The JWN Inner Circle Newsletter 
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Coming Back With Intention
Last month, I stepped away from my usual routine to spend some intentional time with our twins as they celebrated their eighth birthday. It was a wonderful reminder of something we all know, but sometimes forget: time moves incredibly fast, and 2026 is no exception to the rule.
Somehow, January feels like it was only a few weeks ago, yet here we are halfway through September. School is back in session, summer vacations are a distant memory, and meetings, programs and commitments are all too quickly filling up my calendar.
September has always felt a little like a second January to me. It is a natural opportunity to reset, re-engage and think about how we want to spend the months ahead. So rather than simply getting back into the swing of things, I’ve been thinking about what it means to come back with intention.
Our calendars will fill. They always do. But being busy and being engaged are not necessarily the same thing.
What if, for the remainder of this year, we measured engagement not by how many events we attended, but by the connections we made while we were there?
That could mean introducing yourself to someone you have never met. Sitting beside a newer member instead of automatically gravitating toward a familiar face. Reconnecting with someone you have not seen in a while. Making an introduction between two women who should know one another. Or simply taking the time to have a real conversation instead of rushing on to the next thing.
That, to me, is where the real value of JWN lives.
Yes, our programs matter. Our speakers matter. Our events matter. But ultimately, this Network is about relationships, and those relationships only grow when we are intentional about building them.
There are still three full months left in the calendar year. Plenty of time to deepen a friendship, make a new connection, open a door for someone else, or become more involved in a way that feels meaningful to you.
Ready. Set. Go Connect!
Angela Timberlake
2026 President, Jacksonville Women’s Network
September brings new ways to connect, learn, and engage across JWN. From exploring Jacksonville’s future at Jax to the Max to a thoughtful Crossroads Conversation about finding purpose through life changes, plus our next JWN Reading Circle, there are plenty of opportunities to connect in meaningful ways. Find your place and join the conversation!
PROGRAM: Thursday, September 10th • OVER LUNCH
How Economic Development is Shaping the Future of Jacksonville
Jacksonville is growing, changing and attracting new investment. But what does that growth mean for the future of our community?
Join JWN on Thursday, September 10 over lunch for Jax to the Max, a timely conversation with leaders working at the center of Jacksonville’s business, downtown and coastal communities. The panel will explore where our city is headed, what opportunities are emerging and how economic development is shaping the way we live, work and lead across Northeast Florida.
Our panelists include Aundra Wallace, President of JAXUSA Partnership; Laura Edgecombe (JWN 2023), Vice President of Downtown Vision; and Christine Hoffman (JWN 2022), Mayor of Jacksonville Beach, with Meg Folds (JWN 2005) serving as moderator.
Thursday, September 10 | 11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
JAX Chamber of Commerce | 3 E. Independent Drive
$30 per person | Lunch provided by Biscotti’s
Space is limited, so register early and join us for a great conversation about what’s next for Jacksonville!
PROGRAM: Friday, September 25th • MIDDAY
Finding Your Purpose as We Navigate Life Changes
Life rarely follows a straight line. Careers change. Children grow up. Families need us in different ways. We retire, reinvent ourselves, take on new challenges, let go of old roles, and sometimes find ourselves asking a question we didn’t expect:
What’s next for me?
Join us for our next Crossroads Conversations as we explore Finding Your Purpose as We Navigate Life Changes.
This gathering will offer a chance for candid conversation about how we find meaning and direction as our lives evolve. How does our sense of purpose change over time? What happens when a role that once defined us no longer does? And how can we remain open to new possibilities, relationships, and ways to contribute?
You don’t have to be facing a major transition to be part of the conversation. Sometimes simply pausing long enough to ask what matters most can change how we approach the chapter we’re already in.
Come ready to listen, reflect, share if you’d like, and learn from the experiences of other JWN women.
Real voices. Shared wisdom.
SOCIAL: Thursday, October 15th • EVENING
Ready for a different kind of JWN gathering? Join us Thursday, October 15, for a Sip & Sail Sunset Cruise in St. Augustine.
The plan is to depart from the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier for a relaxing 90-minute cruise featuring great views, good food, beverages and, we hope, a dolphin sighting or two. Most importantly, there’s no speaker, no formal program and no homework! Just an evening to unwind, enjoy the sunset and connect with other JWN members. A big thank you to our first two sponsors: DeAnn Dockery (JWN 2025), Partners with Nonprofits, and Wendy Dordel (JWN 2026), Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, for helping make our social even more fun!
Thursday, October 15 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Boarding begins at 5:15 p.m., with departure promptly at 6:00 p.m.
Vilano Beach Fishing Pier | 260 Vilano Road, St. Augustine
$50 per person, including the boat tour, heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages.
Space is limited, so register early and come ready to Sip, Sail & Socialize!
Lunch Ladder: One More Chance to Connect in October!
Many thanks to our 2026 Category Chairs for organizing August and September gatherings, bringing members together for lunch, conversation and thoughtful discussion around their respective categories’ nominations and votes.
Next up is October, is when we return to our regular Lunch Ladder format for the final Lunch Ladder of 2026!
We expect this one to be a big one, so mark your calendar and RSVP early when you hear from your Lunch Ladder Leader. It’s one more great opportunity to reconnect, meet someone new and enjoy time together before we head into our November Annual Meeting and December Holiday Party. Please reach out to Lucy Reep, Lunch Ladder Chair if you have any questions.
As in 2025, when members of the incoming class pay their $250 membership fee, that payment will cover their annual dues and include admission to the Holiday Party, where the new class will be formally introduced to the membership in December.
A special thank you goes to our 2026 Category Chairs, who played an important role throughout this year’s nomination and voting process. They brought their members together, facilitated category discussions, helped members consider the strength and balance of their respective categories, and guided the voting process that helped shape JWN’s incoming Class of 2027.
2026 CATEGORY CHAIRS
• Business Executive: Karen Holley (JWN 2006)
• Cultural Arts: Christie Rogers (JWN 2008)
• Education: Dr. Carlene Taylor (JWN 2023)
• Entrepreneur & Consultant: Terri Davlantes (JWN 2023)
• Finance, Insurance & Real Estate: Rose Stack Bock (JWN 2000)
• Government: Alberta Hipps (JWN 1995)
• Healthcare: Tracee Holzendorf (JWN 2024)
• Legal: Tanya Foreman (JWN 2019) and Susan Mack (JWN 2009)
• Manufacturing, Engineering & Technology: Dr. Rochelle Bailey Price (JWN 2023)
• Marketing, Sales & Communications: Lucy Reep (JWN 2005)
• Nonprofit, Philanthropy & Volunteer: Laurie Price (JWN 2005)
Many thanks as well to every member who participated by submitting nominations, joining category conversations, and casting votes. This thoughtful, member-driven process is an important part of maintaining the strength and diversity of the JWN Network.
If you have any questions about the membership process, please reach out directly to our Vice President of Membership, Lori Bilello.
New Member Ambassadors
Each incoming member will also be paired with a JWN Ambassador who will serve as a special point of connection during her first year of membership.
Once the Class of 2027 is finalized, members who would like to be considered as an Ambassador are encouraged to reach out to Lori Bilello. It’s a simple but meaningful way to help our newest members feel welcomed, connected, and engaged from the start!
JWN Reading Circle: Tuesday, September 22 @ 5 PM via Zoom
Grab your book and join us online as Laura Boeckman leads our next JWN Reading Circle discussion featuring Kin by Tayari Jones.
From the award-winning author of An American Marriage, Kin follows two childhood friends raised in Louisiana whose lives take very different paths before converging again in the wake of tragedy. Exploring friendship, family, sisterhood and the complexities of being a woman in the American South, the novel is an Oprah’s Book Club pick, New York Times bestseller and 2026 Kirkus Prize finalist.
Coming up next:
• October: The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout
• November: Getting Away with Murder by Shari Lapena
As always, come when you can, whether you’ve finished the book, read a few chapters or simply want to join the conversation.
Please email Laura directly if you would like to be added to the Zoom link distribution.
OCTOBER (TBA) - Ambassadors & New Member Orientation
NOVEMBER 5th - JWN Annual Meeting - 5 TO 8 PM
DECEMBER 1st - JWN HOLIDAY PARTY: Boots, Bling & Holiday Cheer!
IMPORTANT COMMUNICATIONS REMINDER:
Please submit your content by the 20th of each month to [email protected] to be included in the following month’s publication.
We are very proud to announce that our own Penny Zuber (JWN 2018), JWN President-Elect, has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer of Kids Hope Alliance (KHA).
Penny has spent more than 40 years with the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, beginning as an accounting assistant while attending UNF and rising through the organization to become Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Her accomplishments have been recognized across Jacksonville, including honors from the Jacksonville Business Journal as a 40 Under 40, Woman of Influence and Ultimate CFO. She is also a Leadership Jacksonville alumna and has served numerous local organizations through board and volunteer leadership.
Now, Penny will bring that wealth of experience to Kids Hope Alliance, the City of Jacksonville’s funding agent for children and youth services. With an annual budget of approximately $57 million, KHA invests in programs delivered through local nonprofit organizations and other service providers that directly support Jacksonville’s children and families. The agency also oversees those investments and monitors outcomes to help ensure resources are making a meaningful difference.
Two JWN Ultimate CEOs! Congratulations to Susan Masucci (JWN 2022) and Diana Donovan (JWN 2024), who have been named to the Jacksonville Business Journal’s 2026 class of Ultimate CEOs! The annual awards recognize exceptional Northeast Florida leaders who have guided their organizations to success while making a lasting impact on our community. Susan and Diana are among just 12 leaders selected for this year’s honor.
Susan Masucci is Founder and CEO of ruckus, the integrated design and communications firm she founded in 2006. A Jacksonville native and Jacksonville University graduate, Susan has built an award-winning agency serving clients in healthcare, education, real estate development and social services. She is also deeply engaged in the community, currently serving on the Jacksonville University Board of Trustees and contributing her time and leadership to numerous local organizations.
Diana Donovan serves as Executive Director & CEO of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, where she has helped lead major public funding efforts, policy initiatives and programs supporting Jacksonville’s arts and cultural community. Her career also includes more than a decade of leadership at Jacksonville University, along with prior service in city government and extensive community involvement.
Susan and Diana will be honored at the Ultimate CEO Awards on Thursday, October 15 at the Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic. What a wonderful recognition for two outstanding JWN women. Congratulations, Susan and Diana!
Congratulations to Caitlín Doherty (JWN 2025), who has been named the new Executive Director of Telfair Museums in Savannah, where she will begin her new role in October.
The museum traces its beginnings to Mary Telfair, a prominent Savannah philanthropist and art collector who left her home, furnishings and collection to the Georgia Historical Society with instructions that they be used to create a public art museum. The museum opened in 1886 and is recognized as the oldest public art museum in the South and the first museum in the United States founded by a woman.
Mary Telfair believed strongly in making art accessible to others, and her generosity created a cultural institution that today encompasses three architecturally significant sites and thousands of works of art.
Caitlín heads to Savannah after nearly a decade leading MOCA Jacksonville, where she helped expand the museum’s reach, strengthen its collection and partnerships, grow its endowment and membership, and earn accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums.
There seems to be something especially appropriate about a JWN woman taking the helm of an institution whose very existence began with the vision and philanthropy of another remarkable woman more than 150 years ago. Congratulations, Caitlín, on this exciting next chapter! Savannah is only a road trip away, so don’t be surprised if a few JWN women come calling!
This is a truly exceptional honor. Academy Fellows represent some of nursing’s most accomplished leaders in practice, administration, research, education and policy, and candidates undergo a rigorous selection process focused on the significant and sustained impact of their work. Valerie will be formally inducted in Washington, D.C., on October 10, after which she may use the prestigious FAAN credential.
Valerie’s career certainly reflects that level of impact. A retired U.S. Navy Captain, she served more than 30 years in the Navy Nurse Corps, including as Chief Nursing Officer at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Under her nursing leadership, Walter Reed became the first Department of Defense hospital to earn the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Pathway to Excellence designation.
Today, Valerie serves as Senior Director of Student Health Services at the University of North Florida, is an adjunct faculty member in UNF’s School of Nursing and serves as President-Elect of the Florida Nurses Association, continuing to shape both the profession and its next generation of leaders.
What an extraordinary professional milestone and a wonderful recognition for one of our own. Congratulations, Valerie!
Congratulations to Lynn Lamoureux (JWN 2021) on an extraordinary milestone: 50 years in business with Sunland Acres!
Five decades of entrepreneurship is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to Lynn’s commitment, resilience and the strong relationships she has built throughout our community.
Congratulations, Lynn, on 50 remarkable years of business, service and staying power!
There’s plenty of JWN representation behind an exciting new investment in Jacksonville’s growing sports economy!
The Jacksonville Sports Foundation recently celebrated a $250,000 State of Florida appropriation to launch its Sports Workforce Apprenticeship Initiative, a new program designed to provide young adults and returning citizens with hands-on training and real-world experience in sports, event management and event operations.
Our own State Senator Tracie Davis (JWN 2019), pictured on the left helping hold the ceremonial check, played a key role in securing the funding by sponsoring the appropriation request in the Florida Senate alongside House sponsor Rep. Wyman Duggan. Debbie Buckland (JWN 2008), pictured on the right, serves as a Director on the Jacksonville Sports Foundation Board.
Congratulations to Rose Stack Bock, JWN 2000, our Finance, Insurance & Real Estate Category Chair, on the release of her debut novel, Dunbar Road!
Set on beautiful St. Simons Island, Dunbar Road is a murder mystery featuring real estate broker Alex Boston, whose lifelong friend is murdered on the seawall in front of Alex’s home. What was supposed to be a reunion weekend quickly turns into an investigation, with Alex, her closest friends, and her trusted housekeeper searching for answers.
Reporters, real estate, old friends, island secrets, and a police chief who may or may not escape Alex’s scrutiny? Yes, please. Rose’s debut murder mystery is available in paperback on Amazon now.
Annie Grogan (JWN 2025), Director of the Jacksonville Women’s Business Center, is all smiles as she welcomes fellow JWN member Tracee Holzendorf (JWN 2024) as the newest participant in the ATHENA PowerLink program.
Through the yearlong program, Tracee will work with a specially selected panel of subject matter experts who will mentor and advise her as she focuses on scaling and strengthening her business. ATHENA PowerLink reports that 98% of participants achieve the goals they set through the program, making this an exciting opportunity for Tracee and the continued growth of HP5 Consulting.
Please join us in a big round of applause for Shavondra Huggins (JWN 2023), Tracee Holzendorf (JWN 2024), and Briehn Wildman (JWN 2025) for co-chairing our recent Connection Carousel social!
Their creativity, energy and thoughtful planning made for a fun evening filled with laughter, conversation and plenty of new JWN connections.
And a special thank you to Jeanne Maron, JWN Immediate Past President and owner of The Gifted Cork, pictured here receiving flowers from our co-chairs. We appreciate her generosity in keeping our JWN gatherings well supplied with wine!
If a picture is worth a thousand words, this event video may be worth a few thousand more. Enjoy!
Congratulations to Shana Ryan (JWN 2025), who has been named to the inaugural Board of Directors of the PB & Jax Foundation!
Born from the PB & Jax platform that celebrates Jacksonville’s entrepreneurs, leaders and community builders, the new Foundation is putting that spirit of connection into action by helping low-income homeowners with critical home repairs, from roofing and electrical needs to plumbing, accessibility improvements and other projects that can allow residents to remain safely in their homes.
The Foundation has already demonstrated what that model can accomplish, completing its first home repair project this year by bringing together local businesses to contribute approximately $60,000 in donated materials and services.
Congratulations to Laurie Lee (JWN 2021) and The Legal Department for Service Professionals, recently named a 2026 Best of Florida winner in the Business Law Advisors category!
The firm helps business owners protect what they are building and make confident legal decisions as their companies grow, providing pr
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.
Toni Nicole Boudreaux-Godwin (JWN 2023) serves on the Board of Directors of Seamark Ranch, a Christ-centered nonprofit serving children and families in crisis across Northeast Florida through counseling, family support, experiential programming and residential care.
Seamark Ranch’s annual gala, Boots & Bowties, returns on Saturday, September 12. Only a few tables remain, so if you’ve been thinking about attending, now is the time to round up your friends, pull out your boots and join Toni in supporting this special organization!
Sabeen Perwaiz (JWN 2016) recently took to the pages of the Florida Times-Union as a guest columnist with an important message for our community: addressing violence against women and girls is not simply a “women’s issue.” It affects families, workplaces, schools and communities, and meaningful change requires all of us.
Writing in her role as President of the Women’s Giving Alliance, Sabeen shared both a deeply personal perspective and a call to action, highlighting WGA’s current focus on preventing violence, supporting survivors in crisis and helping women build long-term independence and stability.
The need is significant. This year, WGA awarded $675,000 to 10 Northeast Florida nonprofits working in this area, while requests in its most recent grant cycle totaled more than $4.8 million. In celebration of WGA’s 25th anniversary, co-founder Delores Barr Weaver offered a dollar-for-dollar match to the grants pool up to $150,000, and we are happy to report that, thanks to a generous community response, the challenge match has now been met!
Read Sabeen’s full guest column HERE.
Save the date! JWN member Sheryl Johnson (JWN 2025) is the founder of Hearts 4 Minds, a Jacksonville nonprofit working to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and connect individuals and families with the resources and care they need.
On Sunday, February 28, 2027, Hearts 4 Minds will take over The Yards for its 4th Annual Dinks and Drives for Dragonflies Pickleball Tournament. It’s a day of friendly competition with an important purpose: supporting Hearts 4 Minds’ work to improve the mental health journey and help people find meaningful connections to care.
Wendy Dordel (JWN 2026), CEO of Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, invites JWN members to celebrate the grand opening of the organization’s new Leadership Center on Saturday, October 3.
Created specifically for girls, the new space will offer expanded opportunities to gather, learn, build confidence, explore new interests and develop leadership skills. Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, will also be on hand for the celebration.
The ribbon cutting begins at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Family Festival & Community Celebration at 11:30 a.m., with tours, hands-on activities and plenty of Girl Scout spirit. REGISTER HERE.
Girl Scouts of Gateway Council Leadership Center
10550 Deerwood Park Boulevard, Building 300, Suite 309 • Jacksonville, FL 32256.
This month we’re featuring two women who bring heart, humor, purpose, and serious leadership energy to everything they do. One is a Jacksonville native, entrepreneur, beach sunrise fan, Jaguars fan, new ATHENA PowerLink participant, and very proud grandmother. The other is a New York transplant, nonprofit leader, travel planner, relationship-builder, breast cancer warrior, and Chef’s Table loyalist. Different journeys, shared strength, and plenty of passion for connection, community, family, and lifting others along the way!
Tracee Holzendorf
Founder/CEO, HP5 CONSULTING, LLC
Member since 2024
Are you a Jacksonville native or a transplant? If you are not a native, what's your hometown?
Native of Jacksonville
What’s your favorite part of being a member of JWN?
Networking with a group of powerful strong and likeminded women focused on supporting each other while also supporting our community.
What JWN committee(s) do you currently volunteer with?
Healthcare Category Chair, Conversation Carousel Event Co-Chair, Community Engagement, 2026 Holiday Event
I belong or volunteer with several organizations throughout the city. Including: Leadership Jacksonville Alumni, JWN, Healthcare Resource Group, Bold City (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Healthcare Council, Chamber Professional Women's Council, Women's Business Organization (WBO)
I participate to help organizations meet their missions. I belong to social and professional organizations with intention. Which is to develop myself professionally, connect with individuals that can assist with my business and be a part of organizations giving back and helping individuals and groups within our Jacksonville community. I truly want to make a difference.
Treat every person the way I want to be treated and live life to the fullest because we only live once!
What keeps you going every day?
My family
If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose and why?
Michelle Obama- her ability to approach every situation with style and grace is remarkable. Her ability to address adversity and wins with the same conviction can certainly help many of us as we navigate through life, work, relationships, and event entrepreneurship as women.
What is a piece of advice you'd give your younger self?
Enjoy life and the people who love you! Dream big and don't stress over things that truly won't matter in 5 years.
What’s one thing — either industry-related or not — you learned in the last month?
I got accepted into the ATHENA PowerLink program!!!!
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I love to play games- board games, cards, outdoor sports and the Nintendo Wii station!
What’s the last book you read?
Frieda McFadden's "The Crash". Now reading Judge Stone by Viola Davis and James Patterson
What are your hobbies?
Spending time with family, shopping and sunrise mornings at the beach!
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Prince
What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
Greece
Are you currently binge-watching any shows?
Furious on Hulu
What's your favorite thing to do when you have free time?
Veg at the beach under a tent with cocktails
What’s one item you can’t live without?
My grandbaby Noelle
The best-kept secret in Jacksonville is...Sunday brunch at The District in Springfield
Sabeen Perwaiz
President & CEO, Florida Nonprofit Alliance
JWN Member since (Year) 2016
Are you a Jacksonville native or a transplant? If you are not a native, what's your hometown?
I am a transplant. I moved from New York City.
What’s your favorite part of being a member of JWN?
I love the enthusiasm around uplifting women and ensuring their success.
What organizations are you involved with in the community, and why?
I am currently President of Women's Giving Alliance & Board Chair of the United Way of Northeast Florida
What is your personal mantra?
Let go of what I cannot control
What keeps you going every day?
As someone battling breast cancer, I have a newfound appreciation for the things we often take for granted. Walks, laughter, time with loved ones, and most importantly time to take care of ourselves. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, and so I cherish these things the most.
If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose and why?
Senator Paula Hawkins, Florida’s first and only female U.S. senator. She forged her own path and, in doing so, helped pave the way for women in leadership. She was passionate about child welfare and helped pass the Missing Children’s Act. She was also the first woman to bring her husband to the Senate and as a result the Senate Wives’ Club became the Senate Spouses Club.
What is a piece of advice you'd give your younger self?
You don't need to be anything but yourself.
What’s one thing — either industry-related or not — you learned in the last month?
You can drive across the entire state of Rhode Island in under an hour.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I don't eat any fruits
What’s the last book you read?
Strangers: a memoir of marriage
What are your hobbies?
Travel, hiking, & playing with my two kids
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Backstreet Boys
What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
New Zealand
I always love Chef's table
What’s one item you can’t live without?
I can't live without rich relationships with my loved ones.
The best-kept secret in Jacksonville is...Norikase's omakase menu
