As spring brings new energy, we’re excited to celebrate the talent and passion of our Southern Chapter members—from scholarship honors to bold Art in Bloom designs and national recognition. Read on to explore the moments that make our chapter shine.
Celebrating the Southern Chapter 2025 Inspire & Empower Scholarship Recipient: Kasey Moore, CFD
The AIFD® Southern Chapter is proud to announce Kasey Moore, CFD, of Watkinsville, Georgia, as the recipient of the 2025 Inspire & Empower Scholarship!
We are thrilled that this scholarship will enable Kasey to attend the 2025 AIFD® National Symposium in Palm Springs, CA—a critical milestone on her path to achieving her professional goals. We are confident she will make the most of this opportunity to learn, grow, and further inspire the floral community.
New CFD® members
We’re proud to welcome our newest Certified Floral Designers (CFD®) to the AIFD Southern Chapter! Your commitment to floral artistry and continued education inspires us all. Welcome: Lauren Baskin CFD, Aidana Beisenova CFD, Christine Danteny CFD, Eddie Dooling CFD, Felica Goett CFD, Honey Hernández CFD, John Malanchak CFD, Josefina Martínez CFD, Teresa Martínez CFD, Leydis Pando CFD and Mariela Ramírez CFD.
Become a Friend of the AIFD Foundation!
Support the future of floral education—and help Southern Chapter win a $1,000 grant again this year!
Joining is easy, and every donation counts. You can give monthly, annually, or make a one-time gift—any amount makes a difference.
Make your donation to help us take the lead once again! Last year’s grant helped fund our chapter’s education initiatives—let’s do it again!
Donate here: https://aifdfoundation.org/DonateFriend
Art in Bloom Spotlight: Joseph Barnes AIFD
We’re thrilled to begin highlighting the incredible work of our members participating in Art in Bloom events throughout the Southern region!
Our first feature is Joseph Barnes AIFD of Raleigh, NC, who recently took part in Art in Bloom at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA).
For this year’s event, Joseph had the opportunity to interpret Ulalu—a striking sculpture by Mark di Suvero, an abstract expressionist known for transforming scrap metal into monumental, welded steel structures. Di Suvero’s work often features intersecting steel beams and dynamic forms that convey movement and energy. Ulalu, painted in bright red, welcomes visitors to the museum park with its bold presence.
Joseph’s floral sculpture was inspired by this same spirit—featuring bold lines, explosive movement, and bursts of color that seem to reach out into the space around them. His interpretation was both a tribute to the original sculpture and a celebration of the
Art in Bloom Spotlight: Terry Godfrey AIFD, EMC
We’re excited to feature Southern Chapter Past President Terry Godfrey AIFD, EMC for her stunning participation in Art in Bloom DC 2025 at the historic Anderson House.
Terry drew inspiration from the intricately carved Italian Choir Stalls, interpreting their massive woodwork, static lines, circular forms, and the mythical griffins woven into the design. Her floral work beautifully mirrored the strength and structure of the furniture while introducing softness and movement through botanical elements.
Spotlight: First Lady’s Luncheon Designers
We’re thrilled to recognize Southern Chapter President Marcela López-Vallejo AIFD, Darcie Garcia AIFD, and Angela Brown CFD for their incredible participation in the 2025 First Lady’s Luncheon in Washington, D.C.
This annual, bipartisan tradition—hosted by the Congressional Club Museum and Foundation—brings together current and former spouses of Members of Congress, Supreme Court Justices, and Cabinet members to honor the First Lady and celebrate a spirit of community service and unity.
As part of this historic event, our members joined the American Grown design team, led by our incoming National President Renee Tucci AIFD. Their efforts helped spotlight the beauty and value of American-grown flowers, reinforcing the importance of sourcing locally and supporting domestic flower farms.
Congratulations to Marcela, Darcie, and Angela for representing AIFD Southern Chapter with elegance, artistry, and dedication on a national stage!
We’re so proud of the passion and creativity in our chapter. Thank you for inspiring and uplifting our community—we can’t wait to see many of you at Symposium in Palm Springs.
Until then, keep blooming!
