Breakthrough Miami is solidifying its commitment to closing the opportunity gap and creating pathways to college success with the appointment of three new board members with diverse expertise and a shared commitment to advancing the organization’s mission.
Since 1991, Breakthrough Miami has served as an opportunity generator in the community. The organization’s new board appointments will devote their strategic insight and expertise towards fueling educational opportunities for under-resourced youth, so that they can achieve their full potential.
The new appointments include Frank Gonzalez, Rick Rodriguez Piña, and Abigail “Abby” Fischer Zanarini. Each of these individuals are dynamic leaders and visionaries in the fields of business, finance, telecommunications, public affairs, health care and education, that will help guide the non-profit program for years to come.
“It is our duty to continue pushing forward and evolving our organization through strategic leadership from diverse voices, background and experiences,” said Lori-Ann Cox, CEO of Breakthrough Miami. “We are improving our program and infrastructure to meet the needs of today, and the expectations of tomorrow. Frank, Rick, and Abby add a level of foresight and expertise that can help us continue to make a community impact.”
Frank Gonzalez is a Miami native and a strategic mind with over 30 years of experience in auditing, business consulting and litigation support to different industries. Gonzalez is the principal-in-charge of the Audit Department at MBAF, and leads the firm’s Financial Institutions and SEC practices. Prior to joining the Breakthrough Miami Board of Directors, he accumulated decades of experience providing extensive services to organizations in various industries including banking, telecommunications, technology, manufacturing and other related financial services.
With more than 25 years of professional expertise in public affairs and governmental processes, Rick Rodriguez Piña will be another star player joining the Breakthrough Board of Directors. CEO of Rodriguez Piña & Associates, Rodriguez has actively cultivated strong relationships with the Florida Executive Branch, state and local officials, and educational power-brokers. Rodriguez has developed his passion for business to aid in areas that include healthcare, and advertising management consulting for the educational sector. With a diverse portfolio of experiences, he has also immersed himself in civic involvements, such as the FIU President’s Council and the Florida Venture Foundation, making him a great asset to Breakthrough Miami’s Board of Directors.
An active member of the South Florida community for over 16 years, Abigail “Abby” Fischer Zanarini acts as the chair of the Breakthrough Miami Advisory Committee, responsible for recruiting and organizing volunteers, and spearheading numerous volunteer and fundraising engagements to support scholars, teaching fellows and volunteers.
A native of France, Zanarini earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Organizational Behavior and Business Policy, where she leveled her expertise around the world before moving to Miami in 2004.
Beyond her expertise and experience, Zanarini has served as president of Beaux Arts supporting the University of Miami, as well as being the liaison between Ransom Everglades School and Breakthrough Miami. Her savvy nature and previous affiliations make her transition to Breakthrough Miami’s Board of Directors a seamless one.
Organizations like Breakthrough Miami usher in educational equity for children who come from under-resourced schools and communities — diligently working to provide an elevated and robust program which prepares the scholars for each phase of their educational pathway.
With COVID-19 halting in-person schooling across the nation, Breakthrough Miami is adapting its program efforts to be available and accessible online for each of its students. Providing lessons, academic guidance and support, and even virtual dances to its scholars, Breakthrough Miami is not slowing down the program, but rather continues to pave roads to higher education opportunities. To learn more visit https://breakthroughmiami.org.
Breakthrough Miami is an academic and social enrichment program for highly motivated students from under-resourced communities to access excellent educational opportunities, graduate high school and complete college. The Breakthrough Miami program operates throughout the school year on Saturdays and for six weeks in the summer on the generously donated campuses of local independent schools: Ransom Everglades School, Gulliver Schools, Miami Country Day School, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Palmer Trinity School, as well as the University of Miami.
