Miami-Dade County celebrated the Silver Jubilee of In the Company of Women this past Thursday, March 7 at the Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne by honoring all the women who have been recognized for impacting the community in a positive way. The annual event, hosted by Miami-Dade Parks, The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade and the Miami-Dade Commission for Women annually honors women who have exemplified Professional Development, Community Responsibility, Leadership and Vision, Contribution to Women's Progress, and Promotion of Pluralism in the community.
Councilwoman Judy Waldman, who was honored in 2005 with the Pioneer Women Award of In The Company of Woman for her service and dedication to her community, attended this year’s events where past and present winners were recognized as part of the jubilee celebration.
“I commend all the women that were honored this year and in the past for their dedication and exemplary service in our community,” said Councilwoman Waldman. “In the Company of Women is an inspiring program that honors those of us who have excelled in professionalism and service and is a great way to celebrate Women’s History Month.”
In the Company of Women was created in 1989 as a way to unite the diverse population of Miami-Dade County by recognizing outstanding women who have impacted our community in a positive way. Winners are from many professions including government and politics, law, health, education, the arts, sports, business, journalism and the social sciences. This popular and prestigious event serves as part of Women's History Month, observed annually in March. The event has received recognition from the National Association of Counties and the Southern Region of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. In the Company of Women is part of the programming presented by Miami-Dade Parks' Women's Park. Officially dedicated in 1992, The Women's Park honors all women in Miami-Dade County in recognition of their diverse contributions to improving our community's quality of life.
City of Homestead Councilwoman Judy Waldman, who has been a member of the Homestead City Council since November of 2001, has made various contributions to her community. Among her contributions is the creation and adoption of the first Parks Master’s Plan in the City of Homestead, which included improvements to all of the community parks. Councilwoman Waldman envisioned and brought forward the development of the Biscayne-Everglades Greenway, a multipurpose park and trail system that connects Biscayne National Park to Everglades National Park.
Councilwoman Waldman has also been an avid fundraiser for the American Cancer Society since 1986 and has served as chair and lead organizer of the Homestead Relay for Life. She and her husband, Dr. Mervin Waldman, also founded the Little Angels Foundation in 1999, a non-profit organization that supports children with developmental, learning, and emotional problems. She is also a charter member of the Homestead Hospital Pineapple Gala Committee, which helps raise funds for the pediatric ward. She has also conducted various relief drives, most recently one to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Councilwoman Waldman is not only dedicated to help her community but to acknowledge those who serve as well. She founded the Kindness Awards during Hurricane Andrew’s 10th Anniversary as a way to recognize individuals who perform acts of kindness in times of need.
