Gloria Z. Ebey has dedicated her career to helping others flourish by empowering women, supporting families and advocating for seniors through education, leadership and service.

As co-founder of Intentional Driven Women and the IDW Foundation, Gloria creates opportunities for leadership development, professional growth and community connection while advancing senior care advocacy and holistic well-being. She says her passion is equipping people with the tools they need to thrive while building a legacy of service that strengthens women, families and local communities.

Originally from Colombia, Gloria says one of her proudest accomplishments has been building a new life in the United States. After earning a degree in occupational therapy, learning a new language and establishing her career, she expanded her work through community advocacy, professional certifications and the growth of Intentional Driven Women and the IDW Foundation. Today, the organization serves women throughout Marion, Lake and Sumter counties while providing scholarships that support entrepreneurship, continuing education and leadership development.

For more than a decade, Gloria has partnered with local chambers of commerce and community organizations to provide education focused on mental wellness, holistic growth, faith-based leadership and senior care advocacy. She says her goal is to ensure women, families and professionals have the support, resources and sisterhood they need to build thriving lives close to home.

Gloria credits her Christian faith, her husband, Jim, the support of her family and what she calls the “power of proximity” — surrounding herself with purpose-driven leaders — as the greatest influences on her leadership journey. She believes true success is collaborative and that communities grow stronger when people invest in one another.

“We rise by lifting the collective,” Gloria says.

Her advice to future leaders is to invest in their own growth, build emotional resilience and choose collaboration over competition.

“When you lead with intentionality and focus on helping the people around you flourish, your impact will naturally stand the test of time,” Gloria says.