Wednesday, April 2, 2025
By: Alessia Amendola
As the panelists took their seats, students, faculty and alumni from the University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction and Planning filled the John and Anne Sofarelli Family Gallery, eager to gain career insights and guidance for their professional paths.
“To be a woman is not just to survive, but to thrive.”
This quote, often attributed to Michelangelo, set the tone for the evening, leaving a lasting impression on attendees of DCP’s annual Women of Influence event held last week.
Keynote speaker Anita Zucker, CEO of Charleston, South Carolina-based InterTech Group, captivated the audience with her powerful leadership story. She reflected on the challenges she faced as a woman in a leadership role and the lessons she learned along the way.
“I’ve created my own keys to success: balance, plan and stay organized, be passionate about what you do, incorporate a philosophy and never tolerate mediocrity,” Zucker said. “Excellence is about being great, being the best you can be, and that’s what I want to see people work toward and believe in.”
After her speech, students broke into small groups, engaging with panelists to ask questions and gain deeper insight into their industries.
“I learned more about women and how they stand out in different fields in DCP, and also heard their success stories about how they got to where they are now,” said Hopes Marshall, a freshman architecture student at UF.
The panelists included Christina Hite, Kristy Walson, Sheeba West, Margo Thomas, Laurie Hall, Erica Nelles, Beth Lowry, Ekta Desai, Brittany Culbreth and Suzanne Barnes, who shared their experiences as successful women in their fields.
“I’m really fascinated by the power of education and empowerment,” said Josefina Ontivero, a sophomore architecture student at UF. “My dad always taught me that educating and uplifting others can give so much back to communities and help advance society. I saw that reflected in Anita [Zucker]’s story—how she stepped into the role of her husband’s company and pursued her passions while making a meaningful impact.”
The event emphasized the importance of mentorship, leadership and the lasting influence of women who have paved the way for others.
“There’s always uncertainty when navigating your own career, and don’t take it personally,” said Sheeba West, principal of Dix.Hite + Partners. “Be persistent in working toward your goals, even if you don’t have a specific one yet. Just keep moving forward. Even if you face a closed door, keep knocking and take the next step. Don’t be discouraged.”
As the evening came to a close, students walked away with meaningful advice to carry into their careers. Many students found themselves inspired about their next steps, shaped by the stories and connections made with the panelists.
“I couldn’t have done it without my education at the University of Florida,” Zucker said. “I love this school—the people here are incredibly educated, and I walked away with great skills that shaped my career. The key is to take advantage of every opportunity to get involved. Get out there, learn and build the skills that will set you up for success.”