Women of Vision - Flagler College

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Women of Vision - Flagler College

Women of Vision (WOV) is a supportive community of women driven by fellowship and philanthropy.

The WOV provides scholarships, and professional development to students at Flagler College while investing in our members through education and networking.

10/31/2026

Opening Doors. Empowering Women. Sharing a Vision. ♥️

Thursday night, Flagler College’s Alumni House was buzzing with conversation and enthusiasm as we welcomed prospective members eager to learn more about Women of Vision!

Guests discovered what makes Women of Vision such a unique philanthropic community, exploring our mission, vision, and the impact of an organization that has raised more than $2.7 million since its inception. We shared how we support Flagler College students through scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities beyond the classroom.

A highlight of the evening was hearing from our remarkable Women of Vision scholar, Maggie Demsey! 🌊

An aspiring public relations professional, competitive surfer, and Olympic hopeful, Maggie dreams of representing Guam, her mother’s home country, at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Despite health challenges and the demands of academics and competitive surfing, she continues pursuing her ambitions with determination. Maggie shared how her Women of Vision mentor, Linda Allen-Hawkins, has helped her navigate challenges through guidance, encouragement, and support. Her story demonstrated how our impact extends far beyond financial assistance.

Guests also explored membership benefits, including volunteer opportunities, committee leadership, student mentorship, exclusive experiences, and lasting friendships and professional connections.

The response was tremendous! Thoughtful questions, meaningful conversations, and enthusiasm for membership made the evening a wonderful success.

Special thanks to WOV Chair Beth Toy, Membership Chair Jennifer Akin, Membership Vice Chair Elizabeth Flostrand, our inspiring scholar Maggie Demsey, and the members who helped welcome our guests!

Interested in joining Women of Vision? Contact Alice Flores, Director of Women of Vision & LEAD Fund, at [email protected] or comment below!

10/20/2026

Behind the 4.0: What It Really Takes to Succeed in College

A perfect GPA tells you what she accomplished. It doesn’t tell you what it took to get there.

Meet Emma DeSilets, a senior English major and Women of Vision Scholar who earned a place on Flagler College’s prestigious President’s List for Spring 2026, recognizing students who achieve a perfect 4.0 semester GPA.

Emma’s Women of Vision mentor, Deb Riggs, sat down with her to discover the determination, sacrifices, and personal growth behind this remarkable achievement.

The Reality:

Balancing five classes, work, and her personal life required tremendous discipline. Emma never skipped class, even on difficult mornings. As an English major, she refused to settle for an essay that was simply good enough. She rewrote, edited, and took advantage of extra-credit opportunities whenever possible. A perfectionist who also navigates OCD and anxiety, Emma admits that her drive for excellence sometimes came at the expense of her peace of mind. She often couldn’t relax until every assignment was complete.

The Strategy:

Emma’s secret wasn’t studying at 5 a.m. or midnight. She discovered she worked best in the afternoon and made it a priority to complete assignments early, often working weeks ahead. When faced with something she dreaded, she made the experience more enjoyable with her favorite tea, relaxing music, or a comfortable study environment. She also relied on meditation, positive self-talk, and a simple reminder: “Just do it!”

The Transformation:

While earning a 4.0 validated her hard work, Emma discovered something equally important. Working ahead gave her the freedom to practice self-care, manage stress, and be more present for her friends, family, and boyfriend. She learned that constantly striving for perfection isn’t always healthy and that slowing down can make life more fulfilling.

The Takeaway:

When asked what the most valuable lesson was beyond earning a 4.0, Emma shared:

“It is okay to put myself first.”

Behind Emma’s perfect GPA is a story of grit, perseverance, stamina, and self-discovery. Her achievement reminds us that excellence isn’t just about how hard you work, but also about the person you become along the way.

At Women of Vision, we celebrate not only our scholars’ academic achievements but also the character, resilience, and personal growth that prepare them for their futures.

Congratulations, Emma! Your Women of Vision community is incredibly proud of you!

10/19/2026

✨ Opening Doors. Inspiring Futures. Creating Opportunities. ✨

Women of Vision at Flagler College is opening its doors, and we invite YOU to join us! ❤️

Join us for a special evening of connection, inspiration, and purpose as we share how Women of Vision empowers Flagler College students through scholarships, mentorship, and opportunities for academic and professional success.

🥂 Opening Doors: Prospective Member Event

📅 Thursday, October 29, 2026
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Alumni House | 48 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, w**e, bubbly, and an inspiring scholar impact story while discovering how you can be part of making a lasting difference.

💌 Kindly RSVP by October 26
Alice Flores | [email protected]

❤️ Together, we can open doors and create brighter futures for the next generation of leaders!

10/16/2026

✨ A Wonderful Start to a New Year of Women of Vision! ✨

Our first Women of Vision Advisory Board Meeting of the year was a tremendous success, with an outstanding turnout, enthusiastic engagement, and exciting plans for the year ahead!

🌟 Seven New Advisory Board Members! We were thrilled to welcome seven incredible women to our Advisory Board this year!

🏆 Celebrating Beth Toy ’97! Congratulations to our Women of Vision Chair on being named the 2027 recipient of the Pride of Flagler Award, the highest honor bestowed by Flagler College! A truly well-deserved recognition!

🎤 Special Guest Speaker! We were honored to welcome Letti Bozard Spencer, our Board of Trustees Liaison, and grateful for her leadership and continued support.

📅 Exciting Events Ahead! Our Standing Committees shared plans for three upcoming opportunities:

🍂 October 29 | Prospective Member Reception – Introducing new women to our mission and community.

💼 November 3 | Student Professional Development Event – Connecting our scholars to self-care, confidence, and career readiness through blowouts, hand massages, and professional headshots.

📚 November 17 | Private Reception with Meg Cabot – A special opportunity for members and scholars to meet the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Princess Diaries.

These events are just a glimpse of the exclusive benefits, meaningful connections, and opportunities to make a difference that come with Women of Vision membership!

♥️ Interested in joining Women of Vision? Comment below, and we’d love to connect with you!

Here’s to another year of empowering students, building connections, and creating a lasting impact!

10/12/2026

🌟 Celebrating One of Our Incredible Women of Vision Scholars! 🌟

We are so proud of Women of Vision Scholar Zoe Zinnie, who was recently featured by Flagler College for her outstanding accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom!

A double major in Marketing and Business Administration, student-athlete, President’s List honoree, and aspiring medical sales professional, Zoe is a shining example of determination, leadership, and ambition.

From balancing academics and athletics to gaining valuable professional experience through internships and her work with Flagler College’s Office of Institutional Advancement, Zoe is already building an impressive future!

💛 This is why Women of Vision invests in scholarships, mentorship, and career development opportunities. We are proud to support talented scholars like Zoe as they pursue their goals and prepare to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Congratulations, Zoe! We cannot wait to see all that you accomplish! 🎓✨

📖 Read her inspiring story: https://www.flagler.edu/news-events/news/building-career-graduation-zoe-zinnie

10/09/2026

Meet Our Benefactor Members!
Every act of generosity helps widen the circle of opportunity for students and strengthens the community we are building together. 💛

Our Women of Vision Benefactor Members make so much of what we do possible, from scholarships to programs to opportunities that shape the futures of Flagler College students. Please join us in celebrating them:

Tara Trousdell Bassett
Kathleen Belleville
Robyn Cogley
Liz Dolan
Diana Essyemehiser
Evelyn "Prissy" Fletcher
Stacey Foster
Deborah Geanuleas
Dani Gwiazda '05
Erin Harding
Bonnie Hayflick
Suzanne Henry
Kathryn Clayborn Hoffman
Tayler Hurlebaus '15
Katerina Koutska Jones
Diane Key
Anna Machiz '07
Monica McGraw '03
Lisa Picard '92
Maria Puzziferro
Hannah Rullo '15
Sara San Juan
Taryn Stoddard
Kelly Toaston
Amy Vo

Your commitment is an investment in the next generation of leaders, and it does not go unnoticed. Thank you for believing in our vision and helping us bring it to life this year and beyond.

Interested in becoming a Benefactor Member? Join us here: https://tinyurl.com/JoinWOV or visit the link in our bio.

(Pictured, Clockwise from the top: Katerina Jones, Sara San Juan, Tara Bassett, Taryn Stoddard, Liz Dolan, Monica McGraw '03, Kathy Belleville). Photo credit: Zach Thomas Monarch Studio

10/08/2026

Meet Our Advisory Board!
At the heart of Women of Vision are the women who so generously share their time, wisdom, perspective, and care to help our mission and programs thrive.

Women of Vision is honored to introduce our 2026–2027 Advisory Board:

• Jennifer Akin, Executive Committee
• Linda Allen-Hawkins
• Daria Boles
• Mary Clark, Executive Committee
• Val Day, Executive Committee
• Ixiim Flores, Executive Committee
• Elizabeth Flostrand '12
• Lynn Gilberto
• Karen Glenos
• Kathi Keller
• Nancy Keszthelyi
• Lynda Kirker
• Melissa Korkes
• Janice Long
• Cindi Mason, Executive Committee
• Jane Mathis
• Judy Riggle, Vice-Chair
• Deb Riggs
• Cara Seifart
• Meridith Strout
• Ashley Stuart '15
• Beth Toy '97, Chair

Together, our Advisory Board Members bring decades of experience across business, education, philanthropy, and civic leadership. Their guidance helps us plan strategically, grow sustainably, and stay true to our mission of empowering and supporting Flagler College students.

Thank you for sharing your time, perspective, and belief in what we're building!

(Pictured, L to R: 1st Row: Mary Clark , Ixiim Flores , Judy Hicks Riggle, Beth Toy , Val Day , Jennifer Akin; 2nd Row: Daria Boles , Melissa Calderin Korkes , Cindi Mason, Elizabeth Flostrand; 3rd Row: Cara D. Donato Seifart, Karen Glenos , Deb Riggs, Jane Mathis; 4th Row: Lynda Kirker, Nancy Keszthelyi). Photo credit:Zach Thomas Monarch Studio

10/07/2026

Meet Our Women of Vision Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs!
So much of what makes Women of Vision feel like a true community happens because women are giving their time, care, and energy behind the scenes. 💫

Please join us in welcoming our 2026–2027 Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs:

Women of Vision: Beth Toy '97, Chair · Judy Hicks Riggle, Vice Chair · Val Day, Immediate Past Chair
Power of the Purse: Judy Riggle, Chair
Membership: Jennifer Akin, Chair · Elizabeth Flostrand, Vice Chair
Philanthropy: Mary Clark, Chair · Daria Boles, Vice Chair
Mentorship: Cindi Mason, Chair · Cara D. Donato Seifart, Vice Chair
Marketing & Communications: Ixiim Flores, Chair · Meridith Strout, Vice Chair

These women turn our vision into action through the planning, the details, and the countless hours no one sees. We are grateful for your leadership and so excited for the year ahead!

(Pictured, L to R: Cindi Mason, Cara Seifert, Ixiim Flores, Judy Riggle, Beth Toy, Val Day, Jennifer Akin, Elizabeth Flostrand, Mary Clark, Daria Boles). Photo credit: Zach Thomas Monarch Studio

10/06/2026

Meet Our Executive Committee!
We’re starting our new programming year with a whole lot of heart and an incredible group of women leading the way. ✨

We are thrilled to introduce the 2026–2027 Women of Vision Executive Committee: the women who will guide our mission, steward our WoV community, and help us dream bigger for Flagler College and the students we serve.

Beth Toy '97, Chair
Judy Hicks Riggle, Vice Chair & Power of the Purse Chair
Val Day, Immediate Past Chair
Jennifer Akin, Membership Chair
Mary Clark, Philanthropy Chair
Cindi Mason, Mentorship Chair
Ixiim Flores, Marketing & Communications Chair

Leading a volunteer organization takes more than a title. It takes time, heart, and a willingness to show up again and again. To each of you, thank you for saying yes. We can't wait to see what we build together this year!

(Pictured, L to R: Mary Clark, Cindi Mason, Judy Riggle, Beth Toy, Val Day, Jennifer Akin, Ixiim Flores)

Photo credit: Zach Thomas Monarch Studio

07/10/2026

Every scholarship tells a story.

It represents a student who can focus on learning instead of worrying about finances. A mentor who opens a door. A leadership opportunity that builds confidence. A community that believes in investing in the next generation.

That is the heart of Women of Vision.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, members, donors, volunteers, committee members, Flagler College staff, vendors, and community partners, this year’s Power of the Purse raised a historic $265,000 in gross revenue and welcomed a record-breaking 400 guests.

We are especially grateful to our signature sponsors:
• Bozard Lincoln – Program Sponsor
• DJ & Lindsey Real Estate – Live Auction Sponsor
• SchomWorks – Reception Sponsor
• Glenos Family Charitable Foundation Karen Glenos – Raffle Sponsor

Thank you to everyone who made this remarkable year possible. Together, we are creating opportunities that will impact Flagler College students for years to come.

Read the full story St. Augustine Social and see the difference your support is making. Thank you Heather Vreeland for highlighting our mission and :
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yYkkemt19EEX8KQYwEW5SkOffq2NISVl/view

📸 A special thank you to our In-Kind Sponsor, Monarch Studio, for capturing these special moments.

Address

74 King Street
Saint Augustine, FL
32084

Telephone

+19048196437

Website

https://www.flagler.edu/about/support-flagler/mentor-volunteer/women-vision, https://tinyurl.com/JoinWOV

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