Photo courtesy of CPC

Sheila Miller, VP of Philanthropy at the Child Protection Center (CPC), has been named the ‘Empowering Woman of the Year’ by the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce at the Women Empowering Women event. Sheila was nominated by several staff members of the Child Protection Center, citing her vast impact on the nonprofit. Miller has a long history of advocating for children, which can be seen in her years of work as a teacher, later as a principal, and for the past 11 years at CPC. Just over two years ago, Sheila finished her last round of chemo in a tiring battle with breast cancer. She often used the support she received from her diagnosis to shed light on the children fighting child abuse. “Why is it okay to talk about cancer but taboo to talk about child abuse? Every victim needs that same level of support," she said. 

Following the Women Empowering Women event, Sheila said, “I am honored and humbled by this award. The words, ‘Women Empowering Women’ are very meaningful to me. As individuals, we don’t realize how we sometimes inspire or empower others by showing up and admitting your struggle. I have learned through surviving cancer and listening to victims of child abuse that sometimes sharing your difficulty, (which you may see as your weakness), is really the message that empowers others to share their struggle or to get help. Sometimes ‘acting brave’ makes others brave.”

For more information on CPC, visit cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277.

Photo courtesy of CPC