Every year, Sarasota Magazine introduces our readers to women who are changing the status quo. Some are well-known outside our community and our state; others have smaller footprints and are changing lives one at a time. Whether they’re running a billion-dollar business or starting a nonprofit on a shoestring budget, these women are challenging and shaping what we’ve always accepted in business, health care, philanthropy and social justice. For their passion, brains, hard work and generosity, we salute them. For their willingness to get involved and change lives, we thank them.

In This Feature:

Neirda Lafontant Paves the Way for Future Innovators in S.T.E.A.M. Careers

A dynamic speaker and motivator, Lafontant created the nonprofit FUNducation in 2019 to give kids an opportunity to build robots, learn about forensics, explore coding and more.

09/17/2020 By Jessika Ward

Laura Gilkey Is a Passionate Advocate for Pediatric Cancer Research

After losing her son, Benjamin, to cancer at just 9 years old, Laura Gilkey created a fund to support innovative oncology care for children.

09/17/2020 By Megan McDonald

Natasha Clemons Fights for Police Reform

Clemons is one of the voices of the local Black Lives Matter chapter and the CEO of the Rodney Mitchell Foundation, as well as a full-time hospital nurse.

09/17/2020 By Giulia Heyward

Elizabeth Melendez Fisher Good Works Tirelessly to Prevent Sex Trafficking

Melendez Fisher Good is the co-founder and CEO of Selah Freedom, one of the nations' leading anti-sex trafficking organizations.

09/17/2020 By Kay Kipling

Mercedes Soler-Martinez Tells the Stories Her Listeners Need

“Hispanics have always been here. They didn’t come across the border 20 years ago to break immigration laws.”

09/17/2020 By Alan Cresto

Suriya Khong Empowers Young People

“No one makes it in the world alone, but with supportive and caring adults who take active interest in young people, their possibilities become limitless."

09/17/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Carrie Cox Is a Leader in the Global Biopharmaceutical Industry

Cox has been named to Fortune magazine's "50 Most Powerful Women in Business" list six times.

09/17/2020 By Ilene Denton