The Great Outdoors
STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JOSHUA JACOBS The Great Outdoors Now that the weather is cooling down, Ocala comes alive with an array of outdoor experiences that are perfect for enjoying the crisp, comfortable air. From high-flying thrills to peaceful woodland trails, the city offers activities that showcase the region’s natural beauty and adventurous spirit. Whether […]
Jessi Miller
Jessi Miller Publisher/Creative + Editorial Director for The Marion Mosaic Founder of GO52.events Owner + Creative Director of Little Black Mask Media Fine Artist + Peace Crusader Photoshop was founded just before Jessi started at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale for her degree in Advertising Design, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Jessi is an […]
Brad Rogers
Brad Rogers For 30 years Contributing Editor Brad Rogers has been writing and chronicling the people, places and events that have shaped Ocala and Marion County in the 21st century. After a 45-year career as a newspaper reporter and editor, he now is continuing to write about the issues and individuals who make Ocala a […]
Joshua Jacobs
Joshua Jacobs Joshua Jacobs is the Art Director of the Marion Mosaic. A graphic designer and award-winning photographer with over 13 years of experience, he brings a sharp eye and creative energy to every page. Outside the magazine, he channels his artistry as a singer-songwriter with his band, Feverdreams.
Jackie Prince
Jackie Prince Jackie is busy as the Production & Digital Manager for the Marion Mosaic, handling all things spreadsheets and deadlines. She also contributes her creativity to GO52, a free online platform focusing on sharing all the best local community events. Downtime essentials are a great cup of coffee and time spent with her Great […]
Cara Preiss
Cara Preiss
Dr. Manal Fakhoury
Dr. Manal Fakhoury Dr. Manal Fakhoury is a distinguished community leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose life’s work is rooted in service, leadership development, and the pursuit of justice. She is the President and CEO of Fakhoury Leadership International, where she brings decades of expertise in strategy, organizational growth, and fundraising to empower individuals and organizations […]
Laurie Zink
Laurie Zink Laurie is a creative, results driven professional with entrepreneurial vision, who has over thirty years of experience greatly impacting growth and performance in both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. Originally from Colorado and arriving in Florida from North Carolina and Brazil, she landed in Ocala due to her work in the equine industry. Due […]
Angie Lewis
Angie Lewis Angie is an accomplished leader and a proud Alumna of Southern Illinois University. In her professional career, she has achieved recognition as an Ambassador Travel Qualifier and a member of the Presidents Club in Auto & Multi-Line. Beyond her professional success, Angie is deeply committed to community service, currently serving as President of […]
Cynthia Wilson-Graham
Cynthia Wilson-Graham My name is Cynthia Wilson Graham, founder and owner of Helping Hands Photography & Design Publishing, LLC (HHP), a business I established over two decades ago with a mission to capture the lives of senior citizens in the comfort of their own environments. Today, I work as a freelance photojournalist and proudly serve […]
Jessica McCune
Jessica McCune Combining the power of art into health care and healing have been the driving force of my career. Allowing moments of ‘stillness’ and creativity opens up the well of wisdom and hope that lives in our unconscious minds. I suffer from the disease of wanting to do more in a day, than is […]
Margaret Spontak
Margaret Spontak Margaret Hankinson Spontak is an experienced organizational leader and strategic planning consultant. She is president and CEO of the Great Florida Riverway Trust, Inc., a political non-profit organization advocating for reconnection of the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers and historic Silver Springs. She also has a private consulting practice focused on strategic planning […]
Barbara Fitos
Barbara Fitos Former County Commissioner, retired banking executive in Human Resources, founding Executive Director/Community Foundation Marion County, Barbara Fitos is a 45+ year resident of Ocala Marion County and the Mother of one son, attorney Joseph Fitos, and Grandmother of four. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate/ Douglass College/Rutgers University – BA/American Studies with […]
Dr. Leslie Hammond
Dr. Leslie Hammond Leslie Hammond, Ph.D., possesses decades of experience as an Art Appraiser, Art Historian, Archaeologist, and Museum Professional. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Ohio State University, a Masters in Classical Archaeology from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri in Art History and Archaeology, and a […]
Lisa Irwin
Lisa Irwin Lisa Ann Irwin is the President and founder of The LILAC Foundation, a private foundation rooted in creativity, community, and forward-thinking philanthropy. With a background in the arts, nonprofit leadership, and serial entrepreneurship, Lisa brings both heart and hustle to everything she touches. She’s launched multiple businesses, including the iconic ArtCastle/NOMA Gallery project […]
R.J. Jenkins
R.J. Jenkins Born in Long Island; raised in Sarasota; moved to New York City for college; moved to England—then to Boston—for graduate school; moved back to New York City to begin my career; moved to Ocala in 2016 to build a life with my partner (hands down the best decision I’ve ever made). By day, […]
Dave Schlenker
Dave Schlenker Dave Schlenker spent 33 years as a writer, editor and columnist, mostly for the Ocala Star-Banner, Gainesville Sun and Ocala Style magazine. He has won two New York Times Chairman’s Awards – one for environmental reporting and the other for humor columns. His columns have won top honors with Florida Society of Newspaper […]
Beth Nelson
Beth Nelson Beth has recorded news events and people’s stories, worked in education, managed a town, and lived halfway across the world, but coming to United Way is one of the most meaningful roles she has had in her career. She believes there is no greater achievement than to see a life transformed. She is […]
Kiah Manning
Kiah Manning With a distinctive eye for storytelling through space, Kiah Manning has built a reputation as one of Ocala’s most imaginative interior designers. As a veteran furniture consultant and design specialist at Hudson’s Furniture, Kiah has spent nearly a decade helping clients turn houses into personal sanctuaries—balancing functionality with bold creative expression. Kiah’s […]
Jeremy Rhoden
Jeremy Rhoden Jeremy Rhoden is the Urban Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator with UF/IFAS Extension Marion County, where he provides research-based education and outreach to homeowners, gardeners, and green industry professionals. His work focuses on sustainable landscape practices, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, vegetable gardening, integrated pest management, and pollinator sustainability. An Alachua County native, […]
John Sotomayor
John Sotomayor A punny wordsmith, when presented with a challenge under pressure, John always makes the headline. The former founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Embrace Magazine is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+, Latino, and recovery communities. An avid runner and traveler, John has adjusted his journalistic journey on his media path to include hospitality […]
Pedro Antonio Comas – alias “Tito”
Pedro Antonio Comas – alias “Tito” Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Graduated from The University Of Houston in 1975 with a Bachelor in Fine Arts, majored in advertising design/illustration and ceramics. After graduating I was hired by NASA and worked at The Johnson Space Center as a Technical Illustrator for the […]