weVENTURE Women’s Business Center (WBC) at Florida Tech’s Bisk College of Business honored six winners at its 2025 Women Who Rock Awards in March.
The sold-out luncheon, held in honor of Women’s History Month, celebrated a total of 45 nominees at the Hilton Rialto in Melbourne. More than 400 people attended.
“These awards help fulfill the mission of weVENTURE WBC to be the leading voice and resource for professional women by elevating the profile of outstanding women leaders in our community,” weVENTURE Executive Director Kathryn Rudloff said in her opening remarks. “Plato said, ‘What is honored in a community will be cultivated there,’ and that is exactly why it is so important we give a platform to celebrate outstanding female leadership.”
The following winners were recognized at the awards ceremony:
Small Business Owner of the Year
Presented by Mica Layne, Bank of America
Courtney Arndt, founder and CEO, Florida Music Therapy
Arndt founded Florida Music Therapy in 2018, establishing the only music therapy practice in Brevard County. Serving six counties, Florida Music Therapy provides live and virtual individual and group sessions for clients with developmental disabilities, autism, PTSD, medical trauma and more. Arndt has partnered with organizations such as Complementary Cancer Care and the Down Syndrome Association of Brevard, offering no-cost group sessions, and has become a leader in her field, providing therapy to hundreds of clients and directing a national internship program.
Executive of the Year
Presented by Ricki Godsey, PNC Bank
Monica Newman McCluney, head of U.S. corporate social responsibility and The Embraer Foundation, Embraer
Newman is a visionary leader redefining corporate responsibility and equity. In her esteemed role, she has exceeded philanthropy targets by 50%, expanded the foundation’s budget by 200%, and launched impactful initiatives like the Educational Partnerships Program.
Newman’s leadership extends beyond business: she founded Embrace BOLD, chaired Embraer’s first Women’s Summit, and champions workforce initiatives that create real opportunities for women and people of color. She also serves on multiple boards, shaping the next generation of leaders. Over her career, she has driven over $100M into social justice and education.
Excellence in Mentorship
Presented by Kelly Swartz, Widerman Malek
Lucille D’Amico, chemistry teacher, Melbourne High School
An extraordinary mentor and educator, D’Amico goes above and beyond to support her students academically and personally. As a Pre-IB and IB chemistry teacher, she dedicates hours before, during and after school to ensure her students grasp complex concepts and succeed. A former student who nominated her spoke of D’Amico’s patience and kindness in helping struggling students and how she consistently challenged them to do their best.
Beyond the classroom, D’Amico supports student initiatives such as sponsoring the Haiti Helping Club, and she remains in touch with former students, guiding them through college and early career challenges. Her unwavering encouragement has helped countless students launch the careers of their dreams.
Women Trending in Tech
Presented by Misty Marot, Novel Engineering
Luna Majumder, Ph.D., scientist system engineer, L3Harris Technologies
A distinguished mechanical-systems engineer at L3Harris Technologies, Majumder has contributed to space vehicle programs and mechanical systems engineering. Over her career, she has taken on pivotal leadership roles, including divisional chief for Space Surveillance Systems. She also played a key role in negotiations with SpaceX, helping ensure the success of multiple missions while mitigating costs and delays. Majumder was recognized with the 2022 Technical Achievement Award from the Society of Women Engineers for her efforts.
With a P.h.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Miami and ongoing studies in space systems at Florida Tech, Majumder’s academic excellence matches her professional achievements. Beyond her technical expertise, she is a dedicated mentor, supporting STEM education through robotics programs and the NAACP’s ACT-SO initiative.
Excellence in Caregiving
Presented by Paula Just, Health First
Dr. Yoshita Patel Hosking, Owner, Viera Pediatric Dentistry
The owner of Viera Pediatric Dentistry, Patel Hosking has has ensured the oral health of thousands of Space Coast children over the years, including many with special needs. Her nomination notes that at least annually, she closes her practice to regular patients and with he team provides free oral surgeries for students from Endeavour Elementary School’s HUB program.
Patel Hosking attended Case Western Reserve University and completed dental school at the University of Michigan. Realizing that treating pediatric and special needs patients was her passion, she then completed her residency in pediatric dentistry and while completing a master’s degree in public health from the University of Texas at Houston.
Zonta Yellow Rose Award for Excellence in Community Service
Presented by Zonta of Melbourne Board Member Cathy Greene
Candice Hodge, vice president, education, Junior Achievement of the Space Coast
As vice president of education, Hodge drives mission-focused growth, balancing strategic “yeses” and essential “no’s” to maintain program integrity. Under her leadership, JA GLOW: Women in STEM inspired over 7,000 young women, and the JA HOPE Project embedded full-time support in high-need schools.
Hodge has transformed JASC’s impact, flipping the focus from elementary to secondary students, doubling student reach, and quadrupling Title I school engagement. Her strategic leadership places JASC in the top ten JA markets nationwide.
