Sarah Tildsey, 38

Sarah Tildsley made an investment in the potential of Tampa’s design and advertising community 15 years ago when she selected her first job after graduating from Ringling College. And now she feels like that investment paid off.

As principal and creative director of ChappellRoberts, Tildsley oversees about one-third of the company’s 32 employees. Tildsley is part of the 3% of female art directors in the country, and one of the youngest creative directors in Tampa. She credits her success to Colleen Chappell, owner of the agency, who saw her potential and gave her the opportunity “to marry her strength in business and creativity.”