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As it marks three decades of service, Kristi House, a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization and Miami-Dade County’s only nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center, has launched a men’s leadership initiative aimed at confronting some of the most uncomfortable truths in our community surrounding child sexual abuse and human trafficking.
The newly formed Kristi House Men’s Coalition brings together respected Miami-Dade civic and business leaders across law enforcement, real estate, healthcare, tourism, and technology to take a visible and active role in confronting child abuse.
“Child sexual abuse and trafficking are not easy topics, particularly for men,” said Amanda Altman, CEO of Kristi House. “But we need them in this fight. The purpose of the Kristi House Men’s Coalition is to mobilize visible male leadership to challenge silence, shift culture, and bring more men into the conversation around child protection. We’re asking men not simply to support the mission, but to help lead it.”
Jason Adams, a real estate sales executive with Douglas Elliman, serves as a founding spokesperson for the 13-person coalition, which convened in early February and will meet again in the coming weeks to define its first public activation.
“I’m honored to be part of this effort alongside men committed to protecting children in our community,” Adams said. “As fathers, professionals, and civic leaders, we have both influence and responsibility. Too often, abuse and trafficking are discussed quietly or not at all. That has to change. Our goal is to engage other men in honest conversation and make it clear that the exploitation of children will not be tolerated in Miami-Dade.”
The launch follows a recent organizational rebrand developed by Creative On Demand, co-founded by Priscilla Marrero. The rebrand reflects a broader evolution in Kristi House’s strategy, with clearer calls to action and expanded community engagement.
For Marrero, the coalition represents a long-held conviction.
“Seeing this coalition come to fruition is incredibly meaningful to me,” Marrero said. “As a past board member and longtime supporter of the Kristi House mission, it was clear to me that men could not stand on the sidelines of child protection. We need men to step up.”
Kristi House Board chair Kim Shechtman underscored that this initiative represents a clear organizational priority.
“This effort has the full support of the board of directors and reflects our commitment to expanding prevention efforts in meaningful ways,” she said. “Engaging men in advocacy and leadership strengthens our mission and broadens our impact. We are proud to stand behind this work.”
The inaugural members of the Kristi House Men’s Coalition include:
Jason Adams, inside sales executive for The Well, Douglas Elliman;
Dr. Daniel Armstrong, pediatric psychologist, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine;
Tony Guerra, owner, TGM CONNECT, Marketing and Hospitality Strategist;
Aaron Karger, founder and managing partner, Law Office of Aaron A. Karger, PA;
David Lynn, founder and president, Systems Design & Integration;
Atiba Madyun, founder and president, Party Politics US;
Jay Massirman, founder and CEO, Rivergate Companies;
Drew Mouacdie, new business specialist, Total Return Capital Management;
Alan Potamkin, co-chair, The Potamkin Automotive Group;
Richard Powers, sales manager, iPower Technologies;
Gabriel Urrutia, FIU Hospitality adjunct professor and award-winning author;
David Whitaker, president and CEO, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, and
Victor B. Williams, retired DHS Special Agent, founder and CEO of Quest2Freedom.
Responsibilities of the coalition include fostering candid, peer-level dialogue among male leaders; expanding education around prevention, warning signs, and accountability; normalizing public engagement from men on issues of child protection; supporting community-wide prevention and outreach efforts, and recruiting additional civic and business leaders committed to advancing child protection.
Kristi House envisions a future where all children are safe, those harmed find healing, and communities are mobilized and empowered to confront and prevent abuse before it happens.
For more information or to explore volunteer and donation opportunities, visit www.kristihouse.org.
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