Palm Beach Society: Denise Hanley and Sheila Rinker named 2024 Women of Distinction
In a town where women are CEOs, doctors, hedge funders, ambassadors and even mayors, what does one do to become a Woman of Distinction?
Well, for 2024, one has to be either Denise Hanley or Sheila Rinker.
The two will be honored by Palm Beach Atlantic University at the 31st annual Women of Distinction Luncheon on Feb. 20.
“Women of Distinction celebrates the legacy of incredible women — and future leaders — who dedicate their time, energy, and resources to others,” said Frances Fisher, event chairwoman and former honoree. “We are grateful to carry out this time-honored tradition.”
Hanley, a native of Washington, D.C., moved to Palm Beach with her parents Therese and H. Loy Anderson and her siblings more than 60 years ago. She attended Palm Beach Private School, Mt. Vernon Seminary, Briarcliff College, and received a mster's degree in guidance and counseling from Florida Atlantic University.
She has been married for more than 50 years to her high school sweetheart, Dan Hanley. They are the parents of two grown sons, Drew and Blake. Denise has been a member of PBA's Women of Distinction Luncheon committee from its inception and, with Wanda Jenkins, served as a co-chairwoman for several years.
She is active in many charities and served as chairwoman, co-chairwoman or honorary chairwoman of events for the Rehabilitation Center for Children and Adults and the Ryan Licht Sang Foundation, and as a committee and/or board member for the Hanley Foundation, the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League and the Salvation Army.
Hanley has been a member of the Palm Beach Board of Realtors ― where she served as both a board member and chairman of the Professional Standards Committee for many years ― since 1983, when she opened her eponymous brokerage firm.
Denise and Dan Hanley are longtime members of Family Church (formerly First Baptist), where they and their children were baptized. They are grandparents to Joshua, a sophomore at the University of Florida; Lydia, a junior at Dreyfoos School of the Arts; and 3-year-old Muoni, who attends New Generation Montessori School.
Sheila Rinker has lent her energy and creative talents ― she was a graphic arts major at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota ― to many charities and organizations, including Palm Beach Habilitation Center, Urban Youth Impact, the YWCA of Palm Beach County and H.O.W. (Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper).
It is her beloved Palm Beach Atlantic University, however, to which she directs most of her attention.
She has served on the Women of Distinction committee for nearly 20 years, reflecting her passion to support student scholarships, especially for women students.
The Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Foundation, where she serves as vice president, took the lead in building Vera Lea Rinker Hall, the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus, and the John and Sheila Rinker Athletic Complex. John and Sheila's newest contribution of $20 million and $6 million from the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Foundation will fund the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker School of Business building.
In 2016, the university awarded Sheila and her husband of 42 years, John J. Rinker, honorary doctorate degrees, calling them “investors in generational change” for their focus on the well-being of Palm Beach Atlantic University students.
She is an avid golfer and a two-time winner of the Lake Toxaway (North Carolina) Country Club championship. The couple, who have four children and six grandchildren, travel extensively. They are members of Royal Poinciana Chapel.
“At PBA, we cherish the opportunity to celebrate incredible women who have impacted Palm Beach County and beyond,” said president Debra A. Schwinn. “Denise and Sheila have exemplified service and integrity throughout their careers and civic responsibilities. Both mirror the values that PBA holds dear. By focusing on serving others, giving back, and shining a light, we can create a brighter, stronger future for all.”
The honorees are in good company. Previous recipients include Helen Messic Ross, Carolyn Buckley, Anita Hamilton Michaels, Nicki Harris, Hillie Mahoney, Kathryn Vecellio, Kit Pannill, Nancy Brinker, Pat Johnson, Susan Keenan, Edie Schur, Lore Moran Dodge, Barbara Nicklaus, Julie Fisher Cummings, Diana Ecclestone, Frances Fisher, Michele Kessler, Sydell Miller, Gay Hart Gaines. Vicki Halmos, Iris Apfel, Dr. Gail Austin Cooney, Eileen Burns, Joyce Licht Sang, Sally Ross Soter, Gail Coniglio, Danielle Hickox Moore, Susie Elson, Nancy Murray, Sheila Reicher Fine, Joan R. VanderGrift, Cathy Johnson Flagg, Jane R. Grace, Emilia Fanjul, Darlene Jordan, Candy Carson, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Audrey Gruss, Laurie S. Silvers, Melania Trump, Ronnie Heyman, Lois Pope, Mary Freitas and Monika Preston; and the late Patricia Supper, Rose Sachs, Anita Dubnoff, Mary Schott, Jean Feather, Helen Persson, Helen Cluett, Dorothy Schulman, Jean Tailer, Maura Benjamin, Helen DeVos, Lily Pulitzer Rousseau, Alicia Blodgett, Patricia Cook, Sydelle Meyer and Suzanne Wright.
The Women of Distinction Luncheon will take place beginning at 11 am on Tuesday, Feb. 20,at The Breakers Palm Beach. Proceeds from the luncheon raise scholarship fundsfor female PBA students who demonstrate outstanding academics, service and leadership.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach Atlantic University names 2024 Women of Distinction
