For Immediate Release:
 February 15, 2008

Media Contact:
Edith Torres
etorres@miamidade.gov
 305-755-7862



Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos AlVarez will join Miami-Dade Parks in honoring nine women from the community at the 20th Annual In the Company of Women Awards Ceremony

The event, sponsored by Miami-Dade Parks, Fiji Water, Bacardi and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, will be Wednesday, March 5, 2008, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens


(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez and Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation are hosting the 20th anniversary celebration of In the Company of Women Awards Ceremony, Wednesday, March 5, 2008, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 South Miami Avenue in Miami.  The event, which will feature a cocktail reception and buffet dinner, live entertainment, and the presentation of awards, will recognize nine local women from various disciplines for their long-standing contributions to the citizens of Miami-Dade County.

For 20 years, Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation has been honoring women for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the citizens of Miami-Dade County.  This year, Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation has enhanced the award criteria and categories. Instead of honoring women in the three categories of Honoree, Pioneer and Posthumous, women from various professions will be honored in the following categories:  Arts & Entertainment, Business and Economics, Communications and Literature, Education and Research, Government and Law, Health and Human Services, Science and Technology, and Sports and Athletics. 

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez will present the Mayor’s Pioneer and Rising Star Awards, also new to In the Company of Women.  The Mayor’s Pioneer Award will honor a woman who has proven leadership and dedication to Miami-Dade County for the past 20 years.  The Mayor’s Rising Star Award will honor a woman who has demonstrated creativity and vision in addressing community issues within the past five years.

This year's winners are:

  • Arts & Entertainment, presented by Fiji Water:  Barbara Stein, Executive Director of Actor’s Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre
  • Business and Economics: Rosa Naccarato, Partner, Goldman, Naccarato, Patterson, Vela & Assoc., Inc.
  • Communications and Literature:  No winner.  No nominees submitted.
  • Education and Research:  Dr. Tonya S. Dillard, Principal, Madison Middle School
  • Government and Law:  Judge Maria M. Korvick, Administrative Judge, Dade County Probate Court
  • Health and Human Services:  Dr. Regina Shearn, Executive Director, National Criminal Justice Honor Society and Retired Criminal Justice Faculty, Florida International University
  • Science and Technology:  Emilie Young, Director, Environmentally Endangered Lands Program (EEL), Miami-Dade County Department of Enviromental Resources Management.
  • Sports and Athletics:  Dr. Marjorie P. Wessel, Retired Educator, lifelong advocate for female athletics opportunities

Mayor’s Pioneer and Rising Star Awards winners:

  • Mayor’s Pioneer Award:  Elizabeth Mejia, Executive Director, Communities In Schools of Miami (CIS)
  • Mayor’s Rising Star Award:  Elizabeth McNally, Chairwoman for the Commission on Disability Issues

Nominations were solicited from the general public in November 2007 and had to be submitted by January 11, 2008.   Nominees had to meet the following eligibility criteria, reflecting continued accomplishments in her field in the following five areas:  professional development, community responsibility, leadership and vision, contribution to women’s progress and promotion of pluralism.  Winners were chosen by a selection panel comprised of some of last year’s winners and the event’s organizing committee. 

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 305-358-5885. 

For more information on In the Company of Women, please call Lisa Fernandez at the Women’s Park at 305-480-1717. 

Sponsors include Bacardi USA; Fiji Water and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
 

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PARK AND RECREATION
Hickman Building
275 N.-W 2nd Street, 5th Floor Miami, Florida 33128
(305) 755-7800

 

It is the policy of Miami Dade County to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The facility is accessible. For sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices or materials in accessible format, please call 305-755-7848 at least five days in advance.