Health Foundation of South Florida’s 2026 Inspiring Women of Health honorees and board members

The Foundation celebrates seven years of honoring exceptional women advancing health equity in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties.

Oct. 16, 2026 – The Health Foundation of South Florida today announces nominations are open for the 2027 Inspiring Women of Health Awards, recognizing women whose leadership, innovation, and advocacy are improving health and well-being across South Florida. Nominations are open now through November 16, 2026.

Held during Women’s History Month in March, the Inspiring Women of Health luncheon honors trailblazers from every corner of health: nonprofit leaders, clinicians, public officials, community organizers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists, whose work aligns with the Foundation’s mission to build healthier, more equitable communities.

Nominees will be evaluated for demonstrated impact, community partnership, equity-centered leadership, and measurable progress on issues such as access to care, maternal, children and 

infant health, mental health, healthy aging, disease prevention, social drivers of health, and inclusive economic opportunity.

“For seven years, the Inspiring Women of Health Awards have shined a light on women who are advancing health equity in South Florida,” said Loreen Chant, President & CEO of the Health Foundation of South Florida. “Their vision and persistence are moving us closer to a future where every person, regardless of zip code, has the opportunity to thrive. We’re proud to celebrate them and look forward to honoring the next class of honorees.”

Since its launch, the Health Foundation of South Florida’s Inspiring Women of Health Awards have recognized over 80 women. Honorees have included CEOs, public officials, nonprofit executives, and frontline healthcare professionals, each driving meaningful change in their communities.

The 2026 honorees were:

  • Dr. Diane Amado-Tate, DNP, MS-HSA, RN, NE-BC, Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer at Baptist Health Doctors Hospital
  • Mandy Bartle, President & CEO at South Florida Community Land Trust
  • Dr. Carol Biggs, DHSC, RN, Senior Vice President & Chief Nursing Executive at Jackson Health System
  • Berlinda Faye Dixon, Complex Case Manager at Dade County Street Response
  • Emmanuella Fleurimont, Founder, President & CEO at MJD Wellness and Community Center Inc.
  • Mary C. Mayhew, FHA, President & CEO at Florida Hospital Association
  • Mariela Perez, MD, Medical Director at Open Door Health Center
  • Catherine Toms, MD, MPH, President at Green Cars for Kids
  • Morgan Tracey, CEO at Star of the Sea Foundation (SOS Foundation)
  • Zeina Zein-Wolland, Founder & President at Mobile School Pantry

To nominate, please visit the nomination form here.

About Health Foundation of South Florida

For more than 30 years, the Health Foundation of South Florida has invested over $153 million in nonprofits serving Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties. The Foundation’s mission is to be a catalyst for collaborations, policy, and systems change that improve the health of South Florida communities, with a focus on vulnerable, low- to moderate-income populations. Learn more at www.hfsf.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.