With 34 nominees and the 44th year for their Women of Distinction Breakfast, Boca Raton Soroptimists gathered to honor women for their contributions to the community.
Each nominee’s bio was read and six were chosen in categories and announced by emcee Heather Shaw, Saks Fifth Avenue Boca Raton vice president, at the recent Soroptimist International of Boca Raton/Deerfield Beach event in Boca West Country Club.
The winners were:
* Education: Elizabeth Arnold, supervisor of student teachers at Florida Atlantic University College of Education, who helps mentor training, nominated by Marcy Bezark, volunteer manager, American Association of Caregiving Youth
* Entrepreneur: Kate Volman, media strategist on growing small businesses, nominated by Mary Wong, Office Depot Foundation
* Healthcare: Rachel Huerta, family nurse practitioner who just launched her own practice, Direct Primary Care of Boca Raton, nominated by Henry Ferguson, Rotary Club of Boca Raton
* Nonprofit leadership: Holly Robillard, who led an all-female climbing challenge that raised $50,000 for global programs to free enslaved women and children. She also sells handmade jewelry from artisans in Haiti and Mexico to help them support their families. Nominated by Marianne Dierker
* Volunteer: Bonnie Hildebrand, tutors Place of Hope children as a volunteer Angel Mom, volunteers for Twin Palms Center for the Disabled, nominated by sculptor and artist Yaacov Heller
* Professional: Beth Miller, business development manager for Castle Group, involved in AVDA, Families First and active in her homeowners association and school in Boynton Beach. Nominated by Pam O’Brien, executive director, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse
As a wrap-up to the event, honorary chairwoman Terry Fedele introduced Boca philanthropist Barbara Gutin as this year’s Lifetime Achievement honoree.
Speakers included co-presidents Dr. Heidi Schaeffer and Marybeth Keenan and co-chairpersons of the event Keenan and Jennifer Thomason.
Soroptimist International of Boca Raton/Deerfield Beach, the women’s service club, gives grants to nonprofits and seed money for nonprofit startups, and funds a scholarship to women heads of household who want to complete their education.
