VIEW PHOTOS

View the local media coverage from WSVN 7 News here. 

As United Way Miami continues celebrating 100 years of service to the community, nearly 200 guests gathered at Casadonna Miami for the annual 2025 Tocqueville Society Grand Reception, an evening dedicated to honoring those whose generosity continues to strengthen Miami.

Chaired by Jayne Abess and Andy Ansin, the event carried forward the legacy of the late Sue Miller and the late Ed Ansin, who, alongside Jayne, founded the Miami Tocqueville Society in 1991. They introduced the Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy to recognize individuals whose extraordinary generosity, leadership, and commitment to the community have made a lasting impact.

Alongside this prestigious honor, the event also celebrated the Next-Gen Philanthropist Award and marked the first time United Way Miami presented the Legacy of Philanthropy – Posthumous Award. 

This year’s event recognized:

United Way Miami Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy: Jo and John Sumberg

Jo and John Sumberg have been dedicated supporters of United Way Miami since 1997, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to its mission. John has served as a Board member and Trustee since 2010 and currently sits on the Executive Committee. In recognition of their generosity, United Way honored them as Donors Next Door at the 20th Annual Donor Next Door Luncheon in 2017. That same year, they became members of United Way’s Million Dollar Roundtable.

As funding partners of the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education (CFE), Jo and John played a pivotal role in advancing high-quality early learning opportunities for children in Miami. Jo traveled to Washington, D.C., three times and to Tallahassee once with fellow Women Leaders on behalf of United Way to lobby for early education policies and investments at the state and federal levels. In 2016, Jo and John co-chaired the VeritageMiami Spring Edition alongside Lisa and Victor Mendelson and Lea and Craig Rasile. With their guidance, they helped raise more than $300,000 to benefit the CFE. They also made a planned gift to the United Way’s Endowment, ensuring their impact continued for generations to come.

John has strengthened United Way Miami through leadership roles, including serving on the Finance and Administration Committee, Investment Committee, Campaign Legal Division Co-Chair, Campaign Cabinet Alexis de Tocqueville Society Co-Chair and Endowment Fund Committee. He was a member of the 2017 CEO Search Committee and helped establish the United Way Associate Legal Mingle, an event that brought together 300 associates, in-house counsel and judges. Under his leadership, Bilzin Sumberg has championed the annual United Way Community Campaign, fostering a culture of philanthropy within the firm.

Beyond United Way, John has built a distinguished career in commercial real estate as Chairman and founding member of Bilzin Sumberg. His civic engagement extends to serving on many local non-profit boards including Lotus House Women’s Shelter, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the University of Miami’s School of Architecture. Jo, a licensed Broker-Agent since 1987, worked full-time as a Residential Realtor for 25 years before retiring in 2012. A Miami native, John and his family remain deeply committed to strengthening the future of the community he has always called home. To learn more about Jo and John Sumberg, watch their story here courtesy of our partner WSVN 7 News.

United Way Miami Next-Gen Philanthropist Award: Michael Gold

This award recognizes an emerging leader who inspires the next generation through active engagement and leadership. Michael Gold has been a supporter of United Way Miami for 12 years and has been actively involved in Young Leaders since 2014, playing a key role in engaging and empowering others to support United Way’s mission. He previously served on the Young Leaders Executive Committee, and since 2023, he has led Raymond James’ United Way Community Campaign as the firm’s Employee Campaign Manager, rallying colleagues to contribute to the organization’s impact.

Michael’s commitment to service is a family affair—his wife, Susana, is also actively involved with United Way as a member of Women United. As Managing Director & Private Wealth Advisor at Bermont Gold Wealth Advisory of Raymond James, he applies his strategic expertise to both his professional endeavors and community involvement. A South Florida native, his service on boards such as United Way Miami, the History Miami Museum, the Coral Gables Pension Advisory Board and the Health Foundation of South Florida underscores his deep dedication to civic engagement and strengthening the community. To learn more about Michael Gold, watch his story here courtesy of our partner WSVN 7 News.

United Way Miami Legacy of Philanthropy – Posthumous Award: Jack Lowell
A devoted leader and supporter of United Way Miami for 36 years, Jack Lowell is the inaugural recipient of the Legacy of Philanthropy – Posthumous Award, which honors a lifetime of generosity that continues to shape our community. A former Board Member and Trustee of United Way, he and his wife, Natasha, were also funding partners of the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, underscoring their commitment to early childhood education and community investment.

Jack was a visionary in Miami’s commercial real estate sector, having held key roles at prominent firms such as Colliers and Codina Bush Klein Realty. His civic involvement extended far beyond his profession—he served on the boards of the Coral Gables Community Foundation, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the Beacon Council and many others. A believer in the power of community, Jack dedicated himself to making a lasting impact through hands-on involvement, instilling this belief in his family and all those around him. His legacy of love, leadership and dedication to family and community will continue to inspire future generations. To learn more about Jack Lowell, watch his story here courtesy of our partner WSVN 7 News.

Sponsored by Van Cleef & Arpels and City National Bank, the event celebrated Miami’s philanthropic leaders, highlighting their profound contributions and enduring impact.

Learn more about the Tocqueville Society and its transformative impact here.

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.

VIEW PHOTOS

View the local media coverage from NBC 6 News

On Sunday, January 26, 2025, runners, walkers and supporters joined the Amerant Bank 5K in Coral Gables to celebrate United Way Miami’s 100 years of creating positive change in our community. The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Symeria Hudson, United Way Miami president and CEO; Jerry Plush, Amerant Chairman, President and CEO; and Mayor Vince Lago, Coral Gables Mayor. Participants started the day with a guided warm-up session, preparing them for the race through the scenic streets of Coral Gables. After crossing the finish line, attendees enjoyed a Recovery Zone with refreshments, stretching stations and other amenities to help them recharge. 

This year’s race wasn’t just about crossing the finish line— it was about recognizing the powerful legacy of United Way Miami and the incredible strides we’ve made together.  For 100 years, United Way Miami has been right HERE, connecting people who need help with people who can help. As we continue celebrating our centennial year, we are also achieving new milestones. This year’s Amerant 5K set records with 1,000 registrants, the highest number to date and raised more than $93,000, marking a record-breaking achievement. These proceeds will directly support United Way’s Core Four pillars: Health & Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities and Economic Mobility. The funds will drive more than 100 programs at over 60 partner agencies and power 17 initiatives led by United Way, positively impacting 187,000 individuals annually and delivering essential services that help families thrive. 

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered and supported the event. Your dedication makes it possible to continue building a Miami where everyone has the chance to succeed. 

As we celebrate our centennial, we’re taking a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished—while also looking ahead to the future. This 5K is just one of many ways we’re honoring 100 years of service and pushing forward with our mission to build a stronger Miami.  

Thanks to our 2025 Amerant Bank 5K sponsors, including Title Sponsor Amerant Bank and Gold Medal Sponsor Williamson Automotive.   

This summer, United Way Miami hosted our annual Back-to-School Drive to ensure that students in need across Miami-Dade have the tools they require to succeed. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we collected and distributed essential school supplies to more than 1,000 children, helping them start the school year on the right foot.

With more than 330 volunteer hours dedicated to this effort, the impact on underserved children is truly inspiring. Your contributions, whether through supplies or monetary donations, have benefited low-income children and families associated with the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, United Way Center for Financial Stability, MISSION UNITED, Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership and various other partners throughout Miami-Dade County.

We extend a special thank you to our sponsors: Graduate Sponsors Bermont Gold, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, as well as Senior Sponsors BB Americas Bank, Duane Morris LLP, PepsiCo/FritoLay and Shutts & Bowen LLP. Your support is making a lasting impact on young minds, helping to build a #StrongerMiami.

VIEW PHOTOS HERE

– Gonzalez to Lead United Way’s Board as Organization Celebrates Centennial –

Miami, Florida (July 12, 2024) – United Way Miami, one of the leading and longest-standing non-profits in South Florida, and its trustees have elected Frank Gonzalez, Principal of Assurance at Kaufman Rossin, to serve as board chair for the next two years. Gonzalez succeeds Penny Shaffer, who has concluded her distinguished term as chair. Starting in July 2024, Gonzalez will lead a board comprised of business and community leaders responsible for the governance and strategic direction of United Way Miami.

“Frank Gonzalez has demonstrated unwavering commitment and extensive involvement and dedication to United Way Miami’s mission and I am excited to have him Chair our Board of Directors as we embark on our next century of service,” said Symeria T. Hudson, President and CEO of United Way Miami. “I would also like to thank Penny Shaffer, outgoing Board Chair, for her years of service. Her outstanding leadership has been instrumental in the ongoing success of United Way Miami.”

Frank Gonzalez has been directly involved with United Way Miami over the past 30 years in various capacities, including supporting United Way’s Giving communities, being a member of various councils and committees and co-chairing significant initiatives such as the organization’s annual community campaign and VeritageMiami.

“I am honored to serve as the board chair during such a significant milestone in United Way Miami’s history,” said Frank Gonzalez. ” I look forward to working with our dedicated board, supporters and community partners to continue driving positive change and addressing the complex needs of our community.”

As Principal of Assurance at Kaufman Rossin, Gonzalez brings more than 30 years of experience in assurance services, specializing in audit engagements, business advisory and regulatory compliance services for public and private organizations. His experience spans across various industries, including banking, investment funds, financial services and technology.

Gonzalez serves as the immediate past chair/president of the Orange Bowl Committee, director of the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA) and board member of Breakthrough Miami and SebastianStrong. He is a licensed CPA in Florida, New York and Puerto Rico, holding an MBA from the University of Miami and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida International University.

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

• 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

MIAMI-DADE (July 9, 2024) – On Tuesday, July 9th, a collaborative group of Miami-Dade County’s top public and private sector organizations held a news conference at Marva Y. Bannerman Park Pool in Brownsville to unveil the Zero Drownings Miami-Dade initiative, a large-scale swim safety program aimed at teaching four-year-old children enrolled in public and private early learning centers and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) kindergarteners essential water safety lessons.

Drownings have become the leading cause of death in Miami-Dade County for children ages one to nine, but studies show that participation in formal swim lessons can reduce that risk by 88%.

Zero Drownings Miami-Dade is a comprehensive and collaborative effort between The Children’s Trust, Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the American Red Cross – South Florida Region, The Miami Foundation, United Way Miami, Edu Foundation, and the Templeton Family Foundation to reduce and ultimately prevent childhood drownings by providing swim lessons for young children, water safety education for families, and a communitywide water safety campaign. Both public and private funding is supporting the initiative.

The countywide swim safety program will facilitate free swim lessons, using American Red Cross-certified curriculum, for cohorts of four and five-year-olds during the school day at public or private water safety swim provider locations. Participating children will come from the County’s Head Start program, The Children’s Trust-funded Thrive by 5 private childcare centers in high-poverty neighborhoods, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools kindergarten classrooms. Each participating program and classroom will be pre-selected by M-DCPS, The Children’s Trust, and County staff. There is no general registration for this program.

The children will be transported to the nearest participating swim provider as a daily school field trip over the course of two weeks. Each student will be offered 10, 30-minute, group swim lessons with a maximum instructor-to-student ratio of one to six.

The program also includes a water safety curriculum to teach them to be smart in and around water, and a digital water safety course for their families. Providing free transportation and facilitating the free program during school hours ensures access to open and available facilities and increases the likelihood of children completing the program.

Under this initiative, an Office of Drowning Prevention was created and is housed at Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Department. The office will serve as a logistics hub for coordinating the evidence-based Zero Drownings Miami-Dade program.

The program is scaling up quickly over the next three years. A total of 4,000 children are expected to complete the program in the 2024-2025 school year, 10,000 children in the 2025-2026 school year, and 20,000 children in 2026-2027. The intent is to reach a minimum of 20,000 children each year following, in perpetuity.

The initiative will also offer family engagement and community education components to ensure a broader understanding of swim safety within the children’s homes and in their communities. It is a long-term, sustainable, multi-component drowning prevention and water education program for young children and their families across the county.

“Through education, resources, and heightened awareness, drownings are preventable, and we know that teaching children at this young age is preparing them for life,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This vital program is a testament to our community’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our children. Together, we can make our Miami-Dade a place where families can enjoy our beautiful waters without fear, and make zero drownings not just a goal, but a reality.”

“I am extremely proud to be part of this initiative,” said Miami-Dade County District 3 Commissioner Keon Hardemon. “We as community leaders needed to come together to create a uniform program that would reach some of our youngest and most vulnerable children, who may not otherwise have the means, or the opportunity to attend a learn-to-swim program. Zero Drownings Miami-Dade is that program.”

“Collaborating with partners to help children learn to swim is a vital initiative that can save lives and foster confidence,” said Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres. “Together we can create a positive change, ensuring that more children gain access to swim lessons and the confidence that comes with being skilled swimmers.”

“The Children’s Trust is proud to be a leader and primary funder of the Zero Drownings Miami-Dade initiative. Together, we are building a game-changing program to make generations of children safer when around pools and other bodies of water,” says The Children’s Trust President & CEO James R. Haj.

“For more than 100 years, the Red Cross has helped millions of children and adults learn how to swim, become lifeguards and swim instructors so the water can be a safer place for everyone,” said American Red Cross Greater Miami & The Keys Executive Director, Deborah Koch. “We are proud to be part of Zero Drownings Miami-Dade as the lead for education materials and swim safety certifications for students, families, educators, participating water safety instructors and pool safety personnel.”

“At The Miami Foundation, we envision a Greater Miami where safety and thriving go hand in hand. Protecting our children through essential swim lessons is not just a step towards preventing drownings—it’s a step towards ensuring every member of our community can flourish. True progress demands bold, collective action, and we are honored to support Miami-Dade County Public Schools, The Children’s Trust, Miami-Dade County, the American Red Cross, Edu Foundation, Templeton Family Foundation, and United Way Miami in this transformational initiative. Together, we can build a safer, more vibrant Miami for all.”

“Through this partnership, United Way Miami is addressing the significant local swimming disparity. Reports show that 70% of Black, 60% of Hispanic, and 40% of White children are unable to swim. Every child, regardless of background, deserves access to water safety training,” said Symeria Hudson, President and CEO of United Way Miami. “The Zero Drownings Initiative aligns perfectly with United Way Miami’s mission, and we are proud to help make this life-saving skill accessible to our community.”

For more information, please visit www.zerodrowningsmiamidade.org.

On June 17, United Way Miami’s corporate and non-profit partners, community leaders, award honorees and supporters of United Way’s Giving Communities gathered at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami for our Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards. 

Our President and CEO, Symeria Hudson, highlighted the organization’s progress over the past year, including the growth of UpSkill Miami and the far-reaching impact of our United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education (CFE). She also reflected on United Way’s centennial and shared how the next century of service is taking shape. Staff celebrating service milestones with the organization were also recognized.  

Deep gratitude was expressed to United Way’s outgoing Board Chair, Penny Shaffer, while the incoming Board Chair, Frank Gonzalez, was welcomed. We look forward to everything his energy and expertise will bring to the organization.

This year’s program also recognized Miami-Dade County Public Schools, our largest Workplace Employee Campaign partner. Together we, once again, surpassed the million-dollar mark, raising a total of $1,153,146 this year. Seven top-performing schools were also given a special shout-out.

The Volunteer Awards portion of the program recognized and celebrated the volunteers who have made a transformative impact on United Way Miami and those we serve. Six outstanding individuals have forever changed our community for the better through their service and commitment to our mission:

PUBLIC SERVICE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Florida State Representative Vicki L. Lopez
Florida State Representative, District 113

MONSIGNOR WALSH OUTSTANDING HUMAN SERVICES PROFESSIONAL AWARD
T. Willard Fair
President and Chief Executive Officer
Urban League of Greater Miami, Inc.

ESSIE SILVA COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD
Thelma Gibson
Founding Sponsor, Board Member and Namesake
Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, Inc.

DOROTHY SHULA OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERISM AWARD
Robert E. Sanchez
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Ryder System, Inc.

OUTSTANDING YOUTH AWARD
Milana Lamdan
8th Grade, Norman S. Edelcup Sunny Isles Beach K-8
Zahra Marie Ronizi
12th Grade, Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Sr. High School

Check out photos from our 2024 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards here.

Thank you to our generous sponsors and partners for making our 2024 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards such an elevated experience: City National Bank, Greenberg Traurig, American Airlines, The Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald and the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami.

Miami, FL – Wednesday, April 17 – United Way Miami, one of the leading non-profit organizations in South Florida is kicking off its centennial celebrations. Founded less than three decades after Miami’s official incorporation, on April 24, 1924, United Way Miami has supported local families daily for 100 years to build a thriving, resilient community. From global pandemics to natural disasters to inequity across different groups, United Way Miami has led the region through these crises.

“I am truly proud of this moment and to lead this amazing organization into this pivotal milestone,” said Symeria T. Hudson, president and CEO of United Way Miami. “As we stand on a new horizon for United Way Miami, we’re at the forefront of forging innovative solutions to the complex issues facing our residents. Through strategic partnerships, we’re making a collective impact that extends far beyond our local boundaries. By uniting Miami’s public and private sectors, we’re amplifying our efforts to uplift our community and achieve tangible, long-lasting outcomes.”

With Miami-Dade County rapidly transforming, experiencing increasing wage gaps, the high cost of living and the high supply of jobs with low demand of talent, United Way Miami is focused on solving these issues with a targeted approach. It directly leads 14 initiatives to help the underserved and provides funding, expertise, research, advocacy, public awareness and volunteers to nearly 100 programs at more than 60 local agencies. Every year, United Way Miami’s work impacts the lives of more than 230,000 individuals.

The organization remains the go-to resource for the area’s most vulnerable residents, serving as a beacon of hope for a better tomorrow. By combining Miami’s public and private partners to lift up those in need, residents become empowered and equipped to survive challenges, improve their lives and become part of a thriving Miami.

United Way Miami helps families facing unexpected hardships and enables them to plan for a stable financial future. United Way also helps military veterans pursue training for in-demand careers and helps children reach their full potential by providing quality early education. It also gives older adults nutritious meals, in-home personal care and fitness programs.

United Way Miami is laying the foundation to make an even greater impact over the next 100 years, ensuring everyone in Miami-Dade has access to quality education and the opportunity to live healthy and financially secure lives. United Way Miami’s next century of service will build on this legacy to make a lasting impact for the generations that follow.

ABOUT UNITED WAY MIAMI
United Way Miami has been a leader in Miami-Dade’s nonprofit community for 100 years. Founded in 1924 – less than 30 years after the city of Miami’s official incorporation – we work with our network of donors, volunteers and partners to transform the lives of our most vulnerable residents. We leverage our unique position to convene the community, build awareness of Miami-Dade’s needs and potential, fund nearly 100 impactful local programs and more than 60 local agencies and provide direct services that uplift families in underserved communities. We directly lead and run the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, the United Way Center for Financial Stability, UpSkill Miami, MISSION UNITED and other programs. Entering our next century, we’re building on our legacy of future-focused, innovative, collaborative work to continue making a lasting impact today and for generations to come.

For 100 years, United Way Miami has been a long-standing leader in our community, transforming the lives of many. As we kick off our yearlong centennial celebration, we are more excited than ever to continue making a lasting impact for the generations that follow.

Remember to join the celebration and wish us a happy birthday using #100YearsUnited on Wednesday, April 24!