As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we celebrate 10 extraordinary women in Pensacola whose leadership, innovation, and dedication are shaping the future of our community.
These trailblazers are breaking barriers, redefining leadership, and inspiring others to step forward with courage and purpose. Their contributions are not only enhancing the quality of life in Pensacola but also paving the way for future generations of women to lead with confidence and impact.
Meet the Local Pulse 2025 Women to Celebrate! Join us in honoring them by following them on one of their social media platforms and sending them a note sharing your appreciation for their work.
Name: Katie Ballard
Occupation: Executive Director, Studer Community Institute
Leadership roles & responsibilities: My role is to oversee our Building Brains and Building Jobs programs to ensure we can service as many parents, children, entrepreneurs, and business leaders as possible. I work to engage others in the work SCI is doing to improve the quality of life in our community by establishing partnerships and developing new relationships and support. I also strive to foster a positive work environment for our team.
Community involvement and philanthropic efforts: I am always happy to say ‘yes!’ to a volunteer opportunity at Manna and was thrilled to participate as a judge for Pensacola Eggfest this past fall. I also serve as a member of UWF’s College of Business Advisory Council, and I participated as a member of the inaugural class of Pensacola State College Foundation’s Nonprofit Center for Excellence certification program.
Katie BallardHow do you stay motivated and inspired as a leader? Staying motivated and inspired can be challenging, but my sons are my biggest driving force. They remind me daily of what truly matters—purpose, growth, and setting a positive example. Seeing their curiosity, energy, and determination reignites my passion and drive to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.
They also have a keen ability to call me out when I need it most (and probably want it least!) and are a great reminder to stay present and keep showing up.
What other women inspire you? I am grateful to know and have many inspiring women in my life! My mom being the one who tops the list. She is incredibly resilient and always has a positive outlook.
How do you encourage women to not give up? Recognize your strength, even when it feels impossible, and lean on others for support. There is a great deal of difficult things each of us as women have faced and there’s nothing ahead that we can’t overcome.
Who was a mentor to you that you now credit with being a part of your success?Kathy Sandstrom. She’s provided encouragement, support, and guidance. Kathy pushed me to challenge myself and she believed in me and helped me to truly believe in myself.
What is the best advice you have ever been given about leadership and by whom? Sounds simple, but- be a good listener. Build and practice this skill.
Favorite app on your phone: The Gizmo app- it’s how I stay connected with my kiddos – texts, voice notes, messages, and videos!
Last podcast listened to/book read: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Favorite place to spend money: Bodacious Bookstore! Great books and gifts and my boys love the children’s section!
Favorite time-saving hack: Meal planning and prep
Instagram: @kdballard_ Work: @studer_community_institute
Camille Bonner, photo by Phocus PhotographyName: Camille Bonner
Occupation: Certified Substitute Teacher for Escambia County School District
Community involvement & philanthropic efforts: Center for Civic Engagement, Advisory Board for CivicCon; Volunteer Coordinator for Civic Con; Ambassador and Volunteer for the Studer Community Institute. Recently honored with the Trailblazer “Helping Hand” Award from SCI for the steadfast commitment to volunteering and lasting, positive influence on the community.
Who are you a voice for? Those who want help and support but have not connected yet to resources and the people who can help them.
How do you stay motivated and inspired as a leader? Being a mentor to my community members, those in school and local business entrepreneurs.
How do you encourage women to not give up? I reassure them that as a mother and/or caregiver, they are doing their best. And I am here to “walk the walk with them”.
Instagram: @therealbonn1 Facebook: Camille Johnson Bonner
Snapchat: the bonn_70
Name: Samantha Breedlove
Occupation: Co-owner of Rusted Arrow Mercantile
Leadership roles & responsibilities: As the owner of Rusted Arrow Mercantile and The Loft at the Mercantile, I take great pride in leading not only our businesses but also our incredible team. Leadership, to me, is about learning and growing alongside those I work with—cultivating an environment where creativity thrives, teamwork is second nature, and we uplift both each other and our community.
Beyond managing the day-to-day operations, my role is to inspire. I want our spaces to be more than just places to shop or gather—I want them to be places where people feel welcomed, inspired, and encouraged to press pause and enjoy what they love. Whether it’s through beautifully curated displays, interactive workshops, or simply fostering a sense of connection, my dream is to continue leading our team in creating an experience that people love stepping into and being a part of.
Community Involvement and philanthropic efforts: I truly love our community and believe that when we come together, we create something greater than ourselves. Through Rusted Arrow Mercantile, I’ve had the privilege of supporting countless local nonprofits, schools, and charitable organizations by donating gift baskets, shop experiences, and auction prizes to help raise funds and awareness for important causes.
I’ve been honored to participate in and contribute to many philanthropic events that make a difference. Organizations such as Rally Foundation, Pace Center for Girls, Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida, Manna Food Pantry, and numerous local schools hold a special place in my heart. Giving back is not just something we do—it’s an essential part of who we are as a business, and I am grateful to play a role in helping our community grow and thrive.
Who are you a voice for? I am a voice for those who want to create beauty in the everyday and spread kindness wherever they go. I believe in the power of finding joy in the moment and celebrating life’s big and small moments with intention. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to embrace creativity, connection, and the simple joys that make life meaningful.
I am also a voice for dreamers—those with big visions and the determination to turn them into reality. I am living proof that with passion, perseverance, and a heart for what you do, you can build something special. My hope is that by sharing my journey, I encourage others to chase their own dreams, knowing that they can achieve them.
How do you stay motivated and inspired as a leader? Staying motivated as a leader means continuously seeking growth and being curious – not just for my business, but for myself. I push myself to learn from others who are doing incredible things, whether that’s through traveling, visiting markets, or seeing firsthand how other businesses are innovating and leading in their spaces. Surrounding myself with people who inspire me keeps me open-minded and excited about new possibilities.
I also believe that creativity and leadership go hand in hand. To fuel my heart, mind, and soul, I make time for the things that bring me joy beyond work. Whether it’s thrifting for hidden treasures, painting a dresser, or simply spending time at the beach. Staying curious, connected, and creative allows me to bring fresh energy and vision back to my team and our business.
How do you encourage women to not give up? I encourage women to not give up by finding joy in the journey. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but they don’t define the destination. They’re just part of the path. Learning to seek out the light, even in the hardest times, has helped me push forward when I’ve felt like giving up.
Instead of seeing obstacles as failures, I try to view them as lessons and as opportunities to grow and become stronger. Nothing is permanent. Always be ready to pivot, adapt or change. I remind women that their dreams are worth fighting for, that their resilience is more powerful than they realize, and that joy can be found even in the smallest victories. Keep going, stay open to the possibilities, and trust that every step forward is progress toward something great.
Who was a mentor to you that you now credit with being a part of your success? There are two people who have been instrumental in my journey: my mom and my husband.
My mom has always been my biggest advocate, encouraging me to chase my dreams with unwavering support. She showed me what it means to work hard, love deeply, and follow my passion. She taught me the beauty of celebrating life and making people feel welcomed, loved, and seen—something I now strive to do in my business. Some of my favorite memories are of us traveling together, exploring shops, and dreaming about opening one of our own. Now, that dream is a reality, and I hope to mentor my own kids the way she has guided me.
My husband has also been a huge influence on my journey. He’s a “jump in feet first” kind of person, always cheering me on and pushing me to go for it. As a business owner himself, he’s been my sounding board and my voice of reason, always offering guidance and encouragement. His leadership and perspective have helped me grow not just as a business owner but as a leader. I’m beyond grateful for both of them and the impact they’ve had on my life.
What is the best advice you have ever been given about leadership and by whom? “When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, DANCE.” LeAnn Womack.
That lyric was something my mom quoted to me my whole life, and it has become a guiding principle in how I approach life. To me, it means taking the chance, making the leap, and pushing beyond my comfort zone. It’s a reminder not to sit on the sidelines and to fully embrace the moment.
If you spend too much time waiting for the “right” moment, you’ll miss it. The best leaders act, trust their instincts, and dance, even when the steps aren’t fully mapped out.
Favorite app on your phone: Instagram and Pinterest
Last podcast listened to/book read: Practical Rebels, A Branding and Marketing Podcast and Jenna Kutcher’s The Goal Digger Podcast.
Favorite place to spend money: the local boutiques in Downtown Pensacola. I love shopping at Bluetique, Indigeeaux and Gray.
Favorite time-saving hack: I love using things like Instacart to help make some everyday tasks quicker. Canva is my best friend for helping me make all the things and I am learning to love ChatGPT to help me create and learn lots of new things!
Instagram: @rusted.arrow.mercantile Instagram: @samantha_breedlove
Name: Donna Jeane Dickey
Occupation: Certified Yoga Instructor at Yoga Abode and Realtor at Conna O’Donovan Real Estate
Leadership roles & responsibilities: East Hill Neighborhood Association, Board President; Bands on the Bayou, Sponsor Chair; East Hill Makers Market, Committee Member; Rally Gulf Coast Holiday Shopping Soirée, Committee Co-Chair; Rally on the Runway, Committee Member
Community Involvement and philanthropic efforts: Bands on the Bayou – bring our community together for free, outdoor concerts at Bayview Park. We have raised
over $124k for local charities since 2021. Rally Holiday Shopping Soirée – raised over $75k to fund childhood cancer research for Rally Foundation. Yoga for a Cure: raised over $5k for Rally Gulf Coast. Bunny Hop Drop – Easter basket donations to those in need. I also volunteer at O.J. Semmes Elementary School, am a proud member
of Impact 100, and lead children’s yoga classes for the summer grief camps at Covenant Care. I was honored to be awarded the “Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser” Award in 2023 by the West Florida Chapter of AFP.
Who are you a voice for? I am a voice for my neighborhood, for the local organizations I love and serve, and for our yoga community.
How do you stay motivated and inspired as a leader? I surround myself with those who inspire me. I am always learning and growing. Most importantly, I prioritize self-care with a focus on holistic well-being and I practice lots of yoga!
What other women inspire you? My Mom, my ten aunts, my Grandm
other, my yoga students and yoga teachers, Cindi Bear Bonner, Conna O’Donovan, Rina Thoma, Vani Hari, Addie Murdoch, Mallory Studer, Claire Campbell, Abby Spencer, Taylor Swift and Michelle O’Bama.
How do you encourage women to not give up? I strive to lead by example by keeping my head up, eyes ahead and with a smile on my face. I encourage women by reminding them that it’s okay to slow down and rest. Restart, if needed.
Who was a mentor to you that you now credit with being a part of your success? My Mom, Althea Cabarrao and Conna O’Donovan
What is the best advice you have ever been given about leadership and by whom? “Always do the right thing.” -Brother Richard Crisco, my high school youth pastor. “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” -John C. Maxwell
Donna DickeyFavorite app on your phone: Apple Music and HOTWORX
Last podcast listened to/book read: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Favorite place to spend money: Everman’s Co-op Grocery
Favorite time-saving hack: Delegate and hire a housekeeper!
Instagram: @yogaabode + @ohhhhdonna Facebook: Donna Dickey and Yoga Abode
Name: Amanda Hindsman
Occupation: Director of Project Management, Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems
Leadership roles & responsibilities: Volunteer, Manna Food Pantries; LeaP Class of 2016, Project Chair; Impact 100 Pensacola Bay Area, Grants Chair; Marcus Pointe Worship Team.
Who are you a voice for? ending preventable blindness, providing transformational grants to nonprofits in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, and most importantly, sharing the love of Jesus Christ!
How do you stay mot
ivated and inspired as a leader? I stay motivated and inspired as a leader by staying connected to my personal. When I remind myself of the impact I want to have and the reason I started this journey, it fuels my passion and keeps me going, even during challenging times. It also helps me show up authentically and inspire others to find their purpose.
What other women inspire you? I joined Impact 100 because the membership inspires me through the transformational change they bring to our two-county area through collective giving. Watching our current & past Impact Presidents who lead humbly with passion for our local community reminds me of the power women have when they come
together for a greater purpose. Their dedication challenges me to show up, give back, and be a part of something bigger than myself.
How do you encourage women to not give up? I encourage women to not give up by reminding them that every hard time is just a season — and seasons change. Whether it’s navigating a teething baby, juggling work and home life, supporting a child with a learning disability, hitting revenue goals, or creating change in your community — we are women. We were designed to do hard things. The challenges we face don’t define us — they refine us.
Who was a mentor to you that you now credit with being a part of your success? Well, let’s start with the GOAT herself — my mother, Susan Huff. She is the kindest person I know, a true friend with a strong prayer life. I strive every day to be more like her. I’ve also been incredibly blessed to be led and mentored by so many leaders throughout my career. I would be remiss not to thank my very first boss, Quint Studer, for taking a chance on a 23-year-old college student. Much like he’s done for Pensacola, he changed the trajectory of my life and my family’s life — and I will forever be grateful to have had a seat at the table.
What is the best advice you have ever been given about leadership and by whom? “The only legacy we leave behind is to those we teach.” Quint Studer
Favorite app on your phone: Podcast App… all the murder mysteries, please.
Last podcast listened to/book read: Currently reading “Embracing Mrs. Mommy” by Rocky Bowers Parra my fellow IMPACT 100 PBA Board Member.
Favorite place to spend money: Tractor Supply or anywhere that sells plants and chickens!
Favorite time-saving hack: Learning to say no. Protecting my time allows me to stay aligned with my why — to empower others and create lasting impact. When I’m intentional with where I invest my time, I can show up fully where I’m needed most — at home, at work, and in my community.
Instagram: @ahindsman Facebook: Amanda A. Hindsman
Name: Debra D. Little
Occupation: General Counsel, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
Leadership roles & responsibilities: As the General Counsel and member of the Sheriff’s Command Staff, my role is to provide legal advice and guidance on all matters affecting the agency. I ensure compliance with policies, training, and operational procedures, and I manage legal disputes, contracts, and litigation. I also advise on matters related to public safety, law enforcement practices, and constitutional rights, ensuring that all actions align with the law. Collaborating with the Sheriff’s Command Staff, we balance legal considerations with the needs of the community, making decisions that directly impact public welfare. Additionally, I serve as a Board Member for the City of Pensacola General Pension Fund and as an instructional team member of the Sheriff’s Female Blazer Academy.
Debra LittleCommunity Involvement and philanthropic efforts: My community involvement is deeply embedded in my role as General Counsel to the Sheriff’s Office, where I see my work as an ongoing commitment to public service. Every decision I make, whether providing legal advice or navigating legal issues, directly impacts the safety and well-being of the community we serve and Sheriff’s office employees.
I believe that the very nature of my job is a form of community service. I am committed every day to contributing to a safe community. Through my role, I hope to inspire others to find ways to serve, no matter what path they choose. Service is not just about actions—it’s about the heart behind them, and I am dedicated to making a meaningful difference at my agency and in the community we serve.
Who are you a voice for? I am a voice for young girls and women who face adversity, especially those growing up in difficult circumstances with little guidance. I’ve walked this path myself, and I know what it feels like to be trapped in uncertainty without positive role models. My own journey of overcoming obstacles is proof that anyone, regardless of their background, has the strength within them to rise above challenges. Through my work and example, I aim to help these young women realize their worth and potential, just as I had to learn to do for myself.
How do you stay motivated and inspired as a leader? My faith and the unwavering support of my husband of 31 years are two key sources of my motivation. Growing up in tough circumstances, I learned that I was never truly alone, and that my purpose was greater than my struggles. My faith is my anchor, fueling my belief that anything is possible through grace and perseverance. Additionally, I draw inspiration from my colleagues and the community we serve. Their resilience and determination keep me focused and motivated, even during challenging moments. The opportunity to serve alongside such an incredible team is a constant reminder that leadership is about making a difference in the lives of others.
What other women inspire you? All women inspire me in their unique ways. From single mothers showing quiet courage to businesswomen breaking barriers, every woman possesses incredible strength and resilience. I am particularly inspired by those who rise above their circumstances to make a meaningful impact on others. Their perseverance reminds me that we all have the power to push through adversity and continue making progress, no matter the obstacles in our path.
How do you encourage women to not give up? I encourage women to never give up by being an example, reminding them that resilience is built through adversity. Life is full of challenges, and at times it can feel like there’s no way forward, but I’ve learned that these struggles often reveal our greatest strengths. I tell them to trust in their abilities, lean into their faith, and remember that their journey is uniquely theirs—meaningful and worthwhile. Keep moving forward, even one step at a time.
Who was a mentor to you that you now credit with being a part of your success? Though I didn’t have a traditional mentor, I’ve been deeply influenced by the people and experiences around me, both good and bad. The strength and resilience I observed in my family and community, as well as my faith, have shaped my approach to life and leadership. The lessons I’ve learned from both strong leaders and those who faltered have been integral in helping me understand the importance of integrity and perseverance. True mentorship doesn’t always come in formal forms; sometimes, it’s the examples we see in our daily lives that guide us.
What is the best advice you have ever been given about leadership and by whom? The best advice I’ve ever received about leadership was to take in your environment and learn from it. Leadership, I’ve learned, isn’t just about acting, it’s about listening and observing. Early in my career, I realized how valuable it was to pay attention to how others lead, communicate, and react in different situations. Both the great leaders and those who fell short have taught me something. This philosophy shaped my approach: leadership is about empowering others to succeed and grow, rather than having all the answers or being in charge.
Favorite place to spend money: I spend most of my money on Amazon. It’s convenient, and I can find pretty much anything I need.
Favorite time-saving hack: My favorite time-saving hack is staying organized. I use lists to track tasks and prioritize the most important ones. This helps me focus on what truly matters and prevents me from getting sidetracked by less urgent matters. Being organized allows me to stay ahead and feel accomplished every day.
Name: Adrienne Maygarden
Occupation: President, Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation
Leadership roles & responsibilities: In my leadership role, I inspire, engage, and advocate for the mission of Ascension Sacred Heart and Ascension St. Vincent’s by securing resources for our nine hospitals, spanning from Pensacola to Jacksonville.
Community Involvement and philanthropic efforts: Greater Pensacola Chamber – Board Member, Pensacola Museum of Art – Board Member, Pensacola Young Professionals – Advisory Council Member, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida – Past Board Chair
Adrienne MaygardenWho are you a voice for? Ultimately, through the foundation, we are a voice for the most vulnerable in the community, and we want to ensure everyone has access to great health care.
How do you stay motivated and inspired as a leader? Every day, but especially in the hard days, I always go back to my “why.” Whether in my career or the community, I want to help and serve others; giving a voice to those who don’t have a voice.
What other women inspire you? Both of my grandmothers are female leaders who inspired me at a young age. Both of them lost their husbands too soon and had to become leaders both inside their own homes and in the working world, which was remarkable – especially considering the time.
How do you encourage women to not give up? My entire foundation team consists of women. I do my best to emphasize that they can chase their dreams and create whatever future they want. But I also provide them with an honest perspective on the difficulties of balancing home and professional lives. You can’t always have it all at any one given time, but when you look at yourself through the course of a month or a year you can be good at all things.
It’s also crucial to have a wonderful spouse who supports and encourages you to be your best self. Thank you, Trip Maygarden.
Who was a mentor to you that you now credit with being a part of your success? Throughout my life, in both my profession and community, I’ve been fortunate to learn from some amazing individuals. However, my success — defined differently by everyone—is ultimately due to the love and support of my family.
What is the best advice you have ever been given about leadership and by whom? The best advice I’ve received comes from many sources, all centered around servant leadership -we are here to serve others. It’s also important to stay curious, lead from where you are, and remain grateful.
Favorite app on your phone: Instagram
Last podcast listened to/book read: A murder mystery audiobook. I have a full list!
Favorite place to spend money: We have so many great local restaurants and shops!
Favorite time-saving hack: Instacart helps me save so much time, and allows me to avoid an errand altogether.
Instagram: @givesacredheart Facebook: Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation
Name: Jen McKeown
Occupation: President of Reliance Mortgage LLC
Leadership roles & responsibilities: President of Reliance Mortgage LLC , Pensacola Police Foundation, member of Impact 100
Community Involvement and philanthropic efforts: Dessert Sponsor for Covenant Care Art of Fashion, Pensacola Police Foundation Board Member, member of Impact 100, Bands on the Bayou sponsor, Brunch sponsor for the Pensacola Symphony, Judge for Pensacola Eggfest
Who are you a voice for? Women! Empowering women to never give up. When life throws everything at you, keep pushing forward.
How do you stay motivated and inspired as a leader? I draw inspiration from my grandmother and mother, both of whom exemplified an exceptional work ethic. Their dedication and resilience have deeply influenced my own approach to leadership. During challenging times, I often reflect on my grandmother, who is now 105 years old. Her favorite saying, “Roll with the punches,” serves as a daily reminder to persevere with strength and adaptability.
Additionally, I stay motivated by thinking about my employees and the responsibility I have for them. Their well-being and success are always at the forefront of my mind. Failing is not an option for me regarding them.
What other women inspire you? My Grandmother, my mom, my
Jen McKeownchildhood friends who I’ve stayed close to all these years later. My work associates/friends who are strong powerful women. I admire and honor all their successes.
How do you encourage women to not give up? Keep pushing forward. Block out all the noise and chatter. Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone has struggles that we don’t see. Be kind and loving to everyone, no matter what the situation.
Who was a mentor to you that you now credit with being a part of your success? For me, that person is Retta Briley. She is the president of a mortgage company I previously worked with, and I have always admired her strength and leadership. I strive to embody the same qualities she exemplifies. Although we are no longer business partners, we continue to stay in touch, and she frequently includes me in leadership events—an incredible testament to her character, especially since our professional relationship no longer directly benefits her.
I believe one of the biggest challenges women face in business is a lack of support from one another, especially in competitive roles. One of my goals this year is to foster a stronger sense of community among women in our industry, encouraging collaboration and mutual success.
What is the best advice you have ever been given about leadership and by whom? My leader, Chris Harris, gives advice on leadership at all our monthly meetings. His style of leadership and positivity is what I strive for every day.
Favorite app on your phone: Insight Timer – a meditation app and sleep app
Last podcast listened to/book read: Let Them by Mel Robbins
Favorite place to spend money: Gray Boutique and Bluetique
Favorite time-saving hack: Chat GPT
Instagram: @reliancemortgageloans Facebook: Reliance Mortgage Loans, LLC
Name: Jacqui O’Connell
Occupation: Registered Nurse (retired), formerly Manager of Clinical Practice; Sacred Heart Home Care, Director of Clinical Management with Olsten Health Services
Leadership roles & responsibilities: Past Executive Director, Keeping Abreast Foundation, and currently working to transition the current director into her role, while transitioning myself into a Director role for the organization. Race Director for I Pink I Can Run; a 4 miler for The Keeping Abreast Foundation.
Community Involvement and philanthropic efforts: Director, Keeping Abreast Foundation Board; Co-founder, Autism Pensacola; Board member, Autism Pensacola; Board member, Impact 100; Past president and Board member, The Krewe du YaYas; Past President and Board member, The Leaning Post Ranch.
Jacqui Golberg O’ConnellWho are you a voice for? The underserved and those who cannot advocate for themselves. I fight hard for those on the autism spectrum.
How do you stay motivated and inspired as a leader? Never give up. I have learned that sometimes the path you think is yours takes another direction. I always look for the silver linings in every aspect of my life.
What other women inspire you? The women of Impact 100 and The Krewe du YaYas. The phrase “teamwork is dreamwork” really applies here. It never ceases to amaze me how much both groups of women can accomplish. I am a proud member of both.
How do you encourage women to not give up? My parents told me a long time ago to persevere and give it my all, to do your best and be proud of that, and be honest and transparent in all that I do. The non-profit world is a competitive one. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. What is the worst that can happen? You get a no.
Who was a mentor to you that you now credit with being a part of your success? Jackie Gheen. Twelve years ago, I met with her and a fellow YaYa krewe sister to learn the ABC’s of running and planning a large-scale event; specifically, a 2 state, 4 mile race. Jackie taught me the ins and outs of the industry, about our community, race management, and best practices for a successful event. She taught me how to be a successful race director and little did I know at the time that I would still being doing this 12 years later. I have applied so many of these skills in my personal and professional life.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my parents here. They taught me about volunteering and giving back to my community at a very young age. It was something you just did, and I think both myself and my brother have both taken that to heart in how we carry ourselves in our personal and professional lives.
What is the best advice you have ever been given about leadership and by whom? One of the best pieces of advice I received about leadership came from my HR director when I transitioned from a field role to a leadership position in home health care. She emphasized the importance of listening and giving people the space to voice their thoughts. She reminded me that questions are a vital part of the learning and decision-making process—and that every question matters. If I had a question, chances were that someone else had the same one. This guidance has shaped my leadership approach, reinforcing the value of open communication and active listening.
Favorite app on your phone: Paprika. It’s a recipe app that is shared across the family. It allows me to download recipes from Pinterest and other sites. I entered in all those saved recipes on index cards and magazines and purged a lot of paper in the process! The fun one : Bird Lover – which pairs with a smart bird feeder camera . One of my favorite all-time presents. I love seeing the birds up close and personal. This one wins as my all-time favorite app!
Last podcast listened to/book read: The Women by Kristin Hannah. I have yet to listen to a podcast!
Favorite place to spend money: REI, J Jill, and TJ Maxx!
Favorite time-saving hack: I am a list maker. I keep a notebook that keeps me on task!
Name: Amie McDaniel Remington
Occupation: Attorney, The Peoplease Group
Leadership roles & responsibilities: As Chief Legal Officer, I oversee all legal and compliance matters for our company which consists of 3,000 clients and 70,000 employees. I am also on our company’s Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors. Nationally, I have served on the Legal Advisory Committee for the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations for 20 years.
Amie McDaniel RemingtonCommunity Involvement and philanthropic efforts: Locally, I have served as the Chancellor of St. Christopher’s Episcopal
Church for 24 years. I am also very involved in activities with the Episcopal Dioceses of the Central Gulf Coast.
Who are you a voice for? I’d like to think that I’m a voice for employers interested in continual improvement and for employees working in all demographics – white, grey, and blue collar.
How do you stay motivated and inspired as a leader? First, I am very lucky to have my family. They inspire me to be better every day. Second, I surround myself with smart, strong, positive friends who enjoy spirited conversations on every topic imaginable. They constantly teach me new things and offer different viewpoints.
What other women inspire you? Easy answer: my village. My closest friends include a dentist, a priest, a solo practitioner attorney, several teachers, an environmentalist, a leader in veterans’ services, and a stay-at-home mom/entrepreneur. Each of these women are motivated and interesting and I continually learn from them. They all inspire me to be kind, to look forward, and to always seek to create win-win scenarios.
How do you encourage women to not give up? Charlotte Northup once told me to be gentle with myself, which I always thought was sage advice. Allowing someone who is frustrated to take a moment to pause allows them to recharge their battery, rather than give up.
Who was a mentor to you that you now credit with being a part of your success? Tom Jenkins was the first attorney I worked for. He taught me to balance the zealous representation of a client with “the right thing to do”. That has been a guiding principle in my practice as an attorney.
What is the best advice you have ever been given about leadership and by whom? (1) “We promote what we permit”– Quint Studer. So simple but so true. (2) “It never hurt me to be generous”– H. Britt Landrum, Jr.
Favorite app on your phone: Instagram
Last podcast listened to/book read: Podcast – The Moth / Book – The Art and Science of HR (of course!!!)
Favorite place to spend money: Target
Favorite time-saving hack: Not cooking. Luckily, my husband is a great cook and makes wonderful meals.
Facebook: Amie Remington, Esq.
Linked In: https:www.linkedin.com/company/author-amie-remington
Links to previous honorees:
