The Women’s Resource Center is dedicated to engage, enrich and empower women of all generations. One way we empower women is through our Wonder Woman recognition, where we honor female leaders within our local community who have made outstanding contributions in volunteer and/or professional activities in the areas of Business, Community, Leadership, Education, Healthcare, Entrepreneurship, or Lifetime Achievement.
Introducing our four fabulous 2019 Spring Wonder Women:
Umbreen Khalidi-Majeed refers to herself as a “chameleon entrepreneur.” She is the CEO and strategist for Parkside Assisted Living and Memory Cottage, a state-of-the-art residential senior community in Port Charlotte. Umbreen is also an award-winning interior designer. She has a background in finance and was a stockbroker before making the transition to fashion merchandising and interior design. When her father, the late neurologist Dr. Nasir Khalidi, died in 2017, she decided to perpetuate his legacy by taking on leadership of Parkside Assisted Living and Memory Cottage, which has won awards for its design, cutting-edge technology, and progressive, custom-designed programs for its residents. Umbreen believes in asking open-ended questions and always being ready to learn. Umbreen follows the mantra that life is always better with a little glitter. She lives with her husband, Dr. Farhan Majeed, and their two sons in Sarasota.
Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld is the president of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. As president, Carol is committed to building and nurturing relationships and focusing on enhancing the student experience. Her 23 years of higher education experience at small private institutions and large public colleges includes a track record of fostering collaboration and partnerships. Carol enjoys attending student plays, concerts, ballgames and club events and speaking with community groups. When her busy schedule as SCF president allows, she hones underwater photography skills while diving. She lives with her husband, Bill Murphy, and their “fur kids,” Kelly, a red smooth-coated Brussels Griffons, and Monte, a Yorkshire Terrier.
Michaels Saunders, is the founder and CEO of Michael Saunders & Company, an independent real estate brokerage with principal offices in Sarasota. She oversees a real estate firm that has grown from a single office into a network of 24 full-service real estate offices. Michael has always believed in giving back to the community and has served on many boards, including those of Mote Marine Laboratory, The Argus Foundation, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Sarasota Winefest, Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Bay Partnership, and The Ringling. She is the past chair of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.
Michael was chair of the Sarasota Committee for Economic Development and The Argus Foundation, among her many other activities. In 2003, Michael was the recipient of the Florida Enterprise Medal. In 2004, she was honored with statewide recognition by Ernst & Young as the Entrepreneur of the Year and named as one of the most powerful people in residential real estate in 2013 by Swanepoel’s Power 200. In December of 2015, Michael was named among the “Inman Top 101,” Inman Magazine’s ranking of the most influential people in U.S. real estate; and more recently named among The Most Powerful People in Residential Real Estate by Swanepoel’s Power 200.
Heather Kasten is the president and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Prior to this, she was the head of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance for five years. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Bradenton Economic Development Corporation, CareerSource Suncoast and Visit Sarasota County. In her free time, Heather serves as a volunteer for Bayside Community Church, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Meals on Wheels and the Sisterhood for Good Giving Circle. Heather and her husband of 27 years, Clint, have two college-age sons and a daughter in high school.
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