About FIERCE
A celebration of women whose strength, leadership, and impact are shaping our community for the better.
A New Chapter
FIERCE Comes to SW Florida
Introducing the Inaugural Fierce Awards of SW Florida
Since 2015, the Fierce Awards have been a powerful platform in Greater Gainesville, honoring over 150 extraordinary women whose stories of resilience, empowerment, and leadership have inspired the North Central Florida region and created lasting impact. Now, for the first time, this celebrated tradition is expanding to SW Florida.
The Fierce Awards of SW Florida will shine a well-deserved spotlight on the remarkable women shaping our region, women who have turned adversity into strength and ambition into action. More than just an awards ceremony, this is a movement that uplifts, connects, and celebrates.
The evening will feature a dynamic keynote speaker, a tribute to our Legacy Award recipient, and heartfelt stories from women whose journeys exemplify what it means to be FIERCE.
Join us as we bring the Fierce spirit to SW Florida.
Highlights from Greater Gainesville
A Glimpse of the FIERCE Experience
A look back at our 2026 celebration in Greater Gainesville. The heart, beauty, and spirit we're bringing to SW Florida.
Leadership
Advisory Board
Meet the leaders helping shape the inaugural FIERCE Awards of SW Florida.
Scott Costello
Founder & CEO, CCM Consulting & Advisory Services
Founder, FIERCE Awards
Scott is the founder of the Fierce Awards and Fierce Forward, initiatives dedicated to recognizing, connecting, and empowering extraordinary women making a lasting impact in their communities. For more than 25 years, he has built businesses, publications, events, and leadership programs that celebrate the people and organizations making communities stronger.
Learn More About Scott
Cotrenia Hood
Business & Executive Coach, Steel Bleu
Founder of Steel Bleu and a sought-after speaker, Cotrenia brings 20+ years of business development experience and a passion for equipping leaders with strategy to scale and elevate their impact.
Learn More About Cotrenia
Danielle O'Conner
Director of Client & Community Engagement, PBS Contractors
Danielle specializes in client and community engagement, marketing, and media relations. She is known for building visibility, strengthening partnerships, and aligning strategy with measurable outcomes.
Learn More About Danielle
Danielle Viens-Payne
Director of Development, Major Gifts, Champions For Learning
A dedicated nonprofit leader with 15+ years advancing education, mentorship, and equity. Danielle leads major-gifts fundraising at Champions For Learning and serves as President of the Naples Junior Woman's Club.
Learn More About Danielle
Kathy Smart
Chief Marketing Officer, PBS Contractors
Kathy brings more than 30 years of marketing and business development leadership to PBS Contractors, one of Southwest Florida's premier luxury construction firms. A Leadership Collier graduate and 2025 CBIA Builder of the Year, she believes in the power of strong teams, trusted partnerships, and meaningful community engagement.
Learn More About Kathy
Meg Hardt
Manager, Corporate Engagement, Arthrex
Meg leads employee, university, and community engagement at Arthrex, managing programs including FGCU's Medical Device Industry and Sales courses. A board member of STARability and Leadership Collier Foundation Advisory Council member, she brings deep community connections to the FIERCE SW Florida Advisory Board.
Learn More About MegThe FIERCE Legacy
Fierce Alumni
Over the last decade, we have recognized over 150 amazing women who have made a positive impact on the Greater Gainesville community.