Florida’s Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez to attend the 18th annual Hispanic Women of Distinction celebration on August 23rd

The 18^th annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity luncheon to be held on August 23rd at Signature Grand in Davie, Florida is anticipating another sell-out of up to 1000 guests paying tribute to Latina professionals who are strengthening the social fabric of this country and making inroads in the leadership pipeline for a growingly diverse America.

With over 70 sponsors this year the event has now grown to be the largest celebration of Latinas in Florida representing a cross-section of disciplines that are changing the face of American culture.   

Joining the luncheon this year is Florida’s Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez, who also earned the title as a 2007 Hispanic Woman of Distinction.   Nunez is an American businesswoman born in Miami and now serving as the 20th and current lieutenant governor of Florida since 2019.  She is the first Latina to serve as Florida lieutenant governor and the third consecutive minority officeholder after fellow Republicans Jennifer Carroll and Carlos Lopez-Cantera.  

“I am thrilled and honored to welcome Lt Governor Nunez back to our family of Latinas and who serve as a role model and inspiration to the next generation of women, “said Elaine Miceli-Vasquez, event founder. 

What the women have in common and is a major part of the judging process, is their American entrepreneurship intertwined with their values and traditions. The accomplishments of these Latinas stand on their own and are even more significant given the traditional roadblocks that exist for women, especially Latinas.

Presented by Latina Style Magazine, the nation’s leader in Hispanic women business, in partnership with Bank of America and AARP, Florida, this popular high-powered exciting event includes a complimentary “mojito” and silent auction, hors d’hoerves, entertainment, designer runway fashion show presented by Karnna Fashion Lab and a business expo.  

Major co-sponsors include Latin Business Today, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rick Case Automotive Group, Holy Cross Hospital, State Farm Insurance, Holy Cross Hospital, Signature Grand, Memorial Healthcare System and Baptist Health South Florida.

Past honorees will open the show and strut the 180 feet runway to get the excitement started. NBC6/Telemundo investigative reporter, Myriam Masihy as Mistress of Ceremonies will kick off the show and the luncheon will be live on social media.

The event benefits March of Dimes and Take Stock in Children, two charitable organizations leading the way for south Florida families.

Take Stock in Children is the Broward County affiliate of a statewide Florida non-profit organization that provides a unique opportunity for low-income and at-risk students to escape the cycle of poverty through education. They offer students caring volunteer mentors, student advocacy, college readiness, and college scholarships.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. 

La Poderosa Radio will air their radio programs live at the luncheon interviewing honorees, sponsors and community leaders and with a host of media partners who participate annually promoting the honorees and their contributions. 

To be honored from Broward, Dade and Palm Beach County are:

Andrea Apa –Faculty Senate President, Broward College (Hollywood)

Diana Arteaga –VP Government Relations/Public Affairs Broward Health (Ft. Lauderdale)

Ana Castilla – VP Fla Regional Community Development TD Bank (Coral Gables)

Mirylsa Colon-Martinez, MD, FAAOS – Orthowellness Boca Raton (Boca Raton)

Marianela Collado –CEO & Co-Owner, Tobias Financial Advisors (Weston)

Amanda Laird Frey – Executive Director, Take Stock in Children Broward (Sunrise)

Belinda Leon, Ed.D. – Consultant, Premier Educational Consulting (Doral)

Myrna Maysonet – Partner, CDO, Greenspoon Marder (Fort Lauderdale)

Aurora Ortiz -Education Specialist, Solid Waste Authority Palm Beach (Palm Beach)

Jasmin Ortiz-Batir – OMS Associates- Vice President and Administrator (Plantation)

Claudia Puig – Pres/Gen Manger, Local Media-Univision Communications (Coral Gables)

Graciela Valdes, CPP – Graciela Valdes Fine Art Photography – (Fort Lauderdale)

2019 Latina Pioneer of the Year:  Betty Alonso, President CEO, ConnectFamilias (Miami)

ConnectFamilias Partnership serves as a hub to bring services into the community and increase access to care and community resources in a safe nurturing and supportive environment in the neighborhood.  With over 75 cross-sector partners Betty’s work is to co-design solutions that strengthen and expand the community’s safety net for families where they live, work, go to school and play.

For more information, visit www.hispanicwomenofdistinction.com or email: hispanicwomenlunch@aol.com.   Tickets are $95 per person.  Sponsorships begin at $1500. All major credit cards accepted.  Follow us on Facebook