25 Years of Championing Women, Children and Families

Since its founding in 2000, Women United has been a beacon of hope and change in our community. It began as the brainchild of the late Sue Miller known then as the Women's Leadership program to unite women in a shared mission: to uplift the lives of children and families.

It wasn't long before her daughter, Leslie Miller Saiontz, a steadfast advocate for advancing education joined forces. Together, they nurtured Women United into a powerful coalition of women leaders and philanthropists.

Under Leslie's visionary guidance and leadership, the event has evolved and transformed into what it is today. The Women United Breakfast has become one of Miami's iconic annual events, where women from all backgrounds connect to both celebrate one another's achievements as well as to look to the future.

Now, it's become a family affair, as the next generation continues to shape the Women United Breakfast as the presenting sponsor, both as a tribute to Sue's legacy and as a commitment to Miami's future.

Today, Women United has grown to an extraordinary network of 2,200 women, all driven by a shared purpose: creating lasting, positive change in our community. Through volunteering and philanthropy, these remarkable women are making an impact that reaches far beyond the present.

Ready to be part of this inspiring movement? Discover how you can join Women United and make a difference through your passion, service and generosity.

The 24th Annual Women United Breakfast

Join us on Tuesday, May 13, as we gather hundreds of remarkable women for an empowering morning at the 24th Annual Women United Breakfast. This event celebrates the incredible women shaping our community's future, all while supporting United Way Miami's mission to build a stronger Miami.

This year, we are honored to feature Christina Meredith, a survivor, activist and best-selling author of CinderGirl: My Journey Out of the Ashes to a Life of Hope. Christina will share her story of resilience, overcoming abuse, foster care and homelessness to become Miss California, a U.S. Army officer and the founder of the Christina Meredith Foundation. Her inspiring journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we rise above adversity and fight for change.

Celebrating 100 Years of Impact and Building a Stronger Future Together

As we wrap up our centennial year, we're proud to look back on 100 years of dedication to improving lives across Miami-Dade. From the start, we've been here every step of the way, standing with our neighbors and responding to our community's greatest needs.

This year, we've made incredible strides in advancing our mission, thanks to the continued support of our donors, volunteers and community partners. We've invested in 101 programs at 62 impact partner agencies and launched 17 additional initiatives to meet the evolving needs of families and individuals in our community. Guided by our Core Four pillars: Health & Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities and Economic Mobility-we've made a real difference.

Here’s a look at some of the impact we’ve made:

• Health & Wellbeing: 43,426 people, this year accessed critical health and wellness services, helping them lead healthier lives.
• Education: 7,176 children, this year received quality early education, building a solid foundation for their future.
• Resilient Communities: Through disaster relief, we've raised more than $100 million over the years, providing aid to communities hit by more than 20 major storms and crises.
• Economic Mobility: 107,919 individuals, this year were supported with financial stability services, helping them secure brighter futures, this year.

As we move into our second century, our work is far from done. We are more committed than ever to ensuring that everyone in Miami-Dade has the opportunity to thrive.

100 Reasons Why 💙

As we close out our centennial celebration, we reflect on the moments that have shaped our mission and the people who bring it to life. For more than 100 years, United Way Miami has stood alongside our community connecting people who need help with people who can help.

Our donors, volunteers and partners remind us why this work matters. Through their commitment, we continue to uplift lives, strengthen families and build a Miami where opportunity is within reach for all.

Follow us on social media to see more of these inspiring moments and hear from supporters making a difference right HERE.

Advance Your Career with Verizon Skill Forward

At United Way Miami, we're helping people gain the tools they need to take control of their future and it starts with access to opportunity. That's why we've partnered with Verizon's Skill Forward Program, offering one full year of free online learning to help individuals grow professionally and gain in-demand skills.

Whether you're looking to change careers or build on your strengths, you’ll find over 250 self-paced courses and 84 professional certificate programs in high-growth fields like tech, finance, business and AI. Courses are hosted on edX and taught by instructors from over 260 top universities and companies, including Harvard, Columbia University and IBM.

The program is open to U.S. residents ages 17 and up, with no degree or experience required-and many courses are available in Spanish. Enrollment is open through September 30, 2025.

Discover new skills, unlock new opportunities and take the next step with Verizon’s Skill Forward.

Join VeritageMiami Wine and Food Experience

The VeritageMiami Wine & Food Experience, presented by City National Bank returns for its 29th year on Wednesday, May 7. Led by this year’s event chairs José and Patricia Mas, the evening invites wine lovers and food enthusiasts to indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience where exceptional flavors meet meaningful impact.

Held at The Hangar at Regatta Harbour, guests will savor curated wines from around the world and sample signature dishes from some of Miami’s most renowned restaurants. The event will feature interactive tasting stations and guest voting for their favorite winery and culinary purveyor.

Proceeds support United Way Miami’s mission to uplift lives and expand opportunities for individuals and families across our community.

Leader's Day of Action

To kick off National Volunteer Month, United Way Miami's Giving Communities and corporate partners came together on Saturday, April 5, for Leaders Day of Action at Rainbow Park Elementary School. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to paint, garden, build furniture and transform the school's campus into a brighter, more inspiring environment for students. A highlight of the day was the unveiling of a vibrant mural by local artist Erick Dominguez, represented by the Miami Art Society, which brought new color and creativity to the revitalized space.

Thank you to our Visionary Sponsor, Bank of America for helping bring this meaningful day to life.

Training the Next Generation of Educators

As part of our UpSkill Miami workforce development initiative, United Way Miami has partnered with Achieve Miami's Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP) to tackle the pressing teacher shortage in our community. In this first year, 150 individuals are receiving specialized training to launch their teaching careers in Miami-Dade County Public Schools for the 2025-2026 school year.

Founded by Leslie Miller Saiontz, Achieve Miami's TAP offers comprehensive, high-quality training tailored for college graduates and career changers eager to transition into education. With the support of key collaborators, including Teach for America-Miami-Dade, the University of Miami, Miami Dade College and Florida International University, participants acquire the skills and certifications required to make a transformative impact in local classrooms.

This initiative is paving the way for a sustainable pipeline of skilled educators, strengthening the local workforce and most importantly, equipping Miami-Dade's schools with the talent needed to ensure students have access to quality education.

Tocqueville Society Fireside Chat with Ira Coleman

On Wednesday, April 2, United Way Miami's Tocqueville Society hosted an exclusive Fireside Chat with Ira Coleman, Chairman of McDermott Will & Emery. Drawing from his firm's guiding slogan, “Always Better,” Ira shared how a commitment to constant learning, growth and purpose has shaped his leadership-values that also reflect the spirit of the Tocqueville Society.

The evening sparked meaningful conversations around leadership, service and the responsibility we all share in creating lasting change. It was a powerful reminder of the impact that happens when passionate leaders come together with purpose.

Ready to lead with purpose and connect with others making a difference? Discover what it means to be part of the Tocqueville Society.

Celebrating Week of the Young Child®

Earlier this month, the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education (CFE), Demonstration School celebrated the Week of the Young Child, a national initiative that highlights the importance of early learning and the vital role families and educators play in a child's development.

Throughout the week, children engaged in joyful, hands-on activities during themed days like Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday and Family Friday. Each activity reflected the center's nurturing approach to sparking curiosity, creativity and connection.

As we continue uplifting young learners across Miami-Dade, we're proud to offer a place where strong starts happen every day. Enrollment is now open at our Demonstration School for children ages six weeks to five years. With small class sizes, affordable tuition and free extended care, our program delivers high-quality early education designed to support each child’s growth and success.

Limited spots available–schedule a tour today!

Step Up for Health and Community at the Lexus Corporate Run!

Join us for Downtown Miami's Largest Office Party! The Lexus Corporate Run returns on Thursday, April 24 at 6:45 p.m.

Last year, more than 17,000 participants took part in this exciting event, helping to further our mission and improve Health and Wellbeing across our community. As the charity partner, United Way Miami is proud to support initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles and create lasting impact.