FORT LAUDERDALE (March 6, 2018) – Marcia Barry-Smith, Director of Community Outreach and Program Services for Habitat for Humanity of Broward, was recently honored by the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) at its 5th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Breakfast.
Marcia Barry-Smith (center) celebrates Women of Distinction Award
Barry-Smith was recognized for her leadership in the community and awarded in front of family, friends, and colleagues and one of ten women honored as Broward County’s most influential women.
Highly regarded as an expert in community development around the nation, Barry-Smith’s nationally acclaimed program Homeless to Homeowner has placed hundreds of formerly homeless families into homeownership, empowering them to reach for independence and financial fitness. In October of 2017, Barry-Smith received an Economic Opportunity Award from the Broward County Chapter of the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA). She also serves on numerous boards including the Broward County Housing Council and the Lauderhill Local Affordable Housing Committee.
The Women of Distinction Breakfast is the hallmark event produced by LRCC to honor dynamic women in Broward County. Having sold out three years in a row, the breakfast is attended by influential entrepreneurs, professionals and public officials. Other honorees this year included Jackie Nespral of NBC Channel 6, Juliet Murphy Roulhac of Florida Power & Light, Scarlette Adrienne Clarke of Yellow Cab Broward, Melida Akiti of Memorial Healthcare System, Major Nicole Anderson of Broward Sheriff’s Office, Bertha Watson Henry of Broward County, Dr. Winnifred McPherson of Virtue Medical Staffing Services, Djénane St. Fleur Gourgue of Haitian American Chamber of Commerce and Dr. Victoria Thurston a retired Elementary School Principal.
Prior, Women of Distinction alumni include power players like: Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief, Broward County Judge Ilona Holmes, and Urban League of Broward County CEO Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh.
