As Symposium season approaches, the AIFD Southern Chapter is excited to celebrate the achievements, leadership, and educational growth happening throughout our floral community. From recognizing our 2026 Inspire & Empower Scholarship recipient to announcing our newly elected board, honoring outstanding chapter members, and gathering in Orlando, this month’s updates reflect the passion, connection, and commitment that continue to make our chapter thrive.
Celebrating the Southern Chapter 2026 Inspire & Empower Scholarship Recipient: Lisa Ayala, CFD
Southern Chapter is proud to announce Lisa Ayala, CFD, from Washington, DC, as the recipient of the 2026 AIFD Inspire & Empower Scholarship. This scholarship will support Lisa’s attendance at the 2026 AIFD National Symposium in Orlando, Florida, an important milestone as she continues pursuing her professional floral design journey.
After more than 40 years of informal floral experience, 2025 became a turning point as Lisa decided to fully pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a florist.
Currently employed at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Lisa developed a growing interest in sustainable floristry and eco-conscious design practices. She enrolled in the floral design program at Anne Arundel Community College, where she studied under Terry Godfrey AIFD, and further expanded her education through the Southern Chapter David Shover AIFD Mentorship Program and the Independent Floral Designers Association.
We are thrilled that this scholarship will help make Lisa’s Symposium attendance possible. Congratulations, Lisa! We cannot wait to see where your journey leads next.
Announcing Our 2026–2027 Southern Chapter Board
The election results are in, and we’re excited to introduce your newly elected AIFD Southern Chapter Board of Directors for 2026–2027!
President: Andreia Muller AIFD, CFD
President-Elect: Ralph Giordano AIFD, CFD
Vice President: Cindy Tole AIFD, CFD
Secretary: Pattie Wallander AIFD, CFD
Treasurer: Linda K. Speer AIFD, CFD
Past President: J. Ross Railey AIFD, CFD
Chapter Representative: Aisha Crivens AIFD, CFD
Directors:
Michael Trogdon AIFD, CFD
Elisabeth Stover AIFD, CFD
Colby Peters AIFD, CFD
Congratulations to our incoming board members! We look forward to your leadership, creativity, and passion in guiding our chapter into another inspiring year.
Become a Friend of the AIFD Foundation!
Support the future of floral education and help Southern Chapter earn a $1,000 grant again this year! Joining is easy, and every donation counts. Whether you choose to give monthly, annually, or through a one-time gift, your support makes a difference.
Last year’s grant helped fund chapter educational initiatives, and we hope to continue that momentum. Donate here https://aifdfoundation.org/DonateFriend today and help Southern Chapter take the lead once again.
Member Recognition at FSFA Convention
Earlier this month, the Florida State Florists’ Association International (FSFAI) held its annual convention, bringing together floral professionals from across the world for education, inspiration, and industry connection. Several Southern Chapter members played an important role in the convention’s success. The event featured hands-on workshops presented by Southern Chapter members Bob Tucker AIFD, Jolene Powell AIFD, and Michael Smith AIFD, who shared their expertise and passion for floral design with attendees.
We are also proud to celebrate Andie Muller AIFD, Southern Chapter President-Elect and incoming Chapter President, who received the FSFAI President’s Award in recognition of her contributions and leadership.
Congratulations as well to Ralph Giordano AIFD on his installation as the new FSFAI President. We are excited to see his leadership in action and know he will serve the organization with dedication and vision.
Join Us for the AIFD Southern Chapter Membership Meeting During the 2026 AIFD National Symposium in Orlando!
We invite all Southern Chapter members — AIFD and CFD alike — to gather with us for an evening of connection, chapter updates, celebration, and community as we continue growing together and supporting the future of floral design.
This year’s meeting will be especially meaningful as we celebrate our 2026 inductees, welcome new members, and present the inaugural Southern Chapter Awards. These new awards recognize outstanding contributions, leadership, service, and emerging talent within our chapter, allowing us to honor and celebrate the members who help make our community stronger.
📅 July 1, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM–6:00 PM
📍 Orange Meeting Room
🌿 AIFD National Symposium – Orlando
Thank you for being part of the AIFD Southern Chapter community and for continuing to support education, mentorship, and connection within our industry. We look forward to celebrating with many of you in Orlando and to another year of collaboration, recognition, and growth together.
