SFBW Judges: What if your biggest accomplishment this year?

Amy: Last summer, I finished my term as President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County and at that time I was feeling burnt out and ineffective, I thought there had to be a better way to provide meaningful impact. I was struggling with my next step and with the support of my husband, I made the conscious decision to take a step back from public facing community work. I focused all my effort on mentorship and helping small businesses. For fear of sounding trite, receiving this honor coupled with being a finalist for the ATHENA Young Professional of the Year Award is by far my biggest achievement of the year. I could never have dreamed that I would receive this type of honor. I am beyond grateful for this recognition.

SFBW Judges: Where do you see yourself in five years professionally?

Amy: I see myself in front of a group of women, motivating, inspiring, and celebrating. I specifically want to work with transgender women. As the wife of a transgender woman, I know first-hand the roadblocks they encounter daily. These women are constantly worried: will I get confronted for using the bathroom, will the teachers treat my child the same, and a million other concerns. Now imagine a transgender woman starting a business for the first time and the issues they will face trying to navigate the business community. My goal is to work one-on-one with these women to set them and their business up for success.

SFBW Judges: What are some ways you and/or your company give back to the community? (time, treasure and, or talent?)

Amy: My Mentee is an 11-year-old girl. During our time together, we go over anything she wants, from schoolwork, friendships, middle school drama, news stories, etc. There is never an agenda, which is done strategically so that our conversations are organic. Kids always hear you, but rarely does the information sink in and resonate. I’ve found that when information doesn’t come from Mom/Dad, kids tend to listen more. I’ve taught her about being an entrepreneur and how that life isn’t for the faint of heart, but it gives you freedom. She also learned that when you are an entrepreneur, you don’t get sick days, you can’t reschedule a pitch meeting just because your toddler is home from school with a fever. I love teaching her the lessons of being a business owner at such a young age.

SFBW Judges: What else would you like the us to know?

Amy: I am in the process of writing a book titled “I Like Your Face. A Wife’s Letters Through Transition.” The book will feature every letter I have written my partner throughout our relationship. Letters through dating, through learning my boyfriend wanted to transition, through fertility treatments, through transition and through parenting. There are not many resources for spouses, and this book is intended to be a point of reference. My hope is that it will allow spouses to understand their feelings a little bit better. Not every journey is the same and this book is not intended to be a guide, but more of a safe space where they can sit with their feelings.