From redesigning our bayfront to saving the world’s coral to creating the first women’s sports museum, our future is female. Here are nine trailblazing women with big dreams and fresh ideas.

In This Feature:

Gina Ford and Susannah Ross are the Design Leaders of Sarasota’s Biggest Cultural Improvement Project in 50 Years

Called The Bay, the project will transform 53 acres of underutilized city waterfront that, up until now, has mostly been a vast parking lot for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

06/27/2018 By Ilene Denton

Stephanie Fraim Kight Takes the Reins at Planned Parenthood of Central and Southwest Florida

Fraim Kight is not new to the organization—or the fight for social justice.

06/27/2018 By Susan Burns

With Her Emerge Sarasota, Samantha Gholar Wants to Bring Together Minority Young Professionals

Emerge Sarasota began with a handful of members but has grown to about 80 participants who attend the organization’s social mixers, arts outings and volunteer and charity events.

06/27/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

A Lifelong Passion for Sports Led Beth Green to Help Build the Women's Sports Museum

The museum will celebrate women's roles in athletics—and help girls and boys see the struggles women have faced.

06/27/2018 By Kay Kipling

Kelly Romanoff Wants to Help Babies Thrive During Their First 1,000 Days

A child's first two years are crucial to his or her development. First 1000 Days Sarasota County wants to help make them the healthiest they can be.

06/27/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Giti Javidi Wants to Bridge the Gender Gap in STEM Fields

"My ultimate goal is that all of us in these fields can change the future for girls. Tell them they belong, you fit in, you have a place here.”

06/27/2018 By Susan Burns

Jennifer Rominiecki Harnesses Selby Gardens' Flower Power

Since Rominiecki's appointment in 2015, visitorship has jumped 36 percent, annual revenues have risen 26 percent and memberships have grown 29 percent.

06/27/2018 By Ilene Denton

11 Political Newcomers Jump into the 2018 Election Cycle

A record 527 women were running for Congress as of April, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, most of them Democrats. Florida—and Sarasota and Manatee—are following the trend.

06/27/2018 By Megan McDonald

Sarasota Magazine

Meet Nine Extraordinary Women Who Are Transforming Sarasota-Manatee (and the World)