Carmen Foster is the visionary publisher of Destin City Lifestyle Magazine, infusing her work with a rich global perspective.

Holding a BA degree from TESOL in London, with a background in sales and teaching Japanese-English speaking and writing, her journey has taken her from Romania to Italy, Tokyo to London, and, for the past three years, Destin, Florida. Fluent in four languages, English, Japanese, Italian, and Romanian, she excels at connecting with people from all walks of life, building bridges across cultures. Passionate about empowering women, Carmen creates opportunities for connection and growth, inspiring them to rise together.

As co-founder of the Ladies Leadership Luncheon Organization, she champions collaboration and community, fostering a network of empowered women leaders in Destin and surrounding communities.

Michele Pavlich serves as the Marketing Support Director for the Ladies Leadership Luncheon and Destin City Lifestyle (DCL), where she champions women who lead with compassion, serve with integrity, and uplift others through faith and purpose.
 

In her role, Michele supports strategic marketing initiatives, strengthens brand visibility, and helps amplify women’s voices through meaningful storytelling and authentic connection. She plays a vital role in cultivating relationships, supporting partners and sponsors, and ensuring the mission and values of both Ladies Leadership Luncheon and DCL are reflected across every platform and event.
 

An entrepreneur at heart, Michele is also the owner of Covenant Cookie Creations, LLC, where she blends creativity, intention, and joy through handcrafted treats that bring people together and celebrate life’s special moments.

Driven by collaboration, mentorship, and encouragement, Michele is passionate about creating spaces where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Her faith-led approach, unwavering support, and genuine care for others make her a trusted presence within the community, one who helps women leaders connect, thrive, and lift each other higher.

Kiley Thomas serves as the Event Support Specialist for the Ladies Leadership Luncheon, where she plays a vital role in bringing each event to life through thoughtful coordination, seamless execution, and intentional behind-the-scenes support.

With a natural eye for detail and a heart for service, Kiley helps create elevated, welcoming environments where meaningful connections can flourish. In addition to her work with the luncheon, Kiley is the Marketing Coordinator at 850 Title, where she combines her background in marketing and event planning to support brand growth and community engagement. Her passion lies in creating impactful experiences that inspire, connect, and empower others.
 

A proud Fort Walton Beach native, Kiley recently returned home and embraces her love for the coastal lifestyle. Outside of her professional life, she is a devoted wife and mother to her beautiful daughter, Knoxlie. Kiley is deeply passionate about pouring into others, supporting local initiatives, and building authentic relationships—making her an integral part of the Ladies Leadership Luncheon mission to uplift and empower women both personally and professionally. 

Ernalyn Ruda is a professional photographer and the creative eye behind Emerald Blue Photography LLC, specializing in family portraits, milestone moments, and authentic storytelling through imagery.

With over a decade of experience behind the camera, Ernalyn is passionate about capturing genuine emotions and timeless moments that families can cherish for generations. Shaped by military life, Ernalyn has had the opportunity to travel overseas, gaining a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives.

These experiences have influenced her artistic approach and strengthened her ability to connect naturally with people from all walks of life—bringing authenticity, empathy, and cultural sensitivity to every session.  Based in Florida, she is known for her warm, patient approach and her ability to make clients feel comfortable and confident in front of the lens.

Outside of photography, Ernalyn enjoys cooking and sharing meaningful moments around food, further reflecting her love for connection, storytelling, and community. Her work blends natural light, thoughtful composition, and professional editing to deliver high-quality images that are both beautiful and genuine. From the initial consultation to the final delivery, Ernalyn is committed to providing a seamless, personalized experience and exceptional service to every client.

“You live it, I’ll capture it.” -Ernalyn Ruda 

TBD

Maria Charissa Serondo, originally from the Philippines ,a Virtual Assistant and Social Media Manager, leverages her skills to boost the luncheon’s reach.

With years of experience, she excels in driving engagement and building online presence. “Supporting inspiring women through strategic social media is incredibly rewarding,” she shares.

Managing tools like Instagram, Trello, and Mailchimp, Maria ensures businesses connect effectively with their audiences. Her problem-solving and adaptability amplify the voices of women leaders, fostering growth and connection.