The 2026 Women Who Rock Awards was a dream come true! It is always so uplifting to share the work and impact of amazing local leaders, and to do so in a room with 400 people cheering each other on - it is pure magic!

Thank you to all the sponsors who helped make this possible - especially W+J Construction Corp. our presenting sponsor.

Thank you to our sponsors and speakers, Peter Mannino, Lisa E. Bolinger, Esq. Chris Kern, CFRE Cathy Greene, Hazel Sorensen, Charlene Butler, MBA , who help honor the nominees (and keep the event on time! It takes Teamwork!) Bank of America, PNC, Widerman Malek, PL, Zonta International and Health First.

Special thanks to Jenifer Ramsower at the Dry Eye Center of Brevard for again sponsoring a gorgeous step and repeat. Our guests love it! And Balloons by Iva for beautiful display!

Thank you to my amazing team for working so well together on these big events, and thanks to all the other coaches and mentors who help work with our clients and expand our program impact.

Thank you, RedHat Studio LLC for capturing the smiles and energy so well! Official photos will be posted next week- stay tuned on our Facebook and Linkedin Pages.

Congratulations to the 2026 Women Who Rock Award Winners!!

STEM Impact Leader Award: Lauren-Ann Graham with Lockheed Martin

Executive of the Year: Cheyana Fischer with Health First

Excellence in Caregiving: Dr. Alexis Eppes, Eppes Psych

Small Business Owner of the Year: Christi Adams, The Glass House

Zonta Yellow Rose Award for Excellence in Community Service: Deborah Carson, Eightysecond Capital Partners

Excellence in Mentorship: Nicole Hosey with Montas Turner, P.A.

For the tenth year, weVENTURE Women’s Business Center proudly offers the transformative ATHENA Leadership Program.

Built on the Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™ including Live Authentically, Act Courageously, and Advocate Fiercely, this 8-month cohort experience goes beyond traditional management training to help emerging leaders grow in confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Each monthly session is a deep dive into one principle, fostering self-discovery, meaningful connection, and real leadership growth.

The 2026 cohort meets monthly April - November and includes registration to the 2026 IMPACT Summit.

Program cost is $1,000, with a $100 early registration discount if paid by April 1; scholarships are available.

Businesses are encouraged to sponsor an emerging leader to strengthen their workforce and invest in their advancement. Join a dynamic community ready to rise and lead.

HerStory Episode 6

This episode is for the woman building a business while carrying a story no one sees.

On the outside, Kayla Adamson is a top-producing real estate leader, speaker, and #1 Amazon bestselling author.

On the inside? This former Deputy Sheriff grew up navigating a parent who suffered from addiction, homelessness, foster care all while helping raise five siblings before she was grown.

That kind of pressure can break you.

Or it can build you.

Today, she’s built a successful real estate career and created No Empty Purses to empower women to pursue financial freedom. Kayla is living proof that your past doesn’t disqualify you. It prepares you.

Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

Upcoming Events & Trainings

Applications for IGNITE 360 Mentoring Program and

CEO Peer Group are accepted on a rolling basis.

MARCH:

Tue., Mar 31: Smart Tax Strategies for Start-Up Businesses (Virtual)

APRIL:

Wed., Apr 1: Are you Lender Ready? (Virtual)

Thu., Apr 9: Psychological Marketing Strategies with Haitian Chamber (In Person)

Sat., Apr 18: Lifestyle, Health & Wellness Expo with Palm Bay Chamber (In Person*)

Mon., Apr 20: Strong Coffee Strong Women - Profit First! (In Person coming soon)

Tue., Apr 21: Boost Your Business with IMPROV (In Person)

Thu., Apr 23: 2026 Athena Leadership Development Program begins. $100 discount for early registration.



*weVENTURE WBC is partnering with the Greater Palm Bay Chamber to support a Lifestyle, Health and Wellness Expo at the Melbourne Square Mall on Saturday, April 18th. Local wellness businesses and service providers should register now to be included: Contact Palm Bay Chamber

Also, Florida Supplier Accelerator program applications are open. Cleveland Clinic is committed to leveraging its purchasing power and resources to improve the economic health of the business community in South Florida and the Treasure Coast. The Florida Supplier Accelerator mentorship program is designed to expand the knowledge and impact of small and local suppliers in this area.

Applications are now open, and will close March 31^st on the program website: https://floridasupplieraccelerator.splashthat.com/

weVENTURE | weventure.fit.edu | 321-674-7007



Serving Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin Counties.

Funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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weVENTURE at Florida Institute of Technology | 150 W. University Blvd. | Melbourne, FL 32901 US

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