Pictured: Elyce Arons, 2026 Trailblazer Award Recipient. Photo by Daniel Wagner, Wagner Visuals.

On Friday, November 6 SRQ MEDIA hosted the 2026 Women Who Roar Leadership & Awards Luncheon at Michael's on East, recognizing exceptional women in the region. The event featured a pop-up boutique salon with gifts from Bia Candle Co., Camilyn Beth, Discover Sarasota Tours, Simply Jo’s, Manatee County Habitat ReStore, Just Because, Scout + Molly, Boutique, Surge Style Boutique, Figgy & Co, Driftwood Beach Home and Garden and Bookstore1.

The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Lisl Liang, President and CEO of SRQ Media Group, who thanked event partners, including Michael’s on East, United Community Bank, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, Tropical Interiors Florist, Palm Printing, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, Leaders Uplifted, Diamond Vault, Sarasota Trophy and Dolphin Transportation. “At SRQ Magazine, we believe that when women have the opportunity to share their stories, celebrate their accomplishments and connect with one another authentically, something amazing happens. New ideas take shape, meaningful relationships are formed, doors are opened and perhaps most importantly, the next generation of leaders begin to see what's possible,” she said. “That belief is at the heart of Women Who Roar."

Ashley Grant, SRQ Media’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, took the stage to introduce the 2026 Trailblazer Award Recipient, iconic fashion entrepreneur Elyce Arons, co-founder of Kate Spade and CEO and founder of Frances Valentine.

Arons spoke of her experience growing up on a farm, her lifelong friendship with Kate Spade, her career and her New York Times bestselling book, We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade.

“Today, I am proud to be leading Francis Valentine, a woman-led company that continues to celebrate friendship, personal confidence and American style. Our designs are inspired by the vintage pieces that Katie and I have collected together and that I continue to collect. Our shared belief is that getting dressed should be joyful," Arons said.

"When I look back on my journey from a farm in Kansas to New York City, from starting Kate Spade to building Francis Valentine, I realize that the most important things were never just the business we created. They were the friendships and the people who believed in us," she said. "As I reflect on this journey and two companies forged in best friendship, the highs and lows, side-splitting laughter, the crazy situations and the devastating tragedy, what I feel is immense gratitude. I often think back to my favorite TV show when I was a young girl, and those words still ring true today: We might just make it after all.”

Blair Bloomston of Leaders Uplifted then led the audience in an interactive presentation, bringing lots of cheers and camaraderie. The special afternoon concluded with the presentation of the 2026 Leadership Circle awards.

Pictured: Elyce Arons, 2026 Trailblazer Award Recipient. Photo by Daniel Wagner, Wagner Visuals.