CCM Consulting announces 2026 Fierce Award recipients, presented by CPPI

February 23, 2026

Press release from CCM Consulting

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – CCM Consulting and Advisory Services, formerly Costello Communications & Marketing, proudly continues a tradition established in 2015 of recognizing strong, ambitious, and passionate women who are making a meaningful difference in the Greater Gainesville community through the annual Fierce Awards.

Now in its eleventh year, the Fierce Awards, presented by CPPI, celebrate women whose character, leadership, perseverance, and compassion set them apart. Fierce women are not defined by titles or circumstances, but by how they choose to lead, serve, respond, and uplift others. Together, their collective impact strengthens the entire community.

Following a record number of nominations and applications and six weeks of rigorous judging, CCM Consulting is honored to announce the 2026 Fierce Award recipients:

2026 Fierce Award Honorees

Alexis Fillmer
Amy Trask
Barbii Monroe
Blair Poole
Brittany Lee
Chanda Stebbins
Christina Bennett Wiley
Corie Patton
Courtney Bailey
Daurine Wehbe – Community Impact Award
Dr. Dan Zhu
Dr. Katharina Busl
Dr. Kathy Gratto
Isabel Brazzel
Jane Harris
Jenna Horner
Joy Riddle
Julianne Raymond‑Flinchum
Keisha Dewberry
Lakisha Scott
Lauren Cohn
Lauren Elliott
Lewrissa Johns
Liesa Borrillo
Lindsey Johnson
Marianne VanDongen
Pamela Landis
Priya Rudradas
Shari Jones
Tabitha Jenkins
Ziba Ahmadi

The Community Impact Award will be presented to Daurine Wehbe, recognizing her outstanding achievements and lasting contributions to the community.

“When I founded Fierce, the goal was simple but powerful: to recognize women whose leadership, resilience, and character often go celebrated quietly, if at all,” said Scott Costello, founder of the Fierce Awards and CCM Consulting and Advisory Services. “Year after year, these honorees remind us that real impact comes from courage, compassion, and a commitment to lifting others. The 2026 Fierce Award recipients embody everything this program was created to honor.”

The public is invited to attend the 2026 Fierce Awards, presented by CPPI, an inspiring evening honoring women who have overcome challenges with grit, determination, and purpose. More than an awards ceremony, the event is a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and leadership.

This year’s program will feature an inspiring keynote address from CEO and entrepreneur Cotrenia Hood.

Event Details

Thursday, April 16, 2026
5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Granville Plantation
760 SW 202nd St
Newberry, FL 32669

Tickets and additional event details are available at https://ccmadvisory.com/fierce.