From business to politics, women in Florida’s most diverse county
are changing the perception of Greater Fort Lauderdale. And one in
particular is pushing the boundaries of what has been a very traditional
approach to tourism in the Sunshine State.
Meet Stacy Ritter, Broward County’s Champion of Change.
Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB) has been a driving force in the evolution that is underway in Broward County. In addition to facilitating leisure, international, sports, convention and group sales, she also champions multicultural tourism, LGBT+ advocacy and, of course, women.
A culture of inclusion
Since taking the helm at the GFLCVB in 2016, Ritter is helping transform Greater Fort Lauderdale into a welcoming, cultural hub of South Florida. “Greater Fort Lauderdale celebrates and embraces diversity and inclusion every day,” explains Ritter. “Incorporating that philosophy into our tourism and hospitality initiatives is
more important than ever.”
Her most recent marketing campaign was built upon her strong belief that Greater Fort Lauderdale should always have an “open heart and an open-door policy”
to residents and visitors of every gender and ethnicity. With themes of “Diversity is in our DNA” and “All one, all welcome,” Ritter and her team at the GFLCVB
broadcast their message to the world loudly and proudly.
Ritter’s passion for inclusiveness has been evident throughout her career in South Florida. She has been a community activist for years with the National Council
of Jewish Women, among other charitable organizations.
Prior to her election to State office, she was inducted into the Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame; named Woman of the Year by the American Jewish Congress and was deemed a First Lady of Broward. In 2009, she was named
one of the 50 Most Powerful People in Broward by Gold Coast Magazine and awarded as one of the 100 Outstanding Women by the Boys and Girls Club.
Embracing change
Take a visit yourself, and you can’t help but feel the effervescent energy flowing through the destination. Massive construction projects are breaking ground almost every day, and splashes of art and creativity are popping up around every corner. As the area continues to evolve, Ritter and her team’s impact will no doubt continue to
radiate throughout, opening doors to endless possibilities for minorities in Broward County.