Two to four bedroom homes and five bedroom penthouses in the first stand-alone Waldorf Astoria Residences. From $2.65M
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3 Flexible structures aligned to real-world development challenges
3 Strong balance sheet with local market expertise
Successfully Closed
Evaluate your options with our experienced team. Scan the QR code to request a consultation today.
Lepera EVP, Regional Market President, South Florida
Colin Orett EVP, CRE Executive
Obregon EVP, Miami-Dade Market President
Michael
Ilian
Where Development Meets Expertise
What construction lending capabilities does Seacoast offer?
Seacoast provides integrated construction-to-term financing designed to support projects from groundbreaking through stabilization and long-term ownership. We offer construction loans for ground-up development and major renovations across a wide range of property types—including multifamily, industrial and logistics, office, retail, mixed-use and special-purpose assets—with the ability to transition qualifying projects into term or mini-perm loans at completion.
Our approach delivers predictable funding, clear take-out visibility and proactive communication, paired with disciplined risk management. The result is a streamlined capital solution that keeps projects on schedule and on budget while supporting durable, long-term financing outcomes for owners and investors.
How does Seacoast support CRE investors with term debt for property acquisitions or refinancing?
Seacoast offers permanent and mini-perm financing tailored to ownership and exit strategies. Options include fixed and floating-rate permanent loans, mini-perm structures for transitional assets and refinance solutions designed to return capital to investors.
Can Seacoast support experienced developers with growing portfolios?
Yes. For seasoned developers with established track records, Seacoast provides scalable portfolio and recourse structures that support growth across markets. Our capabilities include portfolio and blanket loans, cross-collateralized structures, partial or full recourse options and sponsor-level underwriting.
What differentiates Seacoast from larger national or purely transactional lenders?
Seacoast is a strategic banking partner that understands the local markets, moves decisively and is invested in the long-term success of its clients.
J.C. Perrin EVP, Palm Beach Market President
Marcia Snyder SVP, CRE Banker
Brad Brooks SVP, Head of Treasury Management Sales
Summer at Home
We know what it’s like to make payroll, push through setbacks, and build from the ground up.
That’s why we started Locality Bank: to empower local businesses to maximize their potential.
18 NEWS IN BRIEF
Short takes — because time is money.
24 WHY I BUILT IT
A Navy fighter pilot beats the bureaucracy and builds a successful business.
26 TECH TALK
Powering the creator economy
28 THE C-SUITE LIFE
Multivision’s Bob Berkowitz helps companies turn ideas into visual narratives
32 MONEY MATTERS
The executive’s guide to financial clarity
THE MIDDLE
34 COVER STORY
Spirit Airlines ceased all operations on May 2nd. What comes next?
40 DUTY AND LEADERSHIP
A veteran physician reflects on leadership, responsibility, and patient care
42 CASUAL POWER
Madame Olivia taps into South Florida’s all-day dining scene
44 Building Through the Bottleneck
South Florida’s construction market is recalibrating
46 Celebrating South Florida’s Prestigious Women
Highlights of the annual SFBW Prestigious Women Awards
THE BACK
48 Community Connections
Habitat for Humanity mobilizes 300 volunteers and raises $1.17 million
THE COVER
AI photo illustration by Melanie Geronemus Smit
Not Just Strategy. Stability.
Wealth is more than what you build—it’s who you build it for.
At Gunster, we know that protecting generational wealth requires a deep understanding of what your family has established today and the legacy you want to leave tomorrow. Our attorneys guide family offices, private clients and their various enterprises to navigate complex tax landscapes, design estate plans, provide day-to-day business support, deploy capital and advance philanthropic ventures.
We are the constant in our clients’ lives, advising through evolving business needs and bridging the gap across generations. Because legacy isn’t shaped by a single transaction—it’s anchored in relationships that span decades.
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The Business of Travel
ach year, millions of people visit South Florida to get away from their jobs and bask in the sunshine.
For many of us, the hospitality and travel industries are our business. This issue of South Florida Business and Wealth, we’ll take a look at the industry at different angles and how it affects us.
Recently, Spirit Airlines, headquartered in Dania Beach, ceased operations. Nearly 5,000 Florida-based Spirit employees lost their jobs, but the ripple effect from this blow to our local tourism industry touched many more lives. On the flip side, we spotlight an entrepreneur who is succeeding with a much smaller scale airline.
We’ll also catch up with local professionals in the fields of medicine, construction, digital media and more as they share what inspires them to be successful. We hope you get inspired by reading their stories.
Laine Doss
Editor-in-Chief, South Florida Business and Wealth
Ldoss@lmgfl.com
Ombelle
Ombelle
Ombelle Fort Lauderdale has secured a critical early milestone, closing on $50 million in initial financing as the project advances through pre-construction in Flagler Village. The capital, provided by Dwight Mortgage Trust and arranged by The SHB Group, represents the first tranche of a broader $350 million construction financing package, signaling continued institutional confidence in large-scale residential development across South Florida’s urban core.
The timing is notable. Even as capital markets remain selective, developers with strong track records and well-positioned assets are still finding liquidity. Dependable Equities, the Brooklyn-based firm behind Ombelle, arrives with that credibility, fresh off a $765 million refinancing of its Rocklyn multifamily asset. That momentum appears to be carrying into Fort Lauderdale, where early buyer interest has reportedly tracked ahead of expectations.
Set to rise as two 44-story towers, Ombelle is part of a 1.4 millionsquare-foot mixed-use vision that reflects the continued evolution of Flagler Village from emerging district to established live-work-play corridor. The development leans heavily into lifestyle positioning, with more than 100,000 square feet of amenities and a planned Equinox Fitness Club anchoring its wellness offering.
For Fort Lauderdale, the project underscores a broader shift. As connectivity improves via Brightline and regional infrastructure, demand is deepening for residential product that mirrors the sophistication long associated with Miami. Ombelle’s progress suggests that capital and buyers alike are increasingly aligned on that trajectory, even in a more disciplined financing environment.
Boca Raton’s Glass House Advances With $70M Financing
MAXIM CAPITAL LOAN POSITIONS THE NINE-STORY LUXURY CONDOMINIUM FOR VERTICAL CONSTRUCTION AND A PROJECTED 2027 COMPLETION.
Construction is advancing on Glass House Boca Raton after the boutique residential development secured $70 million in construction financing from Maxim Capital, marking a major milestone for the downtown Boca Raton project.
The loan, brokered by Arrow Real Estate Advisors, will support the nine-story condominium’s vertical construction phase as the project moves toward its projected late-2027 completion. Arrow’s founder and managing partner Morris Betesh, along with senior vice president Morris Dabbah and associate Louis Halperin, arranged the financing.
Developed by 280 E Palme o Park Road LLC and led by CEO and partner Noam Ziv, Glass House Boca Raton is positioned as the first modern glass residential building in the heart of downtown Boca Raton. The construction loan refinances the project’s early-stage funding and supports the next stage of development following the completion of foundation work, including auger cast pile drilling and excavation.
Vertical construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
“We are very pleased to have secured this $70 million construction loan from Maxim Capital with the help of Arrow Real Estate Advisors for Glass House Boca Raton,” Ziv said in a statement. “This financing will propel Glass House toward completion and solidify its position as a luxury icon in the heart of Boca Raton.”
The development will feature 28 luxury residences ranging from approximately 2,500 to nearly 3,900 square feet, with pricing from $2.7 million to more than $8 million. Sales have already surpassed
one-third of the building’s inventory.
Planned amenities include a rooftop pool deck with ocean and Intracoastal views, a fitness center with wellness facilities, resident lounge spaces, and underground parking with EV-ready capabilities.
Charles Schwab Expands Florida Footprint With New Branches
THE BROKERAGE AND WEALTH MANAGEMENT FIRM OPENS FIVE LOCATIONS ACROSS THE STATE AS DEMAND GROWS FOR IN-PERSON FINANCIAL ADVICE.
Charles Schwab is expanding its presence across Florida with a series of new and upgraded branch openings designed to strengthen in-person relationships with clients and support the state’s rapidly growing population of investors.
The brokerage and wealth management firm recently opened new or improved branches in Palm Beach Gardens, Marco Island, Aventura, Delray Beach, and Jacksonville Beach as part of a broader nationwide effort to expand its physical footprint. The move reflects Schwab’s continued investment in Florida, where a steady influx of affluent residents and young professionals has increased demand for personalized financial guidance.
Company leaders say the expansion is intended to meet clients where they are, providing greater access to local financial professionals who can offer tailored advice at key moments in their financial lives.
The branches are designed to serve as hubs where clients can meet directly with Schwab
representatives to discuss a range of financial priorities, including opening brokerage accounts, developing investment strategies, planning for retirement, or preparing for major purchases such as a home.
Florida has become one of the firm’s most important growth markets in recent years as population migration, entrepreneurial activity, and wealth creation continue to accelerate across the state.
Cities such as Aventura, Delray Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens have seen a surge in high-networth households seeking more sophisticated financial planning and advisory services.
Schwab’s branch expansion aligns with the firm’s national strategy to deepen client relationships through a hybrid model that blends digital investing tools with in-person expertise.
By increasing its physical presence, Schwab aims to provide clients with both the convenience of technology and the reassurance of face-to-face financial guidance.
National Bank of Florida Expands International Focus
FIVE COUNTRY-SPECIFIC TEAMS TARGET RISING LATIN AMERICAN INVESTMENT FLOWING INTO FLORIDA.
As global capital continues to flow into Florida with increasing velocity, City National Bank of Florida (CNB) is refining how that capital is received, structured, and deployed. The Miami-headquartered institution has introduced five country-specific banking teams focused on Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic— each designed to meet the nuanced needs of international investors entering or expanding within the state.
The strategy reflects a broader shift in how financial institutions are approaching cross-border business. Rather than treating international clients as a single category, CNB is building localized expertise within each desk, pairing cultural fluency with regulatory insight. The result is a more tailored approach to services spanning corporate lending, private banking, and wealth management—areas where foreign investors often face structural and administrative friction.
The timing is deliberate. Foreign-affiliated companies now control more than $140 billion in Florida and employ over half a million workers, reinforcing the state’s role as a gateway for Latin American capital. CNB’s expansion, including the addition of nine international bankers over the past year, positions the bank to capture a greater share of that activity while deepening relationships with clients already operating in the U.S.
Beyond client services, the move aligns with the bank’s broader growth trajectory. Workforce expansion, alongside new corporate offices in Tampa and Orlando, signals a long-term commitment to scaling its footprint across Florida.
For South Florida, the implications are clear. As capital becomes more global, the institutions facilitating it are becoming more specialized in order to manage how investment lands, grows, and ultimately defines the region’s next phase.
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WHY I BUILT IT
Tropic Ocean Airways
A Navy fighter pilot beats the bureaucracy and builds a successful business.
■ BY JOSE P H A. MA N N JR.
IN RETURN
for serving their country, veterans are supposed to receive some help, consideration or preference when they start up a business. But Rob Ceravolo – a former U. S. Navy combat fighter pilot, Top Gun instructor, and air combat instructor - got just the opposite when he started a new seaplane passenger service - Tropic Ocean Airways - in 2009.
While Fort Lauderdale-based Tropic Ocean now operates a highly successful amphibious airline serving Florida, the Bahamas and destinations in New York, the business almost didn’t get off the ground.
Hypercautious banks, an anemic economy, and even the federal government lined up against him. Those snafus delayed initial operations for a year and a half and threatened to sink Ceravolo’s enterprise before it got started.
“I always wanted to start a business. I love flying and I love the water,” said Ceravolo, who grew up in South Florida and earned a degree in business administration at the University of Florida. The combat veteran, on active duty for ten years and a reservist for four more, was also fascinated by seaplanes, and inspired by the history of Chalk’s, which operated a seaplane business out of South Florida for 90 years until it shut down in in 2007.
Ceravolo said that he actually decided to move ahead with his
dream after reading Richard Branson’s motivational business book, Screw It, Let’s Do It . While still serving in the Navy reserve, he developed a business plan and visited several local banks.
“They laughed at me for wanting to start an aviation business in the middle of a recession with no assets,” he confided to South Florida Business and Wealth.
But luck intervened. At a wedding, Ceravolo met the owner of a small bank in Ohio who listened to the Navy veteran’s idea and approved a loan to buy Tropic Ocean’s first plane: a Cessna 206 seaplane. The next step was applying to the Federal Aviation Administration to certify his new commercial air service. “They told me it would take 90 days, but it took 18 months,” Ceravolo said.
For months, Ceravolo had his seaplane, startup costs and loan payments but couldn’t sign up the first paying passenger until his company was certified by the FAA. Still living on the limited wages of a Navy reserve pilot, Ceravolo found himself in a
SOCIAL MEDIA WASN’T BIG BACK THEN, SO I DROVE UP AND DOWN
THE KEYS WITH MY STACK OF BUSINESS CARDS, MEETING WITH CHAMBERS
OF COMMERCE,
RESTAURANTS
AND
HOTELS
AND RESORTS. WE STARTED OUT BEING B2B, OFFERING TO FLY CLIENTS FROM MIAMI AND FORT LAUDERDALE TO THEIR RESORTS, ESPECIALLY TO PLACES IN REMOTE LOCATIONS.
dilemma. “I had to sell my house, my boat and a classic car to make the loan payments. I got around on a bicycle, while the plane was sitting on a ramp for a year and a half.”
Finally, the FAA certification came through and Tropic Ocean made its inaugural flight - a charter from Miami to Key West –in March 2011.
The pilot was Nick Veltre, currently the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, who was Ceravolo’s first employee and helped him set up Tropic Ocean from the very beginning. The two met when Ceravolo – who flew F-14, F-18 Hornet and F-5 combat fighter planes – had to be certified to pilot the singleengine seaplanes in Tropic Ocean’s fleet. Veltre, a Marine Corps veteran and former crew chief on CH-53E Super Stallion
heavy helicopters, was his instructor at Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base in Winter Haven, a special school for training seaplane pilots. “I asked Nick if he wanted to work for me, and he agreed.”
To build his customers base, Ceravolo spent most of his time on the road, and only flew Tropic Ocean planes occasionally. “Social media wasn’t big back then, so I drove up and down the Keys with my stock of business cards, meeting with chambers of commerce, restaurants and hotels and resorts. We started out being B2B, offering to fly clients from Miami and Fort Lauderdale to their resorts, especially to places in remote locations.”
The airline stressed excellent customer service, professionalism and on time performance and steadily grew the business, always based on the teamwork and dedication to service Ceravolo learned in the military. Tropic Ocean has amphibious planes – that can take off and land on water – and other aircraft that can serve land-based destinations, giving the company great flexibility in service offerings.
Ceravolo acquired a second seaplane plane in 2013 and added scheduled routes to the growing airline’s charters service.
Today, Fort Lauderdale-based Tropic Ocean is a thriving enterprise. It flies ten planes (eight of them
amphibious), has 85 employees, covers scheduled routes from Florida to the Bahamas and Manha an to the Hamptons, and offers charters wherever customers want to go throughout the region.
The private airline has flown more than 650,000 passengers on over 200,000 flights with an excellent safety record.
Tropic Ocean rushed to help damaged communities through four hurricanes, delivering more than 300,000 pounds of food, medical supplies and other aid throughout the Bahamas and the Caribbean Tropic Ocean also has rescued more than 1,000 people trapped in areas devastated by hurricanes.
Last year, Ceravolo left the CEO position at Tropic Ocean after 16 years, and remains a board member, part owner and strategic advisor.
He currently owns and runs a strategic advisory firm, rcspeaks. com, and sits on the boards of directors of other companies.
“After 16 years as CEO, I decided it was time to hand the reins over,” Ceravolo said.
“When you look back on your life, you ask who did you impact, who did you help? I’m very proud to think I had the biggest impact on the people who worked for us, passengers we served, and the people we helped during disasters. I love to mentor and coach people, to help them start a business. That’s what I’m doing now.”
■ BY JES S E SCOTT
Powering the Creator Economy
In South Florida’s increasingly influential creator economy, Olivia Ormos is less focused on content than on what powers it.
As founder of mavn, the Miami entrepreneur is building the infrastructure layer behind influencer marketing, a space that has grown rapidly but, until recently, remained operationally fragmented.
Launched in December 2022, mavn was designed to solve a problem Ormos had encountered firsthand after years managing influencer campaigns: the process was inefficient, manual and difficult to measure at scale. “It always felt like there had to be a be er way,” she says.
That premise has quickly translated into traction. The platform has surpassed $1 million in revenue, a racted more than 10,000 organic creator applications and built a curated network of roughly 1,500 creators with a combined reach of 748 million followers. Brands including Zillow, Sony Music, Live Nation, Steve Madden
and Don Julio have used mavn to execute campaigns with greater speed and transparency.
At its core, mavn functions as a centralized system for creator discovery, campaign management and performance tracking. It replaces the spreadsheets and informal outreach that once defined the space with a structured platform that allows brands to measure impressions, engagement and earned media value in real time. The company has already paid out more than $375,000 to creators, underscoring its role as both marketplace and operating
The technology, however, is rooted in experience rather than abstraction. Ormos’ career began in Miami’s nightlife and events sector, where she developed an early understanding of how brands, audiences and cultural moments intersect. By her early 20s, she was leading marketing efforts for major hospitality venues,
Olivia Ormos builds mavn into a platform for brands, creators and live experiences.
building relationships that continue to inform her business today.
She co-founded Model Volleyball at 25, creating a long-running event platform that blends sport, entertainment and brand activation. That environment became an early testing ground for influencer marketing, well before the term entered the mainstream.
Today, mavn is extending that model into a broader technology platform, particularly within experiential marketing. In 2026, the company served as the exclusive creator accreditation system for events at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, allowing organizers to manage applications and track content generated across the event ecosystem.
The company is also expanding into adjacent verticals. A proprietary music tracker, launched in 2025, enables artists and labels to measure the performance of influencerdriven campaigns, while mavn Academy provides training and monetization strategies for emerging creators. More than 1,000 participants enrolled in its first class.
For Ormos, Miami has played a critical role in shaping the company’s trajectory. “It’s become a content hub,” she says, pointing to the influx of creators, brands and capital into the region.
That positioning has allowed mavn to
THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES STILL COME FROM REAL RELATIONSHIPS.
scale from a local network into a platform with national ambitions. Expansion into New York and Los Angeles is underway, alongside the rollout of a new business dashboard designed to further streamline campaign management and analytics.
Yet even as the company leans into technology, its foundation remains distinctly human.
“The best opportunities still come from real relationships,” Ormos says.
In a category often defined by rapid growth and constant reinvention, that balance between platform and people may prove to be mavn’s most durable advantage.
THE C-SUITE LIFE
The Art of the Pitch
For nearly five decades, Multivision’s Bob Berkowitz has helped companies win high-stakes business by turning complex ideas into compelling visual narratives
■ BY JOSE P H A. MA N N JR.
AS THE FOUNDER
and CEO of Multivision
Video & Film Inc., Bob Berkowitz has been telling compelling visual stories about a host of businesses and other institutions for decades.
The Miami-based company combines creativity with advanced technology as it develops persuasive visual presentations for clients. A leader in its field, Multivision produces high-quality corporate videos for sales, training, and marketing. It also creates infomercials, trade show presentations, and other types of business promotions for electronic media. In the past, it has pioneered the use of educational kiosks at schools and has built 3-D video projections and vibrant visual displays at museums, like the Ellis Island Museum in New York City.
THE LURE OF MAJOR PROJECTS
Multivision has also told the stories of hundreds of clients that reads like a “who’s who” of local, regional, and multinational companies such as Brightline, Pepsi, IBM, Moët Hennessy, the Related Group, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and the Jackson Health Foundation.
The company has also worked with the developers and builders of the Port of Miami Tunnel, the Seminole Tribe of Florida (casinos), the designers of Fort Lauderdale’s new city hall, and has promoted Miami for three Super Bowls.
Over the last three decades, Berkowitz has seen the growth of bidding competition for major projects in the public and private sectors and has focused much of his company’s a ention on “pitching,” or preparing clients—like architects, builders, and developers—to compete for
multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects such as new airports, water and sewage systems, transportation, and energy.
“Our ability to tell a story is critical,” Berkowitz tells South Florida Business & Wealth, adding, “We’re visual communicators - a creative company with a technology arm. And I always think about the audience.”
While some Multivision videos are shot on location with professional crews and HD or 4K equipment, the company’s core team of six audiovisual professionals uses green-screen technology, LED screens, a virtual reality stage, and other production gear in their studio for much of the work. “We can create an environment anywhere in the world,” Berkowitz says. “Everything can be manipulated into whatever you want, and your talent is walking in front of it.”
A HAPPY ACCIDENT
Although Berkowitz has been a leader in corporate video since 1977, his initial passion was archaeology and anthropology. He found himself in Miami after graduating Penn State. Looking for work, he linked up with a group that was trying to find underwater treasure from sunken ships in Honduras and other parts of Central and South America. An avid photographer since high school, Berkowitz spent about two years shooting underwater film as the team—using a former U.S. Navy salvage
I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A GEEK, AND I’VE ALWAYS LIKED TECHNOLOGY. I LOVE MY JOB.” “
vessel—searched for shipwrecks. “It wasn’t a job… it was a life,” he said. Berkowitz returned to Miami without finding any treasure. Luckily, a neighbor who worked in Burger King’s corporate headquarters was looking for someone to make a training video for the fast food company “He asked if I knew how to make a film. So that’s how I got my first gig.” Burger King was so pleased with Berkowitz’s work they hired him to do other corporate videos. “They were my only client at first, but then I found work with Popeyes, Arby’s, Hardee’s, and Domino’s. I also gained about 50 pounds.” By 1977, Berkowitz had enough work to start Multivision as a corporate communications firm and hire a small production crew. Over the years, Berkowitz’s reputation for high-quality videos spread beyond fast food, with clients in other sectors like cruise lines, real estate, hotels, tourism, and product branding raching out to his team.
ONE STEP AHEAD
Berkowitz says the key to his success is to stay ahead of the curve by embracing the latest innovations, while still providing exceptional customer service. “I’ve always been a geek, and I’ve always liked technology. I love my job.”
Bob Berkowitz setting up some green screen magic
Denise Guevara, DO
MONEY MATTERS
■ BY STEV E N KLE I N
The Executive’s Guide to Financial Clarity
From liquidity to legacy planning, a framework for navigating complexity at the highest levels of wealth.
Financial success
rarely arrives with simplicity. For executives and business owners, growing wealth often introduces a new layer of complexity, where liquidity, tax exposure, and family dynamics demand the same level of discipline as the enterprise itself. Steven Klein, managing partner at Gerson, Preston, Klein, Lips, Eisenberg, & Gelber PLLC, has spent decades advising highperforming leaders on bringing structure and intentionality to that equation. His perspective reframes personal finance not as a passive outcome of business success, but as an active, evolving strategy; one that requires coordination, foresight, and a willingness to engage the right expertise early.
Q: Even highly successful executives can feel financially reactive. Where do they lose clarity, and how can they regain control without adding complexity?
A: Many leaders prioritize their business finances while overlooking personal opportunities. Clarity comes from consistent self-assessment and early engagement with advisors. Strategic planning around tax, estate structures, and family governance can unlock options that may be limited if addressed too late.
Q: The 50/30/20 rule is often seen as a consumer tool. How should highincome households adapt it?
A: The proportions become less relevant at higher income levels, but the framework still holds. The focus shifts toward long-term and
multigenerational planning. Regular collaboration with advisors helps refine strategies as family dynamics, liquidity, and tax considerations evolve.
Q: How are modern financial tools improving visibility for executives managing personal wealth?
A: Today’s dashboards provide a high-level, real-time view of portfolios while enhancing coordination among advisors. This allows executives to maintain oversight while benefiting from more integrated, strategic decision-making.
Q: With student loan repayments resuming, what guidance should leaders offer younger professionals?
A: Loans can quickly become a significant high-interest obligation. Advice should center on interest rates, earning potential, and disciplined cash flow management. Where appropriate, family gifting strategies can also be considered to reduce long-term burden.
Q: High-interest debt exists even at the executive level. How should it be evaluated?
A: Debt should be assessed strategically, not emotionally. Equity-heavy compensation can create liquidity gaps, sometimes leading to shortterm borrowing. The key is managing leverage carefully and ensuring tax efficiency through advisor guidance.
Q: How does psychology influence financial decisions among executives?
A: Success in business does not always translate to personal wealth management. Bias, risk tolerance, and past experiences all play a role. Specialized advisors help balance risk and opportunity as wealth and family complexity grow.
Q: What do sophisticated borrowers misunderstand about credit?
A: Credit is a tool that requires disciplined analysis. Effective use depends on aligning borrowing with clear objectives and risk tolerance. Coordination between tax and wealth advisors can also uncover potential advantages tied to interest expense.
Q: How should entrepreneurs think about emergency reserves?
A: Personal and business finances must remain distinct. While risk-taking defines entrepreneurship, protecting personal financial stability is essential. Liquidity planning ensures resilience amid business volatility.
Q: What are some common retirement planning blind spots for founders and senior leaders?
A: The most valuable planning opportunities often occur early, before significant business growth. Structures like qualified small business stock and trusts can be highly effective. Leaders should view personal wealth as its own enterprise, requiring proactive management and advisor collaboration.
Q: What habits help leaders stay financially agile in a shifting environment?
A: Ongoing curiosity and consistent dialogue with advisors are critical. Financial plans must evolve alongside legislation and life changes. Estate strategies, in particular, require regular updates to remain effective as tax laws shift.
For 34 years
, Spirit was one of air travel’s most talked-about airlines. Known for budget flights with few included amenities, Spirit served the everyday people who needed a value-friendly way to get to family reunions, reunite with loved ones, or take a needed break.
Though sometimes scoffed at for nickel and dining passengers with charges for everything from seat assignments to a can of soda, the airline did right by its passengers where it counted.
A Young Fleet with Seasoned Pilots
Spirit was regarded in the industry as one of the safest airlines flying. It required a minimum of 1,500 flight hours for First Officers and maintained one of the youngest fleets in the U.S., with an average aircraft age of 5.9 years. More admirably, Spirit Airlines had never had a major crash or fatality in its history, although there have been several recorded incidents, such as a turbulence event that resulted in one serious injury, as reported by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in 2019.
Financial Troubles, a Sudden Closure
Unfortunately, Spirit’s finances weren’t as strong as its safety record. The airline filed for bankruptcy in
November 2024, just months after celebrating the opening of its 180,000-square-foot headquarters and campus in Dania Beach, which cost approximately $250 million. Spirit emerged from that bankruptcy in early 2025 but filed a second bankruptcy in August 2025. The airline continued to struggle with high fuel costs and falling fare revenue, and ultimately ceased operations at 3 a.m. on May 2nd after talks for a $500 million federal bailout fell through.
Overnight, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport’s Terminal 4 became a ghost town. “For 33 years, Spirit Airlines was a valued airline partner at the Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport (FLL), and we’re deeply saddened by its cessation of operations and for the impact its loss will have on its employees and travelers,” said Mark Bogen, Broward County Mayor.
About 17,000 direct and indirect Spirit employees instantly lost their jobs, including more than 1,200 Fort Lauderdale-based flight attendants, according to a representative for the Association of Flight Attendants, the union that represents Spirit flight
“
FOR
33 YEARS,
THE FORT
SPIRIT
AIRLINES
WAS A VALUED
AIRLINE PARTNER AT
LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (FLL),
AND WE’RE DEEPLY SADDENED BY ITS CESSATION OF OPERATIONS AND FOR THE IMPACT ITS LOSS WILL HAVE ON ITS EMPLOYEES AND TRAVELERS.”
attendants. Spirit’s employees weren’t the only ones affected in South Florida. Travelers both into and out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport were left stranded for days, with other airlines rushing in to provide alternative flights.
Spirit’s demise was the domino that set off a chain of events that seemed unfathomable just a few weeks ago. That same day, fellow value carrier JetBlue announced it would provide $99 fares to stranded Spirit passengers. Additionally, it expanded its presence at FLL, adding 11 new cities to its route map and 22 additional daily flights to its schedule. Avianca, the national airline of Colombia,
also added flights from Fort Lauderdale to Bogotá and Baranquilla.
The Business of Closure
When Spirit ceased operations on May 2, its fleet of 90 bright yellow “flying bananas” was scattered among the airports it served. About two-thirds of the fleet was leased and is in the process of being ferried back to its owners. The remaining 28 planes will eventually be liquidated, along with Spirit’s other assets. In the meantime, eagle-eyed people might have seen some Spirit planes taking off from FLL. These planes were bound for Phoenix, where they will be stored for the foreseeable future.
Broward County Commissioners are considering purchasing the nearly-new Spirit Headquarters, after Commissioner Michael Udine proposed the idea as an alternative to its original plans to construct a new 14-story government center to the cost of more than $663 million. Although the idea to purchase Spirit’s building is in very initial stages, Broward County Mayor Mark Bogan did allocate $25,000 for outside council to evaluate the potential deal. At this moment, Spirit corporate employees are still in the process of closing down an airline, and a visit to the Dania Beach campus saw employees stll coming in and out of the building.
Go Fund Me
Airplanes and buildings don’t need happy endings. People do. Although Spirit Airlines promised its employees immediate compensation for hours worked in its “transition letter”, many say they haven’t received their pay yet. A classaction lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York claiming that the airline violated the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, which required at least 60 days of advance notice for major layoffs, with plaintiffs seeking 60 days of wages and benefits.
Many former employees have started GoFundMe campaigns. One campaign, started to help the 267 ramp agents who were laid off, states, “We were the people behind the scenes, the ones most passengers never saw. We worked in the blazing Florida heat, heavy rain, lightning delays, and exhausting overnight shifts to keep flights moving safely and on time. We loaded bags, marshaled aircraft, operated heavy equipment, handled cargo, and worked under constant pressure to make sure families made it home, vacations happened, and flights departed safely every single day.”
Spirit 2.0?
In the midst of the chaos, one man has started a grassroots campaign that would help Spirit rise from its ashes. Voiceover actor Hunter Peterson started a “Let’s Buy Spirit” campaign. Whether initially in jest, Peterson’s plea struck a major chord. As of May 9, 371,552 people pledged a total of $337 million to purchase Spirit Airlines under the premise that each person who contributes funds would receive one voting share in the airline, with profits shared proportionally according to the amount of capital invested. The website, letsbuyspiritair.com, initially crashed due to demand. The pledges, it’s important to note, are non-binding and require no actual investment, with Peterson warning his followers that there are already scam accounts asking for real currency.
Don’t be quick to write off the Spirit 2.0 model. Peterson has secured a legal fund to vet the feasibility of this idea. He’s been speaking with Spirit Flight Attendants’ Union representatives who have relayed their support for the idea. South Florida Business & Wealth reached out to the would-be airline CEO, but Peterson has repeatedly said he would not speak to media outlets at this time. If Peterson’s idea works, Fort Lauderdale’s airspace could once again be filled with flying bananas. This time around, let’s hope the sodas and peanuts are complimentary.
Duty, Leadership, and the Long View
A veteran physician reflects on leadership, responsibility, and patient care beyond the clinic.into compelling visual narratives.
tif M. Hussein,
M.D., Medical Director
and Program
Director
of the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at Memorial Cancer Institute and a member of the Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, reflects on leadership, philanthropy, and the evolving demands of cancer care.
Q: After more than two decades at Memorial, why take on a role with the Foundation board?
I was recruited from Duke 25 years ago to help build what was then a small cancer program. Today, Memorial Cancer Institute includes dozens of specialists, a 125,000-square-foot facility, and recognition as a Cancer Center of Excellence.
Serving on the Foundation board allows me to advocate for what I see every day at the bedside. Medicine alone isn’t enough. Philanthropy bridges the gap between what is possible and what is truly transformative, helping align donor support with research, education, and patient care.
Q: What breakthroughs are being accelerated by donor support?
One priority is establishing a Phase I Clinical Trials Unit, which allows us to offer new treatments to patients years before they are widely available. These trials are complex and resourceintensive, often beyond traditional
funding.
We are also advancing immunotherapies, including Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell treatments for solid tumors and therapies that help the immune system better recognize cancer. These approaches are powerful but require specialized teams, labs, and monitoring.
Because of this complexity, patients often travel far from home for care. Our goal is to offer these treatments locally, allowing patients to remain in their community while accessing leadingedge options.
Q: Why is philanthropy essential to sustaining modern cancer care?
Patient care revenue alone no longer supports the full scope of what cancer programs require. A significant portion of funding must come from philanthropy and grants to sustain growth, innovation, and access.
Q: How does donor support translate into everyday impact for patients?
Access is everything. Through the Memorial Foundation, patients receive help with transportation, utilities, and living expenses. In some months,
hundreds rely on this support just to continue treatment.
These are often modest interventions, but they are critical. If a patient cannot get to an appointment or is overwhelmed financially, even the best care cannot succeed.
Philanthropy also addresses deeply personal challenges. We treated a young pregnant patient diagnosed with cancer in her first trimester. With the right support, she completed treatment and today has a healthy child. These are the moments that define the impact.
Q: Why is training the next generation of oncologists so important?
Education is one of our most meaningful investments. Our fellowship program shapes how physicians think, collaborate, and care for patients. Fellows gain experience across community and advanced care settings, preparing them for a wide range of cases.
Our collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center expands exposure to complex conditions and advanced therapies. Donor support strengthens both education and research, ensuring we train physicians who will serve this community for decades.
Q: What opportunities lie ahead for Memorial Cancer Institute?
Cancer care is moving toward personalized treatment, advanced immunotherapy, and expanded access. Establishing a Phase I research program and investing in infrastructure are key priorities. These efforts will reduce wait times and allow us to serve more patients with complex needs.
Q: What would you want donors to understand about their impact?
Their support changes lives, both immediately and long term. Philanthropy enables innovation, education, and compassionate care. It ensures that when someone hears “you have cancer,” they can also hear that world-class care is available close to home.
MORE ROOM FOR WHAT MATTERS™
POLISHED CASUAL POWER
Madame Olivia taps into South Florida’s all-day dining boom with a scratch-made approach, steady growth plan and a distinctly personal touch.
In a region where dining trends can turn on a dime, a new class of polished-casual cafés is reshaping how South Floridians eat from morning through night. Think the steady rise of Pura Vida, Crema Gourmet and Maman, all spaces built for coffee meetings, midday resets and non-rushed dinners.
Now, North Miami’s Madame Olivia is carving out its own lane in that conversation, with European technique and a measured growth strategy rooted locally.
For co-owner Oren Cohen, the concept was always personal. Named after his daughter, Olivia, the café-bistro-bakery at 1821 NE 123rd Street opened quietly in 2025 and has since built a loyal following on word-ofmouth, scratch-made cooking and the kind of hospitality that turns firsttimers into regulars.
“Our goal with Madame Olivia was to create a place that feels like a home away from home,” Cohen says. “A morning coffee can turn into a long conversation, and a lunch can feel as nourishing as it is delicious.”
That traction speaks to a broader market shift.
South Florida diners increasingly want venues that can carry them through the day without sacrificing quality or ambiance. Madame Olivia answers with all-day
breakfast, sandwiches, salads, coffee drinks, and an in-house bakery led by executive chef and co-owner Stephan Laurent, whose background spans France, China, and Israel.
For Cohen, success has come down to obsessive a ention to detail. “It’s not luck,” he says. “Whatever we do, we do it 100 percent.”
That philosophy shows up in the coffee program, with beans sourced from Brazil and Costa Rica, roasted in Miami every two weeks and brewed on a La Marzocco system. It shows up in the bread, too, with flour imported from a small French mill that Laurent has worked with for decades. “When it’s important, we’re going to give it extra a ention,” Cohen says.
The menu mirrors the brand’s French-Mediterranean DNA. Guests might start with a cinnamon cruffin or shakshuka croissant, pivot to avocado toast or a full breakfast, then se le into dishes like labneh chimichurri roasted salmon or braised short rib pasta. The Basque cheesecake has become a marquee draw. “We have people driving one hour for that cheesecake,” Cohen says. Operationally, that quality comes with trade-offs. Unlike brands
built for rapid rollout through centralized kitchens, Madame Olivia prepares and bakes on-site, with approximately 35 employees in North Miami, including bakers, kitchen staff, and front-of-house team members.
“We are working completely differently,” Cohen says. “We are cooking and baking everything on the spot.”
That complexity is shaping the brand’s growth plan. A second Madame Olivia is slated for Midtown Miami in 2026, bringing the concept closer to the walkable neighborhoods around Edgewater, Wynwood, and the Design District. Cohen says the goal is steady
expansion, not a land grab.“We will open one or two shops a year,” he says. “This is our rhythm.”
Long term, the focus remains on South Florida, beginning with Miami-Dade before potentially expanding north. Cohen sees significant room for the concept, especially as diners become more value-conscious. “There is enough demand here to support more than 20 locations,” he says. “We’re based here. We stay here. We like it here. There are good business opportunities here.”
Part of that opportunity is price positioning. In a market where brunch or lunch can easily reach $50 to $60 per person, Madame Olivia aims to deliver a polished experience at a lower check average. “We give you probably a be er experience for about $35,” Cohen says. “The value for money is crucial.”
Equally important is the relationship with regulars. Cohen says some guests come for breakfast, return for lunch, and visit multiple times a week. The team learns their names and their orders. “When you go to a place where the team is familiar with you already, it makes you much more comfortable,” he says. “You want to return there more often.”
BUILDING THROUGH THE BOTTLENECK
Demand remains strong across South Florida, but rising costs, stalled deals, and execution challenges are reshaping how projects move from concept to completion
■ BY JESSICA GRAVES
outh Florida’s construction market is not slowing down. It is recalibrating. Across the region, pipelines remain active, driven by population growth, corporate migration, and sustained investment. Yet beneath that momentum, a more complex reality is taking shape. Projects are not disappearing. They are hesitating.
“Demand feels high, but new deals aren’t closing,” says Rafael Reyes, president of U.S. Construction Corp. “We are seeing a lot of projects on the horizon and in the bidding phase, but clients aren’t moving forward because costs are too high.”
Reyes has spent more than two decades navigating these cycles. From Coral Gables, he oversees finance, operations, and strategy while remaining closely involved in the firm’s most complex projects across industrial facilities, restaurants, retail, and high-end commercial interiors.
That tension between appetite and execution is defining this cycle. Developers continue to pursue deals across hospitality, mixed-use, and retail, but many are pausing before breaking ground. Rising costs, site constraints,
and prolonged permi ing timelines are pushing projects into extended value-engineering phases or pu ing them on hold.
In food and beverage and hospitality, the slowdown is especially visible. “We’re seeing more office interior and residential work, while F&B and hospitality have slowed,” Reyes says. Retail activity, meanwhile, is largely tied to new developments rather than standalone expansion.
Even major initiatives, including the planned overhaul of concessions and retail at Miami International Airport, remain in early design stages, underscoring how long the path to execution has become.
At the same time, a quieter segment is accelerating. “In this cycle, we’re also seeing more HOA repair, maintenance and renovation work than ever before,” Reyes says, pointing to aging buildings and increased regulatory pressure.
The shift is not only about what is being built, but how.
The traditional design-bidbuild model is losing ground, increasingly viewed as a race to the lowest price. In its place, a more collaborative approach is emerging.
“You need to expand beyond traditional design-bid-build,” Reyes says. “Contractors need to provide more preconstruction and design assist services to become a partner in the development process.”
That evolution is redefining the contractor’s role from executor to advisor, particularly on complex projects where early coordination shapes outcomes. It also raises the bar for entry, favoring firms with specialized expertise.
Challenges remain persistent. Labor shortages, rising insurance costs, and supply chain pressures continue to shape timelines and
“YOU NEED TO EXPAND BEYOND TRADITIONAL DESIGN-BID-BUILD,” REYES SAYS.
“CONTRACTORS NEED TO PROVIDE MORE PRECONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN ASSIST SERVICES TO BECOME A PARTNER IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS.”
capital in the market, but execution, operations and asset management are more important than financing,” Reyes says.
“Understanding what the client really needs and focusing on execution is everything.”
budgets. The response has shifted toward adaptability.
“Costs are high across the board, including skilled labor, insurance and much more, and you have to plan accordingly and explain these costs to the customer,” Reyes says.
“Successful execution is less about forcing schedules and more about anticipating constraints, aligning teams early and maintaining flexibility.”
That emphasis on execution has become a defining theme. Financing, while still relevant, is no longer the primary concern for many developers.
“There is plenty of investment
Within this environment, firms are rethinking growth. Diversification is no longer optional.
“Our expansion into select luxury residential and new commercial and industrial sectors builds on where we already create the most value,” Reyes says. “Complex projects that demand precision, planning and focused execution.”
At the core, however, the business remains relational.
“We are a relationship-driven builder,” Reyes says. “Success ultimately comes down to trust, alignment and listening to our clients.”
2026 PWA AWARDS
2026 Celebrating South Florida’s Prestigious Women Highlights of the annual SFBW Prestigious Women Awards
Nearly a decade ago
, South Florida Business & Wealth (SFBW) launched the Prestigious Women Awards with one goal: to recognize women who are doing extraordinary things. This year, SFBW once again celebrated the women who have made our community a great place to live and work.
For nearly a year, the SFBW advisory board, comprised of some of the respected C-suite leaders in the region, reviewed more than 400 nominnees, reading the stories behind some of South Florida’s most inspiring women. Each honoree was selected through a points-based process evaluating leadership, growth, professional success, and community impact.
On April 29, these women were celebrated at a gala luncheon at Fort Lauderdale’s The Venue, with the help of presenting sponsor Nicklaus Children’s Health System. Other sponsors included
Dr. Jane Spanich, Michelle Simon, and Kristin Hanke
Seacoast Bank and Transworld (silver sponsors), Recovery Unplugged (diamond sponsor), Responsive Home Care, Handy, South Florida Event Rentals, Weber Ranch Vodka, New River Floral, Deluxe MedSpa & Beauty and Print Basics (emerald sponsors), The Venue, Balloons Galore & More, and JOEY Restaurant Group (partner sponsors), and DJ Jewels and Ry Rivers (entertainment sponsors).
Jennifer Guttenberg, Gary Press, Michelle Simon, and Fred Guttenberg
Jenni Morejon, Kim Sarni
Ry Rivers
Nicklaus Children’s Health Systems
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
WOMEN BUILD 2026 DELIVERS RECORD IMPACT
Habitat for Humanity mobilizes 300 volunteers and raises $1.17 million.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County’s Women Build brought together more than 300 volunteers March 12–13 in West Palm Beach. Led by cochairs Rana Levy and Christy Maasbach, with honorary co-chairs Julie Peyton and Mary Allen Saunders, the initiative united community members, sponsors, and future homeowners to build three affordable homes, complete exterior painting, and construct fencing panels.
Part of Habitat’s 40th anniversary, the event raised more than $1.17 million through fundraising and grants, marking a record year. Despite severe weather shortening one build day, participation remained strong, reinforcing Women Build’s role in advancing affordable homeownership in Palm Beach County.
Women Build co-chairs Rana Levy & Christy Maasbach
Pamela Dalton, Kim Sarni, & Stephanie Seltzer
2026 Prestigious Women Awards Luncheon
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Bloom In Full
Congratulations to Our Prestigious Women Award Honorees
It is a privilege to recognize this year’s Prestigious Women Award honorees. Each of you has built something that stands on its own merit, shaped by discipline, vision, and a clear sense of purpose.
Your achievements are not only impressive, they carry weight. Through leadership, innovation, and resilience, you have moved industries forward, opened doors, and made a measurable impact in the communities you serve. There is intention behind what you do, and it shows.
This year’s theme, Women in Bloom, reflects a kind of growth that is earned. Not effortless, not decorative, but developed over time through challenge, reinvention, and persistence. You have honed your strengths, adapted when necessary, and stepped into your roles with confidence. The result is influence that is both visible and lasting.
This recognition goes beyond titles or milestones. It acknowledges the opportunities you have created, the barriers you have broken, and the example you continue to set. Your work has reach, and it creates momentum for others.
On behalf of our editorial team, congratulations on this well-deserved honor. We are proud to celebrate you.
Sincerely,
Lifestyle Media Group
PRESENTING SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSORS DIAMOND SPONSOR
EMERALD SPONSORS
RUBY SPONSOR
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSORS PARTNER SPONSORS
DESIREE SAUNDERS!
2026 PRESTIGIOUS WOMEN AWARDS HONOREE
Your dedication, leadership, and heart have created pathways of opportunity for so many in the community.
We are proud to celebrate you and the difference you make every day.
Dear Honored Guests,
On behalf of the entire Nicklaus Children’s Health System family, it is our distinct pleasure to welcome you to the South Florida Business & Wealth Prestigious Women’s Awards. Today, we gather to celebrate visionary women whose leadership reshapes industries, strengthens communities, and inspires the next generation to dream boldly.
At Nicklaus Children’s Health System, women drive our mission forward every day—whether they are pioneering medical breakthroughs at a child’s bedside, guiding strategy in our executive suites, or mentoring colleagues across our health system. More than 70 percent of our workforce--and many of our senior leaders--are women whose expertise, empathy, and resilience have made us a national leader in pediatric care. We know organizations thrive when women are empowered to lead and innovate.
That is why we are proud to sponsor an event that amplifies women’s achievements across South Florida’s business, finance, technology, and nonprofit sectors. Recognizing and elevating these trailblazers is more than a celebration—it is a call to action. When we champion one another’s successes, share our knowledge generously, and pave the way for those who follow, we create workplaces and communities where everyone can flourish.
Honorees, your accomplishments embody the spirit of collaboration and boldness our region needs. Thank you for being part of a movement that lifts women up and, in doing so, builds a brighter, stronger South Florida. Enjoy this day of inspiration, connection, and well deserved recognition.
We look forward to partnering with you in creating environments where every woman can reach her highest potential.
With gratitude,
Matthew A. Love President & Chief Executive Officer
Nicklaus Children’s Health System
Allison W. Baker President of the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation and Senior Vice President, Nicklaus Children’s Health System
C-SUITE EXECUTIVESBANKING & FINANCE SERVICES
BIANA MURNANE
PRESIDENT & CEO OF BRIGHTSTAR
CREDIT UNION
Biana Murnane is president and CEO of BrightStar Credit Union, one of South Florida’s largest, fastest growing and most innovative financial institutions. A seasoned leader in financial services with over 25 years of experience, Murnane has been a catalyst for change and growth at BrightStar, overseeing everything from finances to overall operations. Thanks to her strategic leadership and unwavering commitment, the credit union recently surpassed the $1 billion asset milestone, reflecting sustained growth, strong financial performance and the trust of its expanding membership. Murnane sits on the Board of the Broward College Foundation. She was named one of South Florida Business Journal’s Influential Business Women of 2024 and CEO Magazine’s Women of Influence in 2026.
C-SUITE EXECUTIVESGOVERNMENT
JENNI MOREJON
PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE FORT LAUDERDALE
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
As President & CEO of the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority, Jenni combines her public-sector background with private-sector pragmatism to attract investment and consistently improve Fort Lauderdale’s urban core. Starting as an entry-level city planner 26 years ago, Jenni has not only witnessed the total transformation of Fort Lauderdale over the decades but has also been at the forefront of policy development and capital projects that paved the way for significant growth and enhanced livability in the city’s downtown. Jenni recently completed the city’s first public-private-philanthropic partnership for public spaces, renovating downtown’s iconic Huizenga Park. She leads a team who successfully raised $8M in private funding to support a $15M capital project by standing up a non-profit governance model and executing an operational and programming plan that will support Huizenga Park and other downtown parks for decades to come.
C-SUITE EXECUTIVESHEALTH CARE
RACHEL BLUMBERG
PRESIDENT & CEO OF SINAI RESIDENCES OF BOCA RATON
Rachel Blumberg is President and CEO of Toby & Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences in Boca Raton, Florida, a fivestar not-for-profit senior living community with over $500 million in assets and more than one million square feet. She has worked in senior care since 1994, beginning her career at age 18. Since 2021, she has led a campus that includes independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care services.
Under her leadership, Sinai Residences has twice been named the #1 Best Place to Work in America for Aging Services (Small/Medium Category), reflecting her focus on culture and staff wellbeing. She is a national advocate in senior living through LeadingAge and the American Business Immigration Coalition, serves on multiple boards, and founded the Women’s Leadership Network in 2021. In 2026, she will be inducted into McKnight’s Women of Distinction Hall of Honor.
C-SUITE EXECUTIVESHEALTH CARE
DANIELLE HARTMAN
PRESIDENT & CEO OF RUTH & NORMAN RALES JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE
Danielle N. Hartman has served as President and CEO of Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS) since March 2010. Under her leadership, the organization’s operating budget has grown to more than $25 million, with endowments and investible assets exceeding $15 million. She has focused on diversifying revenue streams and strengthening community partnerships to expand services and ensure long-term sustainability.
Danielle earned her M.S. in Nonprofit Management from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in 2010 and was recognized as a Distinguished Alumna in 2017. She remains actively engaged with the university, serving on advisory boards for the FAU Sandler School of Social Work and the School of Public Administration, and teaching strategic planning within its management certification program. In 2024, she was nominated for a Women in Leadership Award by the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches, recognizing her continued impact in the nonprofit sector.
C-SUITE EXECUTIVESREAL ESTATE
VERONICA GORSON MANAGING DIRECTOR AT PMG - PROPERTY MARKETS GROUP
Veronica Gorson has over 21 years of experience in luxury real estate and has helped position South Florida as a global hub for high-end development. As Managing Director of Development Sales and Marketing at PMG, she oversees more than $6.8 billion in new development sales and leads strategy across the firm’s national portfolio.
She helped build PMG Residential, integrating sales and marketing across all stages of development—from concept and branding to global outreach and sellout execution. She collaborates closely with architects and design teams to ensure market insights shape product design, positioning, and storytelling.
Previously, she held senior roles at ISG and Mack Property Management, contributing to more than $9 billion in luxury sales. She has been recognized with honors including ULI Young Leader of the Year and an ADDY Award, and is active in community initiatives through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami and PMG’s School-toWork mentorship program.
C-SUITE EXECUTIVESTECHNOLOGY
CRISTHER CASTRO
COO AT CUEMBY
Cristher Castro is the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Cuemby, where she helps organizations transform complex cloud environments into scalable operating systems that support growth, efficiency, and long-term resilience. With more than a decade of experience, she works at the intersection of operations, technology, and business strategy, helping leadership teams connect technical decisions to measurable business outcomes. Her approach is grounded in execution— improving visibility, reducing operational friction, and building structures that enable teams to perform with greater clarity as companies scale. In addition to her executive role, Cristher is a Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) Ambassador, an active contributor to the global cloud-native ecosystem, and Co-founder of the Hispanic Cloud Native Foundation. Across both business and community, her work centers on a core principle: technology creates value when it is aligned with operations, supports better decision-making, and enables organizations to scale with confidence and clarity.
ENTREPRENEURSEDUCATION
KANDICE FREEDMAN
OWNER
& CEO AT ESE
ADVOCATE
Kandice Freedman is a professional private tutor, educational consultant, and advocate serving students throughout South Florida with more than a decade of experience. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and a Doctorate in Education. After several years teaching in Autism Clusters, Freedman became a dedicated advocate upon witnessing the challenges and inequities faced by children with special needs. Motivated to make a difference, she committed herself to ensuring every child’s voice is heard. Today, Freedman provides private tutoring and advocacy for students with diverse learning needs, including ADD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and intellectual disabilities. She works to ensure students receive the full benefits of a Free and Appropriate Public Education as guaranteed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Freedman offers services throughout Florida and nationwide, while primarily serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
ENTREPRENEURSEVENTS MANAGEMENT
ALYSSA LOVITT
PRESIDENT & CEO AT I LOV-ITT
CONSULTING
Alyssa Lovitt is the Founder and CEO of I LOV-ITT CONSULTING, a firm known for producing high-impact events and delivering strategic marketing and business development solutions. Over two decades, she has led the execution of major galas, corporate functions, and private concerts, while continually expanding her company’s capabilities and diverse client portfolio. With a highly effective team, Alyssa remains involved in every detail, ensuring exceptional quality, creativity, and seamless delivery. Her company has sustained growth and earned a strong reputation for excellence across multiple sectors.
A devoted wife and mother, Alyssa balances professional success with a deep commitment to family. She is equally dedicated to philanthropy, actively supporting numerous community organizations and founding the Positively Pink Foundation. Recognized for her leadership and influence, she is widely respected for her passion, vision, and commitment to making a meaningful impact.
ENTREPRENEURSHEALTH CARE AND WELNESS
RAINA
HACHET OWNER OF RAINA SIMONE AETHSTETICS
At Raina Simone Aesthetics, owner, Raina and her team bring over 15 years of experience delivering stateof-the-art aesthetic care with a refined, boutique approach. The practice is known for its meticulous attention to detail, creating a private, luxury experience where every treatment is personalized and thoughtfully curated. Rooted in education and artistry, its philosophy blends science with beauty—ensuring each client feels confident, informed, and effortlessly elevated.
Known for full-face harmony, Raina delivers natural, sculpted outcomes tailored to you without overdone enhancements. As a leader in next-generation devices and regenerative treatments, she offers a surgical-adjacent approach without the downtime—earning trust through expertise, integrity, and consistent transformative results. She believes you should look like you came back from a wonderful vacation - glowing, refreshed, revived and confident!
ENTREPRENEURSINTERIOR DESIGN
ANN LOPEZ FOUNDER & CEO OF STUDIO 790 INTERIOR DESIGN INC
Ann Lopez is the Founder and CEO of Studio 790 Interior Design, a Miami-based, all-women firm recognized as one of the fastest-growing design studios in the country. A Chicago native, Ann built her business from the ground up after leaving a 20-year career in luxury hospitality with brands such as W Hotels and St. Regis, despite not having a formal design degree or MBA. Today, she leads a multi–seven-figure company known for its vibrant, approachable luxury aesthetic and its work across residential, commercial, and large-scale brand activations, including Formula 1 events. Ann has been featured in Architectural Digest and HGTV Magazine and has been named to both the Inc. Female Founders 500 and Inc. 5000 lists. Beyond design, she is a sought-after speaker, business coach, and faith-driven leader who is passionate about helping women build purposeful and profitable lives. She lives in Miami with her husband, Roberto, and daughter, Zoey.
ENTREPRENEURSMEDIA
MICHELLE RIVERA
BUSINESS OWNER & PHOTOGRAPHER OF M2 EXECUTIVE HEADSHOTS
Michelle’s work is rooted in purpose, resilience, and meaningful impact. As the founder of M2 Executive Headshots, she believes images are more than visuals—they are legacies, first impressions, and sources of confidence. Her passion for photography was shaped by personal loss; after losing her mother to breast cancer at age four, only one clear photograph remained, inspiring her mission to preserve memories and ensure people are truly seen and remembered. At 50, Michelle stepped fully into her purpose, building a trusted brand known for professionalism and powerful results. In just three years, she has helped entrepreneurs and organizations elevate their presence through impactful imagery. A proud milestone was seeing a client’s headshot displayed on a Miami highway billboard. Honored as a 2026 SFBW Prestigious Women Awards recipient, she now expands into boudoir photography, empowering women to embrace confidence and self-worth through transformative experiences.
ENTREPRENEURSPET HEALTH
JESSICA DREYFUSS
OWNER & VETERINARIAN AT HEALING PAWS CENTER
Dr. Jessica J. Dreyfuss is an integrative veterinarian and owner of Healing Paws Center, a specialty holistic rehabilitation and acupuncture practice in South Florida. A leader in holistic veterinary medicine, she combines advanced rehabilitation techniques with acupuncture, herbal medicine, laser therapy, and other integrative modalities to improve quality of life for her patients.
Dr. Dreyfuss has served as Chief Veterinary Advisor for Adaptive Health, providing expertise in pet product formulation, research, and clinical strategy. She is also an educator and Teaching Assistant at the Chi Institute, where she trains veterinarians in small animal acupuncture. Her work has been featured in peer-reviewed publications, including Innovative Veterinary Care Journal, and she has contributed to Animal Wellness Magazine and OnlinePetHealth.
Through her clinical work, education, and publications, Dr. Dreyfuss is dedicated to advancing holistic veterinary medicine and helping pets live longer, healthier, and more comfortable lives.
ENTREPRENEURS - REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION
LISSETTE M CALDERON CEO & FOUNDER OF NEOLOGY GROUP
Lissette M. Calderon is the Founder and CEO of Neology Group, a vertically integrated real estate firm recognized for design-led development, cultural relevance, and disciplined execution. Under her leadership, the firm creates thoughtfully designed residential communities across diverse neighborhoods, delivering durable, risk-adjusted returns while strengthening the identity of emerging and established districts.
A Miami native, Calderon launched her impact along the Miami River with Neo Lofts, a pioneering development that helped catalyze the river’s transformation. Since then, Neology Group has delivered more than 3,000 residential units across Miami’s urban core, representing nearly 5 million square feet and a portfolio valued at over $2 billion, with more than 2,000 additional units in preconstruction and permitting across South Florida.
Calderon holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics, cum laude, from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
ENTREPRENEURREAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION
JENNIFER LEONG REGIONAL MANAGING DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENTS AT ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Redefining the South Florida skyline, Jennifer Leong brings disciplined vision, precise timing, and carefully curated teams to lead development strategy from concept through sellout across Broward County. As Managing Director of Developments at ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, she oversees nearly $5 billion in new construction, directing pricing, positioning, and sales execution for some of the region’s most significant projects.
Known for blending financial rigor with sharp market insight, Jennifer builds elite, project-specific teams that consistently outperform in pricing and sales velocity through her signature “Developers Dream Team” approach. Her background spans Chicago high-rise development, Silicon Valley fintech experience at E-Loan through its NASDAQ debut, and collaboration with renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. She also serves on the Fort Lauderdale Chamber Board of Directors and actively supports animal rescue organizations in her community.
INNOVATORSCONSTRUCTION
DIANA VIERA MANAGING PARTNER AT ITALKRAFT
Diana Viera is a talented designer with a keen eye for luxury and a knack for predicting design trends. After moving to Miami from Cuba as a child, she attended Florida International University where she earned her Master’s Degree in Architecture. During her studies, she traveled to Geneva, Italy, the Netherlands, and Brazil, assisting in the design of the stadium for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
After graduating in 2014, Viera joined ITALKRAFT as an intern and was mentored by the company’s founder, Alex Xakoustis. She gained valuable knowledge of the business side of the firm and worked on dozens of projects and presentations. This experience laid the foundation for her successful career as a designer, sales manager and managing partner of ITALKRAFT. Under her leadership, the firm has expanded, opening four showrooms in South Florida and eight locations in the U.S. and Europe.
INNOVATORS - HEALTH CARE
KIM ALI
VICE PRESIDENT, SALES & MARKETING AT JOHN KNOX VILLAGE OF FLORIDA, INC.
Kim Ali is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at John Knox Village of Florida, a Life Plan Community in Pompano Beach. She leads sales, marketing, life enrichment, fitness, resident IT education, healthcare admissions, PR, and home health, overseeing 30+ team members.
She led the launch of Westlake, a 147-unit luxury tower, achieving 100% occupancy in under a year and ahead of projections. In 2025, her team generated over $26 million in entrance fees, strengthening the organization’s financial position.
She also helped expand the Center for Healthy Living, adding multiple medical specialties to enhance resident care. With more than 25 years in senior living, Kim is a respected industry leader and advocate for Life Plan Communities and holistic aging. She serves on the LeadingAge Women’s Steering Committee and is actively involved in community initiatives supporting nonprofits, employee families, and disaster relief.
INNOVATORS - HEALTH CARE
JESSICA CHEN, MD
CHIEF HEALTH & WELLNESS OFFICER AT BLU BY THRIVEWELL™
As a Board-certified Internal Medicine physician and Diplomat of the Board of Anti-aging and Metabolic Medicine, Dr. Jessica Chen’s extensive experience in health and wellness began at ChenMed as Chief Clinical Officer. She led clinical quality and shaped patientcentered care by training hundreds of physicians and clinical leaders on an outcomes-based care model. Her deep understanding of the 5 Drivers of Health and Wellness has made her a trusted leader in developing holistic care strategies. As Chief Health & Wellness Officer, Jessica brings her passion for balanced living and prevention to BLU by ThriveWell™. Her expertise ensures that the wellness journey is personalized, preventive, and fully integrated, focusing on longevity and vitality.
MENTORING CHAMPIONSBANKING & FINANCE
MARCIA SNYDER SVP, COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BANKER AT SEACOAST BANK
Marcia Snyder is a Senior Vice President in the Commercial Real Estate Division of Seacoast Bank. She joined Seacoast as part of the 2021 acquisition of Legacy Bank, where she served for 12 years as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Lending Officer. With more than 50 years of banking experience, 42 of which in the South Florida market, Marcia has built a distinguished career in commercial banking and real estate finance. Prior to Legacy Bank, she spent 21 years at BankAtlantic as Executive Vice President and Head of the Commercial Lending Division, overseeing all corporate and commercial real estate lending throughout Florida. Marcia is a graduate of Penn State University and completed the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program. She is also a past recipient of the South Florida Business Journal’s “Top Women in Commercial Real Estate” award.
MENTORING CHAMPIONSEDUCATION
DR. EMILY WEBSTER
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MARKETING AT PALM BEACH ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
Dr. Emily Webster is an Assistant Professor of Marketing specializing in digital strategy and consumer well-being. She champions impactful work through student collaborative projects with the Palm Beach Symphony, the American Shark Conservancy, the North Palm Beach Rowing Club, and the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. This dedication to the community earned her the 2024 and 2026 PBA Service Awards.
An elite mentor, Dr. Webster led her students to a Top 5 finish at the 2024 National Marketing Competition among more than 200 universities. By pairing students with South Florida companies, she facilitates high-level career placements for her students.
A 2025 AMA Marketing Team & Digital/Social Media Strategy Award finalist, she holds a Ph.D. from Georgia State University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama. Her research into generative AI and ethics continues to bridge scholarly theory with transformative, real-world applications across the South Florida business landscape.
MENTORING CHAMPIONS - NON PROFIT
REBEKAH LANAE LENGEL
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER FOR BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF MIAMI
Rebekah Lanae Lengel, a proud Miami native, has dedicated more than two decades to serving the South Florida nonprofit and arts communities. Known for her commitment to strategic innovation and organizational excellence, she has produced film and contemporary performance projects presented across North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, while leading cultural exchanges throughout the Caribbean and South America. Her plays have been staged at City Theatre in Miami and the Hippodrome State Theatre in Gainesville, and her writing has appeared in multiple publications, including The Miami Herald and Miami New Times.
A recipient of the 2024 Arts & Business Council of Miami Unsung Hero Award, Rebekah currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami. She is an active community leader, serving on several nonprofit boards and advisory committees, continuing her lifelong dedication to strengthening the arts and nonprofit sectors.
MENTORING CHAMPIONS - NON PROFIT
SHANNY TOZZI DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT FOR CHILDNET
Shanny E. Tozzi, M.A., M.B.A., is a distinguished philanthropic leader, mentor, and community advocate whose career has been defined by impact and purpose. Born in Venezuela, she has dedicated her professional journey to advancing healthcare philanthropy and championing fundraising efforts that support foster care children and families. Known for her strategic leadership and passion for service, Shanny has led transformative initiatives that benefit critical research, patient care, and vulnerable youth in her community. A devoted family woman, she balances professional excellence with a deep commitment to family and mentorship. Throughout her career, she has inspired and guided countless colleagues and emerging leaders. Shanny’s compassion, integrity, and dedication to giving back make her a truly prestigious woman worthy of recognition.
FARRAH MEME
FOUNDER AND CEO OF MOREBILITY
Farrah Meme, M.Ed., is the Founder and CEO of Morebility, a nonprofit organization based in North Miami dedicated to empowering families raising children with disabilities. With over a decade in education and leadership, she combines her professional expertise with lived experience as the mother of a child with profound cerebral palsy. Recognizing the gaps families face in accessing services and support, Farrah founded Morebility to provide resources, education, and inclusive community spaces. Under her leadership, the organization delivers workshops, outreach initiatives, and events that empower families and strengthen community connections. Farrah’s work is grounded in faith and service, with a clear mission to ensure families feel supported, informed, and never alone on their journey.
NICOLE TUGG
ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT AT UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
Nicole Lazo Tugg joined the University of Miami in July 2024 as Associate Athletic Director of Development, leading fundraising efforts for Olympic Sports. In her first year, she helped drive a record-breaking year for Miami Athletics Development, securing one of the four largest gifts in program history. Previously, Nicole served at Rhodes College, where she became the first woman to lead athletic fundraising for all 21 NCAA sports programs. During her tenure, she secured philanthropic support to name the basketball court after the school’s longest-serving men’s basketball coach and funded major locker room renovations and endowed coaching positions. Before Rhodes, Nicole contributed to the $90 million renovation of Falcon Stadium while working at the United States Air Force Academy. A Coral Gables native and former collegiate softball and soccer studentathlete, Nicole is proud to return home and currently serves as President-Elect of the Junior Orange Bowl Committee.
ALLISON BAKER
President at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation & Senior Vice President for Nicklaus Children’s Health System
Allison Baker is President of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation and Senior Vice President of Nicklaus Children’s Health System, where she is responsible for leading all fundraising and philanthropy strategies and efforts, including the organization’s successful Forward for Generations campaign. She joined Nicklaus Children’s in November 2023, bringing more than two decades of experience in nonprofit, higher education, medical and grateful patient philanthropy and leadership. Prior to her current position, Allison spent 18 years at Johns Hopkins University & Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, last serving as Chief Development Officer for Women’s & Children’s Health. Allison earned her bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University. She lives in Miami with her husband, Scott as well as a chocolate lab and golden retriever and has two sons and a daughter.
JESSICA OSMAN
Executive Director, Community Relations and Sports Partnerships for UHealth – The University of Miami Health System
Jessica Osman is a strategic community impact leader serving as Executive Director of Community Relations and Sports Partnerships at UHealth – University of Miami Health System, where she advances innovative partnerships that connect healthcare, sports, and community well-being across South Florida. With more than a decade of leadership in philanthropy, fundraising, and mission-driven engagement, she has guided high-impact initiatives for organizations including the Miami Marlins Foundation, Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida, and Women In Distress. Recognized for her ability to build meaningful relationships and create measurable social impact, Jessica brings both vision and heart to every role she serves. A proud South Florida native, she remains deeply committed to strengthening the community she calls home through service, collaboration, and purposedriven leadership.
Marcia Snyder Senior Vice President, Commercial Real Estate Banker
Seacoast
Seacoast Bank proudly congratulates Marcia Snyder SVP, Commercial Real Estate Banker, on receiving this prestigious award.
Walk into a luxury hotel, and you immediately notice the atmosphere, the lighting, the design, and often a subtle signature scent that defines the experience. It’s intentional, it’s memorable, and it’s part of the brand.
Music works the same way.
Yet, in many businesses and events, music is still treated as background, an afterthought rather than a strategy. But the reality is, the right soundtrack shapes how people feel, how long they stay, and how they remember the experience.
Think about it. Some of the most successful brands in the world curate their sound just as carefully as their visual identity. From coffee shops to high-end retail to hospitality spaces, music reinforces mood, energy, and positioning. It tells your audience, without words, who you are.
Is your brand relaxed and welcoming? Sophisticated and elevated? High-energy and social?
Music communicates that instantly. The question is, what is your brand saying?
REAL ESTATE BROKER FOR WEICHERT, REALTORS UNLIMITED
In 2018, Jennifer’s daughter, Jaime, was a victim of the Parkland School shooting. She was 14 years old. With her husband, Jennifer created Orange Ribbons for Jaime, a non-profit foundation, to honor her. ORFJ supports causes that were important to Jaime such as those supporting students with special needs, dance programs, and dog related organizations. Jennifer also created Paws of Love, their signature program, which provides companion puppies and year of puppy expenses to other individuals and families affected by gun violence. After the tragedy, she searched for peace and bought a second home in the mountains of North Carolina. There, she became a real estate agent specializing in working with out of state buyers, helping them find the same serenity that the mountains provide for her. Dedicating this special nomination to Jaime, as she knows that she would have one day been a Prestigious Woman Award honoree.
OWNERS AND PARTNERS - BANKING & FINANCE SERVICES
SHERRY BRADLEY PARTNER AT COHNREZNICK
Sherry is a partner in the Sunrise office with more than 25 years of experience providing audit and advisory services to both public and privately held companies, including organizations backed by private equity. Sherry is a member of the firm’s Healthcare Industry Practice and serves as engagement partner for a wide range of healthcare organizations, including large physician practices and multi-state behavioral and mental health entities. Her industry experience also includes manufacturing and distribution, retail, and hospitality companies. Sherry provides audit and other attestation services, with expertise in addressing complex technical accounting matters, designing practical audit approaches for organizations with multiple components and diverse revenue streams, and assisting clients with the interpretation and implementation of new accounting standards. She also has extensive experience serving clients subject to ERISA and Department of Labor reporting requirements.
OWNERS AND PARTNERS - CONSTRUCTION
MAYA KOLJENOVIC OWNER OF NAPOLEON ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK
Maya Koljenovic is the owner of Napoleon Architectural Millwork, a custom woodworking company focusing on highly customized solutions for both residential and commercial projects. With roots in New York and a state-of-the-art facility in Fort Lauderdale, Napoleon Architectural Millwork collaborates closely with architects, general contractors, and private clients to transform visionary concepts into crafted realities. Maya’s drive comes from responsibility to clients, her team and her three remarkable daughters. The daily reminder that presence is power. Listening is as important in parenting as it is in business. Maya has been learning to let go of guilt- because leadership, like parenting is never finished. Her advice to women entering the industry: Mistakes will happen - but what defines you is how you recover. Don’t let fear become the obstacle.
OWNERS AND PARTNERS - HEALTH CARE
SANAM ZAHEDI
PLASTIC SURGEON
& OWNER AT ZAHEDI PLASTIC SURGERY
Dr. Sanam Zahedi is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Zahedi Plastic Surgery in Aventura, Florida, specializing in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body, as well as breast reconstruction. A trailblazer in a historically male-dominated field, she is known for refined, natural results and meticulous attention to detail. She has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2025 and 2026, recognizing her among the top physicians in the United States, and is a Florida State College of Medicine Hall of Fame honoree for her contributions to compassionate, patientcentered care.
A former competitive skier and tennis player, she brings discipline and precision to her work. Dr. Zahedi leads an all-women team focused on an elevated patient experience, serves as an affiliated attending physician at the University of Miami, cofounded The Loupe Podcast, and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of women in medicine.
OWNERS AND PARTNERS HEALTH CARE
JESSICA- LYNN ZALDIVAR
OWNER & NURSE PRACTITIONER OF DRIP HEALTH & MEDSPA
Jessica-Lynn Zaldivar, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, alongside her husband, Damien, Jessica transformed a mobile hydration concept into a thriving, full-service medical spa in Miami Lakes. Under her clinical leadership, the practice has expanded into hormone optimization, regenerative aesthetics, and preventative wellness, earning recognition, including Small Business of the Year honors. A board-certified family nurse practitioner, Jessica also serves as adjunct faculty at Miami Dade College and the University of Miami, where she mentors future nurses in evidence-based, patientcentered care.
She co-leads The Ozzie Foundation, supporting underserved communities, and helped create Drips N Chill, a large-scale wellness festival that promotes community health while raising charitable funds. An active member of BNI Miami Lakes and the Miami Lakes Chamber Young Professionals Committee, Jessica is a devoted wife, mother of two, and proud “Mimi.”
OWNERS AND PARTNERS - HEALTH AND WELLNESS
DIANELYS GOMEZ CEO & FOUNDER OF DELUXE MEDSPA & BEAUTY
Dianelys Gomez is a visionary entrepreneur and aesthetic expert redefining modern beauty and wellness in Miami. With over a decade of experience in the beauty industry and five years leading Deluxe MedSpa Beauty, she combines advanced aesthetic training with a master’s degree in psychology, bridging medical aesthetics with a deep understanding of confidence and well-being.
As Founder and CEO, Gomez leads a team of licensed providers, nurse practitioners, skincare specialists, and a medical director, guiding the medspa’s reputation for a holistic, client-centered approach. Her philosophy emphasizes personalized care, honest consultations, realistic expectations, and education, ensuring every client feels informed, supported, and confident throughout their journey.
Committed to enhancing natural beauty rather than altering it, Gomez has established Deluxe MedSpa Beauty as a luxury destination for self-care, setting a high standard in the aesthetics industry while empowering clients to look and feel their best.
OWNERS AND PARTNERSHOSPITALITY
DANIELLE FALSETTO CORP. BEVERAGE & LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR FOR FALSETTO HOSPITALITY
Danielle Falsetto is the Corporate Beverage and Lifestyle Director for Falsetto Hospitality, where she leads the strategic vision and creative direction of the group’s beverage programs across its luxury dining and nightlife portfolio. She is recognized for developing award-winning wine lists, elevated cocktail programs, and immersive beverage experiences that blend sophistication, culture, and global influence.
In 2018, she founded Maison Belle Claire, a rosé brand and importing company developed through international collaboration in France. Following its success, she joined Falsetto Hospitality, leading beverage programs for Tacocraft, Apothecary 330, and Anthony’s Runway 84, which earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
She is currently leading the launch of Caviar Club on Las Olas Boulevard, featuring a curated luxury wine program.
OWNERS AND PARTNERS - LEGAL
TABITHA TAYLOR CEO AT BRYANT TAYLOR LAW
Tabitha Taylor is the CEO and co-founder of Bryant Taylor Law, a firm dedicated exclusively to the medical aesthetics industry. She advises MedSpa owners nationwide on complex regulatory and operational issues, helping bring clarity to a rapidly growing and often under-regulated field. Recognizing early on that this women-led industry lacked accessible legal guidance, she helped reshape the firm to provide practical, businessfocused legal strategy that supports both compliance and long-term growth. Her approach blends legal expertise with operational insight, positioning Bryant Taylor Law as a leading authority in the MedSpa space.
Taylor has received multiple honors, including the 2024 Apogee Award for Distinguished CEO, 2023 Small Business of the Year, and selection as a Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star annually since 2019. Her work focuses not only on serving clients, but also on helping shape the future standards and sustainability of the medical aesthetics industry.
OWNERS AND PARTNERS - PUBLIC RELATIONS
JACQUELINE ZAYAS
CEO & FOUNDER OF LONGEVITY PR AGENCY, LLC
Jacqueline Zayas is a dynamic public relations professional with a passion for creativity and strategic communications. After several years of experience in events and PR, she launched her boutique public relations agency in 2024, bringing a fresh and innovative approach to client service and brand visibility. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a double major in Management and Finance from the University of the Sacred Heart in Puerto Rico. With a diverse career spanning banking, event planning, and PR, Jacqueline has developed a wellrounded skill set that allows her to effectively support clients across industries. She specializes in public relations for hospitality brands, events, event design and production. Jacqueline oversees daily operations, collaborates on publicity campaigns, builds relationships with media and influencers, manages budgets, and handles crisis communications when needed. Known for her energy and persistence, she is committed to delivering consistent results and building meaningful connections.
OWNERS AND PARTNERS - RETAIL
Deena Guvanie is the founder and owner of G. Marie Boutique, a women’s fashion destination known for its effortless, elevated everyday style. With over five years of success in Cooper City, Deena recently expanded to a second location in Boca Raton, bringing her signature aesthetic and personalized shopping experience to a broader South Florida audience. A hands-on entrepreneur, Deena has built her brand through authentic connection, strong community presence, and a keen eye for style that empowers women to feel confident and beautiful in their everyday lives. Beyond her business, Deena is a proud mother of three grown children, who remain her greatest inspiration. Her journey reflects resilience, passion, and a commitment to growth, both personally and professionally, as she continues to expand her brand and impact within the South Florida community.
DEENA GUVANIE OWNER AT G MARIE BOUTIQUE
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION LEADERCONSULTING
MAGHAN BARBER
FOUNDER AT GRANT AND FUNDING SOLUTIONS COMPANY
Maghan Barber is the Founder and CEO of Grant and Funding Solutions Company (GAFS Co.), a consulting firm dedicated to helping public agencies, nonprofits, and organizations secure and manage funding through strategic grant development and procurement support. With a results-driven approach, Maghan has successfully led multimilliondollar funding initiatives across infrastructure, disaster recovery, the arts, education, and community development sectors. She is known for transforming reactive grant processes into proactive, scalable funding systems that drive longterm impact. A passionate advocate for resilience and community empowerment, Maghan is also the Founder of The Libella Foundation, a nonprofit focused on disaster preparedness and recovery. Through her leadership, she continues to bridge the gap between funding opportunities and meaningful change, empowering organizations to thrive and communities to become stronger, safer, and more connected.
Genevieve Galindo is a healthcare leader with over 15 years of experience in geriatric and crisis care nursing. A proud U.S. Army Veteran, she brings both clinical expertise and heartfelt dedication to everything she does. Genevieve is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, veterans’ affairs, and women’s empowerment, consistently using her voice and experience to uplift others. Born and raised in the Philippines, Genevieve was nurtured by her loyal Yaya Flora. She is the proud daughter of Jennifer-Rose, a retired nurse, and Reynaldo, a retired forester—both of whom instilled in her a strong work ethic and commitment to helping others. She holds degrees from Sheridan Institute and Florida International University. At the heart of Genevieve’s life is her family. She is married to her husband Gregory and is a devoted mother to their son Liam and daughter Alexis Rose, who inspire her daily.
PRESIDENT & FOUNDER AT AH-HA
SOLUTIONS,
LLC
Jean Oertel is a senior healthcare executive and founder of Ah-Ha Solutions, LLC, a consulting firm focused on cardiovascular, cardiometabolic, and AI-enabled diagnostic commercialization. With leadership experience spanning global organizations such as Medtronic, Zoll, Boston Scientific, and emerging MedTech innovators, she specializes in accelerating U.S. market entry, building cardiology service line adoption, and driving revenue growth through integrated delivery network (IDN) partnerships and value-based care strategies. Jean works closely with health systems, physicians, and industry leaders to translate innovation into scalable clinical and commercial success. Her expertise includes go-to-market strategy, key opinion leader (KOL) engagement, and operational workflow optimization using Lean Six Sigma principles. Known for her collaborative leadership style and resultsdriven mindset, Jean is passionate about connecting innovation with execution and helping organizations unlock sustainable growth opportunities in an evolving healthcare landscape.
SENIOR WEALTH MANAGER AT VICTORIA PARK WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Delia is the Founder, Owner, and Senior Wealth Manager of Victoria Park Wealth Management, where she provides personalized, fiduciary-driven guidance to individuals and families across the country. With over a decade of experience in wealth management, she is recognized for her integrity, insight, and deeply client-centered approach. Delia specializes in helping clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence, offering comprehensive planning across retirement, investment management, estate planning, and tax strategies. After beginning her career in investment consulting and advising, she transitioned into a clientfacing role, where she built a strong reputation as a trusted advisor. In 2024, she founded her own firm to deliver a more holistic and personalized planning experience. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Delia is committed to empowering clients through every stage of life while always acting in their best interests.
DIRECTOR OF STREAM AT CARDINAL GIBBONS HIGH SCHOOL FORT LAUDERDALE
Dr. Jane Spanich is the Director of STREAM at Cardinal Gibbons High School where she leads interdisciplinary programs integrating science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Also serving as Robotics Coach and leading the Career Pathways Program, which includes EMT, Allied Health Sciences, Engineering, Business, Digital Video Technology, and Computer Science with AI. Jane attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School and remains an active parish member and Eucharistic Minister. Dr. Spanich holds a B.A. in International Affairs from FSU, a M.A. in Liberal Arts from Rollins College, and a Ph.D. in Practical Theology from Saint Thomas University. She has guided students at St. Thomas Aquinas and Cardinal Gibbons Schools to a record number of Silver Knight Awards and Honorable Mentions. Recognized as a “Top 10 STEM Director of 2024” and an Influential Woman in education, she is also a published scholar with over 15 academic works exploring AI, ethics, and theology.
RISING STARS (UNDER 40) - HEALTH CARE
SARAH HARPER
DIRECTOR OF CARDIOVASCULAR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT HCA HEALTHCARE
Sarah Harper, DHSc, is the Director of Cardiovascular Business Development at HCA Florida Largo Hospital, a leading tertiary center for advanced cardiac care. She leads strategic initiatives that strengthen regional referral networks and expand patient access to specialized cardiovascular therapies, including complex coronary interventions, cardiothoracic surgery, advanced heart failure care, mechanical circulatory support, and heart transplantation. Dr. Harper collaborates closely with multidisciplinary cardiac teams to drive program growth while ensuring high-risk patients receive timely evaluation at centers equipped to manage complex disease. She also serves as President of the Hearts Restored Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting patients and families navigating advanced cardiac care. Through her professional leadership and philanthropic work, Dr. Harper is committed to expanding access to life-saving treatment and strengthening regional systems of care.
RISING STARS (UNDER 40) - HEALTH AND WELLNESS
KAITLYN COLEMAN
CLINICAL OUTREACH DIRECTOR FOR RECOVERY UNPLUGGED
With over a decade of experience in the behavioral health field, Kaitlyn serves as the Clinical Outreach Manager for Recovery Unplugged Behavioral Health, leading outreach efforts across Florida. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, she is recognized for her clinical expertise, leadership, and commitment to expanding access to high-quality care. Kaitlyn is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of mental health and substance use treatment. She works collaboratively with hospitals and multidisciplinary teams to ensure timely, individualized, and effective care. Known for her compassion and ability to remove barriers to treatment, she is a trusted advocate for those seeking recovery. Through leadership and dedication, Kaitlyn continues to make a meaningful impact— empowering individuals and families to access care and achieve lasting wellness. In her free time, Kaitlyn loves watching NFL football and spending time with her friends that have turned into family.
RISING STARS (UNDER 40) - HEALTH AND WELLNESS
MACY DANZA
OWNER & PRESIDENT AT LUXE + MANE
SALON
Macy Danza is the owner of Luxe + Mane Salon, a premier luxury hair salon based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Under her leadership, she has built and led a team of over 15 employees, many of whom have grown into six-figure earners through her mentorship and structured development programs. In less than three years, Macy has successfully expanded the brand toward a second location, reflecting her strategic vision and commitment to growth. Before entering the beauty industry, Macy served as a captain of the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, where she developed the discipline, leadership, and performance standards she now brings to her business. She is deeply committed to giving back, with Luxe + Mane actively supporting local charities and community initiatives. Macy credits her success to her faith in Jesus Christ and strives to lead with integrity, purpose, and a heart for serving others.
RISING STARS (UNDER 40) - HOSPITALITY
ANDREA MORENO
DIRECTOR, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS AT FOOD NETWORK SOUTH BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
Andrea Moreno is the Director of Marketing & Communications for the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One, the nation’s largest wine and food festival. She leads the strategy behind one of the country’s most iconic culinary events, shaping its voice, amplifying its reach, and building the partnerships that continue to propel it forward. A proud Miami native with Cuban roots, Andrea brings a deeply personal passion to her work—championing the city’s vibrant culture while creating experiences that connect people through food, storytelling, and community impact. Her approach is both intuitive and intentional, grounded in collaboration and a commitment to excellence. With a sharp eye for detail and a strong sense of storytelling, she transforms ideas into moments that feel both meaningful and memorable.
BAILEA TINSLEY DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL INVESTIGATIONS & INTELLIGENCE
SERVICES FOR 5 STONES INTELLIGENCE (5SI)
Bailea Tinsley Ogden is Director of Global Investigations & Intelligence Services at Miami-based 5 Stones intelligence (5Si), where she leads a multinational team of more than 130 analysts, investigators, and subjectmatter experts supporting complex intelligence and investigative operations across 44 U.S. states and key international markets. At 5Si, she directs high-stakes investigations involving corporate misconduct, financial crime, foreign bribery, and international corruption.
A former FBI Special Agent and attorney, she brings a rare combination of legal training, investigative experience, and leadership to global risk and intelligence. After earning her J.D. from Emory University School of Law, she spent five years with the FBI investigating financial crimes, public corruption, and transnational criminal organizations. Prior to the FBI, she practiced law in Bankruptcy and Corporate Restructuring. At 32, she holds a senior leadership role in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
RISING STARS (UNDER 40) - LEGAL
LAURA BURGESS OWNER AT L.E. BURGESS, P.A.
Laura Burgess is the founder of L.E. Burgess, P.A., a boutique law firm focused on complex commercial litigation and trial work. She represents businesses and individuals in high-stakes disputes involving real estate, contract matters, construction litigation, and business torts. Laura has successfully handled cases at all stages, including achieving favorable outcomes before the Florida Third District Court of Appeal, administrative boards, and at jury trial. Prior to founding her firm, she gained extensive litigation and appellate experience in private practice and with the City of Miami Office of the City Attorney. A double graduate of the University of Miami, where she earned her J.D., cum laude, and B.A. in Economics and English, summa cum laude, Laura has received numerous academic honors and professional distinctions, including Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2023–2025. She recently ran in the Key Largo Bridge 10k Run and is training for another 10K this spring.
RISING STARS (UNDER 40) - MEDIA
BRISTOL JONES
VP & MANAGING DIRECTOR AT AVENUE Z
Bristol Jones is Vice President and Managing Director at Avenue Z in Miami, where she partners with high-growth fintech and technology companies, venture firms, and asset managers—from early-stage startups to publicly traded organizations—to make communications a true driver of revenue, fundraising, and trust. She works closely with founders and investors to sharpen positioning, translate complex products and strategies into clear, compelling narratives, and ensure they show up in the rooms and media outlets that influence capital and customers.
Bristol brings more than a decade of experience in strategic communications, with expertise spanning consumer and B2B fintech, venture capital, executive visibility, thought leadership, and crisis response. Known for her strategic mindset and results-driven approach, she helps organizations navigate high-stakes moments, build credibility with key stakeholders, and accelerate growth through purposeful, well-executed communications.
RISING STARS (UNDER 40) - MEDIA
LAUREN SOPOURN
PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR AT SPORTS AND MEDIA NATION
Lauren Sopourn is the founder of Sports & Media Nation, a women-led sports media company specializing in visual storytelling for professional sports organizations. She has built a strong presence across the region, working with the Miami Dolphins and the Florida Panthers documenting defining moments in South Florida sports. Her imagery shapes brand identity and fan engagement appearing in campaigns, publications, billboards, and large-scale installations. Her portfolio extends beyond game coverage to include media days, corporate partnerships, and major events. She mentors emerging female photographers pursuing sports media, sharing practical insight and preparing them for the demands of professional sports while creating opportunities for women in a field where they are underrepresented.
She is a 2025 Broward Cultural Division grant recipient for The Home Team, a photography exhibition documenting the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup runs. Her work has received national and international recognition including Pro Football Hall of Fame Photography Awards and World Sports Photography Awards.
She is the 2025 WISE Rising Star.
RISING STARS (UNDER 40) - NON PROFIT
DESIREE SAUNDERS CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER AT
HANDY
Desiree Saunders is the Chief Development Officer at Handy (Helping Advance and Nurture the Development of Youth), leading major gifts and corporate partnerships that expand opportunities for youth across Broward County. A Florida State University graduate with Sociology and Public Administration degrees, Desiree brings over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience in major gifts, corporate philanthropy, and community relations. Throughout her career, she has built strong relationships with donors, corporations, and community to drive meaningful impact and growth for organizations. Desiree is also a published contributor to AFP’s Advancing Philanthropy and passionate about using philanthropy as a powerful tool to create positive change in communities. Known for her collaborative spirit and commitment to service, she strives to connect people and resources to opportunities that help young people thrive. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys traveling, cheering on Florida State football, and spending time with her family and her dog, Drizzy.
The Apogee Awards is a unique awards program created by South Florida Business & Wealth (SFBW) magazine to recognize distinguished C-Suite leaders whose dedication to their industries and communities deserves particular recognition. The 2026 Apogee Awards will take place in Nov, 2026.
Congratulations to Raina
Simone
on her 2026 Prestigious Women Award!
Moving South Florida Businesses Forward
Congratulations to CohnReznick Partner Sherry Bradley for her recognition as a 2026 SFBW Prestigious Women Awards honoree. We join with SFBW in acknowledging Sherry’s dedication to her clients and meaningful contributions to the South Florida business community. Brett Burgan, Office Managing Partner ‑ South Florida The Partners of CohnReznick
At Napoleon Architectural Millwork, owner Maya Koljenovic and her team bring together artful craftsmanship and cutting edge innovation. With roots in NY and state-of-the-art Fort Lauderdale woodworking shop, more than 25 years of commercial and residential excellence are reflected in every project — bringing your vision into tangible future reality. Why WOOD You Go Anywhere Else?
