Women Who Move the City 2019

Meet some of the business, civic and educational leaders who work to bring about positive change and enhance the quality of life in our community.

April 30, 2019

Site Staff,

From the minute you meet Audrey Morrone, you get the sense of fun and style she brings to each project and it’s clear why she has become one of the most in-demand designers in Central Florida. Audrey is approachable and strongly believes that building client relationships through exceptional service is as important as the innovative designs she provides. Sophisticated taste, flawless execution, and her ability to understand her client’s unique needs and desires set her apart from other designers. From the initial concept of the design Audrey is there each step of the way. She leads a team of brilliant designers that are always looking at innovative ways to enhance the client experience.

With over 15 years of experience, Audrey is connected and is able to source the perfect pieces from hundreds of different vendors. She guides each client in selecting just the right lighting, accents, and furnishings that will capture a client’s vision and blend it with functionality. Whether it’s traditional or modern, Audrey and the Morrone Interiors team utilize cutting-edge technology to provide drawings and previews that allow a client to see and adjust, in real time, how their space will look and feel.

Last year, Audrey took home multiple awards as well as being voted by our Orlando Magazine readers to be the number one interior design firm in Orlando. She also won the First Place Award for Design Remodel with the Greater Orlando Builders Association, as well as the Grand Prize in Design Specialty for her project 1520; which also happens to be her personal residence. Audrey transformed the 1925 Mediterranean into what she calls modern-whimsical. She rebuilt from the ground up, taking the home down to the studs and managing the full renovation herself. She then went on to win the Major Achievement Award in Design, from the Greater Orlando Builders Association.

When we asked Audrey what is it that drives her to be the best she answered, “Passion. It would be easy to say that I love beautiful things, and beautiful rooms, who doesn’t, but that isn’t what drives me the most; it’s creating amazing spaces for my clients – homes that are going to house so many memories. Every individual that I work with is unique so their home should be too. I love what I do, and I feel that it shows in our designs.”

516 E. Jackson St. | Orlando, FL 32801 | Phone: 407-648-9090

Betsy Gardner Eckbert’s crowning achievement in the business world was starting her own successful brand of luxury UV-protective swimwear in London in 2014. Now, she is combining that high-energy entrepreneurial spirit with effective community outreach to reinvent the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, which she has led since 2017.

“Chambers across the country are struggling with the relevancy gap—the realization that people do business differently in the digital age, that our audiences are changing, and that we must modernize our approach to interaction and programming to be sustainable,” Betsy said.

She and the chamber were recently awarded the North American Chamber Innovation Grand Prize, beating much larger chambers such as Greater Boston and Vancouver.

Betsy’s approach includes: implementing more relevant, inclusive programming; welcoming international guests; and advocating on important issues.

One of Betsy’s most successful new programs has an emotional connection. “Relaunch: Career Re-entry for Professional Women” helps women who have taken a break from the workforce. Women can build their resumés, confidence and networks through a curriculum that includes how to get the most out of LinkedIn and building a personal brand. Two classes have completed the eight-month curriculum and a new one-week boot camp version kicks off in May, with more classes scheduled for the fall.

“I took time off to raise my children and remember the confidence gap when I returned,” Betsy said. “I’m passionate about helping smooth the transition for others.”

She has also taken a fresh look at visitor data, which shows many of Winter Park’s international guests come from the United Kingdom. To help reach those potential visitors, Betsy has attended the World Travel Market in London the past two years, launched digital initiatives and created a Tourism Advisory Board.

Betsy also understands Winter Park’s art institutions are a huge draw for visitors, so she led a delegation of Winter Park arts leaders to Tallahassee in March to urge Central Florida legislators to restore arts funding.

“I grew up in Winter Park. And even though my son, Haden, is a freshman at Purdue and my daughter, Lucy, will head to college in a couple of years, this is home to them,” said Betsy. “Giving back is crucial.”

151 W. Lyman Ave. | Winter Park, FL 32789 | Phone: 407-644-8281 | winterpark.org

After graduating college with a degree in business and marketing, Caryn Green served as a Guardian ad Litem, a decision that launched her 20+-year law career helping families through difficult transitions.

“I was asked to testify at trial on one of my files that involved a potential termination of a parent’s right to see her child,” she recalls. “I was frustrated by how ill-prepared the lawyers were, especially with what was at stake. The combination of gathering evidence and properly presenting it to a court immediately appealed to me. On my way home from court, I stopped by the bookstore and bought an LSAT study guide and immediately signed up to take the test.”

Caryn brings a unique perspective in her approach to law and family life. “Practicing law has definitely taught me to compromise. Compromise, respect and support are essential for a healthy, happy family.” She works to resolve family disputes as painlessly as possible, especially for the sake of children involved.

Her focus on family helps Caryn maintain balance in her life, and she cites her role as a mother of “two well adjusted, intelligent, kind and thoughtful daughters” as her greatest accomplishment.

She encourages her daughters to follow their dreams. “One of my daughters has expressed a desire to be a lawyer, and the other has definitely crossed it off her list.” Caryn was inspired by her law professors and hopes to someday teach at a law school. Caryn continues to serve the people of Orlando, which she describes as “the best city in Florida with wonderful neighborhoods and a vibrant philanthropic community.” After one of her daughters was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes more than 14 years ago, Caryn launched a gala to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. “In 2018, our Orlando community rose to the occasion and helped us set a record breaking year, raising almost $1 million in one night,” she recalls.

1000 Legion Place | Suite 1650 | Orlando, FL 32801 | Phone: 407-403-5558 | greenfamilylaw.net

A community’s economy is driven by the caliber and health of its workforce. The Kissimmee Medical Arts District was created to attract and grow medical companies, as well as maintain the peak health of its current and future workforce. Physicians like Dr. Mary Janarious make it happen.

Dr. Janarious is known for her patience when taking care of the youngest community members. She attended St. John’s Medical College in India, followed by a residency in Panama. This well-traveled, bilingual doctor has been practicing medicine in Kissimmee since 1983 and has been board-certified in pediatrics since 1978. Dr. Janarious lives in Kissimmee with her husband, surgeon Dr. Francis Janarious, and their two sons.

Pediatrics of Central Florida has four offices within Central Florida and can attribute its 35 years of business success to maintaining true to its motto of “keeping the children that we serve at the center of everything we do.”

Kissimmee is the county seat of Osceola County, one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida and the United States. It is also a county of medical need, prompting the creation of the Kissimmee Medical Arts District. The private sector has invested more than $200 million within the Kissimmee Medical Arts District over the past few years. Expansions and increased service lines continue to be planned at AdventHeath Kissimmee as well as Osceola Regional Medical Center, both within the district. This private sector investment is a testament to the economic opportunities available to medical companies in this community.

To learn more about the Kissimmee Medical Arts District and the more than $200,000 in economic development incentives available to eligible medical companies, please visit KissimmeeMedicalArts.org

kissimmeemedicalarts.org

Fannie Hillman + Associates was established in 1981 by single mother, entrepreneur, real estate visionary Fannie Hillman, and has blossomed into the largest independent real estate company in Winter Park. A true leader in the real estate industry, we have built a reputation for delivering the highest quality real estate services to Central Florida. The women at Fannie Hillman + Associates are some of the highest-producing real estate agents in Central Florida; they are extensively involved in the community and they strive to stay on top of the latest market trends. Fannie Hillman + Associates is proud to have the women agents pictured above representing us, and we know they will continue to make great strides in the community we all love.

205 W. Fairbanks Ave. | Winter Park, FL 32789 | Phone: 407-644-1234 | FannieHillman.com

As Orlando’s leading lady of luxury, Gabriele Gannaway drives Orlando into the fast lane of fashion.

Gannaway works closely with the buying team to ensure her customers are on trend, looking and feeling their very best.

Neiman Marcus Orlando is known for having the best of the best to fulfill its customers’ desires. “Together we move fabulous fashion into Orlando. We offer exclusive products from many of our coveted designer brands,” she says. “Our customers travel the world. With our ‘Art of Travel’ focus, they wear the perfect outfits and tote travel accessories to move in style.”

Gannaway leads a team that creates the ultimate shopping experience. “We love our customers, and our associates want to exceed their expectations at every turn,” she says. Neiman Marcus Orlando provides personalized shopping experiences. Shoppers can call the store at 407-264-5900 to schedule an appointment. “Our stylists are available to curate a fitting room with your requests so that everything is ready when you arrive. It’s a big time-saver for our customers on the move.”

Other experiences available range from made-to-measure clothing, as well as personalization of jewelry or fragrance. Clients can also select specific emblems and patches to personalize their denim or handbags. Neiman Marcus also offers champagne makeovers and skin-care consultations. In addition, it has added a trending beauty area in the center of the store. “Our goal is to create a personalized experience to make it easy and fun to shop for the very best in luxury fashion and gifts,” Gannaway says.

“Our customer-focused technology allows you to share your online shopping cart with the in-store stylist of choice using the ‘share your cart’ feature on our NeimanMarcus.com website,” Gannaway says. Clients can select their stylist in-store and send the cart virtually. The stylist can make personalized suggestions and then either meet with the clients or deliver to wherever they are.

Neiman Marcus Orlando Is known for its community support. “We partner with dozens of charitable organizations. Community service brings our team much joy. We’re inspired to help make the City Beautiful even more beautiful,” Gannaway says.

Jessica Hallgren Kendrick enjoys a challenge. In the span of four years, she founded Kendrick Law Group, co-founded Champion Title & Closing as well as the nonprofit Hope for More Foundation. She also chairs the annual Make-A-Wish Wishmaker’s Ball and serves on numerous civic and philanthropic boards while raising her two sons, Connor, 4, and Dylan, 2.

She strengthened her work ethic and determination as an outstanding player for the UCF Division 1 women’s soccer program. Upon graduation, she went into marketing, but she quickly realized a law degree would expand her professional options and allow her to have a greater impact on her community. After graduating from law school in 2013, she parlayed her marketing experience into aggressive and successful branding of her legal and title businesses.

Jessica’s boutique law firm focuses on business, real estate, civil litigation, estate and family law. The ability to provide concierge legal services and minimize the dreaded “billable hour” provides clients with exemplary customer service while allowing her attorneys the coveted work/life balance so elusive in today’s professional world. Its mission of serving the community led to the creation of Champion Title & Closing.

The title business duplicates Kendrick Law Group’s concierge concept to provide attorney-managed title services.
Clients are guaranteed outstanding service and transparent pricing without incurring additional fees for attorney oversight. In just more than a year, Champion Title & Closing has launched its second office off Park Avenue.

Achieving success early in her endeavors has allowed Jessica to direct some of her energy and focus to charitable causes. She believes wholeheartedly in giving back to her community and being a positive influence and force for those in need. Her continually rewarding experience with Make-A-Wish has spawned Hope for More, which she co-founded with
Kendrick Law Group senior partner and title company co-owner Sarah Geltz. Their foundation focuses primarily on identifying areas of need primarily for
women, children and veterans in
Central Florida.

Jessica and her husband—Dr. James Kendrick, a gynecologic oncologist with AdventHealth—resolve to perpetuate their charitable ambition and community spirit in their sons for years to come.

From a spunky little girl to a powerhouse broker, Kelly’s eager wave and contagious smile has consistently guided people around Central Florida. From a young age, Kelly L. Price recognized the value of her community, starting with finding all the best swimming holes on Lake Maitland. Having lived in Winter Park since she was twelve years old, Kelly is a proud Winter Park High School Wildcat, a University of Florida Gator, and an MBA graduate of the Crummer School of Business. Over the years, she developed an astute and competitive eye for real estate, fostered by her passion for her community.

When she launched her company in 2002, she guaranteed a new level of exceptional professionalism in the real estate industry. Backed by a group of dynamic agents, Kelly Price & Company offers steadfast commitment to clients, swift communication, and positivity, all blending together to provide award-winning service. Kelly shapes her renowned brand with cohesive marketing and impeccable style, presenting a striking presentation of properties ranging from New Smyrna Beach to Windermere. She consistently produces top dollar for clients while providing seamless transactions and developing new relationships.

Aside from leading a top brokerage firm, Kelly enjoys spending time with her beloved four-legged children, Scout and Ella, as well as her longtime boyfriend, Doug. In her limited spare time, Kelly can sometimes be found globetrotting and experiencing new sites and cultures. Despite her travels, Kelly will always claim Winter Park as her home and is dedicated to limitlessly serving not just her immediate community, but also Central Florida as a whole. She is a charismatic ambassador and local advocate, proudly representing Central Florida’s most distinguished homes for more than 30 years. And yes, she’ll still give you that enthusiastic wave and bright smile, so stop by the office and say hello!

243 W. Park Ave. | Winter Park, FL 32789 | Phone: 407-645-4321 | KellyPriceAndCompany.com

The tragic death of a little boy 26 years ago could have been simply that: a tragic death. Instead, the short life of that little boy inspired Margaret Guedes to turn tragedy into a lifelong mission and keep the memory and legacy of her son, John, alive by helping other children diagnosed with cancer.

Kids Beating Cancer is dedicated to ensuring every child who needs a bone marrow or stem cell transplant has access to this life-saving treatment. Margaret’s journey started when she could not find a local transplant facility. She had to displace her family and move to Seattle so that her son could get a much-needed transplant. John lived for four years before succumbing to his disease. Margaret then vowed to make sure no other mother or child had to experience what she and her son went through by bringing a state-of-the-art transplant center to Central Florida.

Margaret exhibits a mother’s determination to fight for every child who needs a transplant to receive the best care in the best facility. She also works to ensure every family receives support programs to make each day a little more bearable as they navigate the long journey to a cure. Turning personal tragedy into triumph has been the core value that has driven Margaret to overcome years of barriers, ultimately leading to the opening of the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center.

She built Kids Beating Cancer with all that in mind, knowing how devastating it is to have a family member diagnosed with cancer. The support and engagement of the local community, corporations, private foundations and individual donors has made Kids Beating Cancer what it is today. Through Margaret’s tenacity and leadership, Kids Beating Cancer has become a nationally recognized nonprofit, touching the lives of more than 10,000 children. Children have received millions of dollars in life-saving treatments at the Kids Beating Cancer Pediatric Transplant Center, which brings the latest treatments to each child’s bedside. Over 26 years, Margaret has put more than $20 million back into the community to help every child with cancer or leukemia have the best hope for a cure.

228 E. Winter Park St. | Orlando, FL 32804 | Phone: 407-894-2888 | Kidsbeatingcancer.com

In realizing her dream of improving children’s interest and futures in STEAM fields, Marnie Forestieri modeled the process she and her team would later teach their students: Be hands-on in your research, brainstorm ideas, and create new solutions.

As Amazing Explorers Academy expands throughout Florida and into Texas, it’s not just the company’s educational philosophy that makes it unique. It remains committed to inspiring the next generation of innovators, providing career opportunities for educators, and finding new solutions for the industry.

This year Amazing Explorers Academy will see a variety of new initiatives, including a nonprofit organization, Raising the Amazing. Through this effort, the team seeks to build children’s confidence in entrepreneurship and innovation by participating in hosting EduXKids, local entrepreneurship competitions in which children pitch their business ideas and showcase their innovations to a panel of local judges. The group is also getting ready to launch a new technology platform.

An author of a number of educational books, Marnie is making an impact beyond Amazing Explorers Academy centers as well. She advocates at education conferences for the importance of play and inquiry in early childhood.

13635 Walcott Avenue | Orlando, FL 32827 | Mf@Aexplorers.com | Aexplorers.com

“I believe in the Golden Rule, back to the first lessons learned in childhood. That means treating our passengers, employees and business partners how we want to be treated ourselves.”—Diane Crews

Diane Crews never dreamed she would run an airport. She had always planned to go to college but put if off to get married and have a family.

Today, Diane is proof that even a woman starting her career later in life can reach the pinnacle of her profession. Diane is the first female president of the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), which surpassed 3 million passengers in 2018 and has a regional economic impact of more than $2.6 billion.

Seventeen years after graduating from Seminole High School, she began her higher education at Seminole State College, which is honoring her this year with the Distinguished Alumni Legacy Award. She went on to earn her B.A. and M.P.A. in public administration from the University of Central Florida.

After working 11 years for the City of Sanford, Diane was offered the opportunity to serve at the airport.
Diane welcomed the challenge and found herself falling in love with the world of aviation. She accepted the vice president of administration position in 2001.

Diane later became vice president of finance and administration. Her duties included managing 110-plus airport-owned rental properties, acting as director of human resources, and serving as executive director of Foreign Trade Zone No. 250 and airport public information officer. She also oversaw all finance and administrative functions, becoming president and CEO in 2015.

Diane is most proud of creating job and travel opportunities, as well as improving the airport’s infrastructure, airfield, terminals and commerce park. She recently received the Orlando Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Award. Under Diane’s leadership, the airport has undergone a major terminal expansion that honors the airport’s motto—“SFB: Simpler. Faster. Better.”

A Sanford native, Diane is committed to giving back. She has served on numerous community boards and committees, including the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Seminole County Tourism Development Council, Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Boy Scouts of America Central Florida Council.

1200 Red Cleveland Blvd. | Sanford, FL 32773 | Phone: 407-585-4000 | Flysfb.com

As Dean of the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, Deborah Crown is committed to producing global, innovative and responsible leaders who impact both their organizations and their communities.

Having held leadership positions in business schools for 20 years, Dean Crown’s path to Central Florida took her across the country and back again: She was recruited to lead at the University of Alabama, then Silicon Valley, then farther west to Hawaii Pacific University. But it was Crummer’s commitment to excellence, its personal approach, and its focus on educating experienced professionals that brought her back East.

“One of the primary reasons I was drawn to Crummer was the school’s distinct commitment to delivering quality executive-level education,” says Dean Crown. “While most graduate business schools serve entry-level and professional-level students, Crummer’s faculty, connections and experience also enable us to provide top executives with the skills and knowledge they need to continue growing and excelling at the highest echelons of business.”

In addition to its Early Advantage MBA program—which Forbes Magazine ranks as the No. 1 program in Florida—and its Professional MBA program for working professionals, Crummer provides two distinct degree options for executives: the Executive MBA, and the Executive Doctorate in Business Administration, the first AACSB-accredited program of its kind in Florida. The School’s Center for Management and Executive Education also provides customized programs, workshops and short courses for executives.

“Of all the business ecosystems I’ve worked in across the country, Central Florida has been my favorite because of its thriving industries and tremendous growth potential,” says Crown. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to lead a top-ranked business school that is shaping the region’s future by helping its organizations attract, educate and retain professional and executive talent.”

1000 Holt Avenue – 2722 | Winter Park, FL 32789 | Phone: 407-646-2405 | crummer.rollins.edu

This article appears in the May 2019 issue of Orlando Magazine.

Categories: Featured Section, Highlights

Tags: city, Community, move, Orlando, Professional, Women