Recognizing Leaders, Creating Opportunities
Black History Month is a time to honor the past, celebrate progress, and take action for the future. At United Way Miami, we recognize the Black leaders and trailblazers whose resilience, innovation, and dedication continue to shape our community. Their contributions are woven into the very fabric of our mission, propelling us forward as we work to build a stronger Miami for all.
This year holds special significance as we celebrate United Way Miami’s centennial—a milestone that marks 100 years of service and impact on our community. It is also historic because Symeria Hudson is our organization’s first Black president and CEO. Under her leadership, we are deepening our commitment to tackling Miami-Dade’s most pressing challenges—including rising housing costs, wage disparities, affordability, and financial instability. Symeria’s personal journey, growing up in public housing in Huntsville, Alabama, and being raised by a hardworking single mother, fuels her passion for expanding opportunities for all.
The challenges we face today demand bold action. Too many families in Miami-Dade still struggle to make ends meet. We refer to these households as ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)—hardworking individuals who earn above the federal poverty level but not enough to afford basic necessities. In Miami-Dade, 61% of Black households live below the ALICE threshold, underscoring persistent financial gaps. That’s why our focus remains on delivering real solutions—ensuring families not only survive but thrive.
As one of Miami’s longest-standing nonprofits, we serve more than 187,000 individuals annually by providing critical resources across our Core Four pillars—H.E.R.E.: Health & Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities, and Economic Mobility. Under Symeria’s leadership, we’ve sharpened our focus on economic empowerment, launching and expanding initiatives like UpSkill Miami—our workforce development program that provides career training in high-demand industries such as healthcare, transportation, construction trades, energy, aviation, and education. Paired with our financial stability services, education programs, and health initiatives, we’re helping individuals and families chart a path toward lasting success.
But we don’t do this work alone. This Black History Month, we proudly highlight exceptional Black leaders within our partner agencies who are driving meaningful change across Miami-Dade:
- Health & 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
These leaders are breaking barriers and creating opportunities for Black families. Thanks to their efforts—and our network of more than 60 impact partner agencies, along with the 17 initiatives led by United Way—we helped 7,176 children access quality early education, supported 107,919 individuals through financial stability programs, and provided health services to 43,426 residents last year.
At United Way Miami, we believe real change happens when we come together. This Black History Month—and every day—we remain committed to advancing opportunities, expanding access, and ensuring a brighter future for all. By working alongside community leaders, partners, and supporters like you, we can create a stronger, more thriving Miami where everyone has the chance to succeed.
