Miami Lakes Cultural Affairs Committee hosted a luncheon on Saturday, March 3, in honor of Women’s History Month. Miami Lakes resident and former Town Councilmember Mary Collins was the luncheon’s keynote speaker. The event was held at the Robert Alonso Community Center, 16500 N.W. 87 Avenue.
Collins, born July 5, 1932 in New York City, graduated from Stella Maris Academy and attended Dade Community College,, She married USMC Major John Collins in 1965. Living in Regatta Pointe, she is a member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church.
From 1984 to 1992, Collins served as the vice-chair of the Dade County Republican Executive Committee under former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. In 2001, she was elected to the founding Miami Lakes Town Council where she helped launch citizen committees for Cultural Affairs, Youth Activities, Economic Development, Beautification, Elderly Affairs and Education.
During the luncheon, eight women who either live or work in the Town of Miami Lakes, were honored as Women of Distinction Award winners following their nominations by members of the community.
The award recipients included:
• Arts: Ginette Lilo, Adult Painting class instructor
• Business: Haydee Sera, Miami Lakes Bar Association
• Community and Civic Affairs: Magaly Rubio, Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Zonta Club
• Education: Dr. Dionne Stephens, Florida International University
• Health Services: Giannie Castellanos De Cardenas, Infinite Vision Eyecare
• Humanitarian: Daylin Garcia, Giving Gators
• Volunteer: Felicia Salazar, Cultural Affairs and Neighborhood Improvement Committee
For more information about the Cultural Affairs Committee and its events, visit www.miamilakes-fl.gov/cac, or contact Community Engagement & Outreach director Clarisell De Cardenas at 305-512-7133, or decardenasc@miamilakes-fl.gov.