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On Monday, June 23, United Way Miami welcomed partners, supporters and civic leaders to the 2025 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove. This annual celebration honored a year of progress—and the individuals and organizations helping to build a stronger, more connected Miami-Dade. 

President and CEO Symeria Hudson reflected on the power of partnerships and the progress made across United Way Miami’s four core pillars: Health and Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities and Economic Mobility. From expanding access to job training through UpSkill Miami to strengthening early learning through the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, she shared how the organization continues to meet community needs with compassion, innovation and action. 

That impact is made possible by the strength of our relationships, including the generosity of workplace campaigns that fuel this work year after year. Miami-Dade County Public Schools, United Way’s largest annual campaign, once again led one of the top campaigns in the county.  Seven top-performing schools were honored for their outstanding leadership and participation. 

The program also celebrated five extraordinary individuals whose service continues to move our mission forward. Each Volunteer Award honoree has made a lasting difference through their leadership, commitment and heart for community: 

Public Service Leadership Award 
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava 

Monsignor Walsh Outstanding Human Services Professional Award 
Annie Lord 

Outstanding Youth Award presented by American Airlines 
Maurits Acosta 

Essie Silva Community Builder Award (posthumously)
Mark A. Trowbridge 

Dorothy Shula Award for Outstanding Volunteerism 
Susan Potter Norton 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the event sponsors who made this celebration possible. Special thanks to City National Bank, Greenberg Traurig and American Airlines. 

On Saturday, June 7, United Way Miami hosted its 24th Annual Mayor’s Ball and welcomed hundreds of guests to an unforgettable Masquerade-themed evening filled with celebration, connection and a shared commitment to those who call Miami-Dade home. 

The night brought together changemakers from across business, philanthropy, and local government, all united in support of United Way Miami’s Core Four pillars: Health & Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities and Economic Mobility. 

Thanks to the generosity of our community, the event raised more than $1 million to uplift lives right HERE in Miami-Dade County. 

During the evening’s program, President and CEO Symeria Hudson shared her continued vision for the future of United Way Miami, while Mayor Daniella Levine Cava emphasized the strength of the ongoing partnership between United Way and Miami-Dade County. Together, they highlighted how collaboration drives meaningful, lasting impact across our region. 

A special thank you to this year’s Fundraising Co-Chairs Felix Lasarte and Ana and Cecil Milton, whose leadership helped make the evening a success, along with the support of our dedicated host committee of community and business leaders. 

Sponsors of the 24th Annual Mayor’s Ball included Centennial Sponsor Griffin Catalyst and Kenneth C. Griffin; Emerald Sponsors City National Bank, Greenberg Traurig, Jose Milton Foundation, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood; Gold Sponsors Badia Spices, Codina Partners, Florida Power & Light, Ken O’Keefe, Related Philanthropic Foundation, Reworld Waste, EXP, L3 Harris; and Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, Senator René Garcia, Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez, Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, Commissioner Eileen Higgins, Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, and Commissioner Micky Steinberg 

Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone helping us build a stronger and more resilient Miami-Dade for the next century. 

VIEW INTERACTIVE DINNER PHOTOS

VIEW WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCE PHOTOS

VeritageMiami has become one of United Way Miami’s premier annual fundraisers, helping serve more than 187,000 individuals annually by providing critical resources across our Core Four pillars: Health & Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities and Economic Mobility. Through this work, United Way Miami invests in more than 100 programs at over 60 impact partner agencies and leads 17 initiatives that address local challenges and support families across Miami-Dade.  

The festivities began on April 25 with the Interactive Dinner at the InterContinental Miami Hotel in downtown Miami, where nearly 400 guests enjoyed a one-of-a-kind culinary experience led by celebrated Chef Diego Oka, Executive Chef of La Mar by Gastón Acurio. Guests cooked alongside Chef Oka in a live master class, then sat down to enjoy a gourmet dinner with expertly paired wines. The evening also featured an exclusive auction filled with fine wines, rare spirits and unique experiences. 

On May 7, the Wine and Food Experience brought guests to The Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Coconut Grove. Wineries from across the globe poured their finest bottles, while top Miami restaurants served signature bites. Guests explored interactive tasting stations, cast their votes for their favorite winery and culinary purveyor and enjoyed an evening filled with flavor, connection and impact. 

More than 500 wine and food enthusiasts gathered for the 2025 edition of VeritageMiami, presented by City National Bank. Chaired by Patricia and José Mas, the two-part event series marked its 29th year by bringing the community together to eat, drink and unite for a good cause. 

Sponsors of the event series included Presenting Sponsor City National Bank; Magnum Sponsors Bilzin Sumberg, Greenberg Traurig, Ryder System, Inc; Sommelier Sponsors Colleen and Richard Fain, Delta Airlines, FPL and Socorro Partners 

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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.   

In a heartwarming display of generosity, United Way Miami’s Thanksgiving and Holiday Drives brought joy and hope to families across Miami-Dade County this holiday season. 

With your support, more than 1,000 families received Thanksgiving meal kits, allowing them to share warm, festive meals with their loved ones. Additionally, more than 1,100 children from low-income families experienced the magic of the holidays, unwrapping gifts that brought smiles and celebration to their homes. 

These efforts reached families through United Way’s many programs, including the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, United Way Center for Financial Stability, Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership and our network of various partner agencies throughout Miami-Dade County. Additionally, MISSION UNITED veterans and their families also benefited from the thanksgiving drive. Together, we demonstrated the true spirit of the season, offering comfort and connection to those in need. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who made this possible—our incredible donors, volunteers, and sponsors. Your compassion and commitment have brightened the holidays for so many, embodying the power of community in action. 

As we continue to celebrate our centennial year, we are reminded of the profound impact we can achieve when we come together to build a stronger Miami. 

Check out photos from our Holiday Drives below!  

VIEW PHOTOS from Thanksgiving Drive

VIEW PHOTOS from Holiday Drive

View the local media coverage from WSVN7 and CBS4

On Friday, October 11, United Way Miami proudly celebrated the graduation of more than 100 individuals from Florida International University’s Construction Trades Program. This milestone event marked a significant achievement for the graduates, equipping them with essential skills to enter one of the most in-demand industries in our region.

Through our UpSkill Miami initiative, these graduates have received the training needed to secure stable employment and contribute to economic growth in Miami-Dade. United Way Miami President and CEO Symeria Hudson delivered an inspiring keynote address, encouraging graduates to seize the opportunities ahead and emphasizing the critical importance of continuous learning in today’s ever-evolving workforce.

UpSkill Miami is dedicated to transforming lives and is looking to expand its reach, with a goal of training and employing more than 800 individuals across various sectors, including construction, healthcare, transportation, aviation, and energy. This graduation ceremony not only highlights the success of these individuals but also underscores our commitment to building a skilled workforce that meets the needs of our community.

Congratulations to all of our recent graduates! Your hard work and determination are paving the way for a brighter future, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact you will make in your chosen fields.

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

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.

On Tuesday, May 28, our President and CEO, Symeria Hudson, officially announced UpSkill Miami’s expansion into the aviation industry in partnership with Barrington Irving Technical Training School (BITTS).

United Way Miami is proud to commemorate a century of service and mark a new horizon with the expansion of UpSkill Miami, our innovative workforce fund. In partnership with BITTS, dozens will receive training and gain employment in the leading industry of aviation. This expansion signifies a bold step forward for UpSkill Miami, a testament to our unwavering commitment to empowering more than 750 Miami-Dade residents and continuing to build brighter futures in our local community.

A special thank you to Captain Barrington Irving, Emeritus Board Member Jayne Abess, Baldwyn English, Maria Mas Blet and Chair Oliver Gilbert for celebrating this milestone with us, and to the students and recent BITTS graduates for sharing their journeys and firsthand experiences.

To view photos of the press conference, click here.

See the local media coverage of this tremendous moment from WSVN 7 News, Miami Herald, The Miami New Times and Miami’s Community Newspapers.

Whether you’re a potential donor, employer, training provider or student, we invite you to get involved and learn more at unitedwaymiami.org/upskillmiami.

Together, we are creating a path toward a more prosperous tomorrow.