OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Marion County has long been associated with the equine industry, and what better way to honor this tradition than by recognizing the women whose influence has shaped something so synonymous with the area.
For the past eight years, Ollin Women International has been honoring local women for their contributions and impact within various professional disciplines. In 2025, women from the equine industry will be recognized at a special luncheon on March 7 at the College of Central Florida’s Klein Center, in celebration of International Women’s Day, which is observed annually on March 8.
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This years’ honorees are as follows, Louisa Barton, Tammy Gantt, Crystal Washam Fernung, Betty Gray, Stephanie Brennan, Jenna Duck Rovira, Katie Piccin Glynn, Lori Conway, Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, Jena Antonucci, Barbara Hooper and Susan Gilliland.
“We run the program so everyone can come in and enjoy the time together and honor the honorees,” says Dr. Manal Fakhoury, president of Ollin Women International. “There will be photo opportunities and a video clip for each honoree. It’s a 90-minute program.”
The equine industry’s presence in Marion County, along with the equestrian sports and ancillary businesses that support it, has made a significant impact on the local economy. Much of the workforce, including horse owners, exhibitors, and farm operators, is comprised of women who shape the area’s marketplace.
“The equine industry is such a big driver for our city and our community,” says Fakhoury. “This is year eight, and we’ve stretched into the equine industry. I remember myself as an organizer. It was a little harder for me. I had more connections when we were doing education, law, business or the arts. What’s been beautiful is that we’ve reached out to people in the industry, and they’ve been very helpful and they’re excited about it. This is the team, and this is the sector that we are honoring this year.”
The word “Ollin” translates to “movement,” which reflects the organization’s progressive nature and its ability to inspire change and challenge existing ideologies.
“Ollin is a word from the Aztec calendar, but it’s pronounced ‘all in,'” Fakhoury explains. She goes on to say that Ollin Women International was founded in 2018, and it was as if society was calling women to step up, to create change, and to recognize the importance of their roles – especially in peacebuilding. “We encourage women to connect, starting in their homes and communities, and expand their circles of care and collaboration.”
Ollin Women International has grown and evolved, embracing new ideas and initiatives that benefit women and the broader community. The organization’s work continues to influence and define cultural norms for future generations.
“That is the essence of Ollin Women International,” says Fakhoury. “So, that’s when we look at ourselves. For example, there’s International Women’s Day and we’ve never celebrated, and that’s how it became part of our annual offering. We do something for International Day of Peace, we have a book club, we have a guest speaker series. We have additional educational components, we’ll do some sponsorships with the schools, with some students. We’ve done a few unique programs like that.”
Fakhoury says that with over 400 local women involved, Ollin provides more opportunities to connect. “We don’t need to agree on everything,” she states. “But we can still care about each other.”
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