MEET THE STARS
Meet our stars and their partners. Don't forget to click the pair's button to vote for your favorite couple!
FEMALE STARS
Emilie "Flo" Hester
Dancing with Andre Valladon
Flo is an entrepreneur, personal trainer, and competitive bodybuilder. As the owner of FloMotion Fitness, she inspires others to achieve their best selves. A proud mother and grandmother, Flo’s dedication to health and fitness shines in everything she does, including her dynamic dance performances.
Vanessa Marin
Dancing with Roberto Vega
Vanessa is the General Manager of Mi Apa Latin Cafe in Alachua and a passionate community advocate. Originally from Venezuela, Vanessa’s love of dancing, culture, and family inspires her every day. Her energy and enthusiasm are bound to create magic on the dance floor.
Anna Guarino
Dancing with Tim Cannon
Anna is a Gainesville-based REALTOR with a flair for home design and a passion for helping clients achieve their real estate dreams. A former elementary school teacher and proud UF parent, Anna loves dancing, tennis, and traveling. Her vibrant energy and community spirit make her a star on and off the dance floor.
Shelley Vickers
Dancing with Tucker Gokey
Shelley is a leader in Gainesville’s construction industry and a pillar of the community. She excels in bringing people together through her work with organizations like BANCF, the Alachua Chamber, GAWN, Take Stock in Children and Junior Achievement. A proud mom and tireless advocate, Shelley’s passion and dedication will shine brightly on the dance floor.
Tina Kirkpatrick
Dancing with José Ramos
Tina is a proud mom of three, a registered nurse, a real estate agent, an IVF warrior, an adoptive mom and a former foster mom. Tina loves to give back as a mentor with Take Stock in Children and spend time with her children & family. Dancing brings her immense joy, and her enthusiasm is sure to light up the Gala stage.
Marisa Ramierez Stukey
Dancing with Vic Mancuso
Marisa is an educator, author, and consultant with a love for musical theater. With a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and a Master’s in Reading Education from UF, she is a Senior Director at the Center for the Collaborative Classroom. Marisa has performed in multiple musicals and is thrilled to bring her passion for performance to this year’s Gala.
MALE STARS
John Dickhaus
Dancing with Rosemary DeIorio
John is a Director of Development at the UF Foundation with a rich background in law and public service. A lover of music and baseball, he’s a dedicated family man who enjoys playing music across the Gainesville community. His dedication to excellence and joy for life will light up the Gala stage.
Dr. Eduardo Marichal
Dancing with Beatriz Povoas
An OB-GYN with over 7,000 deliveries, Dr. Marichal is known for his compassionate care and love of music. Originally from Puerto Rico, he now calls Gainesville home and is excited to showcase some new moves at the Gala—dedicated to his wife of 40 years, who shares his love of dance.
Zach Jackson
Dancing with Marilyn Deiorio
Zachary, Operations Director at UF Mover Guys, has a deep appreciation for community and friendship. A Gainesville native who spent a decade in NYC, he loves the outdoors, water adventures, and staying active. His vibrant personality makes him a perfect star for this year’s Gala.
Gilbert Levy
Dancing with Emilia León
Gil Levy is a seasoned financial analyst, entrepreneur, and retired CEO with decades of leadership experience across financial services, real estate, and community development. A Gainesville resident for over 40 years, Gil has served as Chair of the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, a UF Innovate Advisory Board member, and on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Cade Museum and CDS Family and Behavioral Health Services.
Having recently retired as President and CEO of Citizens State Bank, Gil now focuses on consulting for startups and small enterprises. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Gil’s dedication to the community is matched only by his excitement for this year’s Gala.
