2010 Hispanic Women of Distinction to be honored August 13th

9th annual Charity Luncheon celebrates 12 Latinas from Broward, Dade and Palm Beach County

Community, Culture, Charity is the theme surrounding the 9th annual charity luncheon honoring 12 Latinas and a Latina Pioneer in South Florida that takes place on Friday, August 13th at the Signature Grand in Davie, Florida from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Bank of America in partnership with Latina Style Magazine, the nation’s leading magazine for Hispanic women, has returned as sponsors once again.

This high-powered, entertaining salute to distinguished Hispanic-American women will benefit the March of Dimes.  A sell-out crowd is expected once again with over 1,000 guests.

Co sponsoring is The Nielsen Company, the world’s leading provider of marketing information, audience measurement, and business media products and services.  Nielsen is also the presenting sponsor of the annual Viva Broward! festival in October.  Monica Gil, Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs for the Nielsen Company will co-emcee the luncheon along with Robert Bard, Publisher of Latina Style.  Myriam Masihy, TV Reporter with Univision Channel 23 will be the Mistress of Ceremonies along with Nuestra Belleza Latina 2010.  

In addition to a silent auction, sponsor exhibit and raffles there will be complimentary "mojitos" as guests arrive, and a runway high-couture fashion show presented by co-presenting sponsor, The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills completing the exciting afternoon.  Past honorees will walk the 120 foot runway welcoming the next 12 Latinas to their special group.  This event also officially kicks-off Hispanic Heritage Month, VIVA BROWARD! and the 2010 Calendar of Events.

The highlight of the day will be families, friends and business associates honoring the 2010 Honorees who were selected among more than 60 applicants by 5 judges.  Nominations were made by former Hispanic Women of Distinction honorees and community leaders. 

This year's honorees are:

CARMEN J. CUETOS,  Attorney, Partner - Velasquez & Cuetos, P.A., Coral Springs, Florida

LINDA GOMEZ, Real Estate Broker - President, Mujeres Latinas Impulsando Mujeres Latinas, Weston, Florida

MARY ORTIZ KANDLER, Associate Director - University School at Nova Southeastern University

The Reverend ROSA LINDAHL MALLOW, Centro Hispano de Todos los Santos, St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

ROYMI  V. MEMBIELA, Asst. Vice President Marketing & P.R. - Baptist Health South Florida, Coral Gables, Florida

 NYDIA MENENDEZ, Attorney, Founder &  Managing Partner - Menendez Moncarz, PL, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

RUTH  E. PACHECO, Title Group Director - Student Finance - East Region, DeVry University, Pembroke Pines, Florida

BARBARA PALACIOS, Owner, President - BP Group, BP Inspiration, Weston, Florida

Dr. ALICIA FERNANDA PARRA, President, Founder - Jose Maria Vargas University, Davie, Florida

MARLENE QUINTANA, Attorney, Shareholder - GrayRobinson, P.A., Miami, Florida

LIZ QUIRANTES, News Anchor - WPEC CBS 12, Jupiter, Florida

ELIZABETH SANJUAN, President - The San Juan Foundation, Hollywood, Florida

In the near future, the 2010 Latina Pioneer honoree will be named.  This prestigious award recognizes a woman whose work and commitment to community has paved the way for other Latinas to achieve their goals. Past Latina Pioneers include Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Maria San Juan, Columba Bush, Isabel Diaz, M.D. and Caridad Asensio.

Tickets to the luncheon are $75 per person. Sponsorships and program advertising to salute the honorees are also available by visiting www.wedoevents.net or by calling (954) 527-0627.