OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It was an opportunity to recognize women from one of the area’s most important business sectors.

Ollin Women International celebrated women in the equine industry on March 7 at the Klein Center at the College of Central Florida, marking the 2025 International Women’s Day a day ahead of its official observance.

The organization itself is about peace building. “The world is asking us as a society to do more,” said Dr. Manal Fakhoury, Ollin International Women president.

“It’s almost as if the world said, ‘Ladies, it’s your turn to step up. The opportunity is there for you, are you going to do it?’ That was the energy that we felt among ourselves, and we launched an organization called Ollin, when you’re all in, Women International based on peace building,” said Fakhoury.

The event celebrated the strength of women in society, particularly those in the equine industry. Barbara Fitos read a compelling narrative for each honoree, accompanied by a short video showcasing their contributions. Honorees included Jena Antonucci, Louisa Barton, Stephanie Brennan, Lori Conway, Jenna Duck Rovira, Tammy Gantt, Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, Susan Gilliland, Betty Gray, Barbara Hooper, Katie Piccin Glynn, and Crystal Washam Fernung.

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Tania Bartolini, of Beyond Business Contracts, provided a reflection on a relaxation technique derived from the science of ecogenetics. Attendees participated in an exercise where they visualized a color connecting their brain and heart, aiming to foster inner peace.

Dr. Alberto Rullan, of Performance Equine Veterinary Services and Equine Performance Innovative Center, served as the featured speaker. “What do you think would happen to the equine industry if men had to do everything that women do?” he asked.

Dr. Rullan has focused on equine sports medicine for nearly two decades. “I have about 24 employees and half of them are women,” he said. “My wife Katie has owned a veterinary practice for nearly 15 years, and she has about 20 employees, but only two of them are men.”

Strong and competent women make extraordinary contributions to the equine industry daily, said Rullan, noting that their impact extends far beyond the industry. “They just don’t get enough recognition,” he added.

Rullan shared his personal experience, highlighting the sacrifices women make in balancing career and family. “I know from first-hand experience when we had kids, it was Katie who gave birth, not me,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience. “When they were sick in the middle of the night, it was her who they wanted, not me.”

Women face challenges in the physically demanding and highly competitive equine industry. “You have had to make so many sacrifices that people don’t see,” Rullan acknowledged.

Success in the equine industry demands passion, resilience, and exceptional time management. “Every industry has its demands, but so does parenting, relationships, and health,” said Rullan. “They’re all competing for your time.”

He thanked the women in attendance and emphasized the importance of a feminine balance in his life. “At home, me and my boys outnumber my wife, three to one,” he said. “But she’s still the boss, we all know that.”

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