Womens Business Center to Honor Bunny Finney, Bestow Joan Bixby Awards at March 16 Luncheon
MELBOURNE, FLA.—The Women’s Business Center (WBC) at Florida Institute of Technology will present its fourth annual luncheon to celebrate Women’s History Month and to support the National Women’s History Project (NWHP). Centered on the theme, “Our History is Our Strength,” the luncheon is set for March 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront. A community award and the Joan Bixby Award for deserving women in the community will be presented.
This year’s community award recipient is Merritt Island resident Marilyn J. “Bunny” Finney. Described as a critical thinker and visionary, she is an active community leader who has been involved in extensive civic work for more than 30 years. Her civic interests include strengthening and mobilizing the community, education and children.
“Her leadership has brought growth and committed participation to the organizations and community she has served,” said Donn Miller-Kermani, director of the WBC.
Finney has been recognized for her distinguished work by Florida Today, United Way of Brevard County, Children’s Home Society, Brevard Public Schools, Space Coast Business Marketing, the National Association for Community Leadership, LEAD Brevard, Junior League of Central & North Brevard and the March of Dimes.
In partnership with the university’s Alumni Association, The WBC will also honor three with the Joan Bixby award. The award will recognize a Florida Tech staff, faculty member and student (male or female) who enhance the climate for women’s participation and development on campus. The award is named in honor of Florida Tech alumna, former university administrator and Melbourne resident, Bixby. Earning a master’s degree in contract and procurement management in 1975, Bixby started her university career as development director in 1965. She left Florida Tech’s employ in 1975 for a career as a government contracting officer and remains an active member of the university community.
Founded in 1980, the NWHP successfully lobbied Congress to delegate March as National Women’s History Month in 1987. Its mission is to recognize and celebrate the diverse and historic accomplishments of women by providing information and educational materials and programs. The advocacy group is known today as the only institution that provides information and training in multicultural women’s history to those seeking to increase their awareness of women’s contributions in the United State.
The cost for the luncheon is $30 per person. Participants must RSVP to wbc@fit.edu. For more information, call the WBC at (321) 674-7007, or visit https://wbc.fit.edu/womenshistory/index.php.
