South Florida is home to a multitude of remarkable organizations that are making a significant impact in their respective fields. Behind the success of these organizations, we find extraordinary women leaders who have displayed exceptional vision, determination, and leadership skills. In this article, we celebrate the accomplishments of some of these remarkable women and their contributions to the South Florida community.
It’s wonderful to see the extraordinary women you have highlighted who are leading change in various fields. They are inspiring examples of resilience, determination, and leadership. Their stories and achievements demonstrate the power of women working together to make a positive impact on society.
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the CEO and President of Celebrity Cruises, is a trailblazer in the global hospitality industry. Her accomplishments include being the first American female captain and the first West African woman to work on the bridge. Her quote, “If you don’t ask for something, it will never happen,” reflects her belief in the importance of taking initiative and having hope, compassion, motivation, and optimism. She emphasizes the need for leaders to have their moments and bring comfort to their teams.
Daniella Levine Cava, the first elected female mayor overseeing a metropolitan government of 28,000 employees and a $9 billion budget, emphasizes the importance of experience, listening, curiosity, and surrounding oneself with the best. She highlights the significance of female qualities in times of crisis and the continuation of the mission.
Rita Case, the CEO of Honda Case, recognizes the importance of perseverance, dedication, profitability, and inclusivity in companies. She encourages wearing your identity hat, fostering initiatives, and recruiting and retaining the best talent.
Gabrielle Finley Hazle, President and CEO of Dignity Health, leads one of the largest health systems in the United States. She emphasizes the importance of using your voice, processing information, being there for your people, finding inspiration from others, and planting the seed of your vision. She also acknowledges the balancing act between being a mom and a CEO and the significance of having a supportive community.
Dr. John Wensveen, Chief of Innovation at Nova Southeastern University, highlights the lessons he learned from a childhood experience on a flight, which taught him that not everything is black or white. He emphasizes the importance of support entrepreneurship and the need for strategies that are proactive, reactive, and flexible.
Giselle Cheminand, the founder of GCI Worldwide Corporation, focuses on executive coaching and leadership development programs. She has coached and consulted executives from Fortune 100 companies and trained multiple blue-chip corporations. She also founded the Leadership Club, providing a space for leaders to advance their skills.
Tania Arauz, Principal Broker at Pinnacle Mortgage Group, shares her story of struggling and resilience during COVID times. Her personal journey and inspirational approach to starting her own business in times of hardship motivate others to step out of their comfort zones.
South Florida is fortunate to have exceptional women leaders who are making a lasting impact on their organizations and communities. The visionary leadership, unwavering determination, and passion demonstrated by these extraordinary women serve as an inspiration to us all, driving positive change and transforming lives in South Florida and beyond.
