FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Record-Breaking 77 Women Nominated as the Giraffe Awards Celebrate 30 Years of Courageous Women’s Leadership
Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County marks milestone anniversary with its most impactful year to date
WEST PALM BEACH, FL (February 1, 2026) — For three decades, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County has honored women who are willing to “stick their necks out” for others — women whose leadership, courage, and commitment have strengthened businesses, expanded opportunity, and created lasting change throughout the community.
In 2026, the Giraffe Awards reach a historic milestone, celebrating their 30th Anniversary with a record-breaking 77 nominations across five categories, making this year one of the most significant and anticipated in the event’s history.
Founded in 1996, the Giraffe Awards were created to recognize women whose leadership extends far beyond titles women who mentor, advocate, innovate, and lead with integrity even when it requires courage. Over the past 30 years, more than 925 women have been nominated for their willingness to stand tall, speak up, and lift others.
“This year is extraordinary because it represents both legacy and momentum,” said Heather Gray, President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County. “For 30 years, the Giraffe Awards have honored women who lead with purpose and heart. The record number of nominations this year reflects not only the depth of talent in our community, but the continued relevance and importance of women-led leadership.”
The milestone celebration coincides with Women’s History Month, launching a month-long recognition of women’s contributions across Palm Beach County. The celebration officially begins on March 3, 2026, when the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners issues a proclamation honoring Women’s History Month, presented by Mayor Sara Baxter.
Event Information
The celebration culminates at the 30th Annual Giraffe Awards Luncheon on:
Tuesday, March 24, 2026; 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Kravis Center | Cohen Pavilion
Tickets and sponsorships are available, with sponsorships beginning at $600.For more information, visit www.WomensChamber.biz or contact the Women’s Chamber at (561) 659-0285.
A Milestone Year Defined by Courage, Collaboration, and Impact – This year’s 77 nominees represent women from across business, nonprofit, education, healthcare, and civic leadership — each recognized for leading with courage, purpose, and impact.
“Every year, the Giraffe Awards remind us that leadership isn’t just about titles it’s about the meaningful ways women show up for their communities and for one another,” said Julia Murphy, Chief Advancement Officer of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County and co-chair of the event. “Leading this milestone 30th Anniversary alongside my fellow co-chairs, Ashley Surdovel and Taylor Materio, has been incredibly meaningful. All three of us believe deeply in celebrating women who are willing to stick their necks out for others, and this year’s record-breaking nominations reflect the power of women lifting women.”
Murphy serves as co-chair alongside Ashley Cacicedo Surdovel and Taylor Materio, collectively leading the milestone anniversary year and embodying the collaborative leadership the Giraffe Awards were created to honor.
An Impactful Conversation at the Heart of the Celebration – In addition to honoring award recipients, the luncheon will feature an engaging panel discussion centered on leadership, courage, and impact, moderated by Lisa LaFrance, founder of The LaFrance Project.
Panelists include:
Milly Park, Founder & Designer, MILLY PARK luxury fashion brand
Annie Falk, lifestyle, home, and entertaining author
Jennifer Gowdy, Founder & CEO, Pure Skin Palm Beach
2026 Giraffe Award Nominees:
Rising Star: Heather Arney; Dr. LaToya Benjamin; Jodie Boisvert; Lindsay Bruno; Nickeshia Bullock; Melissa Cubillos; Latonya Delaughter; Erica Eggerman; Mackenize Morrell; Bentoria Murry; Natalia Ojeda; Jennifer Sariol; Caroline Valencia
Community Impact: Nichole Addazio; Katrina Carter-Tellison, Ph.D.; Johnetta Danglade; Sheba Fevrier; Brenda Fulmer; Elle Harrigan; Amy Kemp; Dr. Stephanie Knuppenburg; Pranati “Pranoo” Kumar; Heather Landstrom; Shirley D. Lanier; Jessica Lenhart; Cristina Martinez; Dr. D’Lauren Mondesir; Katherine Murphy; Amanda Perna; Samantha Ramnarine; Winsome Robertson Green; Katia Saint-Preux; Kristy Shore; Courtney Tarsa; Dr. Karina Taylor; Maricela Torres; Ashanta Williams
Marvelous Mentor: Jeigh Billingy; Kasey Denny; Bonni Funt; Tiffany Jackson; Toccoa Lenair; Dana Middleton; Michelle Miller; Angela Rosenberg; Julie Seaver; Jennifer Sherm
Wonder Woman: Elizabeth Accomando; Cassandra Brandt; Robyn Coyne; Maura Daves; Sarah Criser Elwell; Lucy Gutierrez; Erica Henn; Chelsea Horne; Ingrid Hunter; Dr. Katrina Cruz Kahook; Amy Kight; Coleen LaCosta; France Makabu-Gordon; Alexandra Mandado; Jean Marie Middleton, Esq.; Alison Novoa; Charman Postel; Anastasiya Quimby, MD; Christine Raymond, Esq.; Melanie Sanders; Jennah Siegel; Megan Wiston
Lifetime Achievement: Dr. Alina Alonso; Natalie Andre; Dr. Emma Banks; Carrie Bradburn; Dr. Jane Caputi; Michelle Fowler; Jamie Kshonz; Melissa McKinlay