Feature
Honoring Four Inspiring Women at the 18th Annual
“Breaking the Glass Ceiling” Awards The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU announces the four winners of the 18th Annual “Breaking the Glass Ceiling” Awards for women who have been successful in fields generally dominated by men. The Award Reception and Ceremony features presentations made by the honorees describing the obstacles and inspirations they encountered on their individual journeys to success.
Iris Acker Iris Acker broke through the glass ceiling nearly 30 years ago, when she served as the executive producer and host of the local arts program “On Stage with Iris Acker.” She was also the first woman President of the South Florida Chapter of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), member of Screen Actors Guild (SAG), and a union representative for Actors’ Equity, all in an era before women were accepted within these organizations’ leadership roles. Iris is also an acclaimed actress and writer, whose career began on the New York Stage over five decades
Melissa Fronstin Melissa Fronstin is a forerunner in the facility management business, an industry that continues to be dominated by men. In 1987, she became the first Director of Sales and Marketing for South Florida’s original entertainment facility, Miami Arena, which was home to the Miami Heat, Florida Panthers and live entertainment events including concerts and family shows. Following 14 years in Arena Sales & Marketing, Melissa joined the Benihana Restaurant Group as National Public Relations Director, where she oversaw public relations for 26 Benihana properties and traveled
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TILES | Newsletter of the Jewish Museum of Florida – FIU | March 2014
ago. She has appeared in more than 250 commercials and was a regular on the TV series, Wiseguy. Her book, The Secrets to Auditioning for Commercials, is a trusted guide to aspiring actors. Iris’ role in The MarriageGo-Round with Julie Newmar introduced her to the South Florida theater scene. A few years later, she and husband Phil moved to Miami. Her current program, “Spotlight on the Arts,” runs each week on BECON TV. Iris has also been a long time judge for the Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s regional professional theater awards and an active board member of The Florida International Press Club. Her many awards include the Lifetime Service Award from the South Florida Theater League and Woman of Power from the National Council of Jewish Women.
extensively promoting appearances for the famed Benihana Hot Air Balloon. In 2010, Melissa became Executive Director of the Boca Raton Centre for the Arts and produced the acclaimed 2011 Boca Raton Festival of the Arts. In 2011, Melissa’s career came full-circle, when she was named the first woman Arena Director for the 4,500 seat Don Taft Arena at Nova Southeastern University. Melissa continues to maintain her role as a leader in an industry where very few women have stayed the course and where she was recognized by the industry as an Outstanding Venue Professional. Melissa is also an active volunteer, mentor and role model. She served on the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, was a mentor for Women of Tomorrow, and served on the Board of Children’s Cancer Caring Center.