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14 | GRAVITAS MAGAZINE GravitasMag.com WOMEN IN THE NEWS - LOCAL To read more about the women featured, visit us online GravitasMag.com BUSINESS Allison De Meulder CEO, Invitationconsultants.com and Matrick & Eve Growing up in Miami Beach, University of Florida graduate Allison De Meulder dreamed of running her own business. After receiving her MBA in 1998, she left her marketing job a year later to start her own invitation company. An early believer in e-commerce, she quickly realized that she could reach more brides, and other potential customers online. Invitationconsultants.com quickly grew into more than just wedding invitations. In 2014, De Meulder, whose husband Oliver joined the team in 2002, started Matrick & Eve, the wholesale arm of Invitationconsultants.com. In less than a year, Matrick & Eve's whimsical designs are now found in 300 retailers across the country. Dr. Sandra Stone, USFSM's Regional Chancellor has an impressive background as a leader in education. Prior to accepting the position at USFSM, she served as the vice president for academic affairs at Dalton State College. She holds two bachelor's degrees— one in sociology and one in psychology —and a master's degree in psychology from the University of West Georgia. She also earned a doctorate in sociology from Emory University before receiving a post-doctoral certificate in organizational behavior from Tulane University. She also worked as a senior researcher for the Centers for Disease Control and Georgia's Departments of Public Health and Human Resources where she focused on domestic violence projects. EDUCATION Dr. Sandra Stone Regional Chancellor of USF Sarasota-Manatee 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 Newly named CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, Joni James is best known for her work at the Tampa Bay Times. Joining its staff in 2003, James held a number of positions before becoming the paper's deputy editor of editorials. James tackled subjects from campus assault (even sharing her personal experience with readers) to local politics. With more than 25 years as a journalist, half of them in Florida, this 48-year-old Wake Forest graduate is prepared for her new leading role. NONPROFIT Joni James CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership A Sarasota non-profit founded in 1952 by a group of businessmen now has a woman as its leader for the first time. Mary Forristall has recently been named Chairwoman of the Gulf Coast Builder's Exchange (GCBX). In an industry typically associated with men, Forristall is unique because she is female, and also a mother; grandmother; and part-time aerobics instructor at the YMCA. However, her decades of experience running a demolition company have given her all the tools she needs to lead GCBX. Known as the "Queen of Demolition," Forristall is president of Forristall Enterprises, the company she and her husband Steve started 25 years ago. She is a also fourth generation entrepreneur. CONSTRUCTION Mary Forristall Chairwoman of the Gulf Coast Builder's Exchange