The Ultimate Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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 . 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?

From Left to Right: Stephanie Hicks, Roxana Scaffidi, Jackie Reeves & Debbie Levine

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?

Let’s all lean-in and elevate our community together .