SRQ Magazine, powered by the Women Who Roar Initiative, hosted the 6th Annual Women Who Roar: Together We Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon on Friday May 13, 2022 at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The Women Who Roar Initiative was formed nine years ago as a year-round program engaging the participants in the annual Women Who Roar Competition to create highly-dynamic personal networking that catalyzes community leadership through the science and art of mentorship.

The special day began with champagne sipping and casual browsing at the participating local pop-up booths displaying everything from home goods to cosmetics.

As the crowd gathered into the banquet room, Lisl Liang, president of SRQ Media, welcomed the more than 260 guests in attendance and expressed gratitude for being able to gather in person once again after a two year hiatus. Friday’s celebration reflected nominees from 2020, 2021 and 2022. “The stories we will share today are even more poignant as we are emerging from the global pandemic,” Liang said.

Steve Altier of Seaside National Bank & Trust, a champion partner/sponsor of the event, shared his thoughts about the importance of mentorship before turning the stage over to keynote speaker, Kathy Kristof.

As editor/founder and CEO of SideHusl.com, Kristof has an investigative journalism background and formed her company to navigate a safe financial space for freelancers by presenting ways to make money in the gig economy. Kristof gave words of advice to the women in the audience. “Take good care of yourselves before you take care of anyone else,” she said. “It’s really the only thing I’ve seen women do poorly, as we’re always so busy taking care of others around us.”

Trailblazer Award recipient Cyma Zarghami spoke next. Zarghami is the CEO/Founder of Mimo Studios, a female-owned and operated media company that specializes in kids and family content spanning live action, animation and preschool. “I am committed to supporting the cause for female leadership every chance I get,” Zarghami shared. “We need to keep supporting women and be champions of women always.”

At the awards ceremony, 17 new ambassadors were inducted into the leadership circle, resulting in many smiles and lots of hugs. Nurse Practitioner Bridget Ratner was one of those ambassadors. “The best part of this for me is seeing strong women mentoring other strong women,” she said. “It’s really incredible and empowering.”

As the luncheon wrapped, attendees lingered for a bit more browsing in the pop-up boutique lounge and enjoying a “bubbles and brainstorming” cocktail reception.