The Pasco County Commission paused during its Dec. 5 meeting to honor Pasco County women who have distinguished themselves and created new pathways for others.
“These are pioneers,” said Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, as she prepared to read a resolution honoring a group of Pasco women.
The resolution, sponsored by Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano, recognizes the role that the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, established in 1944, has had in supporting female leaders. It also pays homage to the contributions of the Professional Women in Business, a group that was initially established as a book club.
It also recognizes individual women singled out by The Professional Women in Business.
That group, according to the resolution, “would like to recognize the achievements of Pasco County women who have broken through the glass ceiling and risen above invisible barriers that have marginalized women when seeking career advancements.”
Women honored in the resolution are: Amber Mariano Davis, the youngest State Representative elected in Florida history to represent District 36 in the Florida House of Representatives; Republican State Committeewoman Sandy Graves, founder of the Republican Club of Central Pasco; Marilyn DeChant the first female Rotarian of the New Port Richey Rotary Club; Dr. Paula O’Neil, the first female Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller; Debbie Manns, the first female city manager for the city of New Port Richey; Margaret Sutterlin, the first female council member for the city of Port Richey; and, Elaine Todneri, who revitalized the Pasco Chapter of the National Organization of Women (NOW) in 1966 and is the current chapter president.
The resolution also notes that the Professional Women in Business of the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce “is immensely proud of the achievements of these women and encourages women in Pasco County to continue the tradition of rising above barriers and empower all women distinguishing themselves in their roles in the community.”
The women’s accomplishments drew applause from the audience.
Published December 27, 2023
