Jen Verge
Whether through real estate, networking, or volunteering, Jen Verge makes it her mission to ensure people feel supported and valued. When hurricanes devastated our community, she posted a simple Facebook video asking for help, and the response was overwhelming. “Our community showed up like I have never seen before. People came to donate items, volunteer their time, and help their fellow community members, and it was so heartwarming to witness,” she recalls.
However, her commitment extends beyond disaster relief. As treasurer of Hub Life Charities Inc., advocate for Hernando Hispanic Heritage, and Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce board member, Jenn leads with action, proving that strong communities thrive when people unite. She believes flourishing neighborhoods are not just about geography—they are about relationships, trust, and a collective commitment to improving life together.
“A thriving community is built on connection, inclusivity, and a shared purpose. It flourishes when people come together to support one another and create growth opportunities,” she says. And through her tireless efforts, Jen ensures that no one stands alone.
Yvette Behmer
Whether it is by faith or by service, Yvette Behmer is keen on fostering linkages as her goal. “It’s about collaboration, supporting each other, and building relationships. As a woman of faith, I believe in the power of love, kindness, and shared values, and I love sharing that with others,” she says.
From supporting veterans through the Lucas Macyszyn & Dyer Community Foundation to fundraising efforts with Lakewood Family Church and Rotary, it’s no secret that Yvette leads with her heart in our community. “Many years ago, our firm hosted a concert to honor active-duty military, veterans, and Gold Star families for their incredible service. As we moved through the crowd, asking people to share their stories, one thing became clear: they were so thankful that we, as a community, had not forgotten them. Their immense sacrifices and losses had been great, yet they were smiling and genuinely appreciative despite everything. It was clear that they felt seen and valued.”
She believes that community thrives when people connect with what drives them and their passions. “It’s about listening, watching people come together, and knowing that no matter what each individual brings to the table, it’s all in God’s hands. He gives us our talents and has a plan for each of us.”
When it comes to service, she keeps it simple: listen, appear, and follow up. According to Yvette, genuine change is not always about being in every corner of the community but about being present where it is most needed—by organizing fundraisers, offering prayers to those in need, or helping local businesses through networking. She believes that faith will ensure that no one in her community ever feels alone.
Tina Gordon
For Tina Gordon, community represents a sense of belonging among those who live and work in a shared space.
A week into her role at NPR Main Street Inc., she walked into a meeting and was met with business owners advocating for changes in their town. “The lesson I learned about the importance of community will forever be stamped on my heart. I saw business owners working together to solve issues that benefited everyone rather than thinking of themselves,” she shared.
Tina has dedicated herself to our community—organizing events, supporting nonprofits, and ensuring everyone has a voice.
Angela Mineo
For Angela Mineo, community is about connection—knowing that you’re not navigating life alone but surrounded by people who support and inspire you. It’s about having a space where people feel heard.
“I finally feel like someone is listening to me.” Those words from a client reminded Angela why she founded Cheval Wellness and why she leads the local Women Who Lead chapter of ABWA. “That moment reaffirmed why I do what I do—because women deserve to be heard, supported, and empowered,” she shared.
Through healthcare and everyday kindness, Angela is building a community where women thrive.
Lavonne Williams
Through Axe Hole NPR, Lavonne Williams has created more than just a business—she’s built a community where people find comfort. A space made for fun quickly became something she didn’t expect it to. “I was building a safe haven. A place where people could celebrate the joys of life and seek comfort during their worst days,” she emphasized.
As a Krewe de Forti and G2 Community Youth Foundation member, Lavonne leads by example, hosting fundraisers and providing support, a passion beyond her doors. “A thriving community lifts each other—without the need for recognition, just love.”
Nikki Burke
For Nikki Burke, community means sharing a sense of responsibility. Through her work in insurance, she ensures neighbors are protected, but her commitment doesn’t stop there. She volunteers in schools and supports organizations like Marjorie’s Hope.
Moving from South Florida, she felt the absence of connection. But in our area, she found something different. “It felt very isolated and that I didn’t belong. I moved to this area in 2013 and, here, the sense of community felt very natural,” she shared.
She believes strong communities thrive because of a deep sense of belonging.
Nikki Irwin
Community is not just a location to Nikki Irwin. It’s people–a family of people taking care of one another. “To me, community means a sense of home, neighbors, and friends. We all come together for the greater good of each other and the space we all choose to call home,” she says.
She is a leader in Power Gal’s networking, a chapter that helps give to local organizations like PACE Center for Girls and Marjorie’s Hope. As an ambassador for Metropolitan Ministries, she continues to help those facing the struggles of being displaced find stability.
Angel Cook
Community is more than just a way to say you live in a close-knit area. For Angel Cook, to say she lives in a community means that the businesses and the residents actively support each other and provide various events and services that connect and grow together.
When the hurricanes hit, she witnessed neighbors become family in the face of devastation, and no act of kindness was too small. “From doing laundry for hurricane victims to delivering food to even answering the phones to get the information for those needing help, no one said ‘no, I can’t help.’ People were apologizing because they couldn’t do more. Our community showed that even helping one day, one hour, one time was enough when many people helped. It was just life-changing for me to witness and be a part of. I have never been prouder to live here after this experience.”
As a long-time advocate for connection, she has spent over twenty years organizing events, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that businesses and residents lift each other. She feels that a thriving community welcomes all voices, embraces change, and provides opportunities for new members to get involved.
She tries to bring new people into the community and invites them to join various groups and organizations that will help them grow their passion and interest. “The value I have always tried to put first in the last several years is part of my Rotary test. ‘Is it fair to all concerned?’ I ask myself this whenever I do something that will affect my community. If I can answer yes, I know I am not thinking of myself but the community I am trying to help.”
Stephanie Woods
For Stephanie Woods, community means supporting each other, helping those in need, and cheering on those thriving within our community. It means being part of a large team. “Watching people lift and support one another is infectious,” she says. “It instills the importance of community in me.”
She is heavily involved with Metropolitan Ministries and contributes to local charities, including Huboween, which raised funds for parks and children in Pasco County. Her dedication proves that when we show up for each other, we don’t just build communities—we build hope.
Ann Gionta
Our community isn’t just where Ann Gionta lives—it’s who she is. Whether volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, supporting charities like Grace’s Food Pantry, or ensuring families have a joyful holiday through the Trinity Chat Toy Drive, giving back is what she believes makes all the difference. “We all have means to give, whether by volunteering through charities or helping a neighbor,” she emphasized.
“Do good when no one else is looking or needing to be recognized; that’s the reward—being selfless. It comes back tenfold,” she says, proving that the community rises when people lift each other.
Andrea Mastracchio
For Andrea Mastracchio, community is about being there for each other. “By donating our time and helping others, we unite as one,” she shared.
The appreciation of our neighbors drives this passion. “A Gold Star father came up to thank me at a fundraiser. His son had made the ultimate sacrifice, and his gratitude left a lasting impact. I’ve also seen kids’ faces at the RAP house light up when they receive a hot meal and the joy in their eyes,” she emphasized.
Andrea believes a community is based on trust and service so everyone can succeed.