Women's Exhibit

About Us

Women’s Exhibit (WE) is a Florida non-profit company incorporated in 2008 by South Beach pioneers Dona Zemo and Wendy Doherty; two women friends with a history in the woman’s movement.

Matti Bower – Our Mayor, Our Inspiration

Though both Dona Zemo (left) and Wendy Doherty were previously involved in woman’s issues, they were most inspired by friend and fellow South Beach pioneer, Matti Bower’s campaign to become The First Woman Mayor of Miami Beach.

In honor of then Commissioner Bower’s long term commitment to historic preservation they hosted a campaign party for her featuring a vintage fashion show on the veranda of a historic L Murray Dixon designed property.

When Matti Bower won the campaign they knew it changed the fabric of women’s history in Miami Beach — and it inspired Dona Zemo and Wendy Doherty to create Women’s Exhibit (WE) to highlight the achievements of Matti Bower and inspire others into roles of leadership.

At Mayor Bower’s request, Women’s Exhibit produced their first event January 28, 2008, hosting a panel of representatives of women’s community organizations throughout Miami-Dade County to commemorate Mayor Bower shattering of the glass ceiling; both as the city’s first woman mayor — but also as the first Hispanic Mayor of Miami Beach.

Left: Women take over the dias of the Miami Beach Commission in honor of first woman mayor.

Below:  Proudly standing with Mayor Bower are (l-r) Dona Zemo, Chairlady of Miami Beach Commission for Women/Co-Founder Women’s Exhibit, Wendy Doherty Co-Founder of Women’s Exhibit, Debra Liebowitz of Miami Beach Commission for Women, The Mayor, Miami Beach Community Activist Jane Gross, Lilliam Lopez President of South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Marguerite Cepeda  of UNIDAD and Mayor Bower’s daughter Marie Hernandez of Miami Design Preservation League.

During her first term in office, Mayor Bower asked Women’s Exhibit to help produce an annual conference to honor National  Women’s History Month – with particular focus on issues of Women’s Empowerment. The 2009 Women’s Conference was a success drawing over 700 women and donated funds to several of local women’s organizations.

The 2010 Women’s Conference will be held on Friday, March 26, 2010.  In the continued spirit of empowerment, a second day is added this year for a Women’s EXPO Saturday March 27, 2010.

Dona Zemo

Dona originally became interested in the woman’s movement in the 1970′s with a Connecticut self help group but more recently on Miami Beach, Dona’s focus has been on issues of health, pay equity, women in politics and leadership.

In 2000 in Washington D.C., Dona Zemo, along with Barbara Capitman, was the recipient of a “Women in Preservation” award.  That same year Zemo founded a 13 member woman’s social club called Women 2000. In 2002 Dona was appointed by Commissioner Saul Gross to the Miami Beach Commission for Women – where she served for 8 years; the last two, as chair lady.

Along with Debra Liebowitz, Dona co-chaired the committee “Women in Red” a Pay Equity March held every April for 3 years on Lincoln Road. Dona then chaired “Women Worth Knowing” – an annual city event honoring women who make a difference in our community.  The 2010 awards will be held Friday March 26 at 6:30 pm, after the Miami Beach Women’s Conference at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.

In 2002 Dona brought American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life to Miami Beach in an effort to raise education, awareness and funding.  She and co-chair Cathy Leighfield’s event became “Rookie of the Year” raising the most funds for a new effort; and Zemo remained involved until 2004.

Dona is a member of NAFE (National Association of Female Executives), Miami Woman’s Club, is Founder of Women 2000, Co-Founder & President of Women’s Exhibit, and was Co-Founder and Chair Lady of 2009 Miami Beach Women‘s Conference.  Dona is also the Director of the Miami Beach Visitors Center.

Wendy Doherty

Wendy Doherty is a marketing veteran with a 30 year career focused on the entertainment industry, concert production, nightclub and celebrity management.  In 1992, Wendy founded Women of Miami Beach (WOMB) — a nonprofit organization with a mission “dedicated to improving the social status of women and creating sisterhood through community involvement, mutual support, personal growth, networking and opportunities to promote change.”

In 1994, The Women’s Fund of Miami Dade County granted funds to WOMB for a domestic violence project and Miami-Dade County provided funding for a Domestic Violence Hotline answered by trained volunteers providing support, information and referrals to community crisis response organizations.  In 1995 WOMB introduced the Women of Miami Beach Resource Center at 210 Second Street on Miami Beach; a former Parks and Recreation facility sponsored by the city for 2 years for projects which included crisis assistance and seminars on women and children surviving domestic violence.  Today Wendy’s focus is on women’s empowerment.  Wendy is also a member of Women 2000 and Co-Founder of Women’s Exhibit.

In addition to producing the city’s annual Women’s History events, Women’s Exhibit will be producing additional women’s events throughout the year, including a woman’s author series, round table discussions and a woman’s breakfast club in the near future.  Please check back often for updates and contact us for production assistance on any women’s events.

Join Us for the Celebration of Women!

Empowering Ourselves!  Empowering Others!