RECOGNIZING WOMEN LEADERS IN SARASOTA + MANATEE
WeRoar
INSPIRING WOMEN LEADERS
JILL BOWEN Berlin Patten Ebling
CHRISTINA FREDERICKS Sarasota Children’s Museum
JAMIE M.SMITH State College of Florida
ASHLEY GILLETT Humane Society of Sarasota County
JACKIE OTT JAAKOLA EveryCat Foundation
AMY YOUNT Step Up Suncoast
MARGARET LOWMAN TREE Foundation
LIBERTY SAVINGS BANK “Women Who Roar”
JILL BOWEN, ESQ
REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY | BERLIN PATTEN EBLING
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”
— Ruth Bader Ginsburg
WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE, MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH AND HOW HAVE YOU UTILIZED IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATION OR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLE? My most significant strength is my ability to balance many responsibilities at once while still showing up fully in each role. As a lawyer, community leader, and mother of young children, my days are often filled to the brim with competing demands. Over time, I’ve learned how to prioritize, set boundaries, and stay present with whatever is in front of me. This strength allows me to make a positive impact in my leadership roles because I can keep multiple projects moving forward without losing sight of the bigger picture. By modeling balance and showing that it is possible to manage professional and personal responsibilities with intention, I hope I encourage others to pursue leadership opportunities without feeling like they must sacrifice one part of their life for another. HOW HAVE YOU DRAWN FROM THE EXPERIENCES OF YOUR PERSONAL LIFE TO TRANSFORM THE WORK YOU DO IN YOUR CAREER? It often feels like my son was born laughing. Becoming his mother has transformed the way I approach all parts of my life, including my career. He has a natural joy and contagious laugh that remind me not to take life, or work, too seriously even when it can feel overwhelming. When I carry that sense of joy into the office, I find myself more patient, collaborative, and able to connect meaningfully with colleagues and clients. Laughter has a way of putting challenges in perspective and giving me the energy to keep moving forward. Ultimately, my son has taught me that success isn’t just about hard work and achievement, but also about presence, joy, and finding fulfillment along the way. WHAT IS YOUR “SECRET SAUCE”?: Stay in the moment. EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR My family. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS/ ORGANIZATION OR PHILANTHROPIC WORK. At Berlin Patten Ebling, we guide clients through life’s biggest occasions with trusted legal counsel and practical solutions. Known for our roots in real estate law, we handle residential and commercial transactions with precision, while also providing skilled representation in community association law, estate planning and probate, family law, land use and zoning, and civil litigation. Our team partners with individuals, families, and businesses across Florida to protect assets, resolve disputes, and move transactions forward smoothly. Collaboration, communication, and compassion are at the core of our work, making us your legal team for every stage of life.
BERLIN PATTEN EBLING
3700 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34239
941.954.9991 | berlinpatten.com
@berlinpattenebling
DR. ASHLEY GILLETT
MEDICAL DIRECTOR | HUMANE SOCIETY OF SARASOTA COUNTY
WHAT IS YOUR STORY OF SUCCESS? My story of success in the nonprofit world began as a veterinarian at the Humane Society of Manatee County (HSMC) where I was taught high-volume spay-neuter surgery techniques. During my time there, I also had the opportunity to strengthen my soft tissue surgery skills by performing lifesaving procedures for animals belonging to low-income families. I also gained valuable experience in their wellness clinic and shelter. Witnessing the day-to-day operations at HSMC sparked my passion for leadership and ultimately led me to the role of Medical Director at Animal Rescue Coalition (ARC). That role marked my first leadership experience, where I introduced new protocols, improved efficiency by utilizing advanced software, and launched a wellness program offering vaccinations to animals in the community. Inspired to grow further, I transitioned to the Humane Society of Sarasota (HSSC) as the Medical Director and shelter veterinarian. Some of my responsibilities include writing medical protocols, presenting at staff and board meetings, and collaborating with fellow directors and staff to guide the organization in maximizing impact while maintaining our capacity for care. I recently completed training in advanced orthopedic surgical techniques, performing procedures that significantly improve the quality of life of our animals. When my schedule allows, I provide relief services to assist other organizations in need of surgical support. Outside of work, I find joy in spending time with my family on camping trips and competing on my horses, Junior and Salty. I believe that personal well-being is a vital part of effective leadership—recharging allows me to return to my role with renewed focus and compassion. My greatest success in life is my three wonderful children. My husband and I strive to lead by example, showing our children that a strong work ethic can empower them to pursue and achieve any goals they wish to attain. WHAT IS YOUR “SECRET SAUCE”? My “secret sauce” is my unwavering commitment to animal welfare. I’m passionate about helping underserved communities and reducing overpopulation—ensuring that fewer animals ever have to enter shelters. With a strong background in surgery and the ability to manage complex medical cases, I strive to give every animal the best possible chance at a healthy, long life. I truly believe I’ve found my purpose in life—something that is both rare and deeply fulfilling. DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS. Work hard, play hard, be happy. EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR my beautiful children, loving husband, my wonderful animals, ability to have a work-life balance, and a fulfilling career helping change the lives of animals in our community and beyond. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS/ ORGANIZATION OR PHILANTHROPIC WORK. At the Humane Society of Sarasota County, Sarasota’s premier no-kill shelter, we strive to change the lives of animals much less fortunate. Every animal that enters our facility receives the highest level of care— safe housing, mental enrichment, and comprehensive medical treatment—until they find their forever home. Through our TAILS (Together Assisting in Lifesaving Services) Program, we promote the collaboration of shelters to share resources, knowledge, and strategies in pursuit of greater lifesaving outcomes. If an animal makes it through our doors, they are truly lucky because they will receive everything they need and more.
HUMANE SOCIETY OF SARASOTA COUNTY
2331 15th Street | Sarasota, FL 34237
941.955.4131 | hssc.org | info@hssc.org
“Always do your best and give 110%; you never know who’s watching.”
Facebook: Humane Society of Sarasota County
Instagram: @humanesocietysrq
TikTok: @humanesocietysrq
"Our interest is in you.”
THE LIBERTY SAVINGS BANK “WOMEN WHO ROAR”
LIBERTY SAVINGS BANK
SARASOTA
8383 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34238
941.927.3629
2323 Stickney Point Road Sarasota, FL 34231
941.927.8293
VENICE
4103 S. Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293
941.493.9174
BRADENTON
3901 Cortez Road W. Bradenton, FL 34210
941.755.5733
LAKEWOOD RANCH
6230 University Parkway Suite 101
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240
941.867.BANK
libertysavingsbank.com facebook.com/LibertySB instagram.com/libertysavingsbank linkedin.com/company/ liberty-savings-bank
AT LIBERTY, OUR PASSION FOR BETTER BANKING DRIVES EVERYTHING WE DO. From mortgages to high-interest checking and savings accounts, our retail team is dedicated to making sure we provide the best services and products possible for our customers. We also believe in the power of community. Our dedicated team works and volunteers in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, striving to make it a better place to live. Together, we invest our time and efforts to create positive change and contribute to the well-being of the people in Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice.
Above, left to right: Lauren Fuller, Danielle Bachar, Crystal Creagh, Lisa Toppin, Sally Daisomont, Laura Gray and Iwona Wolas.
DANIELLE BACHAR
REGION SALES MANAGER, VP
DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION OR PHILANTHROPIC WORK. At Liberty, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional banking and lending experiences for our clients across Sarasota-Manatee. We proudly serve a diverse range of clients, from individuals and local businesses to nonprofits. Our commitment to the community is reflected in our support for organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Parkinson’s Place, and the Manatee Literacy Council, helping them achieve their missions. We also empower local businesses like Calvary Transportation, Barnes Walker Title, and Richard’s Plumbing Repair Inc. by offering customized financial solutions that help them succeed. We’re more than a bank; we’re a partner in our community’s growth.
LAURA GRAY
LENDING DEVELOPMENT OFFICER | SENIOR LIVING LOAN ADVISER
SALLY DAISOMONT
COMMUNITY BANKING DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS Leveraging banking knowledge for business success.
LAUREN FULLER
FINANCIAL CENTER CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER
WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE, MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH AND HOW HAVE YOU UTILIZED IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATIONAL OR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLE?
My greatest strength is my positive attitude, which I’ve used to make a significant impact in my community leadership role with Habitat for Humanity. By focusing on the tangible, positive results—like a family getting the keys to their new home— I helped people connect with our mission and see the direct impact of their support.
CRYSTAL CREAGH
FINANCIAL CLIENT SALES & RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
WHAT IS YOUR “SECRET SAUCE?. My secret sauce is simple: Enthusiasm + empathy + professional expertise, all driven by a genuine desire to see my clients succeed. I’m not just here to process transactions; I’m here to be a partner in their financial journey. I listen to their unique stories, provide tailored advice, and work tirelessly to help them achieve their goals. Their success is my success, and I’m committed to helping them win.
IWONA WOLAS
FINANCIAL CENTER SALES & RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR my team. The incredible support, collaboration, and expertise that Tom, Katie, Denise, and Jaye bring to our work allows us to provide exceptional service to our clients.
LISA TOPPIN
FINANCIAL CENTER SALES & RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
WHAT IS YOUR STORY OF SUCCESS? After twenty-one years at Liberty Savings Bank you would think I have seen and heard it all… but I learn something new every day. I like being a financial “guide” for my clients and have helped them avoid fraud, grow their nest eggs and buy homes. How great is that!
HOW HAS AN EXPERIENCE IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE MOTIVATED YOU? My biggest motivation comes from my parents. They’ve always been my biggest cheerleaders, and they think everything I do is great, especially my work in senior living. On top of their support, they’ve become my secret weapon. They’ve given me so many insights into the senior living journey from their own perspective. Having them as a sounding board helps me understand what my clients are going through on a deeper level, allowing me to help them and their families with more empathy and care.
“Helping people succeed inspires me to give my very best every day.”
AMY YOUNT, MBA, CPA,
CCAP PRESIDENT AND CEO | STEP UP SUNCOAST
WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE, MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH AND HOW HAVE YOU UTILIZED IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATIONAL OR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLE? My single most significant strength is perseverance. I first discovered it in second grade when I couldn’t read like my peers. Once I saw a path forward, I worked hard and within a few years was in accelerated classes. That lesson shaped me for life. I leaned on perseverance as a young mom to earn my bachelor’s degree in accounting while working full-time, commuting for long hours, and studying late at night. I went on to pass the CPA exam and later complete my MBA in Executive Leadership, all while raising three children and working demanding jobs. Today, I draw on that same strength as President and CEO of Step Up Suncoast. In 2024, when our region was struck by back-to-back hurricanes, families were in crisis, staff were personally affected, and demand for services surged. Perseverance drove me to secure emergency funding, strengthen recovery partnerships, and support staff so they could continue serving others while rebuilding their own lives. For me, perseverance in leadership means inspiring resilience in others and ensuring the organization remains strong through adversity. HOW HAS AN EXPERIENCE IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE MOTIVATED YOU? At 29, I laced up my shoes to lose weight, not realizing running would become one of the most defining lessons in my life. What began with one mile soon became three, and then a 5K. With encouragement from coworkers and my running mentor, Mary, I went on to complete many half-marathons, 12 full marathons, the Goofy Challenge at Walt Disney World (39.3 miles in a single weekend), and I even coached others beginning their distance running journeys. Running showed me the power of preparation, pacing, and persistence. When the miles grew hard, I found I could accomplish my larger goal by focusing on smaller ones, simply putting one foot in front of the other. That mindset—step by step and goal by goal—is exactly how I approach challenges in life and leadership. I believe you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Even the toughest obstacles can be overcome one step at a time. WHAT IS YOUR “SECRET SAUCE”? My “Secret Sauce” is an unwavering passion for the mission of Step Up Suncoast. From my first interview as Fiscal Director in 2000 to my role today as President and CEO, that passion has fueled me every day. Knowing that each decision, each strengthened relationship, and each effort to inspire others helps children and families build brighter futures motivates me to always give my very best.
DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS. Perseverance and teamwork can move mountains! EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR Step Up Suncoast’s incredible, creative, and dedicated staff. They are so invested in our mission and inspire me daily with their passion and commitment to helping families build brighter, more stable futures. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION OR PHILANTHROPIC WORK. Step Up Suncoast is a nonprofit Community Action Agency serving Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. Our mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve long-term economic stability through education, support services, and community partnerships. Each year, thousands of hard-working families turn to Step Up Suncoast for early childhood education, housing and utility assistance, financial literacy, tax assistance, and workforce programs. Behind every service are dedicated staff who care deeply about helping their neighbors succeed. Together with our community partners, we open doors to opportunity and brighter futures, ensuring families have the support they need to thrive.
STEP UP SUNCOAST
6428 Parkland Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243
941.827.2887
StepUpSuncoast.org facebook.com/stepupsuncoast
CHRISTINA “CC” FREDERICKS
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SARASOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM DIRECTOR OF INSURANCE OPERATIONS, ATLAS INSURANCE
“I
lead with heart, and my heart lives at home
first.”
WHAT IS YOUR STORY OF SUCCESS? To me, success is being the kind of leader my four kids can be proud of. I balance a career in insurance operations with founding a children’s museum—all while making it to school events and bedtime stories. My story is one of joyful juggling, big dreams, and always starting with family. WHAT IS YOUR SECRET SAUCE? Heart-first leadership, mom-strength resilience, and the ability to turn chaos into creativity. DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS. Build boldly. Love fiercely. Laugh daily. EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR the beautiful, messy magic of motherhood.
MARGARET (CANOPYMEG) LOWMAN, PHD
FOUNDING DIRECTOR | TREE FOUNDATION
CALLED THE “REAL LIFE LORAX” BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, LOWMAN IS THE WORLD’S FIRST GLOBAL ARBORNAUT (TRANSLATION: TREETOP EXPLORER). As a shy tomboy, she was passionate about trees and nature. Becoming a forest scientist in a male-dominated field, Canopymeg crafted slingshots, harnesses, ropes, and skywalks to explore the treetops, publishing more than 200 scientific papers and 13 books. She has explored for 45+ years in 45+ countries but made Sarasota her home. Lowman co-founded TREE Foundation in 2000 to fund/build North America’s first public canopy walkway in Myakka Park. This ecotourism destination has hosted millions of kids and enhanced local economy. TREE Foundation also creates programs to immerse kids in nature, locally and globally. After Myakka’s success, Lowman launched Mission Green to fund 10 walkways in the world’s 10 most endangered forests, to employ indigenous women, conserve important forests, and inspire kids to explore nature.
“I believe that our children’s greatest inheritance is not bank accounts, jewelry, or real estate, but a healthy planet. My mantra is ‘no child left indoors.’ Enjoy nature!”
TREE FOUNDATION
P.O. Box 48839
Sarasota, FL 34230-5839
941.500.2505
info@treefoundation.org
SARASOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM P.O. Box 391, Ringling Blvd Sarasota, FL 34230 | 941.266.2713
sarasotachildrensmuseum.org atlasinsuranceagency.com Instagram: @sarasotachildrensmuseum facebook.com/sarasotachildrensmuseum
JACKIE OTT JAAKOLA PRESIDENT AND CEO | EVERYCAT HEALTH FOUNDATION
“I bring enthusiasm and a heartfelt purpose to improving the lives of animals while building community with the people who love them”.
HOW HAS AN EXPERIENCE IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE MOTIVATED YOU? Through life’s challenges animals have always brought me joy—their trust, their instinct, their love, their charisma, and uniqueness. Sharing that joy, those relationships, is something that everyone should experience if they have the desire. Giving back to that human-animal connection as a career has been very rewarding. From animal training, to recreating with animals, to animal health research, to fostering animal adoptions, to wild animal rescue, I’m committed to putting my skills, energy, and passion into making a difference for animals and the people who care for them. Helping animals and their people isn’t just something I do—it’s who I am. WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE, MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH AND HOW HAVE YOU UTILIZED IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATIONAL OR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLE? Strategic, empathetic leadership. Leading teams and collaborations is the way to achieve results bigger than you could do alone. I’ve brought this strategic and global mindset to the animal welfare community. Tackling, achieving, and celebrating success in a shared mission is so much more impactful and rewarding when you strike the balance with empathy and strategy to forge ahead. WHAT IS YOUR “SECRET SAUCE?” Smile and mean it—it’s up to you to find the joy in every journey. Life is too short to travel any other way. DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS. Share joy and be quietly bold. EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR challenges, colleagues, creativity, community, and people who care (and cats…of course, cats)!
EVERYCAT HEALTH FOUNDATION
637 Wyckoff Ave. | Ste. 336 Wyckoff, NJ 07481
888.963.6946 | Ext. 701 info@everycat.org | everycat.org
facebook.com/EveryCatHealth instagram.com/everycathealth youtube.com/@everycathealth linkedin.com/company/everycat-health-foundation linkedin.com/in/jackie-jaakola-a666297/
JAMIE M. SMITH ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS /
PIO
WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE, MOST SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH AND HOW HAVE YOU UTILIZED IT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN AN ORGANIZATIONAL OR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ROLE? My greatest strength is authentic empathy. From an early age, I learned I cannot control everything, but I can always control how I respond. Most people simply want to be heard, respected, and allowed to contribute their part. That insight shaped my philosophy to PECK my way through life—seeking perspective from lived experience, practicing empathy for myself and others, engaging in honest communication, and leading with kindness, which is at the core of who I am. HOW HAS AN EXPERIENCE IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE MOTIVATED YOU? I began working at 14, was emancipated by 16, and put myself through college. Along the way, two guiding principles shaped me: ‘Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,’ and ‘I am bound to do good to my fellow-creatures and bear with them.’ Those words continue to inspire both my resilience and my commitment to lifting others. WHAT IS YOUR “SECRET SAUCE”? My ‘secret sauce’ is the ability to connect the dots, between people, ideas, and opportunities, in ways that feel human. Whether crafting a campaign, advising during a crisis, or even breaking the ice with a selfie, I lead with authenticity and empathy. That balance of strategic thinking and personal connection has been the throughline of my leadership. DESCRIBE YOUR OWN OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN SIX WORDS. When faced with choice, PECK it! EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR the chance to try again, grow, and learn something new.
“When faced with challenge, adversity, or difficult people—choose to PECK it: lead with Perspective, Empathy, Communication, and Kindness.”
STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA
5840 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207 941.752.5000 | SCF.edu