Building Bella Donnas

STAFF REPORT

PORT CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte- DeSoto Building Industry Association’s Professional Women in Building Council hosted its fifth annual Bella Donnas to celebrate and recognize honorees in the building industry on July 23.

The evening’s special guest was Melanie S. Griffin, secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Griffin spoke about the importance of women in construction and the power of collaboration to strengthen the industry.

“Secretary Griffin is a true inspiration to women and to everyone in the building industry,” said Shan Swelland, CDBIA president.

Each Bella Donna Award is named in

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Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Melanie Griffin, center, with, from left, Donna Barrett, Cindy Marsh Tichy, Jess Overcash and Caitlin Barrett.

PHOTO PROVIDED/KEVIN SHAHAN, NORTH PORT CREATIVES

Jess Overcash, left, passes the pink hardhat to the next PWB Chair Cindy Marsh-Tichy

PHOTO BY CDBIA

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honor of a distinguished female leader whose dedication has helped shape the CDBIA. These awards ensure their legacies continue by recognizing today’s leaders who exemplify the same passion, service, and commitment.

Awards and honorees included:

SUZANNE GRAHAM LEGACY AWARD

The Suzanne Graham Legacy Award recognizes an outstanding woman in construction who has dedicated her time, talents, and resources to breaking barriers and advancing opportunities for women in the building industry.

This year’s recipient is Odette Embury of Seacoast Bank.

For more than 40 years, Embury has been a respected leader within the CDBIA, generously serving on committees, leading initiatives, and mentoring others. In 2025, she served as the Florida Home Builders Association Associate vice chair, the highest leadership position within the state association for an associate member.

BETH CANTIN-BROWN GAINING MOMENTUM AWARD

The Beth Cantin-Brown Gaining Momentum Award recognizes a newer member who has already made significant contributions to the Association and demonstrates exceptional leadership potential.

This year’s recipient is Isabella Damboise of Cambria.

CARYN HUFFSUFFERLING WORK IN PROGRESS AWARD

Krystal Jenkins of Patriot Plumbing Corp. was given the Caryn Huff-Sufferling Work in Progress Award honoring an outstanding leader who exemplifies service above self and is committed to making a meaningful difference in the community.

BUILDING OUR FUTURE AWARD

The Building Our Future Award celebrates a woman who mentors, inspires, and develops future leaders within the construction industry.

This year’s recipient is Carlene Zeches of Z Interior Decorations.

LADY BOSS AWARD

Rachael Lowe of TitanZ Plumbing & Air Conditioning was honored with the Lady Boss Award, which recognizes an outstanding woman-owned business within the building industry.

In 2025, while navigating an unimaginable personal loss, Lowe continued leading her family and business while earning both her Florida Certified Air Conditioning Contractor and Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor licenses that same year.

HE-RA AWARD

The Professional Women in Building Council also recognizes the men who champion and support women in the construction industry. Today, nearly 12% of the CDBIA PWB membership is comprised of men who joined to support and encourage the success of women in the industry.

This year’s He-Ra Award was presented to Chris Hege of Elite Hurricane Protection.

CHAMPION OF BUILDING AWARD

The Champion of Building Award honors an exceptional woman serving in the public sector whose dedication supports responsible growth and strengthens the building industry.

This year’s recipient is MaryAnn Franks, zoning supervisor for Charlotte County Community Development.

The evening was completed with the annual passing of the pink hardhat.

Jess Overcash, Integrity Electric recapped a year of mentoring young women, adding events and an outlet for women to connect, and be heard. She passed the pink hardhat to Cindy Marsh-Tichy, Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty, who will be creating new chapters of events and leadership.

For more information, visit www.cdbia.com.

Beth Cantin-Brown Gaining Momentum Award Isabella Damboise stands with her Cambria team Melissa Buaduarte and Tonia Braxton

PHOTOS PROVIDED/KEVIN SHAHAN, NORTH PORT CREATIVES

Suzanne Graham Legacy Award recipient Odette Embury, center, poses with FHBA Associate Vice Chair Christina Slate and NAHB Powerhouse Dianne Beaton.

MaryAnn Franks holds up her Champion of Building Award.

Building our Future Recipient Carlene Zeches, left, poses with past recipient and presenter of the award Carla Nix.

Chris Hege, right, celebrates with previous recipients of the He-Ra award Mark Kemeny and Bill Truex.