OFM_Leading Ladies_1023FINAL.qxp_DEPT 9 / 14 / 23 2 : 17 PM Page 4 S E I CASANDRA MATEJ OFIRA DBONDOROWSKY A President and CEO , Chief Executive Officer L Visit Orlando and Executive Director , With three decades Gof The Jack and Lee Rosen service in the Ntravel Jewish Community Center I industry , Matej is the first ( JCC ) D female CEO in the organi - New to her current role , A zation’s 37 - year history . Bondorowsky is an accom - E plished leader and Lphilan - Staying motivated thropic visionary . Born in and inspired : Israel , she grew up in South - “ One way I stay moti - east Orlando . vated is by staying focused on my ‘ why . ’ If Initial inspiration to pursue you know the ‘ why ’ and a leadership role : “ Leaning are working toward a into leadership roles offers greater goal and impact beyond yourself , you feel more me opportunities for personal growth , enables me to learn positive and can maintain motivation . Working with pur - new skills and challenges me to think outside the box . I love pose is so much more fulfilling than just working for a pay - breaking down barriers , developing creative solutions to prob - check . At Visit Orlando , my ‘ why ’ is the impact we make on lems large and small , and engaging stakeholders to achieve the local community . Our tourism industry is an essential organizational growth and impact . Underlying my professional part of Central Florida’s economy supporting nearly ambitions is a drive to positively impact the lives of others , 450,000 jobs throughout Central Florida , generating more which equally applies to the people we serve as it does to the than $ 87 billion in economic impact and saving each staff that deliver our mission . I’m inspired by the skills and abil - household $ 7,500 in annual taxes . I never lose sight of the ities of others and enjoy bringing people together to achieve tremendous impact our travel industry has on our commu - goals as a team . Being in leadership means I can set a tone for nity , and that inspires me each and every day . ” my organization that is positive and inclusive , and fosters a culture of shared success . ” Finding balance : “ For me , balance is having the tremendous support of my family and my attitude . I consider myself the Staying motivated and inspired : “ When you work at the Jack ultimate optimist . To me , the glass isn’t just half full ; it’s a and Lee Rosen JCC , you can’t help but be inspired by what is beautiful glass , with a delicious drink filled with ice and a and can be . The Rosen JCC is full of life — babies , children and cherry on top . Studies found that optimists were 40 % more adults of all ages — who enter our doors to find opportunities likely to get promoted , six times more likely to be highly for personal growth , social connections and to have fun . engaged at work and five times less likely to burn out than However , I’m also mindful that , beyond our doors , many face pessimists . With that in mind , I focus my energy on the posi - daily challenges that can diminish their health and happiness . tive things , what’s working and , again , what I can control . ” So , I ask myself every day , what can we do to impact the lives of others further ? How can we create uplifting experiences Advice to other women : “ Show your value , don’t tell people that help to improve well - being and foster greater joy ? about your value . I think it’s so true that actions often speak Perhaps most importantly , how can we ensure these opportu - louder than words . Be flexible : Your career path may take nities are easily accessible to seniors , individuals with special you in directions you never could have expected if you stay needs and underprivileged families ? I’m passionate about open to opportunity and adapt to change . Be bold and making a positive difference in the lives of others . ” take risks . To grow and learn , you have to be willing to put yourself out there . ” DOMINIQUE GRECO Challenges as a woman tenacity , but with that , your confidence in business : “ I’ve personally and integrity will shine through in every experienced biases for both action you make — big or small . The chal - my age and my gender lenge itself is filtering out the noise from throughout my entire career . those who inevitably will tell you , ‘ You’re It’s been a confusing journey doing it wrong , ’ and knowing to trust at times ; being a magnetic yourself over the outside pressures . ” and powerful woman , I’ve been shunned for being too Advice to other women : “ Show up as likable and then dismissed yourself . Stand up tall and confident . for not calling attention to When you feel low , know who you can myself . I’ve been purpose - go to and what you can do that makes fully misled and then been you feel revived . Don’t be afraid to be advised to not have a big bold , dress bold , speak up and ask ques - reaction to the unfair treat - tions . Surround yourself with a tribe of Founder , Orlando Hospitality Alliance ment . I’ve stayed quiet out of fear and other women with similar goals . Greco is a partner in successful hospitality I’ve spoken up to protect others even Encourage them and also let them be groups and leisure brands . She served as when some said it ‘ wasn’t my place . ’ there for you . Hold yourself accountable the first - ever Nighttime Economy How we , as women , demand respect is for making healthy choices for your Manager for the city of Orlando , making a delicate , artful feat rooted in knowing , mind , body and spirit . Don’t seek perfec - her one of the first hospitality leaders in loving and trusting yourself , first and tion . Enjoy your human experience and the nation to hold that position . foremost . That takes practice and embrace your feelings and instincts . ” 32 | ORLANDO FAMILY | october 2023 | ORLANDOFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM