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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 12:00–1:30 P. M . V I A FA C E B O O K L I V E A V I R T UA L E V E N T A N D PA N E L D I S C U S S I O N H O N O R I N G I N S P I R AT I O N A L WO M E N O F B R OWA R D C O U N T Y

Online Auction Registration STEP 1 To participate in online bidding, you will need to sign into your account or create an account via https://bit.ly/2EqzvSv. Click the “Sign In” button on the top right of the page to sign in and bid, or if you do not have an account you will need to select “Request an Account” and follow the process. STEP 2 You will receive an email link to set up your account. When creating this account, select to receive text messages to notify you when you have been out bid. STEP 3 Once bidding opens on 9/14 you can log in and add your credit card information, save favorites, and start bidding. Pro Tip: Watch the event via Facebook live on your laptop or iPad and use your smartphone to bid, that way you can watch and bid at the same time! THE EMERALD AWARDS AUCTION IS OPEN FROM SEPTEMBER 14 — SEPTEMBER 18 AT 11:45 P.M. Questions about bidding? Ask our staff in the chat box during the live event or email Danielle at dcrouch@gssef.org

Chairs & Committee

Special Thanks

HONORARY CHAIRS

to Our Sponsors PRESENTING SPONSOR Publix Super Markets Charities

MAJOR SPONSORS Bee Hive Publishing Holy Cross Health

Michelle Martinez Reyes

Christine Walker

Janet Wincko

Panera Bread/Covelli Enterprises South Florida Business Journal Ultimate Software HOST COMMIT TEE SUPPORTING SPONSORS CITY Furniture DNA Labs International, Inc. Graciela Valdes Fine Art Photography Kelley Kronenberg Attorneys at Law Proffitt Management Solutions

LEADER SPONSOR LaCroix Sparkling Water, Inc.

Kimberly Kisslan

Patty Kopelman

Kelly McCoon

Linda Strutt

Marilyn Zaragoza

Kai Zaragoza

STEWARD SPONSORS Linda Strutt Consulting, Inc.

Virtual Program

WELCOME Sara Nunez Girl Scouts Southeast Florida Chief Development Officer

THANK YOU TO OUR HONORARY CHAIRS, COMMIT TEE, SPONSORS AND FRONTLINE WORKERS Lisa Johnson Girl Scouts Southeast Florida Chief Executive Officer

RECO GNITION OF HONOREES AND AWARDS PRESENTATION Amanda Kopelman Ambassador, Troop 10442 Samantha White Senior, Troop 20570

Meet our Honorees O U R H O N O R E E S A R E I N S P I R AT I O N A L WO M E N O F B R OWA R D COUNTY WHO ARE LEADERS IN THEIR INDUSTRIES AND S E RV E A S R O L E M O D E L S FO R TO DAY ’ S G I R L .

Special Thanks to our Moderator ELLEN JAFFE Community Affairs and On-Air Host Cox Media Group Miami

KIRSTEN CHARLSON

MELANIE DICKINSON

Founder & President DNA Labs International, Inc.

President & Publisher South Florida Business Journal

Kirsten Charlson is the founder, and president of DNA Labs International. Kirsten learned that the processing time for rape kits, sexual assault kits, homicide kits, and other evidence was 18-24 months before cases could go to trial. She could not bear the thought that her daughters or other victims of crimes could be further victimized because of poor DNA processing of time-sensitive evidence. Kirsten decided to right that wrong and challenged the status quo.

Melanie has spent her career in publishing. As president and publisher of the largest business-to-business publication in the region, Melanie’s leadership and drive to deliver breaking news and in-depth business stories designed to foster growth for local business owners has resulted in multiple industry awards for the South Florida Business Journal’s editorial and design teams.

In 1981, the entrepreneurial spirit led Kirsten and her brother to start a skylight installation company in Texas. Today “Freelite, the Skylight Company” is still family-owned and operated by her niece and nephew. The computer industry caught her interest and relocations to Northern Virginia and finally to South Florida had her working in business development for medium-sized companies.

Melanie led the transformation and product redesign of the South Florida Business Journal in 2013. Her input allowed the then-34-year-old company to leap from a traditional weekly print newspaper to a digital-first media giant. The cutting-edge design and complete makeover of the South Florida Business Journal website now allows for easy consumption of news on multiple platforms. The product overhaul has resulted in double-digit increases in viewership and website engagement with the Business Journal audience.

Today she leads a team of predominately female scientists and experts who have established themselves as one of the top 2 private labs in the country and the ONLY female-owned lab in North America! Kirsten inspires a rock-star team of 45 professionals to share the same goal as she does: to make a difference in the world by using science to find answers for victims of crime. DNA Labs International now has partnerships with law enforcement throughout the United States and the Caribbean.

Melanie’s passion for recognizing and elevating the achievements of women in business led to the creation of the Women’s Leadership Group. This invitationonly women’s organization allows CEOs, presidents and business owners the opportunity to share their successes, frustrations and ideas with other women of similar position in a setting of support and confidentiality.

Kirsten believes girls can do whatever they want to do — just give them an opportunity. She holds an open house in her business twice a year to allow young girls to participate in and learn how scientists make the world a better place. Kirsten has also been an advocate for girls in the national STEM initiative, sponsoring and participating in programs throughout the country.

Commitment to community can be seen in Melanie’s work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, The Education Fund, and the United Way. She advocates for business and the growth of our region via her board positions with Florida International University’s College of Business, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Miami-Dade Beacon Council, Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, The Commonwealth Institute South Florida and the Broward Workshop.

Life-long learning, raising a family, traveling world-wide, and devoting time as a volunteer for service organizations round out Ms. Charlson’s life story in a nutshell.

MAYOR CHRISTINE HUNSCHOFSKY City of Parkland Christine Hunschofsky was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. She attended high school at Boston Latin School, the oldest public school in the United States, college at Boston University, earning Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Administration and Philosophy, and then went on to earn her MBA at Babson College. While at Babson, she was an Ernst and Young Accounting Award recipient. Together with her husband Hannes, Christine moved to Parkland in 2000, where the couple raised their sons Michael and John. Once in Parkland, she quickly became active in the South Florida community. Most recently, she was elected Mayor of the City of Parkland in November 2016. She is only the second female Mayor in Parkland history and the first in more than 30 years. She was reelected without opposition in November 2018. Prior to her election as Mayor, she served as the elected Parkland District 2 City Commissioner from 2013 through 2016. Recently Mayor Hunschofsky was appointed co-chair to the United States Conference of Mayors Small Cities Forum and testified before the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force of the 116th Congress. Prior her first election in 2013, Mayor Hunschofsky covered the Parkland City Commission for Parkland Life Magazine for the preceding 10 years, giving her an indepth understanding and background of city government. Additionally, she participated in the Good Government Initiative and served on her Homeowners’ Association Board. She is a member of the Greater Broward Pap Corps, the Parkland Friends of the Library, the Mary Help of Christians Women’s Club, and she serves on the Advisory Board for In Jacob’s Shoes. In March 2019, she was inducted into the Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame. Mayor Hunschofsky is also a supporter of Speech and Debate programs in schools, and judges at local and national tournaments throughout the year.

CHIEF RHODA MAE KERR City of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Rhoda Mae Kerr was sworn in as the City of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief on July 2, 2018 and became the City’s first female Fire Chief in the 106-year history of the department. Chief Kerr brings 40 years of experience, where she now oversees a staff of almost 500 professional firefighters, ocean-rescue lifeguards, and administrative personnel. A fourth-generation firefighter, Kerr began her career in the fire service in 1983. Kerr spent nearly 10 years as Fire Chief of the City of Austin, Texas and served as Fire Chief of Little Rock, Arkansas. She steadily rose through the ranks serving as a Firefighter, Driver/Engineer, Lieutenant, Battalion Chief, Division Chief, and, ultimately, Fort Lauderdale’s first female Deputy Fire Chief. She was the first woman elected President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) in the 142-year history of the organization. She served as President of the Metropolitan “Metro” Fire Chiefs Association and is a former President of the National Society of Executive Fire Officers (NSEFO). In December 2016, Chief Kerr was appointed by President Barack Obama to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, where she advised the sitting President on matters regarding the security of critical infrastructure and related information systems. Chief Kerr holds a Master’s in Public Administration, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and Health, and an Associate degree in Fire Science Technology. She earned two certifications from Harvard’s program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government and National Preparedness Leadership Institute and is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program. Prior to entering fire service, Chief Kerr was a coach and physical education teacher at the high school level for 12 years. Chief Kerr is an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying cycling, golf, tennis, and skiing. She is also an avid Dolphins fan and a season ticket holder to the Hard Rock Stadium.

SUSIE LEVAN Author, Getting to Forgiveness President & CEO, Bee Hive Publishing Susie Levan is a renaissance woman, serial entrepreneur, spiritual, warrior and the real deal with many passions and talents. From 1972 until 1988, at a time when women were still fighting to have a career, Susie Levan was the EVP and COO at a male-dominated NYSE company. However, in 1988, Levan was shaken to the core after her kidnapping and near-death experience. On November 19, 2019, she released her book, Getting to Forgiveness — What a Near-Death Experience Can Teach Us About Loss, Resilience and Love, which was #1 on the near-death experiences category for Amazon when released. With a powerful foreword by multi-Grammy award-winning artist Gloria Estefan, this fast-paced, riveting true story of how Levan emerged a stronger soul after her kidnapping and near death experience is a must-read for women of any age. Levan blends practical advice and engaging thought-provoking lessons learned— relatable and actionable. Net proceeds of book sales are being donated to nonprofit organizations in Broward County. Susie channeled two meditation CDs with GRAMMY® nominated new-age musician Steven Halpern. As a transformational leader and change agent, she speaks frequently on metaphysical and spiritual principals to book clubs, business groups and organizations. Susie and her husband Alan were given the AFP Broward 2017 Philanthropist of the Year Award honoring community champions. They are co-founders of the Susie & Alan B. Levan NSU Ambassadors Board. Susie is the 2020 Co-Chair of United Way of Broward Magnolia Award Annual event. She’s a board member of the H. Wayne Huizenga Board of Governors. For the last 30 years, Susie has been a member of United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society and a Shark Member of NSU’s Fellows Society. Susie is President of the Susie and Alan B. Levan Family Foundation.

JENNIFER S. LOVE Chief Security Officer & Senior Vice President Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. Jennifer Love is the Global Chief Security Officer and Senior Vice President of Safety, Environment, and Health for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. She is responsible for leading and continuously improving these areas throughout the company’s global operations, including multiple land sites, over 77,000 employees, 7.6 million annual guests and its fleet of 62 cruise ships. Prior to joining Royal Caribbean in September 2015, she served as Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer for Cablevision Systems Corporation, where she was responsible for the company’s comprehensive security functions. Ms. Love is a seasoned security professional with a strong record of creating and implementing security policy and operational procedures. Before joining Cablevision, she spent 25 years as an executive level security, law enforcement and intelligence professional with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where she retired from the position as the Assistant Director of the Security Division. Ms. Love has accomplished two very successful careers working in male dominated professions and she is a living example to girls to not let other people’s perceptions of you limit what you think is possible for yourself.

CAPTAIN RENEE PETERSON Broward County Sheriff’s Office Captain Cyntheoria Renee Peterson has served as a criminal justice professional for the past 22 years. She began her career in 1998 with the Florida Department of Corrections as a corrections officer, later earning a promotion to the rank of sergeant. She joined the Broward Sheriff’s Office in 2002, first working in the Department of Detention, and then transferring to the Department of Law Enforcement. In 2013, Renee earned a position as a detective with the Gang Investigations Unit. As a state certified gang investigator, Renéee worked with local, state, and federal agencies on a variety of long-term investigations, which culminated in the seizure of illegal narcotics, guns, as well as the incarceration and conviction of many violent felons and documented gang members.

Our Nominees ALEXA CARLIN J E N N I F E R KU B I S ROBIN MASON N A N C Y M E TAY E R JENNI MOREJON

Renee was promoted to the rank of captain in November of 2019, and was entrusted with the implementation of Sheriff Tony’s visionary Neighborhood Support Team initiative. The Neighborhood Support Team works with community stakeholders, unifying efforts to meet community needs beyond routine calls for police service. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute & University, and will complete her Master’s Degree from Florida International University in May of 2020. Captain Peterson is a member of NOBLE, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement, and she serves on boards and advisory committees for several area non-profit organizations. Captain Peterson is a state certified law enforcement instructor, specializing several law enforcement and corrections disciplines. She is currently serving as an adjunct instructor for police and corrections cadets at Broward College Institute of Public Safety. Renee volunteers with her church locally and abroad, as well as with a number of charitable organizations and foundations. She is married to Donn, who retired after 35 years of public service. Together they have a son Corey, and twin daughters Noa and Ava.

#1 Release

HOLDING UP OUR HOPEFUL. We’re proud to support those who dream of a brighter future through helping others.

NOURISHING COMMUNITIES

www.GettingToForgiveness.com 17

Healthy Living & Life Skills GIRLS TAKE ACTION For girls, being healthy is not just about eating right and exercising – it’s about getting involved, making a difference and feeling good about yourself.

Holy Cross Hospital congratulates the 2020 Inspirational Women of Broward County.

With an array of integrated women’s healthcare services encompassing everything from preventive and primary care to over 50 specialties, urgent care and imaging centers, and groundbreaking research, Holy Cross Health gives you exactly what you need, without the runaround.

4725 North Federal Highway | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 | 954 -351-7800 HolyCrossWomensCenter.com

Are the right people in the right seats on your bus?

ay Le a d t h e W Lu n ch e o n !

At Proffitt Management Solutions we are committed to providing a unique blend of team and individual development through executive leadership and management coaching, so organizations can achieve significant measurable results. We help you: • MAP OUT YOUR VISION • STRENGTHEN YOUR TEAM • INSPIRE INNOVATION • BOOST YOUR BOTTOM LINE

561.582.6060 proffittmanagement.com Turning Potential into Performance.

Entrepreneurship THINK OUTSIDE THE COOKIE BOX The Girl Scout Cookie Program gives the next generation of young female entrepreneurs an important taste of what it takes to be successful.

thanks our frontline heroes who have been working hard to keep our community safe.

GIVING LOOKS GOOD IN EVERY HOME CITY Furniture is proud to support G.I.R.L.s at the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida’s Lead the Way Luncheon!

STEM GENERATION STEM Only 25% of STEM jobs are held by women—Girl Scouts are breaking the mold and filling the gap!

STEM FIELD WOMEN MEN

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE AMAZING HONOREES! 24

Outdoor MORE THAN S’MORES 71% of girls say they first tried an outdoor activity in Girl Scouts. By making a monthly contribution, you will be giving girls lifechanging experiences and opportunities through Girl Scouting each and every month. As a member, you will “Bring her promise to life” by helping build girls of courage, confidence and character.

Join our monthly giving program today.

Girl Scout Promise

On my honor, I WILL TRY: to serve GOD and MY COUNTRY, to HELP people AT ALL TIMES, and to live by the GIRL SCOUT LAW.

Girl Scout Law

I will do my best to be

HONEST and FAIR, FRIENDLY and HELPFUL, CONSIDERATE and CARING, COURAGEOUS and STRONG, and RESPONSIBLE for what I SAY and DO, and to RESPECT MYSELF and OTHERS, RESPECT AUTHORITY, use RESOURCES WISELY, make the WORLD a BETTER PLACE, and be a SISTER to every GIRL SCOUT.

Girl Scout Mission

GIRL SCOUTING B U I L D S girls of courage, confidence

and character , who make the

world a better place. ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS 6944 LAKE WORTH ROAD LAKE WORTH, FL 33467 561.427.0177 • GSSEF.ORG