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@fierceawards

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Celebrating the resilience, empowerment & influence of Florida’s most remarkable women since 2015.

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by @fierceawards

Today’s the day! 🎉 We are so grateful to gather with some of the strongest, most inspiring women in our community. Every story, every achievement, every moment of courage deserves to be celebrated, and today we do just that. Thank you to everyone who made this night possible and to everyone joining us in the room. Let’s make it unforgettable! #fierceawards2026 by @fierceawards

Empowering Community Through Care: Tabitha Jenkins leads with compassion, creativity, and a commitment to uplifting others. Inspired by her grandmothers’ example of hands-on service, she turns grief and challenge into meaningful action for youth and families in Greater Gainesville.

Through programs like The Neighborhood Kids, workshops, and initiatives at the Willie Mae Stokes Community Center, Jenkins provides childcare, food access, educational support, and mentorship, ensuring nearly 200 families are served each week. She also fosters inclusion and connection through creative programs like Color Me Culture, building spaces where community members feel seen and valued.

Jenkins’ leadership shows that true impact comes from empowering others, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities for growth. Her work proves that leadership is not about standing in the spotlight—it is about lifting people up and leaving a lasting, positive imprint.

💫 We are proud to honor her as a Fierce Award winner. #fierceawards2026
https://ccmadvisory.com/fierce-greater-gainesville by @fierceawards

Empowering Families Beyond Crisis: Shari Jones leads with resilience, empathy, and a commitment to lifting others. From stepping into a caregiver role for her siblings during her freshman year to guiding families through generational poverty today, she transforms personal hardship into lasting impact.

As Executive Director of Family Promise of Gainesville, Jones created programs like Connect to Work, equipping families with skills and resources to move beyond survival into stability. She also mentors emerging leaders, fosters collaboration across organizations, and models how purpose-driven leadership builds stronger communities.

Through every challenge, Jones shows that leadership is measured not by titles but by the lives lifted alongside you. Her work ensures families thrive, young professionals grow, and communities are strengthened with compassion, intention, and care.

💫 We are proud to honor her as a Fierce Award winner. #fierceawards2026
https://ccmadvisory.com/fierce-greater-gainesville by @fierceawards

1 day to go. Tomorrow, it all comes together. Get tickets: https://buytickets.at/ccmconsultingandadvisory/1948999

#fierceawards2026 Presented by CPPI. by @fierceawards

Building Systems for Impact: Priya Rudradas leads with clarity, discipline, and a commitment to sustainable impact. As a technology executive and founder, she transforms complex systems into accountable solutions that benefit teams, products, and communities alike.

Through roles at Shadow Health, Opie Software, and GoUnited, Priya has implemented structures that improve experiences, establish governance, and ensure long-term results. She also founded the Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship Gainesville Chapter, creating a network that uplifts women leaders and expands opportunities in underrepresented spaces.

Priya approaches challenges as opportunities for learning, resilience, and growth. By mentoring across industries, she helps others navigate complexity, build confidence, and create lasting impact—showing that strong systems and empowered people go hand in hand.

💫 We are proud to honor her as a Fierce Award winner. #fierceawards2026
https://ccmadvisory.com/fierce-greater-gainesville by @fierceawards

2 days. The room is almost full—are you in it? Get tickets: https://buytickets.at/ccmconsultingandadvisory/1948999

#fierceawards2026 Presented by CPPI. by @fierceawards

Threading Strength, Building Community: Ziba Ahmadi leads with resilience, compassion, and a commitment to uplifting women. Since immigrating from Iran in 2009, she has faced personal and professional challenges with determination, turning adversity into opportunity for herself and others.

Through her salon and community initiatives, Ziba empowers women to rise with confidence. She innovated a world-record eyebrow threading technique, mentors young women and local entrepreneurs, and founded the Nowruz and International Festival, bringing together over 1,200 people to celebrate culture, creativity, and connection.

At her salon, Ziba fosters a culture of care, making every client feel valued and supported. Her leadership blends innovation, courage, and empathy, showing that with persistence and heart, women can achieve excellence and make meaningful community impact.

💫 We are proud to honor her as a Fierce Award winner. #fierceawards2026
https://ccmadvisory.com/fierce-greater-gainesville by @fierceawards

Empowering Women Through Aviation: Pamela Landis leads with resilience, empathy, and a commitment to lifting others. With more than 30 years in aviation, she has turned challenges in a male-dominated industry into opportunities to mentor aspiring pilots and build supportive teams.

As a flight school owner, Landis cultivates a culture of excellence and encouragement. She extends her impact through programs like Girls Day in Aviation, the Gator Fly In, and Armed Services Appreciation Day, inspiring youth and honoring service while introducing them to the possibilities of flight.

Landis also mentors through organizations such as Whirly-Girls and leads by example, showing that persistence, collaboration, and a caring heart can redefine any industry. Her leadership empowers others to soar, fostering confidence, curiosity, and ambition in the next generation of aviators.

💫 We are proud to honor her as a Fierce Award winner. #fierceawards2026
https://ccmadvisory.com/fierce-greater-gainesville by @fierceawards

3 days to go. The countdown is real, and so is the impact. Get tickets: https://buytickets.at/ccmconsultingandadvisory/1948999

#fierceawards2026 Presented by CPPI. by @fierceawards

Inspiring Hope Through Action: Marianne VanDongen leads with resilience and compassion, turning her own life challenges into a mission to empower others. After serving 27 years in prison, she now mentors men and women during and after incarceration, guiding them to navigate practical and personal obstacles.

VanDongen volunteers at Florida correctional facilities, serves on boards including The Jesus Infusion and Santa Fe College’s “Freedom to Learn” advisory board, and shares her story through programs like F.A.C.E. IT. She also leads with intention in her professional life, helping employees make informed financial choices and showing that transformation is possible at any stage.

Her fierce spirit is defined by tenacity, empathy, and action. By confronting repeated setbacks and creating opportunities for others, she demonstrates that true leadership uplifts communities, fosters hope, and inspires confidence in those often overlooked.

💫 We are proud to honor her as a Fierce Award winner. #fierceawards2026
https://ccmadvisory.com/fierce-greater-gainesville by @fierceawards

4 days. Stand alongside women who are shaping our community. Get tickets: https://buytickets.at/ccmconsultingandadvisory/1948999

#fierceawards2026 Presented by CPPI. by @fierceawards