Women Who Rock 2024 Winners Uplift Us All
This past March, during Women’s History Month, 68 nominees for Brevard’s “Women Who Rock” awards were honored at a sold-out luncheon. The celebration was hosted by Florida Tech’s weVENTURE Women’s Business Center and presenting sponsor Clevens Face and Body Specialists.
Winners in six categories were announced at the event, with over 400 attendees present to applaud the efforts of our local female trailblazers. In her opening remarks, WeVenture Executive Director Kathryn Rudloff reminded guests that despite the great gains women have made in the workplace, they are still underrepresented in management and leadership positions.
The Women Who Rock awards were established to honor local women who have not only succeeded despite the odds, but who continue to mentor and encourage other women.
This year’s winners are:
Small Business Owner of the Year
Rebekah Coates, owner, Fit4Mom
Coates and her team of 12 instructors lead fitness classes for moms throughout Brevard County. The program provides both community and fitness for moms, helping women make connections in what can be a challenging stage of life. Coates and her team help all mothers to stay physically and mentally healthy, whether they are stay-at-home moms or women juggling careers and family.
As a working mom and entrepreneur, Coates hopes to inspire other women and let them see it is possible to run a small business and raise a family. She also is inspired by the relationships she sees grow because of her classes.
“I love being a mommy matchmaker and connecting mamas with their lifelong besties,” Coates said. “I am so blessed to connect moms in a safe environment where they can support each other through mom life!”
Executive of the Year
Janie McDermott, vice president, chief human resources officer and principal, BRPH
Janie McDermott serves as the first, and currently only, female member of the board for architecture, engineering, and construction firm BRPH. As the chief human resources officer, McDermott is instrumental in shaping the culture of the firm and making sure it is welcoming for all employees, especially women and minorities. The firm has been repeatedly named a “Best Place to Work,” by employees, and McDermott strives to maintain a family first atmosphere for all team members.
McDermott, who has spent her career in male dominated industries, is looking forward to continuing to mentor other women in the workplace.
“I work with an exceptional group of women and I look forward to continuing to advocate for their growth in the organization,” McDermott said. “I know I’m the first woman to serve as a board member and I’m confident that we will have women on the board for the long term.”
Excellence in Mentorship
Kodey Bogart, CEO, KB Solutions, LLC
Kodey Bogart is an experienced pilot, a military combat veteran, and an expert in airline safety. She also started a local nonprofit, The Space Coast Women in Aviation Alliance, to teach high school girls about the diversity of careers available in aviation. The alliance hosts networking events for women in the industry, providing them with the opportunity to get together and lift each other up.
Bogart is passionate about promoting aviation and aerospace careers to young girls here on the Space Coast and beyond. She wrote and published a children’s book, “Helo Girls,” the first in a planned series, each centered on a different helicopter mission led by a female pilot.
“I just want to continue to inspire as many children as I can about aviation and aerospace,” Bogart said. “Living here in Brevard County, there is no better place to do that. We have so many opportunities here. All the big players in aviation and aerospace are in our back yard.”
Women in Trending in Tech
Kimberly Alkire, director of cyber wellness and chief information security officer, Health First
Alkire’s career at Health First has progressed rapidly, from security architect to director of cyberwellness to her new position as chief information security officer. Her role requires her to develop and implement high level cybersecurity strategies that reduce risk for both Health First employees and patients.
Alkire started a mentoring program at Health First specifically for women in technology careers. She also presides over the ISC2 Space Coast Chapter, a local affiliate of the world’s leading association for cybersecurity professionals.
Excellence in Caregiving
Jennifer Barton, founder and CEO, Seniors Helping Seniors
Jennifer Barton manages a team of 98 empathetic senior caregivers who help provide affordable in-home care services to other seniors who need additional assistance. Her unique model provides a compassionate support option for hundreds of Space Coast seniors.
Barton said her mother, who was in the insurance business, first showed her how important it was to mentor other women. She is also quick to credit other weVENTURE members with being a source of support.
“The women I have met through weVENTURE are inspiring and push me to be a better businesswoman and leader,” Barton said. “They have even encouraged me to grow personally, which highlighted to me how much these women truly care about other women. I believe in ‘fixing one another’s crowns’ and want to encourage other women to collaborate, not to compete.”
Zonta Yellow Rose Award for Excellence in Community Service
Juanita Jackson, president, Brevard Zetas
Juanita Jackson is the leader of a dynamic group of women dedicated to community service and uplifting others. Under her guidance, the Brevard Zetas have raised funds for national organizations like American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The organization also gives back locally, partnering with Brevard Public Schools to provide supplies and volunteers to local schools in need.
“It was truly an honor to be nominated for this award and actually receiving it was very humbling and impactful,” Jackson said. “These awards help inspire us because it shows that we are seen. We are seen for how we choose to serve others, run a business, and lead in our professions.”
Learn More
For more information or to register for weVENTURE WBC courses and mentorship programs, visit weventure.fit.edu or call 321-674-7007.
Map It
