P O W E R E D B Y T H E W O M E N W H O R O A R I N I T I AT I V E
WOMEN 2023
COMMUNITY
LEADERSHIP
RECOGNIZING WOMEN LEADERS IN SARASOTA AND BRADENTON WHO HAVE MADE MEANINGFUL AND SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE AREAS OF BUSINESS, HEALTH, EDUCATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SCIENCE, SPORTS, PHILANTHROPY AND THE ARTS.
PROGRAM PRODUCED BY SRQ MEDIA | LISL LIANG, ASHLEY GRANT COORDINATED BY MEGAN MITCHELL
TOGETHER WE ROAR
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ABOUT THE WOMEN WHO ROAR Each year, SRQ Magazine invites the community to nominate women they feel exemplify the personal integrity, expertise and community engagement qualities recognized by the Women Who Roar platform in our regional change makers. Nominees were asked to share their insights with our judges in nine key areas via a written application: how they define success, what personal experiences have motivated and inspired their professional success, their most meaningful accomplishment, how they took a leap of faith to embrace a risk, their "secret sauce" and outlook on life in six words, the TV or movie character they would play in real life, who they would bring back from history to spend a morning with, their favorite child bedtime story and the wisdom they would share in a letter to their younger selves. Judges from outside-the-market spend time with the applications from each nominee to render the selection of the exclusive group of honorees who are then inducted into the Women Who Roar Leadership Circle at the Annual Together We Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon held each October. Ambassadors of the Leadership Circle work on SMARTgirl and SkillSHARE programming that catalyzes the science and art of mentorship to memorably engage with women of all ages in our region.
2023TogertherWe RoarSpecialGuests TRAILBLAZER AWARD RECIPIENT
SAVE THE DATE FOR 2024 TOGETHER WE ROAR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024
ILLUMINATOR AWARD RECIPIENT LEISA PETERSON A VISIONARY DEDICATED TO TRANSFORMING MILLIONS OF LIVES THROUGH HEIGHTENED FINANCIALCONSCIOUSNESS.
PAULINA PORIZKOVA WRITER, AUTHOR OF NO FILTER: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, MODEL AND AN ADVOCATE FOR CELEBRATING WOMEN OF EVERY AGE. Born in Cold War Czechoslovakia, Porizkova was the first central European woman to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in 1984. Now, she has discovered her voice—and it is astute, wise and vulnerable. After a lifetime of being looked at, Paulina is ready to be heard.
As a facilitator, strategic advisor, author of The Mindful Millionaire, and seeker of knowledge, Leisa’s journey is marked by an unwavering commitment to personal growth. Central to her philosophy is the conviction that abundance is an attainable reality for all. With a three-decade tenure in finance, Leisa stands for leaders, entrepreneurs, and teams as they navigate the sometimes thorny intersection of money, identity, and vision, particularly during pivotal crossroads.
THANK YOU 2023 TOGETHER WE ROAR SPONSORS HOSPITALITY PARTNER
EVENT PARTNER
ACCOMMODATIONS PARTNER
LEADERSHIP PIN PARTNER
TROPHY PARTNER
TRANSPORTATION PARTNER
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
FLORAL PARTNER
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RECOGNIZING OUR 2023 NOMINEES Kim Adler Kim Alexander Livengood April Barnes Melissa Beachy Robyn Bell Morgan Bettes Angell Katrina Bing Blair Bloomston Susie Bowie Christina Bowman Nicole Brandt Franciska Bray-Mezey Menchie Calesa Sharon Carole Sinead Carr Amanda Champ Erin Cigich
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Kathy Collums Jennifer Compton Stacey Corley Kim Daglish Dana Dalpra Olivia D’Amico Jeneth D’Alonzo Jacquelyn Daum Tammy Daum Julia Dees Debbie Devito Jackie Dezelski Linda DiGabriele Vilia Dragovoy Meredith Dropkin Racheal Eible Cintia Elenstar Cheryl Evans Shon Ewens Jianina Foltz, D.C. Kathy Francoletti Lourdes Gallagher Jill Gass Alyssa Gay Barbara Gerdeman Deanna Gerhardt Rachel Glubiak Elizabeth Goodwill Annemarie Graff Stacy Groff Jennifer Grondahl Stephanie Grosskreutz Dania Hammand Bianca Harris Lela Haas Laura Hayes Jessica Hays Sorelly Henao Susan Hines Karen Holbrok Kinga Huse Dolly Jacobs Jamie Jalwan Roxanne Joffe Valerie Jones
Dr. Arunachalam Jothivijayarani Christine Kasten Lori Kayser Terri Klauber Heather Koester Lisa Krouse Liza Kubik Brittany Lamont Debbie LaPinska Julie Leach Anne LeBaron Jennifer Lee Natalie Levey Stephnie Lomazov Aneta Lundquist Stephanie Magaldi/Grae Christina Maksoud Jamie Marco Stacey Marks Jenna McCoy Laurie McCracken Katie McCurry Candice Mcelyea Fiona McFarland Karen Medford Nelle Miller Cara Misiewicz Nicole Mobley Ana Molinari Lisa Moore Alix Morin Lynn Morris Tish Murphy Kourtney Murray Lucy Nicandri Debra Otey Morgan Palm Lynne Parrington Hallie Peilet Clara Ramos Eleonora Raso Kim Richmond Brittany Riner
Catherine Roper Marissa Rossnagle Eleonora Raso Leah Reda Carrie Riley Karen Riley-Love Michelle Robey Laura Rode Jessica Rogers Tanya Ryskind Cynthia Salomone Rachel Saltzberg Manoela Santos Andrea Saputo-Cox Cynthia Saunders Jenny Schenk Erin Silk Kendra Simpkins Sandy Smith Jodi Sobol Eleni Sokos Hillary Spencer Leann Spofford Barbara Sucoff Colleen Thayer Tiffany Thornhill Marra Torres Gonzalez Jenny Townsend Madeline Tympanick Megan Ucello Chelsea Vacca Ella Walker Mary Davis Wallace Summer Wallace Erendira Wallenda Melissa Walsh Cina Welch Heather Williams Kabrena Williams Kelly Williams Rachel Wolfe Bridget Ziegler Alyson Zildjian
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MEET THE 2023 HONOREES BLAIR BLOOMSTON As CEO of Game On Nation, Blair has spent the last 17 years working with the world’s most recognizable athletes, teams, executives, corporations, and brands. She is considered a leading expert on the use of Game Dynamics and Game Theory to improve communication, leadership, team building, and culture. Some of Blair’s current clients include Hilton, NASCAR, Deloitte, Joint Special Operations Command, and Abby Wambach’s Wolfpack Endeavor. Blair has been featured as a speaker for the United States Olympic Committee’s National Coaching Conference and the NCAA Alliance of Women Coaches, as well as the Deloitte Inclusion Summit and SHRM Inclusion Summit in 2019. She holds a BFA in Theater/Performance from Marymount Manhattan College, and resides in Bradenton, FL, with her husband and two young sons. ERIN CIGICH Erin Cigich, 16-year industry veteran, is CEO of the award-winning outcome-based marketing company, Perform[cb]. Perform[cb]’s Outcome Engine and premium affiliate management team connect brands with new customers through their website, app, or call center on an outcome-based model—AKA, brands only pay for real results that truly matter to their business. Erin has received multiple industry awards, including the University of Florida - “40 Under 40” (2019), Tampa Bay Business Journal - “40 Under 40” (2019) and “Business Woman of the Year” (2011 & 2013), and the Florida Women’s Conference “Glass Ceiling Award” (2013). In 2020, Perform[cb] was also ranked #17 on the Gator100—a list that honors the 100 fastest-growing, Gator-owned or Gator-led businesses in the world. Under Erin’s leadership, Perform[cb] has undergone tremendous organic revenue growth, in addition to two successful sale processes to leading private equity firms. Cigich has also led Perform[cb], formerly known as Clickbooth, through a series of four strategic subsequent acquisitions - Adperio (mobile app install network), IgniteOPM (OPM agency), ThriveTracker (affiliate media tracking), and Digital Remedy Direct (internal media buying and pay per call execution). Maintaining a focus on company culture and client services are the foundations Erin has built for Perform[cb]’s 100+ team members, earning numerous awards, including Florida Trend Magazine’s “Best Florida Companies to Work For” for seven consecutive years, and #1 in Outcomes by mThink’s Blue Book Survey for seven years in a row.
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JENNIFER COMPTON Breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings, Jennifer Compton is the first female Chair of Shumaker, a national law firm with offices in Florida, Ohio, Minnesota, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Her focus on paving a path of equality and change began long before she became Chair of the nearly century-old firm. Jennifer served as Vice Chair of the Management Committee for the past two consecutive years, and she is the Managing Partner of the Sarasota office. Jennifer’s legal career began when she earned her J.D. with honors from Cumberland School of Law of Samford University. She has been practicing employment and litigation law for more than 25 years, and she is a Florida Board Certified Labor and Employment attorney. Seen as a true pioneer in all aspects of her life, Jennifer is a Sarasota native with an unwavering commitment to the Sarasota community. She has used her legal expertise to pave the way for The Bay, creating a first-of-its-kind private/public partnership agreement between The Bay and City of Sarasota. As Chair of the Bay Park Conservancy (BPC) Board of Directors and as a founding member of the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization (SBPO), Jennifer is helping to create a world class 54-acre park on the Sarasota Bayfront that is open and accessible to all. In addition, Jennifer is founding director and Vice Chair of Gulfside Bank, Sarasota’s only locally owned community bank, and she has served on multiple boards in various capacities.
Below: A joyful experience celebrating one another at the Together We Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon hosted at Michael’s On East this past October.
SUSAN HINES Susan Hines is the Managing Principal of the Sarasota Office of Sabal Trust and brings more than 30 years of trust experience to her clients. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management, magna cum laude, and Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from the University of Florida. Susan is an honors graduate of the ABA’s National Graduate Trust School at Northwestern University. She is a licensed attorney in Florida, a Florida Bar member, a past director of the Sarasota County Bar
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Association, a Leadership Sarasota graduate and a past chair of the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council. Susan is passionate about financial literacy and youth development and has committed her time in the community as a Board Member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, The Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, and the Jerome and Mildred Paddock Foundation. Recently, Susan has begun serving as the Chair of the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation Board.
HEATHER KOESTER Heather Koester is a seasoned professional who has a rich background in education, community service, and business leadership. Embarking on her journey in the Army at the age of 17, Heather’s commitment to meaningful impact and service to her country led her to a special assignment in community development, where she honed invaluable skills in building and strengthening communities during her military service. In her role as the CEO of Invigorate Nexus, Heather demonstrates exceptional leadership, overseeing projects spanning seven counties in Florida, multiple states, and international clients. The extensive portfolio of work includes diverse projects such as feasibility studies, tax program reforms, community action programs, disaster resilience and recovery research, business continuity planning, technology development, workforce research, and board retreat facilitator. This showcases the depth and breadth of their work and Heather’s ability to lead and manage complex and diverse projects. Currently working on obtaining her doctorate in strategic leadership and organizational development, Heather is dedicated to furthering her knowledge and skills in shaping effective leadership strategies for organizational growth and development. In addition to her educational and professional pursuits, Heather’s commitment to community service extends beyond her work, evidenced by her proven track record of service on multiple boards. Her ability to balance her educational journey, professional accomplishments, and community service involvement is a testament to her exceptional time management skills and sincere dedication to making a lasting impact. JENNIFER LEE Jennifer Lee is the founder of Modern-Wealth; a Sarasota-based financial firm with a focus on helping individuals experiencing transition. Originally from Maryland, Jennifer brought almost 30 years (45 years if you count going into the office with her father as a child) of expertise in the financial services industry to Florida. Jennifer has found that a relationship with
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an advisor is most critical at the intersections in life where emotions collide with financial events. She enjoys facilitating her clients (especially women) through challenges as they experience life’s upsets such as divorce, the loss of a spouse, or business to retirement transition. Whether you are experiencing divorce, a business client expanding or selling your operation, or a couple wanting to make sure they have provided for their family, Modern-Wealth may be a good fit. Jennifer provides a fresh perspective to the financial planning process by digging deep to understand what drives her clients. At Modern-Wealth, they build long-lasting relationships. As part of their process, they encourage clients to communicate their values to the most important people in their lives by writing a family love letter. This led her to write Squeeze the Juice: Live With Purpose-Then Leave a Legacy.
KAREN MEDFORD “As the youngest daughter of an Italian immigrant, my father always had my life perfectly planned out. My father, the youngest of seven, was the first to graduate from college and in his eyes, it was simple—follow his lead. As an independent thinker with a vivid vision, I was determined to move to Los Angeles to make it in the music industry. Through years of living like a pauper and sleeping on eggshell foam as glorified intern at a record label, I became a top executive and relocated to New York City, restoring my father’s faith in my future.” A former music industry leader and medical sales executive, Karen followed her dream of owning her own business. As a wife and mother of two girls, it was so important for her to set an example and create a legacy for her family. With a passion for others, she set her sights on becoming a leader in the “confidence” business. Falling in love with the area, she built a team of over 40 professionals to create the ultimate luxury wellness and beauty centers. Sirius Day Spa, Salon and Medspas was created in 2018, and now has two nearly 4000 sq ft prime locations in UTC and Lakewood Ranch, with 200+ services ranging from massage, facials & skincare, hair/nail salon services, Botox and Medspa treatments including laser hair removal, chemical peels, IPL, Morpheus8 and more. A community
Above: Illuminator Award Recipient Leisa Peterson shared a mindful moment of reflection at this past year’s Together We Roar luncheon.
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MEET THE 2023 HONOREES COLLEEN THAYER Colleen is one of the fortu-
advocate, Medford has been an active member, committee member, and sponsor of Sisterhood for Good, Inc, an all-female all-volunteer philanthropic organization, and was also recognized for her support of the Manatee County School District, American Cancer Society, Brain Health Initiative, Sunshine Kids Foundation to name a few.
TANYA RYSKIND Tanya earned her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of New Hampshire (Franklin Pierce Law Center). Her career journey began in social work, focusing on addiction and adolescent residential treatments. She later transitioned to the legal field, starting in a prosecuting attorney’s office and subsequently working as a lobbyist for organizations like the New Hampshire Small Business Association, Proctor and Gamble, and Yamaha. Upon moving to Michigan, Tanya spent a decade working at Western Michigan University. Following the birth of her children, she became involved with their Montessori School. Currently, Tanya serves as the Head of NewGate School, the lab school of The Montessori Foundation. With extensive experience in both legal and educational realms, Tanya is recognized internationally as a respected Montessori school community leader. She has served as a Montessori teacher trainer, an International Montessori consultant, a motivational speaker, an author, and a frequent presenter at Montessori conferences worldwide. Tanya has contributed to the field for over 20 years as a member of the School Accreditation Commission for the International Montessori Council.
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nate people who earned a degree in political science that she’s been able to use in her professional career in legislative, advocacy, and public relations. One of her earlier career experiences was in mental health advocacy and that came full circle when NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties (NAMI) was seeking its first Executive Director, at the same time Colleen’s family was experiencing mental health challenges and she was navigating the behavioral health system and looking for supports. The support and education she and her family gained through NAMI have been immeasurable, and she often reflects that this position allows her to pay it forward daily. Colleen holds a master’s degree in Management and Leadership and is also accredited in Public Relations and a Certified Public Relations Counselor. She is active with several local organizations including the Circus Arts Conservatory and SRQ Strong and currently chairs the board of Centerstone Florida. Colleen and her husband Chad live in Sarasota County, and are proud parents of two sons and a daughter, along with three fabulous black labs.
Left: Trailblazer Award Recipient Paulina Porizkova shares insights from her incredible career as a writer, author and global model.
ALYSON ZILDJIAN Chef Alyson Zildjian is the innovative force behind Zildjian Catering and Consulting, celebrating 14 years in business here in Sarasota. She is a Johnson & Wales University graduate, with degrees in both culinary arts and business. She has been working and creating in the industry for almost 40 years. Chef Alyson is a committed leader in green business practices and her dedication to sustainability extends beyond the kitchen, teaching and educating our community on the benefits of sourcing locally and seasonal food. This dedication led her company to win a Sustany Foundation Award in 2019 and again in 2023. Her passion for her craft has also led Zildjian Catering to be the recipient of the “Best Caterer - Readers Choice Award” for 5 years in a row starting in 2019 - 2023. Chef Alyson’s leadership in her industry and fervent advocacy for food as medicine promotes health and well-being through all aspects of her business. She will tell you that the most important ingredient in your food is LOVE. “You can Taste It!” and her menus reflect the belief that delicious food should also be nourishing to the body and soul. Chef Alyson can also be seen in Feb 2024 in Austin Texas at the National Catering Conference speaking and educating her peers on how to create green events and reduce our impact on the planet. Chef Alyson desires to be part of a society that supports environmental sustainability and social justice by having a food system that is good, clean, and fair for all.
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W WOMEN WOMEN WHO ROAR NOMINEE | 2023
2023
COMMUNITY
LEADERSHIP
SUSAN H. HINES, J.D, MANAGING PRINCIPAL | SABAL TRUST
"Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader… they set out to make a difference".
COMING UP THROUGH THE LEGAL AND BUSINESS WORLD
“Sabal Trust is unique in the financial industry as our firm is the largest independent, employee-owned trust company in Florida. Many of my partners have careers spanning 25 years or more in the trust and investment industry and we are proud that we can bring our experience and talents to an organization that allows us to work face to face, across the table from our clients. By making an investment in Sabal Trust we have made a personal commitment to our clients and their families to be there for them when they need us. Our business is a relationship focused business, and we spend our working lives helping families grow their wealth, take care of their families and leave financial legacies in their communities and sometimes across many generations. My education, personal strengths and leadership acumen have led me to the perfect career where I am blessed to spend each day serving others, and hopefully, making a small difference in their lives.”
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in the early 1990s most of my role models for leadership were men. As I rose through the ranks, I always compared myself to them and often questioned my ability to be a strong leader. In setting sales or leadership goals I never focused on “the next title” or “the big win”, I just focused on helping others, and they always appeared. It often surprised me when I was selected to lead a team or take on larger territories. When someone asked me one day who my leadership role models were, I paused, and the first thought that came to my mind was my parents. Looking back at my childhood I can say, without doubt, that I hit the parent lottery. My parents were educators and very humble, inspiring, and thoughtful leaders. Although they often had a current leadership book in their hands, they always modeled for me and others the teachings of Jesus. They taught me that first and foremost, great leaders lead from the inside out and recognize that at the core of each decision are matters of character, trust, empathy, and integrity. The best leaders have a servant’s heart and firmly believe that leadership is about encouraging and empowering others to be all they can be, not about bettering yourself. The best leaders are also the best listeners and enjoy working with others to balance their or their company’s goals and values with the compassion needed to fully explore and acknowledge the, sometimes conflicting values and beliefs of others. Creating a culture where everyone feels valued and supported, as well as challenged and encouraged to become all they can be, has worked wonders across many generations, and is even more important in the fast-paced society we live and work in today. I believe that my single most significant strength is my optimistic set point toward joy. I have learned that there is a difference between joy and happiness and although life can bring challenges that can steal my happiness temporarily, I have always worked hard to compartmentalize them and focus on the joy that can be found all around us. This strength helped me grow even stronger through a two-year period of sadness as I worked through the loss of a long-term relationship. Through forgiveness came great freedom and the ability to refocus my memories on the pure joy that this relationship had brought to my life for many years. Life, love and friendship are gifts for the soul.
1800 2nd Street | Suite 103 | Sarasota, FL 34236 P 941.556.4866 | F 941.556.4869 | TOLL FREE 866.243.2540 shines@sabaltrust.com SABALTRUST.COM
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MEET OUR 2023 COMPETITION JUDGES Kellee Johnson | Ballast Group Kellee founded Ballast Group, Chicago’s first cloud-based PR firm in 2006. It has grown to an award-winning, international presence focused on developing campaigns for well-funded healthcare and technology entrepreneurs. The team uses a methodology to help leaders articulate their stories to their most important audiences in the channels that matter. Ballast Group’s approach applies paid, earned, shared and owned media (PESO) campaigns, that earn clients news coverage in US News & World Report, the Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Chicago and more. Additional campaigns focus on social media; advocacy; analyst relations; and crisis communications.
Ria Persad | Climate Venture Studio and StatWeather Ria Persad studied math and physics at Harvard, Princeton and Cambridge with PhD at Rice. She was a climate modeler at Lawrence Berkeley Lab, a Space Scientist at NASA then a quant and AI expert on Wall Street. Persad is Founder of StatWeather, ranked #1 in climate tech by Environmental Business International, was a “Top 7” Lifetime Achievement Leader by S&P Global Energy Awards and was the International Renewable Energy Woman of the Year. She is a Global AI Ambassador for SwissCognitive as an AI expert and mentors females in STEM through her nonprofit, Climate Science Foundation
Samantha Bond Richman | Sam Bond Benefit Group, Inc. Samantha has guided business owners seeking solutions for employee benefits, payroll administration, workers’ compensation, liability reduction, and multiple employer 401(k) plans for over thirty years. Initially hired as an hourly employee, Samantha developed her career into a commission-only sales representative position, company shareholder, and with the sale of her former employer, into an independent broker of PEO services in 2006. Her company holds Life, Health & Annuity (2-15) licenses in Florida and Virginia. She is a member of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals and the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations. Currently, Samantha and her husband live and work in downtown St. Petersburg, where for fun she is a contributing writer to the Northeast Journal and struggling golfer.
Pamela van der Lee Pamela van der Lee is a marketing and strategic planning consultant. Pam spent much of her career as a senior executive for Paramount +, formerly Viacom, Inc. and Nickelodeon, in New York City, as the Corporate VP of Marketing, Head of the Marketing, Licensing and Research Councils and as the VP Promotions Marketing respectively. She also served as the Chief Marketing Officer for AltX, formerly iMatchative, a hedge fund intelligence and data analytics platform in San Francisco. Pam has dedicated over 20 years to board service, primarily working in the education and disability fields, serving as the President of the Board for organizations such as the National Down Syndrome Society and Tuxedo Park School, and serving on the executive committee/board for Rollins College Alumni Association, St. Mary’s Preschool and Roadtrip Nation. Most recently, Pam has been working as a consultant on a number of commercial and pro-social start-ups.
Join us for the coming year of programming. Nominations for the 2024 Women Who Roar Competition open on March 1, 2024 Save the Date for Together We Roar 2024 on October 25, 2024
SRQMAG.COM/WWR
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