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Event Recap: CREW Orlando’s 2025 Celebration of Champions

CREW Orlando recently hosted its 2025 Celebration of Champions at the elegant Alfond Inn, transporting attendees into a Parisian dreamscape for this year’s theme, “Soirée of Stars: A Parisian Night.” The evening was a mix of high fashion, networking, and recognition, as the chapter honored the outstanding achievements of members, community partners and students within the CRE discipline.

Advancing Women in CRE

This year, the chapter awarded $48,750 in scholarships to 11 qualified students pursuing careers in a CRE-related field. These awards reflect CREW Orlando’s ongoing investment in the next generation of industry leaders. This year’s celebration recognized the following scholarship winners:

  • Abigail Smith: Senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Central Florida

  • Brooke Zaremskas: Graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Construction Management at the University of Florida

  • Carsyn Christel: Junior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Rollins College

  • Emily Melendez: Graduate student pursuing a Master of Architecture with an Adaptive Reuse and Sustainable Design Focus at the University of Florida

  • Jyslen Archer: Senior pursuing a Bachelor of Design in Interior Design at the University of Florida

  •  Kasandra Borgerink: Senior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration at the University of Florida

  •  Mallory Smith: Senior pursuing a Bachelor of Design in Architecture at the University of Florida

  •  Maria Fernanda Aleman Martinez: Graduate student pursuing a Master of Interior Design in Planning at the University of Florida

  • Riley Himes: Senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of New Hampshire

  • Sanaya Scatliffe: Senior pursuing a Bachelor of Design in Interior Design at the University of Florida

  • Tarra Walker: Graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Real Estate at the University of Florida

Celebrating Professional Excellence

The evening was filled with awards recognizing outstanding members and companies for their contributions:

  • Rising Star: Cheyenne Matos, for her immediate impact and drive of CREW’s mission.

  • Future Leader of the Year: Brooke Grahl- Quttaineh, recognized for her dedication to growing and leading the expansion of the mentorship program to its largest cohort yet.

  • Mentor of the Year: Amy McCook & Lisa Andary, for their unwavering commitment and support to their mentees.

  • Co-Chair of the Year: Missy Palasol, honored for growing Marketplace Lunches, with some reaching a record number of attendees.

  • Company of the Year: Skyview Companies, for their steadfast support and collaboration, and for their title sponsorship of both the 2025 annual Golf Tournament and Celebration of Champions.

  • Entrepreneurial Spirit: Virtue Wilmot, for using her company to uplift women in the industry, and her personal dedication to women's mentorship.

  • Esprit De Coeur: Angela Garzia, recognized for her consistent promotion of CREW values and involvement on the board for the past six years.

  • CREW Catalyst: Natalie Casey, for her commitment to advancing diverse women and leading the Unite Committee to new heights.

  • Outstanding Networking Achievement: Universal Epic Universe, for a project that included an astonishing 24 CREW members representing 17 companies.

  • Distinguished Leader: Heather Himes, for her consistent empowerment of women and outstanding leadership.

  • Woman of Influence: Cindy Campbell, for her mentorship and dedication to advancing women in CRE.

  • President’s Award: Courtney Keller, for her dedication to streamlining sponsorship and spearheading new projects for the organization.

  • Leadership Achievement Award: Cindy Campbell, for dedicating countless hours to the CREW Orlando chapter as the immediate Past President and continuing as a Director on the CREW Network board.

A Night of Reflection and Transition

Reflecting on her nine-year journey, Dorrie closed her presidency with a heartfelt message and one word that encapsulated the year: “Lead.”  She reminded attendees that CREW leads by guiding, directing, or influencing others toward meaningful goals and lasting impact. As she passed the crystal gavel to 2026 President Courtney Keller, the moment marked both the closing of a chapter and a renewed commitment to the organization’s mission.

Courtney introduced the 2026 Board of Directors and unveiled an exciting new Bingo fundraising event scheduled for May 2, 2026. With an impressive early commitment of 32 annual sponsors, next year is poised for exceptional momentum and continued growth for the chapter.

A special thanks to the Special Events Committee, led by Blanca Padilla and Monika Avery, for bringing the event to life!

Check out the evening photo highlights, now available on our Flickr.

Event Photos