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Throughout history, progress has been driven by those who break barriers, open doors, and create opportunities–not just for themselves, but for others. Women's History Month is a time to recognize these changemakers, reflect on how far we've come and reaffirm our commitment to building a future where opportunity is accessible to all.
At United Way Miami, we are dedicated to ensuring that women and families have the tools, resources and opportunities to thrive. We invest in programs that create pathways to economic mobility. One example is the Barrington Irving Technical Training School (BITTS) aviation program through UpSkill Miami, which is helping women enter a field where they currently make up less than 20% of the workforce.
Women United is another way we turn that commitment into action. With more than 2,500 women leaders, philanthropists, and advocates, we are working together to expand access, create pathways, and drive meaningful change throughout Miami-Dade County.
I am incredibly proud to be part of this collective effort. This shared commitment to empowering women and strengthening families makes receiving the In the Company of Women Award in Health & Human Services, presented on behalf of Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open spaces Department so meaningful to me. I stand alongside other trailblazing women who are leading in their fields, each contributing to a stronger community. This recognition is a personal honor and reflects the dedication of so many working to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
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Symeria T. Hudson
President and CEO, United Way Miami
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United Way Miami Welcomes Gladys Reed as Chief Philanthropy Officer
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United Way Miami is proud to welcome Gladys Reed as our new Chief Philanthropy Officer. A longtime supporter of our mission, Gladys brings more than 30 years of experience in banking, relationship management and philanthropy. In this role, she will lead fundraising, donor engagement and corporate partnerships, helping to expand our reach and deepen our impact across Miami-Dade.
"Gladys brings the leadership, experience and dedication needed to continue to deepen engagement, mobilize support and expand United Way Miami's reach in the community," said Symeria Hudson, president and CEO of United Way Miami. "Her leadership will help ensure we continue making a tangible difference for the people who need it most. With nearly half a million households in Miami-Dade struggling to make ends meet, the need for meaningful solutions has never been greater."
Gladys has served as a United Way Miami Board member since 2020 and previously chaired Women United's Executive Council, working alongside our team to strengthen programs that support children, families and communities. Her leadership and commitment to philanthropy will play a key role as we step into our next century of service.
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Lexus Corporate Run 2025
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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.
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Chef Diego Oka to Headline the 2025 VeritageMiami Interactive Dinner
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VeritageMiami is a two-part event series celebrating fine wine, exceptional cuisine, and interactive culinary experiences. As one of United Way Miami's most significant fundraising events, this year's VeritageMiami is led by event chairs José and Patricia Mas, whose leadership and commitment to our community make this incredible experience possible.
On Friday, April 25 , VeritageMiami is thrilled to welcome Chef Diego Oka as the featured celebrity chef for the 2025 Interactive Dinner. A visionary in Latin American cuisine and the Executive Chef at La Mar by Gastón Acurio at the Mandarin Oriental, Chef Oka brings his signature creativity and global influence to this one-of-a-kind culinary event.
Guests will have the rare opportunity to cook alongside Chef Oka, enjoy expertly curated wine pairings and take part in an exclusive auction featuring unique experiences, fine wines, spirits and more–all in support of United Way Miami's mission to uplift lives and expand opportunities across our community.
But the experience doesn't end there! On Wednesday, May 7, VeritageMiami continues with the Wine & Food Experience, bringing together top wineries and local eateries for an evening of tastings and culinary excellence.
Join us for two unforgettable evenings where fine dining meets philanthropy—creating experiences that are as inspiring as they are memorable.
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Advocating for a Stronger Miami: Legislative Session Update
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Recently, United Way Miami, alongside Symeria Hudson, president and CEO, participated in United Way of Florida's Capitol Days, meeting with lawmakers, agency leaders and key stakeholders to advocate for policies that support affordable housing, quality childcare, healthcare access and economic mobility-critical issues that directly affect ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families working hard to make ends meet.
With the Florida legislative session set to adjourn on May 2, United Way Miami remains actively engaged-tracking key legislation, meeting with decision-makers and pushing for policies that strengthen financial stability and expand opportunities for those who need it most.
Learn more about the policies we're advocating for and how they create meaningful change for ALICE families.
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Honoring a Legacy of Philanthropy at the 2025 Tocqueville Society Grand Reception
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As United Way Miami continues celebrating 100 years of service,Tocqueville Society donors gathered at Casadonna Miami for the 2025 Tocqueville Society Grand Reception on Monday, March 3–an evening dedicated to honoring the generosity and leadership that continue to strengthen our community.
Chaired by Emeritus Board Members Jayne Abess and Andy Ansin, the event paid tribute to the founders of Miami's Tocqueville Society, the late Sue Miller and the late Ed Ansin, alongside Jayne Abess, whose vision helped establish the Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy in 1991.
This year, we proudly recognized:
- Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy – Jo and John Sumberg
- Next-Gen Philanthropist Award – Michael Gold
- Legacy of Philanthropy – Posthumous Award – Jack Lowell
A special thanks to our sponsors Van Cleef & Arpels and City National Bank.
Watch the honoree videos to see their inspiring stories and the impact of their philanthropy.
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Young Leaders Luncheon: Inspiring Leadership, Creating Opportunity
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On Thursday, February 20, our Young Leaders came together for an inspiring Luncheon with Leaders featuring Madeline Pumariega, President of Miami Dade College and Co-Chair of United Way Miami's Annual Community Campaign.
The discussion explored how education, visionary leadership and economic opportunity shape a thriving community and create pathways for success.
Pumariega left the audience with a powerful call to action: believe in your ability to create change, start by impacting one life at a time and commit to service with passion and purpose.
Looking to get involved? Join Young Leaders, an engaged group of young professionals–45 and younger–who are dedicated to building a stronger Miami.
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Inspiring Future Healthcare Leaders
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On Wednesday, February 19, more than 225 students from local high schools participated in the Healthcare Career Pathways Summit, a collaboration between Florida Memorial University (FMU) and the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT). The event introduced students to career opportunities in healthcare through hands-on learning, speed mentoring and career-readiness discussions, equipping them with the knowledge and connections needed to enter the field.
United Way Miami joined healthcare professionals and industry leaders for a panel discussion on barriers to entering the field, the importance of representation and how community-driven healthcare solutions create lasting impact.
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A Bright Future Starts Here—Enroll Now at CFE for 2025-2026
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Enrollment is now open at the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education (CFE), Demonstration School for children six weeks to five years old! Our program provides a nurturing environment where children receive individualized attention and develop essential early learning skills to build a strong foundation for future success.
What Sets Our Program Apart:
- Affordable tuition compared to schools in a five-mile radius
- Small class sizes for a personalized learning experience
- Free extended care to support working families
Limited spots available—schedule a tour today!
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Did You Know? United Way Miami Leads Disaster Relief in Miami-Dade
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Disasters can strike at any time, but United Way Miami is always ready to respond. As the lead agency for Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) in Miami-Dade County, we work with community partners to coordinate resources, mobilize volunteers and provide critical aid when it's needed most.
For more than 20 years, United Way Miami has played a vital role in disaster relief, securing more than $100 million to help communities recover from hurricanes, floods and other emergencies.
By strengthening response efforts and prioritizing long-term recovery, we're helping Miami-Dade become more resilient–so that when disaster strikes, no one has to face it alone.
Learn more about how we help our community prepare, respond and recover.
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Supporting Veterans in Their Next Mission
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MISSION UNITED has helped hundreds of veterans take the next step toward financial security and career growth. A key resource making this possible is the Warrior Resiliency Scholarship, which provides financial support for career certifications and professional training.
Apply before April 30 to take advantage of this opportunity!
Who qualifies for the Warrior Resiliency Scholarship?
- United States citizen
- Miami-Dade County resident
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Meet the following military service criteria:
- Honorably discharged veteran or general under honorable conditions discharge
- Current/former National Guard or Reserves member from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Enrolled or accepted into a technical or career certificate program at an accredited post-secondary educational institution
- Demonstrate financial need (falling under Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed population)
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 overall GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all post-secondary educational coursework.
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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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