Welcoming Frank Gonzalez as Board Chair and New Board Members

We are thrilled to announce that Frank Gonzalez has been elected as the new Board Chair of United Way Miami. Frank, a dedicated supporter of United Way Miami for more than 30 years, will lead our Board as we celebrate our centennial year. He succeeds Penny Shaffer, who concluded her distinguished term with remarkable contributions. Frank's extensive experience and passion for our mission make him the perfect leader for this pivotal moment.

United Way Miami also announces new additions to the Board of Directors.

• Felipe Basulto, Market President – South Florida, Retail Banking, TD Bank

• John Diez, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Ryder System, Inc.

• Christopher Ferreira, External Affairs Area Manager, Florida Power & Light Company

• El pagnier Hudson, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Florida International University

• Marcel Laniado, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank

• Alison Mincey, J.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, University of Miami

• Robert Rush Norton, Private Wealth Manager, Merrill Lynch

• Caroline O’Connor, President of Business Operations, Miami Marlins

• Christina Pérez, The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation

Each brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to driving positive change in our community.

Announcing the Zero Drownings Miami-Dade Initiative

On July 9, United Way Miami joined a collaborative group of Miami-Dade County's top public and private sector organizations at a press conference to announce the Zero Drownings Miami-Dade initiative, which aims to reach 20,000 children annually over the next three years and beyond.

Drowning is the #1 cause of death among children ages 1 to 9 in Miami-Dade. Zero Drownings Miami-Dade will provide FREE swim lessons for four and five-year-olds, integrate water safety education for families and launch a communitywide water safety campaign.

This comprehensive effort is led by The Children's Trust, Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the American Red Cross - South Florida Region, The Miami Foundation, Edu Foundation, the Templeton Foundation and United Way Miami. We are proud to support this vital program that will save countless young lives!

Back-to-School Drive 2024: Gearing Up for School Success

Summer's here, but let's remember those who need a little extra support for the upcoming school year. Join us as we host our annual Back-to-School Drive! Your support—whether through supplies, sponsorship, hosting a drive or a monetary donation—will brighten the path for children and families across Miami-Dade, ensuring they have the tools to thrive.

Together, we can provide every child with the resources necessary for a successful new school year. Let's bridge the gap and empower students to reach their full potential!

Celebrating Excellence: 2024 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards

On June 17, United Way Miami gathered with corporate and non-profit partners, community leaders and supporters for our Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards. Our President and CEO, Symeria Hudson, highlighted United Way Miami’s achievements over the past year, from the expansion of UpSkill Miami to the impactful work of our United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education (CFE). She also shared our vision for the next century of service.

The event honored remarkable volunteers whose contributions have made a lasting impact on our community, including Florida State Representative Vicki L. Lopez, T. Willard Fair of the Urban League of Greater Miami, Inc., Thelma Gibson of the Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, Inc., Robert E. Sanchez of Ryder System, Inc. and outstanding youths Milana Lamdan and Zahra Marie Ronizi. Notably, Miami-Dade County Public Schools was recognized as one of our largest Workplace Employee Campaign partners, raising more than $1.1 million this year.

Thank you to all who joined us for this inspiring morning of celebration and recognition.

Constructing Futures: UpSkill Miami Graduates Secure Employment

Congratulations to the first graduates of our UpSkill Miami Construction Trades program! On June 20, thanks to our partnership with Florida Memorial University (FMU), more than 20 students graduated from FMU's Construction Trades Program, which focused specifically on electrical skills. These graduates have gained the essential skills and resources needed for success in the electrical trade industry and have secured employment, underscoring the life-changing opportunities provided by the program.

This milestone highlights United Way Miami’s commitment to fostering economic mobility and career growth in Miami-Dade County. UpSkill Miami is dedicated to training and employing more than 750 individuals through its partnerships with Baptist Health, Florida International University, Florida Memorial University, Florida Power & Light, Jackson Health System, Miami Dade College, The CDL School and United HomeCare, bridging the gap between a lack of skilled workers and hundreds of unfilled jobs.

Whether you're a potential donor, employer, training provider or student, we invite you to join us and make a meaningful impact with UpSkill Miami.

Karaoke Fun with LINC and United HomeCare Seniors

United Way Miami’s LINC hosted community seniors from United HomeCare for a fun-filled evening of music and karaoke. Our annual LINC Senior Day took place on June 26. It brought together our community and created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime while dancing and singing along to their favorite tunes and enjoying refreshments.

LINC is a group of dynamic individuals, 30 and younger, who are passionate about building a stronger Miami. This event is just one example of how our supporters make a difference. If you're looking to connect with other community-minded people, network and deepen your philanthropic commitment, consider joining a United Way giving community.

Shape Our Future: Upcoming Election Information

United Way Miami is committed to empowering our community to make informed decisions that shape our collective future. In the coming months, you will have the opportunity to vote for county commissioners, county mayor, school board members, circuit court judges and representatives at the state and federal levels. Additionally, you can vote for newly elected county positions, including Sheriff, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser and Supervisor of Elections.

Be sure to register to vote! Here are the deadlines:

• Primary Election (8/20): Register by July 22
• General Election (11/5): Register by October 7

Enroll Now: Scholarships and Limited Spots at CFE for 2024-2025

We may be in the middle of summer, but it's never too early to plan for the school year. Our nationally recognized United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education Demonstration School, Educare of Miami-Dade (CFE), is now accepting Step Up for Students Scholarships and still has limited infant and preschool spots available for this upcoming 2024-2025 school year!

The CFE welcomes families and children from six weeks to five years old. Its state-of-the-art facility and enriching curriculum are designed to inspire young minds and foster a deep curiosity about the world, preparing children cognitively, physically and emotionally for a successful start in school.

Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity! If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, schedule a tour today.