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As Coretta Scott King once said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” This quote speaks directly to the work we do at United Way Miami, ensuring opportunity is available for all.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we highlight and honor the leaders—past and present—whose strength, vision and determination have shaped our community. Their legacy teaches us that progress is built through action and it’s up to us to keep that work going.
But even as we honor the victories we’ve achieved; we must confront the very real challenges families still face. Affordability remains one of the biggest barriers in Miami-Dade. Today, nearly half a million households are living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to keep up with the rising costs of housing, gas and food.
As the first Black woman to lead United Way Miami in its 100-year history, this issue is personal to me. Growing up as the child of a single mother of five, I know firsthand how difficult it is when affordability is a constant challenge. My family, like so many others, relied on services like those United Way Miami provides today—not just to survive, but to build a better future. That’s why I’m so passionate about making sure every family in our community has access to the same support we had—so they too can build a strong foundation and thrive.
Through initiatives like UpSkill Miami and our new partnership with Verizon's Skill Forward, we are creating pathways to economic mobility. From providing thousands of children with access to quality early education—to supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life through MISSION UNITED, our programs make a lasting impact.
As we honor the legacy of Black leaders this month, let’s remember that the work is far from over. Together, we can ensure that every family in Miami-Dade has the opportunity to break the cycle of financial struggle and build a better future.
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Symeria T. Hudson
President and CEO, United Way Miami
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Black History Month: Celebrating Leaders Driving Change
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This Black History Month, we honor some of the Black leaders from our partner agencies who are making a meaningful impact across Miami-Dade. In our community, 61% of Black households are part of the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, struggling to meet basic needs despite working hard.
Through collaboration, we've helped 7,176 children access early childhood education, supported 107,919 people with financial stability programs and provided health services to 43,426 residents last year.
• Health and Wellbeing: Dr. Tamaru Phillips, Cayuga Centers
• Education: Michelle Shirley, Be Strong International
• Resilient Communities: Zelalem Adefris, Catalyst Miami
• Economic Mobility: Christy Berry-Wilson, Richmond Perrine Optimist Club
Learn more about our 100 programs at more than 60 partner agencies and 17 initiatives that help families and individuals throughout Miami-Dade.
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100 Reasons Why💙
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As we celebrate our centennial year, we honor the collective efforts that have shaped United Way Miami’s legacy. For 100 years, our supporters have been the heart of change, working together to create a community where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
With the dedication of our donors, volunteers and partners, we’ve touched countless lives, creating lasting progress and building a stronger foundation for our community. Each story is a reminder of why this work matters and the difference we continue to make, together.
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Honoring Philanthropy at the Tocqueville Society Grand Reception
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United Way Miami’s Tocqueville Society Grand Reception, taking place on Monday, March 3, is an evening dedicated to celebrating philanthropy and recognizing those whose generosity is shaping a stronger Miami. Chairs Jayne Abess and Andy Ansin continue the legacy of the late Sue Miller and the late Ed Ansin, who together with Jayne, founded the Miami Tocqueville Society in 1991 and introduced the Tocqueville Society Award for Outstanding Philanthropy.
This year, we proudly honor:
• United Way Miami Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy: Jo and John Sumberg — Jo and her husband, John, a dedicated board member, have been longtime supporters of United Way Miami. Their exceptional generosity and leadership have played a vital role in expanding key programs and strengthening essential resources for families across Miami-Dade.
• United Way Miami Next-Gen Philanthropist Award: Michael Gold — A dedicated advocate for Miami’s future, Michael plays an active role in United Way Miami’s Young Leaders, working to engage the next generation of philanthropists while also supporting a range of community organizations.
• United Way Miami Legacy of Philanthropy Award — Posthumous Award: Jack Lowell — A former United Way Miami board member and dedicated community leader, Jack Lowell is the first recipient of this newly introduced award. This honor recognizes his lifetime of generosity and leadership, which continues to inspire and shape a stronger Miami.
Read more about our honorees and their contributions to advancing our mission.
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Start Tax Season Right with VITA Services at No Cost
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Tax season is here and at United Way Miami, we’re committed to helping you navigate it with ease. United Way Miami’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers no-cost, expert tax preparation to help eligible individuals and families file with confidence and maximize their refunds.
With support from IRS-certified volunteers, you’ll receive personalized guidance to claim every available credit, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Through our Center for Financial Stability, VITA provides convenient locations and one-on-one support, making tax filing simple and stress-free.
Who Qualifies for No-Cost Tax Assistance?
• People whose annual household income is $67,000 or less
• People with disabilities
• People who are age 60 or older
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Connecting People to Better Careers with Verizon's Skill Forward
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At United Way Miami, we believe that access to opportunity is essential for people to reach their full potential. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Verizon’s Skill Forward Program, offering free, accessible training to help individuals advance their careers in today’s ever-evolving job market.
With Skill Forward, participants have access to over 250 online courses and 84 professional certificates in high-demand fields like AI, business, IT and more—all at no cost. These self-paced courses are designed to fit seamlessly into people’s busy lives, allowing them to learn whenever and wherever is most convenient for them.
By partnering with Verizon's Skill Forward, we’re equipping our community with the skills they need to succeed. Whether it’s strengthening technical abilities or enhancing essential soft skills, these programs provide valuable tools for individuals to grow professionally and build a more secure future.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Sign up for Verizon's Skill Forward today and start your journey to a brighter future.
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Tocqueville Society Welcome Cocktail Reception
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On Wednesday, January 29, Miami’s philanthropic leaders gathered for the first Tocqueville Society event of the year—an evening of connection and shared purpose at Eva & The Oyster Bar in Coconut Grove. Hosted by Event Co-Chairs Cathy Alexander and Matthew Grosack, the Tocqueville Society Welcome Cocktail Reception set the stage for another year of impact, uniting those committed to strengthening Miami.
During the evening, Mike Fernandez and his wife, Constance, were recognized for their dedication to giving back, particularly through their support of MISSION UNITED, helping thousands of veterans successfully transition to civilian life. A sincere thank you also goes out to Ana VeigaMilton and the José Milton Foundation, whose decades of dedication to United Way Miami has transformed countless lives.
As members reconnected and welcomed new faces, they reflected on the collective impact that’s possible when we work together.
Interested in joining a network of leaders driving impact in Miami- Dade? Tocqueville Society unites business and community leaders dedicated to creating meaningful change.
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Prioritizing Wellness with Women United
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On Thursday, January 30, Women United hosted its first Let’s Do Lunch of the year—Own Your Health: Prioritize Yourself—bringing together more than 60 women for an insightful conversation on self-care, preventive health and overall well-being.
Moderated by Women United Executive Committee members Ann Keil Dux and Jasmin Grant, the discussion featured health experts who shared valuable insights into the importance of taking proactive steps to support lasting health.
Our expert panel featured:
• Dr. Katherine Amin, Assistant Professor of Clinical Urology, University of Miami Health System
• Kara Burnstine, Owner, Nutrition Your Weigh
• Dr. Yuliya Linhares, Chief of Lymphoma Service, Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute
Want to learn more about the spirited, purpose-driven women of Women United? Join Women United and help make an impact through philanthropy and service.
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United Way Miami Launches ReThink Baby Pilot
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For 18 years, the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education has been a cornerstone of high-quality early education, positively impacting the lives of more than 60,000 children across Miami-Dade. On Friday, January 26, we gathered to celebrate a significant step forward in our mission: the launch of the ReThink Baby Pilot Program—a groundbreaking initiative that will enhance early childhood education for Miami-Dade’s youngest learners.
The event brought together CEO & President Symeria Hudson, along with dozens of dedicated educators, Gabrielle Anwar, actress and founder of ReThink Baby and Elsa Chahin, CEO of Pikler Lóczy USA Inc. These leaders joined forces to introduce the ReThink Baby Pilot Program, a collaboration that will shape the future of early childhood education and make a lasting difference for the youngest learners in our community.
As the first center to introduce the ReThink Baby Pilot Program, we are proud to take the lead in applying the Pikler® Approach, a philosophy grounded in empathy and respect for children aged 0-3. With 85% of brain development occurring in the first five years, these early years are foundational to a child’s success. By investing in their well-being now, we are building a stronger, healthier community for tomorrow.
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Celebrating 211 Day: Connecting Our Community to Support
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On February 11, we recognized National 211 Day and the specialists who answer the call when our neighbors need support. 211 is more than a helpline—it’s a lifeline, connecting individuals and families to real solutions, right HERE in Miami-Dade.
At United Way Miami, building Resilient Communities means ensuring support is always within reach. Through our partnership with the Jewish Community Services of South Florida, we support 211, a confidential, 24/7 resource that connects thousands of residents each year to food, housing, mental health services and financial assistance.
Last year alone, 211 assisted 76,000 residents in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. In times of disaster, 211 becomes a critical response resource—guiding residents to shelters, food, water and federal assistance.
Every day, these specialists do more than provide information—they offer comfort, support and a way forward for those facing challenges.
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Empowering the Future of Healthcare: UpSkill Miami’s Nursing Graduates Step Into High-Demand Careers
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At United Way Miami, we know that economic mobility begins with access to opportunity. Through UpSkill Miami, we are providing individuals with the skills they need to step into high-demand careers that offer long-term stability and growth.
Recently, 65 nursing graduates from Miami Dade College’s Benjamin Leon School of Nursing celebrated a new chapter in their lives, stepping into healthcare careers that will not only provide them with financial stability but also allow them to make a significant impact on our community, filling critical staffing shortages.
Through UpSkill Miami and our collective partnerships, United Way Miami is building sustainable career pathways that will empower generations. Watch the inspiring moment as the graduates proudly walk across the stage!
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#StrongerMiami
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United Way Miami · The Ansin Building · 3250 SW 3rd Ave · Miami, FL 33129-2712 · USA
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