Women of Distinction Honoree Announcement
December 04, 2023
Six Extraordinary Women Have Been Named Honorees of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s Annual Women of Distinction
Women of Distinction include Marilyn Alvarez, Alison Barlow, Ann E Dunwoody, Bemetra Simmons; Woman of Promise is Diana Walker; and Women of Distinction Hall of Fame Inductee is Renée Vaughn
Tampa, FLA – December 4, 2023 – Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF) announced today the six Tampa Bay women who will be honored at its annual Women of Distinction Luncheon on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024, at Armature Works. In its 32nd year, this event is the longest running Women’s History Month celebration and attracts more than 600 business and community leaders across Tampa Bay.
The 2024 Women of Distinction are:
- Marilyn Alvarez – Master Deputy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
- Alison Barlow – Executive Director of St. Petersburg Innovation District.
- Ann E. Dunwoody – Gen. (Ret.) and First Female Four-Star General in United States Army.
- Bemetra Simmons – President and CEO of Tampa Bay Partnership, and Co-Founder of Corporate Homie.
In addition to announcing the Women of Distinction, GSWCF also named Diana Walker as the 2024 Woman of Promise, an award bestowed to exceptional women under age 40. Diana is the Special Projects Coordinator at Hillsborough County Economic Development Minority & Small Business.
Finally, GSWCF will induct Renée Vaughn into the Women of Distinction Hall of Fame. Renée is President of the Williams Consulting Group, a public relations and marketing firm in Tampa. Renée was first honored as a Woman of Distinction in 2015.
“Our Women of Distinction honorees are extraordinary role models for our Girl Scouts for their career achievements, as well as their continuous commitment to improving our community – and beyond,” said Mary Pat King, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida CEO. “We are so grateful to our 2024 Women of Distinction Honorary Chairs Maruchi Azorin, Doretha Edgecomb and Ellie Paladine for their incredible support of this luncheon and for selecting this amazing group of honorees this year.”
“For 30+ years, Women of Distinction has been one of Tampa Bay’s premier luncheons to celebrate Women’s History Month,” said Cami Gibertini, President of the Board of Directors of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. “As the only fundraising event hosted annually by our local Girl Scouts, this is also the best opportunity for our community and business leaders to invest in future women leaders by showing they support Girl Scouts.”
GSWCF is grateful to Presenting Sponsor Publix Super Markets Charities, Distinguished Sponsor The University of Tampa, and Esteemed Sponsor Simply Healthcare as its first supporters of the 2024 Women of Distinction Luncheon. Tampa Bay Business & Wealth will be the Media Sponsor.
Immediately prior to the luncheon, Girl Scouts will host an exclusive Executive Forum featuring an intimate discussion with the honorees discussing the future of women as leaders, innovators and economic drivers. This forum will be open to 75 invited guests including our sponsors, policymakers and other community leaders. To learn more about Women of Distinction, visit gswcf.org/WOD. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Clara Moll, Chief Development Officer, at cmoll@gswcf.org.
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Media Notes:
Chief Executive Officer Mary Pat King, Board President Cami Gibertini, and Chief Development Officer Clara Moll are available for interview regarding this event.
About Girl Scouts of West Central Florida
Girl Scouts mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with nearly 2.5 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts of West Central Florida serves more than 18,000 members across eight counties: Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sumter. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.gswcf.org.
