Executive Women of the Palm Beaches has announced the recipients of its Women In Leadership Awards.
Twenty-three women were nominated for the prestigious award in one of three categories. The program recognizes exemplary women in Palm Beach County who have demonstrated extraordinary achievements and leadership in one of the three sectors: public, private and volunteer.
“We receive many nominations this year for women with impressive achievements and contributions to Palm Beach County,” said Natalie Alvarez, co-chair of the Women In Leadership Awards Luncheon.
The Public Sector honoree is Judith A. Mitchell, chief executive officer of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. As CEO, she supervises the overall operations of the performing arts facility. Under her leadership, the Kravis Center has come to be known as one of the premier centers for the arts, while also offering more than a dozen community programs that promote arts education.
Private Sector honoree is Christine D. Hanley, partner of FordHarrison LLP. For the past 20 years she has been a recognized leader in her profession. Her practice focuses on employment and labor law. She is a strong advocate of personal and professional advancement for women. In addition, Hanley has generously used her expertise to offer pro bono legal counsel to many organizations.
This year’s Volunteer Sector honoree is Beverly Perham, founder of Wellington-based Back To Basics. Thirty years ago, she recognized a desperate need of underserved children in our community and endeavored to fill it. Just before Christmas 1984, using her own money, Perham bought clothing and toys for 30 children who had just arrived from Haiti with no possessions. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to expand the reach of her efforts, which now ensure that each year, 8,000 children in need, have the basic necessities.
“This year we are pleased to announce the committee is giving an Inspirational Leader award to one of the nominees,” said Charlotte Pelton, co-chair of the luncheon.
The Inspirational Leader award will be presented to Rev. Pamela A. Cahoon, executive director of CROS Ministries. Cahoon was the first president of Palm Beach County’s Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, and brought Habitat for Humanity to the county, serving on its first board of directors. She is a founding board member of Teen Musical Theater, chaired the Human Services Coalition for three years and was instrumental in creating the Palm Beach County Food Bank.
The awards program raises money to help promising young women pursue their dream of a college education. It also supports the Lois Kwasman Grant for Community Impact.
The luncheon, which is one of the county’s most successful community events, will be held on May 1 at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion. The keynote speaker is Valerie Plame, former CIA Operations Officer and bestselling author of Fair Game and Blowback. Frances Fisher, Palm Beach philanthropist, is this year’s honorary chair.
For more information on the event, visit www.ewpb.org or call (561) 868-7070.
