Girls Inc. of Sarasota County Announces Honorees for Celebration Luncheon

Attorney Jennifer Compton, Managing Partner of the Sarasota office of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, and founding director and vice chair of the board, Gulfside Bank, will receive the Girls Inc. Visionary Award. The Visionary Award is a board nominated award given to an individual who not only believes in the mission of the organization, which is to “inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold,” but also sees the larger vision for the organization in the community, region, and globally. Compton has been a staunch advocate and supporter of Girls Inc. for many years, most recently as Chair and Past Chair of the Board of Directors. She has also volunteered her time with a number of other organizations, including the Sarasota County Bar Association, All Faiths Food Bank, and the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. She is particularly proud of her involvement as secretary, executive committee member and board member for the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization, now the Bay Park Conservancy, which has been working for over two years on the design and implementation of a master plan to transform 53 acres of City-owned land on Sarasota’s bayfront into a signature urban park for the entire community.

The She Knows Where She’s Going Award will be presented to Felice Schulaner. The She Knows Where She’s Going Award recognizes individuals who are “role models” for women and girls in our community, have been supportive of Girls Inc. and its programs, and have demonstrated commitment to community activities, professional organizations or non-profit work that demonstrates a belief in contributing to others.

Schulaner is a retired human resources executive who now spends her time serving on non-profit boards in the community. She is chair of the New College Board of Trustees, a director of Planned Parenthood, the New College Foundation and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and a member of the International Women’s Forum.

From 2011 to 2015, Schulaner served as Executive Director of the Coach Foundation, whose mission areas were women’s empowerment and education for underserved populations. Prior to this role, she was the Senior Vice President of Coach Inc., and held similar positions at Optimark Technologies and Salant Corporation.

In addition to these awards, two Girls Inc. girls will be recognized this year. The She Knows Where She’s Growing Award will be presented to a middle school student, and the Leadership Award will honor an outstanding member of the Girls Inc. high school program.

Individual tickets for the 31st Annual Celebration Luncheon are $125.00 and may be purchased online at www.girlsincsrq.org or by calling (941) 366-6646, ext. 207.  Sponsorships and tables are also available. Prior to and immediately following the luncheon, Girls Inc. girls will offer a boutique of goods they have created in their Dream Harbor enterprises.  There will also be a chance drawing featuring items donated from Saks Fifth Avenue.