Celebrating Women Who Make Our City Beautiful
In honor of Women's History Month, let's recognize the women who make Lift Orlando possible. The leadership and wisdom of the women on our staff have guided us through some of our most transformative projects. Enjoy these mini-interviews featuring some of the brilliant and hardworking women of Lift Orlando.
Tanneka Guice - Development Manager
Tanneka, what inspired you to pursue a career in your field, and have you faced any challenges as a woman in your profession?
“I didn't choose this path initially. My degree is in mass communications which includes a background in public relations. The job I applied for ended up being outsourced, but I was offered another position, and that led me to learn about the world of development. It turns out development is similar to PR because relationships are important in both fields. I thrive in relationship building.
The workplace wasn’t designed for women, particularly women of color. I've had to prove my ability and skill set where it's not challenged by my counterparts. Women are just as knowledgeable, capable, and willing to lead in the workplace. Our work should speak for itself, and our gender has nothing to do with our ability to get the job done.”
Who are the female role models that have influenced your life and career, and what lessons have you learned from them?
“I have been fortunate enough to cross paths with remarkable women. My grandmother was three generations out of slavery with a third-grade education. She taught me the value of serving and giving. Her mother taught her that those that serve the most lead the best. This is valuable in my personal and professional life. Myrlie Wiley-Evers is another woman that I admire. Her strength, determination, and willingness to teach other women the importance of forgiveness, grace, and pressing through challenges are undeniable.”
What advice do you have for young women just starting their careers?
“1. Remember your why, because there will be seasons of doubt, discouragement, and distraction that will make you question your career decisions.
2. Give yourself grace when you make a mistake and the space to course correct it.
3. Your talent will get you there, but your integrity will keep you there.
4. Always look for an opportunity to help someone.”
Kristin Falcon - Finance/HR Manager
Kristin, What inspired you to pursue a career in your field, and have you faced any challenges as a woman in your profession?
“I wanted to pursue a career in accounting as soon as I took my first accounting class in college. Accounting provides stability and structure that can make you feel safe while also opening several doors to great opportunities down the road. As far as challenges go, I had a rude awakening right out the gate when I started my career, but it taught me several lessons that still guide me today. Two of the many lessons are to seek out leaders and co-workers who are going to treat you with respect and to not be afraid to question if something is "normal" or not. More than likely, it is not normal.”
Who are the female role models that have influenced your life and career, and what lessons have you learned from them?
“There are several women in my life that I’m lucky to call family and friends and look at as role models. Every day through their actions and words, they teach me how to be brave in all aspects of life, and most of all to relax and have fun!
What advice do you have for young women who are just starting their careers?
“Trust your gut! If something doesn't feel right or if you’re not treated properly, don't be afraid to keep looking until you find your home. I promise it is worth the risk because in doing so, I have found my home with Lift Orlando.”
Julie Choma - Grant Manager
Julie, what inspired you to pursue a career in your field, and have you faced any challenges as a woman in your profession?
“Before Lift Orlando, I worked in the museum field as a registrar and collections manager. In the museum industry, most fields are extremely male-dominated. It was made clear that my opinion was not wanted and was often dismissed solely due to my gender. While men in the room were automatically provided agency, I had to continually fight for mine without letting any struggle be seen.
After my first interview with Lift Orlando, I knew this was where I wanted to be. Working here has allowed me to use my professional strengths to help others, which is something I had always wanted to do. Our mission and work inspire me every day. “
Who are the female role models that have influenced your life and career, and what lessons have you learned from them?
“My mom always provided unconditional love and support. In college, I worked for the Student Activities Office and had two amazing female mentors named Anne and Sherry. They were determined and caring, and encouraged me at every turn. Anne often attended meetings where she was the only woman in the room. Instead of being dissuaded from her path, it only encouraged her to push forward. Her conviction and strength of character are something I've tried to remember during the countless meetings throughout my career when my gender was used as a weapon.”
What advice do you have for young women who are just starting their careers?
“Never give up and pursue your dreams. When someone tells you that you can't do something, get up, dust off, and then prove them wrong.”
Adrienne Evans - VP of Shared Services
Adrienne, who are the female role models that have influenced your life and career, and what lessons have you learned from them?
“Brené Brown's books and podcasts have significantly influenced my leadership style. Her focus on authenticity, vulnerability, and clarity are key to effective leadership. Sandy Hostetter and Lisa Shultz from the Lift Orlando board are strong, authentic women leaders serving on a majority-male board. Learning from them for the past seven years has been invaluable.”
What advice do you have for young women who are just starting their careers?
”You are in the room because you worked hard to get there. You deserve to be there, don't doubt yourself. Set clear boundaries for yourself and know your inherent value apart from work. Make time to build relationships with other women, support them, and let them support you."
Anna Kinchens - Early Childhood Education Specialist
Anna, what inspired you to pursue a career in your field, and have you faced any challenges as a woman in your profession?
“I’ve dreamed of teaching since elementary school. “Teacher” was my favorite game to play with friends, and I believe being the family babysitter was also pivotal to my love for working with children. Being a woman in the education field was specifically challenging when I was a young educator or moved to different schools. There were times when I felt unheard and/or undervalued. As a strong and determined woman, I found a way to become an expert at my craft.”
Who are the female role models that have influenced your life and career, and what lessons have you learned from them?
“My mom was my first inspiration. She always recognized my qualities to work with children. Her encouragement saw me to places of leadership that I couldn't imagine for myself. I’m grateful for her always speaking life and praying for me. Two other inspirational women include my first-grade teacher Ms. Morgan, and my prior principal and now mentor Dr. Jennifer Porter-Smith. They both had a profound impact on my view of education and approach to leadership.”
What advice do you have for young women who are just starting their careers?
“First, you must believe and trust in yourself. The work may get hard some days, but every goal you have set for yourself is worth the hard work. Also, never lose yourself. Find the balance between work and self-care. Most women in my generation and before wore hard work and self-sacrifice like a badge of honor because that was expected of us. You can’t be your best self at work, home, or anything in between if you don’t take care of yourself.”
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the women who make our work possible. To get involved, please email Lift@liftorlando.org.