Boss Moms
Meet some of the 2023 Fierce Award Winners and Businesswomen Making a Difference in Greater Gainesville
Shereka Nicole, Founder & CEO
Premier Moms
Shereka Nicole created Premier Moms in 2018 to support fellow mothers both personally and professionally. Her growing business provides training, mentoring, coaching and networking opportunities to moms in the Greater Gainesville community.
“I believe that anyone can succeed with the right connections and resources.” Nicole said, “I go after my goals with passion and determination – and I wanted to help others do the same.”
The organization is designed to help mothers achieve their dreams in all aspects of life. Since women with children juggle countless responsibilities, an important focus is self-care.
As a cancer survivor, Nicole is passionate about making sure busy moms do not put their own health on the back burner. She serves on the University of Florida Health Cancer Center Steering Committee to help women understand the importance of early detection.
The mother of two enjoys motivating and empowering her staff and clients.
Nicole said, “I want more women and moms to know that they are beautiful, brilliant and fierce!”
Business Success Secret:
Monthly Vision Board
I set goals for myself here. I envision what I want to accomplish, how I can work with others and what continuing education or books can help me succeed.
Amber Miller, President & CEO
United Way of North Central Florida
Amber Miller unexpectedly took over as interim president and CEO of the United Way of North Central Florida in the middle of the pandemic. She rose to the occasion during an unprecedented time in the organization’s history.
After a nationwide search, Miller was named president and CEO in 2021. Today, the active wife and mother manages the nonprofit’s day-to-day operations and oversees 11 employees.
As president and CEO, she collaborates with the board of directors to strategize for the future of the organization in its mission to positively impact the health, education and financial stability of ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed) and vulnerable households in north central Florida.
“I lead with honesty, integrity and empathy,” Miller said. “When hit with a challenge, I tackle it head-on by thinking it through and collaborating with my team.
Business Success Secret
Goal Notebook & Spreadsheet
I like to write my independent goals down in a special notebook and revisit them regularly. Collaborative goals are written down with my team and the board in spreadsheet format. We conduct regular check-ins on what we are doing to push the organization forward.
Monica McMillen, P.A.
Owner, Law Offices of Monica McMillen, P.A.
Lawyer Monica McMillen describes a fierce woman as someone who “balances her boldness, intellect and intensity while gracefully remaining steadfast in her objectives.”
Early in her law career, Monica McMillen recognized that her work and goals for a large family were at odds. She knew being a mother should be her most important role and priority. She soon realized her professional responsibilities would impact the amount of time she could spend with her children.
McMillen learned the best way to achieve that illusive balance was to start her own practice and be in control of her time, gifts and talents. Over the years, she has been able to help colleagues navigate the difficulties of being a parent while growing their careers.
“I believe that servant leadership, integrity, and ethics are at the core of good leadership.” McMillen said, “It is imperative that I lead my clients, employees and family by taking ownership of the tasks and working hand in hand, in the trenches with others.”
Business Success Secret
Annual Meeting
My husband and I set time aside time for a weekend together each year alone to discuss and discern our purpose, our dreams. We develop personal, family, faith and professional goals that align with what we believe we are called to do, love and help others.
