Miami-Dade County Commission for Women elects new officers

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women (CFW) recently elected its chair, first vice chair, second vice chair and two members at large to serve a one-year term that will end November 2024.

Chair Michelle Abreu has more than three decades of mortgage industry experience as a licensed broker and originator. Her memberships with the Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers, NAHREP, and the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust and her multiple leadership roles on the CFW have enabled Abreu to build relevant relationships.

By leveraging her connections and expertise, she advocates for and educates home buyers on critical financing programs such as down payment support for first-time buyers and specialized loans. Abreu’s expansive network makes her a well-connected specialist able to serve homebuyers across backgrounds.

First Vice Chair Lourdes Reyes Abadin, a seasoned professional with more than 30 years in public finance, currently holds the position of senior managing director at Estrada Hinojosa where she has overseen the Florida office since 2003. Her extensive experience includes serving as deputy director and chief financial officer at the Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority and working as an investment banker on Wall Street in New York City.

Reyes Abadin has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Florida International University, pursued MBA studies at Nova Southeastern University, and is a FINRA Series 7 Registered Representative and Series 50 Municipal Advisor Representative.

Actively engaged in community initiatives, she serves on the board of Banyan Health Systems where she is a member of the Executive Committee and Finance Committee.

Additionally, she is a national board member and Florida Chapter member for Women in Public Finance.

Second Vice Chair Rose Martin is a dedicated professional committed to fostering community well-being and equitable change. She holds degrees in history and developmental psychology from the University of Miami, complemented by a graduate degree in community psychology. Currently, she is pursuing a doctoral degree in applied sciences.

Throughout her career, Martin has played a pivotal role in implementing Program Delivery Guidelines for evidence-based psychosocial rehabilitation groups and therapy in mental health agencies.

She joined the CFW in 2017 and currently chairs its Communications Committee. Her commitment to social and health equities is highlighted in publications like Voyage Miami and The New Tropic. Selected to be part of the Catalyst to the Capital Fellowship for 2024, she continues her advocacy efforts in Tallahassee.

Member at Large Clora Adkins, a seasoned advocate for civil rights and social justice, retired as a captain in the Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation Department after 33 years in the criminal justice system. As the founder of the McMullen Opportunity Center Inc., she addresses the needs of underemployed individuals and families while combatting human trafficking through the Someone’s Child program.

Since 2014, Adkins has been a member-at-large on the CFW, contributing to the Legislative and Violence Against Women Committees. She also holds leadership roles in the Miami Woman’s Club and the League of Women Voters of Miami-Dade County. Additionally, she plays a pivotal role on the board of the Safespace Foundation, which supports domestic violence victims.

Recognized for her influence and contributions, she received the Women of Impact Award from the Women’s History Coalition of Miami-Dade County. Adkins holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership from St. Thomas University, showcasing her commitment to education and community service.

Member at Large Lunicel Alvarado, a distinguished leader and Miami-Dade County native, currently serves as vice chair of the Homestead Faith and Community-Based Organizations Advisory Board and is the South Regional second vice chair for the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Department Title I Parent Advisory Council. She is a mentor at G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School for the Women of Tomorrow organization.

Alvarado’s academic journey includes a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Miami-Dade College and a master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit organizations from Nova Southeastern University. Notably, she is an alumna of both Clinton Global University and Clinton Global Initiative University.

In addition to her professional and academic achievements, Alvarado is a respected pastor and entrepreneur demonstrating unwavering dedication to community service. With a compelling mix of leadership, mentorship, and community engagement, Alvarado stands as an exemplary figure contributing to the betterment of Miami-Dade County.

 

 

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.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

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, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.


Connect To Your Customers & Grow Your Business

Click Here