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DBPR Hosts 11th Annual Celebrating Women in Business Event

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On Tuesday, Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Melanie S. Griffin hosted DBPR’s 11th Annual Celebrating Women in Business event in Tallahassee. Nearly 200 business professionals gathered to hear from a few of Florida’s dynamic female entrepreneurs for a panel discussion followed by roundtable discussions.

“Supporting women in business and highlighting female contributions to our state’s thriving economy is not only something the entire Department strives to do, but is also a mission that is near and dear to my heart,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “As a business owner myself, I know just how important women-led companies are in our great state. It was such a privilege and valuable learning experience to connect with each of these incredible, trailblazing women, and I look forward to seeing more women succeed professionally in Florida’s pro-business climate.”

DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin moderated the panel as they shared their success stories and career insights. Representing the industries of retail, wholesale distribution, alcoholic beverages and engineering, the panelists included:

  • Amanda Morrison, Owner of Poco Vino Wine Bar & Market
  • Analorena Melendez, CEO of A&E Wholesale
  • Lorena Holley, Vice President and General Counsel of the Florida Retail Federation
  • Maryam Ghyabi-White, CEO of Ghyabi Consulting & Management and Governing Board Member of the St. Johns River Water Management District

The panel discussion was followed by a series of roundtable discussions, where attendees had the opportunity to discuss leadership, mentorship and professional development directly with additional female business leaders. Representing the industries of accounting, real estate, construction, engineering, retail and public service, the mentors included:

  • Secretary Michelle Branham, Florida Department of Elder Affairs
  • Secretary Shevaun Harris, Florida Department of Children and Families
  • Director Taylor Hatch, Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities
  • Assistant Secretary Lisa Saliba, Florida Department of Transportation
  • Nina Sickler, P.E., Senior Vice President of River City Development Group
  • Susie Busch Transou, Co-Owner/Vice President of Tri-Eagle Sales and Owner of Hearth & Soul
  • Kerwyn Jones-Wilson, CEO of Jones Construction & Design, LLC
  • Suzanne Graham, Government Affairs Director of Massey Services
  • Reenee Williams, Rapid Response Coordinator of CareerSource – Capital Region
  • Donna Barrett, Executive Officer of Charlotte DeSoto Building Industry Association
  • Pamela Jones-Smith, CEO/Founder of BERNEXIS Construction and Development
  • Amy Miller, P.E., National Director of the Asphalt Pavement Alliance
  • Dr. Kimberly Moore, Vice President for Workforce Innovation at Tallahassee Community College
  • Stacey Kolka, CPA, Director of Tax Services at Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A.
  • Lee-En Chung, P.E., Owner/Founder of Ivy Ventures, Inc.

This year’s program highlighted the contributions women have made to the State of Florida’s economy and celebrated their many accomplishments in a variety of professional fields. The 11th annual event also served as a professional development opportunity for talented professionals and licensees to collaborate and discuss important leadership topics.

To watch the panel, visit the Florida Channel’s coverage of the event here. For more information on our featured guests, visit the 2023 Celebrating Women in Business program website here.