Circle of Creation returns for third year

Debbie Kantor, inventor and co-founder of Hero Medical Technologies.

Co-founder Gurpreet Misra with attendees Teresa, Tamara, and Marinda

Kantor gave a presentation on her business.

By Holly Tishfield

Circle of Creation returned to the link at Nocatee last week to kick off its third iteration, with this year’s resounding theme of “Reimagine follows Disruption.” While 2025 taught attendees about the powerful synergy between Emotional Intelligence (El) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), 2026 is all about application.

For the next six months, over seven sessions, women in the community are invited to join this transformative series, where they will enhance their lives and businesses through a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a first-time mom, or a seasoned professional, this series is designed for women at various stages of their journey.

“Circle of Creation themes are always timely and purposeful. We simply do not have the luxury of ignoring the pace of change around us,” said Gurpreet Misra in her opening speech, co-founder of the link and Sapna Foundation. “So, the invitation this year is simple: Do not just react to disruption. Reimagine how you lead, create, adapt and contribute in this new era.”

More than 20 local leaders and business-savvy entrepreneurs gathered on March 11 for the first Circle of Creation session titled “Reimagine to Succeed in the age of Disruption.” The evening of networking included a rousing presentation from Debbie Kantor, inventor and co-founder of Hero Medical Technologies.

After a personal experience in an emergency setting, and more than 28 years of clinical experience as a nurse practitioner, Kantor created Hero Medical Technologies and the revolutionary cap-shaped bandage. During her presentation, Kantor challenged attendees to think differently about disruption and how leaders can position themselves as their own “command centers” in times of change.

“My goal is to share the challenges with the rewards of the journey, because it’s a lot more challenging than I anticipated,” Kantor said. “Also, to show that it’s all part of networking and who you talk to, and how it can open one door that maybe leads to something else.”

Circle of Creation will feature unique speakers at each session over the next several months. The next session to take place at the link will be titled “Design Thinking in the age of Disruption: integrating projections to succeed,” on April 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Kantor’s presentation challenged attendees to think differently about disruption.

Attendees enjoyed some pre-presentation networking time.