March of Dimes Announces Recipients of Women of Distinction Awards
Updated: Aug 10, 2021
March of Dimes is honored to announce the Honorees for Women of Distinction presented by: Memorial Healthcare System. In its 26th year, this annual event highlights women leaders who have made significant achievements professionally and as community stewards. Since its inception, more than 260 South Florida women have been named Women of Distinction.
The honorees will be celebrated during the Women of Distinction Luncheon on November 18th at 11:45 a.m. at the Signature Grand. Author Susie Levan is serving as the Women of Distinction Committee Chair and Laurie Jennings, 6-time Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist and media expert, will Emcee the event.
Laurie A. Watkins will be the event’s keynote speaker. Watkins is a catalyst for change, an accomplished speaker, best-selling author of the award-winning book, Go from Stressed to Strong: Health & Fitness Advice from High Achievers, and appears frequently on cable and network television providing her insights on national security and current events. Appointed by President Barack Obama to serve in his Administration at the Pentagon for the U.S. Army, she has an impressive record of success establishing organizational goals and priorities.
“We are honored to recognize women who are making a difference in both their careers and their community,” said Susie Levan, Women of Distinction Committee Chair. “This event also brings much-needed attention to the maternal and infant health crisis our country currently faces. Now more than ever, it is imperative we do all we can to help moms and babies have a healthy start.”
Honorees were selected by a committee of past recipients and distinguished women leaders who reviewed applications from women who work in nonprofits, companies, universities, and other organizations throughout the tri-county area.
2021 Women of Distinction Honorees:
Betty Davis, Chief Certified Meteorologist WPLG Channel 10
Dina Bellows-Levine, Managing Partner, Bellow and Associates
Kate Goldman, Director, Government & Community Relations, Baptist Health South Florida
Kenyetta N. Alexander, Esq, Partner, Osherow Law, LLC.
Maureen Shea, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Right Management
Rose McKelvie, MBA, MS, BSN, RN, Administrator, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital
Dr. Saima Aftab, Vice President, Organizational and Strategic Initiatives, Chief, Section of Neonatology, Nicklaus Children’s Health System
Samantha Woulfe, Marketing Director, Warren Henry Auto Group
Shannon Balliet, Vice President Marketing, Time4Learning
Tiffany D. Garner, M.S., J.D., Director of Development & Law Professor, Nova Southeastern University
Todra Anderson Rhodes, MD, FACOG, Chief Medical Officer, Memorial Hospital Miramar
Yvette DuBose, Executive Director, Heart Gallery of Broward
In addition, Sheryl Brown, with ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, INC., will be recognized as the March of Dimes Broward Woman of Service. March of Dimes Woman of Service is presented to an individual that has demonstrated service as a core value. The recipient of this honor has selflessly given of their time, talent, and treasures in the pursuit of equal and just treatment of all.
In addition to Presenting Sponsor Memorial Healthcare System, Women of Distinction is sponsored by Broward Health, Holy Cross Hospital, Osherow, PLLC., Rick Case Auto Group, Susie and Alan Levan Family Foundation, and Synovus.
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. It supports research, lead programs, and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start.
Significant racial and ethnic disparities persist in rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and infant mortality for babies born in the United States, and the pandemic has only worsened this crisis. According to CDC data, expectant mothers with the virus had a 50% higher chance of being admitted to intensive care and a 70% higher chance of being intubated than non-pregnant women in their childbearing years. The data also shows pregnant Latina and Black women were infected at higher rates than white women.
Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, March of Dimes empowers every mom and every family.
For ticket or sponsorship information, visit www.marchofdimes.org/womenofdistinction.