FEBRUARY /MARCH 2025
Oasis TRAILBLAZER Luncheon DANA BROOKS TAKE INVENTORY OF YOUR LIFE
Define Your Boundaries
Celebrating Galentine's Day
BOSS MOVES
WOMEN ON FIRE AWARDS & BUSINESS EXPO MARCH 21,2025
S M A S H I N G C E I L I N G S , S T E R E OT Y P E S A N D S E L F D O U B T
One in every five women die of heart disease. We believe that’s one too many. At Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, we understand that women’s heart and vascular health requires unique attention. That’s why we specialize in advanced care that combines the latest technology with expertise to provide personalized, world-class treatment. Our team of specialists diagnose and treat the most complex cardiovascular conditions with precision and compassion. We recognize that heart disease can manifest differently in women, which is why we prioritize a tailored approach to your care. Through cutting edge procedures and ongoing clinical research, we offer the latest advancements in heart and vascular health for women of all ages. Learn what we can do for your heart at TMH.ORG/Heart
Talent Shaping Tallahassee With a heart for community service, storytelling and preserving history, Karen Kirksey brings significant value to the City of Tallahassee’s Department of Communications as a Public Information Specialist. Since joining the team in 2021, Kirksey goes above and beyond to build personal relationships with members of the community as she shares City news. As a seasoned professional, she expertly guides communication efforts for the Tallahassee Senior Center, Hilaman and Jake Gaither golf courses, John G. Riley Museum, the City’s Neighborhood Affairs division and more. She was deeply invested in outreach for the Zillah Street Pedestrian and Street Safety Project, historic designation of the Jake Gaither Golf Course and Capital City Senior Games, to name a few. Kirksey began her career writing stories for Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University’s (FAMU) student newspaper, then for the women’s fashion section of the J.C. Penney catalog in New York City. She worked as a producer and editor at a television station in Boston and Tallahassee. In 2019, she retired from The Florida Bar, before reigniting her passion for communications with the City. A lifelong learner, she is a proud alumna of FAMU, taking undergraduate journalism courses at the university. She went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Suffolk University, before returning for a master’s degree in education from FAMU. She is a member of the Florida Municipal Communicators Association, the City-County Communications & Marketing Association and a long-standing member of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), which recently recognized her work on the Carrie Pittman Meek Street Renaming event. She is also a member of two community service organizations: the Chi Upsilon Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Ahmed Court #134 Daughters, the sister organization of the Prince Hall Shriners. Read more about Karen Kirksey’s impactful work in Communications on the City’s LinkedIn page.
KAREN KIRKSEY
What is the Tallahassee Land Development Code (LDC)? An expert would tell you it is a vital tool for shaping our City’s built environment in a way that ensures smart growth, sustainability, and economic vitality. That expert at the forefront of implementing the LDC – which includes zoning, building regulations and residential and commercial permitting for signage, streets, subdivisions, site plans, environmental management and more – is Dylan Haase, AICP, Land Use Administrator for the City of Tallahassee. In her role, Haase has worked to support the City’s clean energy and affordable housing initiatives through amendments to the LDC, like a revised ordinance expanding opportunities for Accessory Dwelling Units (commonly referred to as mother-in-law suites). She also frequently trains others on implementation of the Live Local Act, a state initiative that supports affordable housing by removing barriers to development. Haase enjoys interacting with the public and underlines the importance of providing excellent customer service that meets the City’s high standards. Her team leads introductory meetings with landowners and developers to understand project goals and walk them through the permitting process. She has streamlined these processes and developed materials to help residents and developers understand the LDC and related items. Haase emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, frequently citing the talent and expertise of her team. Over the past few years, she has participated in the American Planning Association’s “Mentor a Planning Student” program through Florida State University to help graduate students develop a passion for the profession. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography from Florida Atlantic University and a master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems from FSU. In 2020, she received the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification. With a decade of industry experience under her belt, Haase’s passion to use her background and expertise to continue improving the quality of life for the residents of Tallahassee has never been stronger. Read more about Dylan Haase, AICP, on the City’s LinkedIn page.
DYLAN HAASE
CONTENTS
8. LETTER FROM PUBLISHER
CULTURE & CUISINE
10. SPRING 2025 STYLE GUIDE 12. AROMATIC WEST INDIAN STEWED CHICKEN DELIGHT 14. CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH 16. HONORING BLACK HISTORY THROUGH LITERATURE
LIVING LOCAL
20. AROUND TOWN: BRANDI THOMAS COVER PARTY AND IMAGE BY LISA GRAND OPENING OF NEW LOCATION 24. TWM 19 YEARS OF EMPOWERING LOCAL WOMEN 26. DECEMBER COVER WOMAN REFLECTION 27. CELEBRATING GALENTINES
20
WITH DANA BROOKS 40. EMBRACE YOUR VOICE 42. BOSS MOVES
MIND, BODY & SPIRIT
44. DEFINE YOUR BOUNDARIES AND ENHANCE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH 46. BREAKING FREE FROM OVERTHINKING 48. EMBRACING THE 'EXTRA'
22
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
50. LOVE YOURSELF: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SELF -CARE THIS SEASON
30
ON THE COVER 30. VICKI BRADLEY: SMASHING CEILINGS, STEREOTYPES AND SELF DOUBT
48
TRAVEL
36. 24 HOURS IN PARIS
BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP 38. LEGAL WRITES
30. ABOUT THE COVER: | PHOTOGRAPHY: KIRA DERRYBERRY | MAKEUP: IMAGE BY LISA DAVIS | HAIR: EIGHT FIVE ZERO SALON | WARDROBE: PRIVATE COLLECTION
tallahassee woman | 4 | february • march 2025
MARCH 21, 2025 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM Tallahassee State College Student Union Building | Grand Ballroom
444 Appleyard Drive Tallahassee, Florida 32304 As we recognize and honor dynamic businesswomen who are “on fire” with their passion, leadership and dedication to the business community.
TWM will be recognizing the most inspiring and influential businesswomen in our community for the following award categories: • • • • • • •
Entrepreneur Award Innovator Award Legacy Award Rockstar Award Service Award Torchbearer Award Mompreneur Award
tallahassee woman | 5 | february • march 2025
2025 Expo Theme: Business, Beauty Education, Health, Mental Wellness. Sponsorship Opportunites Available at Talwoman.com
WOM A N
MAGAZINE
“LOCALLY OWNED MAGAZINE”
BRIANA SMITH Creative Consultant
Publisher | Editor-in-Chief Dr. Michelle Mitcham
Assistant Editor
OLIVIA HEYWARD Creative Director
TALLAHASSEE WOMAN MAGAZINE is a publication of Mitcham Media Group LLC Post Office Box 16616 Tallahassee, FL 32317-3401 Phone (850) 296-2232 publisher@TalWoman.com Tallahassee Woman is published six times per year and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding communities. ADVERTISING For advertising, visit talwoman.com, call (850) 296-2232, or e-mail ads@TalWoman.com. The information in this publication is presented in good faith. The publisher does not guarantee accuracy or assume responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright © 2025 Mitcham Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or in whole, without expressed written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.
TALLAHASSEE WOMAN MAGAZINE IS A
Director of Leadership Initiatives
CONTRIBUTORS
T A LWO M A N .C O M
LACI SWANN
PAULA DEBOLES-JOHNSON
KIRA DERRYBERRY PHOTOGRAPHER
DR. TAVIA REYES WRITER
JANE MARKS WRITER
SHAIRI TURNER, MD, MPH
Kira Derryberry is a Tallahassee-based portrait photographer specializing in families, headshots and boudoir and commercial photography. She books locally in Tallahasee and is available for travel worldwide. View Kira's portfolio online at kiraderryberry.com.
Jane Marks is a licensed psychotherapist "life coach" with more than 50 years of experience specializing in child and adolescent behavior. She is a motivational speaker/lecturer focusing on mental health and adolescents.
Dr. Tavia is an applied kinesiologist, certified acupuncturist and yoga teacher. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as a holistic physician, empowering others through root cause medicine and health education.
WRITER
Shairi R. Turner, MD, MPH, is Chief Health Officer at Crisis Text Line, focusing on youth mental health and suicide prevention. She has served in significant public health and juvenile justice roles in Florida, and has trauma-informed care expertise. Please follow her on IG @DoctorShairi
Advertise with us! A LOCALLY OWNED MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN FOR OVER 18+ YEARS!
Visit TALWOMAN.COM to download our Media Kit or Call (850) 296-2232 to advertise with us.
CERTIFIED MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
tallahassee woman | 6 | february • march 2025
Banking that takes you from A to B to Z. At Synovus, we provide the solutions, advice, and experience for you to bank from whenever, wherever. From rewarding credit cards to loan options tailored to your needs, we’ll help get your money working the way you want. Let’s see what we can do together.
Start your journey at synovus.com. tallahassee woman Bank, All loans and lines of credit are subject to approval. Synovus FDIC. | 7 Member | february • march 2025
PUBLISHER LETTER
SHARE YOUR VOICE
G
reetings to our cherished community as we welcome the vibrant season of spring! As we celebrate both Black History Month and Women’s History Month, we reflect on the themes of renewal and fresh perspectives that spring brings. In this issue, we recognize and celebrate the extraordinary trailblazers from Tallahassee and beyond. Featured on our cover is Vicki Bradley, a true pioneer who has consistently broken barriers and shattered glass ceilings in her various endeavors. The convergence of Black History Month and Women’s History Month invites us all to acknowledge and celebrate the significant achievements of diverse female icons while also honoring the challenges and obstacles they have faced. Let us come together to elevate the voices and stories of women from all walks of life—regardless of ethnicity, ability, culture, linguistic ability, race, religion, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation. Our collective diversity is our greatest strength, and united, we can accomplish remarkable things. Tallahassee Woman Magazine takes pride in being a locally owned and operated publication. This year, we are excited to celebrate our 19th anniversary of highlighting the incredible women in our community. It is essential that we continue to foster kindness and solidarity as we work toward our shared goals of supporting one another and strengthening our community ties. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our advertisers who support this locally and woman-owned magazine, which is dedicated to uplifting, inspiring, and celebrating the women of Tallahassee and our neighboring communities. Please save the date for March 21, when we will host our annual awards ceremony and the second annual Women’s Business Expo held at the Tallahassee State College. See FB or Eventbrite for details. Together, let us continue to forge connections, celebrate our achievements, and uplift one another in this beautiful journey.
Photo by Kira Derryberry Photography
tallahassee woman | 8 | february • march 2025
Dr. Michelle Mitcham CEO & Publisher Tallahassee Woman Magazine
SAVE THE DATE Registration for summer camp starts in March!
DISCOVER YOUR TRUE NATURE. Whether you’re craving high-flying adventures, an immersive wilderness walk, or just want to get your hands a little dirty, do all this and more at the Tallahassee Museum and Tree-to-Tree Adventures. Join us this spring for the adventure of a lifetime.
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