March of Dimes: Women of Distinction

THE EVENT  Since 1995, The March of Dimes has honored over 170 women who have made significant contributions to Broward County. Our honorees are leaders in their fields, innovators of unique programs and services, and life long advocates for promoting equality for women and girls everywhere. Some of them conquere extraordinary obstacles along their personal and professional journeys. Others pave the way for future generations to succeed with confidence. Yet all of them demonstrate a commitment to work, attention to duty, and love of community that inspire, educate, heals, and uplifts Broward County in good and bad times. They are making today and tomorrow better than yesterday for all of us.

2013 Honorees:

• Kathleen Cannon, United Way of Broward County
• Rosa Marie Cossick, Broward Sheriff’s Office
• Roni Leiderman, Ph.D Nova Southeastern University
• Angela T. Messam, Messam Construction/Asset Realty & Associates, LLC
• Dr. April Patterson, DDS, Dr. Patty Dental Boutique
• Donna Riordan, RN, MSN, MHA Holy Cross Hospital
• Tonia Etta Royster, Broward Health
• Eris Sandler, BankUnited
• Nicky Tesser, Covelli Enterprise (Panera Bread)

THE CAUSE  The March of Dimes helps moms have full term pregnancies and healthy babies. This year the March of Dimes celebrates its milestone 75th Anniversary, an important milestone and a time to acknowledge how the organization has changed the fabric of families, babies and the nation. More than 4 million babies are born in the United States each year and the March of Dimes helps each and every one of them through research, education, vaccines, and medical breakthroughs. They are hard at work on the next breakthrough – finding a way to effectively prevent premature birth, which affects 500,000 families every year.

TICKETS  Tickets cost $85 in advance and $95 at the door. Tables (10 seats) cost $1000. Contact Denise Jordan at or 954.300.2614. Purchase tickets online at www.marchofdimes.com/florida/events. 

THE SPONSORS  BankUnited, Sunshine Health – Top Corporate Partner: Publix – Top Media Partner: New Lifestyle Club

PHOTO  Left to Right: Rose Marie Cossick, Eris Sandler, Dr. April Patterson, Roni Leiderman, Ph.D, Angela Messam, Kathleen Cannon, Nicky Tesser, Donna Riordan

Not pictured: Tonia Etta Royster