Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida

Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida Honors
Four Outstanding Female Leaders in Martin County
 
Stuart, Florida (February 24, 2025) – Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida hosted an inspiring afternoon of recognition and celebration during the prestigious Emerald Awards Martin County luncheon held recently at Sailfish Point Country Club in Stuart, raising more than $70,000 to support Girl Scout programs and leadership opportunities for girls.
 
More than 152 guests attended the Emerald Awards Martin County where awards are presented to outstanding women in Martin County who embody innovation, creativity, and problem-solving excellence, making a meaningful impact in their fields and communities.
 
This year’s Emerald Awards Martin County honored the female changemakers and visionaries who are powerful role models for young women in the community. The 2025 honorees were Maureen Cotter, President of Impact100 Martin; Commissioner Stacey Hetherington, Martin County Board of County Commissioners; Tammy Stefanovic, Business Development & Strategy for Cognegenics; and Beth Garcia Svopa, Senior Vice President of Brown and Brown Insurance.
 
Guests enjoyed a networking reception, silent auction, luncheon, and recognition ceremony.
 
The Emerald Awards Martin County was chaired by Jennifer Sardone Shiner and committee members included Beth Galt-Salsamendi, Mary Gavin, Rose Novotny, and Ofelia Utset.
 
“It is one of the highlights of the year to recognize the incredible women who have such a positive impact on our community,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “We appreciate them, and we appreciate the generosity of our Emerald Award sponsors.”  
 
Studies show today’s girls are not spending enough time outdoors. However, the proceeds from Emerald Awards Martin County and the community’s generous support, Camp Welaka provides girls with a transformative environment where they can build confidence, develop independence, and forge lifelong friendships through traditional camp activities. Located on 640 beautiful acres within Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Tequesta, Florida, Camp Welaka offers girls the opportunity to explore nature through outdoor activities such as swimming, canoeing, archery, and outdoor skills in a safe, girl-led setting where they can step out of their comfort zones and discover their true potential.
 
Ruby Sponsor of the 2025 Emerald Award Martin County was Publix Super Market Charities; Award Sponsors were Amazon, HCA Florida Healthcare and Florida Power & Light; PNC Bank was the Valet Sponsor; LaCroix Water was the Beverage Sponsor; Table Sponsors were NAACP of Martin County Branch 5085B and Tammy Stefanovic; and JSS Marketing and Public Relations was a Friend of Girl Scouts Sponsor. 
 
About Girl Scouts 
We are the preeminent leadership development organization for girls who believe that every girl can be a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader with the power to change the world. More than any other organization in our community, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida empowers girls ages 5 to 17 with vision and voice—girls who command their future, engage their communities, and inspire others. We offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida serves more than 6,900 girls in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties. To explore opportunities to volunteer or partner with Girl Scouts, call 561-427-0177 or visit www.gssef.org. 
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