This year, we are highlighting seven ladies who are dreaming big and defining what it means to reach for the stars and find success. From small business owners to health professionals, event coordinators and those aspiring for the arts, we see beauty in each of their experiences. We hope their words inspire you to also dream and pursue life in a profound way.
Kelly Benson
Gallery Owner and Custom Picture Framer
Can you tell us a little bit about Beautiful Art Picture Framing?
We have been in business for 24 years right here in Parker. I framed out of my home for 15 years and raised my two sons. Two and a half years ago I expanded and now have my art gallery and custom frame design center! My team is local artists! They are from all walks of life! From an airline pilot, wedding photographer, a lawyer, a German professor and more, we have over 15 artists on display in the gallery.
You mention "the sky's the limit" in framing, how does this reflect in your own life?
The term "the sky's the limit" in my own life means you can be anything you want to be! I learned the value of how to “think outside the box” early in my life. It started with my dad building a roundhouse in the Black Hills of South Dakota. That taught me so much and to ALWAYS keep an open mind when designing in picture framing!
What inspires you most when partnering with the community and other artists?
My goal is to always keep creativity at the forefront! I recently stepped into the vice president position for the Parker Artist Guild. Over the years I have served on the Parker Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Professional Picture Framers Association Board of Directors and now on the Parker Artist Guild Board of Directors. Serving the community is an important part of who I am as a business owner and person.
Pam Briere
Business Owner
What are you most excited about in 2024?
I am excited about Villa Parker (the venue), Elevated Taste Catering and Grace and Co. (the planning company). They all go hand in hand with one another. We have 90 events booked and have some prime wedding dates still open. I am just really excited to see my team all come together and create some amazing events this year. Villa Parker is more than just a wedding venue. We love hosting corporate events, weddings, bridal showers, small conventions, birthday parties, anniversary parties and more. The views are spectacular and Villa is such a beautiful property.
What motivates me is watching my team grow. To see where they were in 2020 to where we are now with the additional companies and Parker Fashion Week, it is very rewarding and satisfying to see my team thrive.
What is a word of advice for those just getting started in their endeavors?
I would tell anyone that if you have an idea or a concept and you are afraid, don't be. Jump right in! After 19 years of being in the food and beverage industry, I would not change a thing. Give yourself room to make mistakes and learn. Don't be afraid, the rewards are worth more than the fear.
Kenzie Cooper
Aspiring Ballerina
Where did you discover your passion to dance?
When I was 5 years old I saw a ballerina on the tv for the first time. I was mesmerized by the graceful movements of the ballerinas twirling across the screen. Every arabesque, pirouette and plié ignited a spark within my heart. I knew from then that I wanted to be a ballerina more than anything. This fueled a passion that would soon lead me to my first ballet class, where I would take my first steps towards my dream.
What do you love most as a ballerina?
Ballet has the power to convey emotions and tell stories without words. Through the choreography, dancers express a range of feelings and narratives, allowing the audience to connect with the performance on a deeper level. Another is the dedication required to master ballet techniques. It is so rewarding to see all of my hard work pay off.
Where would you like to travel?
I would love to travel around Europe.
Robin Holt
Senior Event Manager
What do you love about being an event manager?
The true reward lies in the opportunity to collaborate with remarkable people to craft unforgettable moments. Whether it's orchestrating a once-in-a-lifetime wedding or celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary, I cherish the chance to play a pivotal role in shaping these cherished memories. Being able to infuse magic into these significant occasions and witness the joy it brings to people's lives is what I love most about my profession.
How do you define success?
On a personal level, success is intertwined with the happiness and cohesion of my family. Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of daily life to embark on adventures together, whether near or far, and creating lasting memories, signifies that we're on the right path.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Inspiration is a tapestry woven from diverse threads. Whether it's the delicate bloom of a flower or the immersive experiences of international travel, inspiration can be found in the grandest of vistas or the tiniest of details, continually fueling my creativity and passion for what I do.
Jann Levinsky
Owner of Showplace Cabinetry Design Center
What drew you to architecture?
I became interested in architecture simply based upon the visual of so many styles and designs of residences and commercial buildings. I particularly loved new residential construction and used to ring doorbells (back in the day) and ask if I could view people's homes. The beauty of each design was intriguing to me; and to see the many different elements that went into each area of the home was fascinating.
What makes you passionate as a leader of a business?
Promoting good design keeps me smiling. My staff all have backgrounds in interior design which allows them to give the details to not just cabinetry, but all elements needed to complete the picture. I want to keep nurturing that feeling and teaching beyond just design. It is my job to share my many years of experience in both the residential and commercial fields. Trends come and go, but good design will never go out of vogue.
What is one word of advice you have for future leaders?
One word of advice to anyone wanting to lead: work hard and don't be afraid of mistakes. That is how you learn. Watch and listen. Not only to your peers, but to your clients as well. You always learn no matter who is speaking. Just listen and share.
Andréa Narvaez
Chief Nursing Officer, VP Patient Care Services
As the Chief Nursing Officer at AdventHealth Parker what are you most excited about in 2024?
I am thrilled to welcome the community of Parker to get to know AdventHealth. At AdventHealth, we understand that healthcare is a deeply personal choice, and we are honored to be your trusted partner in your wellness journey.
Every day, we are driven by a commitment to patient safety, excellence in care and supporting our dedicated team of nurses and caregivers. It is this passion that fuels us to rise and meet the challenges of each day with dedication and compassion.
As a leader, what inspires you to dream bigger and cast wider nets for vision?
By dreaming bigger and casting wider nets for vision, we can create a healthcare environment where both patients and caregivers thrive, driving positive change and innovation in the pursuit of excellence. It is this vision of a healthier, more resilient healthcare community that inspires me to continually push the boundaries of what is possible as a leader in healthcare.
What is one word of advice that you would give to someone just getting started in their career?
If I could offer just one word of advice to someone just starting their career, it would be: Embrace. Embrace every opportunity, challenge and experience that comes your way. Embrace the chance to learn and grow, even in the face of difficulty. Embrace it all, and trust in your journey.
"I learned the value of how to “think outside the box” early in my life."
"Don't be afraid, the rewards are worth more than the fear."
"Every arabesque, pirouette and plié ignited a spark within my heart."
"Inspiration is a tapestry woven from diverse threads."