Hodges University to Host Second Annual “Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, Clarity and Commitment” Event

NAPLES, Fla. – January 22, 2018 – For the second year in a row, Hodges University will recognize six women who are making a difference in the local community at the “Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, Clarity and Commitment” event on March 2.
“As this is our second year for this event, we are honored to recognize these outstanding women. These are the unsung heroes of our community who are going above and beyond and challenging the status quo,” said Gail B. Williams, chief diversity officer at Hodges University. “This event is a celebration of their efforts to create a better and stronger community.”
The 2018 honorees include:

• Linda Lislane A. Bruce, House of Gaia (posthumously) – Accepted by her daughter, Lulu Carter, Founder BeeGaia/ House of Gaia Community Learning Center
• Lisa “Akita” Cannon, President of the Citizen’s Foster Care Review Board
• Indera DeMine, Independent Immigration Attorney
• Beatrice Jacquet, President of the Haitian-American Democratic Club of Lee County
• Tracey M. Lanham, Associate Dean of the Fisher School of Technology at Hodges University
• Teresita Sanchez-McKay, President of the Philippine American International Society

Attendees will hear from two keynote speakers, Bevin Mugford, head of field development at Peach, and Yemisi Oloruntola-Coates, system director of diversity and patient care civil rights at Lee Health. This year’s honorary guest will be Bertha Eady.
The cost to attend is $45 and lunch will be included. Raffle prizes will be given away, so guests are encouraged to bring their business cards.
Register today to reserve your seat or become a sponsor at https://hu.formstack.com/forms/womens_history_month. Guests may also contact Gail B. Williams at [email protected] for more information.
About the Office of Diversity and Inclusion:
Hodges University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is dedicated to increasing diversity and promoting cultural competency among its students, faculty, staff and administration through education and activities. It builds bridges to the larger community by serving as the catalyst for social change and transformation as it relates to diversity and inclusion.