Jane Wooldridge October 2024

Join us for an engaging interview as Melanie Damian sits down with Jane Wooldridge, an award-winning travel and business journalist. As the Miami Herald's Business Editor, Jane has spearheaded editorial projects across print, web, and broadcast platforms. With a passion for travel, she shares stories from her adventures in over 100 countries, discusses her innovative contributions to journalism, and offers insights into the evolving media landscape.

Leslie Miller Saiontz September 2024

Join us for an inspiring conversation as Melanie Damian interviews Leslie Miller Saiontz, a passionate philanthropist, educational activist, and impact investor. Leslie shares her deep love for Miami and her remarkable professional journey, from a successful career in retail and real estate to founding Achieve Miami, an organization dedicated to closing opportunity gaps in low-income communities. She discusses her commitment to education and community development, and reflects on her proudest achievement: raising six children who actively contribute to their communities, along with her joy in spending time with her ever-growing family of 15 grandchildren.

Susan Potter Norton September 2024

Join us for a compelling interview as Melanie Damian sits down with Susan Potter Norton, an accomplished attorney specializing in employment litigation and labor law. With extensive experience representing both public and private sector employers, Susan shares insights from her impressive career, her role in shaping employment law, and her significant contributions to the legal community and beyond. Watch here Melanie Damian spearheads the project for IWF Florida, conducting insightful 10-minute interviews with members, delving into their professional accomplishments and personal journeys.

Alexandra Wilkis Wilson September 2024

  Join us for an inspiring interview as Melanie Damian sits down with Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, a dynamic entrepreneur and investor known for co-founding successful companies like Gilt Groupe, GlamSquad, and Fitz. Alexandra shares her incredible journey from her early days in investment banking and luxury retail to revolutionizing the e-commerce and beauty industries. Learn about her latest venture and gain insights into how her diverse background and multilingual upbringing have shaped her approach to business and innovation.

Dr. Fleur Sack August 2024

Join us for an inspiring interview as Melanie Damian sits down with Dr. Fleur Sack, a seasoned family doctor with over 52 years of experience. Originally from South Africa, Dr.

Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros August 2024

Join us for an insightful interview as Melanie Damian sits down with Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros, Florida's first State Surgeon General and the first woman and Cuban American to lead the Florida Department of Health. Dr.

Stephanie Sylvestre August 2024

Join us for an enlightening interview as Melanie Damian speaks with Stephanie Sylvestre, a trailblazer in leadership and innovation. From her transformative work in the public and private sectors to her groundbreaking initiatives in technology and community development, Stephanie shares her journey of creating high-impact teams and driving meaningful change. Discover her impactful leadership at The Children's Trust of Miami-Dade County as Chief Programs Officer/Chief Information Officer and how she's empowering marginalized communities through her AI tech start-up company, Avatar Buddy.

Dr. Ranu Jung August 2024

Join us for an inspiring interview as Melanie Damian sits down with Dr.  Ranu Jung, Chair and Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Florida International University, now leading a groundbreaking initiative at the University of Arkansas. Dr.

Madeline Pumariega July 2024

Join us for an enlightening interview as Melanie Damian speaks with Madeline Pumariega, the first female president of Miami Dade College (MDC). As a Miami native, Madeline has a rich history with the city and the college, and has been a trailblazer in academia. She shares her incredible professional journey, her vision for MDC, her innovative approaches to education, and her dedication to student success and community transformation.

Alina Hudak June 2024

Join us for an inspiring interview as Melanie Damian sits down with Alina Hudak, a trailblazing leader in Miami-Dade County. With a career spanning over 30 years, Alina has made history as the first woman to run a major operational department, the first Hispanic woman Assistant County Manager, and the first woman County Manager. Following her resignation a few months ago as Miami Beach City Manager, Alina gets ready to transition into a new and unknown chapter in her life and shares her incredible journey, her dedication to public service, her impactful contributions to the community, and her personal insights.

Christine Barney June 2024

Join us for an insightful interview as Melanie Damian sits down with Christine Barney, CEO of RBB Communications. Christine is a strategic thinker and creative force, driving operations for global brands like FPL, Thomson Reuters, and Masterfoods/M&Ms. She's also an influential community leader, currently serving as Communications Chair for IWF Florida's chapter.

Maryam Laguna Borrego May 2024

Join us for an engaging interview as Melanie Damian sits down with Maryam Laguna Borrego, Vice President for External Affairs Chief of Staff to the President at Miami Dade College. Maryam shares insights from her decade-long career as a strategist and leader in higher education, offering valuable perspectives on advocacy, community engagement, and leadership. Watch here! About Women in Focus Melanie Damian spearheads the project for IWF Florida, conducting insightful 10-minute interviews with members, delving into their professional accomplishments and personal journeys.

Amanda Altman May 2024

Join us for an inspiring interview as Melanie Damian sits down with Amanda Altman, CEO of Kristi House, Miami-Dade County's Child Advocacy Center. Learn about Amanda's journey from a successful litigation attorney and Assistant US Attorney to her current role, where she's dedicated to helping abused and traumatized children and their families. Learn more about her impactful work and insights into leadership and service.

Florencia Rotemberg May 2024

  Join us for an insightful interview as Melanie Damian sits down with Florencia Rotemberg, General Manager of JW Marriott Marquis Miami and Hotel Beaux Arts Miami. With over two decades of hospitality experience, Florencia shares her journey and insights into the industry and her personal life. Watch here! About Women in Focus Melanie Damian spearheads the project for IWF Florida, conducting insightful 10-minute interviews with members, delving into their professional accomplishments and personal journeys.

Florencia Tabeni April 2024

Join us for an enlightening conversation as Melanie Damian sits down with Florencia Tabeni, the newly appointed COO of MDM Hotel Group. Discover Florencia's remarkable professional journey, from her roots in Argentina to her thriving career in Miami's hospitality industry. Gain fascinating insights into her role overseeing operations, sales & marketing, and quality assurance, and learn about her unique personal interests and experiences leading award-winning properties like JW Marriott Marquis Miami & Hotel Beaux Arts.

Claudia Grillo April 2024

Women in Focus: Join us for a dynamic conversation as Melanie Damian interviews Claudia Grillo, the Associate Vice President for Strategic Philanthropy at the University of Miami. Claudia, with over 20 years of experience, has been instrumental in coordinating principal gift efforts and is dedicated to community causes as a board member of the IWF and The Children's Trust. Don't miss this exclusive interview with a leader influencing philanthropy and community engagement in South Florida.

Janá Sigars-Malina April 2024

Join us for an insightful conversation as Melanie Damian interviews Janá Sigars-Malina, President and CEO of Malina Industrial Properties, Inc. , and Of Counsel to Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P. A.

Rosemary Barkett April 2024

Join us for a captivating conversation as Melanie Damian interviews former Chief Justice Rosemary Barkett, a trailblazer who shattered barriers in the legal field and inspired Melanie to start this IWF project. Discover Rosemary's remarkable journey, from breaking barriers as the first woman to serve as chief justice in Florida to presiding as a judge at the IranUnited States Claims Tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands. Don't miss this exclusive interview with a true woman pioneer of the legal profession.

Lillian Tamayo March 2024

Melanie Damian engages in a compelling and insightful interview with Lillian Tamayo, former CEO of Planned Parenthood. Join us as Lillian shares her inspiring journey, from her early upbringing to her influential role leadings one of the nation's most prominent reproductive healthcare organizations. Watch here! About Women in Focus Melanie Damian spearheads the project for IWF Florida, conducting insightful 10-minute interviews with members, delving into their professional accomplishments and personal journeys.

Ann Drake March 2024

Join us for an enlightening chat as Melanie Damian interviews Ann Drake, former Chairman and CEO of DSC Logistics. With over three decades in the supply chain field, Ann is a trailblazer and industry leader. As the Founder and Chairman of AWESOME and President of Lincoln Road Enterprises--an operational philanthropic organization focused on elevating women's leadership--she is committed to building a hub for female business leaders.

 Robin Reiter-Faragalli March 2024

Join us for an enlightening conversation as Melanie Damian engages with Robin Reiter-Faragalli, a prominent figure in corporate philanthropy and family foundation work. Robin's contributions have left a lasting impression on the philanthropic community, and she played a pivotal role as one of the founding members and the third president of IWF Florida. Explore her journey, gain insights into the origins of IWF Florida, and benefit from her invaluable advice for IWF sisters and women leaders worldwide.

Julie Grimes March 2024

Join us for an inspiring conversation as Melanie Damian sits down with Julie Grimes, Managing Partner of the Hilton Bentley Hotel in Miami, FL. Julie's innovative leadership extends beyond the hospitality industry; she's a well-respected community leader dedicated to creating positive change in Miami. From co-founding the Hospitality Institute in Overtown to chairing Operation Hope for Haiti, her impact is profound.

Virginia Akar March 2024

Join us for another uplifting conversation as Melanie Damian interviews Virginia Akar, a lawyer, devoted mother, and CEO & Founder of Girls Inc. of Greater Miami. Under Virginia's guidance, Girls Inc.

Katherine Davisson February 2024

Join us an insightful conversation as Melanie Damian sits down with new 2024 IWF Florida member, Katherine Davisson, a Board of Director and Financial Services Executive.  Katherine, known for building top-ranked businesses at leading institutions like Morgan Stanley and the World Economic Forum, currently serves on the Audit & Compliance Committee of Select Medical Holdings. Discover more about Katherine's impactful journey and insights on her personal life.

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava February 2024

Join us for an insightful conversation as Melanie Damian interviews Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the first woman Mayor of Miami-Dade County. With a 40-year career dedicated to public service, Mayor Levine Cava has focused on the community, expanding economic opportunities, addressing the housing crisis, protecting the environment, and actively listening to the needs of Miami-Dade residents. Learn more about her journey and gain insights into her personal life.

Felecia Hatcher February 2024

Join us for an inspiration conversation as Melanie Damian interviews Felecia Hatcher, the CEO of Pharrell William's Black Ambition Opportunity Fund, an accomplished author of "Genius Jam," and the Co-Founder of the Center for Black Innovation. Felecia, a true innovative powerhouse, personal transformation speaker, entrepreneur, and author, is reshaping the landscape of the innovation economy. Watch here! About Women in Focus Melanie Damian spearheads the project for IWF Florida, conducting insightful 10-minute interviews with members, delving into their professional accomplishments and personal journeys.

Dr. Dorothy Jenkins Fields February 2024

Join us for an enlightening conversation as Melanie Damian interviews Dr. Dorothy Jenkins Fields, a distinguished historian dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the African American community in South Florida. Dr.

Rebecca Fishman Lipsey January 2024

Join us for an inspiring conversation as Melanie Damian interviews Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, a social innovator and former policymaker, currently serving as the president and CEO of The Miami Foundation. Discover Rebecca's journey from being a public-school teacher and making history as the youngest person appointed to the Florida Board of Education, to becoming a leader in a $400+ million community foundation dedicated to fostering a stronger and more equitable Greater Miami. Watch here! About Women in Focus Melanie Damian spearheads the project for IWF Florida, conducting insightful 10-minute interviews with members, delving into their professional accomplishments and personal journeys.

Susan Werth January 2024

Join us for an engaging conversation as Melanie Damian explores the illustrious career of Susan Werth, a distinguished corporate legal executive with a wealth of experience in hospitality and real estate development. Delve into her expertise in the corporate legal landscape, as well as her pivotal role in the vacation ownership industry.   Watch here! About Women in Focus Melanie Damian spearheads the project for IWF Florida, conducting insightful 10-minute interviews with members, delving into their professional accomplishments and personal journeys.

Evelyn Langlieb Greer January 2024

Join us for an enlightening conversation as Melanie Damian engages in a thought-provoking interview with Evelyn Langlieb Greer. Evelyn's illustrious career spans multiple dimensions. She's not only a seasoned lawyer specializing in Real Estate, Commercial, and Criminal Law but also a long-time real estate investor, former Mayor of Pinecrest, and a dedicated advocate on numerous charitable boards.

Aura Reinhardt January 2024

Melanie Damian engages in an insightful interview with Aura Reinhardt, an Executive Marketing Consultant for organizations and businesses and a driving force in the business improvement of Coral Gables. Discover the dynamic changes and her visionary leadership in shaping the heart of Miami as well as her commitment to empowering women in rural communities in Central and South America. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights on her professional career and personal life.

Archive

About Women in Focus

Melanie Damian spearheads the project for IWF Florida, conducting insightful 10-minute interviews with members, delving into their professional accomplishments and personal journeys. This initiative aims to foster a deeper sense of connection and understanding among the members, allowing them to learn and appreciate each other's diverse experiences and backgrounds.