FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SSL Names Elena Hershey New Executive Director
Well-known businesswoman and community advocate will help expand the foundation’s vision to benefit women and children in South Florida
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.; Sept. 11, 2023 – Suits, Stilettos and Lipstick (SSL) Foundation announced today that Elena Hershey has been named to the new position of executive director. Previously director of business development for SSL and a long-time board member, Hershey assumes the foundation’s top leadership position as she works to expand SSL foundation’s mission of serving the needs of women and children in the community.
“Elena has been part of the SSL family for the past decade, and has served SSL in many different capacities, including serving on our board for six years, volunteering and last year taking on the role of director of business development, making her one of the biggest advocates for our work,” said Dr. Elizabeth King, SSL founder and chief inspiration officer. “She is well recognized as a business and community leader in Broward County, and has the background, creativity and commitment to help us take our foundation to the next level.” With Hershey focused on immediate as well as long-term objectives, King and Yvonne Haase, SSL’s co-founder and VP, will work alongside her and the board to develop a strategic plan to extend SSL’s impact in the community.
As director of business development for the past 12 months, Hershey significantly expanded the sponsorship levels of SSL, more than doubling the sponsors for the 2023 Heidi Dennis Wonder Woman Scholarship Awards program, which had its third-annual event on August 30th. Ten deserving women attending Broward College received financial grants and were assigned a mentor for a year under SSL’s LIFT (Leaders Inspiring Future Trailblazers) mentorship program.
As an accomplished business leader, Hershey has been a key part of South Florida’s renowned Billy’s Stone Crab Restaurant family business, in Hollywood, Fla., recognized for its seafood expertise, particularly stone crabs. In the family business with over 45 years of industry experience, Hershey has played a crucial role in managing the restaurant’s daily operations, online presence, family real estate holdings and, for more than two decades, contributing to Billy’s lasting success through her commitment to community and business relations. Hershey holds a degree in business administration and management from the Northern Business Institute in Russia.
Hershey’s commitment to community involvement extends to various roles. She serves as a vice president on the Symphony of the Americas Society Board and is an active member of the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood Board of Trustees. Additionally, her professional affiliations encompass positions on the Board of Directors for the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce (GHCC), the Hollywood Beach Business Association (HBBA), and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Broward Chapter.
Reflecting on her journey, Hershey shares, “In the 90s, I arrived in the United States as a first-generation immigrant, degree in hand, with a burning ambition to understand how business and capitalism thrive in this land of limitless opportunities, where each person can aspire to their highest potential. Fueled by a strong desire for success, a positive mindset, unwavering determination, ambition, and boundless enthusiasm, my lifelong passion has revolved around unlocking human potential for self-realization and championing the well-being of women and children.
“I am so excited to help chart the future of SSL in this vital new role,” Hershey said. “After 10 years serving South Florida with SSL, the need for advocacy and support continues to grow. I am confident that working with like-minded individuals, corporations and other nonprofits will increase our community impact. Our initiatives include the annual John and Elizabeth’s Toy Drive, the Heidi Dennis Wonder Woman Scholarship, the LIFT mentorship program, and RISE, a resiliency and leadership training program for at-risk youth.”
About Suits, Stilettos and Lipstick Foundation
Established in 2012, the SSL Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower women and children from all walks of life to be resilient, self-confident and purposeful leaders through education, mentorship and community outreach. For more information on how to get involved or to donate, please visit www.sslwomen.org.
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Alina Ali
SSL Communications Chair
917/603-0416
helloalina@me.com