Up for the Challenge

New City Manager Marlon Brown on a New Commission, New Projects and the Challenges Ahead

Brown was named Sarasota’s city manager in January, after serving as deputy city manager since 2009.

03/04/2021 By Elizabeth Djinis

Unity Awards Alums

John Annis Says We Must Continue to Try to Find Common Ground

Annis was a 2020 Unity Award winner for his work as senior vice president of Collaboration and Impact for the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation

03/02/2021

The Powerhouse

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

The Journalist

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

The Teacher

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

The Advocate

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

Grants

Community-Based After School Program Expands Services

A $50,000 grant from the Barancik Foundation will support SOAR's educational programs through summer 2021.

09/09/2020 By Staff

Philanthropy

A Life Story Foundation Announces New Business Model in Wake of Covid-19

The foundation will move from fundraising via large-scale events to using digital platforms to create content, awareness and sponsorship opportunities for donors.

08/19/2020 By Staff

Sealed With a Kiss

Local Artist Launches 'Kisses for a Cause' Charity

Alexis Fraser, aka Lipstick Lex, wants to help struggling families.

05/05/2020 By Staff

Sealed With a Kiss

Alexis Fraser Is Making a Name For Herself With Art Made From Lipstick

“Once I started setting the bar high for myself, everything started to happen. My work is made with love to spread the love.”

04/01/2020 By Megan McDonald

Unity Awards

Robert Rogers Started the Conversation With LGBTQ Elders About Loss and Legacy

“I’m a better person because of the generosity of all these people who’ve chosen to talk to me.”

01/30/2020 By Ilene Denton

Unity Awards

Phil Mockler Aids 'The Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Those Who Put Their Life on the Line Every Day'

Everyday Heroes USA supports military and first responders.

01/30/2020 By Hannah Wallace

Unity Awards

Kevin Swan Raises Funds and Awareness to Benefit ALS Patients

Swan's A Life Story Foundation has raised $1.5 million for ALS research, awareness and education.

01/30/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Unity Awards

Gabriel Ortiz Changes Young Lives Through the Power of Theater

“My life is about stories, tracing one point to the next. That’s what I say to my kids: ‘How do we take over our narratives?’”

01/30/2020 By Hannah Wallace

Unity Awards

John Annis Is a Connector For Community Change

“There’s a bunch of people out there who want to do good things. All they need to do is be asked.”

01/30/2020 By Hannah Wallace

Unity Awards

KT Curran’s Plays and Films Star Young Adults and Their Deeply Emotional Stories

“I like to do good work as much as I like to help young people."

01/30/2020 By Kay Kipling

Unity Awards

Aly Busse Spreads the Gospel of Marine Science to Area Minority Students

“We need people who’ve come from different backgrounds and life experiences to help solve problems the oceans are facing. The more diverse voices, the better.”

01/30/2020 By Megan McDonald

Unity Awards

Jacquelyn Paulk and David Rubin Help Kids SOAR

Jacquelyn Paulk's passion for students and parents is legendary. With the help of David Rubin, her SOAR Learning Center is thriving.

01/30/2020 By Susan Burns