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16 | GRAVITAS MAGAZINE WOMEN IN THE NEWS - LOCAL To read more about the women featured, visit us online GravitasMag.com POLITICS Bridget Ziegler Sarasota County School Board NON-PROFIT Karen R. Mertes, Lt Col (Ret), USAF Fulfill Your Destiny, Founder & President Karen Mertes turned a life altering tragedy into a life purpose with her organization, Fulfill Your Destiny. A car accident in 2007 was the genesis that lead her to start the non-profit organization that helps people whose careers have been altered by injury or other unforeseen circumstances. She is an inspiring example of someone who turned a tragedy into an opportunity to help others. Appropriately, one of her favorite quotes featured on her website says it all, "e two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." ~ Mark Twain Find out more at FulfillYourDestiny.org It's hard to travel more than a couple of blocks in downtown Sarasota and not see one of Ziegler's colorful posters in her race for a coveted position on the Sarasota County School Board. Ziegler, the incumbent appointed by Gov. Rick Scott, is a new mother and representative for Al Purmort Insurance. 32-year-old Ziegler offers a fresh, youthful approach to her campaign evident in her friendly delivery and whimsical website, something traditionally lacking in county school boards. She is pro- family, anti-common core and an advocate for more teacher control in the classrooms. She's our kind of gal, we wish her well! Remember to vote November 4th! Photography cour tesy Bridget Ziegler BridgetZiegler.com Photography cour tesy Fulfill Your Destiny Janel Brown successfully transferred her military service with the U.S. Special Operations Command and the Space and Naval Systems Command into a career in defense contracting with ReMilNet. Her extensive training in organizational structures and leadership prepared her for a thriving career in the private sector. Inspired in part by "Lean In," by Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg, Brown is an active mentor to young women, encouraging them to go after opportunities traditionally held by men. She has helped organize the Tampa chapter of Women in Defense, which has grown from 14 members to more than 200 members. TECHNOLOGY Janel Brown ReMilNet, LLC, Vice President Inspiring Women in Our Community To learn more about these women or nominate someone you know to be featured in GRAVITAS, visit our website GravitasMag.com by Jules Lewis Gibson