Teresa Rand, founder of Teresa Rand Consulting and the visionary behind the “Boss Lady” conference, was crowned the “Most Influential Woman of the Year” on October 22, 2026. The prestigious recognition came during the 21st annual Volusia-Flagler “Influential Women in Business” luncheon, hosted by The Daytona Beach News-Journal and LocaliQ at The Shores Resort & Spa.
The event, which brought together regional leaders and entrepreneurs, celebrated the collective impact of women who are shaping the professional landscape of Florida. Out of 37 nominees honored for their service and business acumen, Rand stood out for her extensive volunteerism, mentorship of college students, and her commitment to fostering local economic growth through her consultancy and various advisory board roles.
Empowering the Next Generation of Leadership
The keynote speaker for the event, Rebecca Capparelli, Vice President of Promotions at the USA Today Network, highlighted the importance of adaptability and resilience in the modern workforce. Drawing from personal experiences and lessons learned from industry titans like former Disney CEO Bob Iger, Capparelli emphasized that career paths are rarely linear.
“Sometimes the dreams you have don’t come true,” Capparelli told the audience. “When they don’t come true, have new dreams.”
Capparelli’s message resonated deeply with a room full of professionals navigating an era where digital transformation—driven by advancements in AI and automated marketing—is fundamentally altering how businesses reach their audiences. As companies integrate sophisticated promotional technologies and data-driven insights to better connect with consumers, leaders like Rand and the various award recipients are proving that success in the digital age still hinges on community engagement, authentic networking, and a human-centric approach to business development.
A Legacy of Community Impact
The awards ceremony, which has recognized over 530 women since its inception, remains a cornerstone of the Volusia and Flagler business calendar. Philanthropist Cici Brown, who presented the top honor to Rand, praised the winner’s tireless schedule and dedication. Rand’s efforts, including her “Boss Lady” conference launched in 2021, serve as a testament to the power of peer-to-peer mentorship in an increasingly remote and digital-first world.
“There is nothing like a collective power when it’s a bunch of women that get together,” Rand remarked during her acceptance speech. Her ability to navigate professional challenges and provide free consulting to fellow entrepreneurs mirrors the broader trend of democratized access to business tools and resources.
Recognizing Excellence Across Sectors
While Rand took the top honor, the event recognized several other professionals who are driving innovation across their respective fields:
- Civic Leader Award: Michelle Bartlome (AdventHealth)
- Most Charitable Award: Machelle “Shellye” Vallance (91.5 FM Public Radio)
- Public Sector Award: Krista Goodrich (Volusia County School Board)
- Small Business Award: Carmen Ruiz (FASTSIGNS of Daytona Beach)
- Private Sector Award: Karly White (Brown & Brown Insurance)
- Rising Star Award: Kristen Hanson (Daytona State College Foundation)
These honorees represent a diverse cross-section of the economy, from healthcare and education to custom signage and insurance. By highlighting their achievements, the Daytona Beach News-Journal and LocaliQ continue to elevate the voices of women who are successfully leveraging both traditional values and modern technological advancements to serve their communities. The event served as a powerful reminder that while the tools of business may evolve through digital integration and global connectivity, the foundation of influence remains deeply rooted in local service and human collaboration.
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