Thank you to Daystar Life Center for being our community partner and beneficiary
I started A.E. Media Solutions during a season of my life when I wanted to make a change, not just for myself but for my family. I wanted to show my kids that it’s never too late to take a leap, grow, and create something better. I’m a parent who cares deeply about community, and I’ve seen how many small businesses struggle to keep up with marketing while juggling everything else. I wanted to take that off their plate. My daughter and I have been involved with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Parc Center for Disabilities, and the St. Pete Chamber, and that sense of connection and service is at the heart of everything I do.
Alma Figueroa brings over two decades of expertise in the financial services industry to her role as Branch Manager at LMCU’s Sun City Center Branch. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Alma earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Puerto Rico. Known for her collaborative spirit and dynamic leadership, Alma is a driving force in the workplace. She channels her positive attitude and tireless energy to inspire those around her to work hard and achieve success. Outside of work, Alma cherishes time spent with family and friends and enjoys boating, music, and traveling.
Aly is seeking to expand her network, as she is new to the area following receiving a job at Stetson Law as the Director of Community & Corporate Engagement. Outside of work, Aly is committed to social justice work by advocating for equality rights, specifically surrounding women’s rights, LGBTQ+ activism and equitable housing initiatives. She co-led a group called Dream Weavers – a women’s group focused on building community and supporting one another to achieve their goals and aspirations.
I am a proud Veteran spouse and I own a floral design business that I operate from my home studio. I focus on floral designs for everyday arrangements, weddings and receptions, corporate events, military ceremonies, bereavement and custom floral design.
As a lifetime resident of St Pete, I am passionate about my hometown! I help women stop pretending they’re fine and start speaking their truth to be unapologetically themselves. I am a Speaker, Author, Mentor and active real estate agent. My goal in life is to help us all come home to ourselves.
I am a certified Passion Test facilitator. It helps women identify what lights them up and then teaches them how to bring that into their lives.
After more than 20 years immersed in Human Resources and management, working with organizations from dynamic startups to established enterprises across diverse sectors — to include aerospace, technology, finance, healthcare, construction management, and retail, I launched ElevatedSol with a mission to bring senior-level, strategic HR expertise and creative solutions to small and mid-sized businesses.
Dawn Hunter, JD, MPH, CWP is a speaker, trainer, and culture strategist who blends law, leadership, and wellbeing to create healthier, more human-centered workplaces. Drawing on her expertise as a public health lawyer and Certified Wellness Practitioner, she helps leaders and organizations move from burnout and disconnection toward resilience, integrity, and sustainable growth. Dawn hosts the Work is Third podcast and writes The Better Boundaries Brief, where she shares insights on leadership, workplace wellbeing, and the future of work. When she’s not speaking or consulting, you’ll find her making pottery, practicing yoga, or planning her next travel adventure.
Dovev Weaver is a purpose-driven leader, strategist, and visionary committed to helping individuals and organizations turn ideas into meaningful impact. With a passion for growth, innovation, and execution, Dovev bridges big-picture thinking with practical action. As a catalyst for transformation, he empowers others to clarify their vision, align their goals, and move confidently toward their dreams. Known for his integrity, creativity, and people-first mindset, Dovev believes success is built through intention, collaboration, and consistent progress toward what truly matters.
Elisa Caro is the Chief Revenue Officer of SmartChoice, where she has helped drive the company’s evolution from a regional provider to a national leader in enterprise managed connectivity – delivering voice, internet, and security solutions through a single point of contact.
Born in Honolulu as one of nine siblings, she learned resilience and adaptability early—qualities that now fuel her ability to negotiate multimillion-dollar deals, lead high-performance teams, and accelerate market expansion.
Beyond business, Elisa is a key figure in Tampa Bay’s civic ecosystem, serving on multiple boards including Career Source Tampa Bay, St. Pete Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Bay Tech and an involved contributor to non-profits like SPCA, Gulf Coast, JFCS, B.A.B and Amplify Women Tampa Bay.
I grew up in the Amish culture and left at seventeen, a decision that taught me how to lead myself through uncertainty and build a life with intention. That path shaped my career in corporate operations, where I spent more than a decade strengthening performance, guiding teams, and solving complex problems.
Today I speak, coach, and advise leaders using a blend of practical strategy and Human Design to improve decision making, communication, and culture. My work helps leaders understand how they operate and translate that into stronger teams and healthier business performance. I am also the founder of a leadership and Human Design tech platform designed to give executives and business owners the tools to lead with clarity, alignment, and consistency.
I have two amazing boys and in my free time you can find me in the gym, at the beach or reading and writing.
Jenean Merkel Perelstein is a conscious leadership coach, Business Anthropologist, and CEO of Alchemie Academy, which she founded more than 15 years ago to elevate the way people lead and collaborate. Her work blends cultural science with the transformative power of alchemie, helping women and executives step into their innate leadership and create workplaces rooted in authenticity, purpose, and meaningful connection. Drawing on her global background in sociocultural anthropology and her book Finding Your Lighthouse, Jenean guides leaders to shift their internal landscape so they can influence positive change in their organizations. She is dedicated to helping individuals and teams rise with clarity, confidence, and conscious intention.
Jenee Priebe, Founder of No Good Deeds Art, has built a reputation as a regional leader in arts administration and project management with particular emphasis on murals and public art. With over seven years of experience as lead organizer of the SHINE Mural Festival, Priebe excels at artist relations, curation, project management, collaborative partnerships, and creative placemaking.
Kadian Douglas’s story began in Jamaica, where resilience and discipline became her foundation. As an immigrant, she learned to adapt and excel, lessons that carried her from earning All-American honors in track and field to breaking barriers as an all-star athlete with the Tampa Bay Inferno in the Women’s Football Alliance All-Star Game.
Her drive for excellence fueled a successful career in finance and cybersecurity as a CPA and CISA, where she mastered structure, precision, and leadership.
Today, as founder of Kadian Performance Institute and community leader, she brings together the mindset of an athlete, the strategy of a corporate leader, and the vision of an entrepreneur to help others reach peak performance through her proprietary framework the Human Balance Sheet.
I am a full-time licensed real estate sales associate. With a background in hospitality, I am customer focused with a high degree of attentiveness, compassion, humor and an easy-going nature. Originally from Miami, I moved to St. Pete for the same reasons you are looking in the area for. Fantastic quality of life, friendly people, great opportunities and a city that is constantly evolving with endless resources for limitless enjoyment.
Some of the activities I love to enjoy around Tampa Bay are visiting local and unique restaurants, breweries and markets. Cooking and Entertaining are a favorite pastime, and if it’s a beautiful day, a drive through the beaches of St Pete, Pass-A-Grille, Treasure Island and beyond. Our area also has an array of affordable and challenging golf courses. Anything on or near the water always brings a sense of calm and restorative well being. In this area, that’s not too hard to find.
I also enjoy my creative side where I am working on a stand up comedy career. It’s a great addition to my real estate activities.
Kimberly M. Kostun has twenty-five years of experience as a dedicated litigation attorney at her former firm, Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP. In June 2025, Kimberly became a partner at Guffey & Kostun Law Group, LLP that was formerly the Peter Feaman Law Group. Kimberly manages the Firm’s Pennsylvania branch office maintaining a general litigation practice. Kimberly has built a reputation for providing effective legal representation across a broad range of practice areas. She focuses on general litigation, complex banking and commercial litigation, construction litigation, motor vehicle injury claims, premises liability, animal bite cases and commercial and residential landlord tenant dispute cases.
Kimberly has extensive experience in mortgage foreclosure, debt collection, and creditors’ rights, helping clients navigate financial disputes with strategic solutions. As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit & County Mediator, she brings valuable insight into alternative dispute resolution, working to achieve favorable outcomes both in and out of the courtroom.
This year, I took the leap and quit my corporate teaching job to become a full-time Ceramic Artist. It has been an exciting journey!
My work ranges from functional to sculptural and is available in both Saint Petersburg and Saint Augustine, Florida.
Laura Weiner-Kiser is a Stress & Mindset Coach and the founder of Change By Challenge, a coaching company dedicated to helping high achievers turn stress into strategy and lead themselves with integrity. She specializes in emotional regulation, nervous system support, and practical mindset tools that help clients align who they are, what they want, and how they live—so their life feels as good on the inside as it looks on paper.
With over 15 years of experience in the wellness and coaching space, Laura has worked with individuals, teams, and organizations to navigate burnout, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and high-pressure environments without losing themselves in the process. Her approach blends science-backed tools, emotional intelligence, and compassionate accountability to create real, sustainable change.
Laura holds certifications in Transformational & Master Coaching, Mindset Coaching & NeuroSomatic Intelligence, and is known for making complex inner work feel accessible, actionable, and even a little fun. Whether she’s coaching 1:1, leading group programs, or guiding members inside The Challengers Circle, Laura’s mission is simple: help people become the authority of their own mind so they can build lives they’re proud to live in.
Dr. Linsey Grove is a certified public health practitioner, civic leader, and CEO of The Hypatia Collaborative. She has over 10 years of experience in nonprofit capacity building, management, and community development, and has worked with federal, state, and local governments, as well as nonprofit agencies. Dr. Grove also taught Health Sciences and Public Health at the University of South Florida College of Public Health on the St. Petersburg Campus. Her research background is focused on reproductive health, civic engagement, and disability accessibility. She has served as president of the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area, vice chair of the Pinellas County Charter Review Commission, and was appointed to the Pinellas County Council for Persons with Disabilities by Commissioner Charlie Justice. Dr. Grove is a dedicated, servant leader who has fought for social justice issues like voting rights, comprehensive sex education, racial justice, and affordable housing policy.
After several years producing and facilitating team building programs for a variety of companies, Matt May recognized that there was an alternate way to provide engaging, interactive experiences. As a result, he created Premier Team Building & Interactive Experiences®, delivering programs nation-wide, and abroad. As the company’s president, he is responsible for the design & development of its experiences, overseeing the production and facilitation of these programs, customer support, and staff training. Additionally, in his career, May has served as a producer, director, manager, administrator, educator, and consultant for various event and live entertainment, theatrical, and educational organizations.
Matt is passionate about helping women thrive as leaders and collaborators in the professional arena.
Maureen Cacioppo, founder of Florida Pure Sea Salt, has always felt a deep connection to the sea. After years of working in the nonprofit outdoor education sector, Maureen’s love for nature and the water inspired her to embark on a journey that would blend her passions for food and community. Raised in a large family that bonded over meals, Maureen developed a deep respect for the power of food to bring people together.
What started as a hobby, making sea salt, eventually turned into a full-fledged business. Through persistence, Maureen honed the art of salt making, learning to appreciate both the chemistry and history behind it. When she began producing a consistently pure and delicious product, she realized this was more than just a hobby; it was her calling.
Driven by the belief that food connects us all, Maureen is proud to create high-quality, safe, and absolutely delicious products for food and cocktails while staying committed to protecting our waterways and being socially responsible.
I’m an Operations Manager with seven years of hands-on administrative experience. I’ve always been drawn to understanding how people and systems work, and my background in psychology plays a big role in how I approach leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for creating order out of chaos—whether that means streamlining workflows, improving day-to-day processes, or helping teams collaborate more effectively.
At my core, I’m motivated by helping others succeed and making sure the work behind the scenes runs smoothly so everyone can focus on what they do best!
Nicole Waters is the Founder of 525 Coaching and the creator of Amplify Women Tampa Bay. A certified executive coach, she helps women leaders gain clarity, build confidence, and translate vision into measurable results through candid feedback, expanded perspective, and action-oriented strategy. Her approach is rooted in deep listening, practical planning, and accountability—designed to remove blind spots and accelerate growth for both individuals and teams. Nicole has a distinguished record of guiding clients toward strategic breakthroughs and career-defining wins, and she is passionate about creating spaces where ambition thrives and success is amplified.
Rebecca Kerper is an ICF-certified Executive Coach and founder of Leadership Growth Group, where she helps leaders build confidence, expand their influence, and drive greater impact. Her clients include executives from top organizations such as Disney, Google, IBM, American Express, and TikTok.
With more than 20 years of experience leading digital, marketing, and creative teams for global brands – including roles as Chief Digital Officer at HSN and Vice President of Commerce Platforms at QVC Italy – Rebecca combines deep business understanding with genuine empathy in her coaching.
She helps leaders navigate complexity, strengthen their presence, and create meaningful, measurable growth through a blend of self-awareness and practical action.
A lifelong advocate for women’s leadership and development, Rebecca has served as executive sponsor for the QVC Group’s Women’s Initiative Network and partnered with Brené Brown’s organization to launch Dare to Lead programs in multiple markets. She currently volunteers with Dress for Success to empower women re-entering the workforce and serves on the board of the International Coaching Federation’s Florida Chapter.
Outside of her coaching work, Rebecca enjoys exploring new creative pursuits (currently in her pottery era) and spending time in nature with her husband and four teenage sons.
From Louisville and raised in Tampa, FL. I have a daughter, granddaughter, two sisters, and five nieces. In St. Petersburg, I live with my two cute Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s, Java and Biscuit. When I am not working with tech, I recharge by reading or doing anything outdoors.
I’m a motivated and curious professional with a passion for continuous learning and meaningful impact. I thrive in environments where creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration come together to create innovative solutions. With experience spanning communication, project coordination, and strategic thinking, I enjoy turning ideas into actionable results. I’m driven by a desire to grow, help others succeed, and contribute to work that matters. Outside of my professional life, you’ll see me golfing, playing pickleball, relaxing at the beach, and enjoying time spent exploring new interests and connecting with others. I have a mini Pomsky named Coco who also loves to explore with me.
Led by a licensed esthetician and makeup artist, Shieva brings a thoughtful, refined approach to bridal beauty. With a passion for skincare and makeup, Shieva offers both traditional and airbrushed applications for brides, bridal parties, and special events. Blending artistry and precision, she enhances natural features while ensuring a flawless, lasting look.
Terri brings a distinguished record of service to children and families across Tampa Bay and Florida. She spent nearly two decades with Gulf Coast Jewish & Family Community Services, rising from Case Management Supervisor to Chief Operating Officer, overseeing a multimillion-dollar budget and 20+ programs in child welfare, behavioral health, and elder and disability services. She also helped launch the nationally recognized Community Assistance Life Liaison (CALL) program with the St. Petersburg Police Department.
Since July 2022, Terri has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Network of Hillsborough, establishing Circuit 13’s child welfare agency and driving gains in prevention, reunification, and adoption.
Her leadership has earned seveal honors. A USF alumna, she holds an M.S. in Guidance Counseling, a B.S. in Criminology, and is a Board-Certified Child Protective Professional.
Dr. Valerie Steele is a Mindset and Intentional Living Coach who helps ambitious women create more clarity, confidence, and emotional resilience within their personal and professional lives.
For women balancing career and family, especially those committed to parenting differently than they were parented, the demands of responsibility, expectation, and striving to “get it right” can feel like a constant balancing act that leaves their own dreams and growth on pause.
Valerie blends science-based tools with compassionate guidance to help women build the clarity and resilience needed to lead themselves, their businesses, and their families with purpose and intention.
With over 20 years of experience as a clinical pharmacist, educator, and mentor, Dr. Valerie Steele brings a practical yet compassionate approach to personal growth and leadership. She holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy (PharmD) and advanced post-graduate training in Cardiovascular Risk Reduction and Diabetes, along with decades of experience mentoring medical residents and professionals.
In addition to her years of leadership, Valerie integrates tools and frameworks from The Life Coach School focusing on emotional intelligence through self-awareness to help her clients find the clarity, confidence, and courage to create a life and family dynamic they love.
