The energy inside the Juniper Ballroom of Hotel Effie at Sandestin on March 26 was unmistakable—joyful, electric, and deeply inspiring. As guests entered the elegant foyer, they were greeted by friendly faces and a festively framed portrait of 12 accomplished women being honored at the 11th annual Pinnacle Awards Luncheon.
Presented by 850 Business Magazine, the Pinnacle Awards recognize women who exemplify excellence in leadership, innovation, and community service. The event brings together trailblazers and torchbearers—women whose work continues to uplift others through mentorship, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
In the foyer, guests mingled over hors d’oeuvres and posed for photos before entering a ballroom adorned with lush florals by Emerald Coast Florals and Event Design and balloon artistry by Mingle 30A. As attendees enjoyed chef-curated food stations, the mood was vibrant with anticipation.
Publisher McKenzie Burleigh served as emcee, introducing each honoree through heartfelt tributes and video vignettes that captured the essence of their personal and professional achievements. Though their paths and professions differ, each woman honored shares a common thread: a deep commitment to service and a determination to uplift their communities.
This year’s distinguished class included Tracey Cohen, president and CEO of Target Print & Mail; Carrie Zimmerman, USA Olympian and co-founder of The Zimmerman Agency; Carol B. Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association; Berneice Cox, president and CEO of United Way of the Big Bend; Hillary Glenn, executive director of Point Washington Medical Clinic; Jennifer Grove, retired vice president of external relations for Baptist Health Care; Hong Potomski, market leader at Florida Blue; Kara Fridley-Young, president of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation; Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the Florida State University College of Medicine; Sara Becnel, president of Sandestin Investments; and Teresa Horton, executive director of the Seaside School Foundation.
The Turnbull Award—named in honor of pioneering Florida lawmaker Marjorie Turnbull—recognizes a rising leader under 40. This year’s recipient, Summer Griffith, founder of Drip Drop Fitness, was celebrated for her entrepreneurial spirit and impact in the wellness space.
Keynote speaker Carol Carlan, a past Pinnacle honoree and respected leader in banking and philanthropy, delivered a stirring message about perseverance and purpose. “Hope is not merely wishful thinking, but a proactive, forward-thinking mindset,” she said. “By cultivating hope, you empower yourself to face challenges with courage, achieve your dreams, and inspire those around you to do the same,” she says.
This year’s luncheon was made possible through generous support from Florida Blue, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Proffitt PR, Emerald Coast Florals and Event Design, Jennifer Albert of JA 30A Salon, Destin 30A Makeup Box, Soleil 7 Hair Salon, Mingle 30A, Boo Media, Aaron Ball and Live in Tallahassee.
Before inviting Arlease Ciatto to the stage for a surprise Lululemon at Grand Boulevard giveaway, Burleigh left the room with a call to action. “I encourage everyone to take this feeling—of love, of inspiration, motivation to do the right thing and help others—and begin now. What are the things you can start today?”
The program closed with all honorees gathered on stage for one final “class photo”—a fitting book end to a day devoted to honoring exceptional women and celebrating the collective power of female leadership in Northwest Florida.
To read the profiles of the 2024 honorees, visit 850businessmagazine.com/pinnacle-awards.
