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As the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department marks its 33rd year hosting the prestigious In the Company of Women awards, 12 inspiring women leaders have been selected to join the ranks of a distinguished group of awardees.
Presented in partnership with the Miami-Dade Commission for Women and the Parks
Foundation of Miami-Dade, the In the Company of Women awards honor women who have excelled professionally and contributed to the community and to women’s progress through their leadership and vision. Notable alumnae include famous faces from a variety of fields, including U.S. Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Frederica Wilson, Debbie Wasserman Schultz; philanthropist Adrienne Arsht; salsa legend Celia Cruz; Grammy award-winning recording artist Gloria Estefan, and philanthropist Darlene Boytell-Perez, among others.
The awards ceremony dinner, scheduled for Thursday, Mar. 10, 2022, at the Coral Gables Country Club, 990 Alhambra Circle, commemorates March’s Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. The event begins with a reception followed by a sit-down dinner and awards presentation. Join in to celebrate these amazing women and recognize their contributions to the community. Tickets are on sale now.
The community continues to closely monitor COVID trends and may continue to update county event protocols to keep residents and visitors safe based on the latest data. Should COVID-19 rates rise, event cancellation to protect the safety of the community is a potential possibility.
“It fills me with pride to see so many talented women from across sectors being recognized with this award,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Thanks to women leaders like them and their many contributions to our community, we are opening the door for girls and women across Miami-Dade to dream big and use their passion, knowledge, and hard work to make our county a better place.
“I’m proud to have received this prestigious award several years ago and to stand with so many outstanding women role models,” the mayor added.
“The Commission for Women is proud to be involved with the In the Company of Women awards by honoring the legacies and labor of the women who shape Miami-Dade County,” said Miami-Dade County Commission for Women chair Monica Interian. “The awards not only honor women making history but help to support the girls who will be the future of our county.”
Miami-Dade Parks director Maria I. Nardi said, “Miami-Dade Parks honors the diverse women leaders whose contributions are making an impact in the community. We applaud the extraordinary accomplishments of the In the Company of Women awardees. Thank you for joining Parks in forming a network of opportunity to mentor and inspire the next generation, as we move forward in our shared endeavor to build a healthy, resilient and beautiful Miami-Dade County, that connects people and parks for life!”
2022 Winners:
Mayor’s Pioneer Award — Penny S. Shaffer, PhD, Market President, South Florida, Florida Blue;
Arts and Entertainment Award — Marjorie Hahn, Musical and Executive Director, South Florida Youth Symphony;
Business and Economics Award — My “Maggie” Vo, CFA, Managing General Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Fuel Venture Capital;
Communications and Literature Award — Nancy Ancrum, Editorial Page Editor, Miami Herald;
Education and Research Award — Caroline A. Lewis, Founder and Senior Climate Advisor, The Cleo Institute;
Government and Law Award, Elected — Hon. Eileen Higgins, Miami-Dade County Commissioner, District 5;
Government and Law Award, Non-elected — Darlene M. Fernandez, PE, Assistant Director of Traffic Services, Traffic Signals and Signs Division, Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works;
Health and Human Services Award — Loreen Chant, President and Chief Executive Officer, Health Foundation of South Florida;
Science and Technology Award — Margaret A. Pericak-Vance, PhD, Director, John P. Hussman for Human Genomics and Executive Vice Chair, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation, Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami;
Sports and Athletics Award — Caroline O’Connor, Chief Operating Officer, Miami Marlins;
Young Professional Award — Loren Parra, Director of Public Affairs, The Miami Foundation, and
Community Spirit Award — Kerry-Ann Royes, CEO, YWCA South Florida.
Proceeds from In the Company of Women support the mission of the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, to advance and sustain the community’s recreational, environmental education and resiliency infrastructure by mobilizing financial support and popular commitment to Miami-Dade County’s parks system.
