ith this award, we honor local leaders who have been deeply committed to bringing lasting value and opportunities for youth and families in their time of need.
Be Strong International is committed to strengthening families by fostering healthy, supportive relationships through education and enrichment that promotes emotional resilience. The goal is not only to positively influence individual lives, but also to strengthen the communities in which families live. Achieving this vision requires civic, business, and community leaders who genuinely care and are willing to take proactive steps to build lasting impact.
Cathy Burgos, Director, Community Services Department, Miami-Dade County
George Joseph, President & CEO, Dade County Federal Credit Union
Rodrick T. Miller, President & CEO, Miami-Dade Beacon Council
Madeline Pumariega, President, Miami-Dade College
Vania Laguerre, Bank Of America Senior Vice President Local Market Executive
Kionne McGhee, Commissioner, District 9. Miami-Dade County
Gene Schaefer, President, Bank of America Miami, Global Commercial Banking Executive
Lesly Simon, Community Engagement Director South Dade Automotive Group Toyota Homestead / KIA Miami / KIA Homestead/ South Dade Education Fund
Myrna Y. Vaca, Community Advocate
Jorge Arauz, Editor In Chief, Tag Media Brickell and Key Biscayne Magazines
Dr. Anthony Cruz, President Miami Dade College Kendall Campus
Michelle Johnson, Faith and Community Leadership Officer, Equity and Engagement Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
Liliam Lopez, CEO & President South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
David Pruna, Regional President, SouthState Bank Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties
Baldwyn English, External Affairs Manager at Florida Power & Light Company
Grant Miller, Publisher at Miami’s Community Newspapers
Michael Miller, Publisher at Miami’s Community Newspapers
Patrick Morris, Director of Civic & Philanthropic Partnerships at Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor
Angela Ramos, Director of Community Empowerment at Univision Local Media Miami
Angelica Santibanez, Senior Manager, Community Engagement at Amazon
Felipe F. Basulto, TD Bank, Market President – Retail, South Florida
Russell Benford, Royal Caribbean Group, VP Government Relations, Americas
Daniel T. Wall, Assistant Director, Miami-Dade County, Office of Management and Budget
Dr. Amber Williams, Upright Spine Center, Founder and Clinical Director
Mayte Padron Cordones, WPLG Local 10, Director of Community Relations
Mark Trowbridge, President of Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce (+ Deceased)
Stephanie Sylvestre, Former Chief Programs Officer/CIO of The Children’s Trust
Senator Shevrin Jones, District 35
Luisa Santos, School Board Member for District 9
Todd Battaglia, President and CEO of MG&A Wealth
Marlen Abrahantes, VP of Pro Insurance Consultants
Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, District 8
Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, CEO of Urban League of Broward County
Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Miami-Dade County State Attorney
Representative Dotie Joseph, State Representative District 108
Ana Veiga Milton, President of Jose Milton Foundation
Jason Jenkins, Former Miami Dolphins Senior VP of Communications & Community Affairs (+ Deceased)
James R. Haj, President and CEO of The Children’s Trust
Representative Ana Maria Rodriguez, State Representative District 105
Jose Vigo, REMAX Real Estate Professional
Margie Toledo, Human Resources Director of World Fuel Services