weVENTURE Announces Finalists for ‘Women Who Rock’ Awards

Adam Lowenstein February 22, 2018

Winners Recognized at March 20 Lunch
Honoring Women’s History Month

MELBOURNE, FLA. — weVENTURE at Florida Institute of Technology, a Central Florida-based organization focused on accelerating sustainable business growth for entrepreneurs, is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2018 Women Who Rock Awards in honor of Women’s History Month.

The finalists will be honored and recipients named at a luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront.

Local leaders and businesses are nominated by their peers and the general public in one of four categories: This year’s finalists are:

Excellence in Mentorship: Kristin Bakke, LEAD Brevard; Cindy Kane, consultant; and Elaine Larsen, Larsen Motorsports. This award recognizes a female community leader who dedicates time to the mentorship and advancement of other women.
Female Small Business Owner: JoAnn Davis, IM Solutions, Inc.; Pamela Holz, Puzzle Box Academy; and Lilly Marshall, RiverOak Dental. This award recognizes a female who creates the products, services and jobs that fuel our economy and grow our community.
Women in the Workplace Champion: River Oak Dental, Dr. Lilly Marshall; United Way of Brevard, Senior Staff Team; and Widerman Malek, Kelly Swartz. This award recognizes a local business that demonstrates high ethical standards and commitment to maximizing the potential of female talent.
Zonta Yellow Rose for Excellence in Community Service: Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Build Team Leaders (Lisa Shoemaker, Theresa Klein, Pat Leslie and Dolly Skully); and Jim Ridenour. This award recognizes a local individual or group who has demonstrated great commitment to women and the community.

“It is important to elevate the profile of female leaders in our community,” said weVENTURE Women’s Business Center Program Director Wanda Lipscomb-Vásquez. “We are honored to help do so by recognizing these hard-working, deserving women and such impactful businesses. We hope this event provides inspiration for upcoming female leaders.”

“This year’s event will provide an opportunity to celebrate our award recipients as well as the countless women in Brevard who made and continue to make our local community thrive,” weVENTURE Executive Director Erica Lemp added. “weVENTURE is marking our 10th year of operation this year, and we remain as focused as ever on creating pathways and opportunities for sustainable growth and success of local women.”

To register or to learn more about becoming a sponsor for the Women Who Rock event, visit http://weventure.fit.edu/events/womens-who-rock.php.

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