Elevate Symposium Scholarship
North Central Chapter
Brittany Nichole is the Owner and Principal Floral Designer of Dressed in Details, where she creates floral designs rooted in meaningful storytelling and intentional artistry. Her work is known for transforming flowers into experiences that celebrate life’s most important moments while fostering genuine connection and emotion beyond words.
With a passion for creativity and innovation, Brittany has built a business centered around thoughtful design, elevated aesthetics, and personalized client experiences. Her dedication to the floral industry reflects both an artistic vision and a commitment to continued growth, education, and inspiration within the profession.
Through Dressed in Details, Brittany continues to leave a lasting impression with designs that blend beauty, emotion, and purpose, creating unforgettable moments for the clients and communities she serves.
Elevate Symposium Scholarship
South West Regional Chapter
Hi! My name is Samantha, and I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. I have spent the last few years in Arizona after moving from Seattle to pursue my studies in Horticultural Science. I am excited to announce my most recent certification in Arizona’s Master Florist Program (AzMF), and I look forward to what is to come as an aspiring floral designer!
Elevate Symposium Scholarship
North Carolina State Florist Association
Sarah Dodson is a dedicated floral designer with nearly 20 years of experience in the floral industry. Her passion began in childhood, growing and arranging her own flowers and selling them at local farmers’ markets, later gaining hands-on experience in a flower shop as a teenager. After earning a degree in Recreational Therapy and spending 12 years in that field, she returned to floristry, balancing both careers before fully committing in 2025. Now an active member of NCSFA, Sarah is pursuing formal training to refine her skills and expand her industry knowledge. She is passionate about growing as a designer and giving back by sharing her knowledge and encouraging others in the floral community.
Elevate Symposium Scholarship
Arizona State Florist Association
Sheri Loraine, AzMF, is a Certified Master Florist and the creative force behind Blossoms Borrowed, a luxury floral rental and design company based in Arizona. With a background in custom ball gown design, her work is defined by thoughtful composition and an eye for elevated detail. Her floristry has taken her across the United States and internationally, where she creates immersive, visually captivating installations for weddings and events. Known for her innovative hybrid approach and commitment to sustainability, Sheri brings both artistry and intention to every design she creates.
Elevate Symposium Scholarship
California State Floral Association
Gina Lett-Shrewsberry is a sustainable floral designer and event stylist whose work has been featured at the DeYoung Museum’s Bouquets to Art exhibit, the Washington Post, and on major TV outlets. A sought-after speaker and award-winning creative, she is celebrated for her sophisticated, eco-conscious designs and her ability to bring color, texture, and artistry together with exceptional detail. Known for her industry leadership and collaborations with organizations such as Chevron, Genentech, and the ACLU, Gina continues to champion sustainability, inspire through her craft, and elevate every space she touches.
Elevate Symposium Scholarship
Great Lakes Floral Association
With seven years of dedicated experience at Banner Flower House, Kymbra’s journey in the floral industry is a testament to passion and persistence. What began as a role managing phones and orders quickly evolved into a lifelong calling under the mentorship of Michelle Soupley, AIFD. Now a Certified Florist (CF), Kymbra has spent years honing her craft, earning multiple scholarships, and consistently challenging herself through design competitions.
A frequent attendee of the Great Lakes Floral and Event Expo (GLFEE) and a first time 2026 AIFD Symposium participant, Kymbra is deeply committed to the “always a student” philosophy. Beyond the design bench, she is a passionate advocate for the next generation of floral artists, working to mentor and inspire young talent. Whether she is competing on stage or sharing the joy of floristry through engaging social media content, Kymbra’s goal remains the same: to grow as an artist while spreading laughter and beauty throughout her community.
Elevate Symposium Scholarship
Montana State Floral Association
Hi, my name is Kemrie Cross. I am from Charlo, Montana. I have enjoyed three wonderful years as an employee and aspiring florist at Bev’s Bloomers in Ronan, Montana. There I have developed skills in floral arrangements, leadership, and horticultural practices through hands-on experience. One of the things that I love most about my job is the creative outlet it offers me. I am so excited and appreciative for this opportunity.
Elevate Symposium Scholarship
Northeast Regional Chapter
Scholarship recipient Sarah-Jane Evans is from South Wales, UK and has been in the industry for 26 years, helping to operate the family business. Sarah came to the US to participate in the Philadelphia Flower Show. She came away inspired and is looking forward to exploring her talents through AIFD.
Elevate Symposium Scholarship
Arkansas Florists Association
Kathy is a passionate competitor and lifelong learner who has trained at design schools across the U.S. An accomplished designer, she completed the Arkansas Master Florist program in 2001, is a three-time Arkansas Cup winner, and earned her AIFD accreditation in 2015. She proudly serves on the Arkansas Florists Association Education Team, mentoring the next generation of floral designers.
Independent Floral Designers Association Scholarship
AIFD and the AIFD Marketing Committee
Susan has been in the floral business since 1986. She started and managed four new floral companies over the years and began her own event company, Signature Florals in 2016. Bain was inducted into AIFD in 2004. She has been an active member of AIFD and a procurement chairperson for a National Symposium, has participated in the Philadelphia Flower Show on four occasions, Art in Bloom in Raleigh, NC for three years and served as an advisor for the Horticultural program for students in upstate New York. Susan is currently the co-chair for the AIFD mentoring committee and Southern Chapter. In addition, she has participated in numerous floral art shows and won several wedding industry awards. Susan lives in Greenville, South Carolina with her husband Jim.
Elevate Symposium Scholarship
Illinois State Florist Association
Lauren Moscato and her father co-own River City Floral and Gifts, Jefferson City, MO. She grew up surrounded by flowers and is following in her father’s footsteps. She began in the family business as a designer. She now serves as the design room manager. She and her staff bring creativity and care to every arrangement.
Elevate Symposium Scholarship
South Central Chapter
My name is Kailey Dixon, and I am a passionate floral designer dedicated to growing my skills and making a meaningful impact in the floral industry. I am currently finishing my final semester of college at Kilgore College to earn my business management degree while gaining hands-on experience at Simply Beautiful Floral Company under the mentorship of Brandy Ferrer. Since high school, I have been committed to improving myself and pursuing my dream of one day becoming AIFD. Along with continuing my education through TSFA, I am also working toward becoming both CFD and TMF as I continue to grow creatively and professionally under so many amazing florists.
