Michael Saunders, Founder and CEO of Michael Saunders & Company, will speak at Dreamers & Doers on Thursday, September 8. The series, presented by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, provides a platform for young professionals and business owners to network while learning from the global business leaders living in the Sarasota region. Michael Saunders, known for her successful development of the real estate empire Michael Saunders & Company, has a well-established reputation in the industry. Through her tenacity and determination, Saunders has worked to break down barriers in her field, and today leads an enterprise that achieved $4.79 billion in sales in 2021.The journey of building Saunders' real estate business was not without its obstacles. Beginning in 1976, when it was rare for women to own their own businesses, Saunders had to fight against the “status quo” to even get started. But with her “never give up” attitude she was able to transform the industry, building one of the most successful and well-known companies in the country. Her wide range of success and ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles make her an invaluable resource. Breaking Barriers with Michael Saunders will take place on Thursday, September 8 at 5:45 pm at The Bay Park. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit https://breakingbarrierswithmichaelsaunders.eventbrite.com. The series continues with The Greater Good featuring Mark Pritchett, President and CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, on Thursday, October 13.