Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Recognizes BADASS Women

Jerry Libbin, Aaron Tandy, Daniella Levine Cava, Robin Jacobs and DeAnne Connolly Graham
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The #BWOTY Awards Were Presented by City National Bank

The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Council, the Loews Miami Beach and City National Bank honored seven exceptional women at its inaugural Badass Women of the Year Awards luncheon. 

Held at the Loews Miami Beach, over 270 professionals gathered to recognize these exceptional women that are in traditionally male-dominated industries. To kick-off the event, 10-year-old Isabella Velazquez performed a special tribute to all the badass nominees. Winners were given $1,000 to donate to a charity/nonprofit that supports women and/or young girls.  The Chamber received an overwhelming amount of nominees, resulting in over 80 total finalists and one winner in the following categories:

  • Construction/Trades 
    • Winner: REVA Development Corporation – Lynda V. Harris
    • Non-profit recipient: Girl Power
  • Military/First Responders
    • Winner: City of Miami Beach Police Department – Traci Sierra
    • Non-profit recipient: Lotus House
  • Science/Technology – 
    • Winner: Florida International University – Dr. Eneida O. Roldan
    • Non-profit recipient: 100+ Women Who Care
  • Diversity, Inclusion & Equity
    • Winner: Sabrina Cohen Foundation – Sabrina Cohen
    • Non-profit recipient: 100+ Women Who Care
  • Government
    • Winner: Miami Dade County – Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
    • Non-profit recipients: Girl Power and the Aqua Foundation
  • Sports
    • Winner: Fore Life, Inc. – Paula Pearson-Tucker
    • Non-profit recipient: 100+ Women Who Care
  • Women in Business (business owners and/or professionals that are not in the aforementioned industries)
    • Winner: Ageless Chic Magazine – Jenny Patrizia
    • Non-profit recipient: Girl Power

“We still have a long way to go, but this event showcased that we are indeed making progress, and it’s important to acknowledge that,” said Women’s Business Council Chair DeAnne Connolly Graham and Immediate Past Chair of the Board Robin Jacobs. “Seeing over 80 nominations of these (totally) Badass women in these seven male-dominated categories was very empowering and encouraging for everyone. It was also important to highlight the 12 non-profits that focus on improving the lives of women and girls in our community.”

The event committee judged on specific criteria, which included the nominee’s place of business being located in Miami-Dade County, as well as a demonstration of leadership, innovation, and their drive to serve the community.

Presenting sponsors include Miami Beach Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center, Miami CFO, East of Collins, Loews Miami Beach, City National Bank and EisnerAmper. The committee was comprised of Isabel Fernandez (City National Bank), DeAnne Connolly Graham (The Charter Agency), Robin Jacobs (Miami Beach Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery), Stephanie Leger (First Rate Hospitality) and Mirielle Enlow (Keller Williams).

About Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce

The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1921 to promote the economic well-being of Miami Beach’s citizens, to improve the quality of life for the entire community and to communicate the view of the business community on major issues of public policy.


Connect To Your Customers & Grow Your Business

Click Here