APRIL / MAY 2024
Analorena MELENDEZ BRANDING 101
Money Talks! MWSBE CERTIFICATION
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Navigating Female Friendships
WE Inspire
We
All the Boxes
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CONTENTS
8. LETTER FROM PUBLISHER 10. LETTER FROM EXECUTIVE EDITOR 12. LETTER FROM GUEST EDITOR
CULTURE & CUISINE
14. PACKING TIPS FOR WOMEN ON THE GO 16. NATILLA SPANISH EGG CUSTARD 17. CHICKEN IN PEANUT SAUCE 18. REVITALIZE YOUR SPACE: SPRING CLEANING & ORGANIZATION 20. SHE SAY'S SOCIAL: ADVICE FROM SEASONED MOMS 20. MIDTOWN READS
LIVING LOCAL
24. WE ELEVATE: NICOLE EVERETTE 25. COMBATTING GUN VIOLENCE: URBAN LEAGUE'S MISSION & INITIATIVES 26. WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: OASIS TRAILBLAZER CELEBRATION
33. ANITA BUSHNYAKOVA 34. LEGAL WRITES WITH DANA BROOKS 36. RISING TO THE TOP: A JOURNEY IN FINANCE & LEADERSHIP 37. WOMEN ON THE MOVE: SHANARA GABRIELLE 38. TOP NOTE-TAKING APPS FOR BUSY PROFESSIONALS 39. WOMEN ON THE MOVE: STEPHANIE SHUMATE 40. STACKED: WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE WITH CARRIE BOYD 42. BRANDING 101 43. MWSBE CERTIFICATION 44. MONEY TALKS WITH ROBIN VERNON
MIND, BODY & SPIRIT
12
33
24
46. RESILIENT AND LIMITLESS: SAY NO TO IMPOSTER SYNDROME
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS 48. NAVIGATING FEMAL FRIENDSHIPS 51. WE INSPIRE
ON THE COVER
28. ANALORENA MELENDEZ: TRIUMPH OVER TRAGEDY, A STORY OF LOVE, RESILIENCE, AND PURPOSE
WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS JOURNAL ON THE COVER:
28
28. ABOUT THE COVER: | PHOTOGRAPHY: KIRA DERRYBERRY | MUA: IMAGE BY LISA | HAIR: TANYA EVANS: EIGHT FIVE ZERO SALON | NAILS: IMAGE NAIL SPA & SALON | DRESS: PRIVATE COLLECTION
tallahassee woman | 4 | april • may 2024
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tallahassee woman | 5 | april • may 2024
WOM A N
MAGAZINE
April - May 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 3
CRISTINA CARTER Relationship Manager
BRIANA SMITH Creative Consultant
PAULA DEBOLES-JOHNSON Director of Leadership Initiatives
Publisher | Editor-in-Chief Dr. Michelle Mitcham
CONTRIBUTORS
KIRA DERRYBERRY PHOTOGRAPHER Executive 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) 739-1720 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) 893-9624, 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 © 2024 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 CERTIFIED MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
T A LWO M A N .C O M
LACI SWANN
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
THAIS GONZALEZ WRITER
Thais Gonzalez is a retired Tallahassee Spanish teacher. She taught over 5,000 students in the community throughout her career. Leading students to first place at the annual regional Modern Language Expo competition on multiple occasions she is well known in her field.
ANA LORENA WRITER
Born in Mexico City, Ana Lorena graduated with honors from the Universidad Motolinia del Pedregal as an Interior Designer. Hired by the Interior Design firm Alejandro Mendez Armit & Associates, she developed a children's furniture line, among other projects. She resides in Columbus, Ohio with her husband Ruben, who founded a technology company. Her pride and joy are her 3 children: Analorena, Leonor and Eddie.
INTERNS
ELIZABETH MASSEY Leon High School
tallahassee woman | 6 | april • may 2024
HEATHER TOUBY Florida State University
KAITLYN WALSH Florida State University
tallahassee woman | 7 | april • may 2024
PUBLISHER LETTER
Dear Empowered Queens!
I
am thrilled to pen this empowering letter as we celebrate 18 incredible years of Tallahassee Woman Magazine! As the CEO and publisher of this powerhouse publication for the past six years, it has been a true honor! I am grateful for the endless opportunities it provides for the accomplished, talented, and diverse women of Tallahassee. A huge thank you to my friend Kim Rosier, for having the vision of creating a platform to celebrate Tallahassee women in 2006. It is a privilege to lead TWM on a journey to even greater heights. The 2023 Minority Business of the Year Award from is a shining example of the magazine’s dedication to inclusive excellence. Because of this recognition, TWM received three proclamations from Mayor John Dailey - City of Tallahassee, Leon County Commissioners, and the Leon County School Board. Gratitude to this incredible community for acknowledging the value of our specialized publication devoted to women. Tallahassee Woman Magazine is excited to collaborate with other women-owned businesses and women-focused institutions. The unity of community is our strength. Photo by Kira Derryberry Photography
This issue features the remarkable Analorena Melendez, a fierce entrepreneur and trailblazer whose story of motherhood, resilience and determination will ignite your own aspirations. Special thanks to our guest editor, the fabulous Vicki Bradley, for capturing Analorena's inspiring journey. I hope her story and articles within these pages will spark something extraordinary within you. Our recent event, the 2024 Women Who Mean Business - Women On Fire Awards & Expo, was a tremendous success thanks to all who attended and participated. Spe-
cial thanks to all of our sponsors, speakers, expert moderators, panelists, judges and attendees! Congratulations to all the winners and finalists! As we look ahead, I am excited for the limitless possibilities that await us in the coming year.
reach any height you desire. Don't wait for permission - once you set your sights on a goal, trust in your ability to make it happen. Stay focused, stay determined, and watch as you soar to new heights! With endless gratitude and empowerment,
A heartfelt appreciation goes out to our incredible TWM team members, interns, contributors, readers, volunteers, collaborators, and advertisers. Your unwavering support has been the driving force behind our success. Remember Queens - you are limitless. This column is aptly titled to remind you that you hold the power to
tallahassee woman | 8 | april • may 2024
Dr. Michelle Mitcham CEO & Publisher Tallahassee Woman Magazine
tallahassee woman | 9 | april • may 2024
EXECUTIVE EDITOR LETTER “This magazine's beauty lies in the fact that the women we feature create an impactful ripple effect within the community” -Laci Swann
Recalling this issue leaves me nearly speechless. I am now embarking on my second year of the Literature, Media, and Culture doctoral program at FSU. The cover that once captivated me now serves as a powerful reminder to push beyond my comfort zone and pursue what may seem impossible yet is entirely achievable. This magazine's beauty lies in the fact that the women we feature create an impactful ripple effect within the community, and I feel privileged to be swept up in their waves. God willing, may the next 18 years be as fruitful, inspirational, and fierce as the journey thus far. Laci Swann, Executive Editor
A
t TWM, we are steadfast in our commitment to diversifying the pages of this remarkable publication. As I commemorate 18 years of our award-winning magazine, I find inspiration in the women we’ve featured, the stories we’ve shared, and the magazine’s continual growth. Being part of a platform that promotes, highlights, and empowers women from all backgrounds is one of our core missions. Tallahassee Woman Magazine embodies the sentiment "You can sit with us," as our metaphorical table always has an open chair for others. Selecting a favorite TMW issue is an impossible task, but I often reflect on the February/March 2022 issue. This edition featured five remarkable women making a distinct difference in our community: Gloria Allison, Gina Giacomo, Ashley Mitchell, Dr. Chanta Haywood, and Dr. Maxine Montgomery, both professors at Florida State University.
Laci is the Principal of Sharp Editorial, an award-winning editorial + small business consulting + branding design firm. Since 2016, Sharp Editorial has served thousands of clients, including professional athletes, television stars, Fortune 500 companies, and a range of other professionals. Laci is passionate about ensuring that her table always has room for others, encouraging women to pull up a seat and stay awhile.
tallahassee woman | 10 | april • may 2024
Inspired by television shows, Lt. Maria Mercurio knew she wanted to be a police officer since she was a little girl. Now, with over 24 years of service to the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD), she has created an enduring legacy through her genuine affinity for helping people. Lt. Mercurio currently serves as a Dayshift Watch Commander. Her dedication, however, transcends job title as she empowers and educates women and children each day. Described as a service-oriented individual, she approaches each day with a smile.
LT. MARIA MERCURIO
Lt. Mercurio has served in various capacities within TPD, ranging from investigations to community relations, which has given her the expertise to teach prevention strategies and instill confidence in those with whom she interacts. She was a driving force behind the inception of the RAD program 16 years ago – a defining milestone in her career. The program provides women with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves during moments of vulnerability. She also plays a crucial role in the RAD Kids program, which educates children on identifying signs of domestic violence, self-protection measures and nurturing the self-esteem needed to speak up when experiencing abuse.
Beyond her daily duties of overseeing officers and managing crime scenes, Lt. Mercurio generously volunteers her time to various initiatives, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, recently celebrating four years with her mentee. She holds a board position with the Lincoln Center Foundation where she contributes to a youth boxing program that aims to redirect aggression, build self-esteem, prioritize academics and facilitate discussions on bullying and gang-related issues. Moreover, she serves on the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council as a liaison for TPD and actively supports TPD’s Habitat for Humanity projects and Relay for Life initiatives. Lt. Mercurio has fulfilled her childhood dream of serving in law enforcement and takes pride in her decades of service with TPD.
With an impressive 17-year tenure helping to shape the City of Tallahassee’s communications landscape, Lizzy Kelley brings steadfast dedication to her current role as Marketing and Public Information Manager. Fueled by a passion for innovation, Kelley manages a team of skilled professionals in ensuring the City's communications efforts are strategic and multi-faceted. At the heart of her and her team’s approach is a love for community coupled with effective storytelling. Even routine communications efforts require transforming the complex technical aspects of municipal services to engaging narratives that resonate with residents and inspire an appreciation for Tallahassee’s high-quality of life. She takes pride in informing the community about a multitude of projects that impact their daily lives from major road projects to emergency preparedness. Additionally, she enjoys opportunities to humanize government by highlighting the 4,000 City employees whose work keeps our City moving forward. Beyond her impactful leadership role in the Communications department, Kelley actively champions industry best practices and serves as a resource for others seeking to achieve and replicate the City’s success. She serves as Vice President of the Florida Municipal Communicators Association and actively engages with the Florida Public Relations Association and City-County Communications & Marketing Association. Additionally, she holds the esteemed Accreditation in Public Relations and Certified Public Manager credentials. Kelley’s influence and expertise in municipal communications is evident by the City receiving the prestigious Certificate of Excellence in Government Communications.
LIZZY KELLEY
When asked about her enduring commitment, Kelley attributes it to the exceptional team that surrounds her and the satisfaction of serving her community. Through curiosity, gratitude and pluck, she has successfully helped create an environment that inspires creativity and growth, allowing her team and Florida’s Capital City to shine brightly.
GUEST EDITOR LETTER
“Our stories are precious pieces of who we are and no matter how good or bad – we shouldn’t keep them buried.” -Vicki Bradley
Vicki Bradley
E
veryone has a story to tell. They often don’t speak up because they believe no one wants to hear it. Other times we’re afraid to peel back the layers and get a little vulnerable. My story has many layers. I just hit my five-year mark in Tallahassee. It feels like I’ve lived here my entire life. In no other city that I’ve lived (Tallahassee makes seven) have I experienced the level of community and sisterhood that has been shown to me personally and through the pages of Tallahassee Woman Magazine. So, it comes as no surprise that we are celebrating 18 years of a magazine that’s been a source of uplifting women. Making sure our voices are heard. If you’ve been reading long enough – you have seen the evolution of this publication. From the first time I met Michelle – her passion for highlighting women and everything that makes us so uniquely different has been on full display. As I flip through the pages of past issues – I see ALL women represented. It’s a beautiful reflection of the diversity within our city. It’s something that is reflected with this month’s cover and throughout the stories being shared on each page. Including this editor’s note you’re reading right
now. Most people know me from leading the WTXL ABC 27 team and my community involvement. What you don’t know is when I was 17, I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis. The autoimmune disease made me so sick that I missed a lot of school. I almost did not graduate. After barely making it through that year, going to college didn’t feel achievable - but I did it twice. Not many people know that story. But it’s part of who I am and what has made me incredibly driven. Our stories are precious pieces of who we are and no matter how good or bad – we shouldn’t keep them buried. You never know how your experiences will touch or inspire someone else. I hope you are inspired by the stories within the pages of this magazine. Just as much as I’ve been inspired by the women who make this community so GREAT!
Vicki Bradley is a news leader with nearly two decades of news production, producing and leadership experience. She currently serves as Station Manager and Sr. Director of News for WTXL ABC 27. In addition to leading the ABC 27 team, Vicki teaches personal branding as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Florida. Vicki is a 2007 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. In 2020, she earned a Master of Science in Communications from Syracuse University. Locally Vicki serves as Executive Vice President of the Junior League of Tallahassee. She is a board member for The Oasis Center for Women & Girls and serves on the Access Tallahassee council. Along with being a member of Leadership Tallahassee Class 39.
tallahassee woman | 12 | april • may 2024
“TW Magazine for those of us that live here is a cherished treasure that has reached 18 years. It is for most of us that special edition that enriches our lives, deepens our connections and reminds us that there so much beauty and warmth in our community. Each magazine reminds us of strength, resilience and the possibilities that lie with the myriad of women who not only bless the covers but are featured inside its pages. In a world where so many stories go untold, Tallahassee Woman magazine stands out as a place for shared experiences, shared dreams, shared successes, and shared hopes for our community. So let’s give a huge Thank you to Dr. Michelle Mitcham and her fabulous team for being a source of inspiration ,joy, community pride and celebrating the remarkable women who shape our world with grace and strength.” -Jane Marks, LMHC, LMFT
“TWM stands alone as the substantive resource for women in all phases of their personal and professional development. Michelle brings us a publication that celebrates women while challenging us to keep climbing. TWM tackles the thorny issues we all face and links us to the support we need. We are blessed that Michelle brought her inspiring vision to Tallahassee!” -Dana Brooks
“I LOVE being the official glam squad for Tallahassee Woman Magazine. Most busy boss babes don't have a lot of extra time to pamper themselves. Being featured in the magazine is an honor in itself, and the glam process is the icing on top. I love chatting with our inspiring contributors and cover women, as we prep them for their photo shoots.” -Lisa Davis
Celebrating
years
“Tallahassee Woman Magazine is so much more than just a magazine. It has become a vehicle of opportunities for women to gather, uplift, and empower each other. This is evident not only inside the magazine where every woman can find herself in the pages but also in the events it provides and sponsors in the community. Something that I love about the magazine is that it truly honors the many dimensions and differences of women’s lives. In the magazine, women are portrayed and spoken to as whole people, extraordinarily diverse, just like we are in real life. You are as likely to read an article about women making money as you are to read an article about mentoring or fashion. Happy anniversary TWM! Thank you, not just for what you’ve done for Tallahassee women, but for Tallahassee itself.” - Kelly Otte
“I recall feeling such a sense of exhilaration when learning of the forthcoming publication of a magazine for women in Tallahassee 18 years ago. There are so many AMAZING women in this community, and TWM has shared their stories in a most inspirational way. Kudos to TWM on 18 years of bringing the community closer through celebration, recognition of achievements, and acknowledgement of obstacles which have been overcome as a means of nurturing the valuable skills that women bring as leaders and involved community assets.” -Anita Favors
“Tallahassee is truly fortunate to have a major publication dedicated to the advancement of today’s modern woman. Tallahassee Woman Magazine not only celebrates the female spirit, but spotlights the challenges, insights, and triumphs of women right here in Tallahassee. These are women you see in the parent pick up line, the grocery store, and the boardroom. Tallahassee Woman Magazine serves as a fantastic tool showing younger women that you can navigate today’s world without compromising yourself, all done through the voices of other women in the community. Cheers to 18 years of literary sisterhood!” -Brandi Thomas
tallahassee woman | 13 | april • may 2024