Nearly 400 business and community leaders gathered at The Breakers on February 17 for Palm Beach Atlantic University’s 34th Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon, honoring Hilary Geary Ross and Sara McCann.

One of the university’s signature events, the luncheon celebrated leadership while awarding 17 scholarships to current PBA students, with plans to expand the program to more than 100 scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year. The Humanitarian Award was presented to Michele Rigby Assad.

Introduced by 2025 honoree Amanda Schumacher, Hilary Geary Ross was recognized for her influence as an author, editor, and philanthropist whose impact extends from Palm Beach to New York. She serves on the boards of the Blenheim Foundation USA, the Palm Beach Preservation Foundation, and the Trustees’ Council of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Sara McCann, introduced by Penny Murphy, was honored for her longstanding leadership in both business and philanthropy. A PBA board member and CEO and creative director of Hive Collective, McCann has helped shape the modern Palm Beach aesthetic while supporting the community for more than 25 years.

The afternoon underscored the purpose at the heart of the event: recognizing women whose leadership continues to open doors for the next generation.

Wilbur and Hilary Geary Ross

 

Pauline Pitt and Lynne Wheat

 

Michele Kessler and Mary Freitas

 

Lois Pope and Cathy Flagg

 

Kathy and Paul Leone

 

Gay Gaines Lynne Wheat and Hillie Mahoney