Elena Hershey is a South Florida entrepreneur, community leader, and philanthropist dedicated to building meaningful connections between business, culture, and community.

Born in Bulgaria and raised in northwest Russia, Elena proudly embraces her multi-heritage background. With a Bulgarian mother and a Russian father, she was raised in a family of engineers who instilled in her a deep respect for discipline, cultural diversity, and excellence. She earned combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration and Management from the Northern Business Institute in Arkhangelsk, Russia. Since becoming a proud U.S. citizen in 2005, Elena has continued to champion the values of credibility, nobility, self-reliance as well as teamwork, equal opportunity, diversity, mutual collaboration.

Throughout her career, Elena has consistently prioritized exceptional customer service, public relations, and brand stewardship. From 1999 to 2020, she played a pivotal role in her family’s iconic business, Billy’s Stone Crab Restaurant & Fisheries,overseeing operations, helping build the restaurant’s international brand, and contributing to the expansion of the family’s real estate portfolio. Fluent in Russian and Bulgarian languages and deeply rooted in European culture, Elena attracted a global clientele while managing the company’s online reputation, financial operations, and strategic initiatives.

Elena also led the growth of the company’s national online shipping business, Crabs.com, and was the face of the family brand. She worked closely with media outlets, film crews, and community leaders to amplify Billy’s legacy and position it as a leading name in South Florida’s seafood and hospitality industry.

A proud graduate of Leadership Hollywood Class 39, Elena is a dedicated community volunteer who has supported schools, local organizations, and nonprofits including the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County and Junior Achievement of South Florida, among many others.

Elena  currently volunteers as Executive Director of the Suits, Stilettos & Lipstick Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering women and supporting children through mentorship, scholarships, and community initiatives.

Elena is actively involved in civic and business leadership throughout Broward County. She serves as Vice President of the Hollywood Beach Business Association, where she works with local business leaders to support economic development and strengthen the Hollywood Beach community.

In addition, Elena contributes her leadership and service to several respected organizations, including  Board of Directors, Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, FRLA Broward (Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association) and the Symphony of the Americas Society, supporting initiatives that promote hospitality, culture, and the arts.

Recently Elena  was included among the five contributors featured in the book by Deryk D. Davidson, Required Reading for the Modern-Day Restaurant: The Recipe for Success – Optimizing Your Guest Experience, which highlights leadership and service excellence within the hospitality industry. Book may be purchased on Amazon: https://a.co/d/05CQmzGV

Most recently, Elena has expanded her creative pursuits with the launch of her silk scarf collection, Draped in Destiny, a line of 100% silk scarves inspired by elegance, symbolism, and the belief that beauty and meaning can be woven into everyday life.

She currently serves in numerous civic and professional leadership roles, including:

• Board of Directors, Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

• Board of Trustees, Art and Culture Center of Hollywood

• Vice President of Ways and Means, Symphony of the Americas Society

• Board

• Member, VP & Government Affairs Representative, Hollywood Beach Business Association (HBBA)

• Board of Directors, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (Broward Chapter)

• Member, Circle of Wise Women, Junior Achievement of South Florida

• Executive Director and one of the Founding Members of Women Empowerment  SSL Foundation

Elena is recognized as a champion of collaboration, diplomacy, and relationship-building. Through her leadership, volunteerism, and community engagement, she continues to inspire others while helping strengthen the cultural, economic, and civic fabric of South Florida.