WOMEN breaking BARRIERS IN BUSINESS

The event is SOLD OUT. Please contact kmonti@sarasotachamber.com to be waitlisted.

The event promotes opportunities for women to share their professional journey of breaking stereotypes and excelling in industries and positions not typically held by women. Featured local women represent careers in politics, law, sports, comedy, and the nonprofit sector. 

The event begins with a welcome champagne reception featuring Chamber member tabletop displays and entertainment. Following the 30-minute reception and lunch, former Florida Senator Lisa Carlton will moderate a panel discussion.​​

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Lisa Carlton, Esq.
​Former Florida Senator

about the moderator

​"I am looking forward to moderating this distinguished panel of women business leaders. Together, we will celebrate their exceptional journeys, explore their unique insights, and discover the impact they have had on inspiring the next generation of women who are breaking barriers in business.”

Senator Carlton served Southwest Florida for 14 years as a member of the Florida Legislature, serving in the Florida House of Representatives from 1994-1998 and then as a member of the Florida Senate where she served as the Appropriations Chair under three Senate Presidents and was the President Pro Tempore during the 2006-2008 term. She is an attorney and fourth generation co-owner/manager of the Mabry Carlton Ranch, a diverse agricultural business that includes a cattle operation and citrus groves.

About the panelists

Shawny Robey, MS, MBA
​President & CEO,
First Step of Sarasota, Inc ​

Shawny Robey has nearly 20 years of healthcare experience. She began her career working in the FQHC environment. Over the course of her career, she has served in roles such as Executive VP of Business Development and Chief of Operations for inpatient and outpatient behavioral health hospitals and medical clinics. Shawny joined First Step of Sarasota as President and CEO in August 2021. Shawny currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness, and is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Sarasota Women’s Alliance.

Christina Shaw
Senior Director Special Events & Hospitality,
Atlanta Braves Spring Training Complex

Christina Shaw has been with the Atlanta Braves franchise for 12 years. While a student at Mercer University in Macon, GA., she had an internship with the Rome Braves. She enjoyed the work so much that she became the minor league’s office manager after graduation in 2011. A highlight was traveling with the 2016 Rome Braves team — which included stars such as Max Fried, Mike Soroka, Kolby Allard, and Austin Riley — as they became the South Atlantic League champs. When the Braves were getting ready to open CoolToday Park, Christina was one of several Rome Braves employees who made a move to Wellen Park in early 2018. The transition included a promotion to senior director of special events and hospitality.

Telese L. Zuberer Shareholder/President,
Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A.

​Telese L. Zuberer​ is a shareholder and president of Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A. Earlier this year. She became the first female president in the firm’s history. Her legal practice focuses on representing not-for-profit community associations, and she regularly speaks, teaches, and writes for industry and community organizations. She is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator and is certified by the 12th Judicial Circuit to serve when appointed as a Guardian Ad Litem in the Family Division. Telese was named to the list of 2021 Florida Super Lawyers® and holds the AV® Preeminent Peer Review rating from Martindale-Hubbell. She is past president of the West Florida Chapter of Community Association Institute (CAI) and is currently serving her ninth term on the board of directors. She is a member of the Sarasota and Manatee Bar Associations, Florida Association of Women Lawyers (FAWL), and CEO Gulf Coast Forum. In Telese’s most cherished roles, she is a wife and mother of four. She is an avid hiker and enjoys traveling with her family.