Phoenix

Gonzalez

Rachel

Keller

Ashley

Loute

Stephanie

Nalker

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Meet The Ladies

Meet The Board

Sponsors

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Meet The Ladies

Meet The Board

Sponsors

Phoenix Gonzalez
Phoenix Gonzalez is a talented Entrepreneur, Singer, Actress, Inventor and Motivational Speaker whose career spans over 30 years.

Phoenix draws creative inspiration from growing up in a multi-talented family made up of Singers, Dancers, Pianists and Beauty Queen winners. She got her start early in a Caribbean dance troop, then transitioned to musical theater in her teens and became a 3-time beauty queen winner: M’s Cities of America (1st Runner Up), M’s. Teen Toronto (Crowned Winner) and M’s Oshawa Universe (Crowned Winner).

In her early 20s, Phoenix experienced a near-death car accident that forced her to retrain her cognitive motor skills. This transitioned her into acting where she went on to make appearances in successful TV series like “Sons Of Anarchy,” major motion pictures including “The Tuxedo” with Jackie Chan, and producers short films that won multiple awards with her team.

Phoenix was recognized as a female disruptor in 2018 with her streaming video technology company dotsutioPRO. Ever the entrepreneur, Phoenix’s second company Silked has changed the lives of over 650K worldwide customers with her invention, The Silked Pillow Sleeve.

Phoenix is also a motivational speaker that mentors women in business and life. In addition to these accomplishments, she is living her best life as the lead singer of the Phoenix5 band alongside her husband Joe Pascual, lead guitar player.

Rachel Keller
Rachel Keller is a proud Lakeland who recently moved back with her husband to raider their daughter close to their families. Rachel moved back from San Antonio where she was a recipient of the San Antonio Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award.

She is the Owner and Principal Designer of Keller Creative, a premier, full-service interior design studio that takes pride in transforming spaces into truly inspiring and personalized interiors. At the heart of everything Rachel does, whether with Keller Creative, at home with her daughter, or while out in the community, is her commitment to promoting the importance of overall wellbeing and mental health.

Keller Creative is built on the belief that a well-designed interior is not merely a matter of aesthetics; it’s a cornerstone of one’s overall well-being. Everyone talks about the importance of mental health, recognizing that our thoughts reside within our minds, but Rachel asks people to consider this: your body lives in your interior spaces, and the quality of that environment has a profound impact on your happiness and overall health.

In addition to being a Lady of Lakeland, Rachel is a member of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Council and donates her interior design expertise to The Hope House, an organization that exists to serve, equip and empower first-time, expectant moms who have chosen life for their babies.

When Rachel isn’t working you can find her enjoying time at one of Lakeland’s many parks with her family, meeting up with friends for a delicious meal or iced latte, or enjoying time out on water!

Ashley Loute
A Lakeland native, Ashley “AGL” Loute has formed relationships with people from many walks of life.  Her determination to make a difference in the lives of others spreads to those within her sphere of influence and beyond. AGL grew up with two parents who were stable, loving mentors for her.  As a child, she observed the disadvantages and struggles others faced in single-parent homes.

AGL’s first taste of community service came about in high school at Summerlin Military Academy.  Each day after school, AGL volunteered as an intake coordinator for the Salvation Army Community of Hope, an emergency shelter for families with children.

Ashley pursued an education at Southeastern University, dedicating herself to the study of humanitarian compassion.  This educational background has served as a useful tool for turning her passion for people into great accomplishments. Ashley currently serves on the Executive Team of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County as the Director of Finance & Administration.  AGL is a member of Emerging Leaders for BGCA, a leadership cohort group providing mentoring and training to rising leaders.

Beyond her role at the Boys & Girls Clubs, AGL is deeply engaged in her community.  She volunteered as a board member of Lakeland South Rotary and served as their Public Relations Chair.  She has participated in the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.  She partnered with the United Way of Central Florida, participating in their Young Leaders Society, Women’s United Council and the Director’s Council.  She is an alumna of the Polk County Sheriff’s Advisory Council.

AGL balances all of these commitments with her continued pursuit of her education and professional development as well as a deeply committed personal life.  AGL is married to her elementary school crush, a relationship that has blossomed from the strength of childhood dreams.  She is a loving family member, a champion of Lakeland and Polk County, a bridge builder between worlds of despair and worlds of affluence, and an encourager of other dreamers.

Above, AGL is not just a paper person or an idea person.  AGL is committed to making dreams come true – for herself, her family, and her community.

Stephanie Nalker

Stephanie Nalker grew up just down the road in Winter Haven Florida. At 5 years old, she discovered her passion for dancing. She pursued it for years eventually finding herself on the The Devilettes, Winter Haven High School’s dance team. She’s always loved Lakeland and decided to make the move to her new home in 2007.

Stephanie graduated from Polk Community College (Now Polk State) with her associates degree. She went on to get her Bachelors Degree from the University of South Florida for elementary education but shifted to medical billing and coding. Stephanie started her own small business in 2008, a medical billing company serving providers in Polk County.

Continuing that drive of wanting to do more, she received her Life and Health license through the State of Florida. This combined with her experience running her medical billing company reflects the passion she has helping others and educating on financial literacy.

As the mother of 2 beautiful girls, Stephanie is a firm believer of supporting other women and being a positive influence. Over the next year as one of the Ladies of Lakeland, I want to continue growing and empower women through sharing my knowledge and my story in the community in hope to make a positive impact on other women.

Phoenix Gonzalez
Phoenix Gonzalez is a talented Entrepreneur, Singer, Actress, Inventor and Motivational Speaker whose career spans over 30 years.

Phoenix draws creative inspiration from growing up in a multi-talented family made up of Singers, Dancers, Pianists and Beauty Queen winners. She got her start early in a Caribbean dance troop, then transitioned to musical theater in her teens and became a 3-time beauty queen winner: M’s Cities of America (1st Runner Up), M’s. Teen Toronto (Crowned Winner) and M’s Oshawa Universe (Crowned Winner).

In her early 20s, Phoenix experienced a near-death car accident that forced her to retrain her cognitive motor skills. This transitioned her into acting where she went on to make appearances in successful TV series like “Sons Of Anarchy,” major motion pictures including “The Tuxedo” with Jackie Chan, and producers short films that won multiple awards with her team.

Phoenix was recognized as a female disruptor in 2018 with her streaming video technology company dotsutioPRO. Ever the entrepreneur, Phoenix’s second company Silked has changed the lives of over 650K worldwide customers with her invention, The Silked Pillow Sleeve.

Phoenix is also a motivational speaker that mentors women in business and life. In addition to these accomplishments, she is living her best life as the lead singer of the Phoenix5 band alongside her husband Joe Pascual, lead guitar player.

Rachel Keller
Rachel Keller is a proud Lakeland who recently moved back with her husband to raider their daughter close to their families. Rachel moved back from San Antonio where she was a recipient of the San Antonio Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award.

She is the Owner and Principal Designer of Keller Creative, a premier, full-service interior design studio that takes pride in transforming spaces into truly inspiring and personalized interiors. At the heart of everything Rachel does, whether with Keller Creative, at home with her daughter, or while out in the community, is her commitment to promoting the importance of overall wellbeing and mental health.

Keller Creative is built on the belief that a well-designed interior is not merely a matter of aesthetics; it’s a cornerstone of one’s overall well-being. Everyone talks about the importance of mental health, recognizing that our thoughts reside within our minds, but Rachel asks people to consider this: your body lives in your interior spaces, and the quality of that environment has a profound impact on your happiness and overall health.

In addition to being a Lady of Lakeland, Rachel is a member of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Council and donates her interior design expertise to The Hope House, an organization that exists to serve, equip and empower first-time, expectant moms who have chosen life for their babies.

When Rachel isn’t working you can find her enjoying time at one of Lakeland’s many parks with her family, meeting up with friends for a delicious meal or iced latte, or enjoying time out on water!

Ashley Loute
A Lakeland native, Ashley “AGL” Loute has formed relationships with people from many walks of life.  Her determination to make a difference in the lives of others spreads to those within her sphere of influence and beyond. AGL grew up with two parents who were stable, loving mentors for her.  As a child, she observed the disadvantages and struggles others faced in single-parent homes.

AGL’s first taste of community service came about in high school at Summerlin Military Academy.  Each day after school, AGL volunteered as an intake coordinator for the Salvation Army Community of Hope, an emergency shelter for families with children.

Ashley pursued an education at Southeastern University, dedicating herself to the study of humanitarian compassion.  This educational background has served as a useful tool for turning her passion for people into great accomplishments. Ashley currently serves on the Executive Team of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County as the Director of Finance & Administration.  AGL is a member of Emerging Leaders for BGCA, a leadership cohort group providing mentoring and training to rising leaders.

Beyond her role at the Boys & Girls Clubs, AGL is deeply engaged in her community.  She volunteered as a board member of Lakeland South Rotary and served as their Public Relations Chair.  She has participated in the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.  She partnered with the United Way of Central Florida, participating in their Young Leaders Society, Women’s United Council and the Director’s Council.  She is an alumna of the Polk County Sheriff’s Advisory Council.

AGL balances all of these commitments with her continued pursuit of her education and professional development as well as a deeply committed personal life.  AGL is married to her elementary school crush, a relationship that has blossomed from the strength of childhood dreams.  She is a loving family member, a champion of Lakeland and Polk County, a bridge builder between worlds of despair and worlds of affluence, and an encourager of other dreamers.

Above, AGL is not just a paper person or an idea person.  AGL is committed to making dreams come true – for herself, her family, and her community.

Stephanie Nalker

Stephanie Nalker grew up just down the road in Winter Haven Florida. At 5 years old, she discovered her passion for dancing. She pursued it for years eventually finding herself on the The Devilettes, Winter Haven High School’s dance team. She’s always loved Lakeland and decided to make the move to her new home in 2007.

Stephanie graduated from Polk Community College (Now Polk State) with her associates degree. She went on to get her Bachelors Degree from the University of South Florida for elementary education but shifted to medical billing and coding. Stephanie started her own small business in 2008, a medical billing company serving providers in Polk County.

Continuing that drive of wanting to do more, she received her Life and Health license through the State of Florida. This combined with her experience running her medical billing company reflects the passion she has helping others and educating on financial literacy.

As the mother of 2 beautiful girls, Stephanie is a firm believer of supporting other women and being a positive influence. Over the next year as one of the Ladies of Lakeland, I want to continue growing and empower women through sharing my knowledge and my story in the community in hope to make a positive impact on other women.

Angelique

Francois

Irisjan

Pereles

Brittany

Mueller Short

Yolanda

Floyd

Nikki

Cash

Angelique Francois
Angélique graduated with her B.A. degree in Health Science. As an alumnus at Florida Atlantic University, she is a member of The International Medical Fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon and Black Women in Medicine. She won the title of The Upsilon Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Miss Black and Gold and Florida Miss Gold.

In January 2020, Angélique started a program called the “Real Talk Time” where she visited schools and spoke to students about the importance of higher education. Two months later, the pandemic happened and prohibited her program from exceeding, and decided to expand into a non-profit organization. She founded The Reach One to be Won Foundation, Inc.’s mission is community outreach but primarily focuses on educating, empowering, and enhancing the youth in all genres, including arts, academics and athletics.

Angélique started her collegiate track and field career at Limestone University in South Carolina. Angelique won four relay championships and placed top 8 in finals for her individual races, decorated with two conference medals, and earned seasonal records.

Angélique won the title of Miss Florida America’s Homecoming Queen in 2015 later then placed top 10 and win the best speech award at the national level. Angélique continued at Limestone college, placing 1st runner-up at the Miss Limestone College pageant in 2016. She later competed in Miss Black and Gold pageant for the Upsilon Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and won Miss Black and Gold in 2018 to further her reign and won Miss Florida Gold for the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, inc. Florida Federation Chapter in 2018. Later in 2020, she respectfully reigns the title as Miss Riverview USA 2020-2021.

Now, Angélique began her international debut as Reina del Café Haiti 2022. As well as competition, Angélique has judged numerous pageants. Pageantry opened the door to Angélique newfound career as a professional model. Angélique has graced runways such as Miami Swim Week and the front cover of magazines.

Irisjan Pereles
Irisjan Pereles is a self-published, Puerto Rican Christian author and speaker with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. She graduated top of her class from Universidad Interamericana, Puerto Rico campus earning a full scholarship and certificate as a scriptwriter. She has done a little bit of everything, from producing, radio, and professional wedding photography.

When she graduated from college, she received an offer to teach a photography class to high school students at a private Catholic school in Puerto Rico known as Colegio Beato Carlos Manuel Rodríguez. Teaching became her passion and most gratifying work, earning her more than 10 years of experience in the education field. In 2016, her husband, Judex Diaz, received a job offer in Lakeland, Florida. They fell in love with our town, the multicultural community, businesses, and lifestyle. Irisjan is currently writing another book, homeschooling her two boys, and doing freelance photography for local businesses and influencers.

She leads worship every Sunday at her church and works side-by-side with a local charity ministry known as Radically Built. In 2020, when pandemic hit, Irisjan and her ministry partners, supplied groceries to single moms, widows, and the elderly community around their neighborhoods. As part of the Ladies of Lakeland, she is on a mission to be an advocate for literacy, her local homeschooling community, and bring awareness to the importance of arts as part of an integral and balanced life. In her pastime, she enjoys journaling, writing music, and supporting local events and artists with her family.

Brittany Mueller Short
Brittany Mueller was born and raised in Central Florida. She attended USF and Hillsborough Community College for a Business Management and Finance Degree. Brittany, her husband, Jett, and five children, Hunter, Kenzie, CJ, Zach and Bella moved to Polk County in 2015 and have called it home since.

Brittany is the founder and owner of Bella Grace Boutique. Bella Grace Boutique was founded in 2019, within a few years of launch, the growth was profitable enough to open their first storefront location in the heart of South Lakeland. Aside from running BGB, she works full-time in Corporate Accounting and Finance.

Brittany’s goal is to exceed growth, empower other women and to share her knowledge within the community.

Yolanda Floyd
Yolanda Floyd is a faithful wife and mother of 5 wonderful children; 4 boys and finally the baby girl her husband promised her (now he promises to stop having any more). In defense of this insanity, her and her husband did each bring one son to their wedding, and proudly boast a healthy and happy blended family lifestyle.

Currently serving the area as a people-focused and high-performing Real Estate Professional, Yolanda is a First Generation born-American, a daughter of migrant farmers who made their way to Central Florida in hopes of paving a better way for their daughters. Her faith positioned primary to her practice, Yolanda is dedicated to working hard for her clients, recognizing she is laboring for far more than income, keeping integrity and ethics at the forefront of her dealings.

Outside of an insanely busy life as a mother, wife, and Realtor, Yolanda actively serves at Grace City Church as a Kingdom Builder and is a Core Member to the Hope House.

Nikki Cash
Nikki Cash is no native to Lakeland, Florida but has grown a tremendous love for our town and community over the last several years. Originally from New Jersey, she attended Florida Southern College in 2012 and quickly decided to plant her roots here. Following her graduation from Florida Southern, Nikki attended the University of Central Florida to pursue a Masters Degree in Interpersonal Communication and later found her career and passion in Real Estate.

Nikki is a Broker Associate of CENTURY 21 Myers Realty and heavily involved within our community. She is the host of a local podcast, the Local Lakeland Show, a member of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and Emerge Lakeland, an active participant of Lakeland Association of Realtors and the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, and a local influencer with Hot Mod Agency. She was featured on the front cover of a local Magazines first edition where she was showcased as the Local Lakeland Expert.

As a well rounded individual, Nikki strives to be a positive influence on everyone in our community and believes in building up women to reach their highest potential. Nikki’s one hope is that you can see the truth – if she can do it, so can you!

Angelique Francois
Angélique graduated with her B.A. degree in Health Science. As an alumnus at Florida Atlantic University, she is a member of The International Medical Fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon and Black Women in Medicine. She won the title of The Upsilon Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Miss Black and Gold and Florida Miss Gold.

In January 2020, Angélique started a program called the “Real Talk Time” where she visited schools and spoke to students about the importance of higher education. Two months later, the pandemic happened and prohibited her program from exceeding, and decided to expand into a non-profit organization. She founded The Reach One to be Won Foundation, Inc.’s mission is community outreach but primarily focuses on educating, empowering, and enhancing the youth in all genres, including arts, academics and athletics.

Angélique started her collegiate track and field career at Limestone University in South Carolina. Angelique won four relay championships and placed top 8 in finals for her individual races, decorated with two conference medals, and earned seasonal records.

Angélique won the title of Miss Florida America’s Homecoming Queen in 2015 later then placed top 10 and win the best speech award at the national level. Angélique continued at Limestone college, placing 1st runner-up at the Miss Limestone College pageant in 2016. She later competed in Miss Black and Gold pageant for the Upsilon Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and won Miss Black and Gold in 2018 to further her reign and won Miss Florida Gold for the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, inc. Florida Federation Chapter in 2018. Later in 2020, she respectfully reigns the title as Miss Riverview USA 2020-2021.

Now, Angélique began her international debut as Reina del Café Haiti 2022. As well as competition, Angélique has judged numerous pageants. Pageantry opened the door to Angélique newfound career as a professional model. Angélique has graced runways such as Miami Swim Week and the front cover of magazines.

Irisjan Pereles
Irisjan Pereles is a self-published, Puerto Rican Christian author and speaker with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. She graduated top of her class from Universidad Interamericana, Puerto Rico campus earning a full scholarship and certificate as a scriptwriter. She has done a little bit of everything, from producing, radio, and professional wedding photography.

When she graduated from college, she received an offer to teach a photography class to high school students at a private Catholic school in Puerto Rico known as Colegio Beato Carlos Manuel Rodríguez. Teaching became her passion and most gratifying work, earning her more than 10 years of experience in the education field. In 2016, her husband, Judex Diaz, received a job offer in Lakeland, Florida. They fell in love with our town, the multicultural community, businesses, and lifestyle. Irisjan is currently writing another book, homeschooling her two boys, and doing freelance photography for local businesses and influencers.

She leads worship every Sunday at her church and works side-by-side with a local charity ministry known as Radically Built. In 2020, when pandemic hit, Irisjan and her ministry partners, supplied groceries to single moms, widows, and the elderly community around their neighborhoods. As part of the Ladies of Lakeland, she is on a mission to be an advocate for literacy, her local homeschooling community, and bring awareness to the importance of arts as part of an integral and balanced life. In her pastime, she enjoys journaling, writing music, and supporting local events and artists with her family.

Brittany Mueller Short
Brittany Mueller was born and raised in Central Florida. She attended USF and Hillsborough Community College for a Business Management and Finance Degree. Brittany, her husband, Jett, and five children, Hunter, Kenzie, CJ, Zach and Bella moved to Polk County in 2015 and have called it home since.

Brittany is the founder and owner of Bella Grace Boutique. Bella Grace Boutique was founded in 2019, within a few years of launch, the growth was profitable enough to open their first storefront location in the heart of South Lakeland. Aside from running BGB, she works full-time in Corporate Accounting and Finance.

Brittany’s goal is to exceed growth, empower other women and to share her knowledge within the community.

Yolanda Floyd
Yolanda Floyd is a faithful wife and mother of 5 wonderful children; 4 boys and finally the baby girl her husband promised her (now he promises to stop having any more). In defense of this insanity, her and her husband did each bring one son to their wedding, and proudly boast a healthy and happy blended family lifestyle.

Currently serving the area as a people-focused and high-performing Real Estate Professional, Yolanda is a First Generation born-American, a daughter of migrant farmers who made their way to Central Florida in hopes of paving a better way for their daughters. Her faith positioned primary to her practice, Yolanda is dedicated to working hard for her clients, recognizing she is laboring for far more than income, keeping integrity and ethics at the forefront of her dealings.

Outside of an insanely busy life as a mother, wife, and Realtor, Yolanda actively serves at Grace City Church as a Kingdom Builder and is a Core Member to the Hope House.

Nikki Cash
Nikki Cash is no native to Lakeland, Florida but has grown a tremendous love for our town and community over the last several years. Originally from New Jersey, she attended Florida Southern College in 2012 and quickly decided to plant her roots here. Following her graduation from Florida Southern, Nikki attended the University of Central Florida to pursue a Masters Degree in Interpersonal Communication and later found her career and passion in Real Estate.

Nikki is a Broker Associate of CENTURY 21 Myers Realty and heavily involved within our community. She is the host of a local podcast, the Local Lakeland Show, a member of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and Emerge Lakeland, an active participant of Lakeland Association of Realtors and the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, and a local influencer with Hot Mod Agency. She was featured on the front cover of a local Magazines first edition where she was showcased as the Local Lakeland Expert.

As a well rounded individual, Nikki strives to be a positive influence on everyone in our community and believes in building up women to reach their highest potential. Nikki’s one hope is that you can see the truth – if she can do it, so can you!

Maggie Weeks

Maria Gerzenshtein

Rachel Riggs Short

Laura Shooks

Elizabeth Willers

Maggi Weeks
Maggi Weeks has been with Wall Advisors, Inc., A Registered Investment Advisor, since 2001 as the firm’s Investment Administrator in charge of investment compliance and client relations. Maggi moved to Lakeland from West Palm Beach in 1988 to attend Florida Southern College where she earned a B.S. in Sociology.

After graduation, she moved to Orlando for a short time, but came back to Lakeland where she worked in the banking industry for 9 years. She was a member of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and donated her time for numerous non-profit organizations. She and her ex-husband share a son who will graduate this year from George Jenkins High School. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time in Anna Maria fishing and boating with her son.

Walltitus.com
Maria Gerzenshtein
Maria Gerzenshtein grew up in Evanston, IL, a suburb of Chicago. She attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and became a Physical Therapist in the mid-1990s. Her expertise lay in sports medicine and orthopedic rehabilitation. She practiced in multiple states. Although she still holds her FL PT license and keeps up with the continuing education, she has been acting as the practice manager for the last six years for her husband’s private plastic surgery practice, Dr. Gerzenshtein, better known as “Dr. G,” formerly Dr. Stark’s practice before he retired, here in Lakeland. Maria and Dr. G have been married for almost 20 years and have three children, Isabelle 17, Jenna 14, and Jordan, 12, all attending Mckeel School of Technology. She likes spending time with her family and friends, especially traveling and exploring.
FinerYou.com
Rachel Riggs Short
Rachel Riggs Short moved to Lakeland, FL from Indianapolis in 1976 at the age of 8. From a very young age Rachel was an entrepreneur starting a gymnastics class in her front yard. Rachel attended Scott Lake elementary, Lakeland Highlands junior high and Lakeland High school. She was the star cheerleader at Lakeland High school. Shortly after high school she took part in a debutante ball where she first met her now husband. After, spending a short time at Troy State University she married her husband at the age of 19. Four years later they had their daughter and Rachel went on to be a stay at home mom. Rachel’s husband worked as a welder to provide a comfortable life for the family. When Rachel’s daughter turned 5 years old, Rachel went back to college. Her initial plans were to be a psychologist but decided to teach school.

She later decided to get into real estate and went back to school to become an appraiser. She fell in love with real estate and set out to become one of the best appraisers in the state. Rachel started her own business in early 2000. Rachel has gone on to be one of the few female appraisers in the entire state certified for Federal court. She has recently started a second business earlier this year. Rachel did extensive research to find an electric bicycle company in the Central Florida area. With no luck she decided to launch Whiz Cycle to be able to take advantage of all the wonderful trails surrounding Polk County. She has worked tirelessly for a year to get Whiz Cycle rental shop off the ground. It is located on the Fort Fraser trail in Bartow, Florida. With an expected launch of November 4, Whiz Cycle will be a new adventure for all to enjoy. Whizcycle.com

Rachel has always been a risk taker and has never settled for no as an answer. She has always found a way to achieve her dreams and goals.

WhizCycle.com
Laura Shooks
Laura Shooks moved to Lakeland in 2004 from Tennessee. Although not native to the state she now considers Florida her home. She has been a pharmacist for Winter Haven Hospital for over 15 years working primarily in the emergency room. She spends her free time volunteering for the Greyhound Advancement Center, a cooperative with the Florida Department of Corrections where inmate trainers earn education certificates teaching greyhounds obedience and much more.

She is passionate about ballroom dancing winning many major competitions across the US as well as 2 National Championship Titles and World Championship Title in the Pro/Am division. She recently started cycling with with her husband and they have enjoyed biking trips globally and throughout the US.

GreyhoundAdvancementCenter.org
Elizabeth Willers
A resident of Lakeland since 1991 raising her family and now 7 years as a successful full-time real estate agent and Certified Luxury Home Specialist, Elizabeth’s experience with Lakeland and its culture is long term.  Elizabeth graduated from University of CT but her associate degree in Marketing and Management of Berkeley School of Business has given her strength as a Realtor as a successful marketer using the state of the art technology to get more exposure for each listing. She offers FREE Staging for all of her sellers for a faster sale and for a higher price.  


Elizabeth sales and listings have resulted her to be one of the top-producing agents for Avery Properties, a brokerage that’s been serving Lakeland for over 26 years and in her local area.  Elizabeth specializes in residential in the Lakeland area and since she knows the market well, she has become an expert on staging and pricing a home to sell quickly, which creates success for her sellers.  It is her commitment, experience in the market, negotiating skills, contract knowledge, and use of state of the art technology as well as her ongoing education that add to her success.  

Elizabeth’s goal is to exceed expectations through consistent availability, clear communication, high professional standards, courtesy, discretion and successful results for her buyers and sellers.    

Elizabeth enjoys being a mom of 3 grown children and a Nahnah to 4 grandchildren and has been married to Jock, CEO of the nonprofit, The FALLS Adventure, Inc., for over 36 years.  

Willershome.com
Maggi Weeks
Maggi Weeks has been with Wall Advisors, Inc., A Registered Investment Advisor, since 2001 as the firm’s Investment Administrator in charge of investment compliance and client relations. Maggi moved to Lakeland from West Palm Beach in 1988 to attend Florida Southern College where she earned a B.S. in Sociology.

After graduation, she moved to Orlando for a short time, but came back to Lakeland where she worked in the banking industry for 9 years. She was a member of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and donated her time for numerous non-profit organizations. She and her ex-husband share a son who will graduate this year from George Jenkins High School. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time in Anna Maria fishing and boating with her son.

Walltitus.com
Maria Gerzenshtein
Maria Gerzenshtein grew up in Evanston, IL, a suburb of Chicago. She attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and became a Physical Therapist in the mid-1990s. Her expertise lay in sports medicine and orthopedic rehabilitation. She practiced in multiple states. Although she still holds her FL PT license and keeps up with the continuing education, she has been acting as the practice manager for the last six years for her husband’s private plastic surgery practice, Dr. Gerzenshtein, better known as “Dr. G,” formerly Dr. Stark’s practice before he retired, here in Lakeland. Maria and Dr. G have been married for almost 20 years and have three children, Isabelle 17, Jenna 14, and Jordan, 12, all attending Mckeel School of Technology. She likes spending time with her family and friends, especially traveling and exploring.
FinerYou.com
Rachel Riggs Short
Rachel Riggs Short moved to Lakeland, FL from Indianapolis in 1976 at the age of 8. From a very young age Rachel was an entrepreneur starting a gymnastics class in her front yard. Rachel attended Scott lake elementary, Lakeland Highlands junior high and Lakeland high school. She was the star cheerleader at Lakeland High school. Shortly after high school she took part in a debutante ball where she first met her now husband. After spending a short time at Troy State University she married her husband at the age of 19. Four years later they had their daughter and Rachel went on to be a stay at home mom. Rachel’s husband worked as a welder to provide a comfortable life for the family. When Rachel’s daughter turned 5 years old, Rachel went back to college. Her initial plans were to be a psychologist but decided to teach school.

She later decided to get into real estate and went back to school to become an appraiser.  She feel in love with real estate and set out to become one of the best appraisers in the state. Rachel started her own business in early 2000.  Rachel has gone on to be one of the only female appraisers in the entire state certified for Federal court.  She has recently started a second business earlier this year.  Rachel did extensive research to find an electric bicycle company in the Central Florida area. With no luck she decided to launch Whiz Cycle to be able to take advantage of all the wonderful trails surrounding Polk County.  She has worked tirelessly for a year to get Whiz Cycle rental shop off the ground located on the Fort Fraser trail.  With and expected launch of November 4, Whiz Cycle will be a new adventure for all to enjoy. Whizcycle.com

Rachel has always been a risk taker and has never settled for no as an answer. She has always found a way to achieve here dreams and goals.

WhizCycle.com
Laura Shooks
Laura Shooks moved to Lakeland in 2004 from Tennessee. Although not native to the state she now considers Florida her home. She has been a pharmacist for Winter Haven Hospital for over 15 years working primarily in the emergency room. She spends her free time volunteering for the Greyhound Advancement Center, a cooperative with the Florida Department of Corrections where inmate trainers earn education certificates teaching greyhounds obedience and much more.

She is passionate about ballroom dancing winning many major competitions across the US as well as 2 National Championship Titles and World Championship Title in the Pro/Am division. She recently started cycling with with her husband and they have enjoyed biking trips globally and throughout the US.

GreyhoundAdvancementCenter.org
Elizabeth Willers
A resident of Lakeland since 1991 raising her family and now 7 years as a successful full-time real estate agent and Certified Luxury Home Specialist, Elizabeth’s experience with Lakeland and its culture is long term.  Elizabeth graduated from University of CT but her associate degree in Marketing and Management of Berkeley School of Business has given her strength as a Realtor as a successful marketer using the state of the art technology to get more exposure for each listing. She offers FREE Staging for all of her sellers for a faster sale and for a higher price.  


Elizabeth sales and listings have resulted her to be one of the top-producing agents for Avery Properties, a brokerage that’s been serving Lakeland for over 26 years and in her local area.  Elizabeth specializes in residential in the Lakeland area and since she knows the market well, she has become an expert on staging and pricing a home to sell quickly, which creates success for her sellers.  It is her commitment, experience in the market, negotiating skills, contract knowledge, and use of state of the art technology as well as her ongoing education that add to her success.  

Elizabeth’s goal is to exceed expectations through consistent availability, clear communication, high professional standards, courtesy, discretion and successful results for her buyers and sellers.    

Elizabeth enjoys being a mom of 3 grown children and a Nahnah to 4 grandchildren and has been married to Jock, CEO of the nonprofit, The FALLS Adventure, Inc., for over 36 years.  

Willershome.com