Join us in getting to know the invaluable speakers, panelists, and workshop facilitators of Sector Forward.
Explore their insights, experiences, and the profound impact they've made on the community throughout their journeys.
Meet the
Nonprofit Leaders
Julia Holly is a Creative Entrepreneur and Business Developer for small businesses & teams. She owns brand studio JH Creative and a Co-founder of CityClips (An Online Newsletter focused on regional business, tech, and events.) Her extensive background in marketing & design services provided for non-profits and businesses are results-driven. In her personal time, she is Executive Assistant to 5 kids - four under the age of 16 and grown adult kid aka the hubs.
Julia Holly
Fadriena Sutton
Fadriena is bold, caring, strategic, and creative, with over 15 years of management experience overseeing the day-to-day operations of corporate, governmental, and nonprofit organizations. She excels in achieving strategic goals and directions, including fundraising, professional development, and life-skills training. Fadriena possesses extensive experience in financial analysis and regulatory compliance, accumulated over more than 20 years.
She has served as a mentor and coach for women and girls throughout her career. Fadriena is recognized as a compassionate leader, business strategist, and top sales representative for the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skincare and Color Cosmetics globally. Her dedication to community networking, advocacy, and fundraising led her to become an official Mary Kay Foundation Ambassador. She is also an active volunteer for several girls' organizations, including Ladies Learning to Lead (L3).
In 2022, Fadriena assumed the role of Executive Director at L3, successfully leading the organization in statewide and national programs.
Cecka Green
Cecka Rose Green, CPM, was appointed as the inaugural Executive Director of the Children’s Services Council of Leon County (CSC Leon County) in December 2021. In this role, she serves as the official representative of CSC Leon County, providing strategic leadership by collaborating with the Governing Council to establish long-term goals, strategies, plans, and policies aimed at enhancing the well-being and outcomes of children, youth, and families in Leon County, Florida.
In addition to overseeing the budget, Cecka directs, implements, and manages the activities and functions of the Council in alignment with its mission and under its guidance and mandates. Prior to her current role, Cecka served as the Regional Executive Director for the Children’s Home Society of Florida – Big Bend Region. Her career also includes 27 years in public relations and communications. She earned her Certified Public Manager (CPM) designation from the Florida Center for Public Management at Florida State University.
Acknowledged for her leadership and contributions, Cecka was named one of Tallahassee’s “25 Women You Need To Know” by the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper in March 2020. She was also inducted into the Gallery of Distinction for the FAMU College of Social Science, Arts, and Humanities (CSSAH) in 2022.
Eddie Loumiet
Eddie brings over 25 years of experience managing multi-million-dollar enterprise technology projects. He is an award-winning information technology expert, mentor, recognized speaker, and CEO at Ruvos (formerly Uber Operations), a prominent company specializing in data, security, and cloud computing.
Before joining Ruvos, Eddie served as Senior Project Manager at Stanford International Bank in Antigua, West Indies. During his tenure, he managed comprehensive technology implementations across multiple international locations including Antigua, Panama, Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico, and Canada.
Eddie, a Cuban American born in Miami, Florida, earned his bachelor's degree in Finance and Computer Information Systems from Loyola University, New Orleans. He pursued his Executive MBA from the University of Miami while maintaining full-time employment.
Actively engaged in the technology industry, Eddie is a strong advocate for Early Childhood Education and Small Business communities. He participates in various organizations, attends numerous conferences, and contributes his expertise on entrepreneurship, technology, and leadership.
Rich Smith
Identifying an untapped market opportunity, Rich co-founded his first business while still attending art school. With over 20 years of experience in design, marketing, and communications, he excels in developing and executing comprehensive strategies that effectively communicate an organization’s unique narrative.
Throughout his career, Rich has demonstrated his ability to translate insights from stakeholders and owners into actionable plans for design and marketing teams, from initial discovery through to implementation.
Rich is the founder of Critical Business Group (CBG or Critical), a successful consulting firm that integrates business strategy, planning, and creative services. CBG has delivered successful projects across diverse sectors, ranging from small retail shops and restaurants to state government agencies and non-profit organizations. Critical specializes in identifying opportunities for business automation and process improvement.
Rich has established his career through collaborative efforts and strong professional relationships with clients, partners, and community leaders. His extensive network includes C-Suite Executives and Consultants who contribute valuable support and expertise to drive success.
Linda Edwards
Linda Bond Edwards focuses her legal practice on representing employers in both private and public sectors, specializing in employment and labor law. With a background as a former corporate director of human resources, Linda brings practical insights into the complexities of employer-employee relationships to her legal counsel. She is certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a county and circuit court mediator, facilitating resolution of disputes through mediation, and also arbitrates employment and commercial disputes through the American Arbitration Association.
As an experienced employment lawyer, Linda advocates for clients across various industries including healthcare, law enforcement, municipal government, and benefits management. Her services encompass advising on employment practices such as hiring, retention, termination, and compliance with discrimination and harassment laws. Linda regularly conducts training sessions and seminars on topics including diversity, public records law, and employment law for clients in both public and private sectors, including law enforcement agencies. She also serves as a chief negotiator in collective bargaining processes for clients and represents elected officials in ethics matters.
Linda is recognized with an AV Rating by Martindale-Hubbell for her legal proficiency. Beyond her legal practice, she is a sought-after speaker and trainer on topics related to the employer-employee relationship, including sexual harassment prevention, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and best practices in employment management.
Robert Blacklidge
Robert Blacklidge is a highly accomplished leader with a robust background in operations, technology, and marketing. He specializes in analyzing business operations to identify opportunities for enhancement, crafting comprehensive business strategies, managing HR infrastructure, and optimizing financial performance. Throughout his career, Robert has effectively expanded participation in entrepreneurial education programs, established strategic partnerships with prominent organizations, and earned national recognition for fostering growth and development within ecosystems. His expertise also includes overseeing operations for national restaurant chains.
Robert holds advanced degrees in Managing Information Systems and Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurial Studies, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Robert serves as the Executive Director for the Institute for Nonprofit Innovation and Excellence (INIE) where he leads efforts to oversee operations, programs, and initiatives aimed at bolstering the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations in the region.
Cindy Holmes
Ms. Holmes serves as an independent grant writer, supporting organizations in Tallahassee, such as the Leon County Research and Development Authority aka Innovation Park and FAMU. She has been responsible for generating almost $5 million in Federal grant dollars for the greater Tallahassee area over the last few years. She also served as a project manager for Federal contracts, directing projects for the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, and Housing and Urban Development.
Ms. Holmes also has experience working in non-profit organizations, serving on boards of directors, implementing programs, and managing staff. She has written proposals to foundations seeking only $2,500 to developing large proposals worth up to $25 million in government funds. Ms. Holmes has expertise developing proposal budgets, staffing plans and job descriptions, project timelines, evaluation plans, and other grant and contract elements required by funders.