

CHAPTER 184
Women to Watch
“I had to learn very early not to limit myself due to others’ limited imaginations. I have learned these days never to limit anyone else due to my own limited imagination.” ~ Mae Jemison, astronaut

2024 Women of Initiative Honorees: Carolyn “CAT” Tieger, Angela Meister, Barbie Hills, Mary Susan Gallien Clinton and Anne Fleming; Photo Credit: Nick Shirghio Photography
The Women's Foundation of Collier County rolled out the red carpet at Women Rock Philanthropy to recognize and celebrate the 2024 Women of Initiative honorees: Mary Susan Gallien Clinton, Anne Fleming, Barbie Hills, Angela Meister and Carolyn "CAT" Tieger.

Susan Bookbinder

Paula Brody

Elizabeth Dosoretz
Susan Bookbinder, Paula Brody and Elizabeth Dosoretz were each honored with the Lynn Wilner Award at Collier/Lee Hadassah’s 2025 Inspiring Women from Collier and Lee Counties event.

Margo Ceresney

Anastasia Watts
Multiple Sclerosis Center of Southwest Florida appointed Margo Ceresney, attorney for Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur LLP, and Anastasia Watts, nurse practitioner at Optum Health, to its Board of Directors.


Diane Clifton
Gloria Padilla
The Florida Lions Eye Clinic appointed Diane Clifton, former registered nurse for Lee Health, and Gloria Padilla, community relations manager for Redlands Christian Migrant Association, to its Board of Directors.

Collier Resource Center appointed Dr. Ursula Pfahl, former chief strategic engagement officer at Baker Senior Center Naples, to its Board of Directors.
Kimberly Dye, vice president of advancement at David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, has been appointed to the Women’s Impact Initiative Committee with Associated Fundraising Professionals Global.


Erin M. Blankenship was hired to be the next president and CEO of the Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center.

The Board of Commissioners of the Naples Airport Authority elected Commissioner Rita Cuddihy, former president and CEO of US Airways Shuttle, as its 2025 chairman.
Iman Zekri, Divorce, Marital and Family Law attorney for Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., was elected as the 2025 President of the Association of Family Law Professionals Board of Directors.


Maria Alaimo, personal injury attorney and Lee County Legal Aid Society vice president, received the Florida Bar Pro Bono Service Award, earning statewide recognition for her pro-bono work on behalf of low-income and disadvantaged clients.


Robin Goldstone Garcia
Priscilla Grannis
Robin Goldstone Garcia was named Chief Executive Officer and Priscilla Grannis was named Chief Development Officer at Lighthouse of Collier.

Christin Collins, celebrated Southwest Florida author, health and wellness advocate, and co-founder of the Root Cause Healing Movement has been honored with the International Impact Book Award in the Body/Mind/Spirit category for her transformative book, “be. love.”
PROMOTIONS

Vanessa Estrada
Was promoted to Executive Director
Better Together

Michele Libertelli
Was promoted to Executive Chef
Vi at Bentley Village
NEW HIRES

Dr. Shannon MacDonald
Senior Medical Director
Southwest Florida Proton

Christina Martinez
Real Estate Department Attorney
Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
For consideration in Women to Watch, email a recent success story of a woman you’d like to celebrate, along with her high-resolution photo, to inspireme@ebellamag.com. This might include a big accomplishment, award or honor received, appointment to a Board, educational achievement, etc.