|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Our South Florida community has countless amazing women who are making an impact in so many ways. A recent guest on Gloria’s Gab LIVE video podcast, Michelle Villalobos is an international speaker, author and entrepreneur whose inner journey came to light in a beautiful way. On May 18, Michelle presented her new book, But I Want to Fly!, at Books & Books in Coral Gables. “An Adventure Book for Dreamers of All Ages,” this book touched those in attendance as she regaled the inspiring story of Vee, the heroine who was in a dark place and emerges after listening to her heart.
Finding her passion and changing course, she realizes her dream. In addition to a beautiful book, But I Want to Fly! also is a piece of art with incredible illustrations. In fact, the original paintings from the book by Germany-based artist Kiki Kalahari were on display that night.
For the book, go to www.ButIWantToFly.com.
Among the guests that night was Pat San Pedro, an entrepreneur, author, and cancer survivor who is planning a retreat this fall that promises to be amazing. Check it out at www.LivingLifeAgainRetreat.com.
Another impressive woman on my show, Briana Dimascio, has much on her plate as chair of the Greater Miami Festivals & Events Association Annual Conference set for June 8 at the Hyatt Regency Miami. This year’s theme, “Decadence, 10 years of taking events to the next level,” promises to be an event for anyone in the events planning, visitor and hospitality industries and always is a spectacular conference.
Dimascio has lots of help working with longtime conference coordinator Debbie Magenheimer and executive director Amanda MacMaster, who took over the position in 2022 and has a long history with the organization over the years. This trio and a hard-working committee promise another magical conference this year attracting those involved in producing a broad range of community celebrations including major arts, film, literary and culinary events, parades, street festivals, fairs, youth sporting competitions, and historic, environmental, national and ethnic awareness events.
Keynote speaker will be Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, lauded as “Office Whisperer” by The New York Times for helping leaders make the best decisions in the future of work. By the way, for those in the industry who are not already members, now is a perfect time to join as registration comes with annual membership. And for more info visit the website at www.festivalsmiami.org.
In other news, the UM Sports Hall of Fame & Museum recently announced its new officers for the 2023-24 year: president, Coach Mike Ward; president-elect, Mark Drobiarz; vice president, Judy Pantoja-McCabe; treasurer, Mead McCabe; secretary, Maureen Piero, and past president, Mead McCabe. Congratulations to all these dedicated Canes.
Be sure to save the date, Oct. 19, for the 31st annual Hall of Fame Golf Tournament to be held at The Biltmore Golf Course. For more info, visit www.CanesGolf.com. As for the annual Hall of Fame Fishing Tournament, it has been postponed until next year, June 2024, and will take place in the Florida Keys. More info on that at CanesFish.com.
A Safe Haven for Newborns annual golf tournament at Trump National Resort was one for the books. Thunderstorms and rain delayed play for a few hours but everyone got in nine holes or more. Food trucks, open bar and a barbecue awards dinner completed the day with a raffle and auction for some great sports memorabilia. Kudos to event chair Chelsea Oakley, who took over from Gina Perez, and beautifully handled all the challenges of that rainy day with ASHFN founder and CEO Nick Silverio and volunteers Yvette Aubin, Marti Bueso, Patricia Gallardo, Ann McCormick, Odalys Quesada, Cristina Sullivan, Chelsea Oakley, Willy Espinosa and Lian Longobucco.
Finally, love and prayers go out to the family of Tania Stern, president of the Coral Gables Jr. Woman’s Club (which merged later with the Coral Gables Woman’s Club) and past Cabaret general chair who raised countless dollars over decades for the CGWC’s free children’s dental clinic. She was one of the kindest, generous, loving, hardworking and brilliant people I have ever known.
She passed away after battling ALS and was courageous to the end. Tania was my best friend, a second mother to my girls, a great wife and mother to four amazing children and grandmother to seven. Her passing leaves a hole in the hearts of the countless people who loved her. May she rest in peace.
Until next time, share your talents, count your blessings and not your challenges, and make a difference.
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area. Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts about the community, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered.
