Girls Incorporated Announces 2023 Celebration Luncheon Honorees

March 1, 2023 – Sarasota

Girls Inc. of Sarasota County has announced that Claudia Cardillo, Renee Phinney and Cynthia S. Howard will be honored at its 33^rd Annual Celebration Luncheon, Thursday, April 20th, at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Luncheon chairs are Dr. LaShawn Frost and Kay Mathers.

The Girls Inc. Visionary Award is a board nominated award designated to honor those who not only believe in the mission of the organization, but also see the larger vision for the organization in the community and region.  Girls Inc. is recognizing Claudia Cardillo with this award.  Claudia is a long-term supporter of Girls Inc., and her efforts as a past board member have helped grow the organization. Claudia was instrumental in helping to set up businesses processes with experience from her professional career working at Ricoh International, Lenox China and Johnson and Johnson until her retirement. Additionally, Claudia has supported Girls Inc. as a Champion for Girls donor and volunteered her time for 8 years on the board of directors as vice chair of the board and chair of the development committee. Claudia’s contributions to Girls Inc. will continue to be realized for years to come.

The She Knows Where She’s Going Award will be presented to Renee Phinney and Cynthia Howard. The She Knows Where She’s Going Award recognizes individuals who are role models for women and girls in our community, have been supportive of Girls Inc. and its programs, and have demonstrated commitment to community activities, professional organizations or non-profit work that demonstrates a belief in contributing to others. 

Renee Phinney is a partner and vice president of sales at Palm Printing. She has been a leader in Sarasota’s print industry for 30+ years. Renee’s career has been focused on building relationships and partnerships with local businesses, including more than 15 local non-profits. She has worked with some of Sarasota’s unique and innovative brands and always brings a personal touch to everything she does. Renee’s experience in the printing and graphics industry has made her a creative and inspirational trailblazer in our community. Renee has a long history of supporting local non-profits like Girls Inc. and is a big believer in inspiring women to take on leadership roles. 

Cynthia S. Howard, a Florida native, retired two years ago from the law firm of Fergeson Skipper, where she was a legal assistant, with over 40 years of experience in the legal field. Cynthia is an avid volunteer and leader that works with the next generation of leaders in the community. She serves as co-chair of the Advisory Council for Safe Children Coalition Achievers Program that empowers youth to set and achieve their goals in their educational and personal lives. She serves on the executive committee of the Sarasota NAACP and is a liaison with the local African American newspaper, Tempo News, by contributing stories about events of interest to the community. Cynthia has been an advocate and strong supporter of various women and youth causes and has helped to make positives changes in our community and beyond.

In addition to these awards, two Girls Inc. girls will be recognized this year. The She Knows Where She’s Growing Award will be presented to a middle school student, and the Strong, Smart, and Bold Leadership Award will honor an outstanding member of the Girls Inc. high school program. 

Sponsorships are now available and individual ticket sales will open on April 1, 2023 at https://girlsincsrq.org/celebration-luncheon/ or call 941-366-6646.