Alexandra Walker is an experienced event planner, photographer, and founder of Babes, Booze & Business, a thriving 5,000+ member nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in business through free networking events and support. She’s passionate about creating inclusive spaces where women can grow, connect, and thrive, while also giving back through grant programs, fundraising efforts, and community drives. Her work extends across Central Florida, where she actively supports local schools, small businesses, and nonprofit initiatives through planning, mentorship, and collaboration.
She leads Small Business Development Program, Inc. local to national operations with responsibilities for business innovations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Canada. She also oversees our organization’s ongoing expansion efforts into emerging operations.
In her current role as the Community Affairs Liaison, she serves as Senior Vice President of corporate development and expansion efforts into high momentum. Emerging our program both locally and nationally.
Francine has worked to brighten the horizon for upcoming businesses and ministries. In her current role, Francine has assisted over 284 organizations and ministries. Both local and national. Using her expertise in Non-Profit Law she has emerged a number of organizations to high momentum. Assisting with corporate development and funding resources.
As our Executive Program Management Director, Francine has taken innovation of business to a level of true expertise. With integrity and care. She also held a Senior position at the North Carolina Small Business Development Program, Inc. office. Where she remains active as an advisor. She strategically provides advisory and implementation services to companies seeking turnarounds.
Francine holds a master’s degree in business administration and an associate degree in Mass Communications from University of North Florida. She is currently a student at Yale University majoring Corporate Law. Francine has proudly held her position with Small Business Development Program, Inc. also known as SBDPFLORIDA for 18 years.
Successfully placing a footprint in the beautiful State of Florida. Francine now partners with several municipal government organizations and community development offices.
Creating an impactful content for business development and inspiring global efforts.
Born in Caracas, Venezuela where she graduated and obtained her bachelor Marketing degree, with a major in Commerce. She entered the job force at age 17 where she began her career in the banking industry. She began her management career at the early age of 20, and by 22 she made her move to The United States with her husband Juan and eldest child Carlos. Living in the greater Miami Area, she worked for a Freight Forwarder company which gave her a chance to work directly with the U.S. Customs Enforcement. She then voiced her interest in real estate where she worked her way up to a Management of a mid level Title, Mortgage and Real Estate Company where she oversaw the daily activities of multiple employees, while embracing diversity, Equity and inclusion in the work field.
Just a few of her awards & recognitions received
-2024 Part of the White House Latino StakeHolder
-2024 Committee DEI for the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce.
-2024 workforce round table in Orlando with ABIC
-2024 attending Tony Ortiz Government Academy
-2024 entrepreneurHer Award WIN West Volusia Brand
-2025 received Rotary Service Pin for her dedication to serving the community.
-2025 Secure America’s Workforce Washington DC advocate ABIC conference and advocate meetings
-2025 leader of the 2nd Venezuelan Summit with 80 organizations in the US.
-2025 speaker at the Cumbre Annual de Violencia Doméstica
-2025 Board of Directors of the Volusia-Flagler YMCA
-2025 Named the first CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida.
At the end of november she was selected by the White house amongst 80 Venezuelans out of 7 millions Venezuelans living in the USA to be a representative of the Diaspora Venezuela and to celebrate the 1st time “Venezuela Day at the White House. She meets every quarter with The White House, Homeland Security, USCIS and other government agencies to help and strategize on the immigration policies, these initiatives help not only with immigration issues but also with workforce strategic and developing plans.
In December 2023 together with her Board of Directors she was able to receive 205 members from the West Volusia Regional Chamber of Commerce as a transfer due to a result of their closing, at no cost to their members, this helped many businesses in the community to stay engaged and be able to be part of the Hispanic Chamber of commerce of Central Florida while they stay connected in a growing business and community environment.
Director of Facilities Operations, has been appointed to the Children and Families Advisory Board (CFAB) for Volusia County. His appointment is not just an honor for Goire; it signifies a significant step forward for our community.
Goire has been a steadfast advocate for the well-being of families in Volusia County, and his diverse roles reflect a deep passion for service. He currently holds positions that extend his influence and expertise beyond FHCP. As an Executive Board Member and Director of Government Affairs for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, a member of the Rotary Club, and an Executive Board Member for PFLAG, Goire is a powerhouse of community engagement. Each role underscores his commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around him.
Dr. Sherry D. Pough stands as a powerful force in education and community empowerment, championing equity, excellence, and access for all. A Miami native, she is the founder and CEO of Spanish Hill Educational Consulting, a dynamic organization dedicated to equipping families, schools, and communities with the tools they need to help every child — from the gifted to the underserved — reach their fullest potential.
A lifelong educator, Dr. Sherry’s passion lies in reshaping systems to center student achievement and parent engagement. Her work resonates throughout Florida and beyond, where her influence is felt in classrooms, boardrooms, and grassroots spaces alike.
Deeply rooted in service, Dr. Sherry is a charter member and president of the Delta Alpha Tau Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She played a pivotal role in not only chartering the undergraduate chapter at Stetson University and most recently, the Zeta Amicae Auxiliary of West Volusia was chartered, magnifying the impact of the blue and white family. She is also the dedicated Youth Council Advisor for the West Volusia Branch of the NAACP; mentoring the next generation of young Black leaders with the same intentionality and love she brings to all her work.
Dr. Sherry is a sought-after speaker, having presented at the Jack and Jill Teen Conference, the Arizona Alliance of Black School Educators Summit, and the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators Annual Conference, among others. Her voice resonates with urgency, clarity, and purpose — having appeared on Mocha Moms, Inc. Parent Nation Webinar and Moms of Black Boys United (MOBB) Podcast, always advocating for students and families who deserve to be seen and supported.
As an author, her book Boss Up and Raise Your Boys and upcoming release Boss Up and Affirm: 31 Days of Positive Affirmations reflect her heart work: empowering mothers, particularly of Black boys, to raise confident, resilient, and purpose-driven young men.
Dr. Sherry is a devoted wife, proud mother of two accomplished adult sons, a newly minted mother-in-love, and the proud grandmother to her beloved Harmony — the heartbeat of her legacy.
Winter Park native Joseph Hearn has been recognized as one of Orlando’s “Men and Women of the Year” for his exceptional contributions to the Central Florida community.
With over 30 years of corporate event experience, Joseph has achieved national recognition for his award-winning events, consistently earning his company the title of “Best of the Best” for the past decade. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and collaborative approach, he creates events that range from grand and extravagant to refined and intimate, always tailored to his clients’ unique visions.
Beyond his professional achievements, Joseph is a devoted philanthropist with a passion for youth empowerment. He believes in the importance of investing in the next generation and has held numerous leadership roles across Central Florida. His contributions include serving as Past President of the Boys & Girls Club, President of the Rotary Club, Vice President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, and Past President of the DeLand & Greater West Volusia Chamber of Commerce. He also remains actively involved as a board member for various non-profits, including the Main Street Association and the Volusia County Education Committee.
One of Joseph’s greatest passions is mentoring youth to help them achieve their goals. He works closely with initiatives like Sisters Build Network for Girls, collaborating with founder Dr. Primrose Cameron to empower young individuals and create opportunities for their future success.
Joseph’s tireless dedication to his community and philanthropy has earned him numerous prestigious awards, cementing his legacy as a respected leader and inspiring others to make a positive impact. He embodies the spirit of service, leaving an indelible mark on Central Florida through his unwavering commitment to excellence and empowerment.
We are mastectomy fitters who work closely with individuals before and after mastectomy surgery to restore comfort, confidence, and a sense of self through carefully chosen breast forms, bras, and supportive garments tailored to their bodies and their journeys.
Launching our new mastectomy fitting business is more than a career milestone—it’s a personal calling to serve individuals navigating life before and after breast surgery. This business was born from a deep awareness of the emotional and physical challenges faced by those impacted by mastectomy. Many patients feel overwhelmed by clinical environments or ill-fitting products that do little to restore their sense of normalcy. Our approach centers around empathy, personalization, and dignity—creating a welcoming space where each client feels seen, understood, and cared for.
My name is Janice Rivera, and I’m the founder of The Hold My Hand Foundation, a nonprofit inspired by a life-changing experience. At 19 years old, I was involved in a tragic car accident caused by drinking and driving. I survived, but I lost my dominant hand. That moment didn’t just change my life physically; it transformed my purpose.
Instead of letting pain define me, I chose to become a voice for the next generation. The Hold My Hand Foundation was born out of a vision to use my story as a powerful tool to educate youth about the dangers of drinking and driving, the importance of mental health, and making wise decisions. Our mission is to offer guidance, healing, and mentorship through innovative storytelling, workshops, and school partnerships.
On behalf of Faye’s Pillars of Hope, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who joined us for our 2025 Pillars Of Light Gala. Your presence made the evening truly special and contributed to the warm, celebratory atmosphere.
It was an honor to recognize the remarkable individuals and organizations who embody the spirit of our mission and whose dedication illuminates the path for so many. Their stories of courage, innovation, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact were truly inspiring, and we were thrilled to share this momentous occasion with you.
Your support means the world to us. It enables Faye’s Pillars of Hope to continue our vital work, empowering communities and fostering a brighter future for all. We believe that by coming together, we can amplify our collective efforts and create lasting change.
We hope you enjoyed the evening as much as we did, and we look forward to your continued partnership in the journey ahead.
With sincere appreciation, The Faye’s Pillars of Hope Team
Honoring Corporate and Community Impact Across Central Florida
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 9 corporations—3 each from Seminole, Volusia, and Orange County—that go above and beyond in supporting local initiatives (nonprofit organizations), uplifting communities, and building lasting change through corporate responsibility.
We’ll also honor one outstanding individual whose commitment to nonprofit work exemplifies the heart and soul of Central Florida’s giving spirit.
