United Way Broward’s Women United Celebrated 14th Annual Magnolia Luncheon Honoring Community Changemakers

Heidi Alzate Kaufman, Stella Tokar, Jennifer Starkey, Jedidiah Quinones, Kindra Hall, Kathleen Cannon, Kim Sarni, DeAnn Hazey

United Way Broward’s Women United proudly hosted its 14th Annual Magnolia Luncheon December 2, 2025, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, bringing together hundreds of South Florida’s most passionate female leaders to inspire change and support critical community impact initiatives.

The elegant luncheon continued its longstanding tradition of recognizing women of dignity, strength, and perseverance who are driving meaningful transformation across Broward County. This year’s event honored two exceptional leaders: Erika Axani, Broker Associate at Florida Luxurious Properties, who received the Woman of Promise award; and Stella Tokar, internationally recognized Neuro Encoding Specialist of B.O.L.D. Consulting™ and B.O.L.D Women™, who received the Susie Levan Woman of Inspiration award.

“Women United is proof that when women lead, communities rise, as such Erika Axani and Stella Tokar exemplify what it means to lift others up and inspire progress in our community” said Kathleen Cannon, President/CEO of United Way Broward. “Together, we are transforming lives and building a brighter future for Broward County.”

Erika Axani, Kathleen Cannon

Guests were captivated by a keynote address from Kindra Hall, best-selling author and sought-after storyteller. Hall, the former Chief Storytelling Officer at Success Magazine, shared powerful insights and stories that encouraged attendees to harness the impact of storytelling to inspire progress and strengthen communities.

As part of the festivities, guests enjoyed an exclusive Shopping Boutique Marketplace featuring curated selections from Kendra Scott, Body Glow Boca, Dillard’s, Wonderland, and more. Attendees also delighted in taking part in the popular Magnolia’s Secret Garden Raffle, where each $100 flower held the chance to reveal an extraordinary prize valued at up to $1,000. A special raffle offered exciting luxury items including a NeverFull Louis Vuitton handbag and PARFUMS de MARLY perfume, generously donated by Dillard’s and Makers Air.

Julianna Genao, Marsha Daley, Julie Johnson, Jedidiah Quinones

This year’s event was co-chaired by Heidi Alzate Kaufman of Barry University and Kim Sarni of South Florida Business & Wealth / Lifestyle Media. Generous support was provided by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital as the Title Sponsor, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel as the Platinum Sponsor, and Amazon as the Gold Sponsor.

Formed in 2010, Women United was created to mobilize women leaders to support United Way Broward and drive positive social change through philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy. Today, Women United includes more than 1,000 members across Broward County, collectively working to strengthen resilience, advance health and financial security, support maternal health, promote women’s equality, and champion diversity and inclusion.

Allison Cagnetta, Traci Miller

Event proceeds will support United Way Broward’s mission to mobilize our community so that everyone can thrive.

About United Way Broward 

United Way Broward mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way is there. For more than 85 years, United Way Broward has brought a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs. Our reach across the communities in Broward County means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives in collaboration with our donors, volunteers, corporate and agency partners.  From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential. To learn more, visit UnitedWayBroward.org 

About Women United

United Way Broward’s Women United leadership giving society brings diverse community leaders together in the spirit of philanthropy and service through advocacy, volunteerism, and networking opportunities. Improving the quality of early childhood education, helping families achieve financial stability, promoting women’s equality, promoting maternal health, correcting social disparities, supporting diversity and inclusion and inspiring new generations of women are just a few of the areas of focus that Women United members are committed to in response to critical community needs and while bringing lasting change to Broward County’s most vulnerable populations. In partnership with United Way Worldwide, our Women United initiative is part of a global movement of 55,000+ women, spanning 165 communities and six countries. In Broward County alone, Women United comprises more than 1,000 members who give of their time, talent and treasure to build a stronger community where everyone can thrive.

By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Downtown Photo