• Arts & Entertainment:  Nicole Henry, Jazz vocalist and named "Best Local Musician 2002" and "Best Jazz Artist 2005" by Miami New Times
• Business and Economics: local entrepreneur Jennifer Behar of Jennifer's Homemade Inc.
• Communications and Literature:  CL Conroy, The Conroy Martinez Group
• Education and Research:  Jeanne F. Jacobs, Ph.D., President of Miami Dade College's Homestead Campus
• Government and Law:  Florida State Representative Yolly Roberson
• Health and Human Services:  Adriana Cora, Executive Vice President of the League Against Cancer
• Science and Technology:  Dr. Suzanne Koptur, FlU's Department of Biological Sciences
• Sports and Athletics:  Carmen Jackson, Miami Northwestern Senior High School

The Mayor's Pioneer Awards honors two women who have proven leadership, creativity, and vision in addressing community issues in Miami-Dade County within the past 10 years.

The winners of the Mayor's Pioneer Awards are:

• Francis "Dolly" MacIntyre - Founder, Dade Heritage Trust
• Dr. Eneida Roldan, M.D. - President and CEO, Jackson Health System

This year, two new categories were added - the Community Spirit Award and the Posthumous Award - adding to the eight professional categories and the Mayor's Pioneer Award category, extending the honor to more women.  The Community Spirit Award recognizes an outstanding woman who, through volunteerism and service, has made a difference within the community. No specific professional background is required for this nomination.  The Posthumous Award honors a woman who has passed away and recognizes her accomplishments within Miami-Dade County.

The winners of the Community Spirit Award and the Posthumous Award are:

• Community Spirit Award: Valda Clark Christian, Greater Miami Chapter of Links, Inc.
• Posthumous Award: Sandrell Rivers, Area Wide Arts Supervisor - Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Department
  

Nominations were solicited from the general public from May-December 2009 and nominees had to meet the following eligibility criteria reflecting continued accomplishments in her field in the following five areas:  professional development, community responsibility, leadership and vision, contribution to women's progress, and promotion of pluralism.  Winners were chosen by a selection panel comprised of some of last year's winners and the event's organizing committee.

Tickets for the Award Ceremony at the Biltmore Hotel are $40 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 305-358-5885 or at Miami Dade County Auditorium during regular business hours and free of Ticketmaster service charges.  For more information on In the Company of Women, please call Lisa Fernandez at the Women's Park at 305-480-1717.

Miami-Dade Parks, a three-time National Gold Medal Award (AAPRA and NRPA) winner, Florida Governor's 2009 Sterling Award winner, and an accredited agency, is the third largest park system in the United States, consisting of 262 parks and more than 12,668 acres of land.  It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the nation.  Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises after-school, sports-development and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; arts and culture programs and events; environmental restoration efforts; Miami MetroZoo and Deering Estate; Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Ericsson Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; and more.  The Miami-Dade Parks mission is to create outstanding recreational, natural and cultural experiences to enrich you and to enhance the quality of life for our community for this and future generations.