The Hon. Marjorie O. Rendell (left) smiles as Happy Fernandez introduces honoree Juliet Goodfriend.
The Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania awards began in 1949 as a way to recognize influential women for their leadership, distinguished service, and contributions to the state through their professional and/or volunteer service. To date, 450 women have received the award and recognition, including Grace Kelly, Pearl S. Buck, Mamie Eisenhower, singer Marilyn Horne, and philanthropists Dorrance H. Hamilton and Marguerite Brooks Lenfest.
Before breathing new life into the historic Bryn Mawr Theater, Juliet Goodfriend founded Strategic Marketing Corporation, a global custom marketing research and consulting firm to the pharmaceutical industry. Following her retirement as President of SMC, Juliet founded Bryn Mawr Film Institute, which serves over 6,000 members and provides a year-round program of art house movies and film courses for students of all ages. Her experience inspired her to help create NELI, the nonprofit executive leadership program at Bryn Mawr College. Juliet continues to address national audiences and undergraduates around the country as a Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow.
To be selected as a Distinguished Daughter, women must be nominated by organizations within the state for accomplishments of statewide or national importance. Medals and citations are presented to honorees at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.
“This year’s Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania have done extraordinary work in many different capacities,” said Governor Rendell. “Their contributions to Pennsylvania and the nation have benefited everything from academics to athletics, the arts to the military, as well as businesses and communities. I am grateful for the work that these women have done on our behalf to strengthen our state and the quality of life for so many residents.”
“It is a privilege to honor the dedication and commitment of these extraordinary women of Pennsylvania,” said Judge Rendell. “Their legacy of leadership is making a difference across the state.”
In addition to Juliet Goodfriend, this year the Govenor also honored Judith R. Shapiro, Rosemont; Judith Joy Ross, Bethlehem; Eva Tansky Blum, Toi Derricotte and Jacqueline C. Morby, all of Pittsburgh; C. Vivian Stringer, Princeton, NJ; and Veronica Zasadni Froman, San Diego, CA.
Congratulations, Juliet, from all of us at Bryn Mawr Film Institute!
Congratulations, Juliet. When we first met, almost 40 years ago at National Analysts, I knew great things were in your future. You have reinvented yourself several times now, and each time you do great things for all the communities in which you serve. Thanks for saving the Bryn Mawr Theatre and turning it into a wonderful community resource. You certainly deserve this fine honor from the Governor. Bonnie Perry
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