https://www.yoursun.com/sunfiercewomen/

FIERCE Women, 200 E VENICE Avenue, Venice, FL (2025)

12/23/2025

✨ Help Us Choose Our December Woman of the Month! ✨

This December, we are celebrating four extraordinary women whose stories reflect resilience, courage, and living fierce without limits. Each was nominated by someone in our community — and now your voice matters.

💛 Vote once per day at SunFIERCEwomen.com for the woman whose journey inspires you most:

• Cynthia Fabian — Turned profound loss into purpose, earning her degrees and becoming an educator while living with epilepsy.
• Amber Jacob — A dedicated mom and community advocate who continues to lead and uplift others while navigating a chronic pain diagnosis.
• Francesca Ledesma — An Englewood mom who transformed personal challenges into empowerment by creating a boutique centered on women.
• Ciara Wells — A cheer coach and lifelong “base” who keeps lifting others while facing stage 4 breast cancer with strength and determination.

✨ Every daily vote helps amplify their stories and celebrate their strength.
Thank you for standing with these inspiring women.

12/22/2025

With heavy hearts, we share that we have lost one of our very own—Amy Hall, a truly one-of-a-kind soul and a founding member of FIERCE.

Amy loved adventure and she loved big. Whether she was swimming with pigs in the Bahamas, traveling the world, or getting married on a yacht in Lake Las Vegas, she embraced life with joy, curiosity, and that unforgettable smile. If it involved water, it had her heart.

But even more than her love for adventure was her love for people. When Amy wasn’t on the water, she focused her energy on taking care of others. “She was always willing to lend a helping hand or try to make things better,” shared Linda Gillis, Features Editor at The Daily Sun. Amy’s kindness was constant, and her presence brought comfort and light wherever she went.

Those who worked alongside her remember her warmth just as clearly. “Amy was a super sweet soul who was always smiling and never had anything bad to say about anybody,” said Danielle Sellers, Marketing Specialist. And as Liana Lazaridis, Multimedia Account Executive, reflected, “It’s not by chance that certain people come across your path… Amy taught me kindness. Our paths were short, but the love for our womanhood will live on forever.”

Amy’s impact at The Daily Sun extended far beyond advertising. Her work, her heart, and her belief in lifting others left a lasting imprint on her colleagues, her community, and the many small businesses she helped build throughout Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte.

As our own Events Manager, Celeste Tobey, shared, “She carried a fierce and beautiful spirit—always happy, always positive, and always sharing a smile that made others feel seen. My heart is shattered.”

Though her time with us was far too short, Amy’s light will continue to ripple through the lives she touched. We are forever grateful for the love she gave so freely and the legacy she leaves behind.

Please keep Amy’s family, friends, and her coworkers in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

With love,
Our FIERCE team

Read more about Amy: bit.ly/44FPaGB

12/18/2025

✨ Vote Daily for Your December Woman of the Month! ✨

💛 Cast your vote once per day at SunFIERCEwomen.com for one of these inspiring women:

• Cynthia Fabian — A survivor of loss who built a life of purpose through education and perseverance while living with epilepsy.
• Amber Jacob — A devoted mom and community leader who continues to uplift others after being diagnosed with a life-altering chronic pain condition.
• Francesca Ledesma — An Englewood mom who turned hardship into empowerment by building a boutique focused on uplifting women.
• Ciara Wells — A lifelong cheerleader and coach who continues to lift others up while facing stage 4 breast cancer with courage and grit.

✨ Your daily vote helps shine a light on their strength and resilience.
Thank you for supporting these remarkable women.

12/12/2025

💖 We’re gearing up for our February feature and looking for extraordinary women whose life’s work centers around matters of the heart. 💖

If you know a woman who dedicates her career to healing hearts — whether she is a cardiologist, heart surgeon, cardiac nurse, technician, therapist, heart-health advocate, or a true “heart mender” in any capacity — we want to share her story. 💝

Help us highlight the women who keep our communities beating strong. Nominate someone today at sunfiercewomen.com.

12/12/2025

✨ It’s Time to Vote for Your December Woman of the Month! ✨
Theme: Fierce Without Limits: Honoring Women Who Rise Above Physical Challenges

Four extraordinary women were nominated by our community — and now it’s your turn to help elevate their stories. Cast your vote once per day at SunFIERCEwomen.com for the woman who inspires you most.

🌟 Meet the Nominees:

• Amber Jacob
A devoted mom and business owner, Amber’s life changed after developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Despite chronic pain, she continues to pour into her community and uplift others through connection and compassion.

• Ciara Wells
A lifelong cheer “base” and coach, Ciara has always lifted others up. Even after a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis and a double mastectomy, she returned to life and work with fierce determination and resilience.

• Cynthia Fabian
On her own at 17 in New York City, Cynthia pushed through unimaginable challenges, earning both her BA and MA while living with epilepsy. Her journey reflects strength, perseverance, and endless resolve.

• Francesca Ledesma
After lupus and a neurological disorder left her unable to walk unaided, Francesca refused to let her diagnosis define her. She built a boutique focused on empowering women and continues to lead with courage and creativity.

💛 Cast your vote daily at SunFIERCEwomen.com and help shine a light on these remarkable women.

12/11/2025

✨ Meet Our Fourth December FIERCE Woman of the Month: Ciara Wells! ✨

Theme: Fierce Without Limits: Honoring Women Who Rise Above Physical Challenges

Rounding out our December honorees is our 4th FIERCE Woman of the Month, nominated by our community — Ciara Wells. 💛

🌟 Ciara’s Story
Ciara has been a cheerleader since childhood, proudly serving as a trusted “base” — the one who lifts others up and keeps them safe. For more than a decade, she’s done the same as a coach, inspiring and empowering young athletes.

When Ciara was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, she faced it with the same fierce determination she’s always brought to her team. Just three weeks after a double mastectomy, she was out Black Friday shopping… and shortly after, back at work. Through every step, her best friend stood by her as her “base,” offering strength and support.

Ciara’s courage, optimism, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire everyone around her.

💛 Help Us Celebrate Ciara!
Cast your vote for her once per day at SunFIERCEwomen.com.
Your support helps lift up her incredible story.

Thank you for celebrating all of our amazing December Sun FIERCE Women!

12/10/2025

✨ Meet Our Third December FIERCE Woman of the Month: Francesca Ledesma! ✨
Theme: Fierce Without Limits: Honoring Women Who Rise Above Physical Challenges

🌟 Francesca’s Story
Francesca has spent years courageously battling lupus and a neurological disorder. When her condition worsened, she was hospitalized and left unable to walk without assistance. But even in her toughest moments, this Englewood mom refused to let her circumstances define her.

Instead, she poured her heart into her dream — building a boutique centered on uplifting and empowering women. Her strength, creativity, and determination shine through everything she does.

💛 Help Us Celebrate Francesca!
Cast your vote for her once per day at SunFIERCEwomen.com.
Your support helps honor her resilience and her inspiring journey.

Stay tuned as we introduce our final Sun FIERCE Women honoree for December!

12/09/2025

✨ Meet Our Second December FIERCE Woman of the Month: Amber Jacob! ✨

Theme: Fierce Without Limits: Honoring Women Who Rise Above Physical Challenges

Today, we’re proud to highlight our 2nd Woman of the Month, nominated by our community — Amber Jacob. 💛

🌟 Amber’s Story
Amber is a devoted mom of three, a dedicated business owner, and a true community connector. While helping her neighbors clean up after Hurricane Ian, a simple fall changed everything. What began as a sprained ankle led to a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, a chronic condition that eventually left her unable to walk.

Despite the constant pain, Amber’s spirit remains unshakable. She continues to uplift others, support her Venice community, and stay deeply rooted in connection and compassion. Her resilience and heart make her a shining example of what it means to live fierce without limits.

💛 Help Us Celebrate Amber!
Cast your vote for her once per day at SunFIERCEwomen.com.
Your support helps honor her strength and her story.

Stay tuned as we introduce the remaining Sun FIERCE Women this month!

12/09/2025

✨ Introducing Our First December FIERCE Woman: Cynthia Fabian! ✨

Theme: Fierce Without Limits: Honoring Women Who Rise Above Physical Challenges

We’re excited to kick off our December features by spotlighting an extraordinary woman nominated by our community — Cynthia Fabian. 💛

🌟 Cynthia’s Story
At just 17, Cynthia found herself alone in New York City with no money, no home, and no family support. After losing both parents at a young age, she leaned on courage, determination, and the inspiration of her heroine, Anne Frank.

She worked tirelessly — editing at night, attending school during the day — earning both her BA and MA. Cynthia went on to become an English teacher in the Bronx, all while living with epilepsy. Her journey is a powerful testament to resilience, hope, and the strength to rise above any challenge.

💛 Help Us Honor Cynthia!
You can vote for her once per day at SunFIERCEwomen.com.
Your vote helps shine a light on her incredible story.

Stay tuned as we introduce the rest of our amazing December !

12/03/2025

✨ Meet Our December FIERCE Women! ✨
Theme: Fierce Without Limits: Honoring Women Who Rise Above Physical Challenges

These four inspiring women were nominated by our community for their strength, resilience, and unstoppable spirit. 💛

🌟 Our December Sun FIERCE Women:

1️⃣ Bronx Trailblazer
On her own at 17 after losing both parents, she worked her way through college, earning her BA and MA while living with epilepsy. Her perseverance led her to become an English teacher in the Bronx.

2️⃣ Amber Jacob
A Venice mom, business owner, and community supporter, Amber’s life changed after a fall led to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Despite chronic pain, she remains dedicated to helping and uplifting others.

3️⃣ Francesca Ledesma
Diagnosed with lupus and a neurological disorder, Francesca lost her mobility but never her drive. This Englewood mom turned her passion into a women-focused boutique despite the challenges.

4️⃣ Ciara Wells
A lifelong cheer “base” and coach, Ciara was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer but stayed fierce through treatment — even returning to work shortly after a double mastectomy. She continues to inspire with her strength and heart.

💛 Vote daily at SunFIERCEwomen.com to help honor these extraordinary women!

12/03/2025

🌿 Congratulations to our November FIERCE Woman of the Month: Barbara Lockhart! 🌿

We are thrilled to announce that Barbara Lockhart has been voted the winner for our November theme, “Women We Are Thankful For.” 💛

Growing up in Florida, Barbara learned early on to appreciate the beauty of nature. From exploring natural areas to reading bird books and going birding, her love for the environment has been a lifelong passion.

But everything changed the day she stood on Englewood Beach during a red tide event — no people, hard to breathe, and a moment that sparked a mission.
“I thought, ‘I have to figure out how to do something.’”

And she did.

Alongside her full-time role as a paralegal, Barbara leads The Environmental Conservancy of North Port, Inc., where she has helped secure 48 parcels of land since 2020 — a powerful legacy of protection and stewardship.

She was nominated by Linda Manley, who admires Barbara’s positive, can-do spirit and her signature belief that “Asking is free.” A reminder that change begins with the courage to simply ask.

✨ Please join us in celebrating Barbara — a woman who inspires gratitude, action, and hope. ✨

💛

12/01/2025

✨ Now Accepting January 2026 FIERCE Nominees! ✨
Our very first feature of 2026 is all about honoring Women Who Have Overcome Addiction — women who have faced some of life’s hardest battles, found recovery, reclaimed their strength, and want to share their stories to inspire others.

If you know a woman whose journey deserves to be celebrated, we would love to hear about her. Nominate her today at sunfiercewomen.com.

Each FIERCE honoree is featured in the newspaper and online on the first Wednesday of every month, keeping her story shining in our community.

Let’s lift up the women who turned struggle into strength and courage into purpose. 💛

Nominate now: sunfiercewomen.com

FIERCE Women

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