FT. LAUDERDALE – On Sunday, March 25, 2012 the Broward County Women’s History Coalition will be hosting the 21st Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Awards Luncheon. The luncheon will begin at noon with the induction ceremony, and will be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 3003 N. University Drive in Sunrise.
This annual event celebrates and honors those Broward County Women who have selflessly contributed to the progression and promotion of women in Broward County. Nominees come from individuals and organizations that have benefited by the actions of these women. Past inductees include Blanche Ely, Claire Mitchel, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, Commissioner Sue Gunzburger, The Honorable Lori Parrish, Easter Lily Gates, Esther Rolle, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Laura Mae Jumper Osceola.
“On behalf of the Broward County Women’s History Coalition, I am honored to announce the seven women who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. These women exemplify the special attributes of Broward women and are a shining example for our next generation to follow,” said Joanne Grealy Richter, Broward County Women’s History Coalition President.
Lottie Albert
Lottie Albert, Sunrise. A 38 year Broward County resident, At 96 years young, Lottie continues to be an inspiration to women in Broward County. She has received numerous accolades for her volunteer work, including from the Ann Stork Center, and was inducted in the Dr. Nan S. Hutchinson Broward Senior Hall of Fame in 1988. In 2005, Broward County named November 12 “Lottie Albert Appreciation Day.”
Commissioner Margaret Bates
Commissioner Margaret Bates, Lauderhill. A current Lauderhill City Commissioner, Margaret has lived in Broward County for more than 40 years, has served on the Lauderhill City
Commission for 14 years and was the city’s first African American woman to be elected to the Commission. She has served as President of the Lauderhill Women’s Club, President of the Broward League of Cities, President of the Women in Municipal Government, and was recently honored by the Northwest Federated Women’s Club of Broward County.
Susan Forman
Susan Forman, a resident of Broward County until her passing last year. Wife of the Honorable Howard Forman, Susan served on the Broward County Commission on the Status of Women in the 1970’s working towards the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, ran political campaigns of many women, and served as the Democratic National Committeewoman from Broward County from 1988 until 1992.
Annette R. Gardiner
Annette R. Gardiner, Plantation. A Broward County resident for more than 16 years, Annette is always working to advance women’s empowerment and rights across all racial, cultural, and economic sectors. She currently serves on the Broward Human Trafficking Coalition and as First Vice Chair of the Broward County Commission on the Status of Women. She works at Broward Healthy Start and has been involved with the Family Connections Mentoring Project for pregnant and parenting women and the Teen Empowerment Program and was also involved in the PTA/PTSO throughout her children’s schooling.
Commissioner Dorothy “Dotty” Ross
Commissioner Dorothy “Dotty” Ross, Hallandale Beach. A current Hallandale Beach Commissioner, she has lived in Broward County for more than 40 years, and has served as Hallandale’s Mayor and Vice Mayor as well. She was the first female President of the Broward County Crime Commission, one of the first women to graduate from the Broward County Police Auxiliary Academy and the first female Trustee and Administrative Secretary of the Hallandale Beach Police and Fire Pension Fund.
Gretchen Gettemy Thompson
Gretchen Gettemy Thompson, Fort Lauderdale. A PR professional, Gretchen managed many political campaigns, including that of Virginia Young, still the only woman Mayor of Fort Lauderdale. She was an early Board Member and a life-long supporter of Women in Distress, and was Co-Founder of the Giraffe Awards – awarded to women who “stick their necks out.” Gretchen is still very active in women’s campaigns, and is currently working to set up a memorial for Virginia Young at the Fort Lauderdale Women’s Club.
Ann Zucker
Ann Zucker, Weston. A 21 year resident of Broward County, Ann is a teacher at Walter C. Young Middle School and a former advisor to the B’nai Brith Girls Organization. Ann has helped to elect and continues to support women in political office: among those that consider her a mentor are Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and State Senator Nan Rich.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Mary Riedel, President & CEO of Women in Distress of Broward County , who will speak about how mentoring and volunteering lead to the empowerment of women, including ourselves. Ms. Riedel served as the Community Affairs Manager for the Sun Sentinel and was also Director of Major Gifts at Nova Southeastern University. She has held leadership roles in a number of nonprofit organizations, spanning human service to the arts, education and libraries. She has received several awards for her community service from groups including the Sun Sentinel Publisher’s Award for Community Service, Girl Scouts, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the local chapter of Women in Communications.
“We are pleased and excited that Ms. Riedel has agreed to be the keynote speaker at our 21st Annual Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. This is always a special event to celebrate today’s women who have made a difference in our community while empowering others to do the same, “said Richter.
Tickets must be purchased in advance for the Induction Ceremony and Luncheon and are $40. Journal advertising still available. Proceeds benefit the Broward College WINGS program. For more information, please email [email protected] or call (954) 372-6290.
