People
Orlando's Women Of The Year 2020
They are educators, mentors, counselors, physicians, fundraisers, entrepreneurs, and individuals who stand up for others. But most of all they are leaders who help keep our community strong. Orlando magazine is proud to honor 22 individuals as Women of the Year. We asked you, our readers, for nominees and you responded with a wealth of recommendations, along with details on how these women make a huge difference in the lives of countless people daily. Our congratulations—and thanks—to them all.
Extra Pulp: System Overload
After losing her phone, Laura Anders Lee ponders the pros and cons of our technology-driven lives.
Story of a… Opera Singer
Soprano Anna Eschbach loves “the intense emotion” of opera, often viewed as “the highest art form because it incorporates everything.”
Story of a… Hypnotherapist
After experiencing her own transfor-mation through hypnosis, Rebecca Zayas now helps people “transform their pain into something beautiful.”
In Focus: A Homegrown Star Returns
Trinity Prep alum Denée Benton—Broadway star with a major HBO role awaiting—will sing on the stage where her dreams took wing.
Story of a… Wedding Officiant
With 10,000 weddings under his belt, Kevin Knox tells couples that the ceremony is “not as hard as you think.”
Story of a… Salvation Army Bell Ringer
Once a homeless addict living under I-4, Brian Smith works the red kettle drive because “it saved my life.”
Story of a Brewmaster: Garrett Ward of Sideward Brewing
The co-owner of the Milk District brewery says, “There’s nothing a beer can’t solve.”
Story of a … Theme Park Monster at Halloween Horror Nights
Following in his father’s footsteps, Asher Adams comes to life as Frankenstein.
Story of a… Forager
Activist Rob Greenfield has taken on the challenge of growing and foraging 100 percent of his food for 365 days, with just over two months to go.
Story of a… Rigger
John Neal rises to the challenges of “one of the last professions that is physically and cerebrally demanding.”
Sharon Vaughn: Around the World and Back Again
Acclaimed songwriter Sharon Vaughn, known for her country tunes, returns to the hometown where so much of her music took root.
Story of a… Surf Instructor
Former competitive surfer Molli Miller now gets her biggest thrill from teaching the next generation how to catch and ride the waves.
Spotlight: A New Happily Ever After
A diagnosis turns a young woman’s life upside down, leading her to rethink storybook heroes for kids.
Story of a… Butterfly Farmer
Dan Dunwoody’s love of insects took flight in elementary school, and he’s never looked back.
Orlando's Women Of The Year 2019
Women who are making a positive impact on our community.
Jeffery Redding: Passion and Purpose
Grammy-winning choral director Jeffery Redding brings arts cachet, educator fame to West Orange High.
The B.L.A.I.R. Connection: A Healing Legacy
Teen who lost older sister to a rare disease creates a sibling support website to help people like her move forward.
Story of a… Drone Pilot
He’s been at gunpoint, cussed out and assaulted, but Terry Clunk still believes the sky’s the limit for his misunderstood industry.
Story of a… Wildlife Rescuer
For Debbie Helsel, Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge in Lake Nona is home.
Steve Spurrier: Back in the Game
The legendary Steve Spurrier is once again ready for launch, this time as head coach of the newly minted Orlando Apollos. And the Ol’ Ball Coach has a bunch of plays he thinks you’ll like.
Bickley Wilson: Portrait of Goodness
How one woman provided artists of all ages a place they could call home.
Story of a… Roller Coaster Designer
Engineer and Skyline Attractions co-founder Chris Gray made good on his childhood dream of crafting thrill rides.
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Guides & Resources
2019 Premier Doctors
Our annual list of over 750 doctors.
Retirement Living 2019
Explore several retirement communities in Central Florida.
Recommended Eating 2019
Restaurants to put on your must-try list.
Guide to Private Schools
Our searchable annual database will help you chart an educational course for your family.
