Health Foundation of South Florida Celebrates Five Years of Honoring Inspiring Women of Health 

Spotlighting leaders driving health equity and transforming communities 

 

 MIAMI, FL, MARCH 24, 2025 – In a powerful celebration of Women’s History Month, the Health Foundation of South Florida proudly commemorated the fifth anniversary of its Inspiring Women of Health awards, recognizing 10 extraordinary women whose impactful contributions are transforming community health and well-being across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties. 

 Honorees for 2025 included: 

  • Amy L. Halstead , MBA, CEO at Rural Health Network of Monroe County, Florida Inc. 
  • Caitlin Stella, MPH – CEO at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital 
  • Dr. Yvonne Johnson, Vice President & Chief Medical Officer at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital 
  • Felicia Hart, Chief Operating Officer at Broward Community and Family Health Centers 
  • Josefina Carbonell, Chief Advocacy Officer at Independent Living Systems 
  • Maria Hernandez, LCSW – Chief Program Officer at United Way of Broward County 
  • Pamela Africk, CEO at BestPractices USA, Inc 
  • Shameka Pierce, Peacemaker and Coordinator at Circle of Brotherhood 
  • Stephanie Berman-Eisenberg, President at Carrfour Supportive Housing 
  • Vicky Sabharwal, MBA, VP & CEO at Behavioral Health Hospital Jackson Health System and Community Mental Health Center at Jackson 

“These honorees exemplify the leadership, resilience, and passion required to create real, lasting impact in our communities,” said Loreen Chant, President & CEO of the Health Foundation of South Florida. “As we celebrate five years of this initiative, we honor not only their incredible achievements but also the collective progress they represent in advancing health equity. Their work serves as an inspiration and a call to action for all of us.” 

On March 20, these extraordinary women were celebrated at a special luncheon, where Loreen Chant and NBC6 news anchor Constance Jones delivered inspiring remarks on their vital contributions to advancing health equity and improving lives. Through their commitment, perseverance, and innovation, these honorees have paved the way for a more equitable and inclusive future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

Since 2021, the Health Foundation has recognized 70 trailblazing women, including CEOs, public officials, nonprofit leaders, and healthcare professionals—each committed to creating a healthier, more just future. 

Click here to read more about the 2025 honorees. 

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About Health Foundation of South Florida: 

Health Foundation of South Florida has been serving South Florida for over 30 years, investing more than $151 million in nonprofits that provide programs and services in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. The Health Foundation’s mission is to be a catalyst for collaborations, policy changes, and systems changes that improve the health of South Florida communities, with a focus on vulnerable, low to moderate-income populations. For more information, visit www.hfsf.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.