The JA Circle of Wise Women 2021 Rosé Soirée Raises Over $90,000!
Over 160 guests attended this year’s Junior Achievement of South Florida Rosé Soirée. The event is pink-covered classy evening of networking among some of South Florida’s most prominent female leaders, honoring the year’s Woman of Wisdom or “WOW” and raising funds for Junior Achievement programs and student scholarships.
The title sponsor, CITY Furniture, has a strong commitment to JA South Florida with Andrew Koenig, CITY’s President, being the Vice Chair of the Board. Andrew is a Tech Hub Board member as well.
“CITY is proud to support JA-South Florida. We are so proud of the work they do to help develop our youth, teach them financial skills and literacy and help get our future workforce ready for work. The work they do for these kids is nothing short of amazing, ‘ says Koenig.
‘The Circle of Wise Women is a vibrant group of women – who are passionate about and dedicated to Junior Achievement’s mission of empowering youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy, and lead our community.’ The JA Circle of Wise Women 2021 Rosé Soirée raised over $90,000!
The 2021 Woman of Wisdom honored was Rita Case, CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group. The Circle also pinned 16 new members, awarded three deserving female students with scholarships and celebrated being together again. One of those new members was Kimberly Sarni, Managing Director at South Florida Business & Wealth, a Tech Hub corporate member and partner.
Kim Sarni, Managing Director @ South Florida Business & Wealth (bottom left)
“Junior Achievement is one of the most amazing non-profits for the mere fact that children are learning the fundamentals in a real life environment. They are learning trades, managerial skills, governmental policies, all while working and managing their own business’s. After touring JA World, and realizing I had the opportunity to join The Circle of Wise Women. To be recognized in this community of leaders, inspiring women and most of all like minded individuals who are creatively changing children’s lives as inspired me to continue to give back,” said Sarni. She continued, “Laurie Sallarulo (JA President) and Diana Metcalf have been instrumental in my acceptance, and at our inductee ceremony I realized that so many of the Circle were friends of mine. I am so very humbled for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing organization.”
JA Fellows Incubator alumni. Left to right: Irlanda Velazquez, Aseel Ismail, Rose Octeus, Laurie Sallarulo (JA Pres), Cayla Rucker, Huguette St Hubert, Rita Case (W.O.W.)
This year’s event awarded three local girls and JA Fellows Company Incubator alumni as the Girl’s Scholarship Recipients which included our Tech Hub Community & Programs Intern, Huguette St. Hubert.
“We are incredibly proud of our three JA Circle of Wise Women Girls Scholarships Recipients: Arriyona Gillett (unable to attend), Huguette St. Hubert and Rose Octeus!” said Martha Rios, Director of Entrepreneurship Initiatives at JA South Florida. “These three outstanding ladies participated in JA Programs (JA Fellows and JA Summer Youth Employment) that allowed them to create real businesses during the school year and intern and local organizations like Tech Hub during the summer.”
Huguette told Tech Hub that, “This scholarship will be pivotal in helping me reach my career goal … and now understand the importance of soft and hard skills, networking, and professionalism. I feel more confident when I am applying for a job, interviewing for a position, and communicating with others. I now take ownership of my actions and responsibilities and portray the characteristics of a true leader.”
“I have become an open-minded person, ” says St. Hubert. “I take advantage of every opportunity that is provided to me. I believe that JA career bound truly taught me the skills necessary to be successful in today’s workforce. Thank you to Junior of Achievement of South Florida, Circle of Wise women, and all the supporters for those amazing opportunities. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the outstanding staff at JA for their hard work and dedication.”
When you’re asked to support Junior Achievement today, I hope you will give as generously as you can and support students like me,” urges St. Hubert.
To find out more about Junior Achievement South Florida and this year’s Circle of Wise Women’s Rosé Soirée: https://jasouthflorida.org/events/rose-soiree/