MIAMI, March 24, 2025 – In honor of Women’s History Month, the Health Foundation of South Florida celebrated the fifth anniversary of its Inspiring Women of Health awards, recognizing 10 outstanding women whose work is reshaping the landscape of community health and well-being across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties.

The 2025 honorees, all exceptional leaders in health equity, are at the forefront of creating lasting change in their communities. The honorees include:

  • Amy L. Halstead, MBA, CEO, Rural Health Network of Monroe County, Florida Inc.
  • Caitlin Stella, MPH, CEO, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
  • Dr. Yvonne Johnson, Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Baptist Health South Miami Hospital
  • Felicia Hart, Chief Operating Officer, Broward Community and Family Health Centers
  • Josefina Carbonell, Chief Advocacy Officer, Independent Living Systems
  • Maria Hernandez, LCSW, Chief Program Officer, United Way of Broward County
  • Pamela Africk, CEO, BestPractices USA, Inc.
  • Shameka Pierce, Peacemaker and Coordinator, Circle of Brotherhood
  • Stephanie Berman-Eisenberg, President, Carrfour Supportive Housing
  • Vicky Sabharwal, MBA, VP & CEO, Behavioral Health Hospital Jackson Health System and Community Mental Health Center at Jackson

“These honorees exemplify the leadership, resilience, and passion necessary to drive real, transformative impact in our communities,” said Loreen Chant, President & CEO of the Health Foundation of South Florida. “As we celebrate five years of this initiative, we honor their exceptional contributions and the collective progress they represent in advancing health equity. Their work is not only an inspiration but a call to action for all of us to continue striving toward a healthier, more just future.”

The recognition took place on March 20 at a special luncheon, where Loreen Chant, alongside NBC6 news anchor Constance Jones, highlighted the honorees’ critical roles in improving health outcomes, especially in underserved communities. Through their dedication, these women are leading the charge toward a more equitable healthcare system that ensures everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Since its inception in 2021, the Health Foundation has honored 70 pioneering women, including CEOs, public officials, nonprofit leaders, and healthcare professionals, all dedicated to advancing health equity and creating a more inclusive future for South Florida’s vulnerable populations.

About Health Foundation of South Florida
For over 30 years, the Health Foundation of South Florida has been a catalyst for positive change in South Florida’s healthcare landscape, investing more than $151 million in nonprofits serving Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. The Foundation’s mission is to drive collaborations, policy changes, and systems improvements that advance health outcomes, with a focus on low to moderate-income communities. For more information, visit www.hfsf.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.