News

This truly is great timing and my pleasure to be able to have the spotlight this month! 

Over the last couple years, I have volunteered and served on the fundraising and marketing committee with The St. Francis House. The St. Francis House creates new futures for homeless women and families with children by providing them with the support, stability, and connections needed to secure housing. Lauri Schiffbauer, the Executive Director, offered me a full-time position as the Director of Community Relations.  I have graciously accepted the position and begin my new journey on November 1st. 

I have been working in print advertising in Gainesville for 30 years. I have loved working with Tower Publications / Our Town Magazine for the past 10 years. I have always enjoyed working with business’s and helping them plan their advertising needs thru print.  Now, I am feeling super excited about this new role and chapter in my life.

In this position I will continue to work with the marketing committee, help to fundraise and plan events. I will work closely with businesses and to build more relationships in the community to raise awareness about the mission to end and prevent homelessness for women and families with children in our community.

My journey with BNI will remain intact as I serve as a Charter Success Coach for 3 chapters in Gainesville.

To be able to share this with my friends at GAWN is priceless!  Thank you again, for this opportunity to share with you today. 

• How long have you lived in the Gainesville/Alachua County area? - I have lived in Gainesville since 2005.   
• What was your previous business experience? - I have always worked in the law field. I earned my law degree from my home country of Ecuador and I practiced business and intellectual property law.  
• What are the unique features of your business or services? - My services include family estate planning and immigration law. Estate planning is very personal to me because of my own experience dealing with family inheritance issues. Immigration law is personal too since I am an immigrant myself and know the challenges of coming to live and work in the U.S. All my clients are special to me and try my best to assist them in protecting their assets and their loved ones.      
• What changes have you made in the past year to your business, products, services, or the customers you target? - I have made improvements to my website and am working on my social media presence. I have also created some flexibility in my schedule to help my clients outside of business hours. I invested time in perfecting the way I work to provide an easy and smooth experience for my clients. Going through the process of designing an estate plan is not easy for many. Facing the possibility of death and incapacity is difficult. The same goes for my immigration clients, because of the time that it takes to obtain legal documents, and the strain associated with being apart from their families. Patience and true care are the keys to my practice of law.  
• What do you enjoy most about GAWN? - I joined GAWN right after being invited to present at one of the luncheons. It was a great experience. I enjoyed the vibe and positive attitude of everyone there. Networking is key for any business, especially a small business. The quality of the members is amazing, and I have created a few interesting connections.  
• What advice would you give to someone starting out in business? - You are not alone. Join a networking group or many. It is amazing what you can do when you learn from others and when you share your own experience. Be part of the community that you want to impact and surround yourself with people who want the best for you.  
• Personal info you want to share, include other organizations or community involvement - I am a sports fan, particularly tennis. I participate in activities related to my children's school. I belong to a fantastic business networking group called BNI, Business Network International, where I have served in different roles for the last 4 years. I am a member of the state and local bar associations. I am also a member of AILA, the American Immigration Law Association. I also take opportunities to do some pro bono work through a local legal aid organization.  

I write award-winning historical romance featuring pirates, privateers, smugglers, and the occasional possum, some set in Florida Territory. I love working at a job where business attire is shorts and a shirt festooned with pink flamingos and palm trees. I’ve lived in Gainesville for over 50 years, since entering the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications for a degree in Broadcasting (now, Telecommunications.)

I’ve worked as a broadcast and print journalist, obituary writer, news anchor, news director, and news producer at WGGG and WCJB, built and owned WNDT (Wind FM) radio station, and held a few other odd jobs. I’m the long-time section leader for Erotic Writing at TheLitForum.com, and serve as Membership Director for Regency Fiction Writers, an international organization for writers of works set in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

My books are available in French and English in ebook and print formats, and I’ve been published in German and Estonian too. Awards include the New England Chapter RWA (Romance Writers of America) Readers’ Choice Award and the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence for The Pirate’s Secret Baby; the Denver RWA Aspen Gold award (Castaway Dreams); and the First Coast Romance Writers RWA Beacon Award (The Bride and the Buccaneer). My books are available online, can be ordered from any bookstore, and signed editions are at Barnes & Noble in Gainesville. I’m represented by Barbara Collins Rosenberg of the Rosenberg Group literary agency.

I’m tempted to answer “What I enjoy about GAWN” is the lunches (far better than most other meetings I attend), but what I really like is to reach out to people in my community who have busy lives and could use a break, a little getaway at the end of the day. My books offer that “vacation between covers” and go with you anywhere, especially the ebooks. In addition, I learn about businesses and services available to me, or that I can recommend to people in my town. That’s a valuable service, the networking and the opportunity to get out of the house and see people, hear great presentations, and support Displaced Homemakers, a cause dear to me.

Literacy and access to books also matter to me. I volunteer with my mini-dachshund Dodi in the Read to Rover program at the Alachua County Public Library, where children read aloud to dogs who never correct them. This helps kids feel comfortable with their reading skills and motivates them to read more. I’m also a volunteer with Be My Eyes, an app where sighted helpers connect with blind or low-vision users over smart phones, assisting with tasks like reading stove dials, matching sneakers, and “seeing” addresses, all of which were questions I’ve answered when taking calls. 

I’m married, have two adult sons, and an adorable grandchild. You can find me at www.darlenemarshall.com, or too often using writing time to post dog memes on various social media sites: Facebook, Threads, Instagram, and BlueSky.

As a financial consultant for Thrivent, I provide comprehensive, customized financial guidance. I also have access to a broader array of products and tools to help people address their financial and investment objectives. No matter what your goals, time horizon or risk tolerance level, I can help you take steps to achieve your goals.

I specialize in Retirement Income Planning, Legacy Planning and Portfolio Management. It's important to understand how different factors can affect your financial picture. I help clients analyze your current situation and develop an in-depth financial program. This includes helping implement an integrated financial strategy. Our team can also assist you by providing a product- or issue-based solution, or we can take a values-based approach to preparing for your financial future.

I’ve been in Gainesville most of my life having grown up here. My 18+ career with Thrivent has allowed me to give back to the causes that are important to me. Educating and uplifting women so they can make informed decisions in their financial life. The best part of my job is getting to be a part of people's lives and walking the path with them to financial security. My clients are my family and I treat them with the respect and concern I would for my own family. 

Alyssa Ciaccio, originally hailing from New York, found her calling in the heart of Gainesville. Transitioning from a career in teaching, Alyssa embarked on a journey that led her to discover her innate gift as a medium. Drawn by familial ties and the allure of serving her community, Alyssa embraced Gainesville wholeheartedly, never looking back.

In her pursuit of healing and spiritual connection, Alyssa founded The Florida Medium. This unique venture offers solace and closure by bridging the gap between the living and the departed. With a compassionate touch, Alyssa guides individuals through grief, offering comfort and wisdom garnered from the other side. Her services extend beyond mere mediumship; through Heart Mind Healing in Thornebrook, she provides mentoring sessions and workshops, empowering others to explore their own spiritual gifts.

Reflecting on her journey, Alyssa emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear and taking the leap into entrepreneurship. Despite initial hesitation, she discovered fulfillment in being her own boss and touching lives in profound ways. For Alyssa, the essence of Gainesville lies in its capacity for growth and community spirit, a sentiment she embodies in both her business and personal endeavors.

For those venturing into the realm of entrepreneurship, Alyssa offers simple yet powerful advice: embrace the unknown and trust in the journey ahead. With courage and determination, one can unlock boundless possibilities and find fulfillment in the pursuit of their passion.

In Gainesville, Alyssa Ciaccio stands as a beacon of hope, guiding souls on their journey of healing and self-discovery. Through The Florida Medium, she weaves threads of connection that transcend the veil between worlds, illuminating the path towards healing and spiritual awakening.

My name is Michelle Vickers, but most people know me as Shelley. I am a proud lifelong resident of Alachua County and a true ACR. Growing up as a contractor’s daughter, I was always involved in the family business, a tradition that has significantly shaped my life. My father and brother are both contractors and hope to get my license too. My mother’s dedication to keeping me engaged growing up has fostered a deep-seated passion for community involvement and networking, qualities that continue to flourish with each passing day.

I work at Scherer Construction as the Marketing Manager, where my role in community and client engagements is not just a job, but a calling. I am deeply in love with the construction world and the process of helping our clients bring their vision to reality. It fills me with pride to see our Scherer Construction project signs throughout the town, knowing that we play a pivotal role in the growth and development of our community.

Joining the Gainesville Area Women’s Network (GAWN) was a natural step for me. Being a woman in what is often perceived as a man’s world, I find it refreshing and empowering to connect and network with other women in business. The atmosphere in GAWN is one of heartfelt support, love, and encouragement. My hope is that through this group, we can grow personally and professionally together within our community.

I take great pride in working for Scherer Construction, especially as we celebrate our 40th year in business. It's exciting to think about the future and the potential we have to continue being the contractor of choice for commercial construction needs in North Central Florida. I am deeply committed to the success of our company and the positive impact we can make in the construction industry.

Being a single girl mom, I am passionate about setting an example for her. I want to show her that through hard work and networking within our community, anything is achievable. It’s crucial to stay connected, to be hands-on, have passion, and make a difference, and I strive to show her these values every day. I am heavily involved in various committees and boards, driven by my desire to see our community succeed and grow stronger together. People always say that I am "everywhere", but to me if you are not seen you are forgotten. I want our community, current and future clients to know that we care and are here to help them every step of the way. We will always show up and be present. I do this personally with my family, my daughter and with what I do in business.

I do love our area (Gainesville/Alachua), my professional role in the construction industry, and my personal dedication to empowering women and making a positive impact in the community. I believe that together, we can all succeed and make Alachua County a better place for everyone, while being role models for the next generation to come.

If you ever have any commercial construction needs, questions or interests, I am your girl - Scherer Shelley! I am here to assist you every step of the way! 

Michelle (Shelley) Vickers ShelleyVickers@scherernfl.com

Community & Client Relations / Executive Admin / Marketing Manager

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, C & I, lines of credit and equipment financing. Jane takes a consultative approach to lending by evaluating her client’s goals to ensure that they obtain the best loan product to fit their needs.

Jane is a Gainesville native, a graduate of P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School and a graduate of the University of Florida, with a degree in Economics.

She is active in the Gainesville community, currently serving as an Ambassador for the Builders Association of North Central Florida, Advisory Board Member for the F.W. Buchholz Academies of Finance and Entrepreneurship and an Auxiliary Board Member for Children’s Home Society. She is also a graduate of Leadership Gainesville, Class of 39 and has served on many other non-profit boards and committees in roles such as Chairperson, Co-Chair and Treasurer.

At our January Luncheon, Denise Weber introduced the GAWN Book Read, which is similar to a Book Club, but meets in groups of 6 at various locations. Sign-ups will be on the back table at each luncheon. Groups will meet at 6:00 pm on the 2nd Saturday each month beginning February 6th.

The first book, for discussion 2/6, is: The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

For future month's book selections, click GAWN Book Read List.pdf

Contact Denise for further information: dweber1026@gmail.com (subject line: GAWN Book Read)

Effective January 1, 2024, we will be adjusting our luncheon registration prices and deadlines in order to cover the cost of food and labor increases. The new registration prices and deadlines will be as follows:

 GAWN Members -Early Registration, $22, available through Wednesday of the week before the luncheon

 GAWN Members - Regular Registration, $35, available from Thursday of the week before the luncheon through the day of the luncheon

 Guests - Early Registration, $27, available through Wednesday of the week before the luncheon

 Guests - Regular Registration, $40, available from Thursday of the week before the luncheon through the day of the luncheon.

Please try to register as early as possible for each of the luncheons. Early registration will not only save you money, it will also help your GAWN Board have an accurate count of attendees to provide to our venue.  In turn, our venue will be able to ensure that they prepare enough of their delicious food for all of us to enjoy. Thank you!

Denise Weber is a local landscape designer with nearly 30 years’ experience in the residential sector. She is the principal designer for Denise Weber Landscapes, and she collaborates with top-notch local contractors to provide a design/build service to the Gainesville area.

For Denise, her work is about creating outdoor living environments alive with diversity, natural beauty, and shrinking energy footprints. Her interest is in creating functional spaces using combinations of native, Florida-friendly, and edible plants. It is about creating spaces to be cared for over spaces to be managed. Denise believes a well-designed, well-installed landscape can bring a host of benefits and provide a "sense of place" on the principles of health, safety, and welfare.

Denise holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Florida and a second degree in Landscape Design and Construction from Colorado State University. She is TurfSWAP certified with the Alachua County EPA and certified in stormwater management with the state of Florida.

Denise Weber Landscapes are Designed, Created and Built on the Concept of Shrinking the Energy Footprint and Providing a Sense of Place.

         DeniseWeberLandscapes.com