PWFC also honored its Woman of the Year, Emerging Star, Business of the Year, and Nonproft
Every time a new edition of the Coffee News is printed, it is delivered in Flagler County in part by adults with disabilities, from Vincent’s Clubhouse.
“They wear their uniforms, and they count their papers, and they go out in the community, and it’s just amazing,” said Erica Flores, who founded Vincent’s Clubhouse in 2016.
Flores told her story on Dec. 9, at the annual Professional Women of Flagler County gala, at the Hilton Garden Inn, as she accepted the Nonprofit of the Year Award, which came with a $2,010 check.
The delivery arrangement came about through Palm Coast resident Vanessa Cole, who is the franchise owner of the Coffee News locally and was also the 2025 president of PWFC. Cole hired adults with disabilities, and she and her husband, Randy, even accompanied them on the route when no one from Vincent’s Clubhouse was available.
Enrollment in Vincent’s Clubhouse’s adult enrichment programs has tripled in one year, Flores said, and the nonprofit was able to provide six weeks of summer camps for children with disabilities.
“Special needs is not glamorous, it’s not pretty,” Flores said. “We are doing hard, hard work with people that society sometimes has shunned. That is why the work at Vincent’s Clubhouse is so important, and I’m so proud to be part of it.
“The disabled individuals in our community deserve dignity and respect and quality programs, and that’s what we do.”
Other annual award winners were as follows:
Rising Star Award: April Newman (Nominees: Michelle Bartlone, Rachel DeMarsico)
Business of the Year Award: Flagler Broadcasting (Nominees: AdventHealth, Palm Coast Observer)
Woman of the Year Award: Caroline Johnson (Nominees: Dr. Lisa Magary, Patti Sarinana)
THE NEW BOARD
Before Flagler County Judge Andrew Totten administered the oath of office to the new board, she praised the organization for serving the community, creating jobs and donating to charitable causes.
“Everyone in here is contributing, and it really makes me proud,” Totten said.
Next year’s board is as follows: Dr. Erika Equizi, president; Kelly Chapman, vice president; Kay Click, secretary; Tracie Cotto, treasurer; Amy Dumas, Membership Director; Vanessa Cole, immediate past president.
After the event was over, Equizi was found sitting next to Cole. While the rest of the crowd was going home, they were finally getting to eat dinner.
Equizi said Cole has provided great leadership and is a great connector.
“Her goal is to help people, not to grow herself — and always focuses on everyone before herself,” Equizi said, adding that PWFC helps provide women with mentorship and support, just as Cole and Nina Guiglotto have done for her in the past.
Cole said that although she tries not to wait till the last minute to ask, Equizi is the type of person who is willing to help. Equizi even made the centerpieces for the gala and joked that she would like to be an event planner if she ever decided to stop being a chiropractor.
“Part of the reason why she’s going to take Professional Women of Flagler County to the next level is because she really is a leader who shows the way and leads members,” Cole said.
GO GIRL GRANT RECIPIENTS
The following women in businesses were awarded a total of $30,000 in Go Girl Grants:
$3,000: Shinece Carr, PACE for Girls; Kim Fitzgerald, Curly Tail Design; Jennifer Robertson, Family Renew Community, Inc.; Patti Sarinana, P.S. Marketing Maven
$1,500: Donna McGevna, D.A.M. Designs
$1,000: Nikki Gray, Inverness Cottage; Michelle Bartlome, Iris Communications; Lacy Martin, 911 Climb; Naomi Beggelman, Bunnell Range; Dr. Lisa Magary, True Access Primary Care; Cindy Polverino, Promise Home Loans; Loren Gac, Pawfessional Pet Services; Nadine King, Christmas Come True; Tara Winner, Home Well Care; Iola Burnsed, Valley of Vision Grief Counseling; Lora Fickett, Fickett Financial Education & Business Consulting; Jodee Soltes, Redefined Food Co.; Erica Flores, Vincent's Clubhouse; Lauren Jaussi, The Dance Method; Caroline Johnson, SMART Animal Rescue; Dr. Margaret Lessig; Oceanshore Aesthetics and Wellness
$500: Joy Fit, Joy Fit LLC
