Submitted Jenna Swanson
BROWARD COUNTY – The YMCA of South Florida announced the 2024 recipients of the Spirit of Community Award and Dave W. Cash Youth Leadership Award in Broward County during its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Breakfast at First Baptist in Fort Lauderdale. Presented by JM Family Enterprises, the breakfast was one of several YMCA events held in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, that also included a Teen Town Hall at Boyd H. Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, an Inspirational Luncheon in Miami and a Day of Service in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Juliet Murphy Roulhac was presented with the Spirit of Community Award, which recognizes a community advocate in Broward County who exemplifies the social activism, advocacy, nonviolence, civic engagement and diversity ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Roulhac serves as Director of External Affairs for Broward and Southwest Florida for Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and Corporate Philanthropy for NextEra Energy, FPL’s parent company. A licensed attorney with more than 25 years of complex business litigation and appellate experience, Roulhac has been instrumental in managing external affairs, governmental relations, and community engagement, exhibiting her dedication to fostering positive change. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Roulhac actively contributes to numerous organizations, holding leadership positions including Chair of the Community Foundation of Broward, Co-Chair for the Prosperity Partnership and Vice Chair of the Greater Plantation Chamber of Commerce, among others. Her impressive board service includes serving as Immediate Past-Chair of the Broward Workshop and Past-Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.
Chasity Roker, a senior at Dillard High School, received the Dave W. Cash Leadership Award, presented annually to a student in Broward County who has embodied the ideals of Dr. King in advocating for social change in the community. Throughout her high school career, Roker, who received a $2,000 college scholarship supporting her continued education, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to community improvement. She has tirelessly committed herself to raising awareness about period poverty in Florida, along with consistent commitment to community service.
“Juliet and Chasity have made remarkable contributions to our community, and both represent the values upon which the YMCA of South Florida is built,” said YMCA of South Florida CEO Sheryl A. Woods. “Juliet has led the charge for change in our community for many years, encompassing many different areas, and Chasity has exhibited extraordinary leadership skills that will lead to future success. They are both extremely deserving of their respective awards, and we are proud to honor them during one of our nation’s most important holidays.”
Keynote speakers for the Inspirational Breakfast were Donzaleigh Abernathy, daughter of Rev. Dr. Ralph David and Mrs. Juanita Jones Abernathy, co-founders of the American Civil Rights Movement with Dr. Martin Luther King, and Ndaba Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela and co-founder and chairman of Africa Rising Foundation.
Presenting sponsors of the 20th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Weekend were JM Family Enterprises and Delta Air Lines. Diamond Sponsors for the breakfast and luncheon were Brown & Brown Insurance Miami-Dade, Fifth Third Bank, Gulf Building, Milner, Spirit Airlines and UKG. Platinum sponsors were Aver Productions, City National Bank, Publix Super Markets Charities, the Las Olas Company Riverside Hotel, Ryder, and Verizon.
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