Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida Recognizes 4 Inspirational Women During 2026 Emerald Awards Broward County

Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida (GSSEF) honored four distinguished women during the 2026 Emerald Awards Broward County ceremony, held at the Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale. The luncheon raised nearly $145,000 to help bring the full Girl Scout experience directly back to the community to meet girls where they are.

The 2026 Emerald Awards Broward County recipients are Patty Jeffrey, Executive Vice President of International Operations for MedPro Healthcare Staffing; Malena Mendez, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County; Jessica Rodriguez, Co-founder and CEO of Cloud Nine Nonprofit Advisors; and Angelica “Angie” Santibáñez, Head of Community Engagement, Florida and Latin America for Amazon.

Emerald Awards celebrate extraordinary women who serve as role models for today’s girls. These women are leaders in their fields who inspire others through their words and actions. For generations, Girl Scouts has stood for empowerment, leadership and positive change. These four women embody those values through their courage, character, generosity and commitment to making a difference. They are leaders, mentors, advocates and community builders who are helping create a brighter future and showing girls what it means to dream big, lead with purpose and use their talents to make an impact.

“My Girl Scout journey began as a Brownie when I was in kindergarten in upstate New York. For the last 30 years, I have been honored to lead an incredible team and work alongside a dedicated board of directors who are deeply committed to our mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “It’s my privilege to celebrate these four remarkable women who are joining an extraordinary legacy of women who’ve been recognized with Emerald Awards. The meaningful impact Patty, Malena, Jessica and Angie continue to make in our community is truly inspirational. Our girls are fortunate to have such positive role models to look up to.”

Funds raised during the luncheon help bring the full Girl Scout experience directly back to the community to meet girls where they are. The program currently funds 835 girls in 55 troops that meet weekly in under-resourced communities, providing access to extracurricular programming and a sisterhood.

Rita Case, president, CEO and owner of Rick Case Automotive Group, served as the event’s honorary chair. A proud former Girl Scout, Case was honored during the 2025 Emerald Awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy. She announced that she will build upon existing automotive badges that Girl Scouts can earn by introducing a new, hands-on Career Spark experience for middle and high school girls to learn about career opportunities in the automotive industry, everything from vehicle safety and maintenance to engineering and design.

WPLG Local 10 reporter Linnie Supall, also a former Girl Scout, served as Mistress of Ceremonies. The event committee included Ashley Boxer, Malka Cabral, Kim Kisslan, Ellice Martinez, Robin Mason, Jennifer Montalto, Roseline Philippe and Stephanie Richards. GSSEF would also like to thank Girl Scouts Rebecca Alvarez from Troop 10393, Eileen Blumberg from Troop 12512, Myalin Santana from Troop 10276 and Madison Serro from Troop 12533 for their involvement.

The 2026 Emerald Awards Broward County is the first GSSEF event to surpass $100,000 in sponsorships. This milestone will enable more girls to discover their strengths, build confidence and dream big as a member of the Girl Scouts, thanks to the generous support of Emerald Legacy Sponsor Rick Case Automotive Group; Diamond Sponsor UKG; Ruby Sponsor Publix Super Markets Charities; Award Sponsors Amazon, FPL, HCA Florida Healthcare and Right Management ManpowerGroup; Sapphire Sponsor Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital; Décor Sponsor Baptist Health; Opal Sponsors Broward Health and First Horizon Bank; Pearl Sponsors Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, Florida Blue, La Croix and PNC Bank; Friends of Girl Scouts Ann’s Florist and Coffee Bar, Fiserv, Kim Kisslan, Andrea Levenson and Linda Strutt, Consulting, Inc.; and Table Sponsors Cloud Nine Nonprofit Advisors and MedPro Healthcare Staffing.

Meet the 2026 Emerald Awards Broward County Recipients

Patty Jeffrey, RN of Sunrise exemplifies transformative leadership through more than three decades of innovation, ethical leadership and service in the global healthcare industry. As Executive Vice President of International Operations at MedPro Healthcare Staffing, she has helped shape the future of healthcare workforce solutions while strengthening access to quality patient care worldwide. Beginning her career as a bedside nurse, Jeffrey built her leadership foundation on compassion, clinical excellence and firsthand patient care experience. She later became a recognized pioneer in international healthcare recruitment, helping address critical workforce shortages through ethical, sustainable recruitment practices that prioritize both healthcare systems and clinicians. Under her leadership, MedPro has expanded global partnerships, connecting skilled healthcare professionals with opportunities that improve lives and strengthen communities. Jeffrey’s influence extends beyond her organization. As a founding member and current president of the American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment, she has advanced ethical standards and responsible workforce solutions across the healthcare industry. Her leadership reflects courage, vision and a commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change. What sets Jeffrey apart is her dedication to empowering others, particularly women entering leadership roles. She leads with authenticity, humility and resilience, fostering a culture where individuals are encouraged to grow, take risks and lead with confidence. Through mentorship and advocacy, she inspires the next generation to pursue ambitious goals with integrity and compassion. Jeffrey serves as a powerful role model for today’s girls, demonstrating that leadership is rooted in service, innovation and lifting others up. Her journey from bedside nurse to global healthcare executive shows young women that determination, purpose and courage can create extraordinary impact locally and around the world.

Wilton Manors resident Malena Mendez exemplifies visionary leadership through her unwavering commitment to mentorship, educational opportunity and community impact. Since becoming President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County (BBBS Broward) in 2021, she has led the organization through transformational growth, expanding its reach and strengthening its ability to serve youth across South Florida. With more than 25 years of experience in fundraising, marketing and nonprofit leadership, Mendez has built strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives that are changing the lives of thousands of children. One of her most impactful accomplishments is the creation of the Big Futures Presidential Class partnership with Ana G. Méndez University, which provides full scholarships, mentorship and educational support to BBBS Broward students pursuing higher education. Under her leadership, BBBS Broward also launched the Broward Bigger Better Stronger campaign, raising more than $1.1 million and significantly reducing the number of children waiting to be matched with mentors. She continues to lead the ambitious Path to 3,000 initiative, focused on dramatically expanding access to mentorship opportunities for Broward youth. Mendez’s leadership extends beyond fundraising and organizational growth. As a former Big Sister herself, she understands firsthand the transformative power of mentorship and leads with empathy, authenticity and compassion. She has dedicated decades to volunteerism and community service through organizations including Leadership Broward, Hispanic Unity of Florida and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. Mendez serves as a powerful role model for today’s girls by demonstrating that leadership is rooted in service, resilience and lifting others up. As a successful Latina leader, mentor, mother and advocate, she inspires young women to dream boldly, lead confidently and use their voices to create meaningful change in their communities.

Jessica Rodriguez of Fort Lauderdale exemplifies the spirit of the Emerald Award through more than two decades of leadership in Broward County’s nonprofit sector. As co-founder and CEO of Cloud Nine Nonprofit Advisors, a women-owned consulting firm celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, she has dedicated her career to strengthening nonprofit organizations and helping communities thrive. In 2021, she took a bold entrepreneurial leap to co-found Cloud Nine, recognizing a need for trusted guidance that combines strategic expertise with compassion and purpose. Through her leadership, nonprofit organizations nationwide have expanded their impact, strengthened operations and increased their ability to serve others more effectively. Rodriguez’s leadership is defined by her ability to identify needs and create lasting solutions. During her eight years at Arc Broward, where she served as Chief Marketing & Development Officer, she helped launch the Miss Arc Broward Pageant, which celebrates young girls with disabilities while building confidence and self-esteem. Now in its 13th year, the pageant has positively impacted countless families throughout Broward County. Her career also includes leadership roles with South Florida PBS and service on the board of the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, where she continues advocating for children and families. In 2021, she earned her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential, and in 2023 was recognized as a Prestigious Women Awards Honoree by South Florida Business & Wealth.

Angelica “Angie” Santibáñez of Miami leads community engagement for Amazon across Florida and Latin America, where she turns corporate resources into real opportunity for the people and organizations shaping South Florida. She's a connector at heart, bringing together partnerships, sponsorships and purpose to create lasting impact for youth and families throughout the region. Her work has been instrumental in deepening Amazon's partnership with GSSEF, including sponsorship of both the Emerald Awards and Gold Awards. Through that commitment, more girls across Broward, Palm Beach and Martin Counties have gained access to leadership development, STEM education, entrepreneurship and community service programs that build the confidence and skills to lead. Beyond securing resources, Santibáñez rolls up her sleeves. She builds relationships, shows up for the community and advocates for programs that open doors for young people who might not otherwise have them. Whether she's connecting a nonprofit to the right funding, mentoring emerging leaders or championing initiatives that center equity and access, her approach is always grounded in collaboration. Although Santibáñez was never a Girl Scout herself, she embodies the organization's values as if they were written into her DNA. She believes authentic leadership starts with service and lifting others, and she shows girls that success isn't just about professional achievement — it's about the positive difference you make in your community. Through her advocacy and dedication, she inspires young people to lead with courage, compassion and purpose, living proof that investing in the next generation is the most meaningful work a leader can do.

GSSEF also hosts Emerald Awards in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Emerald Awards Martin County is currently accepting nominations until October 9. The award luncheon will take place on Monday, February 22, 2027 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sailfish Point Country Club in Stuart. Tickets are $175 and sponsorships opportunities are available. For more information, contact Events Manager Mandy Winkle at mwinkle@gssef.org. The 2027 Emerald Awards Palm Beach County luncheon will take place on Friday, April 30, 2027 at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. The nomination window is not yet open. To learn more, visit gssef.org.

Please contact Elle Harrigan, MNM, CFRE, Chief Advancement Officer, at 561-815-1792 or eharrigan@gssef.org for more information on how to support GSSEF.

About Girl Scouts

We are the preeminent leadership development organization for girls who believe that every girl can be a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader with the power to change the world. More than any other organization in our community, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida empowers girls ages 5 to 17 with vision and voice—girls who command their future, engage their communities, and inspire others. We offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida serves more than 6,900 girls in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties. To explore opportunities to volunteer or partner with Girl Scouts, call 561-427-0177 or visit www.gssef.org.