The sixth annual Power and Influence Luncheon, hosted by Global Innovative Foundation Inc., recently brought together 350 community leaders, elected officials and advocates at the Biltmore Hotel to support survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and gun violence.
The event honored individuals dedicated to justice, public service and advocacy while highlighting the importance of education and empowerment.
During the ceremony, five scholarships totaling $57,000 were announced. Miami Regional University awarded a full-ride scholarship valued at $46,000 to support a survivor’s academic journey in its associate degree in nursing program.
Miami Dade College’s Medical Campus provided a full scholarship of $2,400 for a survivor to attend the Massage Therapy Program. North Miami Mayor Dr. Alix Desulme donated $3,000, which Miami Regional University matched on the spot to assist a survivor pursuing a degree in funeral services at Miami Dade College’s North Campus.
Global Innovative Foundation also sponsored two scholarships for students from Kristi House who plan to attend college in fall 2025. In addition, Michael McDermaid sponsored a $500 scholarship to help a student in need afford school uniforms.
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, featured keynote speaker, addressed human trafficking; Miami-Dade County Vice Chairman Kionne L. McGhee, inspiring keynote speaker, spoke on gun violence, and Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, honored keynote speaker, discussed domestic violence. Survivors shared their experiences, emphasizing the role of advocacy in their healing and resilience.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava delivered special remarks on the importance of collaboration in addressing violence and ensuring support services for survivors. State Sen. Dr. Barbara Sharief, from District 35, presented Michael A. Pizzi Jr. a proclamation honoring his dedication to justice and advocacy.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, who has known Pizzi for more than 30 years, said, “As a colleague, attorney, mayor and father, Michael Pizzi Jr. takes cases many of us won’t. He is a compassionate human being, and this award is truly well deserved.”
Dr. Griselle Marino, chair of awards and director of advocacy and external affairs, added, “He stands up for the Davids of society — those who would have no chance against the Goliaths without Attorney Pizzi on their side.”
The 2025 award recipients are:
Champion in Advocating for Vulnerable Populations Award — Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien, Family Action Network Movement (FANM)
Trailblazer Award — Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz
Domestic Violence Advocacy Award — Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia
Justice Advocate Excellence Award — Michael A. Pizzi Jr., Esq., town attorney for Medley
Outstanding Leadership Award – Madeline Pumariega, president of Miami Dade College
Power & Influence Award — Dr. Francesco Duberli, founder, president and CEO of Survivor’s Pathway
Champion in Healthcare Award:
Dr. Stephen Symes, medical director of THRIVE Clinic, associate professor of medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Dr. Natacha J. Janac, CEO of Visions of Healing LLC, postdoctoral fellow at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, chairwoman of Rebâti Sante Mentalé
Dr. Judith Oriental-Pierre, medical director of the Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital
Civic Relations Award — Chief Sharon Smith, director of public safety, Miami Dade College’s Medical Campus
Human Trafficking Advocacy Award — Maria Santamaria, director of Embrace House Inc.
Community Action and Human Trafficking Award — Sally Russomano, chair of the National Council of Jewish Women/Kendall Section Human Trafficking Committee
Iman’s Light Foundation Award — Natalia Angarita, director of special affairs, Drug Free World Foundation in Miami
Outstanding Youth Advocate Award — Dr. Selena Volcy, principal of North Miami Senior High School
Global Innovative Foundation Ambassadors — Jayli Exceus-Asante & Claire Falcon
President’s Choice Award:
Derby E. Johnson, advocate for women, champion for education and economic empowerment
Dr. Barbara E. Sanchez, president of Crime Prevention Alliance of Florida
Dr. Flore Lindor-Latortue, executive director of Association of Exchange and Development of Activities and Partnerships (AEDAP)
Service Excellence Award:
Bernice F. Fidélia, former board chairwoman of Global Innovative Foundation, mayor and commission constituent aide supervisor for the City of North Miami Beach
Dr. Alan Silber, former vice chair of the board of Global Innovative Foundation
Global Human Rights Champion Award — Dr. Rachel Tourgeman, founding board member and past chair of awards and director of intergroup relations for Global Innovative Foundation
“These scholarships will empower survivors and change their lives for the better,” said Dr. Marie O. Etienne, founder, president and CEO of Global Innovative Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to Miami Regional University, Miami Dade College’s Medical Campus and North Miami Mayor Dr. Alix Desulme for their generous full-ride scholarships, which will provide each survivor with the opportunity to pursue higher education and build a brighter future.”
Dr. Griselle Marino thanked event sponsors for their invaluable support.
“This luncheon would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors,” she said. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Gold Sponsor, Larkin University; Silver Sponsors: Miami Regional University, Miami Dade College, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien, District 2, North Miami Councilman Pierre Frantz Charles, District 4, and Water Management. We also want to recognize The Law Office of Michael A. Pizzi PA and Miami Tactical Protection for their outstanding support, as they played a significant role in sponsoring the event.
“Additionally, we thank our official table sponsors: vice chairman Kionne L. McGhee, and Dr. Carol Biggs for ensuring survivors had a dedicated safe space at the luncheon. Our many community partners also contributed to making this event a success.”
Global Innovative Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and gun violence through advocacy, education and support services.
Visit Global Innovative Foundation at www.gifoundation.org.
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