SRQ Magazine | Women Who Roar 2020

RECOGNIZING WOMEN LEADERSHIP IN BUSINESS ON THE GULF COAST

RECOGNIZING WOMEN LEADERS IN THE SARASOTA, BRADENTON AND LAKEWOOD RANCH REGIONWHO HAVE MADE MEANINGFUL AND SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE AREAS OF BUSINESS, HEALTH, EDUCATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SCIENCE, SPORTS, PHILANTHROPY AND THE ARTS.

PROGRAM PRODUCED BY SRQ MEDIA | LISL LIANG, ASHLEY GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN

NOMINEE | 2020

JESSICA ROGERS

VICE PRESIDENT OF PHILANTHROPY, CHILDREN FIRST JESSICA ROGERS BELIEVES ACCESS to opportunity for all is the base for building a strong community. This belief has transformed her passion for helping women, children, and families into a dynamic professional career focused on the well-being of humankind. As a mother, she raises her daughter the way that her own mother taught her, to strive to make a difference in the lives of others in her community.

With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising, Jessica serves as Vice President of Philanthropy at Children First, Sarasota County’s exclusive Head Start Program, ranking in the top 1% of Head Starts nationwide. She represents the agency in advocating for the support of early childhood education and breaking barriers of poverty.

During her tenure, she has transformed fundraising and outreach efforts allowing the agency to serve the greatest number of children and families in its 59-year history and being named WEDU PBS’s Nonprofit of the Year.

Rogers’ volunteer and philanthropic engagement is broad across our community. She has served on the board of directors for the Junior League of Sarasota and most recently received the 2020 Sustainer Community Service Award. Rogers has brought awareness to the mission of the National Council of Jewish Women and the programs of their local chapter in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Rogers is a proud graduate of Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership program and serves on the Leadership Alumni Committee, and has served as a Troop Co-Leader for the Girl Scouts of Southwest Florida.

1723 North Orange Avenue, Sarasota, FL | 941-953-3877 childrenfirst.net PERSONAL “What

you

do

makes

a

difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want

to make"—Jane Goodall. DAILY LIFE “Never

underestimate yourself. Who is going to

stop you?” PROFESSIONAL “Looking ahead

is important. It helps you determine your steps now to get there."

"Be purposeful. Be mindful. Be humble.

Positivity and enthusiasm are infectiousbe a vector for spread!”

NOMINEE | 2020

JUDY S. WANG, M.D.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DRUG DEVELOPMENT, FLORIDA CANCER SPECIALISTS AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE SARAH CANNON RESEARCH INSTITUTE HELICOPTER PILOT FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. Physician Education Teacher for Sarasota County Schools. Correctional Officer for the Desoto Annex. One unfortunate characteristic they all have in common… each person has Stage 4 incurable cancer. But what also ties them together… each person has important roles in their community, and they each work to support their young growing family.

Cancer does not discriminate, and in an alarming trend, it is being diagnosed more and more in young patients.

Judy knew early on in her undergraduate education and medical training that she wanted to be an Oncologist. It was a healthcare specialty that afforded development of longitudinal, profound relationships with her patients. And with multiple members of her own family having succumb to terminal cancer, becoming an Oncologist equated to a lifelong professional endeavor that would contribute to the collective knowledge, in the race to find a cure. While considering career opportunities at multiple renowned institutions, including Johns Hopkins and University of Pennsylvania, her interest was piqued by a novel opportunity at Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute. Through a strategic partnership with Sarah Cannon Research Institute, the Drug Development Unit at FCS wanted to expand their clinical trial unit in Sarasota, Fl. Here was a rare opportunity not only to conduct groundbreaking cancer research with multiple pharmaceutical leaders, but also to bring these clinical trial opportunities “home” to Sarasota. This meant her young patients could still work full time serving their Sarasota community, spend precious time with their families, all while receiving innovative clinical trial treatment right in their own neighborhood. Judy made the move in 2015 from the Northeast to Sarasota and hasn’t looked back since. Seeing her patients thrive while fighting cancer puts a smile on her face and inspires her every day.

600 North Cattlemen Road, Suite 200, Sarasota, FL 941-377-9993 | FLcancer.com

SMARTGIRL PARTNER | 2020

BLAIR BLOOMSTON, DR. AJ LEE, PHD ERIN WATSON & ELISE RODRIGUEZ GAME ON NATION

FOUNDED IN 1997, Game On Nation has pioneered the art of helping organizations, teams and individuals improve communication, leadership, well-being and culture. Through a groundbreaking, game-based training technique, called MILE™, Game On’s curriculum harnesses the positive power of Mystery, Incentive, Laughter, and Empowerment to create immediate improvement people can see, feel, and measure. Combining interactive, exercise-based learning (think: improvisation and gamification) with traditional training techniques (picture: guided dialogue and peer-to-peer feedback), Game On’s programs result in innovative strategies to amplify both personal and professional development, while enhancing connection. From #1 NFL, NBA, and NHL Draft Picks, to College Athletes, Pro Teams, and Leagues, to Government and Military leadership, and C-Suite Executives, Game On delivers results that last. Some of Game On’s recent and long-term clients include Hilton, NASCAR, Deloitte, Pittsburgh Pirates, 2015 USWNT World Cup Champions, US Olympic Committee, FSU Football & FSU Women’s Soccer, Joint Special Operations Command, Kentucky Basketball, Honda, the SEC, USO and Wounded Warrior Project.

3110 MANATEE AVENUE WEST, BRADENTON, FL 34205 @gameonnation | gameonnation.com

BLAIR BLOOMSTON, PARTNER AND VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (PICTURED ABOVE) Blair has spent the last 16 years working with the world’s most recognizable athletes, teams, executives, corporations, and brands. She is considered a leading expert on the use of Game Dynamics and Game Theory to improve communication, leadership, team building, and culture.

AJ LEE, PHD, VP OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS (TOP RIGHT) A former NCAA Division I gymnast, AJ earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Auburn University, specializing in research related to student-athlete engagement. As a member of the Game On executive staff, AJ cultivates business strategy and a sound brand voice to amplify the Game On mission for sustainable, long-term impact. ERIN WATSON, PROJECT COORDINATOR (TOP LEFT) As a member of the Game On staff, Erin works to further the mission of the company by providing program and executive support to the Game On team. She utilizes her skills and experience in event planning and management to ensure the programs and events of Game On are delivered with excellence. ELISE RODRIGUEZ, ESQ, COMMUNICATION CONSULTANT (CENTER) Elise is a Cuban-American performer, teaching artist, coach, and creative professional who launched her improvisational theatre career in Miami, Florida. She is a skilled and joyous improvisor who speaks fluent Spanish and teaches, coaches, and performs improv nationally and internationally. As a coach and trainer, Elise works with professionals in various industries on creative thinking, applied improv, and public speaking and communication.

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE | CLASS OF 2015

MARY DOUGHERTY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GULF COAST BUILDERS EXCHANGE EVERYDAY I'M INSPIRED BY GCBX MEMBERS! They build the projects that create jobs and opportunities for our community to grow and prosper. They are the business people that started at the bottom rung of the career ladder and now own the business. They are entrepreneurs investing in the community, raising their families here and employers providing opportunities for countless families in the community. Their ingenuity has helped them survive countless economic cycles, including the “Great Recession” and not only sustain their businesses, but grow their businesses. When you look at any philanthropic endeavor in the community, you will see members of the Commercial Contracting Industry among the lead donors. I always say, all you have to do is ask GCBX Members for help and they will be there to assist. GCBX gets involved in numerous community service projects. Their love and commitment to this community has been evident since 1952 and I have no doubt it will continue far into the future. I am proud to serve this organization and its members and everyday I’m inspired by the leaders of the organization past and present.

Additionally, I’m inspired by members of my family. I was raised by a strong mother and a father I lost way to young. I’m inspired by my children that I’m proud to have raised with a great work ethic and resilience that I know will take them far in life. I’m inspired by my brother who handled his illness with strength and dignity and taught me so many lessons in life.

8433 Enterprise Circle, Suite 120, Lakewood Ranch, FL 941-907-7745 | gcbx.org “As a teenager, I purchased a glass paper weight at the gift shop of the World Trade Center that has etched on it, “What you dare to dream, dare to do”.

I still have that

paper weight and look at it often. While I’ve internalized

the saying inscribed on the paper weight, the weight itself has become a cherished possession and reminder that we

all need to live life to the fullest in honor of those who lost their lives on that terrible day.”

"Just like we see an accountant for our taxes and an attorney for law matters,

patients deserve the care and counsel of

a professional to help them make important health decisions – not the indifferent medical advice from Dr. Google.”

NOMINEE | 2020

DR. AMY ROTH LERNERCOHEN HEALTHCARE DR. AMY ROTH GREW UP ON A FARM and apple orchard in Pennsylvania. When she was young, her father suffered an injury that required immediate medical attention. Instead of going to the emergency room, her father was treated by their family physician in his office. They were greeted by name, attended to quickly, and sent home with a prescription after receiving sutures and some old-fashioned personal attention. This experience helped shape Dr. Roth’s vision of practicing medicine. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Princeton University, Dr. Roth received her medical degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and then completed the Internal Medicine Residency training program at the University of Connecticut. From there, she sought a way to practice medicine with an enduring commitment to provide the same level of care and personal attention that her father received, something not easily found today. Now with LernerCohen Healthcare, one of Sarasota’s earliest concierge practices, Dr. Roth does just that. LernerCohen doctors accept a limited number of patients and spend more time with each of them, allowing her to develop meaningful, lasting relationships, and devote the necessary time to take great care of those she treats. This personal connection combined with being readily available in the office and by phone ultimately works to benefit the ongoing health of her patients while focusing on prevention.

THE DOCTOR IS IN. ALWAYS. 1921 Waldemere Street, Suite 814, Sarasota, FL 941-953-9080 | LernerCohen.com

NOMINEE | 2020

AIMEE COGAN WEALTH ADVISOR

"Our client’s goals are our priorities.

When they are successful they contribute to making this world a better place.”

AIMEE COGAN IS PASSIONATE ABOUT helping her clients to reach their goals and find the ‘Yes’ in any situation. Combining a lifelong love of math, penchant for planning and a passion for helping people, she founded The Bellwether Group, a multidisciplinary wealth management team dedicated to the needs of her clients and community. Cogan is inspired by her local Sarasota-based Bellwether team who have over 25 years of experience each with different professional designations and areas of focus in wealth management1. All worked for private banks before coming to Morgan Stanley for the culture, platform and capabilities of the firm. Cogan is honored to be ranked by Forbes as the #3 female advisor in the state of Florida, and 81 in the U.S. and ranked by Barron’s as one of top advisors in the U.S. over the past 9 years2. In response to COVID 19, the team has been working via Zoom and Skype meetings and Cogan notes that clients and individuals just reaching out for the first time are thrilled to be able to connect with them remotely, that’s important because for Cogan and her team it’s all about relationships. She says, “I love this field as we get a chance to meet and work with some terrific individuals and families that have built amazing businesses and done so much for the country and our community. We love helping them map out a financial plan, design a portfolio they are comfortable with and collaborating with their attorneys and accountants on longer term estate and legacy planning strategy. It is very fulfilling for us to work with our clients and their next generations to help them become successful financial stewards.”

The Bellweather Group at Morgan Stanley | 2 North Tamiami Trail, Ste. 1100 Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-363-8515 | Aimee.cogan@morganstanley.com Aimee Cogan, Financial Advisor, Managing Director Wealth Management, Family Wealth Director, Over 25 Years of experience. Richard T. Williams, CFA, Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Portfolio Management Director, Over 25 Years of experience. Scott Rockwell, Vice President, Financial Advisor, Portfolio Manager, Over 30 years of experience. Kathy Francoletti, CTFA, Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Over 40 years of experience 2 Aimee Cogan: Ranked nationally in Barron’s Top 100 Women Financial Advisors 2011-2014, 2016-2018. Ranked nationally in Barron’s Top 1,200 State by State Advisors 2012–2020. Ranked nationally in Financial Times Top 400 Advisors 2013, 2016. Ranked nationally with Working Mother Magazine Shook. Research Top Wealth Advisor Moms 2018, 2019. Ranked nationally in Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2019, 2020. Ranked nationally in Forbes Top Women Advisors 2019, 2020 1

The Bellwether Group are Financial Advisors at Morgan Stanley in Sarasota and they have engaged SRQ Magazine to feature this profile. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC. [www.sipc.org]. The Bellwether Group may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration [https://advisor. morganstanley.com/the-bellwether-group]. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where The Bellwether Group financial advisors are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration. Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax or legal advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. The ratings may not be representative of any one client’s experience nor are they indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors paid a fee to Barron’s, Forbes, Financial Times, Working Mother magazines, or SHOOK Research in exchange for the ratings. For more information on the ranking methodology for the awards listed above, go to http://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html Any companies mentioned within are shown for informational purposes only and we are not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement of the companies mentioned . CRC 3090232 5/20

“Our deepest fear is not that we

are weak. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask

ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?”

— Nelson Mandela

NOMINEE | 2020

DIANNA MANOOGIAN

SALT MAVEN, SALT OF THE EARTH SARASOTA DIANNA IS TRULY MOTIVATED TO PROVIDE alternative wellness treatments to the community. She is principled in her belief that there are natural ways to heal the body. This motivation ranges from her own holistic self care to her client interactions. Dianna genuinely cares how her clients are doing, always asking how they are feeling while providing other alternative wellness options that they may benefit from outside of Salt Therapy. Seeing the transformation of her clients is one of her biggest drivers. Just knowing that she is helping them to heal is the greatest gift.

While just in its third year of operation, Salt of the Earth is borne out of years of Dianna seeking all natural ways to help herself and her family. “Salt therapy chose me,“ she often says! She was quick to see that it is better to uncover and treat the source of what ails her, rather than merely address a symptom. She encourages others to do the same. It may take a little more time than the usual quick fix, but the benefit for one's own health is well worth the effort.

Sarasota has become a place where non-traditional healing has taken hold. Dianna fosters that with donations to local charities and schools, as well as being a founding Board member of Impact100 SRQ and educating wellness groups in our area. Her message is authentic, and her spirit is infectious. Any visit to Salt of the Earth will clearly show how Dianna is truly committed to helping people heal through all natural means.

4037 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34233 941-702-8300 | sotesarasota.com

"I live life with the wisdom of Maya Angelou’s words:

“I've learned that people will

forget what you said, people

will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

NOMINEE | 2020

LINDA DOMENICO OWNER, TIGER LILY FLORIST

MY PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY has everything to do with my love of travel. I am so grateful to have had the chance to exist and work in many different cultures in so many different roles.

As a personal chef in Italy, florist in Hawaii, entrepreneur in Sarasota, and even starting my first business at 19 in California, the passion that has driven my life is that of finding creative ways to connect with other people. Working in floral design allows me to be a part of some of the most poignant moments in the lives of others. I get to bring their visions to life for weddings and share in their everyday joy when they gift flowers to a loved one.

1619 Desoto Road, Sarasota, FL 34234 941-355-5661 | linda@tigerlilyflower.net | tigerlilyflowers.com

NOMINEE | 2020

LORI AUGUSTYNIAK

OWNER, HORIZON INSURANCE “Everything you need is already

inside you. You were wired to Survive and Succeed” — Darren Hardy

LORI AUGUSTYNIAK ATTRIBUTES HER SUCCESS with Horizon Insurance to building a great team that believes in her agency’s philosophy of doing the right thing for clients.

“Our growth comes from referrals because our clients and centers of influence know and trust that we will take of them,” she says.

“We will be an advocate and help our clients manage their insurance portfolio.” Giving back to the community has become a mantra for Horizon; in 2018, the agency partnered with Safeco Insurance to donate $10,000 to the Homeless Coalition and again in 2020 to donate $5,000 to Meals on Wheels of Sarasota.

Horizon Insurance donates up to 10% of its profits to local charities.

Quarterly, the Horizon Team does a volunteer activity.

ACHIEVEMENTS Five Star Professional 2011-2017 Reader Choice Award 2016-2020 Insurance Business of America Top Producer 2016 and 2020 American Integrity Insurance Diamond Performer 2017-2019 Nationwide Insurance President’s Conference and Champion Award Nationwide Financial Platinum Club

7347 52nd Place East, Bradenton, FL 941-755-9500 | HorizonIns.net

HOW HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED THE MORTGAGE INDUSTRY? We've heard it over and over . . . these are unprecedented times. COVID-19 has created a level of risk and uncertainty within the financial markets that hasn't been felt in decades, if not longer. We immediately saw a variety of drastic changes implemented by banks, national lenders and the Federal Government in an effort to stabilize the housing market amid the rise of unemployment. These beneficial measures have resulted in a huge unprecedented drop in interest rates. Current market fixed interest rates are lower than we've ever seen, which has provided opportunities for people looking to save huge amounts of cash with their current mortgage or move into their dream home at a lower cost.

LENDIRECT SALVATORE MORABITO, CEO/PRESIDENT

WHAT WILL THE FUTURE OF HOME OWNERSHIP LOOK LIKE IN OUR REGION? In a post COVID-19 world, home ownership is being redefined. I anticipate that we’ll see changes in how technology will be used to offer virtual home tours. I also believe that remotebased mortgage services that cater to the conveniences of clients are more important than ever. One thing is certain-- there's something very special about Sarasota.

Sarasota's sunny beaches and bayside beauty, rich cultural history and its vibrant art and theater scene brings so much appeal to our city and surrounding communities. There's something for everyone here.

New home construction will surely continue to rise as our special city attracts more visibility and I believe we’ll see an increase in relocation by those who are looking to enjoy our unique Sarasota lifestyle.

WHAT SETS LENDIRECT APART FROM TRADITIONAL MORTGAGE OPTIONS?​ Having started in the mortgage industry in the mid 90's, I was able to see many different ways mortgages were offered to consumers. I listened to what consumers wanted and saw gaps in the industry. In 2007, I began LENDirect to create something better for the consumer.

Consumers usually had to choose between the wholesale rates a mortgage broker could offer and the speed or underwriting capacity of a traditional lender.

LENDirect is not exclusively a traditional broker, nor are we a traditional lender. We are a hybrid between both.

We have the diversity to choose from different lenders across the country to get the lowest rates and specific programs that meet our client’s needs and have a full underwriting staff in house which expedites the closing process. When COVID-19 hit our industry, we saw varying lenders change their policies overnight to protect their portfolios. This caused major disruptions across the country, but our clients were not impacted because we were able to identify which wholesale lenders had the stability to remain unaffected. Using the latest digital platforms and technology we're still able to provide lightning fast closings. On average we close both purchases and refinances in less than 30 days...even in today's market.

LENDIRECT OFFERS RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGES WITH AN EMPHASIS ON LOW RATES, REMOTE TECHNOLOGY AND SPEED. SALVATORE MORABITO, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF LENDIRECT SHARES INSIGHT INTO HOMEOWNERSHIP DURING THE TIME OF COVID-19.

400 Madison Drive Suite 220 Sarasota, FL 34236 | LENDIRECT.COM Office number: 941-404-4663 or 866-990-LEND