Her Story
About Dr. Dawn
Dawn Belamarich is the President and CEO of Collaboratory, a regional community foundation in Southwest Florida, where she has led efforts for the past three years to direct approximately $10 million annually toward measurable community impact in areas such as housing, mental health, education, and workforce development. She brings 15 to 16 years of experience in mental health and addiction services, having previously served as CEO of inpatient substance abuse facilities, including a 133-bed campus in New Jersey and later overseeing multiple sites across the country. Belamarich holds a doctoral degree and a master's degree and is a licensed therapist; she transitioned into the field after an early experience working at a prison prompted her to pursue additional education and licensure. She maintains her own counseling and consultation business, which she has operated for approximately 15 years. In addition to her professional roles, Belamarich is a Vistage member and serves on the boards of the Housing Authority in Fort Myers and the national Archway Foundation focused on substance abuse prevention. Her career achievements have been recognized with awards including a business success award, Woman of Influence finalist recognition from Success Magazine in 2025, Business of the Year, Women in Business from New Jersey, Woman to Watch, and 40 under 40 honors.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Dawn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think it started with birth order. I was the oldest of four, I have three younger brothers. And you're kind of thrust into, it's like a voluntold leadership position that you don't know you're taking. So many people in my life had mentored me, and really showed up to lead and model good behaviors, and I just really wanted to share that with other people.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be yourself. Learn who you are, figure out your stuff. The world is full of copycats and really limit it in authentic women, and authentic leaders in general, right? That truly can show up by themselves. So, do you. Be you.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The world is changing. We have leadership and changes at the federal level, and Florida is a lot different than Jersey. The economic landscape is changing. Dollars may lean out, policies are changing. Staying really vigilant into the evolution without letting it make you anxious. Generational differences in workforce. Younger generations have a very different style of work. Adapting and understanding the diversity of workforce is a real opportunity for leaders.
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