The mood inside the Galleria for SFBW’s annual Prestigious Women Awards was immediately celebratory as successful professional women from the tri-county area (and their guests and allies) filled their glasses with bubbly from the Paradise Prosecco Company and sampled cocktails, both shaken and stirred, with E11even vodka.
The proceedings were hosted by SFBW’s managing director Kim Sarni and Lifestyle magazine publisher Michelle Simon. “Lifestyle Media Group and SFBW are especially invested in these awards, because like the companies represented here, we have taken an intentional approach to nurturing the careers and talents of women, and have benefited from their skills, vision and positions in leadership,” said Gary Press, Lifestyle Media Group chairman. “We’re all about nurturing connections, and we’re proud to offer this event each year. South Florida’s growth, expertise and energy would be inconceivable without women like our honorees.”
The honorees composed a diverse group, from entrepreneurs and C-suite executives to rising stars to leaders of professional associations and the nonprofit world. Real estate, finance, health care, law, accounting, hospitality, travel and communications were all represented. Each honoree has made an indelible contribution to their organization and the community at large. Each year, SFBW reviews nominees from all over South Florida, and honorees are selected by the magazine’s executive board.
The sponsors who supported the Prestigious Women Awards included presenting sponsor Celebrity Cruises; silver sponsor Marcus & Millichap, a real estate investment services firm; and diamond sponsors LowTE Florida, Chapman Partnership and Amaira Med Spa. Several of the sponsors created activations at the entrance to the space, which contributed to the event’s dynamic atmosphere, while the festive—and unexpected—prosecco truck emerged as the top spot for photos and toasting the achievements of the esteemed honorees.
Photos by Eduardo Schneider