http://www.cityboxmagazine.com/

CityBox Media, 1856 Cotton Bay Ln, Navarre, FL (2026)

05/29/2026

CITYBOX INDEX
The Leaders Shaping What Comes Next

Some people build businesses.
Others build the places where life happens.
The homes where families gather. The spaces where companies grow. The buildings that become part of a community's story for generations.

I had the opportunity to meet with Lane Otto of Fairhope Building Company, a firm helping shape communities throughout Alabama and Florida through luxury residential and commercial construction.

Behind every remarkable project is a team of professionals whose work extends far beyond blueprints and building materials. Their decisions influence how people live, work, connect, and create memories for years to come.

These are the types of leaders CityBox seeks to document through the CityBox Index.

Not because of a title.
Not because of an award.
But because their work leaves a lasting mark on the communities they serve.

The future of a city is shaped by the people willing to build it.

Quiet Authority. Lasting Influence.

www.cityboxmagazine.com

THANK YOU
A million thanks to Alex Boykin, Founder of Gulf Coast Wine for the thoughtful introduction.

05/27/2026

FLASHBACK
PENSACOLA. FLORIDA
Troy Rafferty
Trial Attorney
Co Founder
Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa
CityBox Magazine Cover Star

READ THE INTERVIEWS
https://cityboxmagazine.hflip.co/7a009d0858.html

05/27/2026

CITYBOX INDEX
The Leaders Helping Shape What’s Next

Dr. Javier Santos, the newly appointed Director of DARPA in Washington, D.C., represents the kind of visionary leadership helping shape the future of innovation, national security, advanced technology, and scientific discovery in America. DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, is one of the most influential research and development agencies in the world, responsible for helping pioneer breakthrough technologies that have impacted everything from modern communications and cybersecurity to artificial intelligence, aviation, robotics, and the early foundations of the internet itself. The agency plays a critical role in advancing strategic innovation and supporting technologies that shape the future of global competitiveness and national defense.

Also participating in the CityBox Index Signature Portrait Series is Joshua Turner, Founder and Visionary of Old Crows Wireless Solutions and a United States Navy Electronic Warfare Technician. Known for his leadership within wireless communications, technical operations, and mission critical infrastructure, Turner represents the growing intersection between advanced communications technology, strategic operations, and emerging innovation shaping the Gulf Coast region and beyond.

Dr. Santos and Mr. Turner have been selected as CityBox Index Founding Members in Pensacola within their respective industries and sectors, joining a growing collective of professionals, innovators, founders, executives, and forward thinking leaders helping shape the future of business, technology, infrastructure, healthcare, cybersecurity, ai, defense, leadership, and economic growth throughout the region.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CITYBOX INDEX
CityBox Index is a public leadership visibility and discoverability platform designed to help document and showcase professionals, founders, executives, innovators, and organizations contributing to the growth and advancement of their industries in major cities nationwide interconnected by the CityBox platform.

CityBox Index was founded by Maryan Aiken www.cityboxmagazine.com

Fashion provided by Dillard’s Cordova Mall.
Styled by Wendy. Shot on location at The Haus of Hue.

05/25/2026

CITYBOX FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Where Emerging Leaders Step Into Real-World Influence

For many students and emerging professionals, the biggest challenge is not talent, it’s access.
Access to the right rooms.

Access to meaningful conversations.
Access to experienced leaders willing to open doors, share wisdom, and create opportunities that can shape a future.

The CityBox Fellowship Program was created to help bridge that gap.

Designed as a premier leadership fellowship, the program connects emerging talent with real-world business exposure, executive-level conversations, strategic networking opportunities, and meaningful professional relationships within the growing CityBox ecosystem.

Through private convenings, media experiences, business development initiatives, and leadership-driven environments, fellows gain hands-on access to founders, executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders across multiple industries and major markets nationwide offering experiences rarely found inside a traditional classroom setting.

Selected fellows serve as Business Development Associate Fellows, helping support the continued growth, connectivity, and visibility of the CityBox ecosystem while developing confidence, communication skills, leadership presence, and valuable real-world experience that can impact the trajectory of their professional journey for years to come.

Featured Fellows
Addison Burgett
Business Development Associate Fellow
University of South Alabama

Wendy Mitchell
Business Development Associate Fellow
University of South Alabama

CITYBOX FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Providing Hands-On Exposure To Leadership, Business Development, Strategic Networking, And Executive Environments Nationwide.

www.cityboxmagazine.com

05/20/2026

THE BREAD PUDDING BAKE OFF: WHERE CULINARY TRADITION MEETS COMMUNITY IMPACT

The Bread Pudding Bake Off in Pensacola has become one of the city’s most heartfelt and community-driven culinary gatherings, blending Southern comfort food, philanthropy, and local culture into an event that brings people together for a greater purpose.

Organized by the Krewe of SWAT with Madrina Ciano, the annual event invites local restaurants, chefs, bakers, and community personalities to compete by showcasing their signature bread pudding creations while attendees gather to celebrate food, fellowship, and giving back.

At the heart of the Bake Off is its charitable mission supporting 4EVR DEZ, the foundation and vision led by Taxie Lambert that focuses on uplifting and supporting meaningful community-centered initiatives through compassion, connection, and advocacy. The event is designed not simply as a food competition, but as a platform to create awareness, raise support, and unite Pensacola’s business and philanthropic communities around causes that leave a lasting local impact.

A major supporter and presenting sponsor connected to the event is Troy Rafferty of Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, whose involvement has helped strengthen the event’s visibility and community reach.

The Bake Off reflects what makes Pensacola special, local businesses, nonprofit leaders, creatives, and residents coming together in a meaningful environment where food becomes a vehicle for community impact, storytelling, and philanthropy.

THANK YOU
Big thanks to the beautiful Madrina Ciano for the thoughtful invitation. I so appreciate you.

ALBUM 2 of 2

05/20/2026

THE BREAD PUDDING BAKE OFF: WHERE CULINARY TRADITION MEETS COMMUNITY IMPACT

The Bread Pudding Bake Off in Pensacola has become one of the city’s most heartfelt and community-driven culinary gatherings, blending Southern comfort food, philanthropy, and local culture into an event that brings people together for a greater purpose.

Organized by the Krewe of SWAT with Madrina Ciano, the annual event invites local restaurants, chefs, bakers, and community personalities to compete by showcasing their signature bread pudding creations while attendees gather to celebrate food, fellowship, and giving back.

At the heart of the Bake Off is its charitable mission supporting 4EVR DEZ, the foundation and vision led by Taxie Lambert that focuses on uplifting and supporting meaningful community-centered initiatives through compassion, connection, and advocacy. The event is designed not simply as a food competition, but as a platform to create awareness, raise support, and unite Pensacola’s business and philanthropic communities around causes that leave a lasting local impact.

A major supporter and presenting sponsor connected to the event is Troy Rafferty of Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, whose involvement has helped strengthen the event’s visibility and community reach.

The Bake Off reflects what makes Pensacola special, local businesses, nonprofit leaders, creatives, and residents coming together in a meaningful environment where food becomes a vehicle for community impact, storytelling, and philanthropy.

More Photos Coming Soon!

05/19/2026

PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN ONLINE

I had the opportunity to attend an insightful Town Hall Gathering spearheaded by Troy Rafferty, Trial Attorney and Co-Founder of RDCY, alongside Attorney Madeline Pendley of RDCY, at the Brownsville Community Center.

The gathering brought the community together for an important and timely conversation centered around protecting our children online, a responsibility that continues to grow more critical in today’s rapidly evolving digital world.

What made this evening especially meaningful was seeing families, parents, educators, leaders, and neighbors come together in one room to share perspectives, exchange ideas, and create space for awareness, education, and action.

Conversations like these remind us that protecting the next generation requires not only technology and policy, but community, collaboration, intentional leadership & connected parenting.

The strongest protection parents can give their children in today’s digital world is a relationship built on trust, communication, and presence. When children feel heard, respected, and safe to talk openly, they are far more likely to seek guidance when facing challenges online and in life.

Parenting today is not just about monitoring technology, it is about building connection, teaching discernment, and leading by example. The relationship comes first, and from that relationship comes trust, wisdom, and protection.

A heartfelt thank you to the event partners, sponsors, organizers, and supporters who stood behind this important cause and helped make conversations like this possible. Your commitment to strengthening and protecting our communities does not go unnoticed.

Meaningful impact begins with meaningful conversations and this was one of them.

THANK YOU
Many thanks to Attorney Troy Rafferty Co Founder of Rafferty Domnick Cunningham Yaffa & Taxie Lambert for the thoughtful invitation.

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT HERE
https://tarajanephoto.pixieset.com/childsafety/

05/16/2026

PENSACOLA. FLORIDA
The Haus of Hue Presents

Beatrize Ball Founder, CEO, and Product Designer of Beatriz Ball Collection.

Cuban-born, New Orleans-based designer Beatriz Ball completely redefines the art of modern entertaining with her stunning, hand-sculpted metalware and luxury tableware. Marrying ancient, eco-conscious artisan craftsmanship with effortless, tarnish-free practicality, her heirloom pieces are built for beautiful everyday living.

From her design studio in New Orleans to her zero-waste foundry in Mexico, Beatriz Ball creates sustainable, high-design tableware made to last a lifetime. Every single piece is meticulously hand-cast and polished by master artisans, bringing a touch of organic luxury and timeless elegance to the modern table.

Thank you Jeanna Mincy and the entire Haus of Hue organization for hosting such a beautiful gathering. It was fantastic meeting Ms. Beatrize Ball & meeting new friends!

05/05/2026

PENSACOLA. FLORIDA
CITYBOX MAGAZINE PRESENTS
COVER STAR UNVEILING EVENT FEATURING
Michele Carlton
Owner
PJ'S Coffee
Ambassador
Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce

With deep gratitude and a full heart, thank you Pensacola 🤍

We are honored to celebrate our latest CityBox Magazine cover featuring Michelle Carlton, owner of PJ’s Coffee, alongside her husband Don Carlton and their son Ryan, a true reflection of family, leadership, and community.

THE CATALYSTS
To our Catalyst celebrants, your presence and energy continue to shape what CityBox stands for connection, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

An intentional evening bringing together a curated group of leaders, founders, and professionals shaping the future of Pensacola. This invite only convening was designed for meaningful connection, elevated conversation, and the quiet introduction of those building what matters most within the city.

THE CATALYSTS. PENSACOLA EDITION
Todd Thomson
President. CEO
Greater Pensacola Chamber
CityBox Cover Star. March 2025

Dr. William Carpenter FAIA PhD
Founder. President
Lightroom Studio
Atlanta. 30A. Goias. Pensacola

Shalini Verma
Founder. President
Yellow Hat Construction & Roofing Company

Jake Walters
Attorney
Real Estate
Commercial Transactions
Litvak Beasley Wilson & Ball, LLP

Gwendolyn Smith
Retail Market Manager lll
Senior Vice President
Synovus

Corey O'Kelley
Commercial Real Estate Advisor
SVN Southland

Trina Davis
Managing Partner
Director of Community Outreach
Epiphany Financial Group

Glenn Johnson
Operations Manager
Cumulus Media

Jennifer Troyer
Founder
Emerald Waters Hormone & Weight Loss Clinic, LLC

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
Pillars of Promise Inc.
Dillard Trapp
President
Dr. Marcus McBride
Vice President
Travell Davis
Vice President

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Dave Nelson on behalf of Hailey Vavao
Founder
The Will Well Fitness, Massage, & Wellness

Aaron West on behalf of Shea Morris
President
MenPact Pensacola

HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO OUR SPONSORS, PARTNERS, CO HOSTS & GUESTS + OUR INTERNS
A sincere thank you to our incredible sponsors and partners who made this possible:
• T-Mobile
• Dillard's
• Lightroom
• The District: Seville Steak & Seafood
• Haus of Hue Co Host
• Moza Tiles & Stones Co Host
• CityBox Interns

To our sponsors, partners, co-hosts, and special guests + interns, thank you for your commitment, for your time, and for your belief in what we are building together.

And to the Pensacola community your continued support of CityBox Magazine, CityBox Index, and our growing ecosystem means everything. You are the heartbeat behind this vision.

Above all, we give thanks to God for the guidance, the direction, the light and the blessings that continue to unfold.

The right room changes everything… and this one truly did.

MAGAZINE COVER
Jai P Savage Owner of Jai P Savage
Shot on location at Seville Quarter
Fashion by Dillard's
Styled by Wendy

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
Isiah Hale

CityBox Media

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