THE ULTIMATE CONNECTOR
You are connected to so many in the community, as a professional, a volunteer, a resident, and a mother. How do you decide how and where to invest your time? I am a mom and yes, very involved in our community as a volunteer and businesswoman. I do try to keep things simple, especially when the responsibilities and calendars get over extended. Pre-covid, I will admit, my crazy packed calendar seemed ok, but in hindsight it was too much. There is still a full calendar, and my north star is family, followed by my career, and then volunteering. At times, it may not seem as this is the order, however, it is my intention. Networking plays an important role in our careers. Some struggle with how to do it. What are your three key principles of how to be a more effective networker? I am not joking when I say that I learned how to network through the Boca Chamber. Because research is my thing, I gravitated to networking by getting to know others. I am truly interested in what others like to do and why they get out of bed in the morning. For me, networking is about helping others and sharing your story. Some guiding principles would include to be genuine and be present by listening to others. Share your story, rather than what you do. Share your why! The friendships that I have developed while learning to network and volunteering in our community are incredible. What are you looking forward to most in serving as Chair of the Boca Chamber? I am looking forward to serving this Chamber by being a driving force and building on the legacy of leaders who have served as Chair for the past several decades. I am looking forward to connecting Chamber Board members to more members throughout our community and to learning and listening to members needs.
From Left to Right: Stephanie Hicks, Roxana Scaffidi, Jackie Reeves & Debbie Levine
The board has been remote for quite a while so, reengaging in-person will help us reconnect and continue to build our strategies. What else can the board members do to help our businesses grow and develop? What have we learned through the pandemic that we can collectively apply to build a better future? What do you hope to achieve as Chair of the Boca Chamber? I am a past Ambassador, leads group member, Leadership Boca chair, and past Battle of the Bands member. I think this perspective brings different opportunities. I hope to achieve an even stronger business community. We are blessed to be in a very business friendly state and business friendly area as a plethora of strong businesses call Boca and the surrounding area their home. I want to encourage our business and community leaders, employees and students to do more. Let’s ask: • What can we all do to provide internships and training to aspiring talent? • How can we brainstorm with the universities to develop curriculum for the careers that our businesses require today and in the future? • How can we advocate for the incredible business opportunities that are right here in our backyard?
The Stilettos from the 2019 Golden Bell Battle of the Bands
Let’s all lean-in and elevate our community together.
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