Chef Abigale Weech-Starkey, The Chop Shop
Chef Abigale Weech-Starkey was born in Key West, Florida. Chef Weech-Starkey is the owner of the beloved Lakeland hangout The Chop Shop Bar & Grill, as well as Abigale’s Custom Catering and Mind & Body Foods. In addition, she previously owned the Floribbean sensation Loco Gringos Cantina, sister restaurant to The Chop Shop, and is the former Food Director of the Salvation Army Florida Division – Lakeland. Chef Weech-Starkey has an International Business degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University and had a full scholoarship to Stetson University College of Law before choosing the travel and hospitality industry as an alternative to law. She is a mother of two, a cross-country coach and is an active volunteer in the community.
Community Leader Kelsey O’Neal, Artistic General Contracting
Kelsey O’Neal is a Lakeland native and graduate of Florida Southern College’s Barney Barnett school of business. She began her career with Artistic General Contracting 10 years ago and is currently the Director of Construction Services. Kelsey does business development across the United States for AGC in their hospitality renovation and commercial buildout services divisions.
Kelsey believes is giving back to the community, but her connection with Achievement Academy is personal. Her son has attended the kindergarten readiness program for nearly two years and receives speech, language, and occupational therapies at Achievement Academy. In her own words, “Achievement Academy has given Beckett his voice and for that I can never repay them.” Join Kelsey in supporting Achievement Academy accomplish their mission of assisting children with special needs reach their full potential!