On Saturday, March 11th, the San Pedro Town Council, in partnership with Hope Haven, recognized ten island women with the Champions of Change Award. The recognition highlighted the awardees’ achievements and their role in the community. The notable occasion occurred at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex during the Women in Business Expo.
The expo, highlighting women-owned businesses, opened its doors at 5PM. Some of the companies and services at the event included baked goods, jewelry, coffee shops, cultural products, souvenirs, party supplies, beauty salon services, and food booths, among other businesses. The expo, led by Councilor Dianeli Aranda, Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez, and Hope Haven, included a short ceremony in which the awardees were commended for their achievements and contributions to the island.
Mayor Nuñez highlighted the efforts women make to succeed and become productive citizens. “Let us give them a helping hand. Let’s learn from each other and open our minds to new possibilities,” said the Mayor. He noted that when one person succeeds, everyone else does as well. Following the warm remarks by Councilor Aranda and Hope Haven’s Executive Director Kristina Romero, the award ceremony started.
Master of Ceremonies Natalie Arceo had the honor of introducing the ten women recognized as Champions of Change to those in attendance. Arceo shared a short bio of each awardee as they were presented with their award. Romero, along with Councilor Aranda and Mayor Nuñez, recognized each of the women.
They were all awarded under different categories that included, Women in Business-Dorethea Pineda, Young Woman Entrepreneur-Nayomi Alamilla, Women in Culture-Eden Velasquez, Women in Politics-Murlene ‘Mel’ Spain, Women in Community Service-Josie Pollard Nuñez, Women in Arts-Melody Sanchez-Wolfe, Women in Sports-Mary Rodriguez, Women in Education-Elizabeth Sansores, Women in Law Enforcement-Rosa Luz Urbina, and Women in Tourism-Enes Ramirez.
The event continued with a fashion show, San Pedro Dance Academy presentations, and DJ Debbie music. The event concluded with a concert by Super Furia Band.
