Celebrating Community Leaders: Palm Beach Atlantic University's 2026 Women of Distinction Luncheon

Honoring Community Leaders: 2026 Women of Distinction Luncheon

Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is gearing up for its 34th Annual Women of Distinction (WOD) Luncheon, a prestigious event dedicated to recognizing the exceptional contributions of women in the community. Scheduled for February 17, 2026, at The Breakers Palm Beach, this year’s event highlights the continued commitment of PBA to support student scholarships through generous sponsorships and community contributions.

A Tradition of Excellence

The Women of Distinction Luncheon has a rich history, having initiated its scholarship program in 1996. To date, 73 students have benefited from the WOD scholarship, which aims to acknowledge and foster the potential of outstanding women. This year, thanks to the significant support from lead sponsor SROA Capital, the university plans to expand the scholarship offerings to 100 recipients. Ben Macfarland, CEO and co-founder of SROA Capital, shared his pride in supporting initiatives that fortify the community and cultivate future leaders. His words resonate with the essence of this event, which aims to inspire both current and future generations.

Esteemed Honorees

The luncheon will honor Hilary Geary Ross and Sara McCann as the 2026 Women of Distinction recipients. Hilary Geary Ross, a notable author, has made significant contributions to the literary world with her coffee table books highlighting iconic locations. On the other hand, Sara McCann, the CEO and creative director of Hive Collective, leads a group of luxury brands that emphasize high-quality services. Their achievements exemplify the dedication to community values embraced by PBA.

Supporting Future Generations

The proceeds from the luncheon play a vital role in providing scholarships that enable deserving students at PBA to pursue their academic goals. Laura Bishop, the university's executive vice president of advancement, highlighted the vital contributions from individuals like Amanda Schumacher, who sponsored 50 scholarships, further emphasizing the event's mission. Amanda, a previous WOD honoree, leads the Tree of Life Foundation International, which supports global communities.

Recognizing Humanitarian Efforts

This year marks the third installment of the Humanitarian Award, which will be presented to Michele Rigby Assad, a PBA alumna and former CIA Intelligence Officer. Her dedication to international diplomacy and commitment to PBA exemplify the spirit of servant leadership that the Women of Distinction Luncheon seeks to celebrate.

Community Engagement

Members of the Women of Distinction Committee play an essential role in organizing the event, ensuring a meaningful celebration of extraordinary women. Among them are Frances Fisher, Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, and Evelyn Mahanes, who embody the communal spirit and dedication to championing women's causes.

Join Us

Tickets for the Women of Distinction Luncheon are priced at $450 per person, with all proceeds going directly to the scholarship fund. This event not only recognizes the outstanding contributions of women leaders but also serves as a fundraiser to invest in the education of future female leaders. PBA is committed to equipping students with the tools to excel in their endeavors while emphasizing values that empower and uplift society.

To learn more or purchase tickets, visit pba.edu/wod. In an era where community support and dedication to service are more critical than ever, attending this luncheon presents an opportunity to celebrate and contribute to the uplifting endeavors that shape our future leaders.