It’s astounding that in the midst of her jam-packed schedule, Yvonne Fry could carve out time for an interview with the Plant City Times & Observer. Through her positivity, determination and concern for others, she has risen to leadership in numerous business ventures and organizations, and she is certainly one of Plant City’s most notable women.
Fry grew up on a farm, which instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and the value of hard work. In her 20s, she had some health issues and went through multiple surgeries, but she was fortified through the process of overcoming this burden.
“Some of it was finding the balance of life; some of it was getting some medical answers,” she says. “But, for me to now feel great, and to have strength and energy and so on, is so much more valuable than maybe if I hadn’t gone through that,” she says.
Today, she is the president of Lines of Communication, a telecommunications consulting firm she started 15 years ago. She is also the owner of Fry Entertainment Inc., which encompasses a number of casting, scouting and talent-management services.
In addition to her career ventures, Fry serves as a board member of numerous organizations and still makes time to care for her son and daughter.
“Just like there’s strategic planning for businesses, individuals and families need a strategic plan,” she says. “A lot of people tell me that I never say, ‘No,’ but I actually do. If something doesn’t fit in the box of my priorities, my goals, my strategies, it’s a no.”
At the heart of everything Fry does, there is a passion for improving the lives of others and raising up their voices — specifically youth and women.
FOR YOUTH
In addition to leading the PCHS PTSA, Fry is involved with the Tomlin Middle School PTSA.
“I believe that middle school is the most critical time in a kid’s life,” she says. “Middle school is where so many kids fall off the trail.”
She helped bring a program to Tomlin called Frameworks, which focuses on social and emotional learning. The program now has been invited into all middle schools in Hillsborough County.
“To give them the skills to connect with each other, instead of being isolated or being bullied, or being a bully … it will change our world, ultimately,” she says. “I believe that’s big-time important stuff.”
As for PCHS, Fry has introduced a number of new programs — the Reflections art competition, a cyber-bullying seminar and Orange Crush, to name a few.
FOR WOMEN
Fry is the chair of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women.
“Women’s strength and women’s success often comes in a very unsung way,” she says.
The commission is dedicated to empowering women and helping them reach their full potentials.
Each year, the commission issues a report on various topics. When Fry became chair in April, she decided to present this report in an engaging way and connect with the citizens of Florida.
The commission will host a series of conversations for women around the state to gather personal stories and perspectives for the report. One of these discussions will take place at 1 p.m. Oct. 16, at the Plant City Chamber of Commerce. Fry invites any Plant City residents who are interested in women’s issues to come out and join the conversation.
Fry is also on leadership at The Spring, a shelter for victims of domestic violence that also offers on-site schooling for resident children.
“The conversation has got to be about the perpetrators and changing our culture of acceptance,” Fry says.
THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
What was your first job?
I grew up on a farm, so I had a lot of jobs, but my first job that I can quantify was selling beets — the extra beets after the harvest was over. … I could always upsell them.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An anesthesiologist.
What’s the best advice you have for being successful?
Don’t give up your value, because when you give up your value, you give up your power. Your value can be innovation, creativity, incredible customer service — for some people it can be just showing up, and how valuable that is. But a lot of people dismiss their own value, and they sever the opportunities they could have.
Who is your role model?
The consistent role models that I’ve had, my mom, and my sister. I had two people to really watch through the phases of life. To see really how the ebb and flow of life works was really helpful. They’re both very strong, accomplished women in different ways, and I’m inspired and prodded by both of them daily.
What’s the hardest life lesson you’ve learned?
Life is short. My dad died when I was 8, and he was young, and I think it really started me with that perspective, to live fast and furious in a positive way, but life is short. Today is the gift.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
To never have to sleep. Or to expand time. Something like that.
What’s the No. 1 played song on your iPod?
What I really prefer is classical. I’m a classical pianist, and to me, that feeds my soul.
If you were reincarnated as an animal, what animal would it be?
A cat’s life. The naps. Roll in the sunshine. Chasing things for fun. A cat’s life.
What’s your least favorite food?
Fast food.
Where would you go in a time machine?
I don’t have time for a time machine. I don’t mean to be contrite about that … I am so in my moment right now and in love with what I get to do — I love history and I love to think about the future, but I’m here, and I’m so thankful.
