MELISSA MIHOK

Melissa Mihok is Founder and Executive Director of Heels to Heal Inc. She founded Heels to Heal in 2009 when she saw a need in the St Petersburg community for added resources for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. As an entrepreneur at heart spearheading the Heels to Heal Therapy Resource program, she also practices commercial real estate with Barkett Realty. She graduated with a Business Administration and Marketing degree from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida and is originally from Connecticut. She has worked in Executive Management for National Retail Corporations throughout the United States for at least 20 years. Her passion is women’s empowerment with a genuine concern and compassion to help those affected by sexual assault and domestic violence.

SHAWN HANNAN

Shawn Hannan attended Florida International University in Miami where he graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor’s degree in finance. Shawn is a 22 year banking veteran in the Tampa Bay area and owns Tampa Bay Furnishings in St. Petersburg with his wife Sondra where they provide furniture, accessories, artwork, and interior design services. Shawn is an avid supporter of the local arts community and has participated in a number of community focused organizations. Shawn and Sondra moved to St. Petersburg in 1997 and have two boys Riley and Reese. When not spending time with friends and family, you can find Shawn in his workshop where he enjoys working with wood, metal, and painting.

MARC MANCINO

Marc Mancino is a Public Accountant, President and Founder of General Accounting Systems, Inc. He attended Rutgers in New Jersey and University of South Florida. After moving to Florida, he worked for a national accounting firm for 5 years. In 1979, he became self-employed and founded General Accounting Systems, Inc. During the last 36 years, his firm has served the community helping businesses, real estate ventures and non-profits reach their goals. He has a passion for helping businesses succeed through accounting technology and business consulting. He has designed and implemented the financial and accounting systems for non-profit organizations in the Tampa Bay area such as the Catholic High Schools and Pinellas County’s Public Work Academy. He continues to consult with these non-profits and others today. Marc assisted Melissa Mihok in founding Heels to Heal in 2009. He believes his skills could further this cause which is close to his heart. He was fortunate enough to grow up in a warm loving family atmosphere. However, his experiences when he was young with inner city violence and witnessing the struggle of others in their family lives throughout the years, strengthen his conviction that he could utilize his skills to help those less fortunate especially through his work with non-profit organizations.

LAUREN KRAWCZYK

Originally from South Carolina, Lauren moved to Florida 10 years ago and fell absolutely in love with the Sunshine State. Growing up in a different state, she appreciates all that St. Petersburg has to offer with an outside perspective. Lauren worked in high-end retail sales for over 17 years. Along with her extensive sales background, she also worked for a commercial developer for over three years in the leasing and construction departments, which led to her love of real estate. Working with and helping people is her passion. Lauren is Chairperson for Heels to Heal’s 2017 Fashion Show to Remember.

RINA PATEL

Rina Patel was raised in Chicago, IL (GO CUBS!). Her love for math and science landed her a career in Pharmaceutical HealthCare. She graduated from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy and worked in retail and hospital settings. Fifteen years ago she made Tampa Bay her home. Rina works as a clinical long-term care pharmacist in Tampa area today. She is married to a caring and supporting man and they have two beautiful children, a 9-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter. She enjoys traveling, fitness, fashion and is passionate about helping others.“My growing awareness of my blessings has brought me full circle: I want to give back. More specifically, I want to give back by empowering women—especially South Asian women—to take control of their lives and destinies. For too long, too many South Asian women have suffered domestic abuse, living in situations that are complicated by immigration status and community disapproval. Many of them are unable to reach out for help because of the stigma of revealing that their lives are less than perfect. My goal is to change that. It is my vision to increase awareness of domestic violence and mental abuse through presence in social media, newspapers and magazines. Through our annual fundraiser, we aim to help more women and their families live safe and healthy lives. My dream is do whatever I can to guide them out of the shadows to the light, where they can regain control of their lives and futures. Rina believes together we can make a difference!

KENYA PADILLA

Kenya Padilla is a VP/Senior Client Services Director for Robert Half Management Resources. She has been dedicated to Robert Half for over 12 years and specializes in placing Senior-level Financial Consultants on projects with companies throughout Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and Fort Myers. Kenya is a survivor of Domestic Violence, and received crisis counseling through her own means, but also saw the gaps in the system for resources available for domestic violence survivors. After her experience, she met Melissa with Heels to Heal, and quickly found a passion for the organization’s mission. She started as a volunteer in 2018, and has been very involved in the past 2 Fashion Show fundraisers. In her free time, you can find her breaking a sweat at Orangetheory, hanging out with her 5 nieces and nephews, catching rays at the beach, or at the dog park with her adorable dog, Sophie.

Nylma Laureano

Nylma Laureano Snyder is the owner and principal designer of Ala’Bella Interiors in St. Petersburg, FL. Nylma was born in Puerto Rico and raised between there and New York City. She moved to St. Petersburg in the late 90’s and enjoys the city with her husband, daughters, cats Zoomie and Sparky, and a 5 pound chihuahua named Brutus. Over the years, Nylma has been a strong supporter of Heels to Heal and its mission by volunteering her time and helping sponsor their events. When she is not helping her interior design clients or volunteering, you can find Nylma with her family and friends enjoying a sporting event or taking part in the amazing culture St. Pete has to offer.