By: Sharon Aron Baron
Tamarac resident Ilene Lieberman was honored at the 4th Annual Woman of Distinction Awards Breakfast on Friday where she won the “Woman of the Year” award.
Lieberman, who was the first female strong mayor in Broward County [Lauderhill] and a Broward County Commissioner for 16 years, who worked tirelessly on issues ranging from waste-hauling contracts to airport runway expansions along with planning for a new courthouse, was honored along with eight other successful women.
Lieberman said that it never occurred to her after she was first elected in 1984 what an amazing opportunity being in local government was. “We make a difference in people’s lives day after day. Constituents call you, or they may see you out shopping at Publix, and based on that conversation, you can make it better for everyone.”
The Women of Distinction is a hallmark event produced by the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce and powered by the Florida Panthers to honor prominent women of Broward County. After being nominated in November, nine of Broward County’s most influential women were selected. Attended by business owners, professionals, public officials, and other movers and shakers, this three-time sold out event attracts a diverse and influential audience. Themed “Rise Up!” this year, here are all of the Women of Distinction honorees:
LRCC said they believe that women have immensely contributed to our society, most evident by those they honor each year. Past recipients have includes: Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz; Nicki E. Grossman, Former President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau; Pauline Grant, MS, MBA, FACHE, CEO of Broward Health; Alice E. Ancona, Director of Global Outreach, Florida Chamber of Commerce Dr. Lanalee Sam, Medical Director of Elite OBGYN; Michelle Austin Pamies, Partner, Austin Pamies Norris Weeks, LLC; Captain Josefa Benjamin, Broward County Sheriff’s Office; Maria Munro, CEO of Unique Productions International; Danielle Knox, WSVN Channel 7 News Anchor and Entrepreneur; and Dr. Celia Earle, Governor, Kiwanis Florida Division and Vice President at Brown and Caldwell.