Pooler Magazine March/April 2026 by JDelSUR Marketing Group

High Altitude

Both In and Out of the

Pilot Sarah Watson Soars

Cockpit

St. Joseph’s/Candler’s 84,000 square-foot campus, located on Pooler Parkway and I-16, combines hightech, digital technology and a high-touch friendly atmosphere for an unparalleled customer experience that completely re-imagines healthcare.

Services include:

• Surgical services (General Surgery, Orthopedics, Podiatry, ENT, Gastroenterology, GYN, Pain Management Injections, Robotic Surgery, and Urology)

• Imaging (CT, MRI, Ultrasound, X-RAY, Mammography, Dexascan)

• Urgent Care

• Primary Care Physicians

• Medication Management

• Specialty Care Physicians (Bone, Joint & Muscle Care, Cardiology, Adult and Pediatric ENT, Neurology, OB/GYN, Podiatry, Vascular Surgery)

• Independent Physician Practices (Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah, Metro Surgical, Neurological Institute of Savannah, Most Plastic Surgery)

• Physical Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Lab Draw Station

Based on high-tech innovations, convenience and the high-quality compassionate care that one has come to expect from St. Joseph’s/Candler, the Pooler campus redefines the patient experience and takes smart medicine to a whole new level. Visit us online at sjchs.org/pooler-campus.

Women of Influence Issue

PUBLISHER

Jan Southern Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com 912-318-8645

CLIENT SERVICES

Christie Wilson, Director of Advertising Christie@JDelSURMarketing.com

Kelsey Harrison, Account Executive Kelsey@JDelSURMarketing.com

OFFICE MANAGER

Chris Antonio

DESIGN

Laura Zielinski

DISTRIBUTION

Penny Redmond

135 Goshen Rd Ext., Suite 251, Rincon, GA 31326 (912) 295-5406 PoolerMagazine.com

J. DelSUR Marketing Group is the publisher of Effingham Magazine, Pooler Magazine and Bryan County Magazine in South Georgia. We are a full service marketing agency with products that include print, digital and social media marketing.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Write and tell us what you think. Pooler Magazine welcomes all letters to the editor. Please send letters to Jan Southern at Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com. Letters to the editor must have a phone number and name of contact. Phone numbers will not be published.

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS

Pooler Magazine welcomes story ideas from our readers. If you have a story idea or photos to share, please submit ideas and material to Jan Southern at Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com. Stories or ideas for stories must be submitted by email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things in the Pooler area will be considered.

CIRCULATION: Pooler Magazine is published bi-monthly and distributed to hundreds of locations throughout the area, as well as mailed to thousands of homes. The full magazine is available online at PoolerMagazine.com

Views expressed in editorial or advertising do not imply endorsement by J. DelSUR Marketing Group.

Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

I just love about watching a woman step fully into who she was created to be. With all the pressures we experience this is no easy task. It can take a lifetime to be realized.

This issue of Pooler Magazine is dedicated to the women in our community who are doing remarkable things. They are leading, building, serving, creating, mentoring, nurturing, and showing up with courage in spaces where it isn’t always easy to stand.

You will read about women who were nominated by friends, colleagues, clients, and family members. Women whose lives are impacting others in ways both visible and unseen. Their photos and words of encouragement are reminders that influence is not reserved for a select few. It belongs to women who choose excellence in the everyday.

Our cover story is the pinnacle of what it means to be a woman of influence. Pooler resident, Major Sarah Watson, C-130 aircraft commander in the U.S. Air National Guard, and commercial airline pilot is a force! Sarah has served in over 45 countries, logged hundreds of combat hours, and earned commendations for excellence — yet one of her greatest priorities is making sure young girls can look up and see what’s possible.

We also hear from Alycia Calderin again in her column, Moming Unfiltered, “What I’d Tell New Moms (That Nobody Told Me),” This column offers a different kind of leadership, one rooted in honesty. She writes to the exhausted, overwhelmed, unseen mother and reminds her: “You’re not failing. You’re becoming someone new.”

As you turn these pages, my hope is that you don’t simply admire these women. I hope you recognize yourself.

Whether you are building a business, raising children, serving in uniform, volunteering quietly, or leading in ways no one else sees, you are shaping this community. You are setting expectations for the next generation. You are expanding what is possible.

And that matters.

To every woman in our community, thank you for making Pooler stronger, wiser, kinder, and braver.

CEO/Publisher Pooler Magazine

Pooler Magazine is proudly produced by:

Jan Southern

CONTRIBUTORS

1. Alycia Calderin is a Florida native who moved to Georgia in 2013, where she planted roots with her husband of 16 years. When she’s not balancing the whirlwind of activities for her four kids, she escapes into the world of books.

2. Leidy Lester is a freelance photographer, originally from Bogota, Colombia. One of her proudest achievements was working with models and highly experienced photographers in Las Vegas.

3. Gail Mihalik lives in Rincon with Scott, her high school sweetheart, and their two rescue dogs. Chef by trade with over 50 years of experience, she spends most of her time living, loving, and sharing the history and culture of the area.

4. Scott Douglas Miller is a broadcaster celebrating 50 years in radio as an air personality, news director, event DJ and content provider several publications. He Originally from Mississippi, Scott shares a home in Rincon with his high school sweetheart, Gail.

5. Donald R. Payseur is an experienced pilot, active businessman, and dedicated community member based in coastal Georgia. He believes the unique focus and discipline required in the cockpit translate directly into effective leadership, navigating everyday life, and building a strong foundation of faith.

6. Thomas Reimer is a Kansas native that escaped, along with his wife Jacqueline, to Pooler in 2006. He has been involved in photography for over 50 years. When not shooting photos, he enjoys volunteering at the Mighty Eighth Museum and driving his classic Lotus Elan sports car.

7. Claire Sandow is a marketing professional who lives in Savannah with her husband, daughter and cat. In her spare time, she enjoys pursuing her many hobbies, including knitting, crocheting, quilting and running.

8. Katrice Williams is a married mother of two. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Business Administration degree and later pursued her writing interests. Katrice appreciates the Lord Jesus Christ and the many blessings He has bestowed upon her. She loves spending time with her family.

9. Laura Zielinski is a freelance graphic designer specializing in print design. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her husband Keith and their three beautiful children.

10. Mabel morale officer, enjoys roaming the backyard at home, sitting for hours on the back porch and coming to the office to greet visitors and encourage the staff. Mabel loves getting treats and taking long naps in her mommy’s office in the afternoons.

Chris Antonio

Christie Wilson Director of Advertising

Kelsey Harrison

Jan Southern, DPA CEO/Publisher

Pilot Sarah Watson Soars Both In and Out of the Cockpit High Altitude

Story by Katrice Williams | Photography by Thomas Reimer

Ifind that when women are performing and leading well, it changes the expectations for the next woman,” Major Sarah Watson says. Sarah, an Ohio native, has been serving in the U.S. Air National Guard for almost 19 years. Even as a child, Sarah had dreams of flying high. She often became lost in her own imagination while watching the planes in the air fly by.

“I was always interested in airplanes. I was always looking up at the sky when I was little,” Sarah says.

Her mom and dad, Colleen and Tom Perry, knew how fascinated their young daughter was with airplanes. For her 13th birthday, Colleen surprised Sarah by taking her to a small airport in their hometown where pilots were offering children airplane rides.

“My parents always pushed me to pursue my dreams,” she says.

It would be Sarah’s very first time in an airplane. Before taking off in the small Cessna plane, the pilot asked her if she would like to fly the plane herself, and of course, she was elated.

“I knew right then and there that I wanted to do that for the rest of my life,” she says.

Avionics

The summer after graduating from high school, Sarah attended college and acquired her pilot’s license. Following her freshman year, she set her sights on the U.S. Air National Guard. She exceeded standards on its entrance exam; she was then told that she could select any occupation that piqued her interest. Sarah chose the occupation of F-16 avionics technician.

In 2010, after completing a year-long training in both Wichita Falls, Texas and Keesler, Mississippi, Sarah traveled back home to graduate from college. She was able to graduate with her college class since she had acquired a variety of experience in her field. She earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation studies, flight technology and operations.

Sarah served as an avionics technician for five years before being promoted to a leadership and mentorship role as staff sergeant, soon enrolling in Airman Leadership School (ALS), a U.S. Air Force program designed to help develop airmen into effective leaders. Sarah attained various commendations, including wingman and airman awards, letters of accomplishment, along with various operationsbased medals. During that time, she was also applying for pilot positions.

In 2011, the Savannah Air National Guard reached out to her. The selection process was very competitive; in fact, there can be between 50-200 applicants gunning for one position. Sarah was chosen. She immediately began her career, which involved two years of training all over the country. She was happy to return to the local area, purchase a house and make Pooler her home. Sarah has been flying with the Savannah Air National Guard for ten years.

C-130 Missions

Sarah pilots the C-130 aircraft, a versatile aircraft that is able to airdrop massive loads with the ability to get into territories that other aircraft cannot (tiny dirt strips or extremely rough terrain). She participates in air medical evacuations, air drops, air transport, cargo transport, flying with the use of night-vision goggles, hurricane rescues and formation flying.

Sarah remembers all the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Harvey in Texas. She assisted many individuals with relief efforts in both Beaumont and Galveston.

“People couldn’t get out, and none of the commercial airliners could get into the airports because they had no towers, no instrumentation, no air traffic controllers. They had no way to land a plane there, but our C-130’s could land there. We were flying in taking pallets of water. We would take hundreds and hundreds of people to Dallas in the back of our planes. We had families with infants, babies, people in wheelchairs, even crates with people’s pets,” she says. Sarah was awarded the Humanitarian Award for her extraordinary service during that time.

Throughout her career, Sarah has traveled to over 45 countries. She has been deployed multiple times, having over 200 combat hours, 50 combat support hours and 150 sorties (combat flight missions). She was awarded the Air Medal for her deployments in combat. In 2019, Sarah was promoted to aircraft commander, an upgrade giving her charge of the entire C-130 aircraft; she is accompanied by a copilot and two loadmasters.

Excellence and Distinction

Sarah is no stranger to excelling beyond expectations and overcoming tremendous odds. She was always one of the only women in her profession. While in college, there was only one other young woman in her field.

“In avionics, I was the only one in the whole school and in my pilot training classes. I was the only woman Savannah hired who was not a previous pilot; I was sent all the way through training to become aircraft commander. We now have five or six lady pilots at our squadron,” she says.

Sarah enjoys being an example of excellence and distinction.

“I’ve proved myself by being competent and confident and by excelling in everything. I do see that results are the strongest response in a male-dominated field. I think to be a strong leader means making hard decisions and having the trust from other people that you’ll do the right thing, even if it’s difficult,” she says.

Making Her Mark

Sarah has proved herself time and again; she has used challenges and adversities as opportunities to make a valuable mark.

“When I was growing up, I didn’t know any ladies in these positions, so I didn’t have any mentors, and I don’t want that for other women. Having two young daughters, I want girls to know that they don’t have to just accept something because of their gender or how they look,” she says.

Sarah volunteers with Women in Aviation International, a non-profit organization formed to help educate girls about different opportunities in the field of aviation. She is also a part of Pilots for Kids, a non-profit organization that offers medical assistance to young patients at children’s hospitals – providing food for the families of the patients, along with gifts and various supplies for the patients. The organization recently gifted a young girl plane tickets for a flight.

“Her mom said she had never been on a plane. She was so excited,” Sarah says.

Commercial Airline Pilot

Sarah’s successful military career helped her to attain one of her biggest goals – becoming a commercial airline pilot which she has been for three years.

“Being an airline pilot had always been my goal. It was one of my dreams that finally came to reality,” she says.

Living the Dream

Sarah remembers being that little girl who always looked up into the sky, so starry-eyed and intrigued, often getting her parents’ attention when she would see a plane fly by. Now, she is the person flying the plane - First Officer Sarah Watson. She knows that a little girl somewhere is looking up with those same starry eyes and enormous aspirations that she had long ago.

“In 2025, I was able to surprise my mother; I was her airline pilot for the first time. She was so ecstatic. It really meant a lot to the both of us. [She] and my dad have always been extremely supportive of my dreams no matter how big or how far away they took me,” Sarah says.

Devoted Mom

Sarah flies out of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport each morning, often headed to one or two destinations. She usually lands just in time to pick her two daughters up from school. Sarah has a five-year-old daughter and a three-year-old daughter.

She enjoys being an involved and supportive mom, one who likes to visit her children at school, help with class parties or join them in parades. She wants her girls to see that a woman can prioritize family and still have a successful career.

“I think that’s a big thing that young girls need to see,” she says.

Both of her girls are very proud of their mommy.

“My youngest daughter saw a plane and told the babysitter, ‘That’s my mommy,’’’ Sarah says. “Once, she saw two planes and said, ‘Mommy’s really busy.’”

Making a Difference

After many of her flights, Sarah lingers just a while so young girls can see their lady pilot. They can see that even the sky is no limit for them.

“I like for girls, or anyone, to see me there to try to change the tone of the world, so it won’t be an unusual thing anymore. You can see the light on a lot of the moms’ faces when they say, ‘Look, honey, it’s a lady pilot,’” she says.

Sarah Watson soars both in and out of the cockpit, blazing a trail of distinction through her phenomenal service and commitment to excellence. ■

Cotton

Angel

Archie, Toby, Charlie & Torque

Kenshein

Atlas

Honey Jackson

Maui

Jasper

Sir Winston

Xena

Coming October 2026

Derek E. Horne Attorney

Savannah Technical College Names Top 2026 Faculty and Student Leaders

Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) has announced its four top honorees for 2026, selecting a slate of student and faculty leaders who represent the highest standard of technical and adult education. The college named Javiera Scott as the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner, Stephanie Grant as the Rick Perkins Award (RPA) winner, Abimbola "BeBe" Ojelabi as the EAGLE delegate, and Dr. Cheryl Cale as the Adult Education Teacher of the Year.

These four individuals will represent the college at regional and statewide competitions, advocating for the critical role technical education plays in workforce development and economic mobility in the Coastal Empire.

Javiera Scott, the 2026 GOAL winner, was selected as the Student of the Year for her academic excellence and leadership potential. The GOAL program is the first of its kind in the nation and honors excellence in technical education. Scott will serve as a spokesperson for technical education, sharing her story of how handson training leads to high-demand careers.

Stephanie Grant, Department Head and Instructor for Early Childhood Care and Education, was named the 2026 Rick Perkins Award winner. The award recognizes technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership. Grant will represent Savannah Technical College in the statewide competition for technical instructor of the year.

The college also celebrated excellence within its Adult Education department, which provides vital pathways for students seeking high school equivalency and literacy education.

Abimbola "BeBe" Ojelabi was named the 2026 EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) delegate. This program celebrates adult learners who demonstrate superior achievement in adult education classes. Ojelabi was selected for her powerful ability to articulate the impact of literacy education on her life and career goals. She will

now advocate for adult education at the state level, representing the thousands of Georgians who utilize these programs to transform their futures.

Dr. Cheryl Cale was honored as the 2026 Adult Education Teacher of the Year. A 40-year veteran of education, Dr. Cale currently serves as an HSE Instructor and Instructional Lead at the Effingham Campus. Her colleagues selected her for her deep commitment to student success and her expertise in guiding adult learners through the challenges of earning their high school equivalency.

Dr. Cale’s career spans early childhood to higher education administration, bringing a wealth of experience to her classroom where she prepares students for the next step in their careers.

The selection of these four winners underscores Savannah Technical College’s commitment to servant leadership and its 10-Year Master Plan to expand access to workforce training. By honoring achievement at every level—from adult literacy to technical specialization—the college reinforces its mission as the region’s primary pipeline for skilled professionals in industries like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and logistics.

About Savannah Technical College

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) is the premier provider of career-ready technical education in Coastal Georgia, offering a comprehensive range of nearly 150 market-driven programs, preparing students for highdemand careers including Aviation Technology, Cybersecurity, Health Sciences, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Automation & Robotics, Information Technology, Culinary Arts, Public Services and more. With campuses in Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties, Savannah Tech serves more than 13,000 credit and non-credit students with a variety of pathways to success, including dual enrollment programs for high school students and specialized support services for military veterans and their families. Beyond academics, Savannah Tech is an economic and community development partner, collaborating with industry leaders to provide customized training programs, assessment services, and continuing education opportunities. For more information, visit www.savannahtech.edu.

mom-ing UN FILTERED

Finding Magic in the Madness of Motherhood

What I’d Tell New Moms (That Nobody Told Me)

by Alycia Calderin

If I could sit across from you right now - hair unwashed, coffee gone cold, baby asleep on your chest - I wouldn’t tell you to soak it all in.

I wouldn’t say, “You’ll miss this.”

I wouldn’t tell you that this is the best time of your life.

What I would tell you is this:

You’re not failing. You’re becoming someone new, and that process is disorienting.

No one warned me that motherhood doesn’t arrive gently. It comes in waves, some beautiful, some suffocating, and sometimes all in the same hour. One minute you’re overwhelmed by love, the next you’re crying in the bathroom because you don’t recognize your own reflection anymore.

Both are normal.

I wish someone had told me that loving your baby instantly doesn’t mean loving motherhood instantly. That bond doesn’t cancel out exhaustion, loneliness, or the grief of losing who you used to be. You’re allowed to mourn her—even while holding the greatest thing you’ve ever made.

I wish someone had said that asking for help doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human. That you don’t need to prove you can do it all alone to earn the title “good mom.” Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a warning sign.

No one prepared me for how invisible moms can feel. How everyone asks about the baby, and no one asks about you. How your needs slip to the bottom of the list so quietly you don’t even notice it happening, until you’re empty.

So I’ll tell you this now: you still matter.

Your body isn’t ruined, it’s recovering. Your mind isn’t broken, it’s overloaded. And your heart isn’t cold, you’re just tired beyond words.

I wish someone had told me that it’s okay if you don’t enjoy every stage. Some seasons are survival. Some are growth. Some are just hard. And none of that makes you ungrateful.

You don’t need to cherish every moment. You just need to get through this one.

And one day, slowly, quietly, you’ll look up and realize you didn’t disappear. You changed. You softened and hardened in different places. You became stronger in ways you never asked for. You became a mother.

Not perfect.

Not glowing.

But real.

And that is more than enough.

Q&A with Women who are Making

a Difference

IN POOLER & CHATHAM COUNTY

AMY COSTLEY, Assistant General Manager/Director of Sales, Crosswinds Golf Club

How long have you been in business? 15 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

The most challenging part is that you are never managing one thing at a time. In the golf and events industry things change quickly from weather, staffing, guests needs, and demands. I focus on planning ahead, supporting my team, and adjusting in real time to always deliver a great experience to our clients.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

The most rewarding part of my career is creating experiences people remember. Having a successful event or a great charity golf tournament leads to building strong community relationships and guests returning to our business year after year.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Talent opens doors, but reliability keeps them open. Being dependable earns trust, respect, and long term success.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My greatest cheerleaders are my loving family, and the people who have believed in me through every stage of my career. I’m grateful for the mentors and colleagues who believed in me, challenged me, and helped me see my potential.

INNA STEPANOV, Owner/Master Piercer & Master Permanent Make-up Artist, Elite Ink Studio

How long have you been in business?

3.5 years in business, 20 years in the field

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge helped shape who I am today. Moving from Kyiv, Ukraine to the United States meant starting completely over — new language, new culture, new career path. I had to let go of my first profession as a speech therapist and teacher, which was very hard at first. The language barrier made me feel like I had lost part of my identity, but it also pushed me to rediscover myself through art.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

What is truly rewarding is seeing the confidence and joy on someone’s face when they look in the mirror after a service. It’s more than just about beauty — it’s about helping people feel comfortable in their own skin again.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Trust your vision and remain consistent, even when the journey feels uncertain. Surround yourself with people who support your growth, seek mentorship whenever possible, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or take up space. Success doesn’t happen overnight — it’s built through resilience, integrity, and a willingness to keep learning.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My biggest cheerleaders are my family and close circle, along with the clients and community who consistently show their support. Their loyalty and encouragement remind me why I do what I do and inspire me to keep pushing forward.

RAECHEL HALBERT, Savannah Age Management Medicine

How long have you been in business? 2 years in business and 10 years in the industry.

What has been the most challenging in running your business? I’ve been in brand marketing for over ten years but have had to learn how to apply my expertise to marketing a small functional medicine clinic in a new market. This has required developing a new professional network, establishing agency relationships and learning the ins and outs of local media.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

The every day success the patients of Savannah Age Management Medicine see in achieving their health and wellness goals.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs? Focus on progress over perfection; done is often better than perfect when you’re scaling a business.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

The team at Savannah Age Management Medicine who she works hand in hand with to educate the community on the benefits of functional medicine and its potential in helping them feel their best.

TRISHA COOK, The Trisha Cook Team Compass Realty

How long have you been in business? 10 years in business, 15 years in the industry

What has been the most challenging in running your business? The markets ups and downs

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business? Helping clients find their dream homes

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs? Continue to grow and build strong community relationships

Who are your greatest cheerleaders? My family and clients.

DR KAREN DENISE ALSTON, The Jewel Empowerment Institute

How long have you been in business? 12 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

One of the most challenging aspects has been uilding and sustaining a mission-driven organization in a space that deals daily with trauma, crisis, and deeply personal lived experiences.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

The most rewarding part has been witnessing the tangible impact of creating safe, affirming spaces where survivors are seen, believed, and supported.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs? Lead with purpose. Don’t be afraid to build something that reflects both their values and their lived experiences.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My greatest cheerleaders include the survivors and families whose lives have been impacted by The Jewel, as their healing and growth continually affirm the importance of the work. I am also supported by a strong network of colleagues, community partners, advocates, and volunteers who believe deeply in the mission to advance domestic violence prevention and survivor support.

SHALIDA GRAY, His Reach, Inc

How long have you been in business? 1 year

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

The biggest challenge is obedience when pressure rises. Resources feel tight. Time moves fast. Decisions carry weight. I have learned how to release control and trust God fully. Prayer leads before action. Patience matters when I want to move faster. Stewardship stays non-negotiable.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

Watching God restore women never gets old. I see fear turn into confidence. I see employment replace uncertainty. I see women return to Christ and stand with dignity again. Those moments remind me this work belongs to God. I simply get to serve as the vessel.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Seek God first. Write the vision and guard the mission. Know your numbers and steward every dollar. Build systems early. Ask for help without guilt. Protect your character over growth. Stay rooted in the Word daily. Trust God in seasons of waiting. If He called you, He will sustain you.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

The woman she lifts up with her dedication to their success

MARIA MEKRAS JUSTUS, Lasky Justus Law

How long have you been in business? 4 years in business and nine years in the industry.

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Balancing the emotional weight of the work with the responsibilities of family and community. Many of my cases involve people who have been seriously hurt or are facing devastating loss, and carrying that while also being present as a mother, colleague, and leader is never easy.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

The most rewarding part is being able to truly help people when they are going through something overwhelming and often life changing.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Trust your instincts. You can be strong and compassionate at the same time. It’s okay if your path doesn’t look like anyone else’s. Consistency and integrity matter more than perfection.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My family, husband, and especially my children.

YULIANTY KUSUMA, MD, FACP, Internal Medicine of Savannah

How long have you been in business? 13 years in business and 25 years in the industry.

What has been the most challenging in running your business? Navigating the best care for patients through the obstacles of insurance.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

Compassion and care for patients.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Never give up, no matter the obstacles.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My patients

JESSICA NEELEY, Beach Insurance Pooler

How long have you been in business? 8.5 years and 24 years in industry

What has been the most challenging in running your business? As the business continues to grow, handing off more responsibilities to my team members so that I can continue to scale effectively.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

Helping people find the best insurance for the home, auto & businesses and then despite the tragedy, helping them navigate when an accident occurs.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs? “Its not going to happen for you, so go get it Girl!”

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My husband Glenn. Cristy Mallot, friend and partner in my on-line vintage clothing store.

SHIRLENIA DANIEL, Bread of Life Ministries

How long have you been in business? 15 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business? Inability to reach the needs of everyone in the community.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business? Persons receiving salvation of Jesus Christ and the community outreach ministries.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs? Never be afraid to be yourself, trust in God and have a willing heart to serve.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

Due to my empathy in meeting the needs of others they become my greatest cheerleaders.

CAROL LEGASSE, The Salt Table

How long have you been in business? 15 years owning Salt Table - 40 overall

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Creating a food brand and manufacturing about 300 products and running multiple shops. In addition, investing in people.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

Seeing a concept and idea come together and be successful! It takes a lot of sweat equity and conscientious decision making to build a business. The biggest reward is when you have customers tell you how much they love what you do and love your products!

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs? Be willing to take risks but don’t be reckless. Also, invest in your community and give back. This is so important.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My husband and partner David. He is always very supportive and quick to tell everyone that I am the genius and he “carries the heavy boxes”! We are fortunate that we both have different skill sets that work well together.

AMMIE DOVER, Caregiving Insider

How long have you been in business? 5 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business? Awareness, funding for events and advertising

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business? Getting to help people in a caregiver role, which is one of the most thankless, exhausting and difficult jobs anyone could ever do.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs? Work hard for what you believe in; don’t quit, don’t give up. When you fight for who and what you love, you can be a light to others.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My partner, Jose.

SHIRLYSIA DANIEL, Clart Art and Fashion LLC

How long have you been in business? 7 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business? One of the most challenging aspects of running my business has been balancing quick turnaround times while still giving each customer’s art piece the care and creativity it deserves.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

The most rewarding part of running my business is being trusted to create custom art for life’s most meaningful moments.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

My advice is to focus less on competition and more on authenticity. Don’t just worry about who you’re competing with—make sure your brand truly reflects your core values and speaks clearly to your audience.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My greatest cheerleaders are my parents and my eight-year-old daughter. Their constant encouragement keeps me grounded and motivated. Seeing my daughter watch my journey and believe in what I’m building gives me an extra sense of purpose every day.

BELLA DIMEMMO, Inked elegantly

How long have you been in business? 15 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business? Having to start over when moving to five different states.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business? Helping people feel confident and beautiful.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs? Keep going, don’t give up. Don’t treat people in your niche like competition, rather treat them as supporters and motivation.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My long term clients—100%.

VERONICA DENISE STANFORD, Alexander Vee Ties and Things

How long have you been in business? 2 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business? Advertising

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business? Seeing people enjoying their neck tie.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs? Keep pressing on.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

Joseph F Stanford

PAM BAKER, Pine House Home & Decor

How long have you been in business? Less than 1 year and 2-3 years in the industry.

What has been the most challenging in running your business? New Location Storefront

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business? Meeting new people and the community.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs? Start the business, conquer your fears.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders? My daughter Mccall and my Husband Jeff

HEATHER ALKIRE, As told by nominator

How long has the nominee been in business?

Heather Alkire has been employed at Brasseler, USA as an HR Business partner for 5 years.

What do you think has been the most challenging in running her business? In her volunteer work, she serves as the Secretary and Chaplain of the Cooties, a hospital and disabled veterans support group, keeping this group organized and focused is difficult to accomplish, though Heather makes it seem effortless.

What do you think has been the most rewarding part?

She has fostered over 225 children, ranging from 2 days to 21 years old. She works tirelessly to assist less fortunate citizens, successfully soliciting sponsors to provide truckloads of food, clothing, and blankets for the homeless.

What advice would the nominee give other female entrepreneurs? She inspires people to put aside time, money, and effort to support those who need it the most. Despite being very busy, she shows that one is never too busy to reach out to someone in need.

Who are her greatest cheerleaders?

Pat Hardin: the nominator, who is overwhelmed by Heather’s generosity and calls her a true gift to the community. Charles Fillyaw , her fiancé and the VFW Post 660 Commander, with whom she partners to give back to the community. The foster children: The children she has cared for, who recognize how blessed they are to be in her care.

SONYA L. JACKSON, Chatham County Tax

How long have you been in business? 5 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

One of the most significant challenges has been leading a public-facing government organization through constant change while maintaining public trust. As Tax Commissioner, I operate in a highly regulated environment with evolving state laws, technology demands, and increased public expectations for transparency, speed, and customer service. Navigating pressures while keeping the focus on equitable service and community impact has been both complex and demanding.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

The most rewarding part has been seeing the direct impact of her leadership on both the community and the employees I serve.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

I would encourage other female entrepreneurs to lead with confidence, integrity, and purpose, even in environments where their leadership may be challenged or scrutinized. Building strong relationships, listening first, and investing in people are just as important as strategy and execution.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My greatest cheerleaders are my family and my management team. Their unwavering support, enthusiasm, and shared belief in the mission energize my leadership and celebrate the positive, people-first culture I have built through trust, collaboration, and excellence.

MARA JUDD, Regional Manager, RPM Living

How long have you been in business? 15 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

One of the most challenging aspects is navigating the constant and ever-evolving changes in the multifamily industry.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

The most rewarding part of running my business, especially as a regional manager, has been building strong teams and a positive, consistent culture across the company.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

My advice would be to never give up. This is often a male-dominated industry, and it can be easy to feel discouraged but don’t let that define or limit you. We are capable of achieving anything we set our minds to.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My greatest cheerleaders are a small but incredibly meaningful group. First and foremost is my husband, who has supported me in following my dreams, my current leaders, Amanda, Eric, and Dana, who push me to be better, challenge me to grow, and cheer me on when I need it most. Lastly, my grandfather has been a lifelong influence. He instilled a strong work ethic in me from a young age by allowing me to go to work with him as a child. Watching his dedication and commitment shaped how I approach my career today and laid the foundation for the professional I’ve become.

WOMAN OF INFLUENCE

SHELLY

FICKAU

Branch Director, West Chatham YMCA

At the West Chatham YMCA, influence isn’t about titles, it’s about impact. Branch Director Shelly Fickau brings vision, heart, and purpose to everything she does. Her work strengthens families and inspires those around her every day. Join the YMCA to see what community looks like and the positive change taking place.

The Corner Table Pooler & Chatham County

by Gail Mihalik

Splendid Shabu: Permission to Play with Your Food

I’ve cooked in a lot of kitchens, but rarely do I get to cook directly at a restaurant table—and feel like a slightly mischievous sous-chef armed with chopsticks. Splendid Shabu gives you exactly that: full permission to play with your food. Respectfully. Joyfully. Shamelessly.

A Hidden Gem With Yin-Yang Balance

Tucked into a modest plaza in Pooler, Splendid Shabu brings the authentic spirit of Japanese hot pot dining into an immersive, interactive experience. Once inside, the aroma of umami-rich broths rises with the steam, signaling that something special is about to happen.

Your cooking vessel sets the tone: the yin-yang pot. One side deep and spicy, the other balanced and subtle. Together, they form the perfect foundation for the flavor story you’re about to create.

Where Your Inner Chef Emerges

You don’t simply order here—you curate. Start with your broth: house, miso, or spicy.

Choose your noodles: udon, vermicelli, egg, ramen, or rice.

Then build your bowl with bok choy, mushrooms, cabbage, zucchini, sweet corn, and paper-thin slices of meat that cook in seconds.

The Small Tool That Does the Big Work

Silverware is minimal—chopsticks and a soup spoon—but the unsung hero is the tiny strainer ladle. Part kitchen tool, part treasure hunter, it’s perfect for fishing out whatever delicacy you’ve submerged.

The Rhythm of the Pot

Hot pot dining has a rhythm all its own. You don’t rush. You cook in stages. You share the process. Cooking becomes conversation, and anticipation becomes part of the flavor.

One of the owners stopped by our table and said something clever: “Every time I watch new guests experience shabu-shabu, it reminds me of a confusing movie. The more you watch it, the clearer it becomes.”

Mill Creek Circle B, Pooler, Ga.

As a chef, I’ll tell you this: thin-cut meat in bubbling broth is one of the purest expressions of flavor. Two minutes—shabu-shabu—and it’s ready. Dip it into a layered sauce and suddenly you’ve created a perfectly composed bite.

Where Sauce Decisions Get Personal

And then there’s the sauce bar—the place where creativity fully takes over.

Soy for saltiness. Sesame for depth. Garlic for attitude. Chili paste for personality. Scallions for spark. I landed on a blend of soy, sesame, garlic, and sriracha that made me want to bless everything on the table with it.

He laughed as he shared stories of stealing ingredients from his brothers’ pots growing up—a culinary rivalry that feels almost universal.

Stand Up and Take a Bow

Here’s the difference. At most restaurants, the chef receives the praise—or the critique. At Splendid Shabu, that role belongs to you.

When the results are exceptional, you’ve earned it. And if it takes a little practice, that’s part of the fun.

A

Toast

to Bold Broths and Brave Dips

In the end, Splendid Shabu isn’t just about eating—it’s about bringing out your inner chef.

So raise a glass of bubble tea and toast to balanced broths, abundant noodles, perfectly sliced meats, and inventive sauces.

Splendid Shabu isn’t just a meal. It’s an opportunity to create something personal, one dip at a time. Grab a seat— and get ready to cook.

South Georgia. Are you Ready?

2026 is about real growth.

New neighborhoods are going up. New families are moving in. New businesses are opening their doors. Every single month, people are making decisions about where to eat, where to shop, who to trust with their home, their health, their finances, and their families.

Those decisions are happening right now.

And here’s the part many business leaders miss:

Most of these new residents don’t have brand loyalty yet. They’re forming habits. They’re choosing favorites. They’re deciding who feels familiar, credible, and trustworthy in a place that’s still new to them.

That creates a real opportunity for business growth.

It also creates a real risk of being overlooked.

Most local businesses aren’t struggling because they’re bad at what they do. They’re struggling because when it comes to marketing, they’re winging it.

• They post when they remember.

• They boost a few ads.

• They sponsor an event here and there.

• They hope it all adds up to growth.

Hope is not a strategy.

At J. DelSUR Marketing Group, we look at businesses through a big-picture lens. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all packages, and we don’t believe more tactics automatically equal better results.

We believe strategy comes first.

2026 is the year to move from random acts of marketing to a strategy-first approach that:

• Reaches the right people at the right time

• Builds trust with newcomers and long-time residents

• Turns first-time buyers into loyal advocates

• Uses your budget wisely instead of spreading it thin

In the months ahead, we’ll be sharing what’s working right now for local businesses in our region — from strategy and local visibility to content, email, paid media, and of course AI.

You’ll see one theme come up again and again: Real growth doesn’t come from doing MORE marketing.

It comes from doing the right marketing, consistently, with a clear strategy behind every move.

If you’d like a partner to help you build and execute a real plan, that’s exactly what we do.

March 2026

April 2026

POOLER EVENTS

3/4: Women Who Rule Luncheon

Savannah Convention Center

3/5: March Morning Grind

500 Mosaic Cir, Pooler

3/6: Mighty Talks | The Airman’s Fate with Kaitlin Oster

National Museum of the Mighty 8th Air Force

3/7: St. Patrick’s Day Greening of the Fountain

200 Tanger Outlets Blvd Pooler

3/11, 3/18: Chair Yoga for Cancer Survivors

225 Candler Drive Savannah

3/14: Partner with Pooler to Plant a Tree for Free

Recreation Complex

Stadium Parking Lot

3/18: Cirque de Paris

200 Tanger Outlets Blvd, Pooler

3/28: Annual Eggstravaganza

Lake Mayer Community Parks

4/03: Mommy & Me Brunch

200 Tanger Outlets Blvd, Pooler

4/15: Pooler Community Blood Drive

City Hall Public Parking Lot, Pooler

4/18: Big Bash Car Show

200 Tanger Outlets Blvd, Pooler

4/22: Mobile Mammography

J.C. Lewis Primary Health Care Center

4/25: 3rd Annual Cruisin’ For Kicks Car Show

200 Tanger Outlets Blvd, Pooler

4/25: Pooler Spring Recycling Roundup

Rogers Street Gym Parking Lot, Savannah

4/28: General Cancer Support Group

225 Candler Drive Savanna

The Savannah Scottish Games is a family friendly festival jam packed with dancing, music, athletics, and fun for all ages.

Held at Bethesda Academy for 18 years, the Savannah Scottish Games will welcome you with the sound of bagpipes, the thrill of the caber toss, and the warmth of Highland camaraderie.

Bring a lawn chair and brace yourselves for the ultimate battle of strength on the bonnie fields! Cabers are flying (yes, heavy athletes throw telephone poles!) Unleash your warrior spirit and rally your kin to cheer on 60 heavy athletes throwing heavy things! If that isn’t enough, competitions include tug-of-war and the Irish sport of Hurling.

Wee lads and lassies are greeted at the front gate with a Children’s Passport. Visit with the various organizations and clans, collect passport stamps and redeem for a prize! In the children’s area, lads and lassies are welcome to try their hand at pint sized heavy athletics, golf, crafts, and other events. Visit with a Celtic-themed story teller, a fairy, a Scottish princess, and more! The wee ones can participate in the crowd favorite “Children’s Kilted Run” on the main athletic field immediately following the opening ceremonies.

Imaginations soar as sheep/duck herding border collies, birds of prey, hockey and living history reenactments perform demonstrations under the live oaks of Bynuh’s Field, at historic Bethesda on the banks of Moon River.

One of the things that makes the Savannah Scottish Games so special is the incredible entertainment you’ll experience throughout the day! The Massed Pipes and Drums bring the welcome ceremonies to life with their traditional tartan uniforms and vibrant performance. A spectacle of color, music, and tradition—this is an event you will not want to miss!

From these powerful pipe bands and traditional dances to four bands (Seven Nations bringing Celtic rock, and folk music performances by Scotland’s Colin Grant-Adams, and local favorites- Swamptooth and Lochlann), you can take in a variety of music and dancing all day long.

Stroll the Celtic marketplace, enjoy great food, beer and mead—popular with the Celts and Vikings alike! Join the clan tents welcoming visitors and your new favorite whiskey during the tasting!Where Lowcountry charm meets Scottish tradition— Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty/Stewart Sells The Lowcountry, is proud to be the Title Sponsor of the Savannah Scottish Games. This yearly event is a true gem in Savannah’s entertainment calendar! Everyone is Scottish at the Games!

Photo by Jared Wang

Every Story Has a Moment That Changes Everything

They say every person has a story to tell. For Donald Payseur, his story took more than 35 years to tell.

Donald R. Payseur is a local business owner, serial entrepreneur, and lifelong pilot. In Bryan County, he is best known as the founder of Coastal Broadband, Inc., a company built on reliability, resilience, and service to the community. What many people do not know is that long before fiber networks, tower climbs, and business leadership, Payseur came within seconds of losing his life in a small airplane and spent decades learning what that moment was truly trying to teach him.

In 1983, as a student pilot flying solo near his hometown of Gastonia, North Carolina, Payseur unexpectedly entered a bank of clouds without the training required to fly by instruments. Disoriented and panicked, he stalled the aircraft and began an uncontrolled descent from nearly three thousand feet toward the face of a mountain. When he finally broke through the cloud layer, the granite face of that mountain filled his windshield, and only seconds separated survival from tragedy.

He survived that near-death incident, but the experience left scars that were not visible. What followed was not an immediate return to aviation or a dramatic redemption story. Instead, Payseur quietly walked away from flying for a short time. He eventually went on to earn his other flying credentials, instrument rating, multiengine license, and commercial pilot’s license. He built a career, raised a family, and entered the trucking industry, where the demanding discipline aviation requires: preparation, precision, procedures, and accountability would later shape his professional success.

Discipline Applied and Then Ignored

In the trucking industry, Payseur became a highly successful National Accounts Executive, working closely with Fortune 500 customers, building a national accounts territory, and earning broad respect within the industry. The habits that aviation instills, checklists, contingency planning, disciplined decision-making, and respect for risk, served him exceptionally well.

Yet Flying High is honest about a difficult truth.

When Payseur later founded his own trucking company, the discipline that had once guided his professional success quickly eroded. Confidence replaced caution. Experience replaced procedure. Emotion overtook humility. He poured his life savings into the venture, gambled on growth, and ignored the same principles aviation had demanded of him years earlier.

The outcome was devastating. The business failed, and everything he had built financially was lost. Payseur recounts this chapter without excuses or bitterness. He does not blame the market, the economy, or others. Instead, he acknowledges an uncomfortable truth: the failure was not caused by

“It is not the failure that ends your story; it’s the refusal to get back up that ends your story.”

a lack of effort or intelligence; it was caused by abandoning discipline. As he writes in the book, “You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your training.” The same discipline that made him successful as an executive was the discipline he failed to apply as a business owner.

In Flying High, Payseur describes the process that followed as “the NTSB of the soul.” Just as the National Transportation Safety Board dissects aviation accidents to prevent them from happening again, he walked back through the wreckage of his business with deliberate introspection, determined to understand the decisions that led to failure and to ensure he would never repeat them.

Why the Book Was Written

Payseur did not write Flying High: How Everything I Learned About Faith, Life, and Business, I Learned from the Cockpit to relive a frightening flight or a painful business collapse. He wrote it to redeem both. “For years, I thought those were separate failures,” Payseur explains. “Eventually, I realized they were the same lesson; one in the air and one on the ground.”

At the heart of the book is a simple but uncompromising truth: “Hope is not part of the flight plan.” In aviation, hope has no operational value. Pilots rely on training, discipline, procedures, and practice. Hope without those elements is dangerous. Payseur argues that life and business operate by the same rules. “Hope without training, discipline, procedures, and practice is nothing more than a really great idea,” he writes.

The book challenges the idea that passion alone is not enough. Passion must be paired with preparation and a solid flight plan. Experience must be governed by accountability. Success, when not anchored in discipline, often plants the seeds of future failure.

The Three P’s: Purpose, Procedures, and Practice.

From both aviation and entrepreneurship, Payseur developed what he calls the Three P’s: Purpose, Procedures, and Practice. Purpose defines why decisions are made. Procedures remove emotion and guesswork. Practice ensures readiness when pressure arrives. In aviation, these principles are non-negotiable. In business and life, they are often treated as optional until something goes wrong.

Payseur believes the collapse of his trucking business could have been avoided had he adhered to the same disciplined framework that once guided his professional success. The Three P’s are not about rigidity; they are about resilience. “Discipline doesn’t limit you,” he says. “It protects you.”

Faith, Failure, and the Decision to Get Back Up

Faith plays a steady, grounding role throughout Flying High. It is not presented as a guarantee against hardship, but as an anchor when plans fail. One of the book’s most resonant lines speaks directly to resilience:

“It is not the failure that ends your story; it’s the refusal to get back up that ends your story.”

Failure, Payseur argues, is unavoidable. What matters is whether we allow it to define us or instruct us. The book reflects candidly on shame, pride, and avoidance, and how growth often begins when we are willing to revisit the

“You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your training.”

moments we would rather forget. Writing the book required Payseur to confront both near-death and financial ruin, not as isolated events, but as connected lessons shaped by discipline applied and discipline ignored.

Why His Story Matters Now

In a culture that celebrates speed, visible success, and the idea of a straight line to achievement, the realities behind entrepreneurship and personal growth are often whitewashed. Failure is minimized, struggle is edited out, and success is frequently presented without context. Flying High was written with a different purpose: to examine failure first and to explore the lessons required to reach meaningful and sustainable success. Today, bold risk-taking is often praised, while mentorship, disciplined preparation, and accountability are overlooked. The consequences of that imbalance continue to surface in failed businesses, broken trust, and personal burnout.

As Payseur writes in the book, “When it comes to mentorship, asking for help is not weakness, it is wisdom.”

By sharing his story, Payseur hopes readers, especially business owners, leaders, and young professionals, will recognize the value of guidance, process, and humility before a crisis forces the lesson. This is not a book about aviation alone. It is about decision-making under pressure, the cost of abandoning discipline, and the power of learning - sometimes late, but never too late.

Flying High: How Everything I Learned About Faith, Life, and Business, I Learned from the Cockpit is available nationally through major booksellers. The book is available on Amazon in eBook, paperback, and hardcover formats, as well as through Barnes & Noble in paperback and hardcover editions. Also, directly on his website, www. flyinghighthebook.com. Payseur is also available for speaking engagements and can be reached at pressagent@ flyinghighthebook.com ■

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Please thank these advertisers for contributing to our community and making this publication possible. If you want to be part of this list, email Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com or call 912.295.5406.

COMMUNITY SPONSORS

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