Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida Hosts the 2025 Martin County Emerald Awards Community leaders to be honored

Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida Hosts the 2025 Martin County Emerald Awards
Community leaders to be honored
 
Lake Worth, Florida (January 8, 2024) – The Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida has announced the 2025 Martin County Emerald Award recipients who will be recognized for their exceptional leadership, service and commitment to the community on Friday, February 7 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sailfish Point Country Club in Stuart.
 
The Emerald Awards shine a spotlight on outstanding women who create meaningful change within their fields and serve as role models for the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. Each honoree exemplifies leadership, community impact and dedication to empowering the next generation of changemakers.
 
The 2025 Martin County Emerald Award honorees are:
 
Maureen Cotter, President of Impact100 Martin: As President of Impact100 Martin, Maureen Cotter embodies the spirit of the Girl Scouts mission by empowering women to drive transformational change in Martin County. Under her leadership, the organization has invested more than $1.8 million in community projects since 2017, addressing critical needs and fostering innovation. Cotter’s dedication extends to her involvement with St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, where her faith and service inspire others. Her unwavering commitment to empowering women and transforming her community makes her a powerful role model for today’s girls by demonstrating the importance of courage, confidence and character.
 
Beth Garcia Svopa, Senior Vice President of Brown & Brown Insurance: Beth Garcia Svopa has been a steadfast leader in her community for decades, driven by a deep passion for giving back. With more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, she has earned numerous accolades for her expertise. Beyond her professional success, Svopa is active in the community serving as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club of Martin County and actively supporting youth empowerment programs. She is a former board member of Cancer Alliance of Help and Hope and the National Association of Women in Construction. She also supports the Children’s Museum, PAL of Martin County, CareBag and the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, exemplifying leadership and inspiring philanthropy among young women.
 
Stacy Hetherington, Vice Chair of the Martin County Board of County Commissioners: As a third-generation Martin County resident, Stacy Hetherington has built a successful career as a realtor and governmental affairs professional where she has actively contributed her expertise to local nonprofits, helping to provide resources and support to those in need and fostering a stronger community. As a board member of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, Hetherington advocates for the health and well being of mothers and babies, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing future generations. In addition, Hetherington is also active in the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association, Associated General Contractors, Florida Marine Contractors Association, Florida Transportation Builders Association and local chambers of commerce where she strives to create positive change. Through her advocacy and commitment to service, she inspires young women to pursue their dreams and take on leadership roles in their communities.
 
Tammy Stefanovic, Business Development and Strategy of Cognegenics: Tammy Stefanovic is a dynamic leader with a distinguished career in the pharmacy industry. A longtime Girl Scout volunteer, Stefanovic supports programs that nurture confidence and leadership in girls. She is with the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and Morningside Academy, where she combines her dedication to education and faith. By participating in these initiatives, she not only supports her daughter's educational journey but also contributes to the well-being of the broader community. Sefanovic serves as an inspiring role model for young women as she exemplifies the values of leadership, mentorship and service, encouraging others to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities.
 
“The Martin County Emerald Awards represent the essence of what it means to lead with purpose and inspire others,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “We are thrilled to honor these outstanding women while supporting our mission to prepare today’s Girl Scouts for tomorrow’s challenges.”
 
Sponsors of the 2025 Emerald Awards – Martin County are Publix Super Market Charities, Amazon, HCA Florida Healthcare, PNC Bank and JSS Marketing and Public Relations.
 
Emerald Award sponsorships start at $500 and individual tickets are $150. To purchase tickets and sponsorships, please visit https://bit.ly/3ZGe5b3.
 
About Girl Scouts 
We are the preeminent leadership development organization for girls who believe that every girl can be a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader with the power to change the world. More than any other organization in our community, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida empowers girls ages 5 to 17 with vision and voice—girls who command their future, engage their communities, and inspire others. We offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida serves more than 6,900 girls in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties. To explore opportunities to volunteer or partner with Girl Scouts, call 561-427-0177 or visit www.gssef.org.