After climbing the ladder of success, these extraordinary local women share words of wisdom to empower the next generation of female leaders.

While women continue to shatter the glass ceiling and create new opportunities for themselves and others, the fact of the matter is there is still work to be done in order to find true equality to their male counterparts. Across the Greater Orlando region, there are countless leading ladies who are not only achieving high levels of success, but serving as inspiration for the young women who wish to emulate them and blaze their own path to positions of prominence and power. We spoke with some of these leading ladies to hear more about their journeys and find out what advice they would offer the next generation. 

Audra Romao
Chief People Officer, Orlando Magic
Entering into her 25th year with the Orlando Magic, Romao is known for overseeing the “team behind the team.” In addition to her work with the franchise, she serves on numerous local boards, including the Mental Health Association of Central Florida and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, and is a member of the Leadership Business Advisory Board for Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College where she is an active adviser for their mentorship program.

Overcoming challenges…
[My] biggest career challenge was navigating the upheaval of COVID-19, which felt like pushing a boulder up a mountain daily. This period taught me resilience, adaptability, and the profound importance of supporting one another and having a dedicated team by your side. The unwavering commitment and collaboration within our organization was truly inspiring, helping us emerge stronger. With a renewed focus on mental health, smarter practices and increased flexibility, we turned these challenges into meaningful victories.

Advice to other women…
Do what makes you happy! Be mindful of how swiftly life passes by. Create and cherish meaningful moments, stay present and seize opportunities. One of my favorite books, Be Where Your Feet Are, captures this sentiment perfectly, emphasizing the importance of being present. Focus on spending time with people that matter the most—they are crucial for your overall health and fulfillment. Your parents, grandparents and people closest to you will not be here forever.

Finding balance…
Maintaining balance between professional and personal life requires discipline. Just as you schedule work meetings, it is crucial to prioritize time for yourself and your loved ones. Choose an organization that values this balance and supports your well-being. Utilize your time off and plan ahead to stay refreshed and focused. Cultivate meaningful relationships, as they provide essential support. Remember, work will always be there; nurturing your personal well-being and allowing yourself grace are equally important.

Lashea Reaves
Senior Vice President, Truist
Founder, 8 Cents in a Jar
Reaves, founder of the nonprofit organization 8 Cents in a Jar, has empowered over 3,000 students in marginalized communities since 2016. Her work has earned national recognition, including being featured on HBO Max and CNBC. As senior VP at Truist, she oversees HR culture, inclusion and engagement risk governance practices. Reaves is also a passionate advocate for youth financial social work and economic education.

Finding balance…
I’ve come to realize that balance is an illusion without harmony. Harmony signifies that perfection in every aspect isn’t necessary. By merging my professional and personal life, I welcome the natural ups and downs. I prioritize effectively, remain adaptable and engage in self-care. Consistent reflection and pursuing passion projects personally and professionally help me stay centered. This mindset nurtures my personal and professional development, allowing them to coexist with elegance and awareness. Life is a dance, and I’m enjoying every moment!

Lessons learned…
I would advise my younger self to be purposeful in pursuing a meaningful life and to advocate for myself, no matter the potential consequences. Women frequently receive guidance on speaking, acting, dressing and maintaining a particular image. Opportunities to take calculated risks and embrace boldness are often scarce. I would encourage my younger self to seize the moments presented while discovering how to use the unique voice given to her. It is in life’s unexpected twists and turns that the true magic unfolds.

Staying motivated…
What fuels my motivation is the understanding that every person holds a unique gift and personal story that can benefit our community. While I may not always be the most vocal, I aim to represent those who cannot speak for themselves. My community supported me during my time as a homeless teenage mother while I adopted my sister, offering resources, comfort and care. Now, I feel I must give back by utilizing my gifts and telling my story through 8 Cents in a Jar.

Lori Gustafson
Executive Vice President and Chief Membership & Commercial Services Officer, Marriot Vacations Worldwide
Gustafson oversees the membership, commercial services, product development, brand and digital teams for Marriott Vacations Worldwide (MVW), a leading global vacation company headquartered here in Orlando. In her role, she manages membership business lines as well as key enterprise shared service groups supporting MVW’s vacation ownership and membership businesses. 

Staying motivated…
Marriott Vacations Worldwide has a legacy of heritage brands, which positions us uniquely in the industry as a trusted leader. To complement this history, though, we need to evolve. My position allows me to champion new ways of thinking as we continue to navigate the organization through new challenges. … Inspiring change across all levels of the organization gets me excited to come to work each day. 

Overcoming challenges…
There have been a few times throughout my career when I have been tapped to take on projects or roles for which I wasn’t sure I was ready. Some of those moments challenged me to find the inner courage to say, “Yes, you are, and you can do it.”
A lot of that strength has come from having leaders around me who have recognized the leadership qualities that I have, and I think that’s been my differentiator in a lot of ways. I have a desire to be a great leader, but I also spend a lot of time reflecting on what that looks like and how it matters for the people around me and their careers, too.

Advice to other women…
Take charge of your career. I often coach women to create their own next step by leading with a recommendation. If you think there’s an opportunity within your organization, write up the job description, create a vision board and a map to outline your two next steps, and articulate the value and impact it will make in your organization. Becoming a leader, especially as a woman, sometimes requires you to step out of your comfort zone and build your own path forward.

Carina Gerscovich Borkon
Senior Financial Advisor, Beavers Krause Borkon Wealth Management
Borkon started her career in finance in Charleston, South Carolina back in 2010. After receiving encouragement from an advisor to pursue a career in wealth management, she started on a new path and became a licensed financial advisor. In 2016, she moved back to her hometown of Winter Park and joined Merrill Lynch where she is now part of the Beavers Krause Borkon Wealth Management team.

Staying motivated…
I truly love my work as a financial advisor. The relationships I’ve built over nearly 15 years drive me to keep growing my practice. As president of the Women’s Executive Council of Orlando, I also take pride in recognizing and empowering female leaders and students in Central Florida. We award scholarships annually to women pursuing higher education, and witnessing the impact on our recipients motivates me to lead by example and show that the sky is the limit.

Advice to other women…
Don’t be swayed by self-doubt or external distractions. You’ve earned your place, so stay true to your values and beliefs. Remember, you stand on the shoulders of the women who came before you, breaking barriers and fighting for equality. Be confident in your abilities and surround yourself with supportive female leaders who will encourage, motivate and cheer you on, allowing your light to shine brightly. Success comes from setting goals, staying focused and surrounding oneself with positive, like-minded individuals.

Finding balance…
Achieving a perfect work-life balance is challenging and, in my view, never truly attainable. My family—my children and husband—are my driving force. When things start to get out of balance, I remind myself of this motivation and make the necessary adjustments. I’m lucky to work with a fantastic team at Merrill who understands and respects the balance I need as a mother. At home, I have a supportive partner who helps me achieve both my professional and personal goals.

Adrianna Sekula
Founder, Solidarity Partners
Sekulaa is the founder and president of Solidarity Partners, a government relations and business strategy consulting firm, and co-founder of DROP THE MIC Coaching, a public speaking training program for business professionals. She also serves as the chair of the Hope Partnership and an advisory board member with PACE Center for Girls, Inc.

Staying motivated…
My family has always been the No. 1 motivator for me. Everything I work for is to live and create the American dream my parents hoped for when we moved to Florida from communist Poland. My mom taught me the importance of being fiscally independent and my dad was the definition of an entrepreneur and self-starter. My sisters climbed, and continue to climb, the corporate ladder and my husband is the managing partner of his accounting firm. They are the driving force behind my motivation.

Overcoming challenges…
The biggest challenges have always been internal. Even as a confident woman, mental blocks and external opinions try to keep you from trusting your own instincts or decisions. Overcoming outside noise and recognizing that I know what’s best for my businesses has been a game-changer in my career and on my entrepreneurial journey.

Advice to other women…
Trust your instincts, be open to feedback, and stay curious about everyone and everything. You may be surprised at the common ground you have with people when you take the time to listen. Most importantly, surround yourself with friends who are committed to your growth and who support you through both challenges and achievements.

Pamela Landwirth
President and CEO, Give Kids The World Village
As president and CEO since 1995, Landwirth is responsible for the operations of the Village and all strategic advancement initiatives for the organization. Under her leadership, the number of families who visit Give Kids The World Village annually has grown from 3,949 in 1995 to over 8,500 today. Landwirth works tirelessly to accomplish a mission of creating joy, optimism and enduring hope by serving on numerous nonprofit boards including the executive advisory board for the Something mAAgic Foundation and the University of Central Florida’s Nonprofit Advisory Board. Most recently, she released her newest book, On Purpose: How Engagement Drives Success.

On her motivation…
I am blessed to work for an organization where the motivation is right outside my window in the faces of the precious children we serve. We only get one chance to create the happiness that inspires hope for our guests, and hope is the most precious gift we can give. We vow to do everything within our power to create magical memories at every turn. 

Advice to other women…
The best advice comes from a favorite quote: “The meaning of life is to find your gifts, the purpose of life is to give them away.” Follow your heart. Be passionate about taking care of business and taking care of hearts.

Lessons learned…
Embrace each setback, each challenge that at the time seems insurmountable, for out of those come strength and wisdom.

Graciela Noriega Jacoby
COO, Heart of Florida United Way

Noriega Jacoby oversees Heart of Florida United Way’s (HFUW) administration, marketing, public relations, volunteer and advocacy efforts. Through partnerships with businesses and nonprofits, donors and volunteers, HFUW administers direct-service programs and supports efforts. Prior to joining HFUW, Noriega Jacoby worked as chief of staff for Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. She is also involved with several community boards including the Ginsburg Institute for Health Equity, the National Charity League’s Citrus Blossom Chapter, the Florida Policy Institute and the East Orlando Chamber.

On her motivation…
My career has been in service to the community. The work is dynamic and rewarding, but can also be challenging. It keeps me motivated to find solutions and overcome obstacles being experienced by others.

Advice to other women…
Learn all you can, on as much as you can, from as many people and experiences you can! I have been lucky to have amazing mentors and teachers in my life. I am also a curious person who is inquisitive and I like to experience all that life has to offer. I have learned the most when I push past my comfort zone.

Finding balance…
Sometimes I have to give more at home and sometimes I have to give more at work. It ebbs and flows. But because my career has merged two things I care deeply about—my family and my community—I feel sacrifices I may make are worth it.

Kristin Jimenez

Senior Vice President/Chief Strategy Officer, AdventHealth
Jimenez leads strategy, growth, planning, business development, physician relations and specialty service lines for the flagship division of AdventHealth—the nation’s largest not-for-profit Protestant health care system with a total operating revenue of $6.5 billion. She also provides leadership for the AdventHealth Institutes, which include programs in cancer; diabetes and endocrinology; and neurology and neurosurgery that are nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report. 

Advice to other women…
My advice is to know your value and own your story. When you look around the room and see you are the only one who looks like you or shares your credentials, remember that you were invited to that table. What you do with that seat is where your energy should be focused. And remember, leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating an environment where others can thrive. Lead with empathy, stay true to your values, and don’t let anyone dim your light.

Lessons learned…
There is a saying often attributed to an African proverb that goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” My younger self was built to move and get things done. My older self has the wisdom of knowing how much I still don’t know. There are times in our work where we must prioritize action and speed, and times where we must prioritize the time and space to pause, think and collaborate. Knowing the difference and being willing to adjust your style is critical.  

Staying motivated…
Purpose and my team motivate me. I feel deeply called to use my time on this Earth to make a positive impact on others. In health care, the work itself provides countless opportunities for this. I also find immense fulfillment in seeing the people around me grow and succeed. Each time I witness someone or a team reach their potential or overcome a challenge it reminds me why I chose this path. Success, to me, isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about creating a ripple effect that lifts others and leaves a lasting legacy.

Jocel Thornhill
Director Strategic Programs & Community Relations, Electronic Arts
Thornhill leads strategic change programs for Electronic Art’s (EA) Orlando-based development studio. The architect of the EA Orlando Community Action Plan, Thornhill partners with the City of Orlando, central Florida community organizations, Orange County schools and Central Florida universities to deliver the plan. She is the program leader for EA Orlando’s flagship STEAM coding camp for Central Florida high school girls and nonbinary students. She has decades of operations management experience across industries and a background in organization design and development consultancy.

Staying motivated…
I think that my drive and motivation is partially innate but mostly rooted in my parents’ example, who were first generation college graduates. They understood the value of education and the impact that our success, collectively and individually, can have on others. I’m motivated by leaving things better than when I started and by what’s possible. My success is because of their sacrifices, hard work and contributions of the generations before us.

Advice to other women…
Identify and check in often with like-minded, supportive women. Each time I do this, I’m surprised by how much my soul needs it. I’m renewed, rewarded and often gain clarity.

Finding balance…
As I’ve gained more confidence and experience in life and in my career, I’ve been able to relax an expectation that I will be in balance all the time. Instead, my goal is to manage extreme pendulum swings and be courageous about speaking up about what I need when things are out of balance.