
Up and Comer Awards
Nearly 600 guests attended the 2017 SFBW Up & Comer Awards at Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale. Guests enjoyed cocktails prepared at a Las Vegas-style light-up bar, served by the Gold Coast Roller Derby Grrls. Thierry Isambert Culinary served an array of street food creations, from Indian cuisine to arepas.
SFBW Chairman and CEO Gary Press and sponsor Erik Sussman, president and CEO of MassMutual South Florida, presented awards to the most successful and forward-thinking South Florida business professionals under the age of 40. With more than 450 applicants, 86 were chosen as finalists and 20 winners were announced, receiving their awards after strutting down an LED runway.

Yen Morales, Catherin Valin and Maud Boisacq

Michelle Bergin and Veronica Jimenez

Adriana Fernandez, Djuradj Babich, Wolfgang Pinther and Kimberly Tuby

The Gold Coast Roller Derby Grrls helped serve beverages

Erik Sussman and Sherri Hoffenberg

Kristi and Mike Linder, who was one of the winners

Kip Hunter and Jarett Levan

Andrew George, tournament director of the Honda Classic, receives his winner trophy from sponsor Erik Sussman, president and CEO of MassMutual South Florida, and SFBW Chairman and CEO Gary Press

Bibi Lucki, Eugene Mintze, Rachel Sapoznik and Rich Ducharme

Winner Melissa Perlman and Mark Burns