The Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women (OCCSW) celebrated the achievements and contributions of 14 remarkable women during their annual Women of Honor event on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the University of West Florida (UWF) Emerald Coast Campus.
- The “Women of Honor” program, first established as “Wall of Honor” by the OCCSW in 1997, serves as a platform to recognize women whose works might otherwise go unnoticed.
The event is traditionally held in May around Mother’s Day, providing an opportunity for individuals to honor the influential women in their lives, including their mothers.
During the ceremony, each honoree’s name was added to a plaque that will be displayed on the Wall of Honor at the UWF Emerald Coast campus library. Additionally, a letter containing the honoree’s photo, a brief nomination bio, and the names of the nominator(s) will be placed in the Book of Honor near the plaque.
The 2024 Women of Honor include:
- Audrey Adams – Assistant Director for the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Communications Division
- Megan Blancho – President of Okaloosa Chapter of Florida Association of Women Lawyers, dedicated to the development of professional relationships among women lawyers
- Daquiri Champion – Retired Registered Dietician in Nephrology, Pediatric Nutrition, Counseling and Geriatric Nutrition
- Sherry Cronley – Active volunteer with Fort Walton Beach Elk’s 1795, formerly a school teacher and now homeschooling her 14 year old grandson
- Sheryl “Sherry” Jones – Community & Public Relations Director for One Hopeful Place, Sheryl is responsible for securing funds
- Pam Lee – Volunteer with Elks Lodge 1795, Mardi Gras Club, River Rats, Destin Elementary, Corvette Club, Arc of the Emerald Coast and American Business Women’s Association
- Kathy Miller – volunteer, teacher and leader for 59 years at First Baptist Church’s International English School, longest running in the State of Florida
- Amanda Negron – CEO of Hsu Foundation and serves on the Senior Board of the Snowden-Horne Society, Children of the American Revolution
- Elizabeth “Liz” Qualiana – Residential Stability Coordinator Supervisor who works with people to find housing at One Hopeful Place
- June Scroggin – an activist volunteering with Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated (RWOF), Fresh Start, 100+ Women Who Care, Sleep in Heavenly Peace (building beds) and more
- Melinda Sousa – Founded Visiting You Senior Home Care dedicated to helping seniors find companionship.
- Neko Stubblefield – Vice President of Membership & Community Development for Eglin Federal Credit Union, fostering valuable partnerships
- Debbie Tate – Community Affairs Office Manager for Okaloosa County Public Schools Foundation
- Sabina Zunguze – A certified suicide prevention speaker and CEO of the Tatissa Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Social Justice Inc.
The Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women, established by the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) in 1995, is dedicated to eliminating barriers that prevent women from achieving their fullest potential through research, education, and communication.