#404 WED | Women Among Us

In the Spotlight: Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers | Michelle Taylor

Awards: North FL Women on Fifty Over 50 by NSF

Events: Women Among Us | Portraits of Strength

Community, Networking + Business Events

For almost 25 years, Government Technology has celebrated the Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers awards, recognizing the dedicated individuals at state and local levels who are driving government into the future. This year's honorees include CIOs, CISOs, and officers focused on innovation and data, along with advocates for progress in AI, accessibility, and education. They are leveraging their expertise within their agencies and communities to transform public-sector IT, striving to connect with all residents effectively. 🤖

One of the honorees is Leon County’s Michelle Taylor. She has been a key figure in the Office of Information and Technology since 1997, initially serving as the director of IT operations and later becoming the CIO in 2020.

Outside of working with state agencies, Taylor primarily focuses on her team, acting as their “head cheerleader” by supporting them as much as possible. “They’re the ones that make the technology seem like magic,” Taylor said. “My job is to support them so they have the tools they need to make things happen and support all of our customers.”

“The award was achieved because of the people-focused, performance-driven culture of the dedicated team that is Leon County Government's Office of Information Technology (LC-OIT). It also demonstrates the collaborative relationships we cherish with fellow Leon County constitutional IT partners who work together every day to share common resources, such as network connectivity, Internet, phones, Microsoft licensing, justice information systems, geographic information systems, cybersecurity, and so much more.” Taylor said from her LI post.

The Fifty Over 50 featured in the News Service of Florida’s 2025 list started their journeys in a Florida that was quite different – less crowded, more community-focused, and significantly underdeveloped. Their work as lawyers, lobbyists, and leaders in health and business has played a crucial role in transforming Florida into the thriving economic hub and attractive destination it is today.

This year's awardees have established healthcare facilities, supported local governments, enhanced educational opportunities, and championed social justice, while also advocating for various legislative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Floridians in many areas.

The FSU Museum of Fine Arts is inviting everyone to the opening reception of Women Among Us: Portraits of Strength, which will be on display from Thursday, May 29 to Saturday, July 26.

Showcasing 37 portraits of remarkable women aged 65 and above from the Big Bend region, Women Among Us is a celebration of what it means to age as a woman, a vastly underrepresented demographic in photography. Throughout their lives, each woman in this collection has made significant contributions to their community through education, activism, or artistic endeavors. Accompanied by a poem, each portrait is a collaboration between photographer, author, and sitter, allowing the unique personalities and individuality of these women to truly stand out.

Each woman highlighted in this series has committed herself to improving the Big Bend region and remains active in this mission today. Celebrate and commemorate the achievements and lives of these women on May 29th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the opening reception.

Museum exhibitions and events are free and open to the public, with parking available in the Call Street Garage.

Women Among Us: Portraits of Strength by FSU MOFA | Thursday to Saturday, May 29 to July 26 | FSU Museum of Fine Arts, 530 West Call St. | Free Learn More

Bots Down Under Bash Casual by TallyRobotics | Sunday, June 1 | 5 PM | American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13, 229 Lake Ella Dr. | $20 Tickets Learn More

3rd Annual Dads & Strollers by Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition and Kenyatta Colvin | Saturday, June 7 | 10 AM | Cascades Park | Register Learn More

Mayday Parade | Saturday, June 7 | 7 PM | The Moon | $40 Tickets Learn More

WEE Beauty Fundraiser: Sip & Shop by Women Empowering Each Other Inc. | Saturday, June 7 | 3 PM | WEE Diaper Bank, 5028 Tennessee Capital Blvd. | From $37.05 Tickets

IGNITE After Hours by IGNITE Tallahassee | Thursday, May 29 | 4:30 PM | IGNITE Tallahassee, 1729 W Paul Dirac Dr. | Register

2025 Music Business Conference by Institute for Music Business LLC | Thursday to Saturday, May 29 to 31 | Register Learn More

Pathways to Prosperity by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship | Wednesday to Friday, June 4 to 6 | Tallahassee State College, 444 Appleyard Dr. | Register Agenda

Access Tallahassee Coffee and Connections by Chamber of Commerce | Friday, June 6 | 8 AM | Tallulah CBD. Mushrooms. THC, 1410 Market Street C-4 | Register

Capture the Flag by FSU Computer Science | Saturdays, June 7 to July 12 | 9:30 AM | James Jay Love Building Room 016 | Free Register Learn More (For high school and undergraduate students interested in cybersecurity - no experience necessary.)

Featured Event: Professional Women's Forum by Chamber of Commerce | Tuesday, June 10 | 11:30 AM | Dunlap Champions Club, 225 Champions Way, UCB Doak Campbell Stadium | $45 for Members, $55 for Non-Members Register

14th Annual Jim Moran Institute Conference | Wednesday to Friday, June 11 to 13 | James Museum, St. Petersburg | Register

Optimizing Business Processes: Promoting Efficiency and Cost Savings  by Chamber of Commerce | Thursday, June 26 | 5:30 PM | SBDC at FAMU, 625 E. Tennessee St. | Register

2025 Creator Summit: Digital Media Con by Creators Inc | Thursday to Friday, June 26 to 27 | Pedro's, 750 Apalachee Pkwy. | Tickets Sponsorship