In June 2026, Shelly Joines (B.S. ‘07) was named a Top 3 finalist for the Innovator Award at the Women on Fire Awards. This event is presented by Tallahassee Woman Magazine and honors local female innovators, business owners, and trailblazers within different professions and industries.  

“Receiving this recognition fills me with gratitude of what has been nearly 18 years of hard work, especially knowing that the nomination came from my mentor,” said Joines. 

Joines has built an 18-year career in association management, supporting multiple associations in various ways. Through her work and continued professional growth, Joines has also impacted younger generations by helping them pursue their own professional goals. Her commitment to innovation ultimately earned her recognition as a finalist for the award, but her career began during one of the most challenging job markets in recent history. 

“I graduated from Florida State in 2007, and by 2008 we hit a national recession. At that point, most people my age didn’t have enough job experience in any capacity to retain a job,” said Joines. 

After interviewing for a position at Partners in Association Management — despite having no prior experience in the field—she was determined to find success in this new space.  

“I came in with this ‘I will do anything’ mindset, and that has morphed significantly over the years as I have found where my success has been with these groups,” said Joines. “I eventually found my niche working with suppliers, members, and event planning for annual conferences.” 

Joines’s willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities began long before her professional career. As a student, rather than following the path she had originally envisioned for herse

lf, Joines discovered that stepping outside her comfort zone provided her with a broader skill set and flexibility that would later become a strength in her career. 

“I remember applying to the College of Communication and ranking the specialties,” said Joines. “I didn’t get my top choice at the time, but I got the choice that I needed. With communication studies, you receive a wider range of experiences and classes, so it was a much more malleable tool to use when getting into associations.”  

The nomination itself also serves as a representation of the goals that Joines has developed in her professional life. With the help of her mentors, Joines has come to realize the importance of leadership for younger generations and has recognized her ability and the opportunities to do so.  

“Knowing that this nomination came from my mentor, a woman who attended college when having someone pave the way for you wasn’t an option, fills me with gratitude. So much of my success is built on someone wanting to help pave the way for me so that I could stand out,” said Joines. “I realized that that’s my responsibility for the next generation, to keep an eye out for them and ensure there are ways for them to grow.” 

In recent years, Joines has returned to her sorority, Chi Omega, serving as an advisor for the Alumni Relations and Social Chair positions. Through these roles, she mentors students as they develop their leadership and communication skills. Her commitment to investing in future leaders is one of the many qualities that earned her recognition as a Women on Fire finalist. 

“It’s an incredible experience to guide that next generation and inspire sisters through that chapter,” said Joines. “I know a portion of those students are going to remain in Tallahassee, which helps to continue the legacy of loving Tallahassee and continuing to give back to FSU. That’s the inspiring part.”