Miami-Dade Beacon Council

From Legacy to Leadership: Shaping Miami's Future Together At last year’s Annual Meeting, our wonderful, former Chair, Yolanda Cash Jackson, Esq., reminded us of the power of unity: when diverse communities come together, we create spaces that thrive. This year, we’ve carried that vision forward under the extraordinary leadership of Juan Carlos Liscano, our new Chairman of the Board. Together, we’ve set new records, reached new heights, and laid the foundation for Miami’s next chapter. Now, it’s time to celebrate our achievements and dream boldly about what’s next. Join us on January 15, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the InterContinental Miami Hotel for an unforgettable evening with Chairman of the Board Juan Carlos Liscano, President and CEO Rodrick Miller, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Chair-Elect Christine Barney, APR, and some of Miami’s most influential leaders. Reflect on our community’s progress, connect with visionaries shaping Miami’s future, and engage in meaningful conversations that will drive our beautiful county forward. A heartfelt thank you to our presenting sponsors, Florida International University and American Airlines, and our incredible partners, Florida Power & Light, Baptist Health, Northeastern University Miami, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, for making this event possible. Your commitment to our community fuels our shared vision for a greater Miami. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Miami’s progress and help shape its future. Buy your tickets today: https://lnkd.in/ebzJj5XU Together, we are building Beacon. Building Miami. And building an incredible future. Dr. Paula Hopkins Maria Budet Julio P. Tatiana Silva Opportunity Miami #BeaconBuildsMiami #AnnualMeeting #BuildingMiami #MiamiDadeCounty #MiamiDadeEvents #January2025 #InvestMiami

Exciting things are happening in Florida’s tech ecosystem, and we couldn’t be more proud to see our state leading the charge! This statewide expansion is a testament to the incredible innovation and collaboration driving Florida forward. Let’s keep showcasing why Miami—and our entire state—is the place for growth, investment, and cutting-edge ideas. 2025, we're ready for you! #BeaconBuildsMiami #InnovationHub #MiamiLeads #eMergeAmericas #MiamiTech

Thank you, Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, for stopping by the Miami-Dade Beacon Council. We deeply appreciate your leadership and vision, which align so well with the mission of the Beacon Council, Opportunity Miami, and TalentBridge. Your commitment to fostering talent, bridging opportunities, and driving economic growth in our community is truly inspiring. Rodrick Miller Ivette Arango O'Doski Rhett O’Doski Julio P. Scott Powell, EDFP

It was an honor to deliver the commencement address at Atlantis University. Thank you, Dr. Miya Burt-Stewart for the invitation and the warm welcome. I was truly impressed by the university’s diverse programs—in English and Spanish, online and in-person—spanning business, healthcare, technology, and more. Congratulations to the graduates! The world is waiting for your brilliance. Go forth, live boldly, and make a lasting impact.

Great Opportunity Miami podcasts today with Stacy Baier, Melissa Medina, and Carlos Vazquez. We discussed #education, #tech, and #workforce. You won’t want to miss these incredibly informative and insightful conversations.

Looking to kickstart or grow your small business? Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Cape Coral are among the top in the U.S. for entrepreneurial success. With its low costs and vibrant community of innovators, the Sunshine State is leading the way for startups to thrive. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dnabkEtn And check out Florida's resources for entrepreneurs: https://lnkd.in/g7jcxxjQ #WonderFL

🚀 Call for French Startups: Pitch Your Innovation in Miami! French Tech Entrepreneurs, this is your moment to shine on the global stage! Join the French Tech Miami for the French Tech Capital Days MIAMI, an exclusive opportunity to connect your startup with investors and potential clients in the U.S. 📅 When? April 7-8, 2025, during Miami’s thriving tech season. 📍 Where? Mana Tech, the hub for international startups and entrepreneurs. 💡 What’s in it for you? -30 selected startups will pitch their innovation to a panel of French-American investors (Business Angels, VCs, PEs). -Compete for up to $150K in prizes and funding opportunities. -Present your project to potential clients in key sectors: aerospace, luxury, tech, healthcare, and more. 🔍 Focus Areas: -Greentech, ClimateTech, énergie, impact et durabilité -Bluetech -Health Tech -Supply Chain et Robotique -Fashion Tech (mode, design) -Space Tech -Intelligence Artificielle 📈 More than just a Pitch: Comprehensive prep package: Webinars, individual coaching, and networking available upon request (contact marketing-sales@faccmiami.com) 📋 Selection Criteria: Operates in one of the targeted sectors above. Based in France or featuring French technology with a subsidiary/headquarters in France. At least one year in operation and generating revenue. Strong international growth potential (financial and human resources). Application deadline: January 31, 2025 💻 Apply now! Fill out the application form here: https://lnkd.in/eTyG4TT4 Don’t miss this chance to elevate your startup on the global stage! 🌍 hashtag #FrenchTechCapitalDays2025 #FrenchTechMiami #WeAreFACC #FACCFlorida #CallForApplications

🚨 The Time to Act is Now. Human trafficking is a hidden crisis happening in plain sight—and Miami ranks 3rd in the nation for reported cases. It’s not just exploitation; it’s a business fueled by demand that thrives on silence and preys on the most vulnerable. This new year, join The Women's Fund Miami-Dade for a critical virtual panel: “Truckers Against Trafficking + Your Women’s Fund Addressing Demand: No Buyer = No Victim.” Details: 🗓 Thursday, January 9th, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM ET 📍 Virtual via Zoom. RSVP Now: https://bit.ly/4gBHOHy This isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action: 1. Learn the signs: know what to look for and how to identify trafficking in your community. 2. Take action: discover simple, impactful steps you can take to disrupt this industry. 3. Be part of the solution: hear from experts like Truckers Against Trafficking, who are turning knowledge into life-saving action. Your role matters. Whether you’re a parent, a business leader, or a concerned citizen, this is your opportunity to make a difference. Together, we can break the cycle, protect the vulnerable, and stop trafficking at its source. Dr. Paula Hopkins The Women's Fund Miami-Dade Veronica Korbenfeld Scott Powell, EDFP Marya Meyer Natasha Bessolt Maria Budet #FreedomFromViolence #EndHumanTrafficking #BeaconBuildsMiami #TakeAction #BeTheSolution #PartnersInAction #WomensFundMiamiDade

Childcare isn’t just a family issue—it’s an economic one. With $5.38 billion lost annually in productivity due to childcare challenges, our President & CEO, Rodrick Miller, joined regional leaders to tackle this crisis. Together with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and key partners, we’re advocating for solutions that prioritize families, strengthen the workforce, and drive economic growth. It’s time to make childcare access a cornerstone of Miami-Dade’s future. #BeaconBuildsMiami #ChildcareSolutions #EconomicDevelopment

As we conclude another impactful executive board meeting, I am reminded of our Executive Board of Directors' extraordinary leadership and unwavering dedication. Their vision and partnership drive our mission forward, making Miami-Dade a global leader in sustainable, inclusive, and competitive economic growth. Thank you to our Board, partners, and stakeholders for your continued support as we fulfill the Miami-Dade Beacon Council’s mission to champion economic prosperity in our community. Thank you, Virginia Jacko, Cameron Sisser, and Jeff Rabalais, for hosting us at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc. Rodrick Miller Maria Budet Camela Glean-Jones Julio P. Tatiana Silva George Lanza Scott Powell, EDFP Donna Abood Juan Carlos Liscano Armando Fernandez Basil Khalil Gary Goldfarb George Bermudez Hugo Castro, CFP®, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF Ashlee Wright Olga Ramudo Olga Naumovich Rick Beasley Walter K. Robinson, SIOR Yolanda Cash Jackson, Esq. Yolanda Nader Ivette Arango O'Doski Alexandra Villoch Xavier Gonzalez Christine Barney, APR Al Dotson, Jr. Norma Kenyon Antonio "Tony" Dias Sheldon Anderson Jaret Davis Pablo J. Pino Penny Shaffer, PhD Melanie Dickinson Francesca de Quesada Covey James Kohnstamm, CEcD Daniella Levine Cava