Kicking off Women’s History Month, Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Women’s Exhibit, Inc. bring you The 3rd Annual “Miami Beach Women’s Conference & EXPO” held Friday March 4, 2011 at Miami Beach’s City Hall, Botanical Garden & Convention Center.
In her first term as the First Woman Mayor of the City of Miami Beach; Mayor Bower spearheaded The Miami Beach Women’s Conference to empower more women and girls into roles of leadership. The 2009 conference drew over 700 women to the free public event; featuring a panel of women mayors from Miami-Dade county and a day of speakers on a wide variety of women’s issues. In 2010 the event grew to a two day Women’s Weekend. The Friday Women’s Conference commemorated the 90 year anniversary of the women’s right to vote while Saturday introduced “The Miami Beach Women’s EXPO” with over 60 vendors at the Convention Center.
The 2011 Women’s History Month celebration showcases speakers on women in politics, leadership and history. All events are free and open to the public except an annual luncheon fundraiser featuring top women chefs and a Macy’s Spring fashion show. The Miami Beach Women’s EXPO at the Convention Center rounds out a full day of women’s empowerment and networking in three facilities Miami Beach.
The Miami Beach Women’s Conference begins at 8:30 a.m. on the 3rd Floor Veranda of City Hall. The 2011 Mayor’s Panel “Women Leading Globally” convenes in the city commission chambers with a panel of International Women Leaders who will be introduced Ana Cecilia Velasco, Chief Operating Officer of The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.
The Panel hosted by Mayor Matti Herrera Bower will include:
Emmy Award Winning Journalist and Chief Investigative Reporter for CBS 4 – Michele Gillen
The Consul General of Spain – Maria Cristina Barrios Almazor
Co-Founder and President of Brazil-USA Cultural Center – Adriana Sabino
Assistant Professor of Political Science for Barry University – Leah Hutton Blumenfeld, PhD
THE EVENT IS OPEN AND FREE TO THE PUBIC
The 2011 Women’s EXPO is held all day Friday from 10 am – 6 pm at the Miami Beach Convention Center at 1901 Convention Center Drive, Second Level Hall B exhibiting women’s businesses, retail, service and non-profit organizations. THE EVENT IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC.
Each year the Miami Beach Women’s Conference highlights a “Woman in History” honoree. Past honorees were Julia Tuttle and Barbara Baer Capitman with donations to charities dedicated to enhancing their memories. The 2011 “Woman in History” honoree is Miami pioneer Mary Brickell. Author & Historian Seth Bramson will provide insight, photographs & a letters by Mary Brickell and inform us about her vast achievements, while female artist Winsome Bolt will present an original painting of Mary Brickell to be auctioned at The EXPO.
A highlight of the day is the annual fundraiser; “Lunch in the Garden” features the culinary artistry of women chefs and restaurateurs at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden adjacent to the Convention Center and City Hall at 2000 Convention Center Drive. Sponsored by The Boucher Brothers and Botanical Garden, the luncheon introduces “The Garden Fashion Walk” — a Spring Fashion Show by Macy’s, Ulta Beauty & Sean Donaldson Hair. Tickets: $25.00.
The afternoon session called “Town Hall” focuses on “The Status of Women in Politics 2011” from 2-4 PM at the Miami Beach Convention Center Second Level Hall B. Panelists include:
Kimberly Mitchem-Rasmussen – Director of The Political Institute for Women
Tasha Cole – Chief of Staff for Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson
Consul General of Germany Eva Alexandra Countess Kendeffy
Christina R. Farmer – President of University of Miami’s Student Government Association
Kasie Hunt from Politico
THE EVENT IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC
This segment is produced in partnership with The Political Institute for Women, a 501©3 nonprofit organization dedicated to training women for careers in politics.
On Saturday March 5, 2011 The Political Institute for Women will also be producing an 8 hour comprehensive class for women launching careers in politics as campaign managers from 8 am till 5 pm called “Campaign Management 101” Price: $125.00.
The sponsoring organization: Women’s Exhibit, Inc. is a Florida non-profit corporation founded by Dona Zemo and Wendy Doherty, who with a committee of dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors, produce the event annually in partnership with The Mayor’s Office of The City of Miami Beach, The Miami Beach Convention Center and Miami Beach Botanical Garden. A Percentage of Proceeds Benefits Local Women’s Organizations.
For more information, email to WomensExhibit@aol.com, or call 305-695-6827 or go online at www.WomensExhibit.com.
