SocialMiami - 25th Annual Women Who Make a Difference

25th Annual Women Who Make a Difference

The evening welcomed more than 350 guests for a vibrant celebration honoring 100 years of leadership, volunteerism, and community impact throughout Miami.

by SocialMiami in Photo Galleries, SocialEyes

The Junior League of Miami hosted its 25th Annual Women Who Make a Difference event and Centennial Celebration at the iconic Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne. Co-chaired by Felicia Shtivelman and Chelsea Ambriz, along with Honorary Centennial Chair Julia Rea Bianchi, the evening welcomed more than 350 guests for a vibrant celebration honoring 100 years of leadership, volunteerism, and community impact throughout Miami.

During the event, the Junior League of Miami was presented with a proclamation from Miami-Dade County recognizing the organization’s century-long commitment to empowering women and improving the lives of women, children, and families across the community.

This year’s event honored five extraordinary leaders whose philanthropy, advocacy, and dedication continue to strengthen and uplift South Florida: Maria Figueroa Byrd, Cheryl Goldstein, Shownda Pagan, Dr. Rachel Silverstein, and Marty Steinberger.

25th Annual WWMD Co-Chairs with Inaugural WWMD Co-Chairs, Chelsea Ambriz, Karen Key, Cheryl Goldstein, Felicia Shtivelman

Carter Sox, Gabby Portela, Jennifer Salman, Virginia Waddell, Laura Van Gorden, Caroline Wilhelms, Viviana Cardoza, Sara Walkup, Maria Chacon, Shannon Eagan

With a “100 Years in Paradise” theme, guests enjoyed stunning waterfront views, tropical-inspired décor, live entertainment, a magazine-style photo booth, curated cocktails by Bacardi, and a live artist creating custom portraits throughout the evening. Attendees also bid on more than 150 silent auction items, purchased mystery bags valued at more than $400 each, and participated in a special raffle featuring a beautiful diamond, ruby, and white gold necklace generously provided by Jae’s Jewelers. The evening’s fundraising efforts helped raise critical funds to support the League’s mission and future community initiatives.

The evening celebrated the Junior League of Miami’s enduring legacy of collaboration, leadership development, and meaningful community impact while looking ahead to the organization’s next century of service.

Liz Platt, Amanda Altman, Fernanda Jorgensen

Artist Yaima Linares creating live fashion illustrations of guests

Aries Hernandez with her painting from Yaima Linares

Additional in-kind and underwriting sponsors include: Atlas Calisthenics, Bacardi, Contempo Linen & Event Rentals, Coconut Groove Flowers, Coral Gables Magazine, Essence Corp., Fookem’s Fabulous Key Lime Pie, Jae’s Jewels, Jet Graphics & Mailers, Joanna’s Marketplace, Maui Jim, Mighty Minis, Nelly Sobh Photography, Nourish & Refine, Simply Bails, Suva Yoga, THEBOOTHCO., The Dream Collective, Unlimited Flowers Wholesale, Vice City Beads, and Yaima Illustrations.