Women of Courage Shine in Florida

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Midia America Group hosted the 9th edition of the International Women of Leadership and Courage Award in Florida, bringing together 54 remarkable women whose leadership, professional achievements, and community impact continue to shape Central Florida’s development.

Held during a special breakfast, the event created an atmosphere of celebration, networking, and recognition. The honorees represent a wide range of sectors, including entrepreneurship, communications, education, business, the arts, and social impact, reflecting the growing influence of Brazilian women on Florida’s economy and cultural landscape.

“Each story is a testament to courage, vision, and the power of women to transform communities,” said Vanessa Caetano Salmeron, CEO of Midia America.

The ceremony brought together prominent community leaders and representatives of key organizations, including Caroline Fischer Espi, President of the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida; Claudia Maria de Menezes, Director at Visit Orlando; Andressa Martins, CEO of the World Advertising Festival of Gramado; Luciana Eliseu, President of LIDE Mulher Orlando; and Débora Mendonça, elected President of the Alumni Executive Board at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

Members of the Brazilian press in Florida were also present, including Neise Cordeiro (Gazeta News), Karlla Marinho (Record Americas), and Renata Miranda (Radio Florida), reinforcing the importance of media representation in amplifying women’s voices.

The event additionally highlighted influential female networking groups, such as Amigas nos EUA, represented by Izi Pinho and Carol Larson, who lead the organization’s Women’s Council.

A special moment of the ceremony was the launch of the event’s institutional book, featuring profiles of all honorees and showcasing a symbolic cover artwork created by Brazilian artist Adriana Moa, a tribute to the strength, leadership, and resilience of the women recognized over the years.

A Historic Visit to Orlando City Hall

As part of the official program, 32 of the honorees participated in an institutional visit to Orlando City Hall on March 10, a milestone for the Brazilian community in the United States.

The group presented the commemorative book and the original artwork that inspired its cover. They were welcomed by Luis Martinez, Multicultural Affairs Director, and Andrea Otero, Press Officer for the City of Orlando, with Claudia Menezes, board advisor at Visit Orlando, in attendance.

The visit took place during Women’s History Month, officially recognized by the City of Orlando from March 1 to 31 through a proclamation by Mayor Buddy Dyer.

“This visit is more than symbolic; it’s a recognition of the Brazilian community’s growing role in shaping Florida’s future,” said Claudia Menezes.

The initiative was coordinated by Vanessa Caetano Salmeron, CEO of Midia America Group and Director of Relations and Network at ABI Inter – International Brazilian Press Association.

Honorees of the 2026 International Women of Leadership and Courage Award

Adriana Moa, Aliane Septer, Ana Caroline Rodrigues Fonseca, Ana Paula Araujo, Andrea Bowers, Andressa Martins, Barbara Di Matteo, Birgit Daniel, Carol Larson, Caroline Fischer Espi, Cissa Gomes, Claudia Bacos, Claudia Bustamante Guimaraes Melo, Claudia Maria de Menezes, Cristina Faria, Cristina K. Pinto Rocha, Daniella Dutra, Daniella Escobar, Debora Ruas, Débora Mendonça, Denise Rotondo Almeida, Edilaine Raissa Pereira, Elaine Braga Balym, Girlene Marques Rodrigues, Helena Paula de Pinho Hutchinson, Isabella Pimenta, Izi Pinho, Jaqueline S. Fonseca, Janaina Brilhante, Jéssyca Monteiro, Jucelia Silveira Lima, Juliana Evangelista Ferraz, Karlla Marinho S. J. Pereira, Kelly Dobes, Luciana Eliseu, Luciana Moschen, Maristela Lucas, Miriam Brilhante, Neise Cordeiro, Patricia Ferreira, Patricia Kalisensky, Paula Menna Barreto Hall, Priscila Triska, Renata Miranda, Rosana Rotondo Almeida, Roseli Pereira, Samira Pugliesi, Soraya Meira, Thais Pedrosa Ribeiro de Oliveira, Val Justo, Vanessa Klein, Veronica Ferreira Braga, Viviane Rodrigues.