OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024
Can't pour from an empty cup! PUMPKIN POWER COT TALENT SHAPING TALLAHASSEE
SAINT PETE SPLENDOR
PIVOT & PERSEVERE
TALLAHASSEE STATE COLLEGE
The Art of Micro-Flirting
Colette Washington & Khari James
Hurdles, Hardwork & Hope
A Family Story and The Journey to the Next Generation
Expert Care, Faster Recovery, Close to Home.
Meet Shlermine Everidge, MD, a Florida State University College of Medicine graduate, who spent a year dedicated to advanced breast cancer surgery training at the prestigious MD Anderson Cancer Center. Now she’s back and bringing the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment to the Tallahassee Memorial Walker Breast Program. With the region’s only fellowship trained breast surgical oncologist, TMH patients receive expert cancer care without having to travel far from home. We’re going the extra mile, so you don’t have to.
Learn about the Walker Breast Program at TMH.ORG/BreastCancer.
Tallahassee Community College Transforms into Tallahassee State College to Meet Expanding Educational Demands
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n July 1, 2024, Tallahassee Community College proudly transitioned to Tallahassee State College (TSC). The change reflected TSC's significant evolution as a nationally-ranked public college with expanded academic offerings and a broadening impact in the state. The renaming also coincides with a period of remarkable growth. This semester, TSC welcomed its largest-ever cohort of new faculty—36 full-time members across multiple disciplines—to accommodate a surge in student enrollment. More than 12,000 students registered for fall 2024, a 7.2% increase in enrollment and a 9.1% rise in credit hours, the highest in more than a decade. Dr. Calandra Stringer, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized, "These talented new faculty members not only meet the needs of our growing student body but also enrich the breadth and quality of our academic offerings."
vative fields such as applied artificial intelligence, computer crimes, and animation and game art. This expansion also includes new bachelor's degrees in elementary education, exceptional student education, and business administration. These programs complement the existing B.S. in Nursing and align with labor market trends, ensuring they meet regional workforce needs. TSC has also distinguished itself as the No.1 transfer school to both FSU and FAMU, with 60% of its students hailing from outside of its service district. This reflects TSC's growing influence and appeal in providing top-tier educational opportunities. As TSC advances, it continues to stay true to its mission of delivering accessible, affordable, and quality education. The transformation from TCC to TSC is more than a name change—it's a renewed commitment to ensuring it remains the college of choice for its students.
Several new associate in science (A.S.) degrees have been introduced in inno-
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Recognized as one of the top two-year colleges in the nation, we’re proud of our legacy as Tallahassee Community College. Now, we are soaring higher as Tallahassee State College. With more than 120 degree programs and career training opportunities, and the No. 1 transfer program in the state, we are the College of Choice for our students and our community. Discover more at tsc.fl.edu.
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
VICKI BRADLEY WRITER
HEATHER THOMAS WRITER
KIRA DERRYBERRY PHOTOGRAPHER
DR. TAVIA REYES WRITER
JANE MARKS WRITER
KAITLYN WALSH WRITER
Vicki Bradley is a news leader with nearly two decades of news production, producing and leadership experience.She currently serves as Station Manager and Sr. Director of News for WTXL ABC 27.
Heather Thomas is the former Executive Editor of Tallahassee Woman Magazine and currentlyserves as the Marketing Coordinator at Leon County Schools. To keep up with Heather, follow her on Instagram @ladybluewrites.
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
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.
Jane Marks is a licensed psychotherapist "life coach" with more than 50 years of experience specializing in child and adolescent behavior. She is a motivational speaker/lecturer focusing on mental health and adolescents.
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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.
Florida State University Intern
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Start your journey at synovus.com/wealth. Investment products and services provided by Synovus are offered through Synovus Securities, Inc. (“SSI”), Synovus Trust Company, N.A. (“STC”) and Creative Financial Group, a division of SSI. Trust services for Synovus are provided by Synovus Trust Company, N.A. The registered brokerdealer offering brokerage products for Synovus is Synovus Securities, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC and an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Investment products and services are not FDIC insured, are not deposits of or other obligations of Synovus Bank, are not guaranteed by Synovus Bank and involve investment risk, including possible loss of principal amount invested. Synovus Securities, Inc. is a subsidiary of Synovus Financial Corp and an affiliate of Synovus Bank and Synovus Trust. Synovus Trust tallahassee Company, N.A. is a subsidiary of Synovus Bank.woman | 9 | october • november 2024
PUBLISHER LETTER
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” -Maya Angelou
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s we reflect on the recent impact of Hurricane Helene, I am reminded of the incredible resilience that defines our city, our community, our state, and our nation. In times of adversity, we witness the true spirit of humanity as people unite to lend a helping hand and show compassion for one another. The essence of resilience embodies the strength of women—those courageous souls who advocate for others and uplift their communities. This issue features two remarkable women who exemplify this spirit: the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Khari James and Colette Washington. Their inspiring story is a testament to the power of belief and determination, encouraging us all to rise above challenges. The spirit of resilience resides within each of us, waiting to be ignited. I also invite you to join us at our monthly event, SisterSpeak: Wine & Wisdom, where women gather to share their powerful narratives of strength, courage, and resilience. These gatherings remind us that we are never alone in our journeys and that we can uplift each other through shared experiences. As we celebrate the rich tapestry of women in our community, let us honor Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the invaluable contributions of our Latina sisters who enrich our lives and our city. Together, let us embrace the wild beauty of humanity and continue to support one another through our shared struggles and triumphs. I look forward to bringing you inspiring articles on self-care, wellness, legal matters, and matters of the heart. Special thanks to all of our writers, contributors and advertisers. “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.” – Mother Teresa
Dr. Michelle Mitcham CEO & Publisher Tallahassee Woman Magazine
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Photo by Kira Derryberry Photography
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GUEST EDITOR LETTER
“I have found the same values to be just as true being a part of Tallahassee Woman Magazine - a publication that works to showcase meaningful stories and words to inspire, motivate, and drive the future of our community.”
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edicating yourself to a career in journalism comes with a love of people, stories, and the goal of sharing voices and experiences. It’s all in the hope of strengthening connection, to make someone feel inspired, less alone, more understood, the list goes on. For me, it’s about the change that can happen when people feel connected with each other and their community– that’s what my first year living in Tallahassee and working at ABC 27 (WTXL) has taught me. Our approach to local news at ABC 27 thrives on community, goodwill, and commitment to the future of our neighborhoods – all values I have come to learn define Tallahassee. They’re attributes I have been so lucky to cover across our city, meeting neighbors that have helped me integrate into this city because of their steadfast devotion to wanting to help and better our communities. I am always in awe of the vulnerability and openness people afford me when they are sharing their stories. Not only has each story shifted my own perspectives, making me question and consider new facets of the world, they have also been the most fulfilling way to learn about our
community, then share those findings so more people can experience my same revelations. I have found the same values to be just as true being a part of Tallahassee Woman Magazine - a publication that works to showcase meaningful stories and words to inspire, motivate, and drive the future of our community. It’s also evidence of the deep-rooted care and consideration our neighbors have for each other and this city. I have been deeply moved by my conversations with Khari James and Colette Washington, learning how their investment in resiliency and strength has grounded their family and ensured, with hard work, they were able to achieve their dreams – one of which they are expecting in a matter of moments. I hope their words motivate you. Thank you for trusting me to tell your stories and welcoming me into your communities and your homes every morning and evening.
Maya Sargent
Multimedia Journalist WTXL ABC 27
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