President Maria Figueroa Byrd, President of The Junior League of Miami, was named as one of ten Hispanic women philanthropists, honored at the first ever “Mujeres Giving Back” recognition luncheon Nov. 14 at the Westin Colonnade Coral Gables.
Byrd is the 88th president of the Junior League of Miami and only the third Hispanic to have ever been tapped for that role.
“To highlight the economic impact and leadership of Hispanics in our community, we recognize women who have been leaders in leveraging their power and influence to give back,” said Leticia Carrazana, BB&T Vice President Small Business Development Officer and Women’s Fund board member who co-chaired the event committee.
“Mujeres Giving Back” is the first event of its kind in South Florida highlighting the philanthropic impact of Hispanic women leaders in Miami- Dade. Nominated by South Florida residents and selected by an independent judging panel of community leaders.
The 2014 honorees included: Isabel Díaz, Florida Grand Opera and New Century Dance Professional; Kristy Nuñez, Founder, Urban Promise, Miami; Jocelyn Cortes-Young, Minerva Capital Group; Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Congressional District 27; Lourdes Castillo de la Peña, State Commissioner; María Figueroa Byrd, President, Junior League of Miami, Co- Founder of Byrd-Martinez, CPA; Marile Lopez, CFO, Jorje Luis Lopez law firm; Liliam Lopez, President/CEO, South Florida Hispanic Chamber; Lilliam Machado, owner, MGM Advertising Agency; Roymi Membiela, Corporate Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Baptist Health South Florida.
“We are excited and proud to recognize these powerhouse Latinas who have made Miami better through their commitment to serve,” said co-chair Carmen Gonzalez-Sanfeliu of Intelsat.
With 54 million in the US population, Hispanics have an impressive buying power of $1.2 trillion; Miami- Dade’s 65% Hispanic population represents a powerful economic and philanthropic force.
