In celebration of Women’s History Month each March, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce hosted its 14th annual AXA Advisors Businesswomen of the Year Awards on Friday, March 7th at the Coral Gables Country Club. The Businesswomen of the Year Awards honor outstanding women who live or work in Miami-Dade County, demonstrate excellence in their profession, have a passion for community involvement and serve as role models for other women. During the course of this luncheon, which was emceed by S u m m e r Knowles, an anchor with CBS 4, the Chamber recognized outstanding businesswomen in eight different categories : Entrepreneur, Corporate Leader, Philanthropist, Non- Profit, Retailer, Restauranteur, Health Care Professional and Hospitality Leader and issued a special recognition to the Women’s Chamber of Miami-Dade County in honor of their 30th anniversary.
The big winners this year were: Outstanding Non-Profit Professional, Virginia Jacko, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired; Outstanding Retailer, Lynn Sampson, Oceanview Shades & Drapery; Outstanding Restauranteur, Cindy Hutson, Ortanique on the Mile; Outstanding Health Care Professional, Dr. Yolangel Hernandez- Suarez, FIU – Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine; Outstanding Hospitality Professional, Lina Santiago, American Airlines; Outstanding Entrepreneur, Coni Ensor Goudie, Gymboree Play & Music; Outstanding Corporate Leader, Donna Abood, Colliers International South Florida and Outstanding Philanthropist, Kerry Gruson, Shake-A-Leg Miami and Marine Industry Cares Foundation.
This program was made possible with the support of our incredible line-up of sponsors. For more than a decade, AXA Advisors, LLC, the program’s title sponsor, has recognized the impact women have on business and their commitment to the community. This year’s supporting sponsors were Baptist Health South Florida, Credomatic Merchant Services, U.S. Century Bank Award, Coral Gables Country Club, The Clevelander South Beach, Frames USA + Art Gallery, Rene Ruiz, Sir Speedy and the South Florida Business Journal.
