Synovus Bank’s Here Matters Outreach Program

Here Matters
Image: synovus.com

A graduate of Lynn University, banking professional Isoldy Guzman is experienced in developing strategy, improving sales and operations, engaging customers, and developing employees’ skills and capabilities. Isoldy Guzman applies over 15 years of experience in retail banking and account management in her role as a retail market manager at Synovus Bank in Davie, Florida. Through the bank’s Here Matters outreach program, the bank works to help communities within its footprint remain healthy and vibrant.

Launched in 2016, Here Matters focuses its efforts on the communities in which Synovus has a presence. By concentrating volunteer efforts and financial contributions on education, needs based opportunities, and health and wellness, the program hopes to strengthen relationships while serving the community’s needs.

Since its inception, Here Matters initiatives have raised money and supplies for veterans’ organizations, homeless shelters, rescue missions, and food pantries. Other efforts this year include a block party for youth in Columbus, Georgia, a course in financial responsibility for students in Montgomery, Alabama, and a Habitat for Humanity project in Sumter, South Carolina.

Paddling to Sandfly Island in the Ten Thousand Lakes Refuge

Ten Thousand Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Image: fws.org

A banking and financial services professional based in Florida, Isoldy Guzman is a retail market manager for Synovus Bank, formerly Florida Community Bank. There, Ms. Guzman develops new business and provides coaching to the branch’s sales staff. When away from her professional responsibilities, Isoldy Guzman enjoys paddle boarding.

Florida’s beautiful weather and numerous beaches, lakes, and rivers make the state an ideal location for paddle boarding. A relatively new sport, paddle boarding appeals to people of every age and skill level. Using a board that is specially contoured for easy balancing, most people can learn to paddle board in less than half an hour.

The Ten Thousand Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is one of Florida’s most popular places to paddle board. Located off the coast of southwest Florida, the Ten Thousand Lakes National Wildlife Refuge covers 35,000 acres of protected mangrove habitat. Visitors can find an abundance of wildlife in the refuge including manatees, peregrine falcons, wood storks, and sea turtles. The refuge offers paddlers several different trails to explore.

One of the most popular trails for beginners is the Sandfly Island trail, beginning at the kayak and canoe launch at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. Paddlers travel approximately 2-3 hours round trip to reach the island and return to the visitor center. Once they arrive at Sandfly Island, they can explore its pioneer homes or extend their paddle boarding adventure by traveling around some of the passageways, bays, and islands surrounding Sandfly.

Paddlers should keep in mind that Sandfly Island has no amenities. They will need to bring their own food, water, and first aid kits when exploring the area.