Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida Honors Five Women Leaders at Emerald Awards, Raising Over $110,000
The Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida's Emerald Awards recognized five exceptional women for their leadership and community impact while generating significant funding for programs that empower girls to become changemakers.
The Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida hosted the prestigious Emerald Awards ceremony in Broward County, celebrating female leadership and community impact while raising more than $110,000 to support programs that inspire girls to build courage, confidence and character. The event honored five remarkable women whose professional achievements and philanthropic work distinguish them as role models for young women.
Rita Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy, recognizing her decades-long legacy of transformative support for children and families in South Florida. Case, who wore her original Girl Scouts vest decorated with badges during the celebration, oversees the nation's largest retail automotive group owned and operated by a woman. Her philanthropic initiatives have generated more than $100 million for local organizations through programs like Rick Case Bikes for Kids and Rita Case WOMEN Build with Habitat for Humanity.
The four additional 2025 Emerald Awards honorees included Alisa Bert, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Broward Health, where she oversees a $1.9 billion budget and has led initiatives resulting in multiple credit rating upgrades for one of the nation's largest public health systems. Rebecca Bratter, Deputy Managing Partner for Greenspoon Marder, was recognized for her two decades of driving national strategy and founding Kids Can, a nonprofit that encourages children to embrace volunteerism.
Cindy Mason, Market Leader for Florida Blue in Broward County, brings more than 20 years of leadership experience from companies including Eli Lilly & Company and Kindred Healthcare. Julie Price, President and CEO of Arc Broward, was honored for her nearly 40 years of advancing inclusion and equity for individuals with disabilities, having risen from Direct Support Professional to CEO of the organization.
Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, emphasized the importance of these role models, stating that they inspire daughters to find their voice, dream big and become confident women who create meaningful change. The luncheon event at the Four Seasons attracted more than 200 guests and featured a silent auction, honoree recognition, and a panel discussion with the award recipients emceed by trial lawyer and legal analyst Katie Phang.
The fundraising success will directly support Girl Scouts programs across six counties, serving 6,100 girls and engaging 3,600 volunteers. Major sponsors included UKG as Diamond Sponsor, with Publix Super Markets Charities and Rick Case Automotive Group serving as Ruby Sponsors. Additional support came from companies including Amazon, Florida Power and Light, and HCA Florida Healthcare. For more information about the organization's initiatives, visit www.gssef.org.