The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, in partnership with hosts Jacqueline Volkart and Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, held its inaugural Women Shaping Miami Power Breakfast and Panel on March 10th, 2023. The event celebrated women’s achievements in society, culture, economics, hospitality, and politics in Miami, while also raising over $40,000 for the Women of Tomorrow charitable foundation.
The breakfast event, held at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach Ballroom, included an art exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Rachel Lee Hovnanian, which featured three thought-provoking pieces titled “Fun House Dressing Room,” “Body Armor,” and “Power & Beauty.” These pieces explored contemporary ideals of physical beauty and their effects on women. The event also featured pop-ups hosted by women-founded and operated businesses for guests to browse and shop from.
The panel discussions, which ran for 30 minutes each, covered real estate, hospitality, and lifestyle, with a Q&A section followed by light refreshments and networking. The panelists engaged in lively discussions about their respective industries, career paths, contributions to the Miami community, and social responsibilities in uplifting future generations of women in the workplace.
The guest list for the event was impressive, with attendees including model Karolina Kurkova, former president of Colombia Iván Duque Márquez, TV personality and influencer Kelly Blanco, founder and lead event stylist of Guerdy Design Guerdy Abraira, founder of Wander Beauty Divya Gugani, CEO of Faith Connection Maria Buccellati, owner of Diana Lowenstein Gallery Diana Lowenstein, owner and president of Flag Luxury and The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, chief creative officer of Sagamore Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach Ronit Neuman, president and co-founder of Titan Group of New York Norma Becker, CEO and founder of EBS Capital Angel Brunner, CEO of Neology Lissette Calderon, chief development officer of US Luxury Brands Marriott Dana Jacobsohn, senior vice president of Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Multicultural Tourism & Development Connie W. Kinnard, founder of Hip Rock Star Advertising Jessica Modkins, chairman and CEO of Turnberry Associates Jackie Soffer, and assistant city manager of Miami Beach Rickelle Williams.
The Women Shaping Miami Power Breakfast and Panel was an inspiring and successful event that highlighted the achievements of women in Miami and beyond. The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of its operations and is proud to have hosted an event that celebrated female empowerment and leadership.