Every March, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce celebrates Women’s History Month with our AXA Advisors Businesswomen of the Year Awards. On March 4th, we honored outstanding women business leaders in our community who have achieved excellence in their profession, served as role models for women and are deeply passionate about our collective Miami. Nine women were honored during a dazzling lunch program at the Coral Gables County Club. As a Chamber we honored excellence in business by celebrating nine outstanding women and one company, the National Association of Women Business Owners – South Florida Chapter, as they celebrate their 40th anniversary.
Cristina Mas, winner of the 2016 Philanthropist of the Year Award, had this to say about being honored at this year’s Businesswomen of the Year Awards: ““It was an honor to even be considered for such a prestigious award. I am truly humbled and grateful to AXA Advisors, but especially the Coral Gables Chamber for always supporting my philanthropic efforts in our community.”
This year’s winners: Entrepreneur – Sponsored by NAWBO – Claudine Claus, Home Financing Center Corporate Leader – Mindy McIlroy, Terranova Corp. Philanthropist – Cristina Mas, Colliers International Public Servant / Non-Profit Professional / Educator – Graciela ‘Cheli’ Cerra, Coral Gables Preparatory Academy Restauranteur – Suzanne Battle, Azucar Ice Cream Health Care Professional – Maria Freed, Coral Gables Surgery Center Hospitality Leader – Sira Camilo, Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition, Inc. Global Business Professional – In partnership with OWIT – Olga Ramudo, Express Travel Realtor – Jennifer Gross, Avatar Real Estate Services.
This program is made possible through the unwavering support of our sponsors. “We are very proud and honored to once again present and sponsor the Businesswomen of the Year Awards,” said Luis Chiappy, Executive Vice President of AXA Advisors, LLC. “Our company works towards recognizing the particular financial planning needs of businesswomen, and women in general. With that goal in mind, we have designed a series of programs and specialized financial plans to help women take control of their finances and their financial future.”
It’s their commitment to businesswomen that propels this program year-after-year. This year’s line-up of sponsors includes: AXAAdvisors, LLC, FirstBank Florida, LOI Marketing, Inc., Miami Children’s Health Foundation, NAWBO, University of Florida MBA, Coral Gables Country Club, Frames USA + Art Gallery and Sir Speedy.