“Women Trailblazers” honored in Broward exhibition

“Women Trailblazers” honored in Broward exhibition

2023-03-21T11:21:30-04:00March 21st, 2023|Economy, Greater Fort Lauderdale, Tourism & Hospitality|

Writer: Gabriela Enamorado

2 min read March 2023 — Women’s History Month is in full swing, and History Fort Lauderdale’s current exhibit is honoring the female leaders who have made a true impact and change in Broward County. 

The exhibition titled “Women Trailblazers: Champions of Change- Broward County”, is currently on display at The Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale. Created by a partnership between History Fort Lauderdale and the Galleria Mall, this exhibit highlights the women that have made their mark in the area both historically and more recently.

The exhibit, which will be on display from March 10 through the 31st, spotlights six modern Broward women and past pioneering female counterparts. 

One of the local historic figures highlighted in the exhibit is Sylvia Alridge, one of the first Black residents of the county and one of the first female entrepreneurs in the city. Her first business was called “Sylvia’s Employment Agency” which supplied local employees with uniforms and provided transportation to employees through another business called “Sylvia’s Victory Cabs.” These businesses were the first of their kind in Fort Lauderdale. 

Sadye Katz, who was a member of one of the first and oldest Jewish families in Fort Lauderdale, is also spotlighted. She and her husband, Mack Katz, opened one of the first womens’ clothing boutiques in the city. They also bought land on the beach and opened a beachwear store as well.

Among the other original pioneers featured are Lillian Mae Smith, Broward County’s first female tax collector and Eula Johnson, a civil rights pioneer who served as the head of the Fort Lauderdale NAACP branch. 

One of the modern trailblazers featured is Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. Ritter led her organization, which oversees the sales and marketing development for leisure, convention, international and sports sales, throughout the pandemic while also ensuring Fort Lauderdale’s hospitality industry remained strong. 

Invest: Greater Fort Lauderdale had the opportunity to speak to Ritter last year on Visit Lauderdale’s accomplishments and expected continued success in the sector. “We are going to see more international influx, especially coming from Canada and Mexico,” Ritter said. “Business travel is making a comeback and we’re ready to receive them with a new convention center. Things are looking very positive.” 

Heather Havericak, CEO of Broward Health Medical Center and the Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, is another current female leader featured in the exhibition. 

In speaking with Invest: last year, Havericak highlighted her organization’s focus on working toward finding solutions in regard to the healthcare worker shortage. 

“We are also going to face a significant shortage of physicians as we move into the next five years and beyond, so we have been focused on expanding our graduate medical education,” said Haverick. “I’m proud to say that we are a statutory teaching hospital and have over 172 residents – educating the next generation of physicians.” 

The  “Women Trailblazers” exhibit will run through the end of the month and is free and open to the public during mall hours.

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