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Created: May 09 2014

Michelle McLean. FORT LAUDERDALE, FL  – United Way of Broward County's Women's Leadership Council is excited to announce that well-known philanthropist and former Miss Universe, Michelle McLean, will be the keynote speaker at its upcoming 3rd Annual Magnolia Luncheon on Wednesday, May 21. The annual event, which recognizes women of dignity, strength, and perseverance, will take place from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Signature Grand in Davie.

Ms. McLean, a Founding Board Member of the United Way of Johannesburg in South Africa, is a well-known international media personality, entrepreneur, philanthropist and former Miss Universe. After winning the Miss Universe title, for her native Namibia in 1992, McLean's true passion of helping others came to the forefront and she now primarily focuses on philanthropic efforts to provide resources to the children of Namibia.

"We are thrilled to have Michelle McLean be the Keynote Speaker at the 3rd Annual Magnolia Luncheon," said Kathleen Cannon, President & CEO of United Way of Broward County. "She embodies the true meaning of humanitarianism, and provides women around the world with the inspiration to become an active member in the community."

McLean founded the Michelle McLean Children Trust which has run hundreds of projects since its inception in 1990, including multiple projects for the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation. She also established the Michelle McLean Primary School in Windhoek, Namibia which has provided entrepreneurial and financial skills training to more than 1,000 students. Continuing her desire to aid children, McLean created the Heart of a Child Foundation in 1998 with the world's first heart surgeon, the late Professor Chris Barnard. She has also served as an ambassador with both UNICEF and with Archbishop Desmund Tutu for SOS Children's Villages. McLean has been recognized by Donald Trump, owner of the Miss Universe Organization, for her philanthropic work and was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. She has also worked with World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in 2009-2010, and has hosted and coordinated events when South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

In addition to her philanthropic efforts, McLean is a successful entrepreneur. She co-founded Donna Terra Fine Jewelry and owns a media training company that assists people with interview basics and public speaking. Along with her husband, Gary Bailey, she travels internationally speaking about "Success Under Pressure." She currently resides in Miami with her husband and their children.

The 3rd Annual Magnolia Luncheon will be presenting Gale Butler with the Magnolia Leadership Award to recognize the remarkable impact she has had on our community through her hard work, dedication and philanthropic efforts. The Corporate Philanthropy Award will be presented to Enterprise Holdings, Inc. Enterprise was selected as the recipient based on its high number of female Leadership Donors and company-wide commitment to United Way of Broward County and the community.

Individual tickets are $100 and sponsorships are available starting at $1,200. To learn more about purchasing tickets, tables, or becoming a sponsor please visit UnitedWayBroward.org or for more information, call 954.453.3725 or email desposito@UnitedWayBroward.org.