The editorial team has a special attachment to our new series, The Trailblazers: Rewriting the Narrative, because so many of us feel that media portrayals of women have been too one dimensional. Today, women are doing incredible things in all fields – from science and technology to finance, law, business, athletics and more. With the Trailblazers series, we hope to highlight and celebrate female role models, encourage more equal and just representation in the media, and help foster a more tight-knit community locally helping women find mentors, business partners, friends and more.
Below, you’ll find some incredible trailblazers from in and around Boca Raton that we hope you will check out, follow and support.
Nancy Stewart-Franczak
I desperately wanted to see it prosper. I quickly got involved in volunteering for various city boards and organizations, committed to not taking this beautiful community for granted. I strongly believe that volunteering is the glue to connect to your community and to make it a better place to live. So much that I’ve called Delray Beach my home for the last 20 + years. Read more>>
Owyn Porter
The Happy Sea was created on a complete whim my freshman year of college at Florida Atlantic University. I called my mom Laurie Moffitt, on April Fools day hysterical because I was failing out of math and chemistry (for the second time.) I was completely lost and had no idea what to do next. It had been my dream since I was three to become a marine biologist to study/help save the orcas. Read more>>
Nancy Stewart-Franczak
In 1988, after a seven-year career with IBM in Boca Raton, I launched a graphic design and advertising agency in downtown Delray Beach. Instantly in love with the community that has been my home now for 20+ years, I immediately got involved in volunteering for various city boards and organizations. Sometimes, we take for granted the community that we live in. Read more>>
Raisa Laburtseva
Everything started with my daughter’ first birthday party three years ago. My friend showed me pictures with paper flowers, I knew I have to make those. The party turned out a huge success. After those friends of my friends asked me to decorate their parties as well. Then, I realized that I can earn some money like a wonderful hobby that can payout itself and with some extra left for ice cream for my kids. Read more>>
Melanie Johanson
Melanie Johanson currently serves as the Museum Director and Curator of the Cornell Art Museum in Delray Beach, Florida. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts from Loyola University New Orleans and a Post-baccalaureate degree from Tulane University, she spent five years as an art instructor and working for local graphic design firms. Read more>>
Karina Mariie Smith
I was a cheerleader for over five years, from the lowest level to the collegiate level. And ultimately, I will be the first in my family to not only obtain a bachelors but further my education by working towards an MSW. I plan to become an LCSW and help underprivileged communities. Aside from my studies, I enjoy building up my social media platform and networking. Read more>>
Ashley Alexa
I had more bumps in the road. I get most proud of small accomplishments. A step is a step. It still goes forward. I’ve learned to appreciate every moment of it. I am my own competition. I always strive to be better than yesterday. Not that girl on Instagram. Not that artist with a higher range than me. I love being different. I tend to stay that way. Read more>>
Paige Lavoie
I love how in depth I can get into the character’s emotions and scenery. I learn something new about crafting stories every day. And I am now a team member of Writer’s Atelier, a FL based writing studio that has the most wonderful writing community. Writing is something I always thought you had to do alone and for the most part that’s true. Read more>>
Monique McLaughlin
I started doing makeup and hair when I was in high school, where I was a part of the drama program. I am also an artist who suffers from painter’s block. Makeup artistry came more easily to me.The face as a canvas inspired me much more than plain white paper. I see the beauty that is possible from the simplicity all around me. Read more>>
Danielle J.S. Gordon
I started dancing at two-years-old and haven’t stopped. I’ve trained locally, nationally and internationally in styles including ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop and many more. After high school, I went to Elon University in North Carolina to major in Sport and Event Management with a minor in Spanish. Read more>>
