Miami Lakes honors Women of Distinction at luncheon

The town of Miami Lakes and its Cultural Affairs Committee honored nine Women of Distinction during a luncheon March 7 at Shula’s Hotel & Golf Club.
The winners (along with some information from their nomination forms) were:
Arts Barbara Baron, painter and owner of a graphics business who designed art for town beautification programs.
Business Kimberly Trelles, co-owner of The Trelles Cottage clothing and décor business.
Honorary Education Kim Darmanin Martin, a dedicated teacher of special needs children, most recently at Palm Lakes Elementary School in Hialeah before her death from cancer at age 48 on Nov. 8, 2019.
Education Breny DaParre Garcia, Ph.D, associate vice president, student health and wellness, Florida International University.
Humanitarian Gloria Garcia, attorney, co-founder and board member of the Miami Lakes Bar Association; founder of law clubs at area schools, cancer fighter as a lobbyist and fundraiser. She was the 2017 Winner in the Business category for her workers compensation law practice.
Community and Civic
Affairs Mirta Mendez, a regular attendee at town meetings and a community volunteer.
Health Services Erika
Velez-Pablos, Psy.D, whose practice and podcast are called The Mindful Corner.
Government Town Councilwoman Marilyn Ruano, called a tireless worker on behalf of residents.
Volunteer Claudia Luces, who works to benefit children attending area schools.
--Linda Trischitta