Winter Park is home to many significant women from diverse backgrounds who are making a difference in the community. Some have built businesses from the ground up, while others are deeply involved in philanthropy or mentor younger women to follow in their footsteps. One common thread among these women is their profound impact on Winter Park. Their pride for the city runs deep, and they are dedicated to creating a better future for the next generation of women.
One such trailblazer is Mayor Sheila DeCiccio, who made history as Winter Park’s first female mayor. For DeCiccio, her campaign was not about breaking barriers but rather about experience, dedication, and a deep understanding of the city she serves. “I didn’t run on being the first woman mayor—I ran on my experience, my record, and my deep knowledge of Winter Park,” she explains. “The residents overwhelmingly supported me based on my qualifications, not my gender, and that speaks volumes.
DeCiccio acknowledges the significance of her achievement, recognizing that each milestone paves the way for future generations. Reflecting on her journey, DeCiccio credits her mother as a key influence in shaping her leadership. “My mother was my first and greatest influence—always encouraging me to pursue my dreams with confidence and resilience,” she says. Drawing inspiration from figures like Sandra Day O’Connor, she believes in the importance of patience and adaptability for young women aspiring to leadership roles. “Your path may not be linear, and that’s okay,” she advises.
Hope Valentine is another remarkable leader who balances professional success with philanthropic efforts. When discussing essential leadership qualities, she emphasizes mentorship and trust. “Several leadership qualities are essential for success, and each one plays a significant role in creating a productive and positive environment,” Valentine explains. Valentine is deeply involved in the Hope for More Foundation, which aims to directly impact the lives of children and families in need. She shares, “Taking on a leadership role in philanthropy is inspired by a combination of personal values, experiences, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. The smiles we create in a child’s life can be a lifetime memory. I feel honored to be part of such a great group of professionals!”
Valentine credits her grandmothers as strong role models who ran businesses, volunteered, and formed their own companies while being there for their families. “They were fun, caring, and well-respected in the community. I wish they could see me now. I think they would be proud!”
Sarah Sprinkel, a lifelong educator and mentor, has dedicated her career to making a difference in the lives of children and families. She shares her unique perspective on the challenges women face in her industry: “I never felt anything but lucky to be a woman. Being a woman was always an advantage as I saw it, especially in fields more run by women than men. I was taught I could be and do anything I chose, and I think I never doubted that.”
Sprinkel credits women like Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, and Virginia McIntyre for helping shape her along the years. Highlighting her leadership qualities, Sprinkel emphasizes her passion for lifelong learning: “I care. I am passionate. I believe in service to others and I don’t have a high need for accolades. A job well done is my greatest reward.”
Laine Powell, Founder and CEO of Tech Sassy Girlz, is another inspiring woman making an impact by empowering young women in STEM. Powell has witnessed firsthand how mentorship can change lives. She recalls Naia Butler-Craig, a participant in their collegiate program who earned a degree in Aerospace Engineering and interned with NASA. “Seeing girls like Naia succeed in STEM careers is why I do this work,” Powell shares.
Powell acknowledges the significant challenges women in STEM face, including lack of representation and funding for initiatives. “Each experience and setback has taught me to be more resilient and adaptable,” she says. “My leadership approach has evolved into adopting a growth mindset and pivoting when needed.”
Regarding the future of STEM for women, Powell remains optimistic: “The future is bright, but we have a lot of work to do. Women make up only 28% of the computing workforce, and representation is even lower for women of color. We need to provide mentorship opportunities, industry partnerships, and exposure to STEM careers early on.”
Mayor DeCiccio, Hope Valentine, Sarah Sprinkel, and Laine Powell are just a few of the many women shaping Winter Park’s future. Each of these remarkable individuals brings unique strengths to the community—whether through leadership, mentorship, or innovation. These women honor the legacies of their mothers and grandmothers, who paved the way for their success. The values instilled in them form the foundation of their leadership. This strong connection to their roots drives their commitment to empower others, ensuring their impact will be felt for generations to come.
"Every experience along the way teaches you something invaluable. Be patient with yourself." – Mayor Sheila DeCiccio
"Get involved, don’t stand by, stay in it. Never give up. Set your goals and work to reach them." - Sarah Sprinkel