Strive305 Podcast de Emprendimiento con Invitada, Stephanie Carvajalino, cofundadora de Biz Nation. Impulsado por los embajadores de Strive305 y gestionado por Urban Impact Labs. (Alojado en periódicos comunitarios)
Los invitados de hoy son:
Stephanie Carvajalino | Biz Nation
Miami Community Newspapers is your go-to source for Miami community news, offering daily updates, podcasts, and multimedia content. Covering local events, business updates, and lifestyle features across Miami-Dade County, our family-owned media company publishes a variety of neighborhood publications both online and in print. Explore Miami’s culture through our exclusive community podcasts, magazines, and newsletters.
With close to 3,000 participants and over 200 teams, the Fifth Annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Miami-Dade on Saturday, May 10 at loanDepot Park raised awareness, provided support, and generated critical funds for NAMI Miami-Dade’s free mental health programs. The inspiring event marked the start of Mental Health Awareness Month and brought together individuals, families, community leaders, elected officials, and mental health advocates in a powerful show of support for those affected by mental illness.
“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for Mental Health Awareness,” said Susan Holtzman, NAMI Miami-Dade County President & CEO. With nearly 3,000 people in attendance, and our fundraising goal of $415,000 almost surpassed, the community is sending a clear message that NAMI’s education, support, and advocacy for people living with mental illness and their loved ones is more important today than it has ever been!”
Mental illness impacts 1 in 5 people each year. In 2022, the CDC reported that 13.2 million U.S. adults seriously considered suicide. The growing psychological and financial pressures of recent years have intensified the need for mental health support, making NAMI Miami-Dade’s programs and outreach efforts more critical than ever.
“This marks the 5th annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness, and the momentum is building. Miami now hosts one of the largest mental health walks in the country, and it demonstrates that people see this is important and are willing to rally around it,” said Kate Edelson, Director of Fundraising and Special Events.
Public officials were also in attendance, including Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County, and Commissioner for District 5, Eileen Higgins, who offered their support for NAMI Miami-Dade’s mission to improve mental wellness and expand access to care. In a historic show of leadership, the mayor also announced that Miami-Dade County became the first government in the nation to sign onto NAMI’s StigmaFree pledge, reinforcing the county’s commitment to ending stigma around mental illness and promoting a culture of support for mental health.
The Walk featured a community resource fair, music, wellness activations, and meaningful stories from individuals with lived experience. Fundraising efforts are still underway, with NAMI Miami-Dade already 99% of the way to reaching their goal. Donations can be made at NAMIWalks.org/Miami to help close the gap and support free mental health programs.
The event was made possible thanks to the support of numerous sponsors, volunteers, and community partners. A full list of sponsors is available at NAMIWalks.org/Miami.
About NAMI Miami-Dade
NAMI Miami-Dade County is an affiliate of the nation’s largest peer-led mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of individuals affected by a mental health condition and their families. NAMI Miami Dade has engaged more than 98,000 students, young adults, adults, and families with its awareness, prevention, education, and support programs. These programs are free, led by NAMI-trained leaders with lived experience, and remain confidential. For more information, call 305-665-2540 or visit NAMIMiami.org and connect with us on Facebook or Instagram at @NAMIMiami. To donate, visit NAMIMiami.org/get-involved/donate.
While public-private partnerships (P3s) are often discussed across the United States, few have achieved the long-term, sustainable impact that truly transforms communities. However, in Miami-Dade County, a groundbreaking partnership between Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava’s Strive305 program and the Dade County Federal Credit Union (DCFCU) has created a shining example of such a collaboration: ‘RISE for Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs’.
The RISE initiative is a unique partnership where the county provides capital injection for small businesses, and DCFCU administers the program. Small businesses in Miami-Dade can access up to $75,000 in funding, which helps them scale and create more job opportunities. This initiative directly supports the local economy by empowering entrepreneurs to invest in their businesses and foster innovation.
The process is designed to be simple and accessible. To qualify, entrepreneurs need a minimum credit score of 620 and must have at least two years of business operations in Miami-Dade. The eligibility criteria are straightforward, ensuring that entrepreneurs can navigate the application process without unnecessary hurdles. Furthermore, the loan terms are some of the best available in the United States for this type of funding—’Prime minus one’. Yes, you read that correctly: ‘Prime minus one’! This means small business owners are offered a highly favorable interest rate, which maximizes the impact of every dollar invested.
In 2024, the RISE fund made a tangible difference in the community by assisting 129 small businesses throughout Miami-Dade, investing a total of $4.8 million into the local economy. These funds went to businesses across diverse industries, from retail to technology, helping entrepreneurs to expand their operations, hire more employees, and improve their services. The positive ripple effect from this funding has already begun to reshape the local business landscape, creating an environment ripe for economic growth.
With 2025 now underway, Mayor Levine-Cava has set her sights even higher, tasking the Strive305 team, led by Anthony Bonamy and Manny Cid, to further strengthen their efforts in partnership with DCFCU’s Jennifer Gerson and her team. The renewed collaboration between these leaders has already delivered impressive results. In the first quarter of 2025 alone (from January 1st to March 31st), the RISE fund has assisted 47 entrepreneurs and invested $2.1 million into Miami-Dade’s small business ecosystem. The momentum is evident, with the program on track to meet its ambitious goal for the year.
By the end of 2025, the partnership is aiming to service 200 small businesses and invest a total of $10 million into the Miami-Dade community. If these goals are met, it will mark a record year for the public-private partnership, showing just how much potential exists when local government, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs work together. The results speak for themselves: Miami-Dade is fostering a robust, resilient economy that benefits all residents and businesses, regardless of size.
Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava’s vision for a Miami-Dade economy that works for everyone is setting a standard that other communities across the nation can look to for inspiration. By investing in local businesses and fostering an environment of growth, Miami-Dade is ensuring that the creation of generational wealth is always top of mind. This innovative partnership between the county and DCFCU is more than just financial support—it’s a model for building a future where small businesses thrive, contribute to the local economy, and help shape the community’s long-term prosperity.
This week marks a major milestone in the fight to protect children and families from online exploitation. President Donald J. Trump has officially signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act into law—a groundbreaking, bipartisan measure originally introduced by Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) and Senator Ted Cruz (TX).
This law directly targets one of the darkest corners of the internet: the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes. For the first time, federal law will provide real, enforceable protections for victims—many of them women, girls, and minors—whose lives have been shattered by this growing digital abuse.
“This is a historic moment,” said Rep. Salazar. “Victims now have a voice, parents have a tool, and predators will face real consequences. I thank President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for championing this cause and standing with victims every step of the way.”
The TAKE IT DOWN Act was passed with strong bipartisan support and endorsed by over 120 organizations, including major tech companies like Meta, Snap, Google, TikTok, X, and Amazon. The law:
Criminalizes the sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent;
Requires websites to take down harmful content within 48 hours of notification;
Protects victims while respecting First Amendment rights;
Sets standards for identifying and removing AI-generated deepfakes.
This achievement adds to Rep. Salazar’s growing record of legislative success. The TAKE IT DOWN Act is the ninth bill she has helped enact into law—ranging from Holocaust remembrance and environmental conservation to small business reform and sanctions against authoritarian regimes.
In an era where technology often outpaces the law, the TAKE IT DOWN Act proves that Congress can come together to protect the most vulnerable. It sends a clear message: online exploitation will no longer be ignored—and justice will be served.
JNF-USA National Lawyers for Israel Co-Chair Maia Aron, Judge Sarah Zabel, Mark Pinkert, Judge Roy Altman, Todd Friedman
On May 4, 2025, nearly 100 members of the Miami legal community united for Jewish National Fund-USA’s Lawyers for Israel “Hero of Justice” event, where they honored the Honorable Roy Altman for his dedication to fighting Jew-hatred and anti-Zionism in the South Florida community and beyond.
Mark Pinkert, Judge Roy Altman, JNF-USA professionals Sharona Whisler and Lee Lebovich, Lt. Col Tiran Attia, Judge Sarah Zabel, JNF-USA National Lawyers for Israel Co-Chair Maia Aron, JNF-USA professional Gabrielle Goldfarb
A Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Judge Altman became the youngest federal district court judge in the country when he was confirmed in 2019. He has prided himself on being a fierce advocate of the Jewish people, fighting on behalf of Israel and against antisemitism.
“It’s particularly a great honor to receive an award like this from Jewish National Fund-USA, an organization that I have admired for so long,” said Altman. Referring to the organization’s work rebuilding Israel’s southern region after the terrorist attacks on October 7 and the organization’s bold vision to attract 500,000 residents to Israel’s South, he added, “We made the desert bloom, and we will make the desert bloom again.”
Jewish National Fund-USA’s Lawyers for Israel is a society uniting legal professionals who are passionate about supporting Israel and the Jewish people. Members have access to exclusive networking opportunities with like-minded professionals, subsidized missions to Israel, and opportunities for leadership positions within the organization. Miami Lawyers for Israel annual sponsors include Shutts & Bowen, Holtzman Vogel, Mark Migdal & Hayden, and Greenspoon Marder.
Attendees also heard from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) Tiran Attia, Attorney-at-Law. Attia serves as the Director of Special in Uniform a Jewish National Fund-USA-supported program that integrates Israelis with disabilities into the IDF and later into Israeli society. Attia spoke about how these amazing youth play a key role in the IDF, and how this work creates a circle of impact not just on those who serve but on their families and society as a whole.
“Just consider what it’s like for a 16-year-old with disabilities to get exempt from service and what that does to their confidence level,” said Attia “We believe the best thing is to incorporate them into the IDF, where they will be able to serve according to their personal abilities. “The IDF is very happy with the program, and we are constantly receiving requests from commanders who want to partake in the program as well. Most importantly, we’re changing people’s lives.”
In addition, local lay leaders discussed Jewish National Fund-USA’s Build Together and Reimagine plans, Jewish National Fund-USA and how the organization is providing immediate relief, restoring homes, and revitalizing communities in Israel’s North and South.
“Supporting Jewish National Fund-USA isn’t just about stepping up during an emergency, it’s about keeping our promise of a prosperous future to our brothers and sisters on the frontlines,” said Jewish National Fund-USA Lawyers for Israel National Co-chair and Miami resident Maia Aron. “We have built hundreds of new bomb shelters, provided life-saving trauma therapy and rehabilitative services for survivors and soldiers, sent over 5,000 volunteers to Israel to help with farming and rebuilding, and constructed emergency response centers, medical facilities, and resilience centers in the hardest-hit areas.”
For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA or to learn about upcoming events in Miami, visit jnf.org, contact Sharona Whisler at swhisler@jnf.org or 561.447.9733 x 890 or Gabrielle Goldfarb at ggoldfarb@jnf.org or 561.447.9733 x 893.
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
Pinecrest residents are invited to engage directly with village leaders at the upcoming “Conversations with Council” event on Thursday, June 5. Mayor Joseph M. Corradino will host this community dialogue from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Pine Room of the Pinecrest Community Center, located at 5855 SW Killian Drive.
The event offers residents an opportunity to discuss Pinecrest-related topics important to them and their families in a relaxed, conversational setting. Participants can share ideas, ask questions, and contribute to meaningful dialogue that helps shape the community’s future.
“These face-to-face conversations are vital to understanding the concerns and aspirations of our residents,” said Mayor Corradino. “I’m looking forward to hearing directly from our community members about what matters most to them. By working together through open dialogue, we can ensure Pinecrest remains a place where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. I encourage all residents to join us and be part of shaping our village’s bright future.”
“Conversations with Council” is part of an ongoing series of events held throughout the year, each featuring a different member of the Village Council. By rotating locations and council representatives, the series aims to reach as many residents as possible and encourage broad participation. The most recent session, held in April with Councilmember Ken Fairman, provided valuable insights into topics ranging from neighborhood safety to parks and recreation.
By sharing feedback and engaging in open discussion, community members can help guide village policies and initiatives. The council uses input from these events to inform decisions and ensure that Pinecrest continues to evolve as a vibrant, responsive, inclusive community, in pursuit of its vision as the City of Happiness.
Free parking is available at the Community Center for all attendees.
Residents who wish to submit questions or comments in advance may email communications@pinecrest-fl.gov. Those attending are encouraged to bring their thoughts and ideas about how to further enhance the quality of life in Pinecrest.
For more information about “Conversations with Council” and other upcoming village events, visit www.pinecrest-fl.gov or follow #pinecresting on social media.
rbb Communications, a leading national integrated communications firm and six-time ‘Agency of the Year,’ today announced that Jennifer Valdes and Julie Jimenez-Padron have become equity shareholders. This latest expansion of rbb’s ownership group reflects the firm’s ongoing momentum and dedication to rewarding and nurturing talent from within.
“Jennifer and Julie have shown outstanding leadership and dedication to serving our clients, while contributing to the firm’s success and fostering the advancement of the next generation at rbb,” said Christine Barney, CEO and managing partner of rbb Communications. “Building our team of shareholders reflects our commitment to developing leaders from within and positions us for continued growth. This is an important step in reinforcing rbb’s people-first culture and long-term vision.”
Jennifer Valdez
Jennifer Valdes, vice president, is a communications strategist with years of experience in leading integrated campaigns across the travel, consumer, and luxury sectors. She brings strong capabilities in media relations, partnerships, events, and brand storytelling, consistently driving impactful results and helping expand rbb’s consumer and lifestyle portfolio.
Julie Jimenez-Padron
Julie Jimenez-Padron, vice president, is a seasoned communications leader with deep expertise in leading strategic PR campaigns, as well as Hispanic media, and reputation building across various industries, including travel, B2B, and consumer brands. She serves on the board of the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA).
rbb’s expansion of its leadership cabinet follows a period of growth, marked by the addition of clients such the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Miami Marlins, and continued development of specialty practice groups such as travel, sports and entertainment and corporate communications.
To learn more about rbb Communications and its integrated marketing and public relations offerings, visit www.rbbcommunications.com.
About rbb Communications
rbb Communications is an award-winning fully integrated agency and Champion of Breakout Brands ™. rbb’s talented counselors, creators and connectors drive communications programs that build emotional connections with audiences that show on the bottom line. rbb offers PR/media relations, digital, social & influencer marketing, corporate communications/thought leadership, crisis/reputation management, creative content and advertising. Specialty practices include energy/sustainability, travel/hospitality, professional services/B2B, healthcare, and consumer marketing. For more information, visitrbbcommunications.com or call (305) 448-7450.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, local high school student Sophie Arias released Everchanging Butterflies, a heartfelt illustrated poetry book aimed at helping pre teens understand and manage anxiety and other emotions in a healthy, positive way.
Sophie, a student at Scheck Hillel High School, wrote and illustrated the book for her 10th grade thesis. The project received the Judges’ Choice Award for AP 2D Art and quickly evolved into something more.
Now a junior, Sophie has expanded her mission by teaching the book to middle school students during their poetry unit. The initiative encouraged students to reflect on their own emotions and write response poems—helping normalize conversations around mental health in younger age groups.
In addition to this initiative, Sophie was selected as one of eight juniors for the Be Well Miami Mental Health Fellowship and is now nationally certified as a Mental Health Ambassador.
Everchanging Butterflies uses poetry and art to explore a range of emotions—like anxiety, anger, and sadness—and shows how they can be transformed into courage, hope, and self-love. Sophie’s goal is to inspire younger generations through creativity and compassion.
She is now working to publish the book and hopes to expand its reach to and impact in the
community.
For media inquiries or to learn more about the project, please contact Sophie at
sophiearias07@gmail.com.
Miami Community Newspapers is your go-to source for Miami community news, offering daily updates, podcasts, and multimedia content. Covering local events, business updates, and lifestyle features across Miami-Dade County, our family-owned media company publishes a variety of neighborhood publications both online and in print. Explore Miami’s culture through our exclusive community podcasts, magazines, and newsletters.
Jose Francisco Regalado, Candidate for Miami City Commission, District 4
I’ve spent nearly a decade inside Miami city government, including serving as Assistant Director of the Building Department. I’ve seen firsthand how enforcement sometimes harms the very people it’s intended to help.
Small businesses are the backbone of Miami’s economy, yet they’re often treated like suspects rather than valued community members. The city’s approach to code compliance has become overzealous, inefficient, and disconnected from the realities small business owners face.
Under pressure from Commissioner Joe Carollo, enforcement shifted from promoting compliance to enforcing a draconian, one-size-fits-all public spectacle. Consider the reinstatement of the “Dry Hour Task Force.” Originally brought back post-COVID to comply with state regulations, it inexplicably remained active, targeting fully licensed and permitted restaurants and bars. There is no criteria or clarity as to how a restaurant gets selected, or why the Task Force returns to the same property but never visits another.
Imagine the impact of a dozen city staff entering a packed dining room during peak business hours. It feels like a raid. It sends a message that the city views small businesses as adversaries.
City of Miami City Hall
Moreover, it’s redundant. Code Enforcement and Fire Rescue already perform routine inspections during regular hours. Yet the city now sends Building Department inspectors late at night, when meaningful assessments, such as structural or electrical inspections, cannot occur. Inspectors must return again during the day, diverting crucial resources from actual public safety threats like unsafe structures solely for political optics.
The result? We waste resources, stretch our staff thin, and fail to focus where it counts.
This punitive mindset extends beyond Dry Hour. For years, even minor violations could result in revoking a business’s Certificate of Use. The city tried to create workarounds, like temporary certificates of use, but outdated systems and arbitrary criteria forced staff to process these manually. What started as a fix just created more red tape.
The same thing happened with the Unsafe Structures Panel. It used to offer flexibility. If a property owner was making a good-faith effort to comply, the city could work with them. But under political pressure, discretion was removed. Every case was treated the same: comply by the deadline or face demolition, even if permits were processed and work was underway. The only option left for many owners was to go to court.
Attempts to fix these policies often made the system even more confusing and burdensome. That’s what happens when enforcement is guided by optics and politics instead of practical governance.
Let me be clear: life safety is not negotiable. Life safety reviews and checks are mandated and continue. But small business owners are being forced to hire attorneys just to keep the lights on. Enforcement should be focused, fair, and rooted in good judgment, not intimidation.
This is where experience matters. I’ve helped manage one of the largest regulatory departments in the city, larger than most municipalities in Miami-Dade. I wasn’t theorizing. I was solving real problems, leading emergency responses, and helping staff, customers, and residents navigate broken systems from the inside. I know what’s not working, and I know how to fix it.
That’s the difference in this race. Miami needs someone who knows the city, who’s seen the dysfunction up close, and who can lead on day one, independently, without being tied financially to any commissioner.
If elected, here are my first steps for small businesses:
End unnecessary late-night inspections by the Building Department. Concerns should be managed as they are for every other property type, via referral.
Restore discretion in Unsafe Structures enforcement. Let staff prioritize actual risk, not arbitrary timelines.
Separate minor violations from business shutdowns. If it’s not a life safety issue, businesses should stay open while they come into compliance.
Modernize our permitting and licensing systems. These platforms must communicate to reduce delays and unnecessary administrative work.
If we truly care about small businesses and public safety, it’s time to treat compliance as a civic responsibility, not a crime. Let’s enforce the rules smartly, fairly, and with common sense.
Mike Kaffee, Community News Canes Baseball reporter.
WIN OR GO HOME. Miami encountered a significant challenge in their opening tournament game, ultimately becoming the first team to be knocked out in Durham. The tournament’s lowest-seeded team, the California Golden Bears stormed like an unleashed juggernaut, leading to a disappointing run-rule loss for the Hurricanes, ending the game at 12-2.
Miami entered the field not with the ferocity of a HURRICANE but more like a fading drizzle, while the Golden Bears surged forward with an intensity that overwhelmed the Miami pitching staff. JD made seven attempts to stop the onslaught, but the Bears were insatiable, erupting for seven runs in the fourth inning and sapping the energy from the dugout. The silence was noticeable; you could almost hear a pin drop. In sharp contrast, the California dugout was a cacophony of sound, making it difficult to hear the player next to you. Life seemed to drain from the Cane players until the final inning when a Bear batter was hit, igniting tensions as he made his way to first base. Tanner and Dorian leapt to defend their teammate, Jackson Cleveland, clearly displaying their frustration. Now, Miami returns home, likely facing the prospect of being a #3 seed instead of the hopeful #2 they once imagined. Just weeks prior, discussions were even centered around the possibility of hosting, but a disappointing 1-5 finish in ACC conference play has quashed those ambitions. The conversation around JD being the ACC coach of the year has similarly faded away.
Miami employed their weekend rotation for the Tournament, with Griffin Hugus taking the mound first. Unfortunately, the challenges he faced late in the season continued, as he struggled in the second inning following his second out. A hit to center field initiated the scoring, which was then followed by a two-run homer to right field. This was just the beginning of a troubling trend, leading to 10 unanswered runs. After a hit batter and a walk opened the fourth inning, Griffin’s day was over. This marked the start of a frequent rotation on the mound, with new pitchers coming in one after another. By the day’s end, six different pitchers had taken the mound before time expired for the Canes due to the run rule.
The pivotal moment in the game occurred during the fourth inning when the Golden Bears unleashed their juggernaut. They had eleven players at the plate, scoring seven runs from only three hits. They loaded the bases four times, successfully pushing all seven runs across before making their first out. An error by Ogden further compounded the challenge, leading Miami to use four pitchers—Hugus, Fischer, Smith, and Giroux—before finally securing the last out.
As Miami entered the bottom of the 7th, trailing 10-0 under the looming 10-run rule, they fought back, with Daniel leading off the inning with a single. Just two outs away from ending their stay in Durham, Tanner Smith smashed a ball over the left field fence, delaying the inevitable. It didn’t take long for California to respond, wrapping up the ordeal with a two-run blast to left center in the 8th that concluded a frustrating and embarrassing showing.
Offensively, Miami picked up where they left off at the end of the regular season, unable to produce a hit or run. Embarrassed by Notre Dame after implementing the run rule just a night prior, today was more of the same with our batters struggling at the plate, managing only five hits. Daniel was the only one who could commend himself for coming to play with a pair of hits, along with Tanner, who delayed the inevitable with his home run in the 7th. It was a day of frustration for hitting, with a team average of .172 and 11 strikeouts to add to their resume.
The pitching performance today did not meet expectations, reflecting the challenges faced this season. Griffin has struggled to find the sharpness he showed at the beginning of the season. The bullpen encountered its own issues, unable to stop the opposing team’s momentum. JD made the tough choice to bring in Brian as a last-minute fix in the seventh inning, hoping to avoid the run rule while trailing by 9 runs. However, even Brian couldn’t stop California from reaching that crucial 10-run mark. Regrettably, Jackson Cleveland also struggled to hold back the determined California team, who secured their victory just one inning later with a two-run homer.
The flight back home tonight will likely be a subdued experience, reflecting their lackluster performance in the tournament and the uncertainty surrounding their postseason aspirations. It’s understandable that many ‘what-ifs’ linger in the team’s minds as they have a week to reflect on this situation. Next Monday will bring clarity as they learn about their seeding.
In celebration of Father’s Day weekend, the Overtown Children & Youth Coalition (OCYC) and Barbershop Speaks proudly present Brunch with Kings: Celebrating Fatherhood—a community event dedicated to honoring the invaluable role of fathers in our families and communities. This heartfelt gathering will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at Converge Miami (1951 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33136) in the historic heart of Miami. The event is free and open to the public.
Who Should Attend: Fathers, children, families, community leaders, and organizations committed to uplifting fatherhood and strengthening family bonds.
About the Event: Brunch with Kings is more than just a meal—it is a movement. This event will provide meaningful dialogue, emotional connection, and a community celebration opportunity. Through powerful conversations and shared experiences, attendees will reflect on the strength, sacrifice, and leadership fathers bring to their children’s lives.
Hosted the day before Father’s Day, the brunch will also include a special awards ceremony honoring exceptional fathers and community members who embody the finest qualities of fatherhood.
As someone who was blessed with an incredible father who passed away too soon, I understand the importance of honoring men while they are still here. Too often, Black fathers, in particular, are overlooked. Brunch with Kings is our opportunity to change that — to celebrate their love, strength, and impact. — Jefferson Noel, Founder, Barbershop Speaks
The event will recognize the following awards:
Father of the Year Award – Honoring a father who uplifts and inspires both his children and community.
The Guiding Light Award – Recognizing a father whose spiritual leadership impacts others with wisdom and faith.
The Educator Extraordinaire Award – Celebrating a father who empowers minds at home and beyond.
The Courageous Father Award – Acknowledging a father in a service role (military, law enforcement, emergency response) who leads with bravery and heart.
The Builder’s Legacy Award – Recognizing a business-minded dad whose entrepreneurial spirit is matched by his dedication to his family.
The All-Star Father Award – Honoring a professional athlete or coach who excels as both a competitor and a dedicated dad.
The Pride of a Father Award – Celebrating a son or daughter who has made their father proud through character, action, or achievement.
The Village Builder Award – Honoring a man who invests in the lives of young men, embodying the truth that it takes a village to raise a child.
The Father’s Heart Award – Recognizing a man who, although not a biological father, stepped into the role with love, consistency, and heart.
Why it Matters
Fathers are often unsung heroes. Brunch with Kings aims to shift this narrative—recognizing fathers while strengthening the bonds that keep families and communities thriving. With support from organizations like Black Men Win, this event serves as a rallying cry for empowerment, visibility, and love.
About Barbershop Speaks
Barbershop Speaks is a community engagement platform that utilizes barbershops and salons as spaces for meaningful dialogue. Barbershop Speaks bridges communities through conversation and action by covering topics such as fatherhood, mental health, and financial literacy.
About Overtown Children & Youth Coalition (OCYC) The Overtown Children & Youth Coalition is a mission-driven nonprofit that equips children, youth, and families in Overtown with the tools they need to succeed. Through education, mentorship, and community development, OCYC creates lasting impacts and uplifts generations.
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
Sophie, a student at Scheck Hillel High School, wrote and illustrated the book for her 10th grade thesis. The project received the Judges’ Choice Award for AP 2D Art and quickly evolved into something more.
In celebration of Father’s Day weekend, the Overtown Children & Youth Coalition (OCYC) and Barbershop Speaks proudly present Brunch with Kings: Celebrating Fatherhood—a community event dedicated to honoring the invaluable role of fathers in our families and communities. This heartfelt gathering will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at Converge Miami (1951 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33136) in the historic heart of Miami. The event is free and open to the public.