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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. 

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

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

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.

This National Volunteer Month, volunteers from United Way’s Giving Communities and corporate sponsors joined forces during our Leaders Day of Action on Saturday, April 6, to revitalize our impact partner, New Horizon Community Mental Health Center. As part of the renovation, volunteers, alongside muralist Martina Tasende, created a beautiful mural for New Horizon’s new program, The Living Room @ New Horizon — a mental health crisis living room for Miami residents! Together, we transformed the center into a vibrant haven of comfort and support for their staff and the families they serve.

With engaging activities like colorful mural painting sessions and landscaping projects, everyone had a blast while making a meaningful impact. A huge thank you to all who pitched in and supported this initiative.

For more than 45 years, New Horizon has offered comprehensive preventive, therapeutic and supportive mental health and substance abuse outpatient services. We are proud to support and partner with an organization that empowers Miami-Dade residents and children facing behavioral health disorders by delivering culturally competent care, treatment and essential support for their growth and well-being.

Check out photos of this year’s impactful Leaders Day of Action below!

VIEW PHOTOS

A special shout-out goes to our Innovator sponsors, Amazon and Duane Morris, for their invaluable support of this year’s event.

On Saturday, January 13, a wave of goodwill swept through Miami as nearly 100 volunteers from United Way Miami’s Giving Communities and corporate sponsors gathered to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a day of service and community connection. 

This year’s United Way MLK Day of Service included rejuvenating and revitalizing the Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS), a United Way impact partner serving Florida for more than 120 years. CHS delivers services to help children and families through the most challenging times of their lives by helping to keep more kids safe at home with their families, giving parents confidence and opportunities to build upon their strength and empowering them to raise their children in healthy, nurturing homes. 

United Way has proudly partnered with CHS for 25 years, supporting programs that uplift children and families across our county. In the past year alone, this partnership impacted the lives of nearly 4,000 individuals, enabling them to lead healthy lives and access the education necessary to thrive.

The impact continues through this family-friendly day of service, ensuring CHS has a beautiful facility to continue serving the community. Volunteers engaged in various activities, from wielding paintbrushes to crafting furniture, decorating, cleaning and landscaping the property. Their collective efforts helped breathe new life into CHS, elevating their location into a more enjoyable and nurturing haven for children and families in need.

Check out photos of this year’s impactful MLK Day of Service below! 

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This MLK Day of Service was a testament to the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a reminder that collective action can make a profound difference in the lives of individuals in the community. United Way would like to thank the volunteers who spent their time and energy beautifying CHS. A special thank you goes to our presenting sponsor, MasTec, for their invaluable support of this year’s MLK Day of Service.  

Check out the local media coverage from the Miami Herald. 

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, United Way Miami’s annual Holiday Gift Drive, held on Thursday, December 14, displayed an incredible outpouring of generosity! The community’s support was nothing short of amazing, breaking all records with an astonishing donation of more than 3,000 gifts.

These gifts will find their way into the hands of low-income children and families from various United Way programs across Miami-Dade County. From the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education to MISSION UNITED, Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership and other agency partners, the holiday joy will be shared far and wide. By coming together, the community has spread holiday cheer to hundreds of children and displayed the true essence of service during the holidays.

Click the link below to view photos from this year’s record-breaking Holiday Gift Drive! 

View Photos

United Way would like to thank everyone who contributed to ensuring children have a gift to open this holiday season. Special thanks to our sponsors who helped make this Holiday Gift Drive a success. To our Santa Sponsor, Telemundo, and our Rudolph Sponsors, BB Americas Bank and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. The success of this year’s Holiday Gift Drive has truly touched the hearts of many.  

In the spirit of community service, made possible by hundreds of dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors, United Way Miami orchestrated a record-breaking Thanksgiving Drive initiative to elevate the holiday experience for more than 2,200 families and veterans across Miami-Dade County.   

Take a look at the impact we made in the community – together!

Throughout November, more than 450 volunteers collaborated to make United Way’s Thanksgiving Drive a success, contributing food and donations and assisting in preparing, packing and delivering thousands of meal kits for families in need. 

Each Thanksgiving meal kit included essential dinner staples like stuffing, cornbread, dessert mix, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, cranberry sauce and a $20 Publix gift card that allowed families to choose their preferred protein. 

Meal kits were packed into several Amazon trucks at United Way before drivers distributed the kits throughout the local area, including those at the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, United Way Center for Financial Stability, MISSION UNITED, Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership and other agency partners.

Event Photos: Take a look at photos from the Thanksgiving Drive.

United Way would like to thank the dedicated sponsors for their support during this year’s Thanksgiving Drive. Feast Sponsors include Amazon, AvMed, Bradesco Bank and Publix. Turkey Sponsors include BB Americas Bank, Level Up Insurance Group and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. 

Media Coverage: Check out the local media coverage from WSVN Channel 7 and WLRN Radio.

Discover the incredible impact of this year’s United Way Miami’s Back-to-School Drive!  Thanks to our generous volunteers and supporters, more than 1,400 children received much-needed backpacks and essential school supplies for the upcoming school year. 

Catch a glimpse of the impact we created, together. 

Changemakers came together over the summer to donate supplies, make online donations, purchase items from our Amazon Wishlist and came out to pack backpacks. Your collective efforts have helped ensure underserved children in our community have the supplies they need for success. 

View Photos: Explore snapshots from our successful Back-to-School Drive. 

All school supplies and backpacks benefited children and families from the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership sites, United Way Center for Financial Stability, MISSION UNITED and United Way agency partners. 

Thanks to our collaboration, we helped ensure children have the necessary tools to thrive academically and achieve their full potential. Building a #StrongerMiami, together.