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The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women (CFW) has announced the election of its 2026 officers, selected during the commission’s Nov. 19 meeting.
The newly elected leadership represents a dynamic group of women whose professional achievements, public service experience, and deep commitment to community advancement will guide the commission’s work in the year ahead.
Stephanie Daniels, chair (District 4)
Stephanie V. Daniels is a trailblazer whose 32-year career with the Miami-Dade Police Department reshaped leadership pathways for women in public safety. She made history as the first woman and first African-American woman to serve as director of MDPD, overseeing more than 5,000 employees. Daniels now leads Renewal Horizons and serves in multiple leadership and advisory roles, including the Florida Association of Women Law Enforcement Professionals and the Miami-Dade Charter Review Task Force.
Yama Paillere, first vice chair (District 12)
Yama Paillere currently serves as chief of staff for the City of North Miami, guiding strategic initiatives and supporting executive leadership. Her prior roles include deputy director in the Office of Protocol for the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners and deputy chief of staff to the chief operating officer in the Office of the Chair. Paillere brings extensive expertise in government operations, public affairs, and executive management.
Josephine Novo, second vice chair (District 13)
Josephine Novo serves as legislative chair of the Commission for Women, where she leads development of the commission’s annual policy recommendations and the Status of Women Report. She recently organized the Commission for Women’s first Disability Resource Fair, connecting 40 organizations with over 200 families. Novo is a former commission aide, holds a background in business and communications, and is currently pursuing her Juris Doctor at Florida International University.
Katherine Leiva, member at large (District 3)
Katherine Leiva is a social innovator and champion for a stronger, more equitable education ecosystem. She serves as chief of staff to Miami-Dade School Board member Luisa Santos and has been an active member of the Commission for Women for the past year. Leiva holds a master’s degree in education from Johns Hopkins University and has led transformative initiatives that continue to shape Miami-Dade County’s future.
Dr. Gabrielle Carey-Johnson, member at large (District 1)
Dr. Gabrielle Carey-Johnson is a licensed mental health counselor and founder of Gabby Cares of South Florida, a culturally responsive group practice providing trauma-informed care, mentorship, and wellness programming for underserved communities. An Afro-Caribbean Miami native, she is active in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and The Links Inc. Dr. Carey-Johnson is committed to creating healing spaces that honor culture and uplift community voices.
The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women works to improve the status of women and girls through research, policy recommendations, community engagement, and collaborative initiatives countywide. The newly elected officers will lead the commission’s efforts to strengthen women’s economic, social, and civic well-being in Miami-Dade.
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