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Empowering Women: The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach Celebrates Women’s Achievements in Miami



The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, along with hosts Jacqueline Volkart and Kristen Rosen, was extremely proud to celebrate women’s achievements in society, culture, economics, hospitality, and politics in Miami. The panels took place back on March at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach Ballroom. The ticketed event consisted of breakfast, an art exhibition by Rachel Lee Hovanian, and three topical, 30-minute panels with a Question & Answer section followed by light refreshments and networking. Panelists participated in engaging discussions about their respective industries, career paths, contributions to the Miami community, and their social responsibilities to uplift future generations of women in the workplace.


Jennifer Valoppi


Jennifer Valoppi, President and Founder of Women of Tomorrow, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event, as proceeds from the event would benefit Women of Tomorrow. Moderators for the event included Jacqueline Volkart, Market General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach and The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour; Kelly Blanco, TV Presenter and Miami Heat in-game host; Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, Miami Beach Commissioner; and Jacqueline Lorber, CEO/President of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra. Rachel Lee Hovanian, a multidisciplinary artist, showcased pieces from Power & Burden of Beauty, an interactive installation that explored the complexities of modern feminism.


(left to right): Maria Buccelati, Divya Gugnani, Diana Lowenstein, Jessica Modkins, Kelly Blanco, Ronit Neuman


Speakers for the event included Guerdy Abraira, Founder and Lead Event Stylist, Guerdy Design; Norma Becker, President and Co-Founder Titan Group of New York; Janine Booth, Chef and Owner of Stiltsville and Root and Bone; Maria Buccellati, CEO of Faith Connection; Angel Brunner, CEO and Founder, EBS Capital; Lissette Calderon, CEO of Neology; Divya Gugani, Founder of Wander Beauty; Dana Jacobsohn, Chief Development Officer, US Luxury Brands Marriott; Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, President and COO Flag Luxury Group; Diana Lowenstein, Owner Diana Lowenstein Gallery; Jeanelle Johnson, Partner, PwC US; Wendy Kallergis, President and CEO of Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association; Ronit Ben Josef Neuman, Chief Creative Officer of The Sagamore Hotel; Connie W. Kinnard, Senior Vice President of Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Multicultural Tourism & Development; Jessica Modkins, Founder of Hip Rock Star Advertising; Jackie Soffer, Chairman and CEO of Turnberry Associates; and Rickelle Williams, Assistant City Manager of Miami Beach.


(left to right) Claudia Kohn, Ronit Neuman, Francisca & Linda Balass

(left to right) Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Angel Brunner, Jeanelle Johnson, & Dana Jacobson


(left to right) Danie Gomez Ortigoza & Gabriella Smith

(left to right) Ariana Pareja & Ellianna Placas

(left to right) Carmen Casadella & Sadie Delgado


Connie Kinnard

(left to right) Angeles Almuna, Guerdy Abraira, & Tara Solomon


“We are creating a forum for women entrepreneurs and business owners to discuss their career paths, challenges that women face today, and the power of women supporting one another through their own journeys. Moderators and panelists will touch upon financial growth, professional advancement, and personal opportunity across various industries. We are delighted to celebrate International Women’s Day at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach,” said Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Founder of the conference.


The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach was committed to making a lasting impact on the community by recognizing women and the positive effects of having women in positions of power. The hotel had long been a champion of empowering and celebrating women. The iconic Morris Lapidus hotel had numerous female owners who had shaped the landmark hotel to be what it was today. The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach continued to uplift and inspire women, whether it be their guests or the wonderful women who worked for Ritz-Carlton, on a local and international level.


The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

Address: 1 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Phone: +1 786-276-4000


By ML Staff. Images courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach



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