|
JEWISH MUSEUM OF FLORIDA MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release - March 18, 2008 Contact: Marcia Jo Zerivitz, Founding Executive
Director & Chief Curator 301 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 T.305.672.5044 ext. 3180 F.305.672.5933 |
||
|
The Jewish Museum of Florida announces the
winners of the annual "Breaking the Glass Ceiling Awards" to five
women, from several Florida cities, who have become successful in fields
generally dominated by men. The Award Reception and Ceremony, sponsored by
the Bart and Sandy Goldberg Foundation, will take place at the Museum on Sunday,
April 6 at 6:30 pm.
The cost for Museum members is $15; non-members $20. For reservations, call
305-672-5044, ext. 3175 by March 27. The event, which begins with light
refreshments, will be highlighted by presentations made by the honorees as
they describe the obstacles and inspirations that were encountered on their
individual journeys to success and their involvement in the Jewish community
and in the community at large. The Awards will be presented to: Karen Aronowitz is the President of
United Teachers of Dade, a union representing 39,000 teachers and education
support professionals in the Miami-Dade Public Schools. Since her election in
2004, the union has built organizational stability and achieved a high degree
of success in the political arena. Ms. Aronowitz has led successful reform
initiatives and gained significant salary increases for educators and support
personnel. She currently serves on the board of The Children's Trust and
United Way of Miami and is a member of the Miami chapter of the NAACP. Ms.
Aronowitz is a proponent of High Schools That Work and is a multiple honoree
in Who's Who Among American Teachers. A member of Temple Samuel Or, Ms.
Aronowitz was also a member of B'nai Israel Synagogue where she organized
their first sisterhood in the 1980s. Samantha Brucker is the Planning
Technical Lead for Navigational Projects at the Army Corps of Engineers in
Jacksonville. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in International
Business from Drexel University and a Master of Arts degree in Economics from
the University of Oregon. During her tour of duty with the U. S. Army, she
distinguished herself as Navigational Economist. Samantha's community
involvement is extensive, working with the Big Brothers and Sisters
organization and the Salzberger Homeless Shelter in Jacksonville. She has
also been active in the community advancing Jewish concerns including the
implementation of a Yom Hashoah program at the Army Corps of Engineers and as
an advisor for the Kadimah group at Ahavath Chesed Synagogue. Commissioner Sally Heyman has been fully
engaged in the traditionally male careers of public safety, law enforcement
and criminal justice for more than 30 years and an elected public official
for more than 20 years. Since her election to the Miami-Dade Commission,
Sally has worked with regional, state and national government for Miami-Dade
legislative needs, authority and appropriations. She continues to work on
responsible growth management, workforce housing initiatives, transportation
alternatives, public safety and animal services. Sally is a Crime Prevention
Specialist for two police departments and an Adjunct Professor of Criminal
Justice at Florida International University. Her involvement in the Jewish
community is also extensive as she maintains membership in ORT, Hillel of
North Dade, MAR-JCC, the Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Services. Joanne Mason-Parker is a nationally known
professional billiards champion. She maintained Top Five status in the field
for eight out of ten years, playing international tours and winning
competitions at the US Open and Masters levels. Currently, she is an Early
Childhood Teacher at the Hillel Community Day School and an active role model
for a number of charitable organizations. She has been the official
spokesperson for the March of Dimes and has participated and coached in the
Special Olympics. She has also donated her time and professional skill to the
American Heart Association, Breast Cancer Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy
Association and the HIV/AIDS Foundation. Joanne has also hosted the Israeli
Bonds dinner at the Concord Resort. Dr. Lisa Sirota is a pediatrician and
partner at Children's Medical Association and a member of the Board of
Directors at Jewish Adoptions and Foster Care Organization (JAFCO).
Previously, at Plantation General Hospital, Dr. Sirota served as Chief of
Pediatrics and Chief of Staff. She was the first female in the history of the
hospital to serve in the Chief of Staff position. Dr. Sirota is also a
physician-mentor to medical students and physician-assistants at Nova
Southeastern University College of Medicine. As a member of Temple Adath Or,
she frequently hosts holiday celebrations and discussion groups. At Temple
Beth Torah, Dr. Sirota leads the annual Community Healing Service and
conducts Bikur Cholim visits in the area. The Jewish Museum of Florida on South Beach is housed
in two adjacent lovingly restored historic buildings that were once
synagogues for Miami Beach's first Jewish congregation. The focal point of
the Museum is "MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida: 1763 to the Present"
its core exhibit, and temporary history and art exhibits that change
periodically. Currently, the Museum is exhibiting Zap! Pow! Bam! The
Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books 1938-1950 through April 30, 2008 and an art
installation by Carol Hamoy, PsalmSong, through April 6,
2008. A Collections & Research Center, several films, Timeline Wall of
Jewish history and an expanded Museum Store complete the experience for
visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Accredited by the American Association
of Museums, the Museum is located at 301-311 Washington Avenue, South Beach
and is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Mondays and Civil and Jewish
holidays. Admission: Adults/$6; Seniors/$5; Families/$12; Members and
children under 6/ Always Free; Saturdays/Free. For information:
305-672-5044 or www.jewishmuseum.com. |
||