Women Trailblazers: Champions Of Change - Six New Honorees Announced In Celebration In Honor Of Women’s History Month

“We’re looking forward to our annual tradition of celebrating these modern women - true champions of change - who continue to fearlessly build the foundation for our next generation of community leaders,” said Patricia Zeiler, Executive Director of History Fort Lauderdale. “This year’s role models and achievers have made significant contributions in the fields of human resources, government, journalism, the marine industry, healthcare and community activism. Our great City of Fort Lauderdale has reaped numerous economical and philanthropical benefits from their passionate enthusiasm and desire to help others. We invite the community to join us in celebrating their achievements during Women’s History Month.”

Past pioneering women counterparts to be highlighted in the photo exhibition include Louella Snyder (1875-1969), a Fort Lauderdale resident since 1910 who later Founded and served as President of the Wells-Snyder Paint Company with M.W. Wells serving as Secretary-Treasurer; Virginia Clements (1914–1995), a member of the Junior League, and the first Board Chair of Henderson Behavioral Health who was instrumental in the organization’s establishment along with other roles in civic and cultural organizations; Ellyn Ferguson Walters (1927-2012), a 41-year/tenured teacher for Broward Schools, Major Fundraiser and Executive Chair of the African American Research and Library Center, Founder of the Sistrunk Festival and 1999 Urban League plus Kathleen C. Wright Award-winner; Eva Oliver (1883-1964), First President of the Woman's Club, Chairman of the Port Everglades naming committee, historian, author, philanthropist and suffragist; Anne Kolb (1932-1981), first elected Woman Chair of the Broward County Commission, environmentalist, conservationist (1978 Florida Wildlife Conservationist of the Year) and namesake of the Anne Kolb Nature Center; and Charline Skogsberg (1906-1999), a Broward County pioneer and daughter of Captain Charles Skogsberg, a keeper of the House of Refuge (U.S. Government life-saving service stations for shipwrecked sailors in Florida), a kindergarten teacher, Trinity Lutheran Church organist and Broward Marine at Bahia Mar employee.

“Galleria Fort Lauderdale is honored to celebrate female trailblazers in our community,” said Melissa Milroy, Marketing Manager of Galleria Fort Lauderdale. “This year’s honorees truly exemplify the spirit of leadership through care, kindness, commitment, and a steadfast determination to succeed. Together, with History Fort Lauderdale, we are proud to share their success and achievements through this reception and engaging photography exhibit.”

All honorees will become part of History Fort Lauderdale’s permanent exhibition space devoted to telling our stories. Past honorees have included Rita Case, Burnadette Norris-Weeks, Susan Renneisen, Juliet Roulhac, Arlene Pecora, Laurie Sallarulo, Heather Geronemus, Stephanie Toothaker, Esq., Ramola Motwani, Sebrina María Alfonso, Melanie Dickinson, Kareen Boutros, Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, and Stacy Ritter.

History Fort Lauderdale and Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s “Women Trailblazers: Champions of Change - Broward County” 2026 is sponsored by UKG, Rick Case Automotive Group, BBX Capital, Henderson Behavioral Health, City & Shore PRIME magazine, Gulf Stream Distillery, Dillard’s and GPR | Goodman Public Relations.

Tickets for the March 26 recognition and benefit reception honoring today’s leaders are $50 and are available at: https://bit.ly/HFLWomenTrailblazers2026.

For more information about History Fort Lauderdale and Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s “Women Trailblazers: Champions of Change - Broward County” 2026, or to join this event as a sponsor, call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit: https://historyfortlauderdale.org. Additional information about Galleria Fort Lauderdale is available at: www.facebook.com/GalleriaFtLauderdale - Or: www.galleriamall-fl.com.

About Galleria Fort Lauderdale

Galleria Fort Lauderdale, recognized as one of South Florida's premier shopping destinations, features a variety of popular dining and retail options. Macy’s, Dillard’s and H&M anchor the center which also is home to Altar’d State, Apple, Banana Republic, Free People and Pandora. The center features a fine roster of dining establishments such as Seasons 52, The Capital Grille and P.F. Chang’s. Powerhouse Gym can also be found at the property. Just steps away from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach, it is minutes from the airport, port, downtown, hotels and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center with easy access from Sunrise Boulevard, U.S. Highway 1 (Federal Highway), Interstate 95, Interstate 595, and U.S. Highway A1A (Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard). Located at 2414 East Sunrise Boulevard, it is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Restaurants and anchors enjoy varied hours.

More information is available by calling: (954) 564-1015. Or by visiting: www.galleriamall-fl.com.