Palm Beach Atlantic University Honors 2025 Women of Distinction Recipients

The 33^rd annual luncheon recognizes Penny G. Murphy and Amanda Schumacher and celebrates scholarship recipients

(WEST PALM BEACH, FLA) - Two local philanthropists, Penny G. Murphy and Amanda Schumacher, will share the spotlight at the 33rd Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon on February 18 at The Breakers, Palm Beach. The annual luncheon hosted by Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) honors women who cherish community and family and work to preserve these ideals for others. Proceeds from this PBA tradition of more than 30 years benefit a scholarship fund for deserving female students.

"The past and present Women of Distinction represent the heart and soul of our community," said event chair, Frances Fisher. "This year's honorees are sophisticated businesswomen who have had beautiful families and have led with great generosity and a deep servant heart. Our annual luncheon allows us to look back on all the incredible women we have celebrated, those who are making an impact today, and share the excitement of the next generation of women leaders receiving scholarships. We know they, too, will respond to their calling. We are grateful to Amanda and Penny, who have led with distinction, and how they have made this community better because of it."

Penny Murphy is a third-generation native of West Palm Beach, Florida, and has deep roots in the SoSo neighborhood, where she grew up embracing the values of hard work and dedication. Inspired by her grandfather Max Greenberg's entrepreneurial legacy, Murphy pursued her own path of excellence. After earning her education degrees from Stephens College and George Mason University, she started her teaching career by opening Penny Brown's Kindergarten in Wellington, Florida in 1978. Following the birth of her second child in 1983, Murphy transitioned to being a stay-at-home mom and later took on roles in public relations, marketing, and fundraising at St. Ann's School. She joined the family business, Pioneer Linens, eventually becoming its president in 2007. Murphy is also actively involved in her community, serving on the Board of Trustees for the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches and participating in local initiatives like fundraising for the 2024 Jupiter Medical Center Foundation Ball. Murphy is a longtime board member of the Historical Society of Palm Beach, and she and her husband, Alan Murphy, are also major donors to Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. Her contributions to her community and business have earned her multiple recognitions, including the Small Business Award from the Chamber of Commerce and the American Free Enterprise companion medalist by Palm Beach Atlantic University and last spring she was awarded The Palm Beach County Girl Scout's Emerald Award for Leadership.

Amanda Schumacher is an entrepreneur and philanthropist, founding Tree of Life Foundation International, Inc. in 2006, where she serves as its president. The foundation, which operates 22 branches, consolidates resources to support global communities through initiatives like Tree of Life Resource Centers and Tree of Life Enterprise Services, which provides employment services funneling all profits back into the foundation. Additionally, she launched the Tree of Life Center, offering residential transitional housing to rehabilitate lives, with 100% of proceeds supporting their missions. Schumacher holds several significant roles, including CEO of Schumacher Auto Group, President and Owner of We Insure Schumacher Insurance, and Senior Partner of Global Elite Solutions Institute Inc. Her extensive involvement extends to advisory boards across numerous organizations, including the Palm Beach Island Hospice Foundation, the American Red Cross, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County and the Palm Beach Zoo. Her contributions have been recognized with several awards, such as the African Leadership Organization's 2023 Inspirational Leadership Award, and she has been featured prominently in publications like Palm Beach Illustrated and Modern Luxury Palm Beach.

"Women of Distinction salutes the legacy of incredible women and future leaders who dedicate their energy and resources to others," said Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, PBA President. "It's a privilege to honor local figures such as Amanda, who mentors and hires PBA students, and Penny, who inspires our students and has contributed so much to the Palm Beaches. We are grateful to Frances Fisher and the WOD Committee members for their leadership in coordinating this signature event for PBA. It is also another way of celebrating the principles of American free enterprise. As PBA looks ahead to the next chapter, we recognize that our God-Sized Dreams campaign and continuous growth would be impossible without the support of incredible leaders who invest in our institution and this community."

The luncheon will also present scholarships to six current PBA students. The 2025 WOD scholarship recipients are Valentina Guzman, a sophomore, and Julia Seagle, a junior, who are both pursuing nursing degrees. Ludnie Saint-Juste, a freshman, is following a unique path with a double focus on Biology and Ministerial Leadership; Reagan Bozarth, also a freshman, is pursuing a dual major in forensic science and psychology; Elizabeth Akintujoye, a senior, is enrolled in Biology Pre-Health and Claire Crossman, a junior, is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. Since 1996, 74 students have received the WOD scholarship.

In addition, Kaelin Hatfield will be honored as the second annual recipient of the humanitarian award at the Women of Distinction (WOD) ceremony. A PBA alumna, Hatfield graduated in 2024 with a B.S. in Elementary Education and Psychology. She is the founder of LifeLoving365, a clothing brand designed to raise awareness for depression and suicide, and Christ in Crisis, a nonprofit that delivers humanitarian aid to those in dire situations. Her work has taken her around the globe, collaborating with organizations in the Middle East, Ukraine, Zambia and more to bring vital resources to communities in need.

For more information about Women of Distinction or to join the President's Giving Society, please visit pba.edu/about/growth/women-of-distinction. For general information about PBA, learn more at www.pba.edu.

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About Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 100 different programs and pathways, including undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The university has a 19-acre campus in West Palm Beach and an Orlando campus, and the 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. Sailfish athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference varsity sports. PBA's mission is to equip students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction and serve God boldly. The university affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system. Learn more at www.pba.edu.

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