Staff Report

LAUDERHILL, Fla. – During an exclusive VIP reception on January 19, the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC), revealed their 2017 honorees for the 4th Annual Women of Distinction (WOD) Awards Breakfast.

After being nominated in November, nine of Broward County’s most influential women were selected to receive awards. They include: Veda Coleman-Wright, Public Information Office Director of Broward Sheriff’s Office; Dr. Traci Lynn, CEO of Traci Lynn Jewelry; Nerissa Street, Founder of Be Your Own Answer; Dee Thompson, CEO of Dee Thompson Speaks; Karen Pandy- Cherry, President of Refresh Live Foundation; Sandra Carey, Deputy Consul General of The Bahamas; Donna Borland, General Manager of VITAS Healthcare; Sherry Friedlander- Olsen, Founder of A Child is Missing, Inc.; and Ilene Lieberman, Former Lauderhill Mayor with the Law Office of Stewart Michelson.

Pandy-Cherry took some time to speak with the South Florida Times about receiving the honor.

“It is wonderful to be recognized for the work that I do to move communities forward. It is especially an honor to stand among other women of this caliber,” Pandy-Cherry said. “Oftentimes, as women, we don’t allow others to pour back into us what we give out freely like love, time and prayer. This award gives me an opportunity to bask in the love of others; something that seems to be lacking in our country’s climate today.”

Pandy-Cherry also acknowledged the role her family plays in motivating her to be successful.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t take the time to thank my husband Chad and our family. Because of them, I am,” Pandy-Cherry said.

The event took place at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center with VIP’s and South Florida’s renowned media in attendance to celebrate a night of excellence. The women will be honored officially on March 3 at 7:30 a.m. at the BB&T Center. Tickets are on sale now on Eventbrite.

The Annual WOD awards breakfast is the hallmark event produced by the LRCC to honor powerful women in Broward County. Having sold out three times, the breakfast is attended by esteemed business owners, professionals, public officials, tastemakers and movers and shakers.

It continues to attract a diverse and influential audience. In the past three years, the awards have honored numerous women who are at the peak of their profession and make significant contributions to improving the quality of life in Broward County. Themed “Rise Up!” this year, the LRCC selected another group of powerful women who exhibit qualities of strength, excellence and empowerment.

Melissa P. Dunn, President of the LRCC, is ecstatic about this year’s honorees.

“Our Women of Distinction Honorees represent thousands of women who work hard and serve others while balancing family and career. By honoring them, we are honoring girls who aspire to become them. We are affirming that women can lead and succeed.”

Tickets for the awards breakfast are $75 per person, and $650 for a table of 10 persons. Vendor tables are $175 for LRCC members, and $225 for the general public. For more information about sponsorship and exhibitions, call 954-318–6118.