Okaloosa County honors eight leaders in its 2026 Women's Hall of Fame

Okaloosa County, Florida, honored eight women as inductees to its 2026 Women’s Hall of Fame, according to county officials. The annual program recognizes visionary leadership, public service and pioneering achievements that have improved life across the county. Kelley Fuller, chair of the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women, said the honorees reflect courage, resilience and service. Inductees include attorney Megan Blancho of Niceville, who runs a statewide healthcare license defense practice and mentors women starting firms; Vanessa d’Aquin, an MSN, APRN, FNP-C and director of clinical services at Crossroads Center, credited with expanding patient services by over 200% and providing free care to nearly 1,000 women; and Simona Faroni of Fort Walton Beach, co-founder of GS Gelato, which employs more than 150 people and reported $38 million in 2025 sales. Also listed were Dr. Cristie Kedroski, Christina Larson and additional honorees.