helps people obtain seizure response dogs, which provide comfort and protection during seizures, and transportation assistance aids those who are unable to drive because of seizures t​ o maintain independence so they can go to school and work​.

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kimberly BLEACH Melding natural problem solving capabilities with a conscientious and caring nature has allowed Kimberly Bleach to help her high net worth clients navigate complex financial and family situations. Backed by the extensive resources of U.S. Trust, Bank of America, Bleach and her team of trust specialists have created a family office environment with a focus on making life easier for clients and fostering their peace of mind. Highly credentialed and dedicated to her profession, Bleach holds her CFP® and CTFA designations and maintains 18 years experience in the business.

“Client s c hoose to wor k wit h our team because our sole objective is to understand their family and priorities. We take a wealth planning approach that is very personalized and high touch,” Bleach said. “We’ll pull all the pieces together and, at the end of the day, our clients feel good knowing that if something happens, they have a solid plan in place.” Her team helps clients with fiduciary investment and administration, philanthropic strategies, struc tured credit, and estate set tlement services.

Bleach is devoted to the community, serving on Bank of America’s local leadership team, which has donated $1.5 million and 21,000 volunteer hours over the past five years in Sarasota-Manatee. She serves as First Vice President of the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council and chairs the Professional Advisor Network for Asolo Rep. A water enthusiast, Bleach joined Mote Marine’s Advisory Council in hopes of being a part of the solution to the oceans’ issues. Bleach and her husband, Etienne, are active at Sarasota Yacht Club where she is Co-Chair of the recently formed SYC Cares–intended to “Connect Club and Community” through nonprofit tours and education, promoting volunteerism among members and impact grant making.

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JOJO

Bradshaw

Walking into Lyteworks’ showroom, shoppers are likely to be greeted with a smile from JoJo Bradshaw that can outshine the glowing fixtures on the walls and ceiling. Many remember Bradshaw from her 35-year career as a top-producing real estate salesperson known for her fashionista’s sense of style and design. She has poured that creative flair–along with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a dedication to customer service–into Lyteworks in partnership with her husband, John, also a successful entrepreneur. JoJo Bradshaw’s prior experience as owner of two clothing stores, coupled with knowledge gained through an MBA from the University of Michigan, also has helped build Lyteworks’ success.

“In real estate, I always was customer service oriented, and I try to instill that in all our employees,” she said. “I get up early and stay late, and there’s not a day when I don’t wake up with a smile on my face. We decide how our day will go, and I’m a big believer in having a positive attitude. That is a choice.” The couple acquired Lyteworks in 2015 when both were looking to pursue a business together, as a team, and have built its brand as a cutting edge 13,000-square-foot showroom serving Florida’s West Coast for designer lighting along with furniture, rugs, ceiling fans, art and home décor.

Bradshaw attends all the major lighting and home decor shows and personally selects each item for the store. As long time community residents, giving back is important with strong support for Habitat for Humanity and active participation in the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Interior Design Society-Sarasota Chapter (IDS). A fitness buff, Bradshaw makes time for CrossFit training and tennis.

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KimberLee

BROOKS

Fifteen years ago when KimberLee Brooks founded Brooks Insurance Group, she employed an in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry and her grounding in Midwestern values to build a flourishing business from scratch while raising her three boys. Brooks grew up in Minnesota and after graduating from the University of Minnesota gained experience on the operations side of the insurance business, working for two large nationwide companies and handling claims for 15 years.

“That experience gave me a vast knowledge of the business, and allowed me to explore the challenge of growing a business and placing my future in my own hands,” she said.

“I am passionate about setting and accomplishing goals every year. The best way to do that is to build relationships with people and be involved in the community.” Brooks Insurance Group is an independent firm specializing

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in all lines of personal and commercial products and services for businesses, individuals and their families.

Not one to sit on the sidelines, Brooks actively participates in the community with Making Strides for Breast Cancer, Operation Second Chance for veterans and their families, Selah Freedom, which addresses human trafficking, and by supporting a variety of youth teams. She also serves on the Sarasota Women’s Council of Realtors, helping with–and modeling in–its annual fashion show fundraiser. About five years ago, Brooks decided to learn to play polo, attending 20 weeks of polo school, and now plays whenever time allows. She considers the game a great stress-reliever and enjoys socializing with the down-to-earth, quality people it attracts. She is pictured with here with Frida, owned by Don Stemaly. Brooks like to stay very active, playing sports, working out and doing other activities with her three boys.

Wendy BROWN

With grandparents aging in place next door, caregiving for the elderly was something that started early for Wendy Brown as she was growing up in Venice. Her mother also was an administrator of a home health agency there, so Brown considers senior care to be in her blood. That led her to work with a skilled home care agency for seven years until opening Home Care Assistance of Sarasota-Manatee in 2014 to provide the kind of personalized care her grandparents received and that she believes seniors deserve.

Brown was very close to her grandfather, who developed dementia in his late 80s and lived until he was 99, giving her a special love for seniors. “Our mission is to change the way the world ages, and our Balanced Care Method focuses on quality of life by emphasizing healthy nutrition, physical exercise, mental stimulation, and a serene life

with purpose,” she said. “We listen to our seniors’ stories and become their family especially when they don’t have family here.” Home Health Aides and CNAs assist with the activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living such as meal preparation, shopping and transportation, and provide true companionship.

Knowing the importance of what her caregivers do, Brown offers a 100 percent guarantee, which means that if a person’s regular caregiver is unable to come to work, another person will fill in–even if she is that person. As mom to an active two-year-old, keeping a balanced life also is important for Brown. She and her husband are avid runners, and Brown currently is training for a half marathon next month. They also are dedicated supporters of the Alzheimer’s Association and the American Cancer Society.

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Burke

CHERYL

A frustrated yen for pretty undergarments led Cheryl Burke to open a successful upscale lingerie store for above average women in the heart of Sarasota’s Southside Village. That was 12 years ago, and while the scope of her merchandise has expanded, Burke’s Sea Cup and Up/Under the Sea boutique has remained true to her original mission to provide beautiful intimate wear for large busted women. “We fit you properly and bring product to our customers so they don’t have to keep getting dressed and undressed,” she said. “Sometimes woman cry when they see themselves after we fit them.

Undergarments make your outer garments look good.”

The store carries boutique brands, including many with European lace and embroidery such as the famed Calais lace from France. Cup sizes range from A to K with 28- to 44-inch band sizes. The store also has sexy, but classy, nighties and

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other accessories. She also has added bra-size swimwear and beach accessories and carries a select line of menswear, including underwear, bathing suits and running apparel.

Burke came to Sarasota from Massachusetts where she and her husband, Larry, traded good jobs as teachers for paradise.

They initially opened a bagel shop on St. Armands Circle, which they sold prior to Burke’s opening of Sea Cup and Up. The store has received national recognition multiple years as a nominee for Intima Magazine’s “Best Of” awards. Burke also collects new and gently worn bras and fits women at the Esther House who are trying to get back on their feet. She has organized fashion show fundraisers for Cat Depot, Women’s Resource Center and others. Rowing is her not-so-secret passion, and Burke is active with the Sarasota Crew Masters program.

Paulette CALLENDER

Anyone considering taking the leap to follow her or his passion in life may want to look at the example set by Paulette Callender. Working successfully in the medical field on two continents, Callender began exploring her interest in the cuisines of the region while living in Australia. The exotic flavors of Indonesia, Thailand, Fiji, Australia and Turkey led her to share her passion with others by opening The Spice and Tea Exchange on St. Armands Circle, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

When she talks about the highlights of the store, Callender always mentions custom hand-made spice blends, salts from around the world, exotic looseleaf teas, and the tea bar with extensive selections. Visitors often stop by the tea bar for a beverage to enjoy while strolling St. Armands Circle. “The store is very interactive. You can open the jars and smell what’s inside, and the staff is extremely knowledgeable. The highlight is our spice blends for everything from steak, seafood and curry to popcorn and Bloody Marys,” she said. “We are getting more and more into the wellness aspect with therapeutic ingredients like turmeric, beet root powder and dandelion root.”

Callender shares her culinary enjoyment during cooking segments on ABC7’s The View along with recipes, including fun and clever tea-based MarTEAni cocktails. Community connection and involvement also are important, and she supports many local charities including the Florida Wine Fest, which raises funds for many youth charities and others. Callender still loves traveling and cooking, and combines the two when possible such as attending a culinary school in Tuscany on a trip to Italy.

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Stephanie

CHURCH

Whether she’s piloting a Cirrus into the skies or helping to ink some of the area’s top real estate deals, Stephanie Church approaches what she does with a signature enthusiasm and style.

Highly organized and focused on detail, Church also is peopleoriented and never forgets that her clients are entrusting her with one of life’s most significant financial transactions. “I make a stressful process less stressful by ensuring the transaction is as seamless as possible,” she said. “While I am a top producer, when someone hires me they get me, not an assistant, and I like working with people at all price points. Sometimes those dealing with lower price points have fewer people to help them.”

Church originally obtained her real estate license 25 years ago to purchase some rental properties while living in northeast Georgia. That evolved into an expertise in properties on Lake

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Hartwell, the Southeast’s largest recreational lake. In the late 1990s, she decided to move to Florida and narrowed her desired location to Sarasota for many of the same reasons her clients elect to move here today. After enjoying six months of beach time, Church got back into a career she loves.

Her dedication to that career is evident in her Google listing, which displays her cell phone number and shows the business as “open 24 hours”, and that commitment is reflected in her reviews and testimonials. Clients extol her honesty, tenacity, negotiating skills and problem-solving capabilities and also her engaging personality, patience, listening skills and willingness to work tirelessly on their behalf. Non-real-estate-focused time may be spent flying the friendly skies or enjoying activities with friends, especially the Ski Bunnies, with whom she skis every winter.

Aimee

COGAN Aimee Cogan, of the Bellwether Group at Morgan Stanley, and her team share a devotion to clients and an appreciation for the resources available through one of the nation’s largest financial institutions. Clients often seek out the Bellwether Group, which as of month end July 2018 has over $850 million in assets under management, because Cogan has been named to Barron’s prestigious Top 100 Women Financial Advisors List 2011-14, 2016-2018 and Barron’s Top 1200 State by State Advisors List 2012-2018. She has also been ranked among the Financial Times Top 400 advisors in 2013 and 2016.

Holding CFP® and CIMA® designations, Cogan is a member of Morgan Stanley’s Chairman’s Club giving her direct access to the firm’s executive team. Cogan, and The Bellwether Group, use their decades of experience and the extensive resources of Morgan Stanley to provide an exceptionally broad range of financial services. They help uniquely successful families manage the challenges that often accompany significant wealth. With a focus on risk management, tax minimization, and legacy planning, Cogan and the team can offer the full range of services of a family office in addition to financial planning and investment management.

The team also leverages Morgan Stanley’s access to personal consultants in lifestyle management including aircraft management, art advisory, private health care advisory, personal security, eldercare services, and more. Having a close relationship with clients and the Bellwether Group’s high level of client service are important to the team.

The Bellwether Group has been a strong supporter of the community for many years.

Cogan has served on the board of the Child Protection Center and supports many other local charities.

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&

Michelle

CRABTREE

Davenport

MAGGIE

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A long-time, ac tive member of Sarasota’s real estate community, Broker Associate Michelle Crabtree has expanded her business into a second generation by joining forces with her stepdaughter Maggie Davenport.

Both women grew up here, have an abiding love for the area and an enthusiasm for helping others find the right Sarasota-Manatee home.

They are based in Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Lakewood Ranch office, but frequently work from the downtown office.

Crabtree has worked in Sarasota real estate since the early 1980s. “I once marketed Sarasota as a small community with big city amenities,” she said. “We definitely have been discovered now, but still have that community feel.” As a third generation local, Crabtree has built her business on her extensive knowledge of the area as well as an unwavering commitment to her profession and customer service. She has many professional certifications and serves on the Board of Directors for the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

Davenpor t came to Sarasota in 1992. Enchanted with the area, she stayed, earning a fine arts degree from the Ringling College of Art and Design. A people person who places special emphasis on good client communication, Davenport has a particular expertise in the bayfront arts area from Ringling College to the burgeoning downtown core. “Michelle and I complement each other and work well together,” Davenport said.

“I really enjoy using my creative skills to develop advertising to promote clients’ houses.” Both women are active in the community. Crabtree is a member of the Junior League and is on the Board for Habitat for Humanity of Sarasota. Davenport regularly donates her paintings for charity fundraisers and currently serves on the Board for Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County.

Having made Sarasota her home when her daughter was accepted to Ringling College last year, Leslie Cruguet also found a home for her design aptitude as an interior lighting design consultant for AdvancedESI. Cruguet marries AdvancedESI’s expertise in electronic systems integration with a flair for style gained early in life. A native of France, Cr ug uet was ex posed to many cultures and luxury lifestyles through her father, Triple Crown-winning jockey Jean Cruguet. Her mother and grandmother were antique dealers so she grew accustomed to a lush, lived in look with fine things in everyday use.

Cruguet moved to New York at age 14 and after college used her ability to speak four languages as an interpreter for the United Nations and later for the French Consulate. People she met there saw the style of her home and asked her to design their interiors, which she did for more than 10 years. Cruguet became known for incorporating massive specimens of crystals and minerals into her designs for their beauty and energy. Following her move, she met Andrew Guenther, Advanced-ESI’s founder. Cruguet became excited about integrating her design capabilities with the business’s leading edge technology and joined his team.

“We can turn any residence, retail or commercial space into a smart space with lighting, audio/visual, home theaters, electrical shades and fireplaces, and more,” she said. “The showroom has just been redesigned and includes a working kitchen. I tell people it’s best to come here because it’s like trying to describe music. They have to experience it for themselves.”

Cruguet also made a name for herself professionally as the traditionally trained belly dancer, Serpentine, working with knives, scimitars and a six-foot boa constrictor, and she still dances for fun today.

Leslie

CRUGUET

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Ariane

DART

Through her work with the Dart Foundation, Ariane Dart helps nonprofit organizations in the medical, education and community service sectors build capacity in communities across the nation. In Sarasota, her impact philanthropically is well known, and Dart has used her formidable capabilities to create extremely successful fundraising events such as Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s Hospital Gala.

The 2018 inaugural gala raised over $1 million to support Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s emergency and trauma services.

As a Dart Foundation board member, Dart leverages a background in international sales for her family’s manufacturing equipment business, to help expand medical services locally.

“I understand the importance of having the best technology for local hospitals across the nation. I love enhancing facilities to provide better healthcare for communities,” Dart said. “I know firsthand what it’s like to have to travel for

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a family member’s treatment. It is important that we work to provide the most advanced care close to home. I want Sarasota Memorial Hospital to be the best.” As a Healthcare Foundation board member, she particularly appreciates the teamwork among the board members and staff as well as the hospital leadership’s commitment to continuous improvement. In January, Dart is chairing The Hospital Gala again, which will raise funds for SMH cardiac services.

Other Sarasota boards that Dart devotes her talents to include 40 Carrots, Out of Door Academy and Ringling College. Her philanthropic efforts have earned her the Girls Inc. She Knows Where She’s Going award. Dart also encourages women to excel in traditionally male pastimes and is an accomplished driver who enjoys car rallies and improving her skills on the racetrack. She serves on the board of the Celebration Exotic Car Festival, which raises funds for children’s charities.

Mickey

DAVIS

Raised to relish outdoor life, Mickey Davis has a natural affinity for Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast’s mission to preserve the natural land and waterways vital to the area’s beauty, quality of life and economic health.

Davis is on the Conservation Foundation board and grew up in upstate New York where outdoor living was part of family life. “My parents loved the outdoors,” Davis said.

“We were always in or on the water or in the woods.”

Davis raised her boys Dylan, 17, and Connor, 15, the same way. “I always told my boys they would have more adventures outside than they would get inside playing video games,” she said. Helping children develop an appreciation for nature is one reason she is excited about Conservation Foundation’s Youth in Nature initiative, which provides nature experiences for at-risk youth. “Being in nature is so important for our

emotional wellbeing,” Davis said. “Some children don’t have the opportunity to see Florida’s wide open spaces.” So far, more than 1000 children have experienced nature firsthand.

To date, Conservation Foundation also has saved 9,860 acres across 39 properties along the Gulf Coast, preserving fisheries, beaches and drinking water essential to the area’s tourism, blue economy and quality of life. As chair of the Development Committee, Davis has even more far-reaching goals she’d like to achieve during her board tenure. “I would like to ensure we are being proactive in preserving the Gulf’s pristine waters. It is increasingly urgent because Florida is one of the fastest growing states, and we must preserve the natural resources that sustain us,” she said. “Conservation Foundation is vital for our future. It benefits everyone, and that’s why I support it.”

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Donna

&

DeFANT

Jolie

SCHROEDER

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The Players Centre for Performing Arts, Sarasota’s only community theater, has more women on its creative team than any other theater locally. Two women, Board Chair Donna DeFant and Director of Operations Jolie Schroeder, also are ensuring a strong foundation for its current year-round entertainment while planning a move to Lakewood Ranch’s Sarasota County expansion. Just as it held a key role in forming the downtown arts district for 89 years, the Players Centre will create a new theater district in an expansive modern complex while retaining a strong downtown presence with its Performing Arts Studio on the Boulevard of the Arts.

DeFant, who retired as a financial advisor four years ago, got the theater bug while doing summer stock in high school. She remained heavily involved in acting, directing and, even as a financial planner, delivered the financial news on an NBC affiliate. In 2010, she took a role in the Players Centre’s production of Neil Simon’s Rumors and has remained active ever since. DeFant now is working on a soft fundraising campaign while preparing for the upcoming launch of a capital campaign when the roads are complete to the Players Centre’s new lakeside home in Waterside Place.

Schroeder’s 22 years with the Players Centre has allowed her to see much of the theater’s modern evolution. She started working with children’s classes in the Performing Arts Studio, which still has a big place in her heart. Today, Schroeder oversees everything from ordering supplies and overseeing box office operations to dealing with the challenges of maintaining an aging building. “We still are the community theater of Sarasota,” she said, “and we need to grow because we want to be around another 89 years.”

Rose-Anne

FRANO

Raised in a military family, Rose-Anne Frano learned the quickest way to make a new community feel like home is to get involved through volunteerism and civic activities. The family moved nearly every year she was in school for her father’s service in the U.S. Air Force. Since joining the Williams Parker Harrison Dietz and Getzen law firm in 2003, Frano again became involved in her community and, among other activities, currently serves on the Sarasota Orchestra’s board. Her interest in the Orchestra was piqued when she attended performances with her family.

“We always enjoyed music, and I saw how enraptured my young sons were by the performances,” Frano said. “They’re not musicians, but they enjoyed the orchestral experience.

I realized that music speaks to all ages.” She became engaged in the Orchestra’s mission to provide world-class

live musical performances for the community and actively supports its plans to bring a new concert hall to Sarasota.

“Its mission goes deep into the community with educational opportunities for children including through scholarships, youth performances, and programs in the schools, which are so important with the cutbacks in music education,” she said.

Frano fits volunteerism into an active personal life with two school age children and a full professional life. She has been a partner at Williams Parker since 2009 and is a member of the firm’s management committee. Frano also is board certified in wills, trusts and estates and has a Juris Doctor and Master of Laws (LL.M.) in taxation from the University of Florida. When she’s not working, volunteering or putting in mom time at school events, Frano hits the road to train for marathons.

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Barbara

GARDNER

Barbara Gardner is known as an award-winning designer of luxury residential interiors who wields her innate design skills to create highly personal, comfortable and elegant interiors for her clients. While those creative talents were inborn, Gardner spent more than 30 years making substantive contributions in important public sectors. She authored a key piece of civil rights legislation in Washington state. Later, Gardner served as Vice President for a health sciences university and was CEO of a medical foundation focusing on women’s health.

Retiring from the foundation, Gardner made her hobby her work and shifted into a career she literally was born to do.

Founding Collins Interiors in 2006, she continued her family’s multi-generational talent in design. Initially serving clients near her home in Princeton, N.J., and New York, Collins Interiors is

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now based in a design studio on Longboat Key, serving clients nationally. “I want a home to look like the family who lives there and to be a reflection of their tastes and interests,” she said.

“I love working with select cherished pieces people bring with them. I think that is fun and makes it look more personal.”

Gardner uses a trademarked 10-page Design Deck to discern clients’ lifestyles, priorities and style preferences.

She has earned many honors, including selection as LUX Life Magazine’s Most Outstanding Full Scale Interior Design Firm in Florida and as a New York Spaces Top Ten Interior Design Firm. Gardner also is a dedicated supporter of SPARCC, serving on the board and co-chairing its annual gala. She enjoys golf, spending time with her husband and friends at the Bird Key Yacht Club, and visiting her son and his wife in Denver.

Janet GINN

Janet Ginn has spent much of her 35-year career devoted to eliminating world hunger and alleviating the suffering she saw during travel to 32 countries and all 50 states. Now, as President of Pines of Sarasota Foundation, Ginn works to ensure the Pines, Sarasota’s oldest nonprofit senior care community, can continue to provide comfort and dignity to all of its 250 residents, including those who outlive their resources, which more than half of them have done.

Ever since her first job at age 19 as an intern for a nonprofit organization, Ginn knew she wanted to devote her life to serving others. During her career, she has helped raise more than $1 billion in support of worthy causes and served as trustee for 1,600 charitable instruments. She joined Pines of Sarasota Foundation in 2016 and recently shepherded the fundraising for

a major renovation of Pines’ assisted living facility. As that wraps up the end of this year–which marks Pines’ 70th anniversary– Ginn will focus on inspiring support for Pines’ new master plan.

“I’m excited to play a small part in planning for future generations who will need us,” Ginn said, “and I’m excited to be part of a community of neighbors helping neighbors.”

Because she values the relationships she has developed through the years with donors and those who have been helped by their gifts, Ginn advocates for high ethics as a Certified Fund Raising Executive. She also believes in personal service as a Rotarian and is a Paul Harris Fellow.

When she’s not working, Ginn likes to join her retired husband for a Saturday morning round of golf and travels frequently to Houston to visit her five grandchildren.

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Graf

LENKA Lenka Graf is known for her beautiful operatic soprano and her dedication to charitable causes. A Sarasota snowbird, Graf spends colder months here and her two children attend local schools. That is where she learned of the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart program, where children learn the importance of exercise for heart health. Graf is bringing its health education benefits to schoolchildren in her native Czech Republic.

Graf’s program is Jumping for Heart, which is sponsored by her husband’s company foundation. The first program was held last year in her hometown and was a great success. Jump rope competitions were held for the kids who were thrilled when she jumped rope on stage with the mayor.

“There is nothing like this in the Czech Republic,” Graf said. “Now, we want it to go into as many schools as possible and are looking for a partner who can help us with that.” She and her team received an award for their efforts from the nation’s President.

Although Jumping for Heart is the current focus of her passion, Graf–who showed herself to be a gifted singer as a young child–uses her talents as an opera singer to hold fundraising concerts for charities.

She recently was asked to create a CD that includes pop opera songs written specifically for her, one of which made local charts and earned a 2017 Czech Gold Award. Graf and her husband, Aleš, aid many worthy causes in their hometown, Ústí nad Labem, and support its social and cultural life. “Our company is a big presence in our town,” she said, “and I believe every company should have some way of helping others as much as they can.”

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Mary

GRATEHOUSE Maybe it’s the grounding of her Southern roots or her innate generosity of spirit, but Mary Gratehouse doesn’t let much hold her back from pursuing her passions. That led her to earn the Ms. Florida International crown this year in competition with much younger women. Gratehouse did it for Easterseals Southwest Florida, which serves special needs children, youth and adults along with their families.

Because Ms. Florida International is a platform competition, its purpose is to promote worthy causes, so she is spending the year traveling throughout Florida to tell Easterseals’ story and let people know what they can do to help.

“Competing in your 50s and standing next to 24 year olds is not easy. I did it for Easterseals, and it taught me it is never too late,” she said. “Easterseals helps over 1,000 area families. I don’t know what they would do without it, and there are 200 families on the waiting list who need help.”

Letting people know about the tremendous artistic talents of Easterseals clients, and their remarkable pet portraits is one of Gratehouse’s pleasures, particularly in pet-crazy Sarasota and as the owner of three dogs and three Persian cats. “Their artwork is amazing, and it brings financial resources into their house,” she said.

Having grown up as the youngest in a family of six children and as the mother of t wo sons, Gratehouse has a particular affinity for children’s charities. She also is letting people know about the much-needed work of the Israel Tennis Centers, where she ser ves on the U.S. board. The social services organization helps at-risk youth and special needs children and also promotes multicultural coexistence through its high per formance program for athletes from diverse backgrounds.

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Gabriele

HARRIS

&

Approaching each day as an adventure and an opportunity to create exciting ways for clients to market their businesses, Allison Imre and Gabriele Harris are the dynamic leadership duo helping drive the success of Grapevine Communications. Imre acquired Grapevine in 2017 and is energized by finding creative solutions for clients of all sizes. “Whether someone spends $500 or $5 million, we give them the same top-notch service,” she said. “We hold ourselves accountable for each job we do.”

Inspired by her mom and a family friend who was a veteran broadcaster, Imre knew from age five that she wanted to be in radio. She joined the Kansas City Royals Radio Network right out of college, which launched a career that took her around the country and eventually to Sarasota in 2004. Imre became familiar with Grapevine Communications while working as an account representative for iHeartMedia.

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Allison

IMRE

Harris has been with Grapevine since 2007 after interning with the company during college. She began as an account coordinator and worked her way up to her current position as Vice President of Business Development.

Both women are active in the community. In Imre’s first year of ownership, Grapevine donated more than $150,000 in pro bono work to local nonprofits. She also serves on the board of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. Nonworking hours are often spent with her three-year-old son at the beach fishing and paddle-boarding or horseback riding.

Harris has volunteered with many local nonprofits, including Designing Daughters, Salvation Army, LWRBA and the alumni groups for Leadership Sarasota and Leadership Manatee. She spent last year planning her wedding and this year is looking forward to the birth of her first child.

Susan

HINES

Family has always been of primary importance to Susan Hines, whether ensuring she was always there for her three children, even as a busy working mom, or when helping the families she has served as a trust administrator throughout her career. As a Senior Trust Administrator and Principal of Sabal Trust, Hines helps families through multiple generations. She began her career as an estate-planning attorney with Icard Merrill, but switched to trust administration in 1994.

“I like building long-term relationships with people, not just handling transactions for them. With trust administration, there is more opportunity to be part of the family and, if you do a good job, to continue working with clients’ children and grandchildren.

I’m someone who goes to the birthday parties and the funerals,” Hines said. “When you go home at night and feel you’ve had a good day, it’s usually

because you’ve helped someone. We are caregivers of our client’s wealth, their family and their legacy.”

Sabal Trust is Florida’s largest independent trust company with more than $2 billion in assets under management.

“What attracted me to Sabal Trust was the quality and experience of our trust professionals, the commitment to staying independent and the focus on the client,” she said. “I love the team approach and having a dedicated investment professional (CFA) for each client.” Hines is active professionally with the Sarasota County Bar Association and the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council. She also has served on the boards of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. A Florida native, Hines and her husband, Sarasota County Commissioner Charles Hines, are Gator fans and like spending family time at a variety of sporting events and enjoying watersports.

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Margaret

HIXON

With an affinity for finance and a philanthropic spirit, Margaret Hixon is passionate about helping others build prosperity and succeed. She provides financial planning services to families and individuals through Vimvest Advisors and is also part of a venture leveraging technology to serve a new generation of wealth builders. Encouragement from a friend prompted Hixon to begin her career in the financial services industry. “I knew from an early age that I wanted to help people,” Hixon said. “The financial industry offered an opportunity to build relationships with clients, learn what they need, and fulfill those needs.”

Over the last 18 years, Hixon has practiced this daily through her award winning independent advisory firm. She believes in the next generation of wealth builders as well and has embraced digital financial planning. She is co-founder–along with Phillip Dickson, Stuart Dickson, and Justin Bailey–of the Vimvest app. The app is built to address the industry’s future, as well as the needs of the individual and community. Vimvest provides individuals with a holistic platform for investing, saving, and giving goals. It’s built to address both the individual and community.

“With clients, I have always strived to create a personal experience and develop a plan for my clients to achieve their goals,” Hixon said. “Vimvest allows this experience to be delivered digitally and to more people than I could ever reach alone–watching the industry evolve and being a part of that evolution is tremendously exciting.”

The team is also releasing a white-label application for independent financial advisors, called Vimvest Advisors. With this new technology venture, it looks like Hixon’s success in financial and philanthropic services will continue for many years to come.

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Kameron HODGENS Civic-mindedness and caring for those in need are core values for Dr. Kameron Hodgens and have helped guide her choices in life. Growing up with an older brother who had Down’s syndrome and autism, Hodgens learned– literally from birth–how important it is to help those who are not always able to help themselves. In her role as Executive Director/CEO of The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center, she assists nonprofits whose work helps the area’s most vulnerable individuals and families.

“I can’t imagine not being mindful of my community and helping those in need,” Hodgens said. “I love my job because it allows me to embrace so many causes, which goes back to my core desire to help as many people as I can.” Glasser/Schoenbaum’s campus houses 17 nonprofit agencies that provide vital services for people of all ages. The campus continues to evolve under

Hodgens’ leadership with the recent opening of a pediatric dental clinic and the Serenity Garden, an outdoor space intended to enhance the collaborative atmosphere among the agencies and to provide a green space for their client activities.

A Sarasota native, Hodgens has a Ph.D. in developmental psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Wanting to return to her hometown (she grew up just north of the Ringling Mansion), Hodgens joined Easterseals Southwest Florida in 2008 as Vice President of Programs before joining Glasser/Schoenbaum in 2014. Looking to the future, Hodgens envisions strengthening Glasser/Schoenbaum’s position as the community’s nonprofit hub and expanding its physical campus.

With an active three-year-old at home, Hodgens treasures time with family and loves witnessing her daughter’s “unbridled joy and hearing her laughter.” Especially here in her hometown.

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Barbora Hodinarova is a person of many talents who has found her calling as a businesswoman with a flair for building succes s f ul retail concept s. Two year s ago, Hodinarova acquired Cleopatra’s Bath and Body Boutique in Venice and has built its reputation as a shopping destination for luxury, natural bath and body products with no artificial ingredients as well as gift items.

This year, she took over Bomton Sarasota in downtown Sarasota and has incorporated a Cleopatra’s boutique into the full service hair salon, known for its Brazilian blowouts, DevaCurl Transformation, Goodwill Kerasilk products, and esthetician services including collagen-stimulating cryofacials.

In addition to bath and body products for men and women, both locations offer home fragrance and aromatherapy. Unique items such as handmade Trollbeads customizable jewelry and silk-like bamboo bathrobes also are available. “I always want to have unique products you won’t find in a department store and gifts that will put a smile on people’s faces or have a bit of humor to cheer someone up,” Hodinarova said.

Born in the Czech Republic, she came to the U.S. to hone her tennis skills at IMG Ac ad e my, b e coming a r anke d Gr and Slam Junior player until a medical mistake following an injur y meant changing careers. Hodinarova graduated in finance from the University of Maryland. She worked in international finance and hedge funds before deciding she wanted to be a business owner. “I wanted to rely on myself and be responsible for all I do,” she said. “I have the drive, and just do it.” Just doing it also included purchasing the company that makes the bamboo robes she carries. Although retail is demanding, Hodinarova still plays tennis when she can and enjoys working on her house.

Barbora

HODINAROVA

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Holbrook KAREN

When Karen Holbrook was introduced as the new regional chancellor at USF SarasotaManatee in December, members of the campus and local community expressed enthusiasm that a person with her experience, style and vision was now at the helm.

In her remarks at a welcoming event, the former president of The Ohio State University and senior vice president for research, innovation and USF World, said that student success will always be USFSM’s top priority, and she talked about the unlimited potential of the university, stressing the importance of building relationships with the local community in deep and meaningful ways.

“I’m really excited about our future, about connecting with our community in all aspects, working closely with our university colleagues in the Cross College Alliance, with local organizations that promote economic development and civic engagement, and with the schools that are so critical to us in developing the young people who become our students,” she said.

From day one, Dr. Holbrook has been delivering on her commitment to help meet the needs of the local community. In April, USFSM partnered with USF Health in Tampa to bring a new bachelor’s degree in nursing to the Sarasota-Manatee campus; cybersecurity also was added as a degree program.

USFSM has hosted countless community events ranging from candidate forums for local elections to educational and leadership programs for middle and high school students from diverse cultures. Community programs on financial literacy, the future of life sciences in the region and many other topics occur regularly. On Sept. 11, USFSM hosted a powerful community event to pay tribute those who lost their lives and honor our nation’s first responders and military.

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Andree

HUFFINE

Andree Huffine likely would prove successful at whatever endeavor she chose, and 16 years ago she elected to pursue her passion for real estate. Since then, Huffine consistently has been among the area’s top producers, using her MBA in finance and her background in marketing and management as the foundation. She has a keen understanding of how important it is to deliver outstanding customer service. As a result, over 60 percent of her sales come from former clients and referrals. Much of her business is in the luxury sector, but she serves needs across all price points.

Having moved here from the Adirondacks in the 1980s, Huffine has garnered a deep knowledge of the market. She understands many buyers come to Sarasota without a clear picture of which area is right for them and uses her local knowledge to help them find their perfect spot.

Having traveled across Florida, Huffine truly believes Sarasota’s Suncoast is the best, and often tells newcomers they’ll find all the amenities of a big city wrapped in the comfor t and accessibility of a small town.

For many years, she worked for a developer of retirement communities and c ar rie s wit h her today t he lessons she learned in a company that encouraged entrepreneurialism and risk-taking. Although Huffine enjoyed that work, the extensive travel got old. “I wanted to work for myself at something I could really be passionate about, and I knew it would be real estate,” she said. “I love what I do, I like to have fun, and I want my clients to have fun too.” Based in Coldwell Banker’s downtown Sarasota office, Huffine concentrates mostly in the downtown area, but also works extensively throughout the greater Sarasota market area.

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Susan

INDERBINEN

Monika

&

As much as Susan Inderbinen and her daughter Monika Oberer have a fervor for beautiful lighting design, they also greatly value the relationships developed over the years with contractors, designers, homeowners and the community. Founded in 1998 by Inderbinen and her husband Moritz, they wanted to make exquisite European lighting available locally and across the U.S. Light Up Your Life has grown into an award-winning destination showroom as “Best Lighting Showroom, USA & Canada” and has international recognition.

People stop by just to enjoy the beauty of the contemporary lighting displays and see the newest designs. Whether it’s an electrician looking for a good quality light or a homeowner seeking sleek lighting design, the personal touch of a family business is important. “There is a lot of heart here. Our team enjoys being here and further their education and training to be able to sell

OBERER

clients what they need,” Oberer said. “We do lighting design, and with today’s lighting, we are selling technology whether it is for an entire new house or someone who is buying a table lamp.”

Being part of and contributing to the community also is a priority from recycling and using non-disposable dishes and utensils in the lunchroom to philanthropic support for local children with leukemia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy along with Alzheimer’s and cancer research. “We are very conscientious about the community,” Inderbinen said. “Every year we invite Ringling design students to our store. We give them a package of materials on lighting and design and everyone picks a subject to talk about with them.” The women also believe in a healthy lifestyle and look forward to gathering around the table for a home-cooked dinner and family conversation.

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Creating beauty through a variety of media has been a lifelong theme for Liliya.

Educated in classical music and fashion as well as business and the economy, she has turned her flair for beautiful design into successful business ventures. Strolling down Sarasota’s Main Street, the eyes of passersby are often caught by Parker Robinson’s windows displaying exquisite couture and ready-to-wear gowns Liliya imports from Italy, France and Germany along with the store’s upscale furniture and accessories. Her lines include O’Blanc, Beate Heymann, Amoralle, Tricot Chic, Max and Moi, Indies, and the full line of Nicolai from Paris.

She is known for working with the designers to create one-of-a-kind dresses for brides and wedding parties as well as for beauty pageant contestants. When Liliya, who is from Ukraine, came to the U.S., she bought the flower business from Morton’s Market where she became involved in creating floral designs for weddings and other events. She also began importing handcrafted, richly beaded costumes for professional ballet schools and theaters from Russia. She turned her eye for elegant design to jewelry as well, initially working with a variety of pearls from Japan.

Now, she also creates unique diamond investment pieces.

“The jewelry and fashion business is my passion, and I wanted to bring the extraordinary fabrics and designs available in Europe to women in the U.S. I create classic, young and fashionable looks that complement my clients’ figures, coloring and style,” Liliya said. “Beauty is my life, and I am very creative. To be successful, you have to have taste, talent and love what you are doing. For me, my passion is my pleasure.”

Liliya

KENT

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Ketchum

LINDSAY

Fueled by her desire to be a zealous advocate for her clients, attorney Lindsay Ketchum sets herself apart by being personally involved with their cases from beginning to end. Ketchum works with clients who have suffered injury through negligence and is of counsel with Holliday Karatinos Law Group, a statewide personal injury firm with a reputation for being willing to fight in the courtroom, whose clients include 200 NFL players in the infamous CTE cases.

“I love what I do because I get to help innocent people suffering because of another’s negligence. People truly need help because it can be a very difficult process to navigate.” she said. “I am the primary contact for my clients as it’s the only way to know how their lives have been affected and get them adequate compensation.” After completing law school, while working nearly full time, Ketchum gained a high level

of experience and mentorship with the esteemed Sarasota law firm, Paderewski & Dannheisser PA. She founded Lindsay Ketchum PA to offer a highly personal relationship with clients that she values and also handles probate, wills, trusts and estates, landlord-tenant disputes and commercial litigation.

Ketchum is a second generation Sarasotan whose lifelong interest in the martial arts led her to become the first professional female fighter contracted in the state to fight in an event sanctioned by the American Boxing Association. She retired shortly after suffering a neck injury while training, but that event has helped her empathize with the pain her clients suffer and the long recovery process they endure. Nonworking hours are spent with her five-year-old daughter crafting, painting, cooking and doing home improvement projects ranging from repurposing old furniture to building a tree house.

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Karen

KOBLENZ Being at the helm of an organization that has provided more than $8 million in local arts grants and scholarships over the past 56 years is challenging and very fulfilling for Karen Koblenz, Executive Director/CEO of The Exchange. Unlike most nonprofits, The Exchange does no fundraising but is selfsustaining through its retail consignment business. Koblenz’s business experience in media management, sales and corporate training has helped the organization achieve its vision and expand its role in the community since she joined in 2010.

“Everything at The Exchange is about giving. There is a synergy with the community, the arts organizations, arts students and The Exchange,” Koblenz said. “The community brings items to consign, our profit from sales supports arts organizations and arts education. The organizations entertain us, and they educate and give confidence to our young

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artists who go on to Mercer, Julliard or Easton to name a few and accomplish amazing things.” She sees The Exchange’s business model as contributing to the community’s circle of life.

Along with awarding grants and scholarships, the organization paid $2.4 million to consigners last year, which supports the local economy. Items that are not sold are donated to other nonprofits, which supports their causes. The Exchange also helps reduce the area’s carbon footprint by selling an average of 12,000 items per month for reuse. That’s important to Koblenz because her ties to the community are strong as the former publisher of the Pelican Press and sales manager for Sarasota Scene magazine. Although leading a retail operation with nearly $4 million in annual sales requires much of her time, Koblenz loves traveling the world with her husband and spending time at home with their grandchildren.

tara

LANGDALESCHMIDT

Tara Langdale-Schmidt combined a game-changing idea with her entrepreneurial drive and has helped thousands of women around the world find relief from pelvic pain and painful intercourse.

Langdale-Schmidt, founder of VuVatech, sought a solution for painful intercourse for years and was given options that included surgery, lidocaine injections and various creams. “I saw doctors for four years with no diagnosis,” she said. “One doctor even told me I should drink wine and relax.”

She took matters into her own hands patenting a device combining dilators that stretch vaginal walls with neodymium magnets that boost blood flow to rejuvenate tissues and increase lubrication. The magnets calm nerve pain making the process more comfortable.

“A clinical trial, approved by the International Review Board at Sarasota Memorial Hospital showed these dilators were two times as effective as dilators without magnets,” Langdale-Schmidt said, “Since 80 percent of women will suffer painful intercourse at some point in their lives, including most post menopausal women, I decided I needed to start this company.” Painful intercourse can arise from a variety of conditions including dyspareunia, vulvodynia, vaginal atrophy and vaginismus.

Langdale-Schmidt works tirelessly to get the word out about her VuVa Magnetic Vaginal Dilators, which are manufactured in Sarasota. Growing rapidly at over 10% a month, she continues to offer personal support to customers. “VuVatech has helped 14,000 women in three years. It is very safe with no side effects,” she said. “When I get emails saying ‘you saved my marriage’ or ‘I’m having a family because of Vuva’, that makes everything worth it.”

As a busy businesswoman, Langdale-Schmidt appreciates having family here in town to relax with, including her twin sister, and loves to travel with her husband.

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Olga

LARINA

When Olga Larina moved from Kiev, Ukraine, to Sarasota with her two sons, she looked for an opportunity to use her expertise and acquired the Chianti Italian restaurant on Clark Road. Larina owned a food production business in Ukraine and also managed a large-scale catering business there. “The best option to use my skills and experience was in a food business,” she said.

Many things attracted her to Chianti, including its traditional approach to the cuisine with an Italian chef and sous-chef.

Authentic touches include house-made pastas and sauces that have earned enthusiastic reviews from patrons. One described the restaurant’s vibe as “like going to your Italian nonna’s for Sunday feast.” Larina has a strong background in business and management and is highly educated with a master’s in law, bachelors in economics and an MBA from the Ukraine’s

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top business school. She began her career as a junior lawyer for a large Ukrainian food distributor and later worked as a business attorney and managing partner of one of the country’s top law firms before entering the food business in 2010.

Larina knows the importance of multicultural education and conveys her ideals to her children. She and her son Maksym, age 17, have visited more than 40 countries, and Igor, age 9, has seen more than 30 so far. After all their travels, they fell in love with Sarasota and now call it home.

Larina also has become active in the community by helping many local schools and non-profit organizations. “Sarasota welcomed us, offering safety and endless opportunities,” she said, “and in return, we will do everything in our power to contribute to our community so we can grow together.”

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Lozano

PAULA

The climate for women in the law is changing, and two local litigators have led the way by establishing successful track records in areas of the law that historically were the purview of male attorneys. Recognized for their capabilities at the law firm of Walters Levine & Lozano, Paula Lozano and Heather DeGrave have breached the glass ceiling as two of the relative few women in top leadership positions in U.S. law firms.

Lozano has 17 years of experience in medical malpractice and nursing home defense. Early in her practice, she often was the lone woman on the playing field. Over the years, she built a book of business throughout central Florida and has expanded her practice south since joining Walters Levine & Lozano in 2016. Knowing that bad outcomes don’t always mean bad medicine, Lozano is a litigator and trial attorney who encourages clients to ensure policies, procedures and

Heather

DeGRAVE safe practices are in place to minimize mistakes. She often provides in-service education and speaks about medicallegal malpractice at seminars in Florida. Super Lawyers magazine recognized Lozano as a Rising Star for five years.

DeGrave is a civil litigator and Co-Managing Shareholder with 14 years at the firm. She focuses on business and construction litigation, including lien and bond litigation and contract enforcement. Fierce in the courtroom, DeGrave also knows that testifying may be intimidating even for strong and confident business people. She understands that, at heart, people want their stories to be heard and sees her role as helping to translate those stories into legally effective arguments for the court. DeGrave is active professionally with the National Association of Women in Construction and served as President of the Tampa chapter.

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Mahler

JOY

Joy Mahler has spent 35 years ensuring children have the opportunities they need to rise above challenging circumstances in their lives and achieve their potential by cultivating impactful relationships with adult mentors.

As President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, she stays focused on her mission by providing leadership and support to a caring staff and more than 2,000 dedicated volunteers who work with children in 10 counties.

Mahler spent time early in her career working in the juvenile justice system after graduating from Michigan State University with a community development degree.

“When I came to Florida in the early 1980s, I thought Big Brothers Big Sisters, seemed more like a family so I joined part time” she said. “Working on the prevention side, with caring adults nurturing children, seemed more proactive and in line with my ideology. My life

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has been dedicated to helping children, often living in poverty, to build their potential and achieve their success.”

Seeing the positive outcomes continues to motivate Mahler to build capacity to serve even more children. Of those who work with a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor, 95 percent graduate from high school and 91 percent continued their education, entered the military or obtained employment.

The organization, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, also has earned many accolades, including Charity Navigator’s highest rating and a Gold Standard Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Mahler also works on the national level as co-chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s Large Agency Alliance. Her work has earned her recognition as a Woman of Impact from the Sarasota County Commission of the Status of Women.

Lynette

MANCUSO

Attorney and Mediator Lynette Mancuso has been at the forefront of a quiet revolution reshaping family law. Knowing that adversarial approaches to divorce can scar families for generations, Mancuso has advocated change for many years. She has been a capable litigator for the past 34 years, winning Sarasota County’s first case awarding a father 50/50 parenting time. Now, she has reshaped her practice to focus on mediation, collaborative divorce, cooperative divorce as well as pre- and post-nuptial agreements.

Passing the litigation torch reflects Mancuso’s belief that families are better served through more constructive and dignified ways to separate. “I’m focusing on what has always been my passion, and that is to move clients and families forward as amicably as possible. I tend to be known as the voice of reason, and help people stay calm, feel understood and find creative solutions,” said Mancuso, who has been board certified in both family law and real estate law and is a founding partner at Burgess, Harrell, Mancuso, Colton & LaPorta, P.A.

As a middle child and daughter of a psychologist, Mancuso comes by her peacemaking skills naturally, but also has a competitive side. The latter helped her become the first woman over 50 to win the “Overall” in a national figure competition for ages 19 and older. She works out five to six times per week, runs 5k races and half marathons, and even won her first cross-fit competition. Mancuso is a board member and fundraiser for the YMCA and enjoys leisure time with friends and loved ones and her Shih-Poo, Cody, whom she calls her Ambassador for Good.

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elizabeth

MASSEY

A deep caring and compassion for people led Elizabeth Massey to create a safe haven to help heal those who have experienced major losses or who may be in transition.

Massey’s goal is to instill hope and teach necessary skills so one can move through grief, embrace life and live to the fullest. As Founder/CEO of HealWell and Thrive, Massey helps clients understand that grief is a natural healing process, whether they have lost loved ones including pets, have suffered a financial setback or experienced the loss of health, job, a marriage or other significant relationship.

Having grieved her own losses of divorce, two wanted pregnancies, the deaths of her second husband, brother, and her cherished mentor, Massey provides compassionate resiliency coaching and grief education to individuals, their families, and organizations. She was set on her path to help grieving individuals while working in the

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neonatal intensive care. When she had to send a baby home to die– although a medical professional–she was not trained to deal with the family’s grief. That led Massey to professional training, establishing a multi-hospital bereavement program, and to found BabyRest, which provides a dignified resting place for babies designated for hospital disposition and comfort for grieving parents.

HealWell and Thrive’s comprehensive approach, also includes nutritional support through “Infused Cuisine” developed by her partner, Food Network celebrity Chef Chasky. “We incorporate fortified foods and healthy coping mechanisms to reinforce one’s inherent resilience,” Massey said. “Respecting the individuality and uniqueness of each client, we help people learn to cope with their pain and live more fully because of it. My desire with HealWell and Thrive is to make a positive difference in the world, each person at a time.”

Teresa

MAST

Holding the position of President and co-founder of a woman-majority owned construction firm, Teresa Mast is an ambassador for her profession and understands the importance of leaving a legacy through leadership by example.

Mast does this through the pride she takes in her team’s workmanship for clients as well as the extensive time she spends giving back to her profession and the community. “The construction industry has afforded me wonderful opportunities, and I want other women to understand that if they are willing to work hard and carry themselves professionally, the construction business is open to them.” Mast said “This is not a secondary option for those not going to college, but an incredible career opportunity for men and women.”

Mast founded The Davin Group with her husband 26 years ago and aids clients from design through completion. While experienced with new construction, the firm has developed a

niche in high-end remodeling, including waterfront properties with stringent regulatory requirements. In addition to being a busy businesswoman, Mast is helping shape Sarasota County’s future as a member of the Planning Commission.

Locally she also is Chair of the Professional Women in Building Council and is very active in community service personally and through the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association.

Community projects have included support of Harvest House, Habitat for Humanity, American Cancer Society, and a special project to renovate the house of a sheriff’s deputy who provides a home to foster children. Mast and her husband, Jon, were raised in Sarasota and are high school sweethearts married for 34 years. They are sporting clay aficionados who shoot competitively and for fundraising events. They have two grown daughters and are doting grandparents to a new grandson.

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Graci McGILLICUDDY Spend a little time with Graci McGillicuddy and it’s clear that family and friends are important to her, and so is her enduring passion for helping children. For more than 30 years, she has devoted herself to helping society’s most vulnerable children. McGillicuddy was the force behind construction of the Child Advocacy Center, which is the home of the Child Protection Center. Now, she is fulfilling her lifelong dream of improving foster care with the help of the All Star Children’s Foundation by building a state-of-the-art, trauma-informed campus which will house six independentlylicensed foster homes, an onsite 13,000 sq. ft. clinical treatment center, research department, recreation center, community outreach/trauma training department and various enrichment/ competency-building programs.

In collaboration with John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, The All Star Children’s Foundation is dedicated to providing children who have experienced trauma with individualized, comprehensive, evidencebased, and trauma-informed care in a setting where clinicians and foster parents will be experts in working with traumatized children. The children will thrive and experience unconditional love that will change their lives forever. McGillicuddy and the All Star Children’s Foundation are working on a $15 million capital campaign for the campus. About $9.3 million has already been raised for the campus at 3308 17th St., Sarasota.

“Our campus will be a place of healing for children and families. Through innovation, science and compassion they will be embraced in a caring culture while receiving treatment to recover from the traumas they have experienced,” McGillicuddy said. “We are working to make our community a safer place for children.”

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Living life as a road warrior was fulfilling for Karen Medford who also loved pampering herself with spa services when relaxing from her high-intensity sales positions in the music and medical industries.

Now Lakewood Ranch residents, Medford and her husband provide others a peaceful refuge at Sirius Day Spa, which offers a wide variety of traditional spa and other services.

They have two locations, one in north Lakewood Ranch and the other across from the Mall at University Tow n Center. A third Sarasota location is planned.

With two young children at home, Medford and her husband settled near her parents in Lakewood Ranch in 2017 where they could raise their c hildren and connec t with the community. “We fell in love with Lakewood Ranch and the Sarasota/ Bradenton area. It felt like such a wonderful community. We wanted to have roots here and something to call our own,” she said. “In my sales career, my down time was in a spa getting a massage, a facial and my nails done. It was my safe haven.”

Serendipitously, Medford heard a radio ad for Sirius Day Spa and loved the concept, which provides one stop for everything from manipedis, massage and facials to hair blow-outs, lash extensions and teeth whitening. Individual and family memberships offer special pricing and a dollar for dollar credit towards more than 40 services. Members also may drop by for complimentary 360-degree chair massages, guided meditation, tea and hot towels in the Serenit y Loung e. Med ford believes in community involvement and has been ac tive in the PTO and fundraisers for her daughters’ schools. She also loves playing tennis with her husband and parents and enjoying life at her two spas.

Karen

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Minor

PEGGY ERIN Harvest House is a testament to what can be accomplished by those with a love of people and a spirit of determination.

In 1984, Pastors Peggy and Jim Minor came to Sarasota to establish a ministry that extended beyond church walls. They opened a food bank and, in 1992, mortgaged their home to start Harvest House with six beds for men recovering from substance abuse. While others grappled with the issue of homelessness, the Minors quietly went about establishing supportive housing for the homeless and effective programs to address its underlying causes.

“We do what we do because we love people,” Pastor Peggy Minor said. “No matter what they’ve gone through, we believe in people, in the human spirit and in instilling hope.” Today, with leadership from their daughter Erin, who is Executive Director, Harvest House operates nine supportive housing campuses and 25 affordable rentals, has

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more than 400 beds and served 900 individuals last year.

Harvest House offers a full continuum of care for homeless families including emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing along with a program with 115 beds for adults in recovery and a transitional living program and drop-in center for homeless youth.

Since 2004, Erin has forged alliances with community partners and secured government grants. “We opened our first supportive housing campus in Manatee County last year and have five acres we are hoping to build on,” Erin said. “Maya Angelou once said, ‘without courage we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency.’ My parents’ legacy is one of courage that my siblings and I are determined to carry on. Eventually, it will become our legacy. Is there anything we can dedicate our lives to more important than people?”

Jennifer

&

MITCHELL

Jacobs

DOLLY

Construction at the Sailor Circus Arena on Bahia Vista Street is an outward sign of The Circus Arts Conservatory’s ambitious plans to expand its youth circus arts education, integrate circus arts into school curricula as well as bring humor therapy to retirement centers. Working toward those goals are two women who share a passion for keeping the circus arts legacy alive—Dolly Jacobs, who founded the Conservatory with her husband Pedro Reis, and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Mitchell.

Jacobs is an internationally acclaimed aerialist and coveted aerial swinging coach whose many awards include being the first circus artist to receive the NEA’s National Heritage Fellowship Award. Her grace and skill have earned her the title Queen of the Air. As the daughter of the late Lou Jacobs, a world-renowned clown, circus is her heritage–one she works tirelessly to pass down to future generations.

In addition to coaching, public speaking and outreach, Jacobs is her 96-year-old mother’s full time caregiver.

Mitchell has been with The CAC over 10 years, initially in marketing and later moving into management. She has a synergistic combination of personal commitment and business operational expertise. Mitchell has an MBA from the University of Oxford, England, and experience that includes being Executive Director of Miss America Teen Scholarship. She has three children, including a daughter in the Sailor Circus, so her commitment as a mom includes an aerial circus rig at home and being passionate about life lessons young performers learn through the Circus Arts.

Currently conducting a $4.5 million campaign to renovate the arena, both women envision a future that includes hosting an international circus arts festival and aligning with community organizations to continue transforming the arts in this area.

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Montelione ROBERTA

Milan Catering’s growth from humble beginnings in a rented kitchen shared with a vegan restaurant in 2009 to four kitchens, a convention center and a theater event hall is a testament to Chef Roberta Montelione’s focus on project management encompassing professional chefs, mobile kitchens, in-house event and wedding planners, and a creative environment for innovation. This ability to think outside the box has earned top recognition from The Knot and Wedding Wire since 2010. “It is important to surprise and delight guests,” she said. “Our approach ensures that everyone has the right tools to deliver what was promised and allows our teams to focus on clients with events that run smoothly.”

Ensuring a creative approach comes naturally to Montelione and her team whose emphasis is on fun, interactive and surprise-filled events. These include the Sarasota Opera’s

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Seville TAPA Party, sports team menus for IMG Academy and for 314 rowers at the 2017 World Rowing Championship, which encompassed 13,341 meals served in two and a half weeks, as well as complex weddings. She has expanded into “pop-up restaurants” with entertainment. Some of the most popular have been the Crosley Supper Club’s New Year’s Eve Speakeasy, Mother’s Day Brunch on the Bay and an Afternoon with Santa at the Powel Crosley Estate.

The key to Montelione’s success is a focus on grooming employees to think outside the box. Because the industry is stressful, team building is important, and the staff’s favorite annual outing is the first Bucs preseason game. “At the end of the day, it is about delivering a five star performance,” she said. “People are still talking about how great their event was five years later, and that is very rewarding.”

Jill

MORRIS

Being willing to continue learning and follow what inspires her has led Dr. Jill Morris to create a practice encompassing many innovative approaches to general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. “My practice has become very diverse in what we offer because I’ve continued to learn. When I first went into practice in 1986, I was a general dentist. I went back to school to become an accredited cosmetic dentist and then taught cosmetic dentistry,” Dr. Morris said. “I also became an expert in bite reconstruction, then learned how to help sleep apnea through orthopedic dentistry to grow airways and correct bites.”

Both she and her partner and husband, Dr. Burr Bakke, have degrees in naturopathic medicine, which takes a holistic approach. As a clinical hypnotherapist, Dr. Morris also helps patients relieve anxiety. “We have so many

ways to customize patients’ treatments,” she said. World Class Dentistry and Facial Esthetics is now becoming even more of a family practice. Dr. Morris’ enthusiasm has inspired her children to join the practice. Two are in dental school and another runs the in-house dental lab.

Working hard to achieve objectives was a lesson she learned as a young girl living on a farm in Indiana where she cultivated tobacco to boost her college fund before moving to Arcadia at age 12. As a busy working mom, Dr. Morris contrived ways to spend time with her children who played in her in-home lab while she was working. “They’ve always been really close and enjoy hanging out together and with me,” she said. “With them in the practice, we’ll be able to do so much more. Our patients enjoy meeting them, and I have a renewed purpose. It’s the happiest I’ve ever been.”

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mort

MERISSA

A desire to help others was ingrained in attorney Merissa Mort early in life, and she now devotes herself to helping individuals challenge wrongful actions by modern-day Goliaths through her Coast Law practice and by donating countless pro bono hours. “It is personally fulfilling to meet a person who feels helpless, and through my representation, give them the strength and resources they need to obtain the justice they deserve,” Mort said. “A hardworking attorney can level the playing field against even the most ‘intimidating’ corporation or individual.”

After working as a corporate attorney and litigator for several large companies, Mort realized her fulfillment came from helping people and founded Coast Law. With a focus on employee rights, she has helped individuals in cases that include unpaid wages and overtime, sexual harassment, discrimination and wrongful termination.

Mort also successfully champions individuals in other civil matters including insurance disputes, landlord-tenant disputes, personal injury cases and breach of contract cases.

Mort’s devotion to helping the underdog was fueled by growing up in a military family with a strong sense of right and wrong and watching her parents’ dedication to helping the less fortunate. Her commitment to serving clients includes being accessible to them 24/7 and providing them with her direct contact information. Despite a busy practice and extensive pro bono work, Mort also serves on the board of the Pace Manatee Center for Girls whose program, which focuses on the academic and social needs of girls, has gained national recognition for its effectiveness in keeping girls from entering the juvenile justice system. She also finds time for yoga, fitness, boating, travel, socializing and most recently, raising Monarch butterflies from her condo balcony.

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Living a life of service has been a hallmark for Barbara Najmy–whether she’s selling luxury real estate or aiding worthy causes.

A native of Sarasota with a passion for her hometown, Najmy polished customer service skills and developed a strong work ethic by assisting at her father’s gas station. At age 16, she joined Burdines part-time, and through talent, social elegance and compassion, worked her way up the corporate ladder earning a reputation for troubleshooting and turning around lagging departments.

She parlayed that experience into a leadership role at Saks Fifth Avenue.

In 20 01, armed with a passion for architecture, design and an interest in the local housing market, Najmy entered real estate. Her ability to cultivate enduring relationships became her business card.

“Coming from upscale retail, I am used to meeting high expectations, and I pride myself on service,” she said. “A seasoned realtor understands buyers and sellers, communicates effectively and guides clients in making decisions.” With accolades including 2009 top-producing agent at Michael Saunders & Company’s Lakewood Ranch office and 2017 record sale price in Lakewood Ranch’s Lake Club, Najmy goes above and beyond.

A longtime Lakewood Ranch resident who enjoys being active in philanthropy, she is founder of the Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle, a dynamic group of women bonded by a desire to support community programs, and a member of the State College of Florida Foundation Board.

Her generosity of time has amassed several million dollars for local nonprofit organizations over the past decade and an impressive $15 million dollars in the last two decades from fundraising efforts she spearheaded for Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, Easter Seals of Southwest Florida, Manatee Community Foundation and Jewish Family and Children’s Services.

najmy

BARBARA

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Nalluri CHIPPY

Dr. Chippy Nalluri knew from a young age that she was going to be a doctor. She chose a major in biochemistry, fascinated by the myriad of chemical processes within the human body. The precision of cardiovascular medicine, research-based treatment protocols and immediate lifesaving treatments attracted her to cardiology. Now, after 17 years in practice, Dr. Nalluri has a very different take on treating chronic disease states. Today her focus has shifted towards lifestyle changes as the key to preventing, healing and even reversing heart disease. ​ “We can only treat symptoms to a certain level. Heart disease is a chronic, insidious condition. We need to address the root causes of illness. Data shows that if you change your lifestyle, you can dramatically decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Nalluri said. “Knowing that, I feel

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I can’t be part of a medical profession that continues to push medications and procedures without altering the very basis of disease.” As a first step toward transforming her cardiology practice, she is conducting a research study on the impact of lifestyle changes as the primary treatment for chronic illness. ​ The Restore and Empower through Nutrition, Exercise and Wellness (RENEW) study will focus on nutrition, fitness, stress management and social support to improve heart health and overall health. Once the study is complete, Dr. Nalluri hopes to roll it out to the entire community. Having overcome her own set of difficult circumstances, she feels she can help others to prevail. “This is how we should be changing healthcare,” Dr. Nalluri said. “Ultimately, I would like to have a wellness center where I can empower individuals to implement changes before disease occurs.”

Persefoni

NICOLOSI

Being General Manager of Café L’Europe, one of the area’s most venerable restaurants, carries some weighty responsibilities, but that doesn’t prevent Persefoni Nicolosi from being a very familiar front-of-house face for diners. Nicolosi oversees everything from the food quality, staff and guest satisfaction to catering and special events such as wine dinners. She also makes a point to be a welcoming presence, visiting every table and talking to diners. “I love hearing their stories of the special memories they have made at Café L’Europe,” she said. “It’s one of the highlights of my job.”

Nicolosi enjoys seeing people’s pleasure in the refreshed ambiance of the restaurant, which underwent extensive infrastructure and aesthetic enhancements that elevate the Old World charm of its historic setting on St. Armands Circle. “I love getting involved with helping carry out someone’s vision for an event whether it

is a birthday party, anniversary or intimate wedding. I like being able to fulfill everything a guest desires,” said Nicolosi. “I’ve been doing this 20 years, and I am honored to be a part of Café L’Europe and working with owner Ron Milton who’s dedication to his employees and customers means everything to him.

Growing up with parents who owned a restaurant, she has been exposed to the business her whole life. Although her parents discouraged Nicolosi from following their footsteps because of the demanding nature of the work–hence her degree in accounting–her passion for the business won out and fuels her desire to give everyone an exemplary experience. When she does have time off, Nicolosi spends it doing whatever her 15-year-old daughter wants to do, and they usually can be seen out shopping, dining or catching a movie together.

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Monaca

ONSTAD

Anyone who has enjoyed the community-wide lifestyle events at Lakewood Ranch, such as the farmers market and outdoor theater programs designed to delight all ages, can thank Monaca Onstad.

As Director of Community Relations for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Onstad helps organize more than 100 events a year. Her efforts earned her national recognition this year as a gold award winner for Lifestyle Director of the Year by the National Association of Builders.

“I spent many years in community and property management from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., and I love creating something that enhances the lives of residents,” Onstad said.

“We try to build on events that have become traditions like Music on Main, and I enjoy starting smaller, more intimate traditions like The Players Centre for Performing Arts’ live performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow on the Polo Club grounds.” Onstad also

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fosters partnerships with local schools and arts organizations, and she is paving the way for The Players’ move to the Ranch.

Using her experience and virtual reality, Onstad is helping design community spaces for the new Waterside Place and developing engaging multi-generational programming for the future.

Onstad grew up on a farm in a tiny, one-stop-sign community in Alabama. She learned the importance of proving herself and demonstrated her determination to succeed by taking over the farm’s operation when her dad became ill. With crops to be harvested, she quickly demonstrated her can-do attitude by learning how to drive a tractor and operate an 18-wheeler. As Lakewood Ranch residents, Onstad, her husband, and her artsoriented eight-year-old son love its small town feel as well as hiking its trails and attending pool parties or other events on the weekend.

Queen

FIFI

Meeting Fifi Queen, it is impossible to guess that the highly successful entertainer, golfer, real estate investor and entrepreneur who founded Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel came from such humble beginnings. Queen grew up in the North Carolina mountains where one grandmother crafted her clothes from flour sacks. The other grandmother took her to a rummage sale in Asheville where she discovered a cornucopia of clothing and a kind sales lady who arranged for her to get the items she loved for the dollar she was able to spend. That led to an affinity for fine fabrics and quality clothing at bargain prices.

Musical talent ran in Queen’s family and she cut two albums, spending four years performing at resorts in 64 cities. One of her stops was Amelia Island where she learned to golf, eventually ranking as sixth best female

golfer in north Florida. In the 1980s, Queen began opening stores and investing in real estate. She built the Fifi’s brand on quality clothing–including Lululemon, Eileen Fisher, Chanel and Chico’s–in perfect condition. Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel also has expanded into furnishings and has 18 franchise stores in North Carolina and Florida, five of them in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Giving back is important to Queen and to her franchisees who get involved with a number of charities, including Habitat for Humanity, SPARCC and Tidewell Hospice as well as helping individuals coping with difficult life circumstances.

“It has been a great business plan and has provided jobs for my entire family,” she said. “I have a wonderful husband who is my best friend. I am a risk taker and he keeps me grounded. That has been a big part of our success.”

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Cynthia

RIDDELL

Attorney Cynthia Riddell helps people successfully navigate the purchase of residential and commercial real property.

“Unless someone is a sophisticated investor, a house purchase is probably the largest investment most families make only a handful of times. That’s why it’s a good idea to use an attorney as the title agent rather than a title company,” according to Riddell. “For the same cost as a title company, a buyer can have an attorney perform the real estate closing and issue the title insurance and that attorney adds value. An attorney can interpret the contract for you and give legal advice if an issue does come up.”

What distinguishes her work with clients is Riddell’s deep knowledge and dedication to remaining abreast of changes as well as her conscientiousness and responsiveness. She also takes a personal approach, stays involved throughout

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the process and typically does closings herself. “In residential transactions, people are confronted with so much paperwork,” Riddell said. “I put them at ease by downloading my knowledge to them in a way that’s not overwhelming.” She also shares her knowledge through seminars with real estate agents.

On the commercial side, her goal is to ensure a smooth process, which includes crafting the contract, recommending employing other experts as needed when purchasing–or selling–a commercial property especially if the purchase includes real estate as well as a business enterprise.

Riddell stays on top of her field through involvement with the Sarasota County Bar Association where she served as Chair of the Real Estate Section. She also is active with The Florida Bar’s Real Property Probate and Trust Law Section and is Vice Co-Chair of its Title Insurance Subcommittee.

Robinson

SUSAN

Some people are born entrepreneurs and some people come to it later in life. Susan Robinson reinvented herself as an entrepreneur after a long corporate career. Robinson took an early retirement package from her last corporate job and, feeling she was too young to retire, started two local companies because she saw a need and filled it. The first, Key Concierge, has been in operation for 16 years as a high-end property management company offering clients confidence that their properties are well cared for while they are away.

Key Concierge also provides comprehensive concierge services from airport pickups and event management to stocking groceries and finding household staffing. The company grew from Robinson’s own concern about her home here while she was pursuing her corporate career.

Robinson launched her second company, Key Culinary Tours, four years ago because she identified a need for more innovative and fun activities for Sarasota visitors.

That business grew from a client’s request for a historical tour, and Robinson has combined that with neighborhood culinary walking tours.

“People are looking for unusual and extraordinar y experiences, and our tour company’s role is to help them get to know Sarasota’s history and about our awesome restaurants and neighborhoods,” she said. “Our tour guides are like ambassadors who help our guests love Sarasota as much as we do. Half of our tour customers live here and the other half are visitors.

Each enjoys the opportunity to try restaurants in neighborhoods they may not have known about.”

In addition, Robinson does customized bespoke international tours. In her spare time, she and her husband like to kayak, travel to unusual destinations and spend time in their home in New Hampshire.

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Kelly

ROSENBERG Whether she’s being a mom, a volunteer tutor or assisting clients as one of the area’s top producing Realtors, Kelly Rosenberg embraces her role with a servant’s heart and demonstrates her lifelong desire to help others. As an avid golfer, golf course communities are a natural focus for her business, but Rosenberg likes to work with buyers and sellers at all price points, including waterfront properties.

“I enjoy the challenge of trying to find exactly what works for a buyer or helping a seller move to the next chapter,” she said.

“Ultimately I want my buyers and sellers to have the most successful and least stressful experience. Everyone involved should feel as if they have been treated in a fair, respectful manner.” Rosenberg gained extensive experience in hospitality management and real estate property management early in her career, honing her ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds. She also earned a post-baccalaureate degree in education and taught civics, economics and history for several years.

After a hiatus to raise her two daughters and relocate around the country for her husband’s job, they returned to Sarasota permanently in 2012. When the opportunity came to join the Coldwell Banker Longboat Key office, Rosenberg felt the professional fit was perfect, and she is grateful for how her life is enriched by the relationships that have blossomed with her clients. In addition to golfing whenever she has the chance, Rosenberg believes strongly in continuing education. She holds many designations including Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and Graduate Realtor Institute. Rosenberg also is a middle school volunteer tutor for Sarasota County public schools and has volunteered for Girls Inc., Habitat for Humanity and Tackling Childhood Hunger.

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Roth

AMY

Dr. Amy Roth’s definition of a doctor formed as a young girl when her father was injured on their farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and was rushed in the family car to the local doc tor. His responsiveness and concern for her father’s wellbeing made an impression on Dr. Roth, who also was inspired to become a doctor by an older sister who was a devoted nurse. “Being that total care person for your patients has always been my definition of a doctor,” she said. “It’s about having patients you care about and they become like family to you, and that’s where my affinity for concierge medicine began.”

Dr. Roth, a board-certified internist, joined LernerCohen Healthcare after working as a hospitalist, where she enjoyed helping ver y sick patients with complex conditions, but missed the ongoing patient relationship.

LernerCohen attracted her because its physicians keep only a small number of patients, which allows each to take care of their own patients, offer same day appointments, meet patients at the hospital for emergencies and even make house calls if needed.

As a trained athlete, wellness is an important element of Dr. Roth’s work with patients. She was a state championship swimmer who also competed while she was an undergraduate student at Princeton University prior to earning her medical degree at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. A concierge practice allows Dr. Roth time to work with her patients on fitness and nutrition, which helps them maintain an active lifestyle. That also is supported

by LernerCohen’s dietitian and physical therapists as well as its in-house lab. Dr. Roth still enjoys water sports with her husband, including kayaking with Lyla, their Australian shepherd.

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Sharon RUMFIELD

&

HarborChase’s culture of furnishing true hospitality to residents in its senior living communities as well as care for the entire family was appealing to Sharon Rumfield and Brenda Taylor, who serve on HarborChase’s leadership team. Both women approach their work with a lot of heart and a strong desire to help others. “Hospitality is important at HarborChase,” Rumfield said. “When we take in new residents for assisted living or memory care, our goal is always to be compassionate and caring for them and their families.”

With 25 years of experience in senior living and memory care facilities, Rumfield began in marketing and advanced to Senior Vice President of a healthcare organization. However, she wanted to help people more directly and–remembering the satisfaction she gained by volunteering at a nursing home with her grandmother–accepted a position as marketing director

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Brenda

TAYLOR

for a new assisted living facility. When Rumfield transitioned to administration, she spent time working in every job, gaining both an understanding and a passion for her role as an operations specialist ensuring needs of residents and families are met.

Brenda Taylor always had a desire to help people and began her 35-year career as a caregiver. Taylor decided to go to nursing school when she found herself a single mom to three children. It was no easy task, but she gained added motivation when her grandmother promised to stop smoking if she graduated. With responsibility for resident care at HarborChase, Taylor sets high standards and aims to have residents cared for the same way she would want her own grandmother treated. “We have a fantastic staff, and we care,” she said.

“If we can put a smile on someone’s face, it makes our day.”

Tammie

SANDOVAL– BADGER

Growing up in New York, Tammie SandovalBadger, who is a trust and estates advisor for BMO Private Bank, loved literature and English, and her facility with words made law school a good option. It was there Sandoval-Badger became interested in trusts and estates and after graduating from Barry University’s School of Law in 2009, she was offered a position in trust administration in Orlando by a professor who worked in the field and later transferred to BMO’s Sarasota office.

“Eight years later, I still absolutely love it,” she said. “I use my law degree every day to help my clients. When individuals name a corporate trustee in their estate plans, I work with them and, after their deaths, their families to carry out their wishes.” SandovalBadger credits her family heritage for laying the groundwork for her success. “I am the product of an immigrant family and am very proud that I come from people who worked so hard,” she said.

Sandoval-Badger also is active with the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council and supports a variety of local nonprofits.

She loved music from an early age, and now serves on the board of the Sarasota Orchestra. Sandoval-Badger also volunteers on a variety of fundraising committees, including Forty Carrots Family Center and JFCS. She got married earlier this year, and likes being on the water with her husband in their 22-foot Sportsman while he fishes and she reads a good book. Their Black Lab, Dachshund and Jack Russell Terrier also are a big part of their lives.

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Vera

SANTAGATA

An award-winning hair stylist who creates perfect coifs for runway models and editorial photo shoots, Vera Santagata exchanged cloudy Cleveland winters for Sarasota sunshine. Santagata has opened Vera. Hair Studio as a full service hair salon in downtown Sarasota after having built a following over 16 years that earned her recognition as Best Master Stylist by Cleveland Magazine in 2016 and 2017. “Hairstyling has always been my passion. My plan is to spread that far and wide,” she said. “I have tried to master my career from every angle because that’s how you become a master of your craft. What I love most is helping my guests in the salon to look and feel their absolute best.”

Santagata is a certified Vidal Sassoon stylist whose hairstyles were featured on the main stage of North American Hairstyling Awards 2017. She has styled hair for Fashion Week in L.A. and New York, including the Kate Spade spring collection runway 2018. Santagata has been the lead hairstylist on editorial commercial photo shoots, nationally and internationally, and has been published many times in national publications, such as Destination I Do Magazine. She also was lead stylist on international photo shoots for large resorts promoting their wedding businesses.

Santagata works on Living Proof’s creative team as a national performing artist teaching stylists on-trend cutting and styling techniques. She is known as a balayage color expert and–as a strong proponent of healthy hair–uses a luxury organic, mineral-based color. “Shiny, healthy hair comes first,” she said. “I like a soft, feminine look that enhances a woman’s natural beauty.” When she’s not working, Santagata also can be found at a Bikram yoga class, working out or reading on the beach.

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SUNITA Sharan One of Dr. Sunita Sharan’s defining characteristics has been her willingness to bring the latest technologies to her obstetric and gynecological patients over a career spanning more than four decades. Dr. Sharan is staying on the leading edge by offering successful stem cell treatments for vaginal and facial rejuvenation and erectile dysfunction. “I always have been very dedicated to my work and my patients and to giving them a better life no matter what,” she said. “I realized stem cells would not only work on wrinkles and give glow and uplift to faces, but they also have brought patients’ sex lives back. Many older patients are active and young at heart, and I’m happy to be able to help with that.”

Dr. Sharan has been in solo practice in Sarasota since 1986 and her track record is impressive. For nine years, she worked in high-risk obstetrics at Sarasota Memorial

Hospital and never lost a baby or a patient on the table.

She also was a pioneer in laparoscopy, microsurgery, CO2 laser, minimally invasive surgeries and established daVinci robotic surgery in gynecology at Doctors Hospital.

Dr. Sharan also practices general gynecology for all ages. Her youngest patient is 12 and the oldest is 98.

She is in demand as a speaker on stem cell therapy and other major topics and has received numerous awards, including recognition for her many years of involvement with the Florida Association of Physicians of Indian Origin where she served as President. In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Sharan is known as a beautiful dancer who uniquely combines classical Western music with Eastern dance movements. She also is an accomplished cook, gardener, and happy wife, mother and grandmother.

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Alissa

SHULMAN

With an artist’s eye for beauty and the deft hands of a sculptor, Dr. Alissa Shulman finds it very satisfying to help patients achieve a body shape that makes the most of their unique natural beauty.

Dr. Shulman is a board certified plastic surgeon with a fine arts education. She specializes in breast and body sculpting– including non-surgical options. “With my two daughters getting older, I think a lot about the big picture. I want women to feel good about their shapes. My goal is to make each individual their best possible self–whatever shape they have. The ideal shape and size is whatever makes them feel comfortable.”

Dr. Shulman is highly experienced with fat grafting, which uses a patient’s own purified fat removed from an area where unwanted fat accumulates. This fat can be used in place of implants for breast

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augmentation, lifts and reshaping of breasts and to provide a natural look over implants for reconstruction after surgery for breast cancer.

Dr. Shulman showed artistic talent and scientific interest from an early age. She attended SUNY Buffalo for both undergraduate and medical school. Her undergraduate studies focused on anatomy and sculpture and earned her degrees in biology and fine arts. Dr. Shulman stays on top of proven advancements in her field and is active professionally. Currently, she is treasurer of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons. She is past president of the Sarasota County Medical Society and was the first female Chief of Surgery for Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Since surgery is a demanding career, she makes sure to spend quality time with her family and swims or paddle boards every chance she gets.

Silvestri LISA

Travel has always been an integral part of Lisa Silvestri’s life, and when she and her husband were looking for another entrepreneurial venture, creating a boutique travel agency seemed a natural fit. The travel bug first bit Silvestri at age 11 when her hardworking mom moved them to Hawaii. “We lived there for three years and sailed back on an ocean liner, which cemented my love of the ocean and traveling,” she said. “Then when I was in college, I sailed around the world as part of World Campus Afloat. My life really became defined as before the ship and after.”

Raised with a strong work ethic, Silvestri also showed an entrepreneurial aptitude at age eight with a thriving greeting card business. She and her husband moved to Sarasota in 1985, and after owning a landscaping business for 20 years, a fabulous family cruise in 1999 pointed the way to the next chapter. The

vision was to create highly personalized travel experiences, which means getting to know clients well and that has created lasting friendships. Still an avid traveler, Silvestri draws on her own personal knowledge and extensive networks to create unique itineraries–with pleasant surprises–that speak to clients’ interests and give them more than a tourists-eye-view of the world.

“On a higher level, travel is what will unite humanity,” she said.

“It allows people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds to know each other on a human level, and we find out we’re not that different.” That commitment to connection and desire to be of service makes Silvestri available to clients 24/7 and also has spurred her active involvement locally with the Rotary Club and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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Smullen TRACI

Traci Smullen settled in Lakewood Ranch with her husband, Michael, and was enjoying an early retirement when they saw Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s CNN series on the medical benefits of cannabis. Having experienced a young daughter struggle with the side effects of prescribed epilepsy drugs, they were inspired to launch AltMed Florida in partnership with Plants of Ruskin. While waiting for Florida’s Amendment 2 legalizing medical cannabis to pass in 2016, they gained industry experience in Arizona, and Smullen became deeply involved in the Sarasota community.

Applying pharmaceutical-style standards from their backgrounds in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, the couple began producing and selling the cannabis infused, award-winning MÜV line of medical cannabis products. Smullen, whose background is in pharmaceutical sales and marketing, helped launch AltMed Florida’s first Sarasota dispensary this year and has plans to open 25

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dispensaries across the state over the next few years. She also has been very active in partnering with foundations and other charitable organizations throughout the community.

Smullen has supported the goals and other efforts of local nonprofits, including serving on the board of Josh Provides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation since 2014 along with helping the Payton Wright Foundation for pediatric brain cancer support and ALifeStory Foundation, which raises research funding for ALS. “Sarasota is where we’ve built our life, and it’s very important to us that we provide the highest quality medical cannabis infused products in our area, which make such a difference in people’s quality of life,” she said. “Through AltMed Florida, not only am I part of building a great company with world class medical cannabis products, I have loved investing in my community through my support of great causes.”

“Let’s have some fun with this” is Daria Spina’s approach to helping her real estate clients many of whom are looking for a second home or a place to which they can ultimately retire. “It’s the American dream to own a home, but it is the ultimate luxury to be able to own more than one,” Spina said. “People are investing in their happiness and looking for a place to gather with friends and family; a place to store their toys and disconnect from the daily grind. It brings me a lot of joy to be part of that.”

While she makes the process enjoyable, Spina takes her work seriously. Along with14 years of real estate experience, having a brokers license has given her more in-depth knowledge of the process and financial intricacies. She goes above and beyond to make things as easy–and efficient–as possible for time-pressed clients, which include investors as well as homebuyers.

Exuding positivity is her trademark, and she credits a positive outlook and gratitude toward her clients for the success that has kept her among the area’s Five Star agents for many years.

“People are drawn to Sarasota by the powdery beaches and salt life vibe but there’s so much more, and it’s my job to show them how they can be a part of this ultra-special community,” Spina said. This community means a lot to her, and she is often found at charity events supporting causes that are close to her heart. Enjoying life is in her DNA, and Spina loves being surrounded by family, especially her daughter Angelina, and exploring the different terrains of real estate while traveling with her fiancé, Chad, who is an umpire for Major League Baseball.

Daria

SPINA

WOMAN ON THE SCENE 2018 |

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Stephenson DEE

Doing her utmost to help people maintain their vision has driven Dr. Dee Stephenson to create a boutique ophthalmology practice combining a very personal approach with state-of-the-art technology. In addition to general eye care, Dr. Stephenson is recognized as an experienced ophthalmic surgeon who stays at the leading edge of surgical techniques. She is known for her expertise with cataract refractive surgery concurrent with micro-incision glaucoma surgery (MIGS) as well as laser-assisted cataract surgery and as a dry eye specialist.

“I’m really passionate about my career. Giving sight to someone is spectacular, and it’s what my volunteerism and philanthropy also support,” Dr. Stephenson said.

“I’m a solo practitioner, which is a bit unusual. I provide one-on-one care for my patients, and I do all the care following cataract surgery rather than sending them to

SARASOTA SCENE | WOMEN ON THE SCENE 2018

someone else. I know my patients, and that’s a lost art these days.” She is a highly sought lecturer on her techniques with the newest lens implants, was named one of the top 300 Premier Surgeon Innovators in Refractive Cataract Surgery by Ocular Surgery News, and was recognized as a premier implant surgeon among many other accolades.

Dr. Stephenson is a native Floridian and established her practice in a renovated 1926 Italian Renaissance home in Venice 30 years ago. She has been active for 28 years with the Venice Lions Club, serving as its first woman President and earning its Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow Award twice.

She also supports SightLife, an organization that increases accessibility of corneal transplants worldwide by teaching the procedure to surgeons. Dr. Stephenson is an accomplished home cook who loves to travel the world sampling different cuisines and adding pieces to her art collection.

JULIETTE Valin Juliette Valin grew up in the club life and still reflects on the enduring value it has had for her through the years. It’s not surprising–despite a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in engineering–that today she is co-managing Sarasota’s acclaimed Founders Club. Valin’s interest in technical subjects–along with a propensity for hard work–grew from having a father who helped build cameras for the U-2 spy plane and Viking Mission to Mars, and a mother who retired as a chemist to raise eight children. Having five brothers also gave her a lifelong affinity for sports and motorcycles.

“Some of my fondest memories of my parents are playing golf with them at the club,” she said. “That’s why I encourage members to involve children in our weekly golf clinics if they are looking to spend quality, device-free time with them.” Valin thrives on the variety

her job offers, particularly membership engagement and introducing both prospective residents and club members to The Founders Club amenities. A key part of her role is ensuring operations are well managed so equity members can relax and enjoy the fruits of their labors.

“The thing about The Founders Club is that you are so close to everything, but it seems so remote,” she said.

“The old growth trees and other vegetation make it feel like a different world.” Valin began her sales career with Raytheon and worked as National Sales Manager in both the automotive and security industries before entering club management 10 years ago. She also loves spending rare leisure time boating from sandbar to sandbar along Sarasota’s coast and rides the roads of Florida on her motorcycle along with her husband and friends.

WOMAN ON THE SCENE 2018 |

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Linda

WARE

Linda Ware helps people who are contemplating taking a big step in life by moving to a retirement community.

As Director of Sales and Marketing for the Sarasota Bay Club, Ware paints a picture of a retired life with less stress.

Part of her role means busting myths about what living in a retirement community is like. “People have a hard time leaving their comfort zone, but this is just the beginning of what can be one of the best chapters in their lives,” she said. “We are right on Sarasota Bay, and I tell people we are like living on a cruise ship that doesn’t leave port.

There are so many things to do that people who are over 100 are still living active lives because they are here.”

Ware has been working with seniors for 10 years, applying skills from an earlier career as an executive coach, corporate trainer and public speaker. She

SARASOTA SCENE | WOMEN ON THE SCENE 2018

approaches her work with warmth, understanding and pride in the welcoming nature and accomplishments of residents who–among other endeavors–write, produce, create costumes and act in an annual murder mystery. Their efforts earned Sarasota Bay Club an international award for innovation in senior living.

Watching residents discover unrealized talents is also gratifying for Ware. One man had never done art in his life, but went to an on-site class with his wife and has had his artwork displayed in Sarasota Bay Club’s gallery.

“It wonderful to hear residents say it’s even better here than they imagined,” she said. On the personal side, Ware is married and likes to stay active by volunteering at her church, socializing with friends and keeping fit by walking, swimming, working out and hula hooping.

CAROLINE Wetherington

Caroline Wetherington is a woman of many interests with a background in computer programming, corporate finance and real estate. Wetherington also is focused on philanthropy as a board member of the Lee Wetherington Foundation. A self-described California girl who was raised on a horse farm by a single mom in Southern California, Wetherington earned an MBA from the University of California at Davis, served as a Financial Analyst and Financial Officer at Sterling Software and worked as an information systems consultant for Anderson Consulting. While raising her three children in Sacramento, Wetherington opened her own real estate company. She holds real estate brokers licenses in California and Florida.

Through mutual friends, Wetherington met her husband, Lee, five years ago and recently traded in living on their Horizon yacht for a second home on Balboa Island in Newport Beach. The Wetheringtons built their primary

residence–a Lee Wetherington Home–in the Lake Club in 2017. Wetherington also devotes significant time supporting nonprofits through the foundation, focusing on children and veterans issues. Organizations that have been aided include Harvest House, which provides a full continuum of care for homeless families and veterans, and the Boys and Girls Club.

Caroline is a proud supporter of FLAGUSA.org, which teaches the Constitution and Bill of Rights designed for children by clerks for the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Wetherington’s wide-ranging interests also include politics and beekeeping.

She has two hives in Sarasota to aid honeybees threatened by colony collapse disorder and is a member of the Suncoast Beekeepers Association. Wetherington is devoted to a healthy lifestyle, enjoys cooking healthier versions of comfort food classics, meditates and practices yoga.

WOMAN ON THE SCENE 2018 |

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Anna

WIDMYER

Dr. Anna Widmyer is an accomplished plastic surgeon experienced in all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Widmyer has a special interest in breast cancer reconstruction after losing a sister to the disease.

Her sister’s experience taught Dr. Widmyer that surgical excellence, compassion and personal patient specific care are what result in the best surgical outcomes. Dr. Widmyer, who also specializes in breast augmentation and reduction, abdominoplasty, liposuction and fat grafting, practices at Hillstrom Wright Plastic Surgery.

“We have a patient-centered practice and a caring staff. We spend quality time with each patient and individualize their care to address specific concerns,” she said. “Whether someone becomes my patient following cancer treatment or for a cosmetic issue, we have a conversation regarding exactly what their expectations are and I make myself accessible to them after surgery.”

SARASOTA SCENE | WOMEN ON THE SCENE 2018

Dr. Widmyer graduated from University of Notre Dame and earned her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. She completed a five-year General Surgery residency followed by Plastic Surgery training at Lehigh Health Network and Summa Health Network respectively.

Dr. Widmyer was selected to participate in developing the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s Breast Health Center.

“This is a great facility with an excellent team”, she said,” No one needs to go through the stress of traveling elsewhere for treatment with such an excellent facility nearby”.

With a three-year-old son at home, family time is important to Dr. Widmyer and her husband, a nephrologist practicing in Venice. She enjoys kayaking with her family, running and teaching her son to play the piano.

Wilson SUSAN

Susan Wilson has devoted her life to helping people with their finances–her longevity as a wealth manager attests to the relationships and trust she has built in her dedication to taking care of clients. “It is very personal and meaningful to me to take care of my clients. They become family,” Wilson said. “Although everyone’s needs and expectations differ, they all want someone to guide them to the best outcome, which often includes leaving something for the next generation or philanthropy.” She smiles as she talks about still working with her first client from 1981 as well as several second and third generation relationships.

Wilson got an early grounding in finance at the dinner table from her father who was a partner in an investment bank in Boston where she grew up. She began her brokerage career in 1981 with Kidder, Peabody and joined Morgan

Stanley in 2006. Because Wilson serves clients across multiple generations, she also has partnered with young professionals who bring strategic skillsets to her team.

After living in Manhattan for 30 years, Wilson and her husband, Charlie, bought a home on Bird Key and transitioned to Sarasota. They actively support the arts and other local nonprofits including sponsoring a graduate student in the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training as well as supporting the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Building Campaign. Fundraising for SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center) and the Van Wezel Foundation have been important philanthropic endeavors for both of them. They also like socializing with friends at the Bird Key Yacht Club, where he has served as Commodore, and are avid golfers who enjoy playing locally and internationally.

WOMAN ON THE SCENE 2018 |

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Rechelle

WOLFF

Having an eye for beauty from a young age as well as an affinity for hair and makeup made entering beauty school a natural fit for Chelle Wolff. As owner of Chelle Salon and Spa, Wolff still looks forward to creating beauty every day and using her artistic skills on behalf of her clients. “I’ve been doing hair for 23 years, and I love it because it is like talking to friends all day,” she said. “I’m an artist, so to me this is creative, and I feel like I’m never really working.”

Wolff came to Sarasota from California in 2004 and began working in upscale salons.

Along with being a master stylist and colorist, Wolff is also widely known for her extensive knowledge and expertise in Great Lengths Hair Extensions and has helped countless people who have had trauma that resulted in hair thinning or loss. Chelle Salon and Spa is a full-service salon offering a variety of spa services, such as manicures, pedicures, sculpted acrylic nails, facials, massage, bridal, and special event hair and makeup. Wolff prefers gentle, natural products and uses the Kevin Murphy line of dermatologist-formulated natural color and hair products.

“The best compliment we get from new clients is how comfortable and fun the salon is,” she said. “Our receptionist greets our clients by name so everyone feels welcome.” Artistically gifted, Wolff enjoys painting with acrylics and mixed media. As an avid runner, she ran the New York Marathon this year and is training to complete another. Wolff cherishes time spent with husband, her daughter who is entering law school, and her son who attends Riverview High School.

SARASOTA SCENE | WOMEN ON THE SCENE 2018

Marina

Seeking the kind of childcare she wanted for her own daughter led Marina WolfSchmidt to open her own preschool and child care center. Wolf-Schmidt and her husband, Bill, built a new building in Lakewood Ranch and opened Kiddie Academy in 2008. Despite launching a new business during the Great Recession, within two years Kiddie Academy attained– and has sustained–full capacity thanks to perseverance, focus and listening to the parents whose children were in her care.

“We are celebrating our 10th anniversary this year, and some of our families have been with us the entire time,” WolfSchmidt said. “Watching the children grow and develop is the best part of my job.” As a working mom juggling care for her teenager and 90-year-old mother along with running a business and serving on two boards, she understands parents’ needs and their desire for balance. Today, Kiddie Academy provides childcare for more than 200 children from six weeks to 11 years old as well as before- and afterschool programs with care and education delivered by 50 staff and six vendors. It is one of only two local centers accredited by the prestigious National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Wolf-Schmidt has ex perience as an educator for individuals of all ages. She has a master’s degree in early childhood development from Columbia University, but she credits her experience as Vice Pre sid e nt of Human Re s o urc e s for large corporations with developing the leadership skills that have led to her business success. Wolf-Schmidt serves as Vice-Chair of the Gulf Coast CEO Forum and as Vice President of Programming for the Columbia University Alumni Chapter.

She and her husband also actively support Mothers Helping Others, Feeding Empty Little Tummies and other local nonprofits.

WOLF–SCHMIDT WOMAN ON THE SCENE 2018 |

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&

MaryAnne

YOUNG

SARASOTA SCENE | WOMEN ON THE SCENE 2018

SUE Jacobson

Consistently earning high national rankings and at trac ting students globally, New College of Florida is an integral part of the local community.

Building upon achievements as a national leader in the arts and sciences and as Florida’s designated honors college, New College is implementing an ambitious growth plan to increase enrollment by 50 percent. Faculty also will expand to maintain its 10to-1 student/faculty ratio and highly individualized curriculum. Helping provide the engine to drive that growth are two women devoting their considerable capabilities to New College and its talented students.

Sue Jacobson, chair of the New College Foundation board, has a strong commitment to education and lauds the dedication and teamwork at the College. A retired attorney with a master’s degree in social administration, she has been deeply involved in community service since she came to Sarasota 18 years ago.

“Everyone at New College believes in the power of education as a tool to empower young people to fulfill their potential, and to help change the world for the better,” she said.

“We have a very strong board whose members will help build bridges to the community and to New College alumni here and around the world.”

MaryAnne Young, Vice President of Advancement for the College and Executive Director of the Foundation, has an impressive 35 -year career of nonprofit fundraising, including successfully completing a $300 million campaign for her previous college.

“We have the most intellec tually curious and savvy students I’ve ever met, and finding ways to give the gift of education helps them, our country and the world,” she said. “I want to work on community engagement and building strong partnerships so we can grow without altering what has made New College so successful.”

Enjoy live music in our piano room...

From its inviting old world charm and sophistication to its timeless, artistic cuisine, let the legendary Cafe L’Europe take you on an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner 431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota | 941.388.4415 | cafeleurope.net

ESTABLISHED 1973

CONTINENTAL CUISINE | FINE WINES | CRAFT COCKTAILS | PIANO MUSIC ALFRESCO DINING | PRIVATE DINING | PRIVATE DINING CATERING

DIRECTORY ALLEN, LILIANA Owner / President OracleFlooring & Design, LLC 1490 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.302.4414 / 941.302.7646 sales@oraclesurfaces.com oraclesurfaces.com

ALTMAN, RITA, P.A., M.P.A.S. Physician Assistant/Owner Rita Medical Elite 3847 S School Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239 (New Location) 941.951.2161 rme@ritamedicalelite.com ritamedicalelite.com

BARBOUR, HOLLY L., M.D. Holly L. Barbour, M.D., PA 1958 Prospect St, Sarasota, FL 34239 941.951.2220 dr.barbour@comcast.net hollybarbourmd.com

BAYVIEW DENTAL GALLOWAY, DR. MEREDITH TURHAN, DR. MINE KONICK, DR. ALLISON BayView Dental Associates Multiple locations smile@bayviewdental.com bayviewdental.com

BILAN, ANDRIA CEO JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation 5428 Sundew Dr, Sarasota, FL 34238 800.706.2740 info@joshprovides.org joshprovides.org

BLEACH, KIMBERLY, CFP®, CTFA Senior Vice President, Private Client Advisor U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management 50 Central Ave, Suite 750, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.726.8998 bleach.bleach@ustrust.com pages.ustrust.com/bleach.bleach

BMW OF SARASOTA SCHOENGOLD, SUSAN Director of Client Relations FOLSOM, JEN, Store Assistant SAYLOR, TAMMY, Business Manager LIZARDI, VALENTINA Service Advisor LIZARDI, MARIA, Service Advisor CAYCEDO, JESSICA, Service Advisor CAMPBELL, LORAINE, Concierge BOUREY, TATIANA, Client Advisor GATLIN, SUSAN, Client Advisor ARIAS, VANESSA, Concierge PARKER, JESSICA, Service Drive Manager ABOUZEID, ABBY, Client Advisor

WRIGHT, NAYCOLLE, Client Advisor TORRES, SONIA, Concierge BENNA, SAMANTHA, Warranty Administrator INGRAM, JASMINE, Reconditioning and Wholesale Manager GORDON, TERESA, Technology CHEREPANOVA, ANASTASIA, Concierge BMW of Sarasota 5151 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233 941.923.2700 bmwofsarasota.com

BRADENTON EAST INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 8614 E State Road 70, Suite 200, Bradenton, FL 34202 941.727.1243 office@beimonline.com appointments@beimonline.com beimonline.com

BRADSHAW, JOJO Owner-President LyteWorks 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208 941.745.2900 jojobradshaw@lyteworks.com lyteworks.com

BROOKS, KIMBERLEE President Brooks Insurance Group, Inc. 2477 Stickney Point Rd, Suite 323B, Sarasota, FL 34231 941.379.1961 kim@bigsrq.com www.bigsrq.com

BROWN, WENDY JOY Owner Home Care Assistance 1226 N Tamiami Trail, Suite 301, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.702.5525 wbrown@homecareassistance.com homecareassistancemanasota.Com

BURKE, CHERYL Proprietor Sea Cup And Up / Under The Sea 1810 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239 941.951.BRAS(2727) seacupandup@gmail.com seacupandup.com

CALLENDER, PAULETTE The Spice & Tea Exchange of Sarasota 345 St. Armands Circle Sarasota, FL 34236 941.388.1411 p.callender@spiceandtea.com spiceandtea.com/Sarasota

SARASOTA SCENE | WOMEN ON THE SCENE 2018

CHURCH, STEPHANIE Broker Associate Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 201 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Suite 1, Longboat Key, FL 34228 941.724.5448 stephanie@stephaniechurch.com stephaniechurch.com

COGAN, AIMEE, CFP®, CIMA® Managing Director-Wealth Management, Wealth Advisor Morgan Stanley 2 N Tamiami Trail, Suite 1100, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.363.8515 aimee.cogan@msmorganstanley.com fa.morganstanley.com/bellwethergroup

CRABTREE, MICHELLE AND DAVENPORT, MAGGIE Realtors® Premier Sotheby’s International Realty 941.724.4663 / 941.400.8757 michelle.crabtree@sothebysrealty.com / maggie.davenport@sothebysrealty.com crabtreehomes.com

CRUGUET, LESLIE Interior Lighting Design Consultant Advanced-ESI 4915 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 941.554.5000 lcruguet@advanced-esi.net advanced-esi.net

DART, ARIANE Board of Trustees Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation 1515 South Osprey Ave, Suite B-4, Sarasota, Fl 34239 941.917.1286 smhf.org

DAVIS, MICKEY Board Member Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast P.O. Box 902 | 400 Palmetto Ave, Osprey, FL 34229 941.918.2100 info@conservationfoundation.com conservationfoundation.com

DEFANT, DONNA Chair of the Board of Trustees

SCHROEDER, JOLIE

Director of Operations The Players Centre for Performing Arts 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.2494 d.defant@theplayers.org, operations@theplayers.org theplayers.org

DIRECTORY FRANO, ROSE-ANNE

HODINAROVA, BARBORA

LARINA, OLGA

Attorney Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen 200 S Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.536.2033 rfrano@williamsparker.com williamsparker.com

Owner Bomton & Cleopatra’s Bath & Body Boutique 1471 Main Street, Sarasota 34236 941.364.3337 barbora@cleopatrasbathandbodyboutique.com bomtonsarasota.com & cleopatrasbathandbodyboutique.com

Owner Chianti Ristorante Italiano 3900 Clark Rd Sarasota, FL 34233 941.952.3186 ChiantiSarasota.com

President/Owner Collins Interiors, LLC 595 Bay Isles Rd Suite 120F, Longboat Key, FL 34228 941.383.0131 bvgardner@collinsinteriordesign.com CollinsInteriorDesign.com

HOLBROOK, DR. KAREN

Shareholder & Trial Attorney

GINN, JANET K., CFRE

HUFFINE, ANDREE

President Pines of Sarasota Foundation 1501 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 32436 941.955.6293 jginn@pinesfoundation.org pinesofsarasota.org

Realtor Coldwell Banker Residential 100 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota FL 34236 941.232.4053 Andree@yoursarasotarealestate.com yoursarasotarealestate.com

GRAF, LENKA

INDERBINEN, SUSAN & OBERER, MONIKA

GARDNER, BARBARA VANDERKOLK

Singer 941.350.5856 lenka.graf@centropol.com lenkagraf.com

GRATEHOUSE, MARY marygratehouse@hotmail.com

HARRIS, GABRIELE Vice President of Business Development

IMRE, ALLISON

President/CEO Grapevine Communications 5201 Paylor Lane, Sarasota, FL 34240 941.351.0024 allison@grapeinc.com; gharris@grapeinc.com grapeinc.com

HINES, SUSAN H., J.D. Principal Sabal Trust Company 1800 Second Street, Suite 103, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.556.4866 shines@sabaltrust.com sabaltrust.com

HIXON, MARGARET President/Co-Founder Vimvest Advisors 3322 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34239 margaret@vimvestadvisors.com vimvestadvisors.com

HODGENS, KAMERON PARTRIDGE, PH.D. Executive Director/CEO The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center 1750 17th Street, Bldg. J-1, Sarasota, FL 34243 941.365.4545 khodgens@gs-humanservices.org gs-humanservices.org

Regional Chancellor University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee 8350 N Tamaimi Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243 941.359.4340 kholbrook@usf.edu usfsm.edu

LOZANO, PAULA J. DEGRAVE, HEATHER A.

Co-Managing Shareholder & Trial Attorney Walters Levine & Lozano 1819 Main Street, Suite 1110, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.364.8787 601 Bayshore Blvd, Suite 720, Tampa, FL 33606 813.254.7474 plozano@walterslevine.com hdegrave@walterslevine.com walterslevine.com

MAHLER, JOY

Light Up Your Life 1620 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.330.0422 Monika@lights-sarasota.com lights-sarasota.com

CEO/President Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast 1000 S Tamiami Trail, Suite C, Venice, FL 34285 941.488.4009 jmahler@bbbssun.org bbbssun.org

KENT, LILIYA

MANCUSO, R. LYNETTE

Partner Parker Robinson 1521 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236 941.366.3343 oblancus@icloud.com parkerrobinsonsarasota.com

Attorney and Mediator Burgess, Harrell, Mancuso, Colton & La Porta, P.A. 1776 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.366.3700 lmancuso@burgessharrell.com burgessharrell.com

KETCHUM, LINDSAY J.

MASSEY, ELIZABETH

Attorney at Law, Owner Lindsay Ketchum, P.A. 1800 2nd Street, Suite 895, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.203.6314 lindsay@lindsayketchumpa.com lindsayketchumpa.com

Founder/ CEO “HealWell & THRIVE!!!” ™ 941.724.1417 Elizabeth@healwellthrive.com healwellthrive.com

MAST, TERESA President The Davin Group, Inc 941.526.8134

KOBLENZ, KAREN CEO The Exchange 539 S Orange Ave 941.955.7859 kkoblenz@sarasotawex.com sarasotawex.com

MCGILLICUDDY, GRACI

LANGDALE-SCHMIDT, TARA President VuVatech LLC 885 Tallevast Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243 941.343.8308 tara@vuvatech.com vuvatech.com

Child Advocate All Star Children’s Foundation 1221 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239 941.349.6605 Graci@ascf.care allstarchildrensfoundation.org

WOMAN ON THE SCENE 2018 |

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DIRECTORY MEDFORD, KAREN Multi-Franchise Owner Sirius Day Spas The Green at Lakewood Ranch, 11585 SR70 E, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.357.4611 kmedford@siriusdayspa.com siriusdayspa.com/locations/ florida/lakewood-ranch

MILLER, SARAH Owner/Sales

MILLER, JAIMIE Secretary/Business Manager Miller’s Dutch Haus Furniture 3737 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, FL 34232 6100 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243 941.952.5646/941.960.2942 sales@dutchhausfurniture.com dutchhausfurniture.com

MINOR, PEGGY Founder

MINOR, ERIN Executive Director Harvest House 3650 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34235 941.953.3154 erin@harvesthousecenters.com harvesthousecenters.org

MITCHELL, JENNIFER Executive VP/COO

JACOBS, DOLLY Founder & Vice President The Circus Arts Conservatory 2075 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, FL 34239 941.355.9335 info@CircusArts.org CircusArts.org

MONTELIONE, ROBERTA Executive Chef Milan Catering and Event Design, LLC 4141 S Tamiami Trail #3, Sarasota, FL 34231 941.312.0000 MilanCatering.com

MORRIS, JILL M., D.M.D., N.M.D. Accredited Holistic Cosmetic Dentist World Class Dentistry 3951 Swift Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231 941.923.6363 jillmorris@sarasotadentist.com SarasotaDentist.com

MORT, MERISSA O. Attorney Coast Law, P.A. 300 S Pineapple Ave, Suite 901, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.840.8122 mmort@coastlaw.net Coastlaw.net

NAJMY, BARBARA

ROBINSON, SUSAN

Realtor, CLHMS Michael Saunders & Company 8325 Lakewood Ranch Blvd Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.705.1158 barbaranajmy@michaelsaunders.com barbaranajmy.michaelsaunders.com

President Key Concierge and Key Culinary Tours Full 201 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34226 941.388.2611 keyconcierge.com/keyculinarytourscom

NALLURI, CHIPPY, M.D. Cardiologist Heart Specialists of Sarasota 1950 Arlington Street, Suite #400, Sarasota, FL 34239 941.917.4250 heartspecialistsofsarsota.com

NICOLOSI, PERSEFONI General Manager Café L’Europe 431 St. Armands Circle Sarasota, FL 34236 941.388.4415 manager@cafeleurope.net cafeleurope.net

ONSTAD, MONACA Director, Community Relations Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc. 14400 Covenant Way Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.757.1544 monaca.onstad@lakewoodranch.com lakewoodranch.com

QUEEN, FIFI Owner Fifi’s Fine Resale 1905 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, FL 33572 941.312.6950 fifi@fifisconsignment.com fifisfineresale.com

RIDDELL, CYNTHIA A. Attorney Riddell Law Group 3400 S Tamiami Trail, Suite 202, Sarasota, FL 34239 941.366.1300 criddell@rlglawfirm.com rlglawfirm.com

RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN WALSH, DR. TAMMY, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students CORLEY, STACEY, Vice President for Advancement WAGNER, DR. TRACY, Vice President for Finance and Administration DEGEORGE, CHRISTINE, Vice President for Human & Organizational Development 2700 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234 941.351.5100 info@ringling.edu www.ringling.edu

SARASOTA SCENE | WOMEN ON THE SCENE 2018

ROSENBERG, KELLY Luxury Specialist Realtor Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 1, Longboat Key, FL 34228 941.961.4948 Kelly@KellyRosenberg.com sarasotagolftogulf.com

ROTH, AMY M., D.O. LernerCohen Healthcare 1921 Waldemere Street, #814, Sarasota, FL 34239 941.953.9080 drroth@lernercohen.com lernercohen.com

RUMFIELD, SHARON & TAYLOR, BRENDA HarborChase of Sarasota 5311 Proctor Rd Sarasota, FL 34233 941.468.2838 harborchase.com/harborchase-sarasota

SANDOVAL-BADGER, TAMMIE M. Sr. Trust & Estates Advisor BMO Private Bank 240 S Pineapple Ave, Suite 101, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.361.2844 tammie.sandoval@bmo.com bmowealthmanagement.com

SANTAGATA, VERA Owner/Master Hairstylist Vera Hair Studio 200 Central Ave, Suite 7, Sarasota, FL 34236 440.897.3396 vera@hairstorybyvera.com hairstorybyvera.com

SHARAN, SUNITA, M.D., M.S., F.A.C.O.G., F.A.C.S. Sunita Sharan M.D. 2112 Constitution Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34231 941.922.8848 sunitasharanmd@comcast.net sharansrejuvenationandwellnesscenter.com

SHULMAN, ALISSA M., M.D., F.A.C.S. Sovereign Plastic Surgery 1950 Arlington Street, Suite 112, Sarasota, FL 34239 941.366.5476 sovereignps.com

DIRECTORY SILVESTRI, LISA

WIDMYER, ANNA M., M.D.

President Silvestri Travel, LLC 8712 Peggy Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231 941.966.6535 lisa@silvestritravel.com www.silvestritravel.com

Plastic Surgeon Hillstrom Wright Plastic Surgery 5911 N Honore Ave, Suite 120, Sarasota, FL 34243 941.355.3223 info@hillstromplasticsurgery.com hIllstromplasticsurgery.com

SMULLEN, TRACI Co-Founder/ Director, Community Relations AltMed Florida 1451 Global Court, Sarasota, FL 34240 301.922.0311 Traci@altmed.co altmedflorida.com

SPINA, DARIA

Broker Associate Michael Saunders & Company 5100 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242 941.650.7207 dariaspina@michaelsaunders.com dariaspina.michaelsaunders.com

STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA FOUNDATION ANDERSON, DIANNE NAJMY, BARBARA HOLMES, CASSANDRA PROBSTFELD, DR. CAROL BOURGOIN, BARBARA Development Director 941.752.5398 bourgob@SCF.edu 5840 26th Street W Bradenton, FL 34207

STEPHENSON, P. DEE, M.D., F.A.C.S. President/CFO Stephenson Eye Associates 200 Palermo Place, Venice, FL 34285 941.485.1121 stephensoneye@aol.com stephensoneye.com

VALIN, JULIETTE

Director of Membership & Clubhouse Operations The Founders Golf Club 3800 Golf Hall Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240 941.371.9720 jvalin@thefoundersgolfclub.com thefoundersgolfclub.com

WILSON, SUSAN Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Family Wealth Advisor Morgan Stanley 2 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941.364.7476 susan.t.wilson@morganstanley.com morganstanleyfa.com/susan.t.wilson

WOLFF, CHELLE Owner/ Hairstylist Chelle Salon & Spa 4615 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL, 34233 941.378.1300 chellesalonspa@gmail.com chellesalonandspa.com

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WOLF-SCHMIDT, MARINA Owner Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch 4225 Concept Court, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941.727.9072 kiddieacademyfl@aol.com kiddieacademy.com/lakewoodranch

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YOUNG, MARYANNE

Vice President of Advancement, New College of Florida & Executive Director, New College Foundation

JACOBSON, SUE

Chair, New College Foundation Board of Directors 5800 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243 941.487.4800 foundation@ncf.edu ncf.edu

SARASOTA SCENE IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT BARNES & NOBLE, DAVIDSON’S DRUGS, AND BOOKSTORE1.

WARE, LINDA Director of Sales and Marketing Sarasota Bay Club 1301 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.366.7667 lware@sarastoabayclub.net sarasotabayclub.com

WETHERINGTON, CAROLINE Lee Wetherington Foundation 7904 Matera Ct, Bradenton, FL 34202 949.734.9200 carolinew1@yahoo.com

443 John Ringling Blvd., Ste. F, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.365.1119 scenesarasota.com

WOMAN ON THE SCENE 2018 |

SARASOTA SCENE

KEY CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS NANCY GUTH

Photographer Nancy Guth grew up in Southern California but likes to say she escaped to the slower pace of Florida. Taking pictures is more than a job—it’s a passion, and she’s equally fond of photographing people as she is with creating fine art. NancyGuth.com

SUE CULLEN For the past 10 years, Sue Cullen has written about, and enjoyed, the Sarasota scene. She also has provided PR/marketing services for small, entrepreneurial businesses since 2000. Previously, she led media relations and corporate communications for large publicly traded companies, including Goodyear.

JORDAN KELLY–LAVIOLETTE

Jordan Kelly-Laviolette is a local photographer, illustrator, stylist and creative director. Previously a Social Media Content Specialist for the Free People Florida feed, she now provides stunning content for Sarasota Scene and Lotus Boutique in Downtown Sarasota. Her passion for fashion and beauty is represented in her work, which can be viewed at jordankellylaviolette.portfoliobox.net.

DARCY KELLY–LAVIOLETTE

Local illustrator, designer and 3D modeler Darcy Kelly-Laviolette is Sarasota Scene’s lead designer, as well as an active freelancer in the community. Darcy has worked with local and widely-known bands to create album cover art and t-shirt illustrations, as well as 3D creature renderings/concept art for video games and graphic design for private clients. Find her work at darcykellyl.com.

SARASOTA SCENE | WOMEN ON THE SCENE 2018

WOMAN ON THE SCENE 2018 |

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