Women in Business Class of 2026

At first glance, a doctor, a distiller and a designer represent very diverse job titles. However, a closer look at the 2026 Gulfshore Business Women in Business reveals 10 women who have each made a significant difference in Southwest Florida, in both their careers and their communities. And we are pleased to recognize and honor them in the pages that follow.

Whether through impact or influence, these women have excelled in their chosen professions via their leadership, mentorship and vision. Beyond their careers, this year’s honorees have also improved the places we call home through their volunteerism, philanthropy and desire to uplift their communities. And in a world that is always changing, we hope that as you read about the achievements and contributions of our 2026 Women in Business, you’ll be equally inspired to aim even higher in both your personal and professional life.

Rebekah Bernard, M.D.
Gulf Coast Direct Primary Care

Founder, Owner

With a goal of providing affordable access to high-quality medical care, Dr. Rebekah Bernard opened Gulf Coast Direct Primary Care in Fort Myers in 2016. After having been a family physician for 14 years, opening her own practice marked the culmination of a journey that began in childhood.

“My parents were both registered nurses, so I grew up hearing stories from the world of medicine. When I was about 12, I experienced the health care system firsthand when my mother was diagnosed with a serious form of bipolar disorder,” Bernard says. “We lived in a trailer in Clewiston and faced economic hardship. I experienced the value of a helping hand. That experience … instilled in me that we have a responsibility to lift one another up." 

Beyond her practice, Bernard has taken leadership roles in medical associations and supports physician education and development for women. She has helped create scholarship programs for future health care professionals and advocates for initiatives to prevent physician burnout and protect public health and safety. In 2025, she spearheaded the South Florida Women Physicians Retreat, bringing together physician leaders, medical students and physicians-in-training.

A public speaker, Bernard has written two nationally recognized books on public health and safety and co-authored two others. She also funded the Kathy Lampl Bernard Memorial Nursing Scholarship through the Foundation of the Collier County Medical Society in honor of her mother.

“My mother was an incredibly caring nurse who was well-loved in our community,” Bernard says. “I’m galvanized by people who are fearless … and lead in their communities.”

Denise Carlin, Ed.D
The School District of Lee County

Superintendent of Schools

After serving the Lee County School District for 32 years as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and district leader, Denise Carlin became the first elected Superintendent of Schools in Lee County in more than 50 years in 2024. Since taking office, she has launched initiatives focused on safety, academic outcomes, operational efficiency and workforce stability, guided by a belief that every child deserves opportunity and dignity.

“I am driven by one central purpose: the success of our students. With leadership comes profound responsibility,” she says. “Together, we are committed to ensuring every student is equipped for college, career and lifelong success.”

In just over a year, Carlin’s efforts have resulted in measurable improvements. She secured $2.9 million in funding for districtwide security upgrades, making Lee County the only district in Florida to deploy OPENGATE weapons detection systems at every school. The district reduced transportation delays, achieving a 95% on-time arrival rate; instituted a bell-to-bell technology ban to reduce distractions and increase instruction time; and improved teacher recruitment and retention, reducing instructional vacancies by more than 90%.

Educators received a 7% increase in total compensation, while budget and operational efficiencies generated more than $20 million in savings redirected to classrooms. Carlin said she remains focused on continued progress across the district.

“I am excited about the work ahead, leading our district’s journey from ninth to first in student achievement among Florida’s 10 largest school districts. Our goal is clear: to become an A-rated district,” she says. "Working in close partnership with our 13,000 dedicated team members, I am confident we will reach, and even exceed, this goal.”

JoAnn Elardo
Wicked Dolphin Distillery

Founder

Every entrepreneur encounters obstacles when opening a new venture. For JoAnn Elardo, founder of Wicked Dolphin Distillery in Cape Coral, that challenge included changing a Florida law in place since Prohibition.

“I’m incredibly proud of building and growing Wicked Dolphin Distillery into a nationally recognized brand while helping pave the way for craft distilling in Florida. Being part of the effort that allowed distilleries to sell directly to consumers in the state was a milestone not just for our company, but for the entire industry,” Elardo says. “I believe that obstacles are opportunities in disguise. I’ve learned that perseverance and adaptability are essential.”

After establishing Wicked Dolphin, Elardo made a point of supporting community nonprofits throughout the region. She also founded the Cape Coral Animal Shelter, the city’s first nonprofit animal shelter and veterinary clinic.

“I’m most proud of the impact we’ve been able to make locally, especially founding the Cape Coral Animal Shelter, and being able to help with legislation and animal spay and neuter … throughout Southwest Florida,” she says. “Knowing that our success has translated into real, measurable good for people and animals in our community means more to me than any award ever could.”

Though it’s rare to find someone who has founded both a distillery and an animal shelter, Elardo said her view of success differs from many business owners.

“My philosophy in both business and life is simple: Build something meaningful, do it with integrity and give back along the way. I believe success is not just measured by revenue or growth, but by impact,” Elardo says. “What has made me successful is a willingness to work hard, take risks and remain grounded in gratitude. At the end of the day, we need to leave our community better for us and the future.”

Jenny Gezella
Hoffmann Marine

President

When Jenny Gezella was named president of Hoffmann Marine in Naples in 2018, the company had one boat. Since then, she has helped grow it to 54 vessels, 23 docks, three marinas, two shipyards and service centers, and more than 1,000 employees nationwide. Gezella credits much of that success to her team.

“You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with, both personally and professionally. I don’t pretend to know everything, but I feel that I have developed a network of people … who together we can solve any problem put in front of us,” she says. “I literally worked in almost every position in the marine industry except for captain and heavy-duty maintenance. Being more rounded in your field helps … make you a better leader. The Hoffmann family invests in and believes in the people and the business. I truly feel we are a team and family, and every single one of them motivates me each and every day.”

Outside of work, Gezella emphasizes giving back. Inspired by her newborn son’s stay in the NICU, she founded Mini Golf2Gulf, a fundraiser supporting NICU babies and families. She is chair of the CVB Steering Committee and vice chair of the Lee Health Foundation board of trustees, and has served with the American Cancer Society leadership board, the President’s Council for Make-A-Wish of Southern Florida and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Looking ahead, Gezella said she remains driven by her passion for her work.

“I believe if you truly love what you do and have a passion for it, it’s not a job, it’s part of your lifestyle. Surround yourself with a team who loves doing what you do just as much as you do,” Gezella says. “We get to be a part of some of people’s biggest moments … It’s so rewarding to do what our team does on a daily basis.”

Karen Govern
STARability Foundation

Chief Executive Officer

Since 2016, Karen Govern has served as CEO of STARability, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or IDD. During her tenure, she has led the organization through significant growth, including a rebrand and strategic expansion.

“I have always liked a challenge. It’s often difficult for me to face ‘no’ as an answer. If I get a ‘no,’ I want to figure out how to make it a ‘yes,’” she says. “I thrive on strategy and innovative ideas … There is always something new to achieve.”

A passionate advocate for individuals with IDD and their families, Govern has helped STARability grow to serve more than 370 “STARs” annually through programming focused on vocational training, social engagement and lifelong learning. She is also planning for continued growth, including expanded programming and a permanent, inclusive space for participants. After outgrowing its facilities twice, STARability is now pursuing a $60 million capital campaign for a new campus, event center and future independent living options.

Govern has also expanded philanthropic support from private donors, foundations and corporate partners. Under her leadership, the organization’s signature fundraising event now raises nearly $3 million annually. She has developed partnerships that provide STARs with vocational training, internships, employment and volunteer opportunities, while expanding social enterprise programs such as the STAR Studio and a curated Home Collection retail concept.

“Leading STARability has been the highlight of my career. I took over a small, little-known organization and built an amazing team that has worked tremendously to heighten awareness of our mission so that it is now widely known throughout the community and region,” she says. “I look forward more than I look backward. I am grateful for the recognition of past successes, but I know there is always more to accomplish. I’m not resting anytime soon.” 

Stefanie Ink-Edwards
Community Cooperative

Chief Executive Officer

As CEO of Community Cooperative, or CCI, Stefanie Ink-Edwards leads a nonprofit dedicated to addressing hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida. Though she is responsible for setting and executing the organization’s long-term strategic vision, overseeing daily operations, ensuring financial sustainability and expanding partnerships, she said coming to work in the nonprofit sector was never part of her plan.

“I had a good career in wealth management that I decided I didn't really want to pursue anymore. Out of nowhere, a friend who was running the organization years ago said she needed a fundraiser,” Ink-Edwards says. “I’d never been employed as a fundraiser before, so I figured this would probably just be a temporary thing for me. That was over a decade ago … and I have found that my niche is giving back to my community. And this is a really great way to do it.”

Since becoming CEO, Ink-Edwards has guided the organization through increased demand, economic uncertainty and community recovery, while expanding donor engagement, increasing grant and institutional funding and strengthening corporate and philanthropic partnerships. Beyond her work with CCI, she has served on the boards of the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, Association of Fundraising Professionals Lee/Collier Chapter, Meals on Wheels of Florida and IMAG Science & History Center. She also serves as chair of the Emergency Management Committee for Volunteer Florida.

While Ink-Edwards has overseen multimillion-dollar fundraising efforts for CCI's programs, she's especially proud of the effort that began as a rapid response to Hurricane Ian.

“I knew Hurricane Ian was going to be really bad … I went on GoDaddy and bought the website LeeCountyStrong.com. I spent $11.99 of my own money, and we started fundraising,” she says. “I think we raised over $1.2 million … But we turned around and put $1.2 million right back into the community. I was pretty proud of the work that we did at the time — but I would prefer to never have to do it again.”

Christine Myers
Gulf Coast Site Inc.

Chief Executive Officer

Christine Myers founded Gulf Coast Site Inc. in 2007 with a goal of bringing integrity, quality and innovation to the construction and utility industry. But building a company in an industry where female leadership is rare was just one of the challenges ahead.

“When I decided to start Gulf Coast Site Inc., the economy in Southwest Florida was facing significant challenges: The housing market had collapsed, construction projects were slowing down and many businesses were closing their doors,” Myers says. “Starting a company in the middle of that downturn was a leap of faith … I had to work harder, think creatively and build strong relationships to survive in an uncertain market. It proved that even in the toughest times, opportunities exist for those willing to take risks and put in the work.”

As the company evolved from site development to a specialized underground utility firm, Myers expanded its services and client base while prioritizing hiring and training local talent, with a focus on creating opportunities for women and minorities in construction trades. She also supports local initiatives, including vocational training, youth mentorship and disaster recovery, while raising two children as a single mother.

“I have faced many challenges and setbacks over the years … hard work and determination are what carried me through those difficult times,” she says. “Personally, my proudest accomplishment is raising two successful children as a single mother while building that business. My family is everything to me and is the most important part of my life.”

Looking ahead, Myers remains committed to mentoring the next generation, empowering others and reinvesting in her team and community.

“The future is about building, not just projects, but people and a lasting family legacy,” she says. “I will always work and stay involved in the company because this is my passion and my purpose.”

Skylar Porter
SkyStruk Shoes

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

As founder and CEO of SkyStruk Shoes, Skylar Porter oversees a luxury statement-footwear line that has quickly emerged as a fashion brand. With a background as a competitive gymnast, actress and manager with a Fortune 1,000 company, she said her goal is to design shoes that make women feel confident, bold and amazing. For inspiration, Porter looks to her grandmother.

“My grandmother was my absolute best friend in life. She had the gift of laughter, believed deeply in prayer, stayed humble and was fiercely protective of her family,” she says. “Fearless, stylish, unapologetically herself and wonderfully silly, she never blended into the background and never forgot her lipstick and earrings, because she would always say, ‘You never know who you’ll meet along the way.’ That belief lives on in SkyStruk Shoes — statement-making, expressive and created so every woman can step out feeling confident, seen and a little more like herself.”

Porter’s goal of elevating and empowering women is reflected in her community involvement, including charitable initiatives, female-focused events and mission-driven partnerships that focus on strengthening and inspiring women in Southwest Florida.

“I never set out to think like a small business. My vision is for SkyStruk Shoes to grow into a national and ultimately global brand,” she says. “I’m excited about expanding into retail, reaching new markets and continuing to build a brand that empowers women through confidence-boosting footwear. From Naples to the world, SkyStruk is built with a global future in mind.”

For Porter, that global mindset and drive have shaped her career, along with a focus on details, service, execution and experience.

“My philosophy is simple: Never give up and never stop chasing a dream. I believe perseverance beats talent when talent stops showing up,” she says. “I also believe you have to find a way to be different … I’ve always pushed beyond what’s expected, creating bold, creative ideas and presentations that demand attention and make people listen.”

Faith Schwalback
Beverly’s Angels

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Faith Schwalback founded Beverly’s Angels to provide brand-new essentials, kindness and support to under-resourced youth, families and seniors in Collier County. While overseeing the organization’s vision, strategy, partnerships and fundraising, she said she is motivated by the desire to create something bigger.

“I am driven by the responsibility of building something that can thrive beyond me. Early on, someone told me that founder-led organizations rarely achieve long-term success. I took that as a challenge,” she says. “One of my greatest strengths is recognizing character and potential. … When the right people are in the right roles with clarity and ownership, momentum becomes sustainable. My role is not to be the center of the work, but to build an organization where leadership is distributed and excellence is expected.”

Beginning as a grassroots nonprofit eight years ago, Beverly’s Angels served more than 5,500 individuals in 2025. That included 37,399 toys for children, 81,300 essential bundles, 3,620 crisis closet items and more than 52,000 volunteer hours. Under Schwalback’s leadership, the organization serves children, seniors, first responders and families in crisis while working to meet immediate needs and strengthen community response.

Schwalback said one interaction continues to shape her work.

“Early in my work, a little boy looked up at me and said, ‘I don’t ever remember something being mine first.’ In that instant, my perspective shifted. Things I once thought mattered became irrelevant. What mattered was ownership, worth and the quiet power of something new,” she says. “That moment changed me … It led us to make the intentional decision to provide only brand-new items to those we proudly serve. The simple act of cutting a tag off a garment, knowing they are the first to wear it, is more than clothing. It is affirmation. It is possibility.”

Ilkay Turk
The House of Turk & Turk

Founder, Principal, Chief Executive Officer & Designer

When she arrived in the United States from Turkey in 1995, Ilkay Turk did not speak English. Thirty years later, she is an artist, fashion designer and founder and CEO of Turk & Turk, a luxury couture and accessories brand. Her journey from immigrant to entrepreneur has been guided by early advice.

“The best advice I received was, ‘Do not shrink your vision to fit your circumstances.’ When I immigrated, many things felt uncertain. That advice taught me to think globally even when starting small,” Turk says. “It gave me the courage to build an international supply network, from hand-beading in India to silk printing in Italy, customized pieces in the U.K. and leather craftsmanship in Turkey, while growing a strong local presence in Southwest Florida. It reinforced something my parents always believed; if you trust your vision and continue working, there is always a solution.”

Together with her husband, Rasit, Turk relocated her company from Dallas to Southwest Florida in 2018. Since then, she has supported more than 20 nonprofit organizations and women-focused initiatives. She also founded Turk & Turk Fashion Institute, a nonprofit that mentors young designers, provides scholarships and helps turn talent into opportunity.

“My father was my role model as an entrepreneur. My mother showed me the strength of a woman who stands tall, works with discipline and supports others along the way,” Turk says. “From childhood, she would tell me, ‘You are always giving.’ Giving back was not something we discussed; it was something we lived.”

Though now an internationally recognized designer who has worked with major apparel companies and global brands, Turk remains grounded in the values that shaped her vision.

“This journey belongs to my family, my friends who believe in us, our artisans around the world and the Southwest Florida community,” Turk says. “At the heart of it all, I am simply a designer who believes that when art, culture and purpose come together, businesses don’t just grow, they uplift. And when you rise, you lift others with you.”