SFBW was thrilled to celebrate the achievements and successes of professional women in the tri-county area, as South Florida’s growth and dynamism would be inconceivable without them. Lifestyle Media Group and SFBW are especially invested in these awards, because like the companies represented here, we have taken a proactive approach to nurturing the careers and talents of women, and have benefited from their skills, vision and positions in leadership.
Before the awards were announced, the bubbly flowed from Paradise Prosecco’s party truck and guests sampled glasses of Wildlilly wine as movers and shakers from a range of industries networked. Once everyone was seated, the dynamic co-owner of Island TV, Tamara Rodriguez, dazzled the crowd with her comments on women’s empowerment; Island TV served as presenting sponsor. The event’s gold sponsor was Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours and its sister company, Emerald Cruises. Ken Muskat, managing director of Scenic Group USA, proved himself an avid ally of women’s advancement with his supportive remarks.
Hosting duties were shared by SFBW’s managing director Kim Sarni and Lifestyle magazine’s publisher Michelle Simon—the two welcomed to the stage emcee Kristin Sanchez, NBC 6’s news and traffic anchor, and SFBW’s editor-in-chief, Drew Limsky.
“Once again, SFBW was proud to offer this event, because every time we do this, we continue to chip away at both the overt and subtle barriers to advancement that many women still endure,” read the event program. “You can’t underestimate visibility: The Prestigious Women Awards is a key part of our ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion project, because before you can be prestigious, you have to be seen—and heard.”
The women we honored represented a diverse group, from entrepreneurs and C-suite executives to rising stars to leaders of professional associations and the nonprofit world. Each has made an indelible contribution to their organization and the community at large. SFBW considered nominees from all over South Florida, with honorees selected by our executive board.
