One of Florida's most successful early learning models can be found where you may least expect it – a rural, multicultural community in South Florida with a population of 34,000 people.

Immokalee is home to Guadalupe Center, where educators are breaking the poverty cycle and shaping childrens’ futures through innovative educational programs. In this episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway chats with Guadalupe Center CEO Dawn Montecalvo about her inspiring transition from film studies to the nonprofit industry, and the importance of early childhood education in strengthening communities.

Florida may be best known for its beaches and tourism, but it is also a manufacturing powerhouse. In this episode, seasoned manufacturing expert and FloridaMakes CEO Kevin Carr joins SMPR President Heidi Otway to chat about this growing industry.

The word "manufacturing" is often associated primarily with cars, but it encompasses everything around you, from chocolate and medical devices to cheesecakes and everyday essentials. Tune in to hear Kevin map out how vital manufacturing is in creating self-sufficiency and strengthening Florida’s economy.

In this special homecoming episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway is joined by Jennifer Conoley, former SMPR intern and now president and CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest. 

Jennifer shares her journey from studying Public Relations at Florida State University to becoming a self-taught economic developer, driven by her passion for creating diverse, high-wage jobs. 

Tune in to learn about Jennifer’s vision for promoting the region’s thriving industries and how the Panhandle is more than its famous beaches but rather a hub of diverse job opportunities and economic potential.

SMPR Founder and CEO April Salter sits down with legendary sports broadcaster Gene Deckerhoff. Deckerhoff shares highlights of his decades-long career, calling electrifying Florida State Seminoles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers games and memorable moments with icons such as Coach Bobby Bowden and Burt Reynolds.

Deckerhoff also shares insights into the evolving media landscape, the challenges of breaking into the broadcast industry, and his personal experiences that shaped his career. 

Tune in to hear Gene’s inspiring stories and his thoughts on staying connected to community values while navigating the world of sports broadcasting.

SMPR founder and CEO April Salter chats with Dick Batchelor, founder of Dick Batchelor Management Group. Dick shares his journey from citrus farming and activism during the Vietnam War to becoming one of the youngest members of the Florida House of Representatives. 

He also gives listeners a glimpse into his latest book, Building Bridges in Toxic Political Times: A Road Map for Community Leaders, offering practical strategies for tackling grassroots issues.

Children aren’t just our future – they’re also our present. That’s why SMPR President Heidi Otway sat down to talk with Children’s Forum President and CEO Erin Smeltzer, an advocate for quality early childhood education for young students across the country.

Inspired by her mother’s impact as the first female first responder in her county, Erin knew she wanted to make a life-long difference in her community. But it wasn’t until she discovered her passion for public policy and early learning that she found she could advocate for childhood education. After starting her career as a preschool educator, she quickly emerged as a passionate and successful leader in her field. Now, Erin has worked to advance educational opportunities for Florida’s youngest for over a decade.  

Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding your passion, the power of leadership, and the importance of early learning!

To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, SMPR CEO and Founder April Salter sat down with Florida Behavioral Health Association CEO and President Melanie Brown-Woofter to discuss her work in the mental health space. 

Growing up in the tight-knit community of Wakulla County, caring for others was a way of life that seamlessly translated into her early career as a nurse. It was not until she entered the world of public policy that she learned she could positively impact millions of Floridians. At FBHA, she aims to reshape the dialogue around mental health and substance use disorders.

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, SMPR President Heidi Otway sat down with Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center’s Executive Director Robin Hassler Thompson to discuss her journey through politics and navigating her life as a human rights activist. 

Thompson’s political passion was ignited as a high school senior while volunteering for Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign. She shares how this initial spark led her to pursue a law degree and develop a love for public service. However, it wasn’t until Thompson witnessed sex and labor trafficking in Bangladesh that her life changed forever. She returned to the States inspired to make a change.

The 100th episode of the Fluent in Floridian podcast features none other than SalterMitchell PR CEO and Founder April Salter. From her idyllic upbringing in Key West to her dynamic career as an entrepreneur and PR professional, April's story is a testament to her love of the Sunshine State. 

Tune into this special 100th episode as April discusses her influential role in Governor Lawton Chiles' administration and first encounter with a young journalist named Heidi Otway that led to a decades-long friendship and the establishment of SalterMitchell PR, which celebrates 25 years of business in 2024.

Josie Tamayo has never been afraid to be “the first.” Inspired by her mother’s legal career in Cuba, Tamayo grew up in rural Georgia to become the only Hispanic woman to graduate from her law school class.

Tamayo’s passion for helping others drew her to a career in public service, where she charted a course from state attorneys' offices to the Second Circuit Court bench to serving as general counsel for six of Florida’s state agencies.

Today, Tamayo’s current role as CEO of VolunteerFlorida reflects her years of passionate community service: a pathway that she now gets to help others walk.