Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida Honors Five Outstanding Female Leaders in Martin County

More than 140 guests gathered to honor women who demonstrate creativity, problem-solving skills and innovation in their fields and communities during the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida Annual Emerald Awards Martin County Luncheon. The afternoon of recognition and celebration honored five remarkable women at Sailfish Point Country Club in Stuart and raised nearly $80,000 in support of Girl Scout programs and leadership opportunities.

The changemakers and visionaries honored this year serve as powerful role models for young women in the community. The 2026 honorees are Lorna Day, Owner and Founder of Ooo La La, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy; Noreen Fisher, retired from Morgan Stanley; Lisa Holland, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sheltair; Nicole Kirchhoff, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Life Advantage Bait LLC.; and Annita McKnight, Youth Advisor for Martin County NAACP Branch 5085B.

“These extraordinary women exemplify leadership, generosity and a commitment to strengthening our community,” said Lisa Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “By celebrating their achievements, we hope to inspire the next generation of girls to lead with confidence, pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact in the world.”

The Emerald Awards honorary chair was Tammy Stefanovic, and event committee chair was Jennifer Sardone Shiner. Committee members included Beth Galt-Salsamendi, Mary Gavin, Kathleen Hillman, Rose Novotny and Ofelia Utset.

In addition to the recognition ceremony, guests at the luncheon also enjoyed a networking reception and silent auction.

Proceeds raised at the Emerald Awards Martin County directly contribute to ensuring that every girl in the community has access to experiences offered by Girl Scouts, regardless of financial constraints. Through the generosity of attendees and sponsors, the impact will empower girls to explore their passions, develop crucial skills and become tomorrow’s leaders.

Ruby Sponsor of the 2026 Emerald Award Martin County was Publix Super Markets Charities; Award Sponsors were Amazon and Florida Power & Light; Opal Sponsors were Ballentine Partners and Noreen and Rip Fisher; Pearl Sponsors were LaCroix Water and PNC Bank; Table Sponsors were Lisa Holland – Sheltair and the Stefanovic Family; JSS Marketing and Public Relations as well as Erb and Young were Friend of Girl Scouts Sponsors.