Florida Commission on the Status of Women's
 
Florida Achievement Award

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women recognizes meritorious women and men who have improved the lives of Florida women and/or who have served as positive role models for women and girls in their communities with the FCSW Florida Achievement Award. The Commission presents the award in the area of the state in which the Commission is meeting throughout the year.

If you have any questions regarding the Florida Achievement Award, please contact the Commission office at 850-414-3300. Thank you in advance for your nomination. It is your input that enables us to recognize the exemplary community service of women and men, and to educate the public on their significant accomplishments.

Commission Honors Outstanding Women for Volunteer

Work in their Communities

Tallahassee, FL (August 26, 2011) — The Florida Commission on the Status of Women will honor Dr. Kamala Anandam of Weston, the Honorable Brenda Carey of Longwood, Eunice Nuekie Cofie of Tallahassee, Amanda C. Evora of Bradenton, Betty Gissendanner of Port Charlotte, Donna Parker of Winter Park, Patricia A. Snow of West Palm Beach, Judy Wiseman of Niceville, Jennifer L. Berrian of Tallahassee, Dominque Gelin of Oviedo and Erica Lindegren of Sarasota with a FCSW Florida Achievement Award  for their  work in improving the lives of women and families in their communities. They will receive recognition at a special luncheon ceremony during the third quarterly meeting of the Commission on Saturday, September 10, 2011, 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., at W Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. In addition to the Achievement Award from the Commission, each will receive a congratulatory letter from Governor Rick Scott.  

“The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is dedicated to empowering women in achieving their fullest potential, and to recognizing women’s accomplishments,” said Nancy C. Acevedo, Commission Chair. “We are proud to honor these outstanding women for their tremendous achievements and dedicated service.”

The awards ceremony will include a very special Keynote addressed by Simone Champagnie, the Director of Alumni Relations in the Office of Advancement at Broward College. In this position, she has been instrumental in revitalizing the college’s alumni efforts and establishing a new alumni association for over 100,000 graduates. She is actively involved in other areas of the college, serving on a number of committees, and as a graduate of the inaugural class of the college’s Leadership Academy.  As a volunteer, Simone became involved with Volunteer Broward in 2002, participating in multiple activities in impact areas, namely: hunger, homelessness and multicultural awareness. She also served the organization as a volunteer trainer, leading monthly orientation sessions that are mandatory for all new volunteers, and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors.

The Commission will meet to conduct business on Saturday, September 10, 2011, 9:00 a.m. to Noon at the W Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale. All events are open to the public. The FCSW Achievement Awards Luncheon will be 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM and is hosted by the FCSW Foundation. Tickets are $30 and those wishing to attend should RSVP to 850-414-3531 by September 5.

Eunice Nuekie Cofie of Tallahassee, FL is a graduate of FAMU with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry/molecular biology. Her deep commitment to social causes worldwide has led her to make a positive impact across the globe, specifically in Ghana and the Philippines. While in college, Eunice spent her summers working in a village community in Ghana, implementing a Save a Million Lives HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention Program. As the former Miss Black Florida USA, she spent a year promoting her platform Preventing Childhood Obesity and Diabetes through Education and Life Transforming Habits. She was able to contribute greatly to her community by inspiring young people to live healthy lifestyles. Eunice is the president of Enspiring Concepts, LLC, a life-empowerment firm which seeks to inspire others to be their very best and to follow their destiny. She is the founder and executive producer of Moving Closer to My Dreams: A Young Women’s Empowerment Conference, an annual event designed to empower young professional women to realize their dreams. With her entrepreneurial spirit and her passion to create beauty products, Eunice is the president and chief cosmetic chemist of Nuekie – an ethnic dermatology company. She has remarkable leadership qualities and a steadfast commitment to service, which has garnered her many awards.  

Judy Wiseman of Niceville, FL is Okaloosa County’s answer to Santa Claus. She is dedicated to the welfare of others – particularly children. Judy is a registered nurse, special education teacher, school guidance counselor, mental health counselor, and registered play therapist who gives generously of her talents to those in need. Her life of exemplary service includes fundraising for Children in Crisis, serving on the board of the Shelter House (a domestic violence shelter), fundraising for Friends of the Niceville Library, volunteer counselor for Covenant Hospice, volunteer counselor at Eglin Air Force Base for spouses of service men and women overseas, fundraising for Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, mentoring students with academic and/or behavioral difficulties, and volunteering as an instructor in CPR and first aid with the American Red Cross. Judy also served six years on the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women. Judy’s true gift is that each and every day she welcomes the community’s most vulnerable into her heart.  

The Honorable Brenda Carey of Longwood, FL has been at the heart of SafeHouse, which is the only certified women’s shelter in Seminole County. She worked tirelessly to secure funding from the Seminole County Commission for the facility, secure clothing and toiletries for the residents and their children, and provide Christmas for the families, which included a tree, Santa Claus, dinner, and gifts for all of the children. Through her efforts, SafeHouse now exists as a reliable, well-used emergency home for mothers and their children seeking shelter from abuse. Brenda’s commitment to SafeHouse has only grown with her election to the county commission. She does not know how to take “no” for an answer. Brenda is someone with the heart to reach out to those in need and continue to fight for those in need of the kind of protection that leads to a second chance. SafeHouse is a testament to her leadership and dedication to her community.  

Donna Parker of Winter Park, FL has been the living, breathing strength behind the extraordinary success of Orange County’s Week of the Family celebration. The weeklong event is a once-a-year opportunity to recognize the importance of active, healthy families with special festivals, movie nights, free attendance at museums, and educational events. Originating in Orange County, the celebration has grown to include Seminole, Sarasota, DeSoto, Highlands, and Polk counties, as well as the cities of Tampa, Jacksonville and Bradenton. The State of Florida has also recognized the importance of this effort with the governor issuing a proclamation of Week of the Family for the entire state. This proclamation will again be issued this year in October. This is an effort that Donna has led since its earliest days and continues to lead today. She is certainly a woman who continues to serve as a model to women and girls in her community. Through her they can see that one woman with purpose and vision can make a difference.  

Amanda Evora of Bradenton, FL is a former Olympian figure skater who has had numerous opportunities to meet with civic and community groups to inspire young people to pursue their dreams and goals through dedication, hard work and commitment. Amanda’s activities include participating in Cancer Research for Kids, Susan G. Komen and other charitable organizations, as well as speaking to elementary school groups and performing at charity benefit figure skating events throughout Florida and the U.S. Most recently Amanda participated in leadership events for women and spent a day with the Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce annual Quinceañera, participating in educational and leadership programs with underprivileged 15-year-old girls. Amanda was the featured personality for the Quinceañera event. She also serves on the U.S. Figure Skating Association’s Basic Skills Committee, which works with young skaters at skating rink facilities throughout the U.S., as well as the Southwest Florida Figure Skating Association, working with aspiring skaters in Florida. Amanda is always willing to participate in a variety of efforts in her community in order to inspire young men and women, both athletes and non-athletes, to be the best that they can be.  

Betty Gissendanner of Port Charlotte, FL has a history as a quiet leader, mentor and friend. She was educated as a nurse, and after 15 years retired from nursing to embark on a career in insurance. She soon opened her own firm and was recognized as a top producer. She is a natural leader and has never shirked when asked to support worthy projects. She has served as a mentor in helping young women to read and excel in school, and she is a member of her church ministry that offers support to women whose men are incarcerated. Betty is a single mother who counsels young women in similar circumstances to aim high and work to achieve their goals. She is an outstanding public speaker whose message of empowerment energizes the community’s young people. In 2008, Betty ran for a seat in the State Legislature. Although she did not win, her impressive efforts and truly inspirational personality made her efforts to serve at-risk children and families even more effective.  Betty was the first in her family of nine children to graduate from college. Her compassion for others comes from her memories of those who helped her succeed. She is a board member and mentor for the organization, Take Stock in Children. Betty lives the life she preaches, and her example and practical support empower women and girls of all ages.  

Dr. Kamala Anandam of Weston, FL is a native of India and grew up on a farm with her mother and eight siblings. At a young age, Kamala helped children on neighboring farms to read and write. When she went away to the city for her college education, she helped the fishermen’s families to read and write. She came to the U.S. as an exchange student, earning her Master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Tennessee. She eventually became a department head at Miami-Dade College, where empowering the staff and faculty was her motto. While at Miami-Dade College, she was selected as one of the best administrators in a college-wide study. In her 27-year career as a professor, she has inspired young women to have faith in themselves and aspire to higher goals. Kamala is actively involved in the American Association of University Women and has been president of the Weston branch since 2007. Through the AAUW, she has initiated and organized several projects to empower women and girls, including the Young Women’s Leadership Conference for high school girls, the International Women’s Day celebration in Broward County, and the Get Up and Go conference for business and professional women in career transition. Kamala was recently inducted into the Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame. Her mission was instilled in her by her mother, who often said “to whom much is given, much is required; help other women to succeed”. Kamala continues to live by those words today.  

Patricia Snow of West Palm Beach, FL has been a medical assistant for an OB/GYN practice since 1991. She also spends many hours at Gold Coast Community School, a middle school for pregnant teens. Each month she supplies diapers, food, toys, and clothes to the babies of the teenagers at the school. Patty has mentored several of the girls and holds lectures on safe sex with the assistance of her employer. Patty was a foster parent for seven years, taking in newborns, mentally handicapped children, and pregnant girls who gave their babies up for adoption. She had one of only two foster homes in Palm Beach County that took in pregnant teens. Her home was the only foster home that was associated with DCF and Children’s Home Society. She is the current president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, which she has been part of for 30 years. Patty and her Auxiliary sponsored the first infant Special Olympics in Palm Beach County. Her special project has always been children, and she is a wonderful advocate for women and children in her community.  

Jennifer Berrian of Tallahassee, FL is a high school senior at Rickards High School. She has been a high honor roll student in the International Baccalaureate (I.B.) program for three straight years. She is president of the National Honor Society and a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Jennifer is also a city, district, regional, and state ranked member of her high school track and field team. Recently Jennifer received the Volunteer of the Year award from her high school. As an alternate to the Florida American Legion Auxiliary Girls State youth leadership program, Jennifer quickly rose through the ranks. She was elected Senator and then was quickly elected Governor of Girls State by 300 of her peers. She was then selected as one of two delegates to represent Florida at the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation program in Washington, D.C. Girls Nation consists of 98 young ladies, representing 49 states and thousands of Girls State delegates from across the country. Jennifer was awarded the highest honor of Girls Nation President. For the next year, Jennifer will be traveling across Florida and the U.S. as the voice of thousands of young ladies and the future leaders of our country. According to her school principal, Jennifer is well-loved and admired by her peers, and whatever she sets her mind to she will accomplish.  

Dominique Gelin of Oviedo, FL is a college student at the University of Central Florida and the current president of Florida College Democrats. She has been working hard with party leaders to make sure that the youth in the state are utilized and being heard. Dominique is currently serving as an intern for State Representative Scott Randolph and is also Chair of the Outreach Committee for the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee. She organizes events, attends community meetings, and works to make sure that the DEC and its members are connected to the community. As Chair of the statewide Florida College Democrats Women’s Caucus, she has taken time out of her busy academic schedule to travel to campuses statewide and recruit leadership with the goal of becoming stronger as a state. At their national conference in June, Dominique was awarded the “Female College Democrat of the Year”.  

Erica Lindegren of Sarasota, FL is an alumna of New College of Florida, where she received a BA in Anthropology/International and Area Studies/Gender Studies in May 2011. While at New College, she was involved in human rights activism, both locally and nationally. She participated in groups such as Students Against Genocide and Greenpeace. In January 2010, she participated in a program that combined Spanish-language immersion with experimental learning focused on women and social change in Cuernavaca, Mexico. She secured two internships with the new York-based international women’s rights organization, Madre, serving as a Communications intern in 2009 and as a Program and Human Rights Advocacy intern in 2010. She was recently named to the Board of the Sarasota Manatee Dance Alliance, serving as their Community Outreach and Dance For Community Day organizer. She has a strong interest in social justice and women’s rights, and as she moves into her professional life she will continue to make real contributions to the local and global community.

*Times and dates for meetings and events may vary. Please contact the Florida Commission on the Status of Women at (850) 414-3300 for additional information.

Recipients of the FCSW Florida Achievement Award
Lakeland, Florida
September 2008

Members of the FCSW pose with  Rev. Dr. Betsy Goehrig and
Barbara B. Newlin.

Recipients of the FCSW Florida Achievement Award
West Palm Beach, Florida
June 2008

Members of the FCSW pose with Rosie Andre, Micheline Louis Charles, Jane J. Herron, Tania Lopez and Venghan (Winnie) Tang.

Recipients of the FCSW Florida Achievement Award
Tallahassee, Florida
November 2007

Members of the FCSW pose with Annetta J. Burch, Brenda Hawkins, JoAnn Townsend, Anne Voyles, and Mellori Lumpkin.

Recipients of the FCSW Florida Achievement Award
St Augustine, Florida
September 2007

Members of the FCSW pose with Tonya Austin and Sandra Thompson.

Recipients of the FCSW Florida Achievement Award
Sarasota/Bradenton, Florida
June 2007

Members of the FCSW pose with Dr. LeClair Bissell, Jamil Collins, Dr. Kay Glasser, Fay Murphy, Mariamma Thomas, and Ngoc M. Du.

Recipients of the FCSW Florida Achievement Award
Tallahassee, Florida
November 2006

Members of the FCSW pose with Dorothy Inman-Johnson, Kim Rosier, Patricia Smith, Patricia Summerlin, Karen Woodall, Kaycee Brock, and Monique Gillum.

Recipients of the FCSW Florida Achievement Award
Tampa, Florida
September 2006

Recipients of the 2006 FCSW Florida Achievement Award (LR) Kathryn Owen, Amy C. Wick Mavis, Carolyn House Stewart, Margarita Romo, Dr. Kim Costello and Benaja Samedi with FCSW Florida Achievement Awards .

Recipients of the FCSW Florida Achievement Award
Orlando, Florida
June 2006

Recipients of the 2006 FCSW Florida Achievement Award (LR)  Valeria Robinson-Baker, Ilene Silverman-Budd,  Judy Katrina Wilson, Mary J. Hughes and Deborah Markham. Roniece Weaver is not pictured.

Recipients of the FCSW Florida Achievement Award
Pensacola, Florida
November 2005

Members of the FCSW pose with Joe Sellars, accepting on behalf of award recipient Lucille Sellars.

Recipients of the FCSW Florida Achievement Award
Miami, Florida
July 2005

Commissioner Allison Doliner Hockman presents recipient Sharon M. D'Eusanio and Dr. Gerado Rodriguez-Menendez accepting on behalf of recipient Teresa Albizu-Rodriguez with the FCSW Achievement Award.


Recipients of the FCSW Florida Achievement Award
Tampa, Florida
October 2004

Commissioner Dr. Mona Jain, recipient Fredi Brown, recipient Dr. Susan A. MacManus, Commission Chair Blanca Bichara, recipient Laura Lockwood, Commissioner Susanne Hebert, and recipient Susan Whaley Fox.