Women in Leadership – Panel Speakers

OPENING – Welcome Message

3 PM

3:05-3:50 - Network and find Mentors

Wendi Cannon Headshot

Wendi Cannon

CIO
Radiology Associates of Tallahassee


Bio

Biography Cannon Wendi Cannon is a two-time graduate of Florida State University and has 20+ years of experience working in technology. She is currently the Chief Information Officer at Radiology Associates of Tallahassee. As CIO, responsible for providing strategic technology direction and execution of the enterprise-wide IT strategy. As a member of the executive leadership team, Wendi participates in and contributes to the overall enterprise business model, operating model, and business strategy development. Wendi is passionate about volunteering and her community involvement which includes Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend, Institute for Nonprofit Innovation & Excellence, TalTech Alliance, and the Alzheimer's Association. She is also a graduate of Leadership Tallahassee Class 35. In her free time, Wendi can be found enjoying the outdoors with her son and Beagle.
Reenee Williams-Walter Headshot

Reenee Williams-Walter

Rapid Response Coordinator
CareerSource Capital Region


Bio

Biography Williams-Walter With a robust background spanning more than 10 years, Reenee began her career in the music and entertainment industry as a Publicist and BET & Soul Train Awards Production Assistant. Her journey then led her to H&R Block, where she provided Marketing and business-to-business techniques for 56 offices across 3 different states. On a journey for consistent development, Reenee transitioned into roles such as Operations Manager, Sales Director, and General Manager for a national gym where she honed her skills in Leadership, Team Building, and Marketing Strategies, to spearhead a 1.5 million-dollar gym buildout and renovation. Driven by a passion for creating positive change, Reenee transitioned from the glamour of the entertainment industry to the corporate world and now into the heart of nonprofit work at CareerSource Capital Region. Starting as a Business Employer Solutions Account Executive, assisting diverse industries in recruiting, training, and retaining local talent Reenee is now the Rapid Response Coordinator assisting businesses with proactive strategies to prevent and minimize employee layoffs and business closures. Reenee is a Certified Business Engagement Professional and a certified National Workforce Development Professional, and she serves as a Board Member for the Foundation for Leon County Schools, a Commissioner for the Status of Women and Girls, a TalTech Alliance Board member, COCA Board member, Access Tallahassee member and is part of the KCCI Bicentennial Cohort Class. Known as “the P.LU.G.” Reenee created the acronym P.L.U.G. which stands for Partner Leverage for Ultimate Growth. Reenee's professional mantra is encapsulated in her motto: "I dot the I's and cross the T's and connect you to the resources you did and did not know that you need." In her free time, Reenee finds joy in traveling with her husband, stepdaughter, and doggy, going out in ministry as an auxiliary pioneer, cooking, and conquering class IV white water rapids.
Michelle Winokur Headshot

Michelle Winokur

President
MW Consulting & Evaluation


Bio

Biography Winokur Michelle Winokur is enthusiastic about health care, communication and good public policy. She acts on these passions through the public, private and non-profit clients with whom she partners as President of MW Consulting & Evaluation. In recent years, Dr. Winokur has supported a range of health care clients with navigating complex public policy issues, developing communication strategies, conducting research and executing program evaluations. She has vast medical society management, having served as the chief executive of both a niche US-based neurological society and an international medical society focused on atherosclerosis and cardio-cerebro-metabolic diseases. Additionally, Dr. Winokur has led a DC-based think tank, overseeing claims data research projects and health technology assessment work. Her public sector experience includes serving as Deputy CFO to Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Communications Director for Florida’s Governor as well as Communications Director for the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Dr. Winokur began her career in public service as a Gubernatorial Fellow. Between government stretches, she also worked as a management consultant and led proposal development for an international consulting firm. Dr. Winokur is a proud graduate of Florida State University, earning her BS in Public Relations and her MS in Integrated Marketing and Management Communication. She went on to earn a Doctorate of Public Health in Biostatistics and Epidemiology from Florida A&M University. She’s been an adjunct professor at both FAMU and Tallahassee Community College. A fitness enthusiast, Dr. Winokur has completed multiple Ironman triathlons. She lives in Tallahassee, Florida with her husband and son.

SESSIONS

3:05-8pm

4-4:50 - Build Your Brand

Alexia Gonzalez Headshot

Alexia Gonzalez

Agency Owner + On-Air Host
The Gala Group


Bio

Biography Gonzalez
Michelle B Griffin Headshot

Michelle B Griffin

Founder, Personal Brand Strategist and Thought Leadership Coach, Speaker, Author
Standout Women


Bio

Biography Griffin Michelle B Griffin, aka "The Brand Therapist,℠ and founder of Standout Women, is a top-ranked personal branding and thought leadership coach, speaker, and author positioning women in business into industry standouts with brands that make a statement, make a profit and make a difference. With two decades in communications and marketing, master's degree in PR and multiple industry credentials, Michelle is a sought-after personal branding speaker, educator, and guest contributor on professional visibility, LinkedIn thought leadership, self-advocacy and self-promotion for women. Michelle authored "The LinkedIn Branding Book," hosts the top-ranked "Ask The Brand Therapist" podcast, co-hosts "The LinkedIn Branding Show," and leads a LinkedIn branding community of 1,700+ professionals. Her latest book, Own Your Lane™ will be published in October 2024. Learn more at MichelleBGriffin.com and StandoutWomen.org.

4-4:50 - Build your Wealth

Allie VanLandingham Headshot

Allie VanLandingham

Vice President & Trust Officer
Capital City Trust Company


Bio

Biography VanLandingham Allie joined Capital City Trust Company in 2017 following 11 years with Capital City Bank Marketing. She previously served as both public relations manager and client experience manager and knows how to offer a memorable experience with Capital City. Now as a Trust Officer, she continues to cultivate strong relationships while providing exceptional client service. Allie holds B.S and M.S. degrees from Florida State University. She received a Certificate in Financial Planning from the FSU Center for Academic & Professional Development, and is a 2022 graduate of the Florida Trust and Wealth Management School, offered through The Florida Bankers Association. She is a member of Leadership Tallahassee Class 37 and former Knight Creative Communities Institute (KCCI) Catalyst. Allie currently serves on the board of the Gadsden Arts Center & Museum.

4-4:50 - Create Content Outlets (Podcast, Books, Youtube)

Julia Holly Headshot

Julia Holly

Owner
JH Creative


Bio

Biography Holly Julia Holly is the owner of JH Creative (@jhcre8tive). Her company specializes in helping small businesses develop their branding and designing efficient systems for teams. Julia’s focus is working with companies in high-end fashion, luxury brands, and tech. Julia is originally from the SF/Bay Area, CA and has over 18 years of experience in her field.
Elizabeth  Rosario Headshot

Elizabeth Rosario

Business Manager
Jackson Properties and Financial Services


Bio

Biography Rosario Elizabeth Rosario, known to everyone as Ely, is a genuine, vibrant, and incredible force in her community. She holds an MBA from Colorado State University and a BS in Communications with Business from Florida State University. She is the Business Manager at Jackson Properties, a real estate investor, and a mother of three. She is part of Leadership Tallahassee Class 35, Leadership Florida Class 39, 25 Women You Need to Know in 2023, and a Board Member for Choose Tallahassee. She is also a self-published author, a speaker, a lover of life, a seeker of adventures, and someone you can’t help but smile when you meet her. Find Ely at www.elyrosario.com or on Instagram @elyrunslife.

4-4:50 - Start your own business

Kelly Robertson Headshot

Kelly Robertson

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
BowStern Marketing


Bio

Biography Robertson Kelly Robertson is at the helm as co-founder and CEO, ensuring that every campaign sets sail with purpose and direction. As the architect of agency strategy, her focus is on crafting solutions that will not only capture attention, but exceed outcomes. Kelly is most fulfilled when clients are winning, albeit selling widgets or raising awareness nationwide. A self-proclaimed data geek, she has a compass calibrated for both creativity and analytics, which helps her maneuver the ever-changing currents of the industry. You’ll typically find Kelly scrimmaging in the backyard with her kiddos, tickling the ivories, or enjoying a cold one. An accredited PR practitioner, she leads the team is earning over 62 local, state and national awards for innovative storytelling and marketing. She is a proud FSU alum and looks forward to making more waves in the industry.
Lucille Spann Headshot

Lucille Spann

Owner
Blaze Digital Services


Bio

Biography Spann Lucille Spann is the founder and owner of Blaze Digital Services, a fully remote digital marketing agency. She resides in Florida, while other members of her team are located in California, New York, and the Washington D.C. area. Her agency, Blaze Digital Services, specializes in utilizing paid and organic digital marketing techniques to increase website traffic, generate more leads, and increase sales for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations. With an education in marketing and a passion for PR, Lucille ensures all campaigns are innovative while providing measurable results. Recently, she worked with the North Florida Fair to improve their presence on Facebook and Instagram, which resulted in a 122% increase in Facebook followers, and a 200% increase in Instagram followers, and a 206% ROI for ticket sales. She attended Clemson University's College of Business and Behavioral Science where she graduated with honors in the field of marketing. Lucille received her Master of Science in Integrated Marketing & Communication Management from Florida State University while working full-time at VISIT FLORIDA, the official tourism board for the state. Originally from North Pole, Alaska, Lucille loves living and working in the sunny state of Florida, where she resides with her husband and two dogs. A true millennial, you’ll rarely see her without her phone in hand.
Katrina Tuggerson Headshot

Katrina Tuggerson

President
Capital City Chamber of Commerce


Bio

Biography Tuggerson Additional email will be sent

5-5:50 - Create Effective Resumes/Cover Letters & LinkedIn

Jackie Brown Headshot

Jackie Brown

Owner
Jackie Brown Consulting


Bio

Biography Brown At Jackie Brown Consulting, I bring my years of experience as an entrepreneur, a creative designer, and an efficient problem solver to help you simplify social media, create a scalable brand, and build a solid foundation for your business. Through training and consultations, we work together to evolve your business and your brand for success. www.JackieBrownConsulting.com
Abbey Hale Headshot

Abbey Hale

Assistant Director of Employer Relations / Career Liaison to the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
FSU Career Center


Bio

Biography Hale Abbey is an ambitious young professional with a passion for career services, student success, and relationship-building. At the Florida State University (FSU) Career Center, she provides career advising for students in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and serves as the Project Manager of the STEM Career & Internship Fair each semester. Abbey is a proud “double ‘Nole;” she’s been part of the Florida State University community since 2015 as a CCI alumna and employee.
Ranata Hughes Headshot

Ranata Hughes

Educator/Internship Director
FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication


Bio

Biography Hughes Ranata M. Hughes, a Florida native, works as an Internship Director and Educator at Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, and she teaches part-time for the West Virginia University Reed College of Media Online Program. Prior to going into higher education full-time in 2017, Hughes worked as a public relations practitioner for over 10 years, specializing in the areas of marketing and travel tourism PR, media relations, event planning, strategic communications and nonprofit. Hughes has such passion for the work she does as a PR practitioner, but enjoys working in higher education just as much, as she loves helping students reach their academic and professional goals. Today, Hughes has former students working at companies such as Bloomberg, Edelman, Microsoft, Gray Television and Disney just to name a few. When Hughes is not busy teaching classes or helping a student with professional development, she is planning a career event, collaborating with employers, advising a student chapter, speaking at a conference or working with a creative project or research, through which she has been recognized on an international level and quoted in more than 250 publications across the globe, including Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch and the Associated Press. Hughes’ professional organizations include membership in the Public Relations Society of America, North Florida Public Relations Society of America and the National Association of Professional Women. As for honor societies, Hughes was inducted into Kappa Tau Alpha (the journalism honor society) and Golden Key International Honour Society. Hughes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in public relations from Florida A&M University and a Master of Science degree in integrated marketing communication from Florida State University.

5-5:50 - Advocate for others

Jovita Woodrich Headshot

Jovita Woodrich

Volunteer Services Director
Volunteer Florida


Bio

Biography Woodrich Jovita Woodrich is the Volunteer Services Director for Volunteer Florida, the state's lead agency for national service and volunteerism. She provides volunteer engagement leadership and training to government and nonprofit agency staff, and works to promote the critical importance of community engagement across the state. She also manages Florida's official volunteer opportunities platform and has assisted in coordinating Volunteer Florida's statewide emergency response activities for volunteers and donations. Before Volunteer Florida, she worked for Goodwill Industries- Big Bend, Inc. as Vice President for Residential Services. She lead a team of employees, managing 12 affordable housing complexes and corporations for persons with disabilities and the elderly- a total of more than 300 households. Prior to working for Goodwill, she worked for HOPE Community and the Community Foundation of North Florida. Jovita is passionate about encouraging individuals to think critically, care deeply and act wisely. She believes that honest, civil discourse and authentic relationships are precursors to lasting social change. To that end, she has been a board member for The Village Square, a nonpartisan organization committed to facilitating challenging conversations among disparate populations. She has facilitated or been a panelist for many of the organization's events. Jovita was also a board member and has been a longstanding supporter of, Florida Civic Advance, an organization committed to improving civic life and increasing citizen involvement in Florida. In 2020, Jovita was named one of Tallahassee's "25 Women You Need To Know" and was in Leadership Florida's 2017-2018 Connect Class VIII, a yearlong statewide program focusing solely on developing Florida's next generation of leaders. She was a Knight Creative Communities Institute Catalyst, collaborating on projects to help retain, attract and harness talent locally. Her board service has also included The Sharing Tree, the Dick Howser Center and Girls on the Run of the Big Bend, and selection as a member of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee for the City of Tallahassee. Jovita worked as an adjunct professor for the master's program in the College of Social Work at Florida State University for four years. In 2007, she received a Master of Social Work degree from FSU, with a concentration in Social Policy and Administration, and in 2003, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in communications, with a major in public relations from the University of Florida.

5-5:50 - Join Academia (Become a Professor)

Sindy Chapa Headshot

Sindy Chapa

Associate Professor and director of the Center for Hispanic Marketing Communication
College of Communication, FSU


Bio

Biography Chapa Dr. Sindy Chapa is the director of Florida State University's (FSU) Center for Hispanic Marketing Communication. She is among the top experts in the nation on multicultural consumer behavior and its effects on advertising and marketing communication. In addition to being a scholar and an instructor of Hispanic marketing and advertising strategy, Dr. Chapa directs a mentorship program at FSU for minority students. She is also the academic advisor of the FSU Hispanic Graduate Students Association (HIGSA) and the Multicultural Marketing Student Association (MMSA). Before joining FSU, Dr. Chapa co-founded the Center for the Study of Latino Media and Markets at Texas State University. In 2024, Chapa received the Hispanic Distinguished Faculty Award at Florida State University.
Christy Chatmon Headshot

Christy Chatmon

Assistant Professor
Florida State University,, School of Information


Bio

Biography Chatmon Dr. Christy Chatmon, an Assistant Professor within Florida State University's School of Information, obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia, a master's degree in Software Engineering from Florida A&M University, and a doctorate in Information Science from Florida State University. With over 23 years of experience teaching Computing in higher education, she has actively engaged underserved communities in STEM fields. Before joining Florida State University, spanning more than nine years, Dr. Chatmon spent over fourteen years overseeing various Information Technology initiatives and teaching within Florida A&M University's Department of Computer and Information Sciences. Dr. Chatmon has been recognized with several awards, including the Florida State University Transformation Through Teaching Award (2017), the Florida State University Undergraduate Teaching Award (2018), the College of CCI Undergraduate Teaching Award (2018), the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) Tallahassee's SheLeadsTech Academic Leadership Award (2019), the CCI Faculty Leadership Award (2021), and most recently, the CCI Outstanding Dissertation Award (2023). She also serves as the co-advisor for FSU’s Blacks in Computing student organization. Additionally, Dr. Chatmon is a founding member and former chair of the board of directors of the SIE Co-Lab Adaptive Leadership Institute, and she holds positions as a member and Technology Committee Chair of the Chi Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Faye Jones Headshot

Faye Jones

Faculty Researcher
Florida State University


Bio

Biography Jones Faye R. Jones is a Research Specialist II at the College of Communication & Information at Florida State University. Her research interests include STEM student outcomes and the exploration of student pathways (e.g., recruitment, retention, graduation, and employment) through institutional research and data analytics. Dr. Jones is Associate Director for the Information Use and Policy Institute where she serves as co-investigator on several NSF and IMLS projects to include the NSF project entitled, Backtracking CTE Pathways: Deconstructing critical junctures in 2-year IT programs. Dr. Jones’ research interests also include exploration of college-to-career success of underserved populations in STEM fields. She is currently exploring the evolution of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) and how to transition institutions from Latino enrolling to Latino serving. She is passionate about engaging youth in STEM and is director of Black Men in Tech and co-director of FSU iCamp, programs funded by the Army Educational Outreach Program to increase the engagement of rising 9th through 12 grade students in IT.
Tricia Montgomery Headshot

Tricia Montgomery

Director of Clinical Education
FSU School of Communication Science & Disorders


Bio

Biography Montgomery Tricia Montgomery is a faculty member at Florida State University. She serves as the Director of Clinical Education within the School of Communication Science & Disorders. She also serves as the VP of Professional Development for the Council for Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Elizabeth Ray Headshot

Elizabeth Ray

Assistant Professor
FSU


Bio

Biography Ray Elizabeth Ray is an Assistant Professor at Florida State University. Elizabeth received her Ph.D. in Communication and M.A. in Integrated Marketing Communication from FSU and is also a University of Florida graduate, with a B.S. in Telecommunication-News and a B.A. in Political Science. Her research is focused on health, risk and crisis communication. She teaches in the area of strategic communication and advises the student chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA). Before joining FSU, she served as the communications and marketing director for a statewide hospitality trade association with more than 10,000 members in Florida. Elizabeth is also a former television news reporter, who worked at WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, WMBB-TV in Panama City and WUFT-TV in Gainesville. She's a current member of the National Communication Association (NCA), Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the FPRA Capital Chapter. Off campus, she enjoys playtime with her three young sons, Elijah, Isaiah, and Caleb, taking pictures of her rescue pup, Huckleberry, and sincerely appreciates that her loving husband, Whitney, is a phenomenal cook.

5-5:50 - Run for Elected Office

Jack Porter Headshot

Jack Porter

Commissioner
City of Tallahassee


Bio

Biography Porter In 2020, Commissioner Porter was elected to the Tallahassee City Commission at 27 years old—making her the youngest woman to ever be elected in Tallahassee. Since then, she has spent her tenure in public service advocating for economic, environmental, and racial justice. As a longtime community builder, Commissioner Porter has worked tirelessly to advance progress on the issues that matter to our neighborhoods. Like most Floridians, Jacqueline “Jack” Porter isn’t originally from Florida. Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Jack moved to the Fort Lauderdale area when she was twelve years old. She received her bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religion and holds master’s degrees in Urban & Regional Planning and in Public Administration & Policy, all from the Florida State University. She serves as a Board Director of the Leon County’s local infrastructure sales tax agency, the City of Tallahassee’s Community Redevelopment Agency, and member of the Apalachee Regional Planning Council. Jack knows the names of all the counties of Florida and knows some other things, too. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her bike, watching Bravo, and being a proud Virgo.
Dianne Williams-Cox Headshot

Dianne Williams-Cox

Commisioner
City of Tallahassee


Bio

Biography Williams-Cox BIO FOR CITY COMMISSONER DIANNE WILLIAMS-COX For over four decades, City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox has been a prominent figure in advocating for change and improvement in the City of Tallahassee and its neighborhoods. Her unwavering commitment to public service and community betterment has marked her as a distinguished leader and a powerful voice for the underserved. A steadfast advocate for women's rights, Williams-Cox has tirelessly worked towards achieving equal pay and eliminating workplace harassment. Her advocacy extends beyond speeches; she has actively engaged with city and county commissions, urging them to make governance more accessible by conducting meetings within community neighborhoods. This approach not only democratized the process but also brought the concerns of diverse communities to the forefront of civic discussion. In the realm of education, Williams-Cox's contributions have been particularly significant. Alarmed by the challenges facing schools in Southside Tallahassee, she became a vocal participant in school board meetings. Her concerns translated into action with the formation of the Southside United Citizens Action Alliance. This organization plays a crucial role in uniting citizens to identify and address local issues, fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving in the Southside. In 2018, the citizens of Tallahassee honored Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox's unwavering dedication by electing her to the Tallahassee City Commission, representing District 5. That same year, her years of advocacy and commitment to community service were further acknowledged when she received the 2018 Capital Outlook “Community Advocate of the Year" award. In recognition of her continuous efforts and impactful contributions, she was re-elected in 2022, reaffirming the deep trust and respect she has earned within the community. Further solidifying her distinguished legacy, Williams-Cox was awarded the prestigious "Person of the Year" by the Capital Outlook in 2023, a fitting accolade for her tireless service and leadership. Beyond her political career, Williams-Cox's influence extends to various educational and community organizations. She has been an active participant in School Advisory Councils, Parent Teacher Student Organizations, and Parent Teacher Associations. Her leadership roles include serving on the Capital Area Action Agency, the Bethel Empowerment Foundation, and as the Chairman of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce. Her commitment to service and leadership is further exemplified by her life membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. On a personal note, Commissioner Williams-Cox is a dedicated family woman, a wife to Tommy Cox, a mother to three adult sons, and a grandmother to seven grandchildren. Her family life mirrors her professional ethos, emphasizing strong community bonds and the nurturing of future generations. Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox’s career is a vivid tapestry of advocacy, leadership, and community service. Her impact on Tallahassee’s neighborhoods and her efforts towards creating a more inclusive and equitable city continue to resonate deeply within the community she serves.

CLOSING PANEL

6:45-8:00 - Use your Voice: Finding your Community

Gabrielle K. Gabrielli Headshot

Gabrielle K. Gabrielli

CEO
Gabrielle Consulting


Bio

Biography Gabrielli Dr. Gabrielle K. Gabrielli is an award-winning author, speaker, coach, trainer, and “goal-getter”. Her passion is helping people become better versions of themselves. She is a lifelong entrepreneur who runs a Leadership Academy for professionals- a yearlong, systematic program including assessments, evaluation, mentoring, coaching, and learning. She also has a nonprofit Life Worth Leading that uses SCUBA diving and cycling to transform people’s lives to benefit those with disabilities. Gabrielle travels extensively (88 countries), is trilingual, and enjoys aviation, animal rescue (she has fostered 888 pets), fitness, and classic cars. Gabrielle promotes stewardship, believes that time is the most valuable commodity, and lives by the philosophy that life is a gift to be enjoyed- find your passion and live it!
Elizabeth Ricci Headshot

Elizabeth Ricci

Attorney
Rambana & Ricci, PLLC


Bio

Biography Ricci Elizabeth Ricci is an award-winning immigration attorney, advocate, and TedX speaker with varied interests. She has written several scholarly publications including an entry in the Encyclopedia of the Supreme Court and received honors ranging from the Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice’s pro bono award to the Martha Barnett Woman Lawyer of Distinction. She is a Presidential appointee to the Selective Service System Board and a past class member of Leadership Tallahassee. She has appeared on Univision, Fox and Friends, CNN, BBC, MSNBC, and in the New York Times.