Fortitude
INSPIRING WOMEN LEADERS
COURTNEY
LUCY
Fortitude
THE LIBERTY SAVINGS BANK “WOMEN
"Our interest is in you.”
SARASOTA 2323 Stickney Point Road Sarasota, FL 34231
941.927.8293
8383 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34238
941.927.3629
BRADENTON
3901 Cortez Road W. Bradenton, FL 34210
941.755.5733
VENICE
4103 S. Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293
941.493.9174
WHO ROAR”
AT LIBERTY, OUR PASSION FOR BETTER BANKING DRIVES EVERYTHING WE DO. From mortgages to highinterest checking and savings accounts, our retail team is dedicated to making sure we provide the best services and products possible for our customers. We also believe in the power of community. Our dedicated team works and volunteers in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, striving to make it a better place to live. Together, we invest our time and efforts to create positive change and contribute to the well-being of the people in Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice.
Below, from left to right: Sandy Perrine, Susan Ross, Lisa Toppin, Lauren Fuller, Nevenka Kovcic, Danielle Bachar and Crystal Creagh
libertysavingsbank.com facebook.com/LibertySB instagram.com/libertysavingsbank linkedin.com/company/liberty-savings-bank
DANIELLE BACHAR
REGION SALES MANAGER VP - MORTGAGE LOAN ADVISER NMLS# 1532056
WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE, MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH AND HOW HAVE YOU UTILIZED IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATIONAL OR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLE? “My single, most significant strength is the combination of kindness and confidence. I know I can significantly help people grow their nest eggs, businesses be more profitable, and non-profits fulfill their important missions. When I see them smile, it makes me happy too.”
CRYSTAL CREAGH FINANCIAL CENTER MANAGER
WHAT IS YOUR “SECRET SAUCE?”“My secret sauce is to identify mentors and learn as much as I can from them. After that I outline our goals and work hard as a team to achieve them… all while having a bit of fun along the way!”
LAUREN FULLER
AVP, FINANCIAL CENTER MANAGER II - MORTGAGE LOAN ADVISER NMLS# 1161296
WHAT IS YOUR STORY OF SUCCESS? “I started as a teller at Liberty Savings Bank and always liked helping customers. I was promoted several times, eventually becoming Financial Center Manager due to my enthusiasm, teamwork and community leadership with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the Foodbank and The Big Bank Theory at Manatee County Schools.”
NEVENKA KOVCIC
FINANCIAL CENTER MANAGER | MORTGAGE LOAN ADVISER NMLS#676922
DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS. “Only I can hold myself back.”
SANDY PERRINE
AVP, FINANCIAL CENTER MANAGER II - MORTGAGE LOAN ADVISER NMLS# 1532057
WHAT HAS BEEN THE SINGLE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN WORKING AND LIVING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC AND HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED AS A RESULT? “The pandemic was scary for a lot of our older customers. Many did not want to leave their homes. At Liberty, we innovated by using our drive-thru for more things… like opening accounts or just to say hello. You see, many of our customers became friends and it was good to see them. I guess we learned to face challenges head on and figure out ways to make things work.”
SUSAN ROSS
REGION SERVICE MANAGER AVP | MORTGAGE LOAN ADVISER NMLS# 776069
HOW HAS AN EXPERIENCE IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE MOTIVATED YOU? “My sister is currently learning to walk again after being in ICU for over a week. Her struggle reminds me that challenges in my personal and work life are minor in comparison! Dealing with personal and customer challenges can be hard work but can change lives when you succeed!”
LISA TOPPIN
AVP, FINANCIAL CENTER MANAGER II - MORTGAGE LOAN ADVISER NMLS# 1532058
EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR . . . my daughter, my customers, my team, my boss, Venice, fishing, my mom and no hurricanes!”
PATTY O'LEARY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO | CHILDREN'S CANCER CENTER
"I have learned that when a community comes together in crisis, love can move mountains."
WHAT HAS BEEN THE SINGLE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN WORKING AND LIVING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC, AND HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED AS A RESULT? The pandemic created a barrier in treating the children and families we serve. To meet their needs, I needed to be adaptable to technology, and in turn, we rolled out two virtual programs that continue to this day. WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE, MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH, AND HOW HAVE YOU UTILIZED IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATIONAL OR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLE? My most significant strength is my ability to inspire and motivate others. This allows me to foster collaboration, dedication, and resilience, leading my team to achieve remarkable results. WHAT IS YOUR "SECRET SAUCE”? A touch of sweetness with compassion. A dash of spice and heat with creativity. A generous portion of strong leadership skills. DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS. Believe in yourself and your greatness. EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR our community’s generosity enables us to serve the immediate needs of local children and families battling pediatric cancer.
CHILDREN’S CANCER CENTER
4901 W. Cypress Street | Tampa, FL 33607 813-367-5437 | ext.10 poleary@childrenscancercenter.org
TORRI ZARNOWSKI
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT | CLIVE DANIEL HOME
"Excellence demands effort and perseverance."
AT CLIVE DANIEL HOME, MY SUCCESS STEMS FROM UNWAVERING TENACITY AND ADAPTABILITY. I prioritize genuine care for everyone involved—our team, clients, builders, developers, and the charities we support—because strong relationships drive trust and success. MY GREATEST STRENGTH LIES IN MY ABILITY TO ADAPT TO CHANGE, constantly seeking innovative solutions and new tools to enhance the client experience and stay ahead in a dynamic market. Inspired by my driven and kind parents, I strive daily to make them proud by fostering a culture of kindness, problem-solving and resilience. Embracing the principle that "Excellence demands effort and perseverance," I am proud to contribute to our firm's excellence and I AM GRATEFUL FOR the unwavering support of my loving husband, family, friends, and our top tier team at Clive Daniel Home led by our president, Daniel Lubner.
3055 Fruitville Commons Blvd. Sarasota, Florida 34240 (941) 900-4663
MEGHAN SERRANO
SHUMAKER, LOOP & KENDRICK, LLP
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
—Atticus Finch, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee
WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE, MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH AND HOW HAVE YOU UTILIZED IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATIONAL OR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLE? Knowing when to ask for help and not being afraid to do so has been invaluable to my work, both as an attorney and with the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. A common refrain throughout the Sarasota business community is that it is hard to network and forge business relationships if you are not originally from the Sarasota area. I hail from the Northeast and can attest to the truth of this statement. As a result, I had to get comfortable asking others for help to build business connections and make a name for myself in the legal industry. Now that I’ve established my practice in Sarasota, I pride myself on helping build connections for other newcomers. This strength translates directly to my work with the Boys and Girls Club. I know firsthand the transformational effect that something as simple as an outstretched hand and a little help can have on a person’s life, and I want to be that difference maker for kids in my community. This goal has pushed me forward through some of our organization’s toughest times, especially during the pandemic, when it was even more important to continue to provide critical services to our kids. Asking for help is integral to enacting any kind of meaningful change, and it has irrevocably shaped my personal and professional life. WHAT IS YOUR “SECRET SAUCE”? As a litigator, I interact with a lot of big personalities and strong emotions on a daily basis, and it can often be difficult to shake off the negativity. To combat this, I created a folder called “Sunshine” in which I have placed all the kind and appreciative messages I’ve been lucky enough to receive from my clients and colleagues over the years. One message in particular helps give me perspective when I have a rough day. Several years ago, I represented a woman on behalf of her recently passed father in a heavily disputed case. Once the dust settled, the daughter reached out to thank me for representing who her dad was as a human being—his values and what he cared about. This message reminds me that through my work as an attorney, I have made, and will continue to make, a positive difference in the lives of my clients. In a career where kind words are sometimes few and far between, my Sunshine folder is my secret sauce. DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS. Being kind is not a weakness. EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR the opportunity to be a problem-solver for my clients and community. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION OR PHILANTHROPIC WORK. Shumaker, the law firm where I have been lucky enough to work for over 15 years, is a premier provider of legal and legislative services with a team of more than 300 lawyers and advisors, 55 paralegals, and 550 employees in its 12 offices located throughout Florida, Ohio, Minnesota, and the Carolinas. We are focused on being a positive and impactful difference maker for our clients and in the communities we serve by providing high-quality, dependable counsel while supporting a variety of nonprofits and local organizations. Shumaker recently announced the launch of our Make a Difference through Literacy Initiative, which aims to improve literacy for more than 250,000 individuals by 2025.
SHUMAKER, LOOP & KENDRICK, LLP
240 South Pineapple Avenue | 9th Floor Sarasota, FL 34236
941.364.2783 | mserrano@shumaker.com
Fortitude
IVORY MATTHEWS VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS, NEAL COMMUNITIES
"Change your mind, change your life."
WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE, MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH AND HOW HAVE YOU UTILIZED IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATIONAL OR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLE? My success has largely stemmed from my strong communication skills. Whether in my personal life or my work in public policy, I've made a significant impact by embracing and navigating difficult conversations. I'm good at articulating thoughts during challenging situations. I also take pride in acknowledging the hard work of my team and making sure that I am giving feedback and praise. I've made it a priority to confidently share my own achievements. Recognizing that women often face challenges in celebrating their accomplishments, I strive to openly discuss my successes and the impact of my work because I am very proud of it. WHAT IS YOUR “SECRET SAUCE?” The power of A-S-K. DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS. Life is long, stay flexible. PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SENTENCE: EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR never listening to the people who want to see me fail.
NEAL COMMUNITIES
5800 Lakewood Ranch Blvd | Sarasota FL 34240 941-224-5766 | imatthews@nealcommunities.com linkedin.com/in/ivory-v-matthews
COURTNEY PETRIN
SAVANNAH'S HOME &
DESIGN
“Be yourself, everyone else is taken.”
-Oscar Wilde
MY STORY OF SUCCESS STEMS FROM RESILIENCE, FLEXIBILITY AND PERSEVERANCE. From a very young age; I believed in my internal locus of control. I believed that I had the power to change and improve my situation. I don’t believe in blame or clinging onto excuses. I believe I’m the one in control and also realize what is out of my control; and I make peace with that. I think that particular mindset can dictate your perception of success. The concept of “success” means balance and happiness to me. I don’t believe it’s a final arrival point. It’s a never ending negotiation and work in progress. I think on a personal level, I’ve operated in an underdog mentality. I operate well in that space because it’s a motivator for me. My upbringing and even now I encounter people (as we all do) who self project their insecurities onto you. If I did well as a child there were justifications for my success unrelated to my abilities or talent. Or it was about minimizing my accomplishments. I think that chip on my shoulder could’ve easily forced me to develop a hard exterior and shell. But I take pride in the fact that I have channeled it for fuel and focus. I think negative can be channeled to good. WHAT IS YOUR SECRET SAUCE? My interpersonal skills. EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR my family because they give me the courage to push forward no matter what.
SAVANNAH’S HOME AND DESIGN
8251 15th St E Sarasota 34243 | 774-888-7008
Courtney@savannahshomeanddesign.com | savannahshomeanddesign.com instagram.com/savannahs_home_and_design
VICTORIA STULTZ
ENGEL & VÖLKERS SUNCOAST
STORY
OF
SUCCESS
"Cherish every moment. Life is a series of experiences, both big and small. Be present, savor the joys, and learn from the setbacks. They all contribute to the person you are meant to become”
Originally from Boston, I attended college in Cincinnati where I started my career working in sales for a Fortune 500 company before transitioning into real estate with a prominent brokerage. In 2001, my family and I relocated to Florida, where I continued my real estate career in the Sarasota area. My effective negotiating skills and extensive business experience have contributed to my proven track record, including a record-setting sale back in 2015 for $14.5 million and 15 consecutive years of winning the Five-Star Professional Real Estate award. I have always wanted to own my own real estate brokerage. The impetus for me to go out on my own was when I realized the need for a concierge brokerage that delivers a white glove service from start to finish including after the sale. I saw that there was a lack of training and coaching in our industry; I wanted to build a company where the advisors are highly trained with the same core values so when clients hire someone from my company, they know the level of service to expect. In 2020, I started laying the foundation to go out on my own as an independent brokerage. That’s when COVID hit, and I put on the brakes. I was approached by a boutique real estate company called Engel & Völkers about opening a franchise in the Sarasota/Venice area. I had been contacted by several other real estate franchise companies but none of them compared to Engel & Völkers. I was intrigued by what they had to offer and was very impressed with their systematic approach, advisor training and coaching, cutting-edge technology, distinctive marketing measures and truly connected global network. And, their vision and core values aligned with mine.
ENGEL & VÖLKERS SUNCOAST 22 S Links Ave #201 | Sarasota, FL 34236
ANGIE STRINGER
GIRLS INC. OF SARASOTA COUNTY
"Empowered girls empower the world."
WHAT HAS BEEN THE SINGLE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN WORKING AND LIVING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC AND HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED AS A RESULT? During COVID-19, I realized how important the support services are that we provide to girls and families. Closing our doors in March 2020 was heartbreaking, but we immediately began offering programs virtually to stay in contact with our girls and families. Our team also shifted their focus to addressing the most pressing needs of our families impacted by job loss, school closures and changing circumstances, which challenged us to be strategic in our approach. During this time the strength of our team was more evident than ever. They continuously inspire me with their unwavering commitment to our girls. WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE, MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH AND HOW HAVE YOU UTILIZED IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATIONAL OR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLE? My most significant strength is empathy. I’ve used it to develop strong relationships within my team and community, ensuring everyone feels valued. I believe that empathy has allowed me to build a career and life working with many different groups of people and having the ability to understand the needs of individuals who face different challenges in life than I do. WHAT IS YOUR "SECRET SAUCE"? My secret sauce is a commitment to seeing each person as an individual, recognizing their potential and opportunities to grow into it. Above all, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every person is valued equally. EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR the opportunity to make a positive, lasting difference in the lives of our amazing girls.
GIRLS INC. OF SARASOTA
201 S. Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237
941-366-6646 | girlsincsrq.org facebook.com/girlsincsrq
Fortitude
LUCY V. NICANDRI
“Failure is when you don’t try."
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | SUNCOAST CHARITIES FOR CHILDREN
WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE, MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH AND HOW HAVE YOU UTILIZED IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATIONAL OR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLE?
Determination is my most significant strength. I never let unexpected challenges, setbacks, or negativity derail my focus on what I set out to do or achieve. Maintaining a positive attitude and finding solutions for positive outcomes is key within any organization or leadership role. HOW HAS AN EXPERIENCE IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE MOTIVATED YOU? When a stranger came up to me in public with tears in their eyes and said to me, “Thank you for the work you do – it made such a difference for our child.” This motivated me to continue working hard, sharing all the great work that Suncoast Charities for Children provides. WHAT IS YOUR "SECRET SAUCE"? “Never stop believing in yourself.” EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of local children, teens, and adults with special needs.”
SUNCOAST CHARITIES FOR CHILDREN
5317 Fruitville Road, Suite 43 Sarasota, FL 34232
941-487-7904 | Fax 941-706-3825
“The purpose of life is to live with purpose.”
NILAMBEN PATEL
SUNSHINE ALLERGY AND ASTHMA
WHAT IS YOUR STORY OF SUCCESS? I started out studying pre med at Rutgers University in NJ and went to medical school and internal medicine training in Pennsylvania. I applied and matched into allergy and immunology fellowship at Boston Medical Center. I graduated in 2019 and joined faculty at UMASS – Worcester where I was an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Co - Director of the Allergy Clinic and taught students and trainees.. In 2020 after COVID I decided to move to Sarasota with my new husband to work at a private practice. While the people I worked with were amazing - I was not happy working for someone else, so I decided to leave and start my own office. With the help of my incredible husband, father-in-law and countless other family members, we renovated a building in North Port and opened Sunshine Allergy and Asthma! I am incredibly grateful to be trusted and welcomed by the local primary care doctors and pediatricians as well as the people. Opening my office has been the best decision I have ever made and serving the community around it has been my greatest honor. WHAT IS YOUR “SECRET SAUCE”? Resilience and Honesty. DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS. Embrace uncertainty, be present, find joy. EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR a supportive family and circle of friends who always believe in me. “
SUNSHINE ALLERGY AND ASTHMA
2565 Toledo Blade Blvd | North Port FL 34289 941-257-3119 Sunshineallergist.com
