Emma Kate Silvestri
Marketing Director
Sharky’s on the Pier, Fins at Sharky’s, Snook Haven
An advertising major/history minor UF grad, Emma Kate Silvestri spent a summer studying in London, where she fell in love with traveling. She and her husband Joe have a two-year-old daughter, Blake. Emma Kate previously worked for Gulf Coast Medical Group/Venice Regional Bayfront Health. She’s been Marketing Director at Venice Pier Group for nearly seven years.
What do you love about your position?
The variety. I’ve always enjoyed art and drawing, and love designing ads, flyers, digital graphics, signage and more. Being part of a supportive, family-owned business, the sky’s the limit in terms of creativity. Marketing food and drink in unbelievably gorgeous locations is a huge plus! No day is ever the same.
Do you have advice for younger women?
Never stop learning. Marketing changes so fast – especially when it comes to SEO and digital advertising. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone. I used to hate public speaking, but the more I did it the more I became comfortable.
Who is an important woman in your life and what did you learn from her?
My mom. Her advice is to do your best, be a good person, and be honest. Now that I have my daughter, I’m learning more and more all of the sacrifices my mom made for me. I hope I can instill the same values in Blake.
Venice Pier Group corporate office: 205 Base Avenue, Venice. Sharkysonthepier.com
Nicole Britton
Director of Development
The Twig Cares, Inc.
Working with children has been Nicole’s passion since working at St. Mark’s Preschool at age 15. She attended Florida State and earned a BA in Developmental Psychology from Keiser University. Her family includes children Hayley, Ryley, Mattisyn, and Wyatt, and she and her husband Matt are foster parents to a 5-month old son. In 2017, she became the Director of Development at The Twig Cares, Inc, which provides new clothing and other services to children in foster care.
What do you love about your position?
I love spreading awareness about the needs of foster children, and to create opportunities for people to make a difference. Whether they become a volunteer, a donor, hold a clothing collection, or learning about fostering, I love helping people find how they can give back.
What does your job entail?
I'm often in the middle of planning more than one in-house fundraising event while also running collection drives, writing grant requests, handling donor relations, and being involved in networking and community engagement. A lot of planning and background work goes into each of our events and fundraisers to make them successful.
Did you have a mentor?
My mom always gave her time volunteering and serving on committees within our church and our community. She taught me how to love others while also being there for my family.
826 Pinebrook Rd. Venice. 941.220.7958. Thetwigcares.com
Christina McCauley
Development Coordinator
Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County
Christina graduated from Venice High, where she met her husband and high school sweetheart, Don. The couple have two children, a son Seth, and daughter Quinn. A University of Tampa communications graduate, she began her career as a reporter for the Venice Gondolier, and later became Executive Director of the Friends of the Venice Library. In 2016, she joined Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County.
What do you love about your work?
I love seeing our homeowners’ lives improve. Once in their Habitat home, they feel a new sense of security and comfort. Many then seek further education or advancement in their careers.
What is a work a major work challenge you have to handle?
Time management. It is important to prioritize and keep a to-do list. There are also so many wonderful networking opportunities in the area that it is easy to want to do them all. Finding a good work-home balance is important.
Advice to younger women?
Be yourself! In marketing and development, relationships are key. Being genuine and approachable. Speak from your heart and truly care about the mission of your organization.
Did you have a woman mentor in your life?
My mom, Nancy, was a business owner for decades, running a shop in downtown Venice, and my aunt Susan was a high-level executive at Equifax. I’ve never doubted that women can be the boss and be amazing at it.
Habitat For Humanity South Sarasota County, 280 Alligator Drive,
Venice. 941.493.6606. HabitatSouthSarasota.org
Kristen Myers
Sales & Marketing Director
Village On The Isle
A graduate of USF with a Social Work degree and graduate certificates in Gerontology and Marketing, Kristen recently completed a Digital Marketing Certificate through UCF. The proud mother of Christopher and Kaitlyn, Kristen’s life partner is Sander Bergstrom, Executive Chef at Mission Valley Country Club. A Program Director for Lutheran Social Services Guardianship Program in Sarasota County for eight years, Kristen has worked for Village On The Isle since 2002. She has been VOTI’s Sales & Marketing Director for five years.
What do you love about the work you do?
Seniors. Their life experiences and knowledge inspire me. I have always advocated for them and enjoy finding the perfect homes for them here at VOTI. As one of VOTI’s Executive Directors, I also enjoy working with my fellow team members to make sure our residents are happy and well cared for.
What is a work challenge you face that people don’t think about or notice?
I feel a huge responsibility to make sure our revenue goals are met, and I take personal pride in my integrity as a salesperson and director. There is so much involved in making a decision to move into a retirement community, and I help with every step.
Did you have a woman mentor in your life?
My mother showed me how to be generous, responsible, how to work hard, and the importance of family. A former co-worker taught me about communication, relational selling and how to stand up for myself.
920 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. 941.484.9753. Villageontheisle.com
Camelle Liakakos
Operations Manager
Classic Creation In Diamonds & Gold
Camelle earned a BA in Business Administration from Towson University, moved to Florida on a whim in 2006, and married her husband, Peter, in Sarasota in 2013. Camelle is stepmother to Peter, mother to Nikolas, and is expecting a daughter. Before joining Classic Creations, Camelle worked in the restaurant, retail, property management, customer service, and marketing industries. She’s soon leaving Venice for new opportunities and everyone at Venice Lifestyle Magazinewishes her well!
What do you love about your position?
The independence and freedom. I’ve been given goals and objectives, but they are mine to formulate and execute. I really appreciate the confidence my superiors have given me. I'd be remiss to say that being around diamonds all day definitely has its perks!
What is a work challenge you face?
Being in retail fine jewelry in an area known for ‘retired life’ can be tricky. You want to keep in touch with new trends without changing the scene too much. I think the fact that Classic Creations has been in business for 40 years speaks for itself.
Any advice for a younger woman?
Be willing to learn as much as possible. Become indispensable to your company, and to yourself.
Did you have a mentor?
My mother. Being pregnant now with my daughter, I feel a responsibility to raise a confident woman who knows her worth, just like my mother did for me.
2389 Tamiami Trail S., Venice. 941.497.6331. ClassicCreationsJewelers.com