2026 Women of the Year Legacy Circle

Let’s hear from some of Orlando magazine’s previous Women of the Year honorees.

VALERIE BOEY-RAMSEY

Owner & CEO, VBR Link
2025 Women of the Year Honoree

Congratulations to the 2026 Orlando Magazine Women of the Year Nominees! “Every woman’s story is a masterpiece full of beauty and peace,” is a quote I love. For how we navigate our own challenges varies but supporting each other goes a long way. It’s been more than 2 ½ years since I became a freelance journalist. I’m grateful to WFTV for their support. It gives me the freedom to care for my elderly parents and still report the news. Many people approach me with questions about caring for their parents. To help others,

I’ve created a Caregiver Podcast from a daughter’s view, with new episodes every quarter starting May on YouTube @ValerieBoeyRamsey1.

SARAH GRAFTON

Partner & Senior Advisor, Grafton Wealth Management
2021 Women of the Year Honoree

Congratulations to the 2026 Women of the Year honorees! It’s inspiring to see women across our community leading with purpose, generosity, and vision. As both a woman business owner and wealth manager, I’m especially grateful to work alongside so many remarkable leaders who are building strong organizations, supporting one another, and investing in the future of our community.

I feel blessed each day to do work that brings people together and strengthens the place we all call home. Keep shining and continuing to make a lasting impact.

TRICIA HAGE

Owner & Operator, Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery
2024 Women of the Year Honoree

Being named one of Orlando Magazine’s Women of the Year was a significant honor. To be recognized among a group of women who are leading, building, and shaping our city is something I’m proud of. At Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery, serving the Orlando community since 1971, I’m proud to carry on a legacy that families have been a part of for generations.

Seeing them return year after year to celebrate milestones and create new memories is something I don’t take for granted. To this year’s honorees, congratulations. Recognition like this reflects hard work, consistency, and a commitment to excellence. It’s an honor to be part of a community of women who continue to raise the bar in Orlando.

JO NEWELL

Founder & CEO, Monday Strategies
2022 Women of the Year Honoree

Congratulations to the 2026 Women of the Year honorees. Your leadership and dedication to our community are both powerful and inspiring. Since becoming an honoree in 2022, I founded Monday Strategies, which offers leadership development and strategic planning to help individuals and organizations navigate growth, change, and professional transitions. This work has reinforced one truth: clarity and confidence are the foundations of every great leader.

Looking at each of you, I see that truth in action. What you are doing matters, and its impact reaches far beyond what is visible today. Lead boldly, build fearlessly, and never stop believing in and betting on yourself.

GINA JACOBS-THOMAS

Owner, Goldfish Swim School- Winter Park & Winter Garden
2023 Women of the Year Honoree

Congratulations to the 2026 Women of the Year honorees! Your commitment to excellence and our community is truly inspiring. Since my 2023 recognition, I have remained dedicated to teaching children lifesaving water safety skills at Goldfish Swim School. Seeing your passion reminds me that when we lead with purpose, we create a safer, stronger future for the next generation. Continue to dive in deep, lead with heart, and make waves.

Your impact is just beginning!

SHERRY WHEELOCK

President, Special Olympics Florida Foundation, Inc.
2024 Women of the Year Honoree

On behalf of the more than 85,000 athletes at Special Olympics Florida, congratulations to the Orlando Magazine Women of the Year who drive positive impact in our community every day. Your service and dedication are impressive! As I step into my role as President of the Special Olympics Florida Foundation focused on building lasting legacy funding for our incredible athletes, I am encouraged to know there are Champions like you to learn and gain inspiration from in the journey.

Wishing you all great success and joy always.

ZEYNEP PORTWAY

Executive Director, Samaritan Resource Center
2025 Women of the Year Honoree

To the 2026 Women of the Year Honorees,

It’s an honor to welcome you into this community of women who are not only leading, but shaping what leadership looks like in real time.

Since being recognized last year, I’ve been reminded again and again that the work we do is never just about the work. Through my time at Samaritan Resource Center, walking alongside individuals and families experiencing homelessness, I see every day how leadership is ultimately about people and about showing up consistently, even when the path isn’t clear, and choosing to care in a world that often moves too fast to notice.

Each of you carries influence in ways you may not always see. The decisions you make, the way you lead, the way you treat others. These things ripple outward in ways that matter more than any title or recognition.

So stay grounded in your “why.” Let it guide you when things get hard, and keep you humble when things go well.

Keep building. Keep listening. Keep leading with both strength and compassion.

The work you’re doing matters more than you know.

DR. ILENE E. WILKINS

CEO/Superintendent, UCP of Central Florida/UCP Charter Schools
2025 Women of the Year Honoree

I love the quote “it’s always fun to do the impossible.” Every day I see what many folks says was ‘impossible’—from watching a child whose parents were told they would never walk take their first steps to watching a team member who started as a summer teen counselor ‘grow up’ with us and walk across the stage to accept her Masters diploma.

Congratulations to the 2026 Women of the Year who do and help others to do the ‘impossible’.