CHAPTER 167
Women to Watch
“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” ~ Serena Williams
The Women's Foundation of Collier County will roll out the red carpet again Nov. 22 for its Women Rock Philanthropy event to recognize and celebrate local women as philanthropic rock stars.This year’s inspiring group of “Women of Initiative,” selected annually for philanthropy, civic engagement, and for making a significant philanthropic impact on the lives of local women and girls include Mary Susan Gallien Clinton, Anne Fleming, Barbie Hills, Angela Meister, and Carolyn “CAT” Tieger.
%20with%20Family%20Initiative%20Board%20Members%20Maryann%20Devivo%20(left)%20and%20Jessi.jpg)
Mia DePasquale
Caroline King
Tracy Taylor (center) with Family Initiative Board Members Maryann Devivo (left) and Jessica Van Hart (right)
Three impressive women were honored at Family Initiative’s annual Autism Acceptance Awards Gala. Mia DePasquale, teacher at Three Oaks Middle School, received The Believer Award for her positive impact on students and families with autism; Caroline King, a speech pathologist at Gulf Elementary, received The Dylan Award for her steadfast commitment to students; and Tracy Taylor, behavior analyst with Agency for Persons with Disabilities, received The Partner Award for providing opportunities and access for children and young adults with autism.
Bessie Jarjoura, a volunteer at the Frances Georgeson Hospice House, was honored with the prestigious Volunteer Heart of Avow Award for her unwavering dedication and joyful spirit.
Claudia Leah, owner of Claudia Leah Design/Decorating Den Interiors, won first place awards for both the Outdoor and Home Office categories in the company’s 40th annual International Dream Room awards competition.
Kerrie Blankenship, recent FGCU graduate and member of the FGCU Student Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, earned the prestigious Certificate in Principles of Public Relations.
Yliana Vilella, MS, APR, of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, earned her professional public relations accreditation and received the designation of Accredited in Public Relations.
Photo by Amelia Conte Photography
Renee Manzolillo, owner and founder of Breakin Boundaries and The Sacred Alignment ™ BIZ + Wellness Community group, is on a mission with Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant life-changing wishes to children battling critical illnesses. As organizer and curator, Renee has already hosted two galas and, in honor of her cousin’s memory, preparations for the Third Annual Spring Into Action Gala are already underway.
Each year, the Community School of Naples hosts a school-wide t-shirt design competition in honor of Earth Day. This year’s winner was seventh grader Angie with her Live Wildly design.
APPOINTMENTS
Retired retail executive Darlene DeMichele joined the Board of Trustees at Guadalupe Center.
Youth Haven, Inc. appointed Christine Stahl Lublin to its Board of Directors.
Guadalupe Center President and CEO Dawn Montecalvo joined the board of directors for the Florida Association for Education of Young Children.
PROMOTIONS
Gaby Bell
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
Promoted to Vice President
Angie Figueroa
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
Promoted to Vice President
Diane Jefferson
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
Promoted to Vice President
Jackie Mitchell
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
Promoted to Vice President
Diane Patterson
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
Promoted to Vice President
NEW HIRES
Mary C. Brockman
Associate Attorney at Marco Island location
Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A.
Iris Chapman
Senior Trust Officer
The Naples Trust Company
Katherine R. Ham
Associate of Trusts and Estates Practice Group
Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP
Laura Hilderbrand
Front Desk Receptionist
Priority Marketing
Shawna Kremer
Marketing Operations Manager
Better Together
Renee Starling
Director of Nursing
Vi at Bentley Village
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.
