PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

There are moments in each of our lives when someone steps in, sometimes briefly, sometimes over years, and leaves a lasting mark on who we become as leaders.

For me, it hasn’t been just one woman, but many across different seasons, each offering perspective, support, or an example of what strong leadership looks like.

What I’ve learned, especially as a working mom, is that we don’t have to do it all. We choose what matters most, and we do it well, even on the days that look less like balance and more like herding a golf cart full of little boys.

When I look across JWN, I see that same influence. Women leading, supporting, and lifting others, often without realizing the impact they’re making. This month, take a moment to reflect on who has shaped you, and reach out to thank them, or be that person for someone else.

Wishing you a May filled with purpose and balance, however you define it.

Angela Timberlake, 2026 President
Jacksonville Women’s Network 

Our mission continues in May through intentional programming, meaningful dialogue, and expanded opportunities for connections. From Crossroads Conversations and our new Reading Circle, there are more ways than ever to engage. Make plans to join us as we pack the house for the WAVES inaugural game and celebrate a defining moment for women in sports and in Jacksonville!

JOIN US AS WE PACK THE HOUSE for a special JWN Open Social at the WAVES Tip Off - and we encourage you to bring a guest! In place of our formal May program, we’re coming together to celebrate the WAVES inaugural game, connect as a community, and be part of a defining moment that reflects the growing influence of women in professional sports.

EVENT DETAILS:

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Thanks to everyone who took part in our April Crossroads Conversations - the turnout was great!

TOPIC FOR MAY: THE INTERSECTION OF LEADERSHIP AND CAREGIVING

Caregiving responsibilities continue to fall disproportionately on women, with nearly two-thirds of caregivers being female. This responsibility does not diminish with professional success or leadership roles. In many cases, it expands. A growing number of women leaders find themselves in the “sandwich generation,” balancing the demands of career, children, and aging family members - often referred to as “triple-duty care.”

For many, the women who have shaped us are also those we care for - or those who have shown us what it means to lead with strength, compassion, and resilience. This month’s conversation will create space to reflect on how those influences show up in our lives today. How do we navigate competing priorities and shifting expectations? How do we lead effectively while also showing up for the people who depend on us?

Although the topics change each month, what remains consistent is the intention behind these gatherings: creating space for reflection, connection, and real conversation among women navigating meaningful decisions in their personal and professional lives.

Facilitated by Marilyn Feldstein (JWN 2023), this is not a workshop or presentation. There is no teaching and no fixing, just thoughtful conversation in a trusted environment. Whether you are at a crossroads or simply looking to engage in deeper dialogue, this is an opportunity to step away from the noise and connect with others asking similar questions.

REGISTRATION DETAILS COMING SOON

Building on the success of The JWN Experience in 2025, JWN^x introduces a fresh, TED-style program designed to elevate the voices within our network, women with depth, insight, and unique perspectives worth sharing.

This is not a panel. It is not a traditional presentation. It is Five Voices. Big Ideas. One Meaningful Experience.

These members have stepped forward to share lessons learned, perspectives gained, and ideas with the power to spark something bigger within our community, our city, and ourselves. All over lunch.

In the coming days, we will introduce the voices you will hear on stage. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, June 24 at lunchtime - stay tuned for more details!

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS: Looking Ahead to the Class of 2027

Nominations for the JWN Class of 2027 open June 1, and now is the time to begin identifying the women in your circles who should be part of our network in the coming year. This process moves quickly, and strong nominations rarely come together at the last minute. Thoughtful consideration now leads to a stronger, more impactful class later.

Our Category Chairs and Co-Chairs play a critical role in shaping each incoming class, bringing insight and perspective from across industries. But building a strong class is not just their responsibility; it rests with each of us. Every member has a unique vantage point into the leaders, innovators, and changemakers making an impact in our community.

You already know who they are - the women doing meaningful work, showing up consistently, and leading in ways that matter. This year, we are encouraging every member to submit at least one nomination, whether in your category or beyond. Expanding the circle is how we ensure JWN continues to reflect the very best of our community.

Start the conversation now. Pay attention to who stands out. Our next great members - and future JWN leaders - are already in your orbit. The strength of JWN is shaped by who we invite into our membership.

KEY DATES:

May Lunch Ladder groups have already been distributed, so be sure to check your email and make plans to connect with your group.

While we will take a break from the official Lunch Ladder meet-ups during June, July, and August, the spirit of connection doesn’t pause. In fact, summer is a great time to be intentional about reaching out. Whether it’s someone you know well or someone you’ve been meaning to get to know, consider extending a personal invitation for lunch, coffee, or cocktails.

We will resume our Lunch Ladders in September when the Category Chairs will organize a meetup. October will return to the traditional mixed Lunch Ladder Groups.

Until then, stay connected, enjoy the summer months, and let’s keep the conversations going!

TO OUR AMAZING LUNCH LADDER LEADERS!

Thank you for all you do to organize our often hard-to-organize small groups! When you do get them all in one place each month, please know that YOU can personally post in the JWN Private Facebook Group to share your group's gathering with our community. Everyone seems to love seeing all the smiling faces at Lunch Ladders this year - thank you for making them happen!

ZOOM IN ON MAY 26TH @ 6 PM

We’re kicking things off with Go Gentle by Maria Semple - an exuberant, witty novel that blends sharp humor with a thoughtful take on midlife reinvention. Laura Boeckman (JWN 2018) leads the group, and the plan is to meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM, alternating between virtual gatherings in odd months and in-person meetups in even months.

This will be a relaxed, come-as-you-are group. All are welcome—whether you’ve read the book or not. Join when you can, skip when you need to, and jump back in anytime. There’s no pressure to attend every meeting - just an open invitation to connect, unwind, and enjoy meaningful conversation.

Here's the LINK to join the Zoom meeting on May 26th at 6 PM. Meeting ID: 826 1720 0292 Passcode: 199829 

Please email Laura directly if you have any questions - happy reading!

NO BLINDFOLDS REQUIRED.

Just clear thinking, open conversation, and meaningful connections. Join the members of the JWN Legal category on Tuesday, May 19th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront, 1617 1st St. N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

TWO MINUTES. REAL IMPACT.

The JWN Pulse Survey is still open, and we want to hear from you before it closes.

In just two minutes, you'll help us understand how connected and valued members truly feel across JWN. Your feedback shapes what we prioritize next. Not someday. Next.

We are excited to announce that Caitlín Doherty has been tapped to Chair the 2027 JWN Speaker’s Forum!

Caitlín brings a dynamic and visionary leadership style to this role. She currently serves as Associate Vice President, Arts UNF and Executive Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA), where she has led the organization since 2017. Under her direction, MOCA has experienced record attendance, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024, achieved national accreditation, and most recently unveiled Jacksonville Stacked Stars, an internationally significant work of public sculpture by world-renowned artist Frank Stella installed in the heart of downtown Jacksonville.

Prior to her work in Jacksonville, Caitlín served as Chief Curator and Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University, Exhibitions and Speaker Curator at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, and inaugural Director at Lismore Castle Arts in Ireland. Her career reflects a deep commitment to community engagement, cultural leadership, and elevating the role of the arts in public life. In 2022, she was appointed to the Meridian International Center’s Cultural Diplomacy Leadership Council and named an Ultimate CEO by the Jacksonville Business Journal in 2025.

With Caitlín at the helm, JWN members can expect the 2027 Speaker’s Forum to be shaped through a fresh and creative lens, drawing inspiration from the arts community and bringing new energy to one of JWN’s signature events. Held each February, the Speaker’s Forum is JWN’s premier annual program and the only event we open to the broader community. It consistently brings together influential voices, meaningful conversation, and a powerful shared experience.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THE 2027 COMMITTEE, please email your contact information to Caitlín’s assistant. Be ready to contribute ideas, collaborate with a high-performing team, and play a role in shaping an unforgettable program in the new year.

We thank Caitlín in advance for her time and talent and look forward to the 2027 committee building on JWN’s strong tradition of excellence!

From board leadership appointments and national fellowship honors to community impact and high-profile leadership moments, JWN members continue to show up and make Jacksonville stronger. Let’s take a moment to give these leaders among us the accolades and applause they deserve this month!

Ann-Marie Knight (JWN 2026) was introduced as a new officer (Treasurer) for the Groundwork Jacksonville Board of Directors - congratulations!

Count on Snowden McFall (JWN 2008) to help assemble a panel of powerhouse women in Jacksonville sports when she’s hosting a program for the Jacksonville Chamber’s South Council! Great to see JWN members Whitney Meyer (JWN 2022) of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Donna Orender (JWN 2016) of the Upshot League helping lead an important conversation about the growing influence of sports on Jacksonville’s economy, community development, and future growth.

Congratulations to Wendy Dordel (JWN 2026), CEO of the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, on her organization’s annual Women of Distinction celebration! Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan (JWN 2024) and Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole (JWN 2025) were honored for their extraordinary leadership, impact, and commitment to opening doors for others. And can we talk about how many JWN members were in the room? Click on the video above and see how many familiar faces from our network you can spot!

Patricia Gillum Sams (JWN 2023) is clearly enjoying her role as an Executive Ambassador at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer corporate breakfast hosted by the First Coast Chapter of the American Cancer Society - congratulations!

Congratulations to Rachael Tutwiler Fortune (JWN 2022) on her selection as a 2026 Pahara Fellow. The prestigious Pahara Fellowship brings together exceptional leaders from across the country who are working to transform public education and expand opportunity for all students. As President of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, Rachael’s leadership continues to make a profound impact right here in Jacksonville, and we’re excited to see what this next chapter brings.

Ever wonder how best to let your JWN friends know about events, programs, and initiatives you’re involved with BEYOND JWN? This is the place - Active and Sustaining members are invited to share so fellow members can explore, support, and engage beyond JWN. If you submit clickable hyperlinks for more information, we can include those as well.

IMPORTANT: Please submit your content by the 20th of each month
to [email protected] to be included in the following month’s publication.

Wanda Ford (JWN 2026), Allana Forté (JWN 2022), and Nancy Gilreath (JWN 2023) serve on the board of the Library Foundation of Jacksonville, which will benefit from Yelp’s Asian Street Food Fest fundraiser next week. This foodie event is bringing the energy of a bustling night market to Downtown Jacksonville on Wednesday, May 13, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Conference Center at the Main Library! Enjoy tastings from 20+ local food and drink vendors, cultural performances, and more.

To attend, you’ll need to preregister through your Yelp account and be selected, then just make a donation of $20 or more to the Library Foundation at check-in. Come hungry, support the library, and say hello to your JWN friends there!

Learn more and RSVP here: Yelp’s Asian Street Food Fest

Allana Forte’ (JWN 2022) and Angela Timberlake (JWN 2021), who both serve on the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission, invite you to the Commission’s annual Mental Health Lunch & Learn on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Florida Blue.

This informative community event will focus on mental health awareness, education, and meaningful conversation. Feel free to spread the word and invite friends or colleagues who may be interested in joining the discussion.

Join Sabeen Perwaiz (JWN 2016), President of the Women’s Giving Alliance, and many other JWN members of both organizations, for one of WGA’s most anticipated annual gatherings, the Member Forum, on Tuesday, May 19, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Florida Blue Conference Center.

WGA members will vote to ratify the organization’s 2026 grantees, celebrate the power of collective philanthropy, and enjoy plenty of time to connect, catch up, and get to know one another. If you’re curious about the organization or simply want to support a fellow JWN leader, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy lunch with a purpose and plenty of great conversation.

Link to Register - Deadline: May 12

Leadership Jacksonville CEO Gracie Simendinger (JWN 2026) reminds all LJ members and alumni to RSVP now if you plan to attend this year’s Celebration on May 20! 

GROUP PHOTO FUN @ LJ:  All current JWN members and alumnae in attendance are invited to meet at the front of the stage twenty (20) minutes BEFORE the event - look for Briehn Wildman (JWN 2025) - who will snap the photo and upload it!  

While you’re thinking about new member nominations next month, don’t forget about the fun, accomplished women you work alongside in other organizations!

Jennifer Ryan (JWN 2022), sponsor of Toni Boudreaux-Godwin (JWN 2023), and Toni are both active in the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach, where Jennifer serves as incoming President and Toni is a Trustee. Pictured here, Jennifer (in pink) and Toni (in the bold floral dress) embraced the Palm Royale theme at the organization’s annual Mineral City Celebration fundraiser at the new Hilton on the Mayo Clinic campus. Funds raised through the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach Foundation at the event support nonprofits across Northeast Florida.

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This month, we’re featuring two women whose journeys to Jacksonville are as unique as the impact they’re making. One is a Puerto Rico native, an entrepreneur champion, and a former Harley owner who believes encouragement is essential fuel for success. The other? A coffee-fueled designer who sees her work as “the quietest form of care” and will happily commit to a theme, a creative project, or both. Different paths, shared passion for leadership, community, and bringing personality to everything they do.

Annie Grogan
Director, Women's Business Center
JWN Member since 2025

Are you a Jacksonville native or a transplant? If you are not a native, what's your hometown?
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico

What’s your favorite part of being a member of JWN?
Meeting the other members.

What JWN committee(s) do you currently volunteer with?
Programs

What organizations are you involved with in the community, and why?
WBO of NEFL & Jax Chamber, Professional Women’s Council. They are the organizations that cater to Women Business Owners.

What is your personal mantra?
Encouragement and information is Food and Water to entrepreneurs.

What keeps you going every day?
The excitement I experience from our clients every day as we help them move along in their journey.

If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose and why?Daniel Goleman, father of Emotional Intelligence – I believe I have high EI and would love to learn how to teach others to lean in and develop that vital skill. For those who are challenged with it, life can be very lonely.

What is a piece of advice you'd give your younger self?
Surround yourself with mentors beginning in High School.

What’s one thing — either industry-related or not — you learned in the last month?
That MBA’s know little about small business.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I know how to ride motorcycles and owned a beautiful Harley Davidson, Softail, Limited Eddition. I use to call her Penny - because she was copper in color.

What’s the last book you read?
Business Model You, by Tim Clark. Had to read it to prepare a workshop I delivered. What an amazing exercise and thought process to understand and map out your own personal value proposition.

What are your hobbies?
Gardening.

What’s the first concert you ever attended?
The first one I can recall was with my mom in Madison Square Gardens, NY. It was a Fania All-Star Concert. Does anyone know what the Fania All Stars were?

What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
Cancun, MX in July

What's your favorite thing to do when you have free time?
Time with family

What’s one item you can’t live without?
Music

The best-kept secret in Jacksonville is...The Arboretum of Jacksonville

Briehn Wildman
Principal Interior Designer, RS&H 
JWN Member since 2025

Name pronunciation: Briehn is pronounced “Bree-in” — like “Bree,” then “in.” I also answer to several creative variations at this point. :)

Are you a Jacksonville native or a transplant? If you are not a native, what's your hometown?
I’m technically a transplant, but Jacksonville has very much become home.

I was born and raised in Holladay, Utah, which is essentially part of Salt Lake City. It sits near the edge of the valley, right before you head into the mountains. I absolutely loved growing up somewhere with four distinct seasons, mountain views, big skies, and a deep sense of family and community.

I moved to Jacksonville as a late teen and graduated from Duncan U. Fletcher High School at the beaches. From there, I went to Boston University and also studied at Copenhagen Business School in Denmark. I returned to Jacksonville after college to be closer to family and to help my dad care for his grandfather. At the time, I had studied marketing and finance and thought my future would be in business. What I loved most, though, was the idea of “place” as part of the marketing mix. I became fascinated by how environments influence people: how they work, shop, dine, travel, gather, and feel.

While caring for my grandfather during the day, I took night classes at FSCJ to pursue design. That decision ultimately launched my career in commercial interiors and gave me a way to combine business, creativity, strategy, and care.

I recently heard someone describe design as “the quietest form of care,” and that really resonated with me. I love creating places that support people, influence behavior, and help organizations tell their story. So while I may not be Jacksonville-born, this city is where I built my career, my community, and a very meaningful life.

What’s your favorite part of being a member of JWN?
Even in my short time as a member, I’ve already learned that JWN women are lifers, and I mean that in the best possible way.

I cannot tell you how many stories I’ve heard from women who have been part of this organization for years, even decades. That kind of longevity speaks volumes about the value of the relationships, the programming, and the trust built within this network.

Because I’m still new, I try to approach every event with two goals: reconnect with someone I already know and sit next to someone new. I want to hear a new story, make a new connection, and hopefully build a new friendship. I’m incredibly flattered that I was nominated by a leader in my own firm, and I feel very lucky to now sit among so many thoughtful, accomplished women.

What JWN committee(s) do you currently volunteer with?
I currently volunteer with the Programs Committee.

Even as a newer member, I wanted to roll up my sleeves and contribute right away. I served on the committee last year and again this year, and it has been a wonderful way to get to know members in a different, more behind-the-scenes way.

What organizations are you involved with in the community, and why?
I’m involved in several professional and community organizations, each of which connects to a different part of who I am.

Professionally, I’ve been involved with IIDA, the International Interior Design Association; NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association; and Leadership Jacksonville. Each of those organizations has helped me build relationships, develop as a leader, and stay connected to the industries and people shaping our city.

But I also love spending my free time volunteering in more hands-on ways. I’ve consistently championed Best Buddies, which supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and I’ve helped lead RS&H’s Jacksonville team efforts around that organization.

I’ve also recently had the opportunity to support Dreams Come True through projects, which has allowed me to give back some of my design talent and time in a really meaningful way. Thanks to a very dedicated teammate in my office, Brandan Pourch, I’ve also participated for the last 10 years in adaptive Halloween wheelchair costume construction for the Center for Independent Living. It is one of the most creative and meaningful things I get to do all year and the costumes and kids reactions is something that you will never forget once seeing them!

I also love supporting Cathedral Arts Project whenever I can. 

What is your personal mantra? 
I’ve always loved the idea of being the change you wish to see in the world. To me, that means using your voice, giving your time, making the effort, and leaving things better than you found them.

That could be a space, a team, a meeting, a project, a relationship, or even just someone’s day. I think we all have opportunities, big and small, to make things a little more thoughtful, more beautiful, more generous, or more connected.

What keeps you going every day? 
Caffeine, passion, and people. Usually in that order.

I am almost always carrying a cup of coffee, looking for the cup of coffee I just set down somewhere, or reheating the same cup of coffee for the third time.

But beyond caffeine, I really love people. I love my team, my friends, my clients, and the people I get to learn from every day. I’m lucky to work alongside young designers and architects who are just embarking on their careers and bring so much energy, curiosity, and creativity. I also get to work with senior architects, designers, engineers, real estate professionals, and technical experts who are a literal wealth of knowledge.

You cannot walk through a day in my office and not learn something new. 

If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose and why? 
This is probably where I’m supposed to pick someone famous, historical, or wildly unexpected, but the truth is that I think I’ve already had one of the best professional mentors I could have asked for.

For the last 20 years, I’ve had the benefit of learning from Chung Rutter, a senior architect and leader in our buildings group at RS&H. I would not change a thing about that.

Mentorship is not always flowers, bouquets, and applause. Sometimes it is constructive. Sometimes it is critical. Sometimes it is the thing you really needed to hear, even if you did not love hearing it in the moment. Chung has been a steady champion, supporter, guide, and professional sherpa throughout my career, and I am incredibly grateful for that.

I cannot imagine being as satisfied in my career as I am without having had that kind of steady guidance along the way.

What is a piece of advice you'd give your younger self?
Stop waiting until you feel perfectly ready.

I was involved in young professional organizations early in my career, but I think it took me too long to feel like a “grown-up” who had permission to take up space, speak up, and make an impact. I’m 46 now, and honestly, I still have to remind myself of that sometimes.

I would tell my younger self to be a little more courageous. Ask the question. Take the seat. Make the connection. Volunteer for the thing. Raise your hand before you have convinced yourself you are 100 percent qualified.

Confidence is not always something you have before you begin. Sometimes confidence is what you build by doing the thing.

What’s one thing — either industry-related or not — you learned in the last month?
Slow down and align expectations early.

Professionally, I’ve been reminded how important it is to listen carefully, gather input, and make sure the team understands the “why” before jumping too quickly to solutions. Design is creative, but it is also collaborative, and the best outcomes usually come when clients, designers, architects, and the broader team have had a chance to be heard.

Personally, I’ve been renovating my own house very, very slowly, so please do not expect any dinner invitations soon. But it has given me even more empathy for clients. I make design decisions for a living, and yet making decisions for my own home can still feel surprisingly difficult.

It has been a good reminder that while schedules are real and momentum matters, thoughtful decisions require space, patience, and alignment.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I never really grew out of wanting to play dress-up.

I love a theme, a costume-adjacent party, a clever playlist, a reason to wear a wig, or any project that lets me combine creativity, organization, and a little ridiculousness. 

What’s the last book you read?
A full book? I may need to check the historical record.

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of design specifications, leadership articles, group texts from my family, and probably the instructions for something I was trying to assemble at home.

But one book I return to again and again is Three Magic Words by U.S. Andersen. My father gave it to me when I was younger, and I’ve read and reread it many times over the years. Every time I pick it up, the pages get a little more worn, but I find something new in it. It is one of those books that asks you to slow down, think more deeply, and really let the lessons sink into your daily life.

What are your hobbies?
This may sound predictable for a designer, but I really love design outside of work too. I notice spaces everywhere: restaurants, hotels, airports, museums, local murals, a great shop display, even a well-organized hardware aisle.

I also love art and creative experiences. We are lucky to have places like MOCA, The Cummer, local murals and small galleries throughout Jacksonville, and so many opportunities to take creative classes, whether that’s pottery, painting, or anything where wine is also involved. I’ve even had a great time making adult friendship bracelets with a close-knit circle of friends. If it is creative, hands-on, and something I can enjoy with people I love, I’m probably in.

Gardening has also become a newer passion. I also enjoy cooking, though I am not one of those effortless, instinctive cooks. I am a recipe follower. I love going to JAX Cooking Studio, where they guide you through the steps, help you flex some new skills, and, best of all, handle a lot of the dishes. 

What’s the first concert you ever attended?
My first concert was Sheryl Crow at the Florida Theatre in high school in the 90s.

My high school boyfriend bought the tickets, I think assuming I must be a huge Sheryl Crow fan. I wasn’t necessarily, but it was a very sweet gesture. We had orchestra seats, which we misunderstood and thought meant we were somewhere up in the balcony. Then an usher redirected us and walked us all the way down to seats just two or three rows from the front.

What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
This may sound cliché, but the next place on my travel bucket list is home.
I’ve been fortunate to live abroad and to visit beautiful places like Denmark, Spain, and Italy, but there is still so much of Utah I have never really explored. I left as a teenager, before I fully had the independence or perspective to appreciate just how extraordinary it is. 

I still have a lot of family there, and I would love to bring close friends back to my home state, stay at my mom’s house — I should probably ask her first — and show them the places I love while also exploring the places I never got to see when I lived there.

There is something really special about returning to where you are from and seeing it with adult eyes.

Are you currently binge-watching any shows?
I cannot get enough of true crime dramas and documentaries.

I’m not sure what that says about me, and I hope it does not sound too suspect, but I find them fascinating. Lucky for me, and perhaps unlucky for humanity, there seems to be an endless supply.

What’s your favorite thing to do when you have free time?
It is hard to pick just one. On weekends, I can spend hours alone in my yard or tooling around garden centers, looking for a new plant, a new pot, or a new little corner of the yard to fuss over. I love being outside with my hands in
the dirt.

I also love attending my nieces’ and nephews’ sports games. I’m lucky to be the aunt of eight, so there is an endless array of baseball, soccer, and other activities to cheer for. I love getting to show up for them and then gather with family afterward.

And I am always up for trying a new restaurant with girlfriends. Some of the best conversations, stories, laughter, and occasional tears happen over a good meal.

What’s one item you can’t live without?
A fresh notebook and a fine-point Le Pen.

I have so many thoughts, ideas, reminders, and to-do lists rumbling around in my head at any given moment that I really do need pen and paper. I know the more modern thing would be to dictate digital notes or type everything into an app, but I love the physical act of writing things down.

A good pen and fresh paper can make me feel like I have my life together, even if the list itself suggests otherwise.

The best-kept secret in Jacksonville is...The best-kept secret in Jacksonville is how much there is to do here if you are willing to be curious. Jacksonville sometimes gets a bad rap as a place where there is “nothing to do,” and I have never found that to be true. Between the ever-evolving restaurant scene, nonprofits, arts organizations, community events, professional networks, beaches, neighborhoods, and nearby gems like St. Augustine and Fernandina, there is always something to explore. 

There are so many ways to get involved, give back, unwind, learn something, meet someone, or just enjoy where we live. If you are engaged and connected, you really can find something meaningful to do every night of the week and every weekend.

Jacksonville rewards curiosity.

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