Discover Venice 2023-2024
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1512151
Asking for and giving guidance was a recurring point made by the speakers, who urged the women to keep learning and to pass that knowledge on as a mentor. "You'll be amazed at how much we have to teach the little ones," Herrera said. When it comes to mentoring at work, Sandra Terry was praised for all the people she has helped in her career. She is the founder of Laurel Civic, a community organization. "You don't have to be loud to make a difference," she said. "You just have to do what needs to be done." But there are, indeed, times when you have to be loud, said Christine Johnson, president of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. She referred to times when she was the only woman in the room. "We've all been in that situation," she said. "You're not listened to. You're not taken seriously." Herrera encouraged the roughly 110 conference attendees to look at their careers and to take note of what they have accomplished. She asked those in attendance to speak to others at their tables and talk about what makes them excited about their jobs. The room grew loud as conversations started up immediately. Echoing the theme of the conference, Herrera gave the attendees a piece of advice: "I encourage you all to pause and reflect on your impact." Ronald Dupont Jr. is editor of the Venice Gondolier. The late Nancy Detert, a former Sarasota County commissioner and state senator, was given the Woman of the Year Award at the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce's Women Empowering Women conference. She was praised for her work on making texting while driving illegal, for reforming the statewide guardianship program and for championing the causes of the Loveland Center. "Nancy has empowered many of us right here in this room today through a business relationship, mentorship or friendship," a summary of the award stated. Accepting the award was Detert's granddaughter, Brittany Lightner. PHOTO BY RONALD DUPONT JR. Stacie Herrera, founder and CEO of Osprey-based Herrera Psychology, listens as a question is asked at the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce's Women Empowering Women conference. PHOTO BY RONALD DUPONT JR. Roughly 110 people — all women — attended the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce's Women Empowering Women conference. The theme was "The Year of Impact." Leadership Venice 2023 celebrates first responders The Leadership Venice Class of 2023, a program of the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, constructed a tribute to first responders as their class project. Working in Heritage Park, the class restored a flagpole that was salvaged from the reconstruction of the fire station located on the island. The area of their work has been designated as a center for reflection, featuring benches, a paver walkway, a backdrop wall and several plantings. Donations were received from many organizations and private citizens who share the desire to commemorate the first responders from the past, present and future. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held in September and featured honor guards from the Venice Police Department and Venice Fire & Rescue. Charlie Thorpe, chief of police, and Frank Giddens, fire chief, were on hand to cut the ribbon and receive the flag. Members of the Venice High School band performed the National Anthem while the flag was raised. For a complete list of donors or additional information about the Leadership Venice program, contact Barbara Hines, Leadership Venice director, at bhines@ venicechamber.com. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE VENICE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE First responders stand under the flag at Heritage Park. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE VENICE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE First responders cut the ribbon at Heritage Park. 37 Discover Venice