AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024
DR.CHANTA M.
HAYWOOD
JOY OF MISSING OUT! Starting a Business 101
WINE & WISDOM: SISTER SPEAK!
REFLECTIVE LEADERSHIP
Summer at Martha’s Vineyard
PEACH COBBLER BLUEBERRY TWIST DUMP CAKE
SIMPLE TIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE WELLNESS
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Confident and compassionate – that’s the type of person you want managing your retirement plans and exactly who Angel Charlton is. As the City of Tallahassee’s first African American Retirement Programs Administrator, Charlton plays a direct role in the life of each of the City’s 4,000 employees. Rather than viewing employees as a simple calculation, she encourages her team to meet each employee where they are and help them plan for retirement in a way that meets their individual goals. With 20 years of service, Charlton has driven retirement readiness initiatives with a focus on early- and mid-career retirement plan education and implemented programs for retirees. In her role, she is responsible for managing and negotiating investment, pension and defined contribution plans, while also managing the retirement “powerhouse” (her talented, driven team).
ANGEL CHARLTON
The City is a great place to work and retire from, due in part to Charlton’s leadership and dedication to staying current on industry trends. She is an active member of the Florida Public Pension Trustee Association, the National Pension Education Association and the National Conference for Public Employee Retirement Systems. Additionally, Charlton recently graduated with a master’s in public administration from Florida State University. For Charlton, her role is much more than a title – it’s a service to an organization she is proud to represent. When asked if she was looking forward to her retirement with the City, her answer was a representation of her dedication to the organization. “I don’t think I will retire in 10 years because I have a lot more left to give,” she said. Discovering the excitement of computer programming in high school, Sabrina Holloman knew early on that she belonged in the field of technology - a field that was largely male-dominated at the time. Now, 23 years into her career with the City of Tallahassee, she stands as a leader in the industry, serving as the Deputy Director of Technology and Innovation (T&I) for Business Engagement and Professional Services. Holloman plays a key role in evaluating emerging trends in technology and planning strategic improvements that enable City services like public safety, utilities and StarMetro to operate more efficiently. She was instrumental in the development of the City’s first computer-aided dispatch system that now supports Tallahassee’s Consolidated Dispatch Agency, ensuring that 911 dispatchers have reliable, smooth technology, ultimately improving response times. She received a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Florida A&M University and is a graduate of Florida State University’s Certified Government Chief Information Officer and Public Manager programs. Prior to joining the City, Holloman held an impressive 11-year tenure in IT with Procter & Gamble. This combined education and expertise led her to be the City’s first African American and female Chief Information Officer, a role that laid the foundation for her current position. A natural-born teacher, Holloman considers the opportunity to influence technology trends and employee-development to be her favorite parts of the job. Her division within T&I mentors students through the Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy each year hoping to inspire future generations toward a career in technology. The collaborative work environment she has created empowers her intelligent, capable team members to take the lead on projects with confidence in their ability to deliver outstanding results.
SABRINA HOLLOMAN
WOM A N
MAGAZINE CRISTINA CARTER Relationship Manager
Publisher | Editor-in-Chief
OLIVIA HEYWARD
TALLAHASSEE WOMAN MAGAZINE is a publication of Mitcham Media Group LLC Post Office Box 16616 Tallahassee, FL 32317-3401 Phone (850) 893-9624 publisher@TalWoman.com Tallahassee Woman is published six times per year and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding communities. ADVERTISING For advertising, visit talwoman.com, call (850) 893-9624, or e-mail ads@TalWoman.com. The information in this publication is presented in good faith. The publisher does not guarantee accuracy or assume responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright © 2024 Mitcham Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or in whole, without expressed written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.
TALLAHASSEE WOMAN MAGAZINE IS A CERTIFIED MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
Director of Leadership Initiatives
KIRA DERRYBERRY PHOTOGRAPHER
DR. TAVIA REYES WRITER
HOLLEY CURRY WRITER
DR. GENNEA WILLIAMS
Kira Derryberry is a Tallahassee-based portrait photographer specializing in families, headshots and boudoir and commercial photography. She books locally in Tallahasee and is available for travel worldwide. View Kira's portfolio online at kiraderryberry.com.
Dr. Tavia is an applied kinesiologist, certified acupuncturist and yoga teacher. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as a holistic physician, empowering others through root cause medicine and health education.
Creative Director
T A LWO M A N .C O M
Executive Editor
PAULA DEBOLES-JOHNSON
CONTRIBUTORS
Dr. Michelle Mitcham
LACI SWANN
BRIANA SMITH Creative Consultant
Holley is a devoted mom, friend and owner of M&M Monogramming. When she isn't serving customers in store, she enjoys cooking, live music, and spending time with her adopted fur babies.
THAIS GONZALEZ WRITER
Thais Gonzalez is a retired Tallahassee Spanish teacher. She taught over 5,000 students in the community throughout her career. Leading students to first place at the annual regional Modern Language Expo competition on multiple occasions, she is well known in her field.
tallahassee woman | 8 | august • september 2024
WRITER
Dr. Gennea is a holistic chiropractor and Naturopathic physician that enjoys intertwining all aspects of medicine for the sole purpose of creating a better tomorrow with preventative care for all generations.
tallahassee woman | 9 | august • september 2024
PUBLISHER LETTER
H
"Empower yourself to bloom where you are planted, for every season holds the potential for ave you ever questioned your worth, wondering if you are growth and greatness." doing enough in every aspect of your life? It's time to shift
that mindset and embrace the journey you are on. Take a moment to practice mindfulness, to truly appreciate and recognize the blessings and opportunities that surround you. You are capable, you are valuable, and you are enough.
-Oprah Winfrey
In this issue, we celebrate the achievements of Dr. Chanta Haywood, a remarkable leader and educator who has risen to new heights at Coppin State University. Her story is a testament to the power of transferable skills acquired through life's experiences, sports, and leadership roles. Reflect on your own journey, acknowledge your resilience, and prioritize self-care as you navigate through your own path to success. As we transition back to our routines after summer, let us seize the opportunities that come our way and thrive in our current season of life. Embrace your unique skills and experiences, for they have shaped you into the resilient and capable woman you are today. Give yourself the grace to be the best version of yourself, and watch as you continue to flourish and grow. As fall approaches, remember that each day is a new chance to shine and make a difference. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your victories, and always remember that you have the power within you to achieve greatness. Keep blooming, keep growing, and keep shining bright. This is your moment. Don’t second-guess yourself. Take advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities to pour into yourself in this wonderful city of Tallahassee, which we call home. We look forward to seeing at TWM’s Wine & Wisdom: Sister Speak! Join us August 8th and each month at Vino Beano for this speed empowerment open-mic night created by Team TWM and hosted by Dr. Patty Ghazvini and her amazing staff! Wishing you love and light!
Dr. Michelle Mitcham CEO & Publisher Tallahassee Woman Magazine
Photo by Kira Derryberry Photography
tallahassee woman | 10 | august • september 2024
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tallahassee woman | 11 | august • september 2024
INVEST IN YOUR LEGACY
C
reating a lasting legacy means making an impact that transcends your life. Your influence can take many forms, from enduring values and belief systems to charitable contributions and mentorship. This journey begins with a commitment to philanthropy and community well-being. It’s about more than financial support—it’s about creating a legacy of giving that enriches lives across generations. And it may also be an opportunity to unite your family around shared values to create a legacy. Investing in your legacy allows you to leave a lasting imprint on the community you’ve helped shape. Creating a personalized philanthropic legacy that reflects your values and passions ensures that future generations thrive and benefit from your foresight and generosity. This investment can maximize tax benefits and leverage professional fund management, ensuring your charitable giving achieves its intended impact.
A legacy fund is a powerful tool that can amplify your impact on causes that resonate with you. Whether your aim is to foster a sense of unity within your family around shared philanthropic values or to leave an indelible mark on your community, this journey is one of connection and shared purpose. It's a journey that brings people together, united in a commitment to making a difference. Together, we can ensure future generations thrive and benefit from the generosity of those who came before them. Join us in shaping a brighter future for our community by investing in your philanthropic legacy today. Contact us to learn more about establishing a legacy fund and creating a meaningful, enduring impact on our community.
tallahassee woman | 12 | august • september 2024
COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS
Dr. Michelle Mitcham
Licensed Mental Health Counselor “Courageous conversations lead to courageous solutions”
Online counseling and coaching via audio or video messaging from anywhere. Flexible plans to meet your scheduling needs and lifestyle. Confidential and Secure. Aetna, Cigna, Oscar Health, Oxford, and United Healthcare Insurance Accepted
DR.MITCHAM@GMAIL.COM | 850.296.8801 HEADWAY.CO/PROVIDERS/MICHELLE-MITCHAM
WEEKLY Events Sip &Study
VinoBeano, Tallahassee's charming spot for exquisite in-house cuisine, wine, and cocktails. Perfect for unforgettable birthdays, business gatherings, or wedding events!
Daily until 5PM Join us for a refreshing study session! Enjoy a buy-one-getone special on coldbrew coffees with a student ID.
Wine Bingo
7pm-9pm Complimentary glass of wine with any food purchase Must purchase any item to play*
Ladies Night
www.vinobeano.com @vinobeanotally
5pm-7pm Enjoy half off specialty martinis and join us for Ladies Night every weeknight.
EVERY DAY
WED
EVERY WEEK NIGHT
1309 THOMASVILLE RD, SUITE 101, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32303 (850) 329-2562
tallahassee woman | 13 | august • september 2024