Making Waves

Seize the moment: that's what Courtney Curatolo has learned about success. "While opportunities come your way, they can swiftly pass by if you don't take advantage of them," she says.

This 28-year-old has done just that. She began her career as the government affairs manager for the Naples Area Chamber of Commerce, where she researched government issues and directed Leadership Collier and the Leadership Institute.

Three years later, she left to become executive director of the Collier County Bar Association-the youngest executive director in the organization's history. "Being hired as the ED has by far been the proudest moment in my career. I couldn't believe I was becoming an ED at such a young age," she remarks.

Curatolo moved to Naples with her family when she was 16 and graduated from Barron Collier High School. An interest in politics took her to Washington, D.C., where she graduated from American University with a degree in political science.

Upon returning to Naples, she began a chapter of Young Republicans. "I did it as a means to encourage young professionals to have a voice in our future," she says.

Since then, Curatolo has spent time campaigning for local politicians, including her mother, Kathleen, who was elected to the Collier County School Board in 2004. She also sits on the International College President's Council and helps raise funds for students. Amid her work and volunteering, Curatolo graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in December with a master's degree in public administration.

How does this dynamo do it all? "It's the hard-work ethic my family instilled in me," she explains. "As my grandfather always says, 'Our family only works half days-12 hours.'"

-Lauren Bernaldo