Miami-Dade Parks’ 2025 In the Company of Women Awards to honor 13 inspiring women, commemorate Women’s History Month

The Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Department proudly announces the winners of the 2025 In the Company of Women Awards. Celebrating its 36th year, this prestigious awards ceremony is held in partnership with the Miami-Dade Commission for Women and the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade. This year, 13 exceptional women leaders have been selected to join the esteemed ranks of past honorees, showcasing their remarkable achievements and inspiring contributions to the community.
“Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the In the Company of Women Awards!” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “These remarkable women are trailblazers who illuminate the path for others, inspiring us with their leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to our community. Their extraordinary achievements remind us that no dream is too big, and no goal is out of reach. Through their work, they empower and uplift women and girls, making Miami-Dade County a stronger, more vibrant place for all. We celebrate their contributions and thank them for their invaluable impact on our lives.”

This award ceremony stands as a powerful testament to the strength, leadership and achievements of women who are shaping Miami-Dade County. As the county’s signature event celebrating National Women’s History Month, this year’s awards recognize women who have not only excelled in their professions but have also transformed their communities and advanced the progress of women through their vision and leadership. Established in 1989 during a pivotal era of change, the awards were created to foster unity and celebrate the vibrant diversity of Miami-Dade. Over the years, the ceremony has honored an extraordinary legacy of trailblazers, including former Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, U.S. Representatives Frederica Wilson and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, philanthropist Adrienne Arsht, salsa legend Celia Cruz, Grammy-winning Gloria Estefan, and philanthropist Darlene Boytell-Perez. These remarkable women represent the very spirit of progress and inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on history and paving the way for future generations.

“The Commission for Women is honored to partner with In the Company of Women Awards, celebrating the extraordinary women whose leadership, passion and achievements have uplifted and transformed Miami-Dade County” said Miami-Dade County Commission for Women Chair Michelle Abreu “These awards shine a light on the boundless potential of women making history and inspiring future generations.”

Today, In the Company of Women proudly continues its tradition of honoring the remarkable women of Miami-Dade County. While we celebrate these trailblazing leaders during the awards ceremony, we also highlight the work and contributions of The Women’s Park – a Miami-Dade County treasure. This park stands as a testament to the incredible contributions of women who have played a pivotal role in shaping and enriching our community.

“For 36 years, Miami-Dade County Parks has celebrated the exceptional achievements of women and their vital contributions to strengthening our community through the In the Company of Women Awards event,” said Miami-Dade Parks Director Maria I. Nardi. “This year, we are proud to honor 13 remarkable women, who have made extraordinary contributions in their respective fields. Through this recognition, we celebrate women and foster the next generation of women leaders to help build a stronger, more vibrant and resilient Miami-Dade County.”

2025 Winners:

Mayor’s Pioneer Award:
• Rachel Johnson, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
• Dr. Marie O. Etienne, DNP, APRN, FNP, PNP, D.Min, PLNC, FADNL, Founder, Global Innovative Foundation

Arts and Entertainment Award:
• Jill Deupi, JD, PhD Beaux Arts Director and Chief Curator, Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Business and Economics Award:
• Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line

Communications and Literature Award:
• Glenna Milberg, News Anchor/Reporter, WPLG/Channel 10

Education and Research Award:
• Dr. Jill Ehrenreich-May, Director of the Child and Adolescent Mood and Anxiety Treatment, University of Miami

Government and Law Award – Elected:
• Honorable Micky Steinberg, Miami-Dade County Commissioner, District 4

Government and Law Award – Non-elected:
• Natalia Zea, Chief of Public Policy and Engagement Officer, United Way Miami

Health and Human Services Award:
• Symeria T. Hudson, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way Miami

Science and Technology Award:
• Dr. Janki Sharadkumar Bhimani, Assistant Professor and Director of Data Management and Research Lab, Florida International University

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Sports and Athletics Award:
• Kendra N. Bulluck-Major, Executive Director, Orange Blossom Classic

Young Professional Award:
• Vanessa Joseph, Esq, Elected City Clerk, City of North Miami

Community Spirit Award:
• Meg Daly, Founder and President, Friends of the Underline

The In the Company of Women Awards ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., in honor of International Women’s Day and National Women’s History Month. This year the event is returning to the beautiful Coral Gables Country Club, 990 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL, and includes a cocktail reception, live entertainment performances from Guitars Over Guns & Pangea Kali Virga, and a three-course meal. Advance tickets on sale now.

In the Company of Women is made possible by the support of generous sponsors, including Carnival Cruise Line, Friends of the Underline, District 8, Miami-Dade Commissioner Micky Steinberg, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, District 12, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, District 4, Miami-Dade Commissioner Kevin M. Cabrera, District 6, Miami-Dade Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, District 10, University of Miami, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien, District 2, Miami-Dade Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez, District 11, Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins, District 5, Jackson Health System, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, City of North Miami, Miami International Airport, Port of Miami, Grove Bank & Trust, Baptist Health South Florida, Orange Blossom Classic, Honorable Dariel Fernandez, Miami-Dade Tax Collector, HCA Healthcare, United Way Miami, WPLG-Channel 10, Friends of the Underline, A Lavish Event Design, Guitars Over Guns, and Bacardi. Be a part of this special celebration by becoming a sponsor. For more information, download the Sponsorship Brochure.

Proceeds from the In the Company of Women Awards support the mission of the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, which is to advance and sustain the community’s recreational, environmental education and resiliency infrastructure by mobilizing financial support and popular commitment to Miami-Dade County’s parks system.