66 minute read
35 under 35 honorees
New to SRQ Magazine’s portfolio of community engagement programs, we are thrilled to introduce the 35 Under 35 Competition—a program created to recognize and honor young professionals in our hometown. Our very first class of honorees is made up of young professionals, innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs and philanthropists who have distinguished themselves as leaders within their fields. These individuals are thriving in our region and leading the way for the next generation.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Left to right: Brianne Grant, Sean Manown, Bailey Spasovski, Eleni Sokos and Matt Fenske.
Left to right: Anthony Petralia, Alyssa Simons, Dan MacKinnon, Alissa Silvers and Vickie Brill.
NATE BEACHY
PRESIDENT, SUTTER’S QUALITY FOODS
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. As a food distributor, 90 percent of our company's revenue comes from restaurants and hotels which were largely shut down for a good portion of the year. To weather that storm, we did four key things. We trimmed payroll by incorporating rotating shifts to give employees as much work as we could while giving others planned days off. We leveraged our longstanding relationships with our suppliers to pay them back slowly for expired inventory. We maximized our credit with our bank to keep operations going. And, the riskiest of the four, we expanded our territory 10x during the pandemic. I decided I wanted to be aggressive rather than trimming our footprint and scaling down. I have a really great team and they went to work and made it happen.
What is your formula for success?
Genuinely care about the success of your team more than your own.
What is the fi rst job you ever held?
I peeled peaches for peach cream pie at my parent’s restaurant, Sugar & Spice.
What’s your favorite podcast or Youtube Chan-
nel? The Journal (podcast) by the WSJ.
Do you have any ridiculous goals in life?
I want to be living off of primarily passive income by the time I’m 50 years old.
What are the top three items on your bucket
list? Attend the World Cup. Ski the Alps. Play a round of golf at Augusta.
VICKIE BRILL
CHIEF LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT, STATE OF FLORIDA
What mistake in your career taught you the
biggest lesson? Relationships are vital in this industry. It is important to recognize how one’s actions and decision making can affect one or multiple relationships. Consciously or unconsciously, regardless of the amount of planning and consideration given for each action or decision, relationships can be affected.
What is your formula for success?
Every day counts. Each task is worth doing well because even the smallest ones matter as they make the foundation for the future.
How has the pandemic changed your work life?
Constituents relied heavily on the State of Florida during this time. We received thousands of calls, emails and messages to help with assistance, primarily unemployment. Our offi ce of two found ways to communicate and deliver results as quickly as possible. Technology demonstrated that our offi ces are mobile and ready to assist at all times when people need the state the most.
When things get tough, I remember . . . to keep breathing. It is only momentary.
MATIAS CERDA
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION EXAMINER, FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (FDIC)
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. Recently, I served as Chair of the FDIC's Chairman's Diversity Council (CDAC). The CDAC is a committee of FDIC employees that seeks to sponsor programs that address diversity and inclusion, and provide a means by which employees may communicate their broad-based diversity and inclusion concerns and issues. I led monthly CDAC meetings and organized monthly diversity events to increase awareness of diverse heritages and cultures. As a result of my efforts to enhance the FDIC's commitment to hiring and retaining employees with disabilities, I was awarded the Annie D. Moore EEO, Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 2020 FDIC Annual Awards Ceremony.
What is your formula for success?
My formula for success is two-fold: 1) Never stop learning and 2) Engage in new experiences. Following this mindset has pushed me to continuously expand my horizons, both personally and professionally.
What's the most spontaneous thing you've ever
done? In 2018, I spontaneously decided to travel solo throughout India and Turkey for a few weeks. I visited several incredible historical sites such as the Taj Mahal and Hagia Sophia, ate all types of local cuisine from street vendors and made new friends during my adventure.
lem, what problem would you choose? I would dedicate my life to solving our world’s water scarcity issue. Approximately 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and many of the water systems that keep ecosystems thriving and feed a growing human population have become stressed. This is an issue that cannot be ignored.
What are the top three items on your bucket
list? Live abroad for a year. Obtain a private pilot license. Start a new business.
CHRISTOPHER COLON LATORRE
AVP, FINANCIAL CENTER MANAGER II, FIFTH THIRD BANK
How and when did you know you wanted to be
a leader in your fi eld? Since adolescence I have always enjoyed roles of infl uence and leadership. Growing up I was the quarterback of my football team, the point guard or the basketball team and the pitcher on our baseball team. I always wanted to be counted on to perform and lead others toward victory.
What mistake in your career taught you the
biggest lesson? Earlier in my career I allowed others to direct my development and career progression. That left me feeling undervalued and in roles that I had long since outgrown. When I decided to take ownership over my personal and professional development opportunities began to open up and I was able to move forward at a much healthier pace.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Family time with my wife and kids and watching the Bucs and Rays.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Publix Chocolate Ganache Supreme Cake.
I would mentor and coach young boys into manhood – focusing on the importance of becoming who you were designed to be and how to balance manliness and gentleness to contribute to a better family life and therefore better community.
When things get tough, I remember . . . I’m only as tough as I’ve been tested, you never know how tough you are until you’ve been challenged harder.
OLIVIER CORIZZI
PRINCIPAL, AVENUE MEDIA INC.
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. Our fi rm has recently been selected with the rebrand and site redesign/ development for one of the largest publicly traded companies based in Florida. We’ve been working with this client for nearly three years and we’ve grown alongside them.
What mistake in your career taught you the biggest lesson? Always be thorough with your due diligence. From deciding on your
niche to determining how your internal operations function, do your research carefully or problems will arise in the future.
How and when did you know you wanted to be a leader in your fi eld? After having freelanced for years, I decided that it was time to take my services to the next level and build a real company with employees, teams, and the right resources to ensure our ability to deliver at a high level. A company is only as strong as its team and I’m extremely fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing team.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Outside of my offi ce job, I fl y corporate jets. In my down time I love spending time with my fi ancé and our dog.
If you could dedicate your life to solving one
problem, what problem would you choose? I have to pick two: curing at least one childhood illness and fi nding a home for every abandoned dog.
What movie, show or cartoon character would
you like to play in real life and why? Phil Dunphy from Modern Family because I aspire to have his level of light-heartedness and ability to be easy going.
MEGAN EIDEL
TRAILS MANAGEMENT, SARASOTA COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Share a recent achievement for which you are
the most proud. I'm currently involved with the Legacy Trail extension project, which brings the current Legacy Trail into downtown Sarasota. I am really excited for what this project will mean for the community when completed. I also recently gave birth to my second baby boy, so the most recent achievement I'm most proud of is balancing new roles and responsibilities, while being a working mom.
What mistake in your career taught you the
biggest lesson? Not going for an opportunity because of fear of failure. There have been countless times that I didn't apply for a job, or take on a project with fear of not being good enough or fear of making a mistake. I've now learned that even if you get turned down, or something doesn't go as planned, there was a learning opportunity in that moment.
How has the pandemic changed your work life?
The pandemic made our work surprisingly busier. We saw a large increase in trail use and people wanting to get outside when they were unable to go to other public places. Keeping up with the increase of use while working through the changes in how we met with people due to social distancing led our team to be fl exible and creative.
If you could ask someone any question in the world (living or from the past), who would the person be
and what would your question be? I would like to ask Marjory Stoneman Douglas what her secret was to maintaining such a passion for her interests at such a late age in life.
What are the top three items on your bucket list?
Play in a folk band; travel the country in an RV with my family; whitewater raft the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
MATT FENSKE
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR, SVN | COMMERCIAL ADVISORY GROUP
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. My most recent achievement is actually currently ongoing, as I am the Committee Chairman for the Realtor Association of Sarasota & Manatee (RASM) - Commercial Division’s annual charity golf turnament benefi ting Heroes Welcome Home and the RASM Scholarship Fund. I was the Committee Chairman last year as well, but we had to make the diffi cult decision to cancel the event due to COVID. The event was held this past October and was two years in the making. My responsibility was overseeing a committee collectively responsible for getting donations and sponsorships, coordinating with the golf course, planning day of event logistics and then ultimately putting on a 120+ player golf tournament.
What is your formula for success?
My formula for success is to be attentive, both to clients and to detail. Being attentive to clients means returning calls and emails in a timely manner and ensuring the client has everything they need to make a transaction as smooth as possible, as there are so many things that can go wrong in a commercial real estate transaction.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby ice cream.
If you could dedicate your life to solving one
problem, what problem would you choose? Affordable housing for all. In my opinion, this starts with allowing denser developments and limiting bureaucracy (which reduces cost and time) on projects that prioritize infi ll development with walkability, connectivity, live-work-play, etc.
What movie, show or cartoon character would
you like to play in real life and why? Bruce Wayne aka Batman. Billionaire by day, vigilante by night . . . and who wouldn’t want to drive the Batmobile?
ALYSSA GAY
FOUNDER & CHIEF CONTENT STRATEGIST, ALYSSA GAY CONSULTING
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. Whether it is a marketing campaign, social media content, blog writing or brand design, the results for the client are always what matter most. Some of that has included bringing one client from $6M to $20M in three months, another client hitting a $30K revenue month, booking solid for six+ months after our infl uencer grand opening strategies/campaigns, and social media specifi c results including 73 percent increase in engagement and a 1,874 percent increase in reach.
How has the pandemic changed your work
life? Thankfully, the pandemic has only increased our work. Many business owners learned and saw fi rsthand the need for a strong digital presence, and that has led to growth for AGC.
What's your favorite podcast or YouTube
channel? I listen to too many podcasts to count. The ones always in my rotation are: How I Built This, Entreleadership and Pillows and Beer for some fun.
What is your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasures are defi nitely hair blowouts, shopping and champagne!
What movie, show or cartoon character would you like to play in real life and why? This is going to sound very on-brand, but I would love to be Peggy Olson from Mad Men. She was a woman who truly forged a new path in the ad industry during a time when women were only looked at as secretaries.
The problem I would choose to solve would be mentoring other young women when it comes to college and career choices, as well as helping them build businesses. Entrepreneurship is lonely, even more so as a woman, and I would love to create a community of female entrepreneurs to have connection and growth together.
Left to right: Alyssa Gay, Stacey Marks, Nate Beachy, Kendall Stone and Sydney Johnson
Left to right: Mitch Lomazov, Elizabeth Knight, Megan Eidel, Stephanie Kent and Tatyana Sharoubim Stewart.
BRIANNE GRANT
How and when did you know you wanted to be a
leader in your fi eld? In a day where accessibility and authority are more important than ever, people rely on your messaging for safety or security, or to make an educated decision/ vote, or to stay informed/prepared, etc. Lessons learned from Hurricane Irma opened my eyes to areas of opportunity within the media relations fi elds and since then, I've been implementing new ways to reach media and community members (through Red Tide, COVID-19, redistricting/census, etc.). Collaborating with other media team members and quickly adapting to virtual formats last year/this year at an intense level exposed me to the diverse capabilities of our division and the trust of our leadership. It made me hungry to dive deeper into each skill set and prepare myself to become a leader who listens, collaborates and trusts.
What is your formula for success? Flexibility, collaboration and constructive criticism.
Banning shark fi shing and fi nning and ghost nets. Both are detrimental to our ecosystems and have tremendous negative impacts globally.
What are your favorite ways to unwind over the
weekend? Rollerblading the Venetian Waterway section of The Legacy Trail. My fi ancé and I have also challenged ourselves to explore a new park or preserve in the county each month.
What are the top three items on your bucket list?
Visit all the National Parks in the United States; hike the Appalachian Trail in its entirety; attend the Formula 1 race at Monaco.
When things get tough, I remember. . . that I’m only one person and it’s okay to ask others for help. I am extremely fortunate to be part of an incredible team of supportive professionals. And my fi ancé and family have always kept me grounded.
ANDRE HENDRIEX
OWNER, THE VILLAGE HEALTH & WELLNESS
What is your formula for success?
I believe that those that have found success have been able to give and receive three things. Those things are respect, fulfi llment and elevation. If you can provide those three qualities unconditionally, then success is inevitable.
If you could dedicate your life to solving one
problem, what problem would you choose? For me, I think I would tackle the way people think about themselves. Life has a way of making you think that you have to identify yourself based on your experiences, your environment and your social circle. That’s simply not true. You have the power to change whenever you get ready. It has to start with how you view yourself.
When things get tough, I remember. . . that failure is not defeat. It is simply re-direction. Switch your perspective, and you will most likely fi nd a solution that will help you move forward.
LAUREN HENRY
CO-FOUNDER, ARETIOS
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. I had the incredible opportunity to serve as the co-chair for USF Sarasota-Manatee’s 25th and 26th annual Brunch on the Bay events, their signature scholarship fundraiser, and helped lead their efforts to raise back-to-back record breaking years of scholarship money, totaling 3/4 of $1 million for college students. Within my career, I’m proud of becoming a university professor in my 20s and taking the leap to pursue my dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. My sister, Candice, and I co-founded our company, Aretios, to train the next generation of leaders so that they can live out their potential and create a brighter future for the world in the process.
What mistake in your career taught you the big-
gest lesson? Wanting to rush the process. Instead, I’ve learned the importance of being patient and that building something of great signifi cance and impact takes time. Sometimes we need to grow and develop certain skills before stepping into a role so that when we do get the opportunity, we will be able to handle it skillfully and successfully. Other times, we may feel ready to take the next step but there are other pieces that still need to move into place or even people who need to be a part of the journey that might not be ready yet. The right thing at the wrong time is still the wrong thing.
Do you have any ridiculous goals in life?
I’m a proponent of dreaming big. Some of my life goals are to build schools for underprivileged children, sponsor wells in third world countries and to become a NY Times best-selling author.
What movie, show or cartoon character would you
like to play in real life and why? Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. She was an intelligent young woman and confi dent enough to chart her own path.
What's the most unexpected lesson you've
learned during the pandemic? Learn to live above the noise; as Shaun Nepstead says, “What you dwell on is what you dwell in.”
BROOKE JENSEN
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, DEALERS UNITED
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. In advertising school, one of our assignments was to subscribe to Ad Age and report on what we found to be the most interesting advertising campaign or concept every month. I became relatively obsessed with Ad Age, and hoped that one day a campaign I had a hand in would be published by them. In July 2021, my company, Dealers United, and our dealership-client, Power Ford, were featured in an Ad Age article alongside Facebook. This feature was my dream come true.
How and when did you know you wanted to be a
leader in your fi eld? I started my career with Dealers United as a graphic design intern, but in one year I quickly earned the trust of the company and was offered a fulltime Marketing Manager role. Shortly after that, I found myself always wanting to lean into projects that weren’t solely marketing related: I met with our operations team to see if there were better processes for customer retention; I helped plan culture events; I became a consistent factor in our hiring process. With the mentorship of our CEO, Pete Petersen, I became more heavily involved in leadership discussions and in 2018, was offered the C-level and Leadership position I hold today. (I still get goosebumps writing this).
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I love being outdoors; being on the water, camping and bonfi res, horseback riding and catching the sunset are staples in my life. (Shameless plug: I also remodeled a camper van with my fella last year during the pandemic. Follow our adventures: @thecampercan).
What is your favorite dish to order for delivery?
#51C at PhoCali.
Do you have any ridiculous goals in life?
I want to own 10 sailboats and Airbnb them out in Key West.
When things get tough, I remember.. . . I’m alive, breathing, somehow here on this spinning rock through space.
SYDNEY JOHNSON
MARKETING DIRECTOR, PNB DEVELOPMENT GROUP, LLC
What mistake in your career taught you the biggest lesson? I made the mistake of submitting a campaign out of "desperation" for a return on investment and it failed epically. The reason it failed was largely because of the tone of desperation that was attached. It was disconnected from positivity and excitement and that was easily seen by management and investors. I have learned doing things out of desperation will never yield positive results. I have also learned how to be resilient and be able to bounce back from tough outcomes and get back on the right path.
How and when did you know you wanted to be a
leader in your fi eld? I knew from the moment I was directing a group of interns at a law fi rm after my junior year of college. I saw the need for passion and integrity within my fi eld and I knew I possessed a great disposition and sought to continuously learn and grow no matter my successes in life. My desire is to be a marketing mogul and become immersed in my community and serve it to the best of my ability. The best way to do that is by establishing myself as a leader within my community and network and leading by example.
STEPHANIE KENT
REGISTERED NURSE MANAGER, DOCTORS HOSPITAL OF SARASOTA
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. During my fi rst few months, I was able to increase my unit’s patient satisfaction scores and that catapulted my unit to the top. Of course, this would not have been possible if I hadn’t had the support from my director and the best leadership team in the entire organization. Even during the recent spike in COVID patients, we never wavered.
er in your fi eld? I was working as a staff nurse in my unit caring for an elderly woman who had been a patient there for many weeks; she was scheduled to be discharged to a nursing home in a few days. I wanted to make her last few days with us special. One instance I will remember most was the day we had a fi ngernail painting party in her room. We all had our nails painted, including her. She was so appreciative and we all had a great time. It was the highlight of her stay and my day. We then modeled them for a photo op and to this day, I still fi nd myself looking at it from time to time. It’s true what they say about a photo being worth a thousand words; but with this photo, it included a thousand smiles and a thousand tears. Not long after that, I began to realize how this experience could shape and infl uence how I thought and acted as a nurse. That was when I knew I wanted to further my career as a leader in the nursing profession. I thought more about the difference I could make in my nursing unit and in the nursing profession.
I would love to talk to Elizabeth Blackwell. She was the fi rst woman in America to receive a medical degree. She championed the participation of women in the medical profession and opened up her own medical school for women.
What movie, show or cartoon character would
you like to play in real life and why? I would have to say Charlotte from Sex and the City. She is always smiling, optimistic and she always sees the best in people.
ELIZABETH KNIGHT
PRESIDENT, KNIGHT STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
How and when did you know you wanted to be a
leader in your fi eld? Upon launching my company in March, I had the goal to make a simple means of living for the year, thinking that would be a huge accomplishment on its own. Though KSC has only been open for seven months, we’ve tripled our revenue and new opportunities continue to come our way every day.
How and when did you know you wanted to be a
leader in your fi eld? I’m thankful that I grew up in a family of leaders. My father was the sheriff and my mother (who inspired me to launch my company) had a marketing fi rm of her own. Both, in different capacities, led teams. I was always told that if I was going to have a company one day that I would need to be an employee fi rst. Not to just gain the experience in my fi eld to have an agency, but to understand the position any future employees of mine can be in.
How has the pandemic changed your work life?
The silver lining to this pandemic was making the decision to move back to Sarasota County from New York and launch a company. In 2019, I would have never thought that by 2021 I’d be here. Since launch, I’ve had the privilege to work with impressive leaders in this community on impactful projects that are making a difference here. What is your formula for success? Discover what you’re passionate about, know your capabilities, then own them. I struggled in school but excelled in internships. My career in New York was the same way. There were areas that I struggled with in my job, but others at which I did very well.
ELENI KOUVATSOS
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. In August 2021, on top of a demanding career and role leading a 400+ restaurant company through a global pandemic, I completed my one-year term as president of the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. When I committed to taking on the presidency, I never would have anticipated the global pandemic and the effects it would have on our chapter's more than 100 members. At times I wasn't sure if I'd be able to keep my composure and lead this group of gifted professionals through the fi re. However, not only did we make it through an incredibly diffi cult year together, I also achieved my accreditation in public relations.
What is your formula for success?
Ask questions, never stop learning and surround yourself only with people who genuinely support you, encourage you and respect your boundaries.
What's the most spontaneous thing you've ever
done? In early 2020, my sister and I took a spontaneous trip to Brazil. We’d decided a few weeks prior that we wanted to head south, and we got in touch with one of our cousins who lives in Sao Paolo. We ended up exploring the city during Carnival, spending some time on beautiful Ilhabela and eating the most amazing sushi.
If you could ask someone any question in the world (living or from the past), who would the person be and what would your question be? Alice Paul. Talk about a woman on a mission. I’d love to know how she’d feel about where we are as a society when it comes to equal oppor-
tunities and inclusion, her perspective on the corporate wage gap and her thoughts on eight percent of Fortune 500 companies having female CEOs.
MITCH LOMAZOV
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, EXCELLENCE PERFORMANCE
Share a recent achievement for which you are the most proud. Building a team to execute a dream of mine that I have had for the last three years by creating a speaking event for young professionals in the community to learn the skills that my mentors taught me to confi dently pursue my dream job. Every signifi cant goal in my life thus far has required the help and expertise of so many individuals. This event is the culmination of years of mentorship and experience so that I may make a signifi cant positive impact in the community. I have had the dream of being a public speaker since I was a little kid.
What’s your favorite podcast or Youtube Channel?
Main Street Business. I listen to this podcast every week. It’s hosted by two tax attorneys and I really enjoy it for the humor. Just kidding, well… sort of. I have learned and extrapolated countless useful strategies from this podcast to implement in my business and for the clients I work with.
I would dedicate my life to solving the problem of lacking self-worth. There are too many individuals out there with great skills, unbounded potential, and yet they are chained by limiting belief systems and a lack of confi dence. What is your favorite dish to order for delivery? Pizza from Café Barbosa. Absolutely amazing.
When things get tough, I remember . . . every adversity and every challenge has an equally powerful opportunity and solution. The greater the challenge the greater the win, these wins can be utilized as learning opportunities to help me further accomplish my goals and dreams. Diamonds are created out of massive pressure; successful people are developed by overcoming tough situations.
DAN MACKINNON
REALTOR, KELLER WILLIAMS ON THE WATER AND CREATOR OF @ALLSARAOSTA
Share a recent achievement for which you are
the most proud. I have been really proud of my new-found success and enjoyment in the real estate industry. Although I have been busy working in other business ventures, I always wanted to have a hand in real estate and what a fun journey it has already been since I started. I am most proud of only having my license for nine months and working to bring 13 transactions to date. Being new to the industry has had its diffi culties but great alignment with marketing partners and the gift to gab. I have really taken to running the pace of the mega agents pretty quickly.
in your fi eld? Since I was a kid, I have always been outspoken and had interest in passionate debate regarding growth or becoming better. I realized early in high school that my interests were always linking people, creating new paths and challenging the norms. I knew I I wanted to see positive change and attention to the under-appreciated mediums.
What mistake in your career taught you the
biggest lesson? Expectations. I didn't realize it but for a long period of time I believed so hard in creating expectations and chasing after them. This caused a myriad of issues across multiple business opportunities. I was constantly let down by clients or viewers expectations or my own emotional expectations I had created in my head. The lesson taken from this mental mistake was to truly put myself into the work and let the work speak for itself. The only expectation is the journey and knowing that failure isn’t real, life is and we can only learn from where we have walked.
lem, what problem would you choose? Mental health is near and dear to my heart. If I could focus on one thing it would be to help young people understand their feelings, emotions and coping mechanisms to grow and become the best individuals they can be and happy just being themselves.
SEAN MANOWN
EXECUTIVE CHEF AND CULINARY OPERATIONS MANAGER, BAY VILLAGE OF SARASOTA
How and when did you know you wanted to
be a leader in your fi eld? While working in Manhattan at Morimoto, I was young and hungry for knowledge in my fi eld. I was captivated at the amount of skill, technique and professionalism of all of the chefs, and I wanted to be just like them.
What is the fi rst job you ever held?
I was a dishwasher at Noodles & Company when I was 15 years old living in Illinois.
World Hunger. It upsets me that so many people on this planet struggle every day just for nourishment and clean water.
What's your favorite podcast or YouTube channel?
ChefSteps, hands down. I love learning new techniques and I think that they break everything down so that your average home cook can understand what they are doing.
What movie, show or cartoon character would
you like to play in real life and why? I would like to be Scooby-Doo. Scooby has a great group of friends, he eats well and solves mysteries.
STACEY MARKS
CO-OWNER, FLY DANCE FITNESS
How and when did you know you wanted to be a leader in your fi eld? I knew I wanted to be a leader (Instructor) about two months into taking classes when the studio was owned by the original owner. I became an instructor and after a year of teaching, I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life. I love seeing the hundreds of women who walk in and out of our doors with a smile on their faces, better confi dence, with that little sense of swagger to them. I just love it. I love teaching women my own age and older than me. I may be their fi tness instructor, but I look up to a lot of them professionally and personally in return.
How has the pandemic changed your work life? The pandemic greatly changed our work life at fi rst but has now become something a little easier to navigate. When hearing news of a possible shut down, Kari Schroeter (my business partner) and I immediately brainstormed ways of getting online as quickly as possible. We found a platform to livestream our classes, ordered a webcam, and created a limited weekly fi tness schedule. Teaching online in an empty studio is incredibly hard to do without having anyone to look at or energy to feed off of.
If you could dedicate your life to solving one
problem, what problem would you hoose? Providing education, tools, resources and mentorships to young girls and women who want to pursue their own passions. Young women need the encouragement to pursue their dreams but it can’t stop there.
What is your guilty pleasure? TikTok is defi nitely it. I start with one funny video and continue to scroll until I can’t anymore.
What movie, show or cartoon character would
you like to play in real life and why? Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. Determined, loyal, incredibly funny, loveable, energetic and outgoing are all adjectives I’d used to describe both her character and myself. Plus I’d get to try out being blonde.
BRADY O’NEIL
SENOR DIRECTOR OF DONATED GOODS RETAIL, GOODWILL INDUSTRIES MANASOTA INC.
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. Individually, I was recently selected to participate in Goodwill International’s Senior Leadership Program. This program identifi es 20 leaders throughout the 161 independent, community-based Goodwill organizations in the United States and Canada. The six-month program includes two week-long resident sessions in Washington DC and is oriented to individuals looking to achieve C-Suite level positions.
How and when did you know you wanted to
be a leader in your fi eld? It was evident in 2013 my junior summer heading into my senior year that I wanted to be a leader in the non-profi t fi eld. Upon traveling from New York to Sarasota to embark upon my Goodwill summer internship, I quickly learned that mission-integration and community impact was a must in any career path I took. Ultimately, the blend Goodwill possessed as a learning organization with focused community upscaling, coupled with result-oriented metrics similar to a Fortune 500 made my choice and career path a ‘no-brainer’.
What is the fi rst job you ever held?
Sports Camp Counselor for youth at risk.
What's the most spontaneous thing you've ever
done? I drove from New England to South Florida for an internship that ended up being a career.
What's your favorite podcast or YouTube channel?
Pardon My Take.
When things get tough, I remember. . . there is no growth in the comfort zone, and no comfort in the growth zone.
KELLI O’NEILL
OWNER, INCENDIARYANGEL
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. I sell my sculptural and illustrative art through IncendiaryAngel. We recently surpassed 1,100 online sales—and, around the same time, over $1,100 donated to charity for the year of 2021 (fi ve percent of my proceeds are donated to various organizations that help animals, such as our local pet shelter, Satchel’s Last Resort). These are milestones I never dreamed would be achievable when I opened in 2018. I create art inspired by the parts of life that inspire and bring me joy—Florida wildlife, rich colors, happy vegan foods, and memories of childhood summer adventures—and knowing that my pieces are not only bringing smiles to thousands of strangers around the world, but also making an impact in the lives of animals through donations, is everything I’ve ever wanted from a career.
How and when did you know you wanted to be
a leader in your fi eld? Art had always been a pastime for me, but seeing other creators turning their passions into businesses on Instagram was incredibly inspiring. As some of my posts gained traction, artists I only ever admired started following me back and engaging with me—complimenting my work and asking about my techniques. This is when I realized how much knowledge I’d amassed over my years of sculpting, and how I had something to say through art that was unique to me. Finding a place amongst other “artrepreneurs” fortifi ed my drive to hone and master my craft, and to give everything I had to making my business a success.
What is your favorite dish to order for delivery? I love the vegan truffl ed pizza from Lucile Pizza and Wine Bar.
be and what would your question be? I would love to meet Mileva Marić, Einstein’s fi rst wife and fellow physicist, and ask about her research. It’s thought that she contributed heavily to her husband’s theories, and I want her to get the credit she deserves.
When things get tough, I remember . . . that the challenges I face are only steps on a path I am still walking. Every chapter of my life is part of a greater story that is still being told.
ANTHONY PETRALIA
CHEF AND OWNER, TRALIA
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. Being recognized and soon to be published by Pizza Today magazine has been a proud moment for me, but mostly I'm proud of myself for starting my own business and being able to share my passion with people.
How and when did you know you wanted to be a
leader in your fi eld? It's hard to pinpoint an exact moment, but I would say almost since I started in my humble beginnings of washing dishes at 13 years old, I always thought the cooks were like rock-stars. After working my way up and trying to emulate my idols every step of the way, I knew I wanted to do big things.
How has the pandemic changed your work life?
The pandemic changed my work life initially by giving me the time to conceptualize and start my own business. In the long term, as employees became scarce, it has taught me to think “leaner” as far as staffi ng and business models are concerned, and to be more empathetic to the needs and mental health of employees we do have.
If you could dedicate your life to solving one problem, what problem would you choose? World peace. But seriously, I would dedicate it to helping people with mental health issues.
Do you have any ridiculous goals in life? I wouldn’t say I have any ridiculous goals, the most ambitious though would be to own a restaurant group, and then maybe someday a Rolls Royce.
What movie, show or cartoon character would you like to play in real life and why? I would like to play Tony Soprano, mainly because there are certain qualities he possesses that I do not, or that I wish I could. And also because when I’m home-sick, the houses, the cars, the neighborhoods and people in the show remind me of growing up in Rochester, NY.
LEAH REDA
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES, RUMBLE
Share a recent achievement for which you are the most proud. I am very proud to be a part of the Junior League Sarasota. The Junior League of Sarasota is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained
Left to right: Justin Taylor, Lauren Henry, Domenica Van Dyke, Brooke Jensen and Olivier Corizzi
Left to right: Omar Sitto, Brady O'Neil, Nicole Swanson. Matias Cerda and Kelsie Shy.
volunteers. The 2020-2021 league year was challenging for all as we had to shift with the pandemic. We were still able to strongly impact our community and make a solid contribution by doing community projects and various fundraising efforts. As a member of the training committee for the league year, I was able to help provide additional training for the women of the league as an expansion of the league mission to develop the potential of women.
How and when did you know you wanted to be
a leader in your fi eld? Through a challenging work experience, I learned early in my career how easily people’s concerns and workplace confl icts can be brushed off and never addressed. I realized true leadership provides strong guidance and structured resolutions through the human relations department of a company. It is within that department I found the opportunity to lead and make a difference.
What is your top professional goal? My top professional goal is to be able to speak at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) National Conference with infl uence and impact so that I can inspire and encourage others to follow their dreams.
What is your guilty pleasure? Anything chocolate or dessert related, especially truffl es from Banyan Tree Chocolate & Cafe.
TATYANA SHAROUBIM STEWART
OWNER, T.GEORGIANO’S BOUTIQUE
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. Motherhood of course takes the win. I have a 4 year old daughter and 6.5 year old son. But now getting to business, being an entrepreneur surviving all the odds stacked against me since opening the doors in 2005. It has survived the 2007 recession and the recent ongoing pandemic. Only recently in my journaling and looking back did I have the realization that this business was my absolute way of keeping my father's legacy and memory alive. Each round of adversity faced served as a deep reminder this is what I love and how I contribute to this beautiful community in every capacity. Simply being nominated for this is a massive honor I hold dearly and I view that as sincere achievement.
How has the pandemic changed your work life?
It has allowed me to connect truthfully and personally with my community and following. Weaving both worlds of my professional and personal life in this harmonious way.
What is the fi rst job you ever held? Working for my father in his retail store as a kid.
What movie, show or cartoon character would you
like to play in real life and why? Elsa in Frozen IIthe barriers she broke and the infallible way she followed her true path and spirit to be who she was meant to be (I can't believe I just admitted that out loud haha).
What is your guilty pleasure? Sneakers. I totally have an obsession.
When things get tough, I remember . . . to breathe, trust that I am enough and that life is beautiful.
KELSIE SHY
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, KIMLEY-HORN
Share a recent achievement for which you are the most proud. I recently completed four national exams and one state exam to become a professional landscape architect. This has been a nine-year process requiring a degree in landscape architecture and work experience.
How and when did you know you wanted to be
a leader in your fi eld? I haven't necessarily decided that I want to be a leader in the fi eld. I do work that I enjoy, design spaces that I would want to be in, learn as much as I can from my mentors and pass on that knowledge to others. Hopefully leadership is just a byproduct of being successful in doing what I love.
What is your formula for success? Keep up with my teammates and put heads together to solve problems. And coffee.
What's your favorite podcast or YouTube channel?
For some reason, I’ve been mesmerized by Australian home renovation channels on YouTube—Three Birds, ABI Interiors and Oak and Orange —the Australians know my style.One day I’d love to bring that style to a home in Sarasota.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I’ve gotten big into painting in the past few years—mostly plants, water and other tropical things I’m drawn to. I’m always up for beach runs and gulf surfi ng. I’m also constantly planting new things in my yard. These pasttimes are fun, challenging and always leave me in a calm state of mind.
What is your guilty pleasure? A good cheese board and some wine. Do you have any ridiculous goals in life? One day getting to own and design a boutique beach front hotel.
When things get tough, I remember . . . it's always a rollercoaster. There are just as many, if not more, happy times than diffi cult. The low makes you grateful for the high.
ALISSA SILVERS
CEO/FOUNDER AND ARTIST, LISS DESIGN LLC
Share a recent achievement for which you are the most proud. I have been very honored to work with Project Pride SRQ. I am very proud to have helped them found and organize the fi rst annual One Love charity event and art auction.
What mistake in your career taught you the
biggest lesson? Getting too caught up in perfectionism is a mistake I have made several times in my career. But I’ve learned over these years that nothing is perfect, and that’s what makes it beautiful.
How and when did you know you wanted to be a
leader in your fi eld? My very fi rst art teacher took my parents aside and told them I would never be a good artist—but I loved painting. So I made a decision from that young age that I would never give up on something just because someone says I can’t do it. And it was that decision, and my passion for bringing people together with my artwork that has driven me to be a leader in my fi eld. What is your formula for success? Live a healthy life. Go out meet new people, support the community and always remember to give back. I’m a big believer in Karma, so I always try to spread love and understanding.
What's the most spontaneous thing you've ever
done? My most spontaneous thing actually led to me meeting the love of my life. I was living in Switzerland and I took an unplanned holiday with my best friend to the USA. While traveling, I met the man who would later become my husband. We fell in love, traveled the world together and settled down in Florida. Proof that even the most spontaneous adventures can lead to life-changing experiences.
and what would your question be? I would like to meet Salvador Dali, and my question would be "could I just shadow you for a day?" I would love to see how art and design was created back in those times.
ALYSSA SIMONS
PHILANTHROPY ASSOCIATE, CHILDREN FIRST
er in your fi eld? A defi ning moment was earning recognition as an outstanding Master’s in Public Health graduate student among a select cohort and this confi dence has supported me well on my career path as a philanthropist and community change-maker. What is your top professional goal? In the future I would love to take on the ultimate challenge of leading a non-profi t organization. I feel deeply connected to Children First’s mission of strengthening children and families together and would love to continue working with and supporting vulnerable populations.
be and what would your question be? I would want just one more conversation with my grandmother, Anita. She was suddenly unable to communicate with me after she had a stroke and never wrote a single recipe down. She had the most incredible talent for cooking.
What are the top three items on your bucket list?
Sail my own sailboat around the islands in French Polynesia; Float in the Dead Sea; eat at a 3-star Michelin restaurant.
What's the most unexpected lesson you've learned
during the pandemic? Before the pandemic I was known as a “hugger.” With hugs or physical contact not advised during the pandemic, it has been really diffi cult for me to communicate with and appreciate those in my life.
OMAR SITTO
OWNER, OMAR SITTO FITNESS
What is your top professional goal? My top professional goal is to scale my business large enough where I am able to create a new division that is centered toward improving the fi tness industry, which would include having my own facility to employ independent trainers at. However, what is most important to me is providing them with the proper knowledge as it relates to training their clients, the right space and equipment but also having so many other like minded individuals who are willing and wanting to enrich the lives around them. I think it is vitally important to be able to change this industry for the better. What is your formula for success? My formula for success is purpose, gratitude and discipline. Having your awareness of your purpose to drive you in the direction you need to go as your "why", gratitude to be able to hold in every present moment you’re in for the appreciate of all good and bad you have going on in your life and the discipline to continue to progress one percent better each day while doing what you need to do. Discipline is above all else—it is my #1 for success. Discipline is doing what needs to be done each day to progress you along in accomplishing your goals. It is sticking to the plan for the future even when you may not see it all at once but knowing with faith and belief you are progressing toward those destinations. You can’t expect to miss the tasks you need to do and still expect to get the end result you wanted. Which is why discipline equals freedom.
What’s your favorite podcast or YouTube channel?
My favorite podcast is REAL AF by Andy Frisella. While this podcast is raw, candid and unfi ltered—it speaks about many realities in life we must face and how to face them head on. Which is something I hold of great value in my business and personal life. What is your guilty pleasure? Defi nitely singing at any moment and doing a little dance with it when I can. I mean most people like to sing in the car or shower, but I sing all the time at random moments. What is you favorite dish to order for delivery? I don’t order delivery very often. However, when I do… I typically go with Lucile. They are a vegan pizza, family-owned restaurant. I am vegan and love their weekly specials—they give me a chance to explore my taste buds. When things get tough, I remember . . . tough times don’t last, tough people do.
ELENI SOKOS
CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER, SOKOS SOLUTIONS
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. If an award counts, it was a true honor for me to receive the very fi rst-ever Manatee Young Professionals "MVP of the Year" Award in 2019. Being recognized among my peers and other community leaders in the Manatee area was humbling. But what actually feels like a tangible achievement for which I was personally responsible was managing the brand relaunch of our company in July 2021. This tremendous effort from our team marked a massive internal milestone.
How and when did you know you wanted to be
a leader in your fi eld? Sounds cliche—but I think I was born this way. Both of my grandfathers started their own businesses, and their children both worked hard to buy out their parents. My parents placed tremendous importance on leadership, local involvement and giving back to a community which has given so much to us over the past four+ decades in businesses. Random fun fact, both of my grandfathers started their businesses in 1976 in Manatee County.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Love to watch TV shows. Right now we love —Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, Yellowstone and Ozark—I am not a gym person so anything that keeps me active without actually exerting too much physical energy—hot yoga, kayaking, hiking. The best part of my day is usually my bike ride “commute” on the Bradenton Riverwalk.
be and what would your question be? Anthony Bourdain. Considering all of the people around the world that you met and shared meals with, what’s the one value that everyone has in common?
BAILEY SPASOVSKI
OWNER, CHEEK & PEN PAPER CO.
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. We are proud to give back with the sales of our artwork to Planned Parenthood, ACLU, National women’s law center, and a few others. What is your top professional goal? To show my children that being loud and assertive for the right reasons is never a bad thing.
What are the top three items on your bucket list?
US road trip with the family. Visit my husband's family country of Macedonia. Ride with real sled dogs. (I’ve got four huskies, but they hate the cold and running.)
What movie, show or cartoon character would you
like to play in real life and why? The Little Mermaid. Have you seen all the stuff she has?! When things get tough, I remember . . . my kids are watching.
Left to right: Eleni Kouvatsos, Christopher Colon LaTorre, Andre Hendriex, Kelli O'Neill and Leah Reda
KENDALL STONE
OWNER AND BUYER, MOTEL THERAPY
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. Since I’m so new to my fi eld, I’d like to say opening my business this year and doubling my sales projections each month since opening are my proudest achievements thus far. When I chose to quit my job and open a boutique, I had zero connections in the industry, zero retail experience and very little understanding of leasing commercial spaces. I quite literally only had my life savings and a dream. I truly built my business from the ground up, and I say that in the most humble way possible.
What's the most spontaneous thing you've ever
done? When I was 18 years old, I packed a suitcase and bought a one-way ticket to Seattle. I decided that I wasn’t going to go to college, but I still wanted to leave my hometown and gain life experience. I ended up living in Seattle for close to four years.
If you could ask someone any question in the world (living or from the past), who would the person be and what would your question be?
Oh my, if I could spend any amount of time around Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I would melt. I have so many questions for her but I think all of my questions, at their core, would be about women’s rights. The way she stood up for things she believed in, in such a poised and articulate manner, has always served as inspiration for me.
What's the most unexpected lesson you've
learned during the pandemic? Be brave enough to do what makes you happy.
NICOLE SWANSON
DENTIST, SARASOTA DENTISTRY
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. After completing the required eight combined years of college and dental school at the University of Florida, I just didn't have enough of my Florida Gators and decided to push myself to complete an additional year of UF training. In June 2020, I fi nished a year-long advanced education in general dentistry residency through the University of Florida, adding my third Gator Nation diploma to the wall, coining me the prestigious title of a "Triple Gator." At the beginning of 2021, I was awarded a Fellowship certifi cation for the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, an honor that is awarded to dentists who have excelled in their fi eld at both restorative and surgical aspects of dental implants. What is your top professional goal? My top professional goal is to achieve a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. This entails gaining over 500 hours of Continuing Education and successfully completing an examination covering the comprehensive fi eld of dentistry. What is your formula for success? Coffee. Lots of coffee.
What's your favorite podcast or YouTube channel?
As Woman by Natalie Crawford, MD – A podcast to empower women with education, specifi cally in medicine, and provide support for living an authentic life.
what problem would you choose? To decrease the amount of fear people have coming to the dentist. Every day I see situations that are much worse than they need to be because of the anxiety that surrounds coming to the dentist. Patients that put off much-needed dental work until they are in pain are far too common.
JUSTIN TAYLOR
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER/VP, MRT LAWN AND GARDEN CENTER
Share a recent achievement for which you are the
most proud. Finishing the second semester of the Juris Master program I am enrolled in with straight A's. With my involvement in local nonprofi t boards, governmental advisory boards, owning/operating a consulting business and working my "day job" with my family, I feel proud that I have been able to balance these aspects in my life.
What mistake in your career taught you the
biggest lesson? The longer I have been in my current position within my family business, I am reminded that working 40 hours a week in this position is never enough. To be effective in this position, I have learned that the job is not completed until the job is done, and it is impossible to put a measure of specifi c time to that.
lem, what problem would you choose? If I had to choose one right now, it would have to be, help to solve food insecurity and reduce the number of food deserts in our country. Do you have any ridiculous goals in life? My most ridiculous life goal is to get my pilot's license to fl y airplanes. I’ve always enjoyed the thought of being able to have a small plane to fl y around and visit small cities throughout all of Florida.
DOMENICA VAN DYKE,
DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SUCCESS, STATRA
Share a recent achievement for which you are
the most proud. Expanding medical services within my medical group. I was in charge of physically expanding an offi ce suite to an adjoining suite to create space for four additional exam rooms. My practice needed the new space as a result of onboarding a new physician due to increased patient volume. I was responsible for the entire build out-from start to fi nish including working with all contractors to ensure our space was completed within budget and on time.
What mistake in your career taught you the
biggest lesson? Always saying "yes" to opportunities. I've learned I cannot help every organization that comes to me with a job prospect because doing so is not only personally overwhelming, but doesn't allow me to give my all to each client. I have learned it is especially important to do my research on clients and making sure opportunities are fully vetted for each party while not being afraid to say "no". What is your formula for success? Stay hungry and work hard, always be humble, honest and lead by example.
lem, what problem would you choose? Restructuring the US healthcare system to emphasize the importance of primary health care prevention, starting locally in Florida’s Gulf Coast. For example, as a partner of Sarasota based Align Healthcare, I developed a network of direct primary care physicians focused on delivering membership-based, high quality, affordable healthcare. Another local organization I’ve helped lead, Statra is a technology company with software that assists healthcare entities by aggregating their organizational and patient data into one platform to deliver meaningful, prevention-based care. Most recently, I have begun working with The Natural Nipple (TNN), a Tampa-based Bio-Fem-Tech Company to launch and grow their organization in the US healthcare market. TNN has developed a clinically backed breastfeeding system which promotes preventative care and emphasizes early invention by addressing the primary barrier to breastfeeding.
What movie, show or cartoon character would
you like to play in real life and why? Dora the Explorer because she travels the globe while learning about and experiencing different cultures. SRQ
ALYSSA GAY
CEO/PRESIDENT, ALYSSA GAY CONSULTING
What is your formula for success? My formula for success focuses on people and relationships. Whether that is cultivating positive relationships and impact with the community or with clients, and more importantly, the relationships amongst the team at Alyssa Gay Consulting. When people feel empowered and supported, magic happens.
CONNECT WITH ALYSSA
1432 1st Street, Suite A Sarasota, FL 34236 941.295.9325 hello@alyssagay.com alyssagay.com We specialize in creating buzz-worthy brands, social media, & digital marketing strategies designed to take your business to the next level. Having an active and modern digital presence is integral to your success, but you can’t do it all. You’re working endless hours on your business, managing employees, accounting, taxes, meetings, keeping customers happy, you don’t have time to worry about, let alone, keep up with your digital marketing efforts. You need a partner who can create a buzz-worthy strategy and deliver results. At Alyssa Gay Consulting, we partner with clients, giving them the power and effectiveness of a full-service branding digital marketing fi rm, but with the personal touch of a boutique agency. Whether you are looking for a new brand identity, a standout social media presence, or want to harness the power of infl uencer marketing, the team at Alyssa Gay Consulting is here to elevate your brand by creating a buzz-worthy strategy that gets the results you want in your business.
VICKIE BRILL
CHIEF LEGISLATIVE AIDE, FLORIDA SENATE
How and when did you know you wanted to be a leader in your field? When I quit my management consulting position to take a risk in making my passion for politics into a full-time career. I was determined to succeed (although what success has looked like over the years has changed) in this field and demonstrate how you can combine passion and professionalism while serving others. I enjoy teaching and sharing how my role can impact those on a daily basis without the bias or mentality that “government doesn’t work.”
CONNECT WITH VICkie
The Florida Legislature is made up on the Florida House and Florida Senate. I currently work for Senator Gruters. He was re-elected by constituents in Sarasota and Charlotte counties. I assist in managing his offi ce by working on his legislative priorities and serving the constituents of District 23. This includes policy bills and appropriation requests during each Legislative Session. The Senate can fi le an unlimited number of policy and appropriation bills. I believe everything happens for a reason. You may not know or understand it at that time, but it will make sense when it is suppose to.
SARASOTA OFFICE
381 Interstate Boulevard Sarasota, FL 34240 941.378.6309
TALLAHASSEE OFFICE
316 Senate Building 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100 850.487.5023
SEAN MANOWN
How and when did you know you wanted to be a leader in your field? While working in Manhattan at Morimoto, I was young and hungry for knowledge in my field. I was captivated at the amount of skill, technique and professionalism of all of the chefs, and I wanted to be just like them. There's no great chef without a great team.
Bay Village is Sarasota County’s only “accredited” Life Plan Community offering independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care and home health care to more than 400 residents. The Tides memory care will be open in early 2022. Situated on 15 acres of lush, tropical land Bay Village has long been considered the retirement community of choice. Located at the south end of Sarasota and convenient to theatres, beaches and the best restaurants. "You can always taste when a dish is made with love." Sean Manown
CONNECT WITH SEAN
8400 Vamo Road Sarasota, FL 34231 941.966.5611
LEAH REDA
What mistake in your career taught you the biggest lesson? The most valuable lesson I learned throughout my career is to protect my emotional and mental health by staying true to myself and speaking up when necessary. Conforming to corporate norms and not using my voice to facilitate change was a mistake I learned over time. Its value is unmeasurable.
"Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are." —Brene Brown
Leah is a native of Sarasota, Florida, who started her career in Human Resources in 2009. She is a self-starting, straightforward and well-rounded Human Resource professional with 12+ years of experience in the Human Resource fi eld. She is currently SHRM-SCP certifi ed, a member of the Sarasota Manatee Human Resource Association (SHRA), a member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), and a graduate of the Leadership Sarasota Class of 2019. Outside of work she enjoys volunteering in the community with the Junior League of Sarasota, and hanging out with her dog, Mattis.
MASTER PERSONAL TRAINER
Omar aspires to change lives through exercise, leadership and motivation. He brings raw energy, a candid approach and positive mindset to his coaching efforts to relentlessly pursue progression in his clients. His philosophy is addressing fi tness among all four aspects of life: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Omar F. Sitto
B.S., NASM/NCSF-CPT
LOCATION 2501 Cattlemen Rd. Unit 1212 HOURS Monday to Saturday: 8am–5pm CONTACT 248-277-2479
CONNECT WITH LEAH
linkedin.com/in/leah-reda/ 844.800.4276
ELENI SOKOS
CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER, SOKOS SOLUTIONS
MY MANTRA. Effort, Peace, Freedom. A 2016 journey to walk Spain’s famed Camino de Santiago pilgrimage shaped my outlook on how perseverance influences success. The Camino’s three “phases” inspired my personal mantra. Phase 1 is all about doing the work. It takes time and effort to achieve Phase 2, which unlocks inner peace and mental clarity. That’s the foundation for Phase 3, where I have the freedom to innovate and improve, to experience and expand.
Sokos Solutions is a women-owned and led, award-winning marketing team that generates momentum by blending fresh, creative brand storytelling with results-driven strategies. We’re hyperlocal, so our strong ties in the community amplify our results. Our clients don’t just fl oat with the current - they make waves.Since day one, our team has helped hundreds of brands rise with the tides.
At the helm is Chief Creative Offi cer, Eleni Sokos. Founded in 2014 as Sokos Social, Eleni and her team of marketing experts are ready to help you generate long-term success and shortterm hype. We work to leverage the most effective opportunities that digital marketing offers, from content strategies to graphic design. Our vision is to create a collaborative space where ideas fl ow freely and creativity runs deep.
CONNECT WITH ELENI
1201 6th Avenue West #508 Bradenton FL 34205 | 941.877.0662 sokossolutions.com
CONGRATULATONS TO ALL OF OUR 35 UNDER 35 HONOREES | 2021 AWARDS PROGRAM
Nate Beachy
Sutter's Quality Foods
Vickie Brill
State of Florida
Matias Cerda
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Christopher Colon Latorre
Fifth Third Bank
Olivier Corizzi
Avenue Media, Inc.
Megan Eidel
Sarasota County Government
Matt Fenske
SVN | Commercial Advisory Group
Alyssa Gay
Alyssa Gay Consulting
Brianne Grant
Sarasota County Government
Andre Hendriex
The Village Health and Wellness
Lauren Henry
Aretios
Brooke Jensen
Dealers United
Sydney Johnson
PNB Development Group, LLC
Stephanie Kent
Doctors Hospital of Sarasota
Elizabeth Knight
Knight Strategic Communications
Eleni Kouvatsos
First Watch Restaurants
Mitch Lamazov
Excellence Performance
Dan MacKinnon
Keller Williams on the Water
Sean Manown
Bay Village
Stacey Marks
Fly Dance Fitness
Brady O'Neil
Goodwill Industries Manasota
Kelli O'Neill
IncendiaryAngel
Anthony Petralia
Tralia
Leah Reda
Rumble
Tatyana Sharoubim Stewart
T.Georgiano's Boutique
Kelsie Shy
Kimley-Horn
Alissa Silvers
Liss Design, LLC
Alyssa Simons
Children First
Omar Sitto
Omar Sitto Fitness
Eleni Sokos
Sokos Solutions
Bailey Spasovski
Pen & Paper Co.
Kendall Stone
Motel Therapy
Nicole Swanson
Sarasota Dentistry
Justin Taylor
MRT Lawn and Garden Center
Domenica Van Dyke
Statra
