NextGen Program
Impact100 NWF NextGen Program
The Impact100 NWF NextGen Program seeks to give the next generation of women, particularly those who may not have the financial resources, an opportunity to become Impact100 NWF members and engage with the community while learning the lessons of philanthropy. The program aims to empower these women to be ambassadors for a generation that is dedicated to giving and serving in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
NextGen members will:
Receive a scholarship of $500 to be used in the first year of membership to help pay the $1000 membership donation, followed by a scholarship of $250 to be used in the second year of membership
Enjoy full membership privileges during the two-year scholarship period including the opportunity to participate in the grant-making process and to cast a vote for the grant recipients
Be exposed to and learn about the work being done by the nonprofit organizations in Walton and Okaloosa counties
Have the chance to be mentored by a group of women committed to philanthropy and community service
NextGen applicants should:
Not be a current member of Impact100
Be women 21 through 39 years of age who are looking to further their philanthropic and community involvement
Live or work in Okaloosa or Walton County and have a commitment to making a positive impact within the community
Be available to attend Impact100 NWF meetings and events and join a standing committee or participate as a grant review committee member
Be able to pay $500 in membership donations for the first year of membership, $750 in membership donations for the second year of membership and $1000 for the third year of membership
Commit to at least a three-year period of membership in Impact100 NWF
Applications for 2023 is now OPEN. CLICK HERE for the 2023 NextGen Application. For more information, please email nextgen@impactnwf.org
MEET OUR NEXTGEN MEMBERS
My name is Samantha Gusoff. I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and I‘ve been happy to call the Emerald Coast home for the last eight years. I have two amazing children and a 13 year old Chihuahua with my incredible husband, and together we own Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson in Fort Walton Beach. When work and school can take pause, you can usually find us playing on the water or beach, checking out a fun new restaurant, or attending some type of little league sporting event for our kids.
We are a family that doesn‘t dip our toes, but we dive in whole heartedly, when we can and where we can, especially when it comes to helping our community. The Impact 100 ladies are truly an inspiration, leading the way in helping so many people in need. I am honored to be part of this organization, and looking forward to many more years of making a difference with Impact. Thank you so much for this opportunity.
Marlayna Goosby is an accomplished businesswoman and native of Fort Walton Beach, FL. After graduating from Fort Walton Beach High School, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Music from the University of Southern Mississippi. After returning to Fort Walton Beach, she earned a master's degree in counseling and psychology. She began to pursue a career in higher education, first at Troy University as an Academic Advisor and then at Northwest Florida State College as the Director of Academic Advising and Testing.
Marlayna now serves as the Founder and Director of Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music, Fort Walton Beach's only community music school, and the Executive Director of the Full Circle Music Foundation.
Marlayna's consistent service and work ethic have awarded her several speaking opportunities, awards, and feature publications.
When Marlayna is not serving her community, she is immersed in her family life. She and her supportive husband Chris do all things cross country, track, engineering, band, and ROTC with their two children Kaleb (17) and Kilaya (16).
I have lived in Okaloosa County since 2014 with my husband and our growing family. I graduated with my Masters in Social Work from Florida State University in 2020. I have a background in child welfare, non-profits, and mental health in both Okaloosa and Walton County. I have a passion for helping our community members reach their goals. When I have free time I enjoy reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Ali Noechel is a longtime Fort Walton Beach resident who brings her passion for the real estate/property management industries to work with her every day as the Florida lead for LegacyHouse Title.
She was excited to be able to join Impact100 NWF this year alongside her mother-in-law, Delores Noechel, and is looking forward to serving on the Membership & Events Committee.
When Ali's not working, you can find her enjoying movies and live music with her husband, Nick, or spoiling her rescue pup, Roxy.
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
As a young teenager this quote came across me and it has been with me every since. For the last 10 years I have worked in the Early Education field. Starting with military child development centers then onto state licensed centers, early learning coalition, and more. Working in this field has provided so much fulfillment, it is truly my passion.
I have a wonderful husband and two wonderful children ages 13 and 9. Currently I am in school obtaining my bachelors in Early Childhood Education along with working in the Okaloosa County School System. As my professional portfolio is growing I‘m so excited to be a part of Impact100 as I am determined to learn about philanthropy and ways I can better serve the community.
Mary Aho, Editor of Scarlett Magazine, has lived in Okaloosa County for the last years. She was born in Albany, Georgia and relocated to Destin, Florida at the age of 10. Mary has always adored the Emerald Coast and enjoys calling this beautiful community home. They have two wonderful children together, Scarlett and Hudson.
Mary and her father, Steve Barber, recently launched their new project, Scarlett Magazine, a local women’s magazine. Mary is passionate about making sure all women feel beautiful and included in her publication.
When She isn’t working or being a full time mom, Mary enjoys being outdoors and reading a good book. She loves spending time with her husband, children, and pup Beau.
Leadership and compassion can take many different forms, and I love the idea of so many different perspectives and skillsets coming together to bring about meaningful change in our own backyard. It’s long been a goal of mine to join this one-of-a-kind group and I knew the time was right. I can't wait to meet and learn from the women of Impact 100!
A love for the beautiful water of the Emerald Coast, along with a handsome Black Labrador Retriever (and his equally handsome owner) brought me back to the beach after graduating from Auburn University and spending years designing furniture in North Carolina.
13 years, 3 more dogs, 2 young boys, and many boats later, my career has led me to freelance graphic design. Helping local businesses succeed while getting to stir my creative juices is a delight that I look forward to daily!
I am so grateful for the opportunity to join this incredible group of inspiring women. Spending the last decade in the nonprofit industry has given me a deeper understanding of community needs and has ignited a real passion for social change. I moved to this area about a year and a half ago and have been amazed by the great work being done by Impact100 which is why I wanted to get involved! As a NextGen member, I look forward to building new connections with women who share a similar vision of making our community a better place for future generations.
I am honored to be part of the NextGen program. I am a mother and wife living in South Walton. I own a small business, 30A La Carte, LLC, specializing in Virtual & Event Assistance for other small businesses including Nonprofits, PR and Marketing Agencies, Vacation Rental Hosts, and Real Estate Agents. I am a graduate of Florida State University... Go 'Noles! Civically, I have been a member of the Junior League of the Emerald Coast since 2011. Our family's hobbies are seasonal. During the summer, you'll find us out on the water on the pontoon or at a music festival. During the winter, you'll find us somewhere on a ski slope.
Cali Hlavac 2021-2022
Cali Hlavac joined us on the Emerald Coast 8 years from the Midwest. Her background includes photography and video production, marketing, and social media. She currently owns Silver Shade Studios offering wedding videography, To Do in Destin as a tourism site sharing things to do in our area, as well as Sassy Tangerine Creative, a marketing firm specializing in organic social media for small businesses. Her passion is helping small businesses match their real life experience to their online brand, building a more qualified audience and a higher ROI. When she‘s not working, you can find her hosting a national fishing TV show filmed locally, called South Walton Fishing Adventures or on the beach relaxing.
Past NextGen Members
Our NextGen program started in 2017. To see past NextGen members, click the link below.
Click Here to view Past NextGen Members