By Nicole Hamel
On the Scene: Havana Nights IDW Foundation Gala
The IDW Foundation, founded by Jena Sullivan and Gloria Ebey, hosted its 3rd Annual IDW Foundation Gala, drawing an impressive crowd at the sold-out event. Guests embraced the evening’s Havana Nights theme, arriving dressed to impress and ready to dance the night away.
Adding to the atmosphere, two pristine muscle cars welcomed attendees at the entrance—a striking red 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Convertible and a 1958 Chevrolet Impala in Cay Coral Metallic—setting the tone for a night of elegance and energy.
At its core, the Foundation’s mission is to inspire, equip, and support women in living out God’s purpose for their lives. Through its initiatives, the organization empowers women to step forward with confidence and courage, helping bridge the gap between dreams and legacy. Proceeds from the gala support scholarships for high school seniors through the Rising Star Scholarship, as well as women pursuing continued education through the Entrepreneurship Scholarship, while also providing resources for professional development and mentorship.
Nicole, born and raised in Maine, is an award-winning photographer with more than 15 years of professional experience. After relocating to Kentucky, she began her career photographing military families and volunteering with several organizations, including Operation Homefront (Tennessee/Kentucky Chapter), the American Red Cross, and the Wounded Warriors Project. While living in Hawaii, Nicole worked as a historical photographer, documenting the Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam community and its surrounding areas. In 2015, Nicole settled in Florida and joined Akers Media Group as a freelance photographer.
Through dedication and consistent excellence, she advanced to Chief Photographer. Her contributions earned her MVP of the Year in 2020 and Employee of the Year in 2023, recognizing both her hard work and commitment to her craft. After eight years of working for Akers, she can now add published writer to her list of accomplishments. Outside of her professional work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her two children, Dylan and Olivia. Her interests include underwater photography, crafting, reading, gardening, traveling, and experiencing life firsthand.
