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Recipients of the 2026 Dave W. Cash Leadership Awards and Spirit of Community Awards were announced during the 22nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Inspirational Breakfast and Luncheon held in Broward and Miami-Dade County.
Recognizing community advocates in Broward and Miami who exemplify the social activism, advocacy, nonviolence, civic engagement and diversity ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this year’s Spirit of Community Awards were presented to Cindy Arenberg Seltzer for Broward and Related Group for Miami-Dade.
Arenberg Seltzer has played a pivotal role as the inaugural President/CEO of the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, and her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s mission and guiding its development toward substantially impacting the lives of children and families. Her efforts have been focused on supporting and overseeing proven programs delivered by nearly 200 provider agencies and making sure that the initiatives have a tangible positive effect on children’s lives while upholding transparency and accountability to the taxpayers of Broward County. In addition to her work at the Children’s Services Council, Arenberg Seltzer also holds leadership positions on several influential boards, including the Early Learning Coalition, the Coordinating Council of Broward, the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance’s Six Pillars’ Talent Supply & Education Pillar, and others. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California-Irvine, a JD from the Georgetown University Law Center, and an MPA from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Accepting for Related Group was Adolfo Henriques, Vice Chairman, who recognized the work in South Florida of Alberto Milo Jr., President of Related Urban Development Group, and Marilyn Pascual, Co-President of TRG Management Company. As two individuals who exemplify the leadership and values that have positioned Related Group as one of South Florida’s most impactful community builders, Milo and Pascual represent a shared commitment to equitable development, resident dignity and long-term investment in the neighborhoods and families that call South Florida home. Together, they reflect Related Group’s enduring belief that housing, service, and opportunity are deeply interconnected. Their leadership continues to help build stronger neighborhoods, expand access, and create lasting impact for families across the region.
This year’s Dave W. Cash Leadership Awards recipients were high school students Sasha Bennett in Broward and Nathali Ricardo Marrero in Miami-Dade. This award is presented annually to students in each county who have embodied the ideals of Dr. King in advocating for social change in the community, and they both receive a $2,000 college scholarship to support enrollment, registration and financial needs to further their education.
Bennett, a junior at Stranahan High School, exemplifies resilience, faith, and service through her remarkable journey of healing and leadership. Having faced profound childhood loss and emotional hardship, she transformed pain into purpose through counseling, prayer, and deep spiritual growth. Through the YMCA LEAP High program, Bennett found a supportive environment that strengthened her leadership skills and reinforced her passion for service. Inspired by the empathy and dedication she witnessed from YMCA staff, she learned the true meaning of compassion in action. Today, Bennett gives back as a peer ambassador and tutor, supporting fellow teens who are navigating depression, family conflict and self-doubt.
Born in Cuba, Marrero came to the United States at 14 and is now a senior at Mater Brickell Academy. Arriving in the U.S. with no knowledge of the English language, Marrero has worked hard in her academics and to overcome language and other challenges to excel in learning and her community. Currently a dedicated community volunteer, she is a vital part of the Allapattah YMCA family and has been named its “Official Volunteer” for the past two years as she consistently shows up in support of the YMCA team and the people they serve. In addition to her service, which includes volunteering for La Bodega food pantry, supporting Back-to-School events, health fairs, resource events and other programs serving youth, families and older adults, Marrero is deeply committed to healthy living and regularly exercises at the YMCA, where she trained for the Miami Marathon in January – her first marathon. After graduating high school, Marrero plans to pursue pre-law and then attend law school at Florida International University.
“We are extremely proud to honor Cindy, Sasha, Nathali and Related Group as they are perfect examples of what the Spirit of Community and Dave W. Cash Youth Leadership awards represent,” said YMCA of South Florida President & CEO Sheryl A. Woods. “Great community leadership is all about serving as an example to others and inspiring them to making a positive change while fostering unity. This year’s recipients have demonstrated how their dedication to serving their community and advocacy for social change perfectly embody Dr. King’s ideals.”
The Signature Sponsor of the 22nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Celebrations was Delta Air Lines. Presenting Sponsors for the breakfast and luncheon were JM Family Enterprises and Amazon, respectively. Impact Sponsor was Valley Bank. Diamond Sponsors were Fifth Third Bank, Milner and UKG. Platinum sponsors were City National Bank, Florida Power & Light Company, Gulf Building, Publix Super Markets Charities, Ryder, the Las Olas Company and Riverside Hotel.
For more information about the Y, visit ymcasouthflorida.org.
About the YMCA of South Florida
For more than a century, the YMCA has been woven into the fabric of the South Florida community. As an award-winning nonprofit, the Y is committed to strengthening community through more than 200 programs serving everyone from six months old to 100 years young. Our Family Centers and programs are inclusive, vibrant hubs of community life, offering a diverse array of classes, cutting-edge fitness facilities, life-saving aquatics, exciting community events, unforgettable camps, supportive afterschool care, and holistic health and wellness programming. At the Y, there’s something for everyone. Join the movement by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or YMCASouthFlorida.org.
