The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. has awarded Ramola R. Motwani, the chairwoman of Merrimac Ventures, a South Florida-based real estate development and investment firm, membership in the prestigious organization. Motwani will join ten other outstanding business, civic, and cultural leaders across North America to receive the 2024 honors. The Horatio Alger Award has been bestowed annually for over 75 years upon esteemed individuals who have succeeded despite facing adversities and remained committed to higher education and community charitable efforts.
Motwani was one of seven children born in undivided India. She was young when India gained independence from Great Britain, and her home state became a part of Pakistan. Motwani’s parents were forced to move their family to New India due to differing politics, leaving all they had built behind. Despite the challenging times, they encouraged her to pursue higher education. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in economics from Jai Hind College in Mumbai, followed by a law degree from Government Law College in Mumbai.
In 1969, Motwani’s then-future husband, Ramesh “Bob” Motwani, immigrated to the U.S. to complete his MBA. Six years later, she joined him and the couple got married. They moved to Missouri, where they established Sona Enterprises, a retail and wholesale import business. Eventually, they relocated to Florida and purchased the Merrimac Hotel. Together, they managed several other inns and resorts. Unfortunately, in 1994, Bob passed away suddenly at the age of 47, leaving his wife to manage their growing business and raise their teenage sons alone. Despite the challenges, she was determined to succeed and held onto their portfolio while expanding it significantly by acquiring additional properties. She even led the initiative to rezone Fort Lauderdale Beach for high-rise luxury development, which paved the way for the neighborhood’s first luxury hotel, the Conrad Fort Lauderdale. As the chairwoman of Merrimac Ventures, her family-owned and operated real estate management, investment, and development company, she has completed over $3 billion in various projects, with another $3.7 billion in the works for the near future.
“A generous philanthropist whose giving centers around education, Ramola Motwani embodies the characteristics shared amongst Members of the Association,” Terrence J. Giroux says, Executive Director of the Horatio Alger Association. “Hard working, compassionate and resilient, Motwani grew the business she started with her late husband into a leading hotel management and development company. She’s a strong female leader, and we’re proud to welcome her to the Association and look forward to the impact she will surely make.”
Motwani’s focus on philanthropic giving is on education. In 2019, she, along with her two sons, introduced the R. Motwani Academy of Hospitality and Tourism at Broward College, which is the first academy named after her and aims to motivate local youngsters to pursue a career in the hospitality field; many of whom are first-generation college-goers. She participates in various community organizations, including the United Way of Broward County, the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, and the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. Motwani has been inducted into the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame, the Nova Southeast University Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, and the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame and awarded dozens of prizes for her inspirational leadership. The United States House of Representatives recognized her for her exceptional contribution to the development of the City of Fort Lauderdale. The City of Fort Lauderdale awarded her the Founder’s Award. She was honored with a tribute from the Florida House of Representatives for her business success and community engagement.
“I’ve faced challenging times throughout my life, but I’ve always pushed myself to never give up hope,” said Motwani. “It’s when things get tough that it is most important to stay positive and keep going. That is a message I hope to share with Horatio Alger Scholars, and I look forward to working with my fellow Members to ensure the young people who are a part of this Association feel supported as they continue on their own individual paths to college and beyond.”
In 2024, the Horatio Alger Association will have granted annual need-based scholarships for 40 years to high school students who have demonstrated determination in pursuing higher education despite significant obstacles. The Horatio Alger Association, which aims to safeguard the American Dream for future generations, also strives to educate young individuals about the countless opportunities provided by the free-enterprise system through commitment, honesty, and diligence. These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of Horatio Alger Members, who have collectively donated over $245 million to aid more than 35,000 students.
“It is our utmost honor to present the Horatio Alger Award to these 11 outstanding leaders who have exemplified perseverance, passion and a deep appreciation for higher education,” James F. Dicke II says, Chairman of the Horatio Alger Association and a 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient. “These influential leaders not only spearhead their own endeavors, but they give generously to causes, organizations and communities in need. Our 2024 awardees exemplify the Association’s mission and are proof that the American Dream is within reach for anyone who seeks it.”
