- April 26, 2024
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A large group of women sat together in a hotel ballroom. Some of them wore hats, some had brought their spouses, but they all had one thing in common — all the women had made a difference in their community.
These women were at the 3rd Annual Women in Business Banquet, which recognizes women in Volusia and Flagler counties and the work they have done. Port Orange resident Cindy Kiel Evans was named the 2017 Business Report Woman of the year for this year's event, which took place on Wednesday, Sept. 27.
Evans, who has a State Farm agency in both Port Orange and Palm Coast spoke to the audience about how her mother inspired her to go above and beyond in her lifetime.
"What we do take with us is a love and the memories of the difference we made of people around us," Evans said. "So for 25 years I've worked diligently to make a difference so that one day when I pass on I want to make sure I make the world a better place."
Another attendee who had been nominated was 28-year-old Larissa Hanson who runs the Pampered Tooth dental office in Port Orange. Hanson bought the practice from her stepfather about a year and a half ago and has since given it her own touch. Hanson also noted she felt it was important for women in the community to pursue their passions and be strong influencers.
"Showing that you can do that and run your own business and take a risk, I feel like it's really great," Hanson said. "It shows that women can do anything."
Debbie Connors, Port Orange-South Daytona Chamber of Commerce president, was given the Non-Profit Woman in Business award.
Connors, whose latest term with the chamber has continued for 10 years, said she not only enjoys what she does but wants to continue to work with other chambers and community groups throughout the state. As for her award, she said it was an honor.
"I don't feel worthy, but it's a great feeling," Connors said. "There are so many amazing women in this community, and a lot of them I've worked with over the years."
Another nominee, Joan Boyce, Palm Coast, said she hopes to use her career as a way to give back to the community while continuing to mentor other women. Boyce is the vice president and general manager of Biocompare and is on the board of the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience.
"I do feel that women should be acknowledged for the hard work that they do," Boyce said. "It's a great way, and hopefully an inspiration, for other women to continue to work hard and, for myself personally, to be a role model, so it really means a lot."
And for Public Sector Woman in Business award winner Amy Hall, the Volusia County School District counseling specialist, it wasn't just about the nomination, it was about the women who were there with her.
"Being around 50 something plus women who have been nominated for their excellence in our community empowers me to do even more," Hall said. "It's truly an exciting opportunity to see all the things they've been able to do in our community."
