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leadership
The Gainesville Area Women’s Network (GAWN) is governed by its own members through an elected board of directors. Every member in good standing is eligible for a leadership position. We rely on volunteers to serve on the board and committees, and to help with individual events. Leadership networking gives our members invaluable business connections.
GAWN’s fiscal year begins August 1, when the new board members are installed; it ends on July 31. Applications to serve in the next fiscal year are due in May and June, but we invite you to submit an application at any time. All hands are welcome. The board consists of four Officers; Chair, Incoming/Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. All other positions are considered Directors, including at large members.
2025-2026 BOARD
CO-CHAIR - JANE HARRIS
Jane has 18 years of experience in the banking and financial services industries, serving in a host of roles in both commercial and retail lending. She specializes in commercial loans and banking solutions, including commercial real estate, investment real estate, construction, SBA financing, lines of credit, and equipment financing. Known for her consultative approach, Jane is deeply committed to support her clients – whether they’re exploring complex business needs or simply looking for guidance on building credit or securing a car loan. https://flcu.org A Gainesville native, Jane is passionate about giving back to the community. She serves as an Ambassador and Executive Committee Member for the Builders Association of North Central Florida, and as Co-Chair of the Gainesville Area Women’s Network (GAWN), where she has served on the board for six years. She is a proud graduate of the University of Florida and Leadership Gainesville Class 39 and has held numerous leadership roles with local nonprofit organizations, including Chairperson, Co-Chair, and Treasurer. Jane is also a proud mother of three adult children. Her two daughters who are currently planning their weddings – one is a registered nurse at Shands in Gainesville, and the other holds an MBA in Finance from FSU and works as a project manager for a financial technology company. Her son is a successful music producer based in LA, with collaborations including The Chainsmokers. CO-CHAIR - VICTORIA STEVENSON
Victoria Stevenson is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan and a Graduate from the Seidman School of Business at Grand Valley State University in 2001. Victoria worked 14 years in the healthcare industry as a Financial Analyst, focused on a thorough attention to detail in bridging the gap between payers and the facilities revenue recovery management system. Following her work in healthcare, Victoria worked 18 years as a Sales Director, & International Corporate Trainer for a Women based company in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her belief in always staying a student, coupled with her passion for helping others succeed- led her to create her own business in 2013: 4U2BU Business Management Solutions. She enjoys working with churches, newly established businesses, and non-profit organizations, taking a financial & analytical approach as to what it takes to start and stay in business. She conducts workshops and works with clients to establish a strong financial foundation for lasting growth! She enjoys being part of GAWN; surrounding herself with like-minded women who are passionate about what they do to develop themselves and their communities. She is honored to serve on the Board and encourages you to reach out if she can assist you or your business in any way. VICE-CHAIR - LEZA MUELLER
Hi, I’m Leza Mueller — a proud Double Gator, first-generation female college graduate, Gainesville-based Cabi stylist, small business owner, and community connector. With Cabi Style with Leza, I help women feel confident and seen in clothing that fits their life and style. I love serving women and offering a personal touch and authentic support through fashion. Before building my business, I served as Budget Director for Alachua County and was actively involved on nonprofit boards, fundraising efforts, and community outreach. I then took 19 years to raise my three amazing daughters. I am a widow, only parent and brand new grandmother too—roles that have shaped my heart and my purpose. Outside of work, I love to travel—especially to Grenada in the Caribbean, where I enjoy hiking the mountains to discover hidden waterfalls. I’m a passionate conservationist who values nature and the environment, am an avid paddle boarder when I can find the time to unwind. Most of all, I dearly love my girls and partner. They are my why. My personal goal is to be authentic, kind and intentional in everything I do—whether styling a client, leading an event, or helping another woman grow her confidence. TREASURER - B SAMANTHA BACCHUS 
Samantha is a board certified pediatrician and entrepreneur living in the Gainesville area since 2017. Even though this was planned to be a temporary move to be with her husband after she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian cancer, she fell in love with Gainesville. It has been restorative to her entire being! It reminds her of her childhood and now she has her mother and brother here with her. She has since consolidated her businesses from other states and plan on starting a new venture here, Prancing Horse Farm Event Center and an Airbnb. In September 2022, she joined Alliance Pediatrics and is practicing full time caring for the next generation of children! She is also an avid advocate for Ovarian cancer and host an annual 5k run/walk in March at Prancing Horse Farm. Educating females of all ages about their bodies is her passion to crucial to finding a cure. For fun, she loves spending time with family and friends at her farm, event planning, cooking and playing tennis. SECRETARY - CAITLYN ADAMS
MEMBER SERVICES - RYNNI HENDERSON
REGISTRARS CATHARIYA "CAT" FERRIS, Acting
With years of experience in one-on-one coaching, workshops, and community events, Cat has built a reputation for creating safe and empowering spaces where people can explore their desires and personal growth without judgment. Her work is grounded in compassion and curiosity, with a focus on helping clients reconnect with their innate capacity for joy, sensuality, and presence. Outside of her professional work, Cat is a writer currently working on a memoir that explores themes of love, freedom, and self-discovery. KELSY LEVEE  Kelsy Levee, CDFA® is a dedicated financial advisor with a deep focus on helping clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. With years of industry experience and specialized training as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Kelsy brings both technical expertise and a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to each client relationship.Whether she’s guiding clients through major life transitions or helping high-net-worth individuals optimize long-term strategies, Kelsy is known for her ability to break down complex topics into actionable insights. She has a sharp analytical eye, a deep understanding of tax-advantaged planning, and a genuine commitment to empowering clients—especially women and families—to make informed financial decisions that align with their goals and values. Outside the office, Kelsy is passionate about living with intention and balance, often drawing from nature, movement, and a love of all things food to fuel her work and personal life. WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR - ELIZABETH MATTKE
PROGRAMS & EVENTS ALLISON CARTER, Acting
Allison has always been passionate about helping women succeed professionally in their businesses and careers. Allison studied Women's Studies at the University of Florida and then earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. She is grateful for the opportunity to help organize an organization that helps women thrive. JENNIFER GARCES de MARCILLA, Acting
Jen Garces de Marcilla is the founder of 4 Pinecones Ad Agency, where she helps businesses attract more of the right customers with Facebook and Instagram ads. After more than 15 years in marketing, she noticed the same frustration again and again: business owners tried ads, but without the right setup or strategy they didn’t see results — and walked away thinking ads don’t work. Jen takes a different approach, making ads simple, effective, and worth the investment. She loves marketing because it blends the two things she went to school for: psychology and graphic design. Jen co-runs 4 Pinecones with her husband Chris, and together they’re raising two daughters and a chiweenie who keep life busy and fun. She also serves as Programs Co-Chair for GAWN because she loves learning about other businesses and brainstorming ideas for different presentations and events that highlight what makes each business and business owner special. The name 4 Pinecones comes from a family tradition: on walks through the woods, Chris and the girls would pick pinecones to bring home. Eventually, four of them — one for each family member — found a place on the mantel as a reminder of what really matters. For Jen, it symbolizes the importance of family and the reason behind her work — building a business that reflects her own values and helping other business owners grow in a way that feels true to theirs. SOCIAL MEDIA ADMINISTRATOR - MICHELLE DORMINEY
She also has work experience in management and training and is always open for chances to learn and grow. She is looking forward to new opportunities in the future with GAWN. COMMUNITY OUTREACH - NANCY SHORT, Acting
In addition to GAWN, Nancy has been a proud member of BNI for the last 9 years. She currently serves as a Chapter Success Coach for 3 chapters in Gainesville. Married for 31 years, Nancy and her husband are the proud parents of 4 amazing children and 8 Grandchildren. Family is at the heart of everything she does, and her deep values and commitment and connection guide her personal and professional life. HISTORIAN - (VACANT) ADVISOR - (VACANT) AT LARGE DIRECTOR - MERIBETH CULVER
Currently serving on Board of Directors and as the Area Governor for the Florida SunCoast Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America covering Gainesville/Ocala/The Villages. We are a 501(c)7 organization. Instagram @cdcnmac |
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Caitlyn is the owner of Heart Mind Healing, where she empowers people to heal from the inside out through energy work, gentle yoga, and meditation. She moved to Gainesville in 2019 with her husband and dogs and joined GAWN the same year. In her free time, she is going on walks with her rescue dogs, cooking vegan comfort food, or doing jigsaw puzzles. www.heartmindgnv.com .jpg)
Rynni has almost 30 years in print and digital media publishing and advertising. Owner/Publisher of the Gainesville City Lifestyle Magazine and former regional Publisher for the Gainesville, Ocala, and Leesburg newspapers. Have held similar positions in New Mexico, Oregon, Louisiana and Florida. Native New Orleanian and husband is 5th generation Floridian. We share our home with dogs, a cat, and chickens. Daughter and two granddaughters live in Winter Garden. Left Florida in 1999 from Key West - and moved back in 2019. 
Cat Ferris is the founder of 
After many years in procurement, Elizabeth is having fun exploring new opportunities and personal goals. She is a Certified Public Procurement Officer who moved to Gainesville in 2014 while working for GRU, where she participated in the City's Emerging Leaders program and earned an MBA from the University of Liverpool. She loves travel (60+ countries to date) and pursuing a variety of artistic expressions. Always inspired by conversation at GAWN events, she is honored to serve on its Board.
Allison Carter is an associate attorney at Harrison Estate Law, where she specializes in probate litigation and estate planning. She is passionate about helping families navigate the difficult and sometimes emotional process of probate, especially when it becomes contested. Allison also specializes in helping people and families establish estate plans to prevent future conflicts and probate proceedings. Allison assists individuals and families with small businesses, disabled or difficult beneficiaries, and minor children in creating estate plans to prevent problems for loved ones after their passing.
Michelle is a hairstylist for a living and an artist as a hobby. She mostly make needle felted replicas of pet dogs as a side job. She loves growing (and trading cuttings of) plants and flowers, and she will always have as many pets as she can keep. 
Nancy is the Director of Community Relations for St Francis house. With 30 years’ experience selling print advertising, she has recently found a new passion in the nonprofit sector. At St. Francis House, their mission is to Create New Futures for women and families with children experiencing homelessness in our community by providing them with the support, stability, and connections needed to secure housing.
Recently moved to Gainesville from Hollywood, Florida and retired from U.S. Department of State as a Budget & Program Analyst for IT services; covering U.S. Embassies in the Western Hemisphere for financial, travel, and program support. Previously employed as Operations Manager for Tiffany & Co. Houston Galleria.Want to know more?
- Chair
- Vice Chair
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Advisor
- Registrar
- Programs & Event Coordinator
- Website Administrator
- Social Media Administrator
- Member Services
- Community Outreach
- Historian
- At Large and All Board Positions
Click Here to apply for a Board or Volunteer Position