Ann Berlam Receives Women of Initiative Award
Apr 20, 2013
APRIL 8, 2013 – NAPLES, FLA. – Edison State College District Board of Trustee Ann Berlam was recently honored with a Women of Initiative award from the Community Foundation of Collier County. The award honors women who, through their leadership styles, are an inspiration to all women seeking to make a difference through philanthropy and civic engagement. More than 40 women were nominated for the award, and 10 were chosen.
Berlam received the award for her work in the community, her work with Edison State College, and her commitment to volunteerism. “Having had a career in public service, I understand the importance of giving back to people and the community,” Berlam said. “It’s truly humbling and an honor to receive this award.”
“Ann is truly an inspiration to Collier County and to Edison State College,” said Dr. Jeff Allbritten, President, Edison State College. “Her commitment to her community has bettered the lives of those in it. We are lucky to have her as an Edison State Board of Trustee member. We value her work and guidance now and her leadership as our former chair.”
Berlam is a past president of Greater Naples Leadership, a past trustee of the Community Foundation of Collier County, a past member of the Edison State College Foundation Board, and served on Edison State College’s Presidential Search Committee. Currently, she serves on the Edison State College District Board of Trustees of which she is also a past chair. In 2006, she played a key role in forming a partnership between Edison State College, the Naples Children and Education Foundation (NCEF), and the University of Florida, resulting in the NCEF Early Childhood Development Center and NCEF Pediatric Dental Center/University of Florida College of Dentistry, which serves low-income children in Collier County, on Edison’s Collier Campus.
“It’s important to be involved in your community because it’s where you live,” she said. “It’s been very rewarding for me to give back and share some of my experiences to help my community become a better place.”
Last Updated: June 20, 2013
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