Lesley Goldwasser

August 2025

Join Melanie Damian for a fascinating conversation with Lesley Goldwasser, a dynamic leader in business, art, and philanthropy. A veteran Wall Street executive and Managing Partner of GreensLedge, Lesley brings over 25 years of global investment banking experience, having held senior roles at Credit Suisse and Bear Stearns. Beyond her distinguished finance career, Lesley and her family own and operate The Betsy, a boutique luxury hotel in South Beach renowned for its deep commitment to arts, culture, and community.

Evelyn D'an

August 2025

Join Melanie Damian for an insightful conversation with Evelyn D'An, an accomplished board director, CFO, former Big 4 audit partner, and respected Hispanic business leader. Evelyn shares her journey from nearly two decades at EY to senior finance roles in the global wireless industry and service on multiple public company boards. Hear her perspectives on leadership, corporate governance, and the diverse experiences that have shaped her successful career.

Alexandra Villoch

August 2025

Join Melanie Damian for an inspiring conversation with Alexandra Villoch, CEO of Baptist Health Foundation and longtime leader in South Florida's business and nonprofit communities. Alexandra shares her journey from the airline and banking industries to leading one of the region's most influential media companies, and now supporting healthcare and philanthropy. Hear her insights on leadership, civic engagement, and the values that continue to guide her impactful career.

Stephanie Daniels

August 2025

Join Melanie Damian for an insightful conversation with Stephanie Daniels, Director of the Miami-Dade Police Department and the first woman to lead the largest local law enforcement agency in the Southeastern U. S. Stephanie shares her journey from growing up in Miami-Dade to breaking barriers in law enforcement leadership.

Caroline Bettinger-López

July 2025

Join Melanie Damian for an inspiring conversation with Caroline Bettinger-López, Professor of Law and Director of the Human Rights Clinic at the University of Miami School of Law. Caroline reflects on her work advancing international human rights, gender equity, and social justice--both in the courtroom and in two presidential administrations. Learn about her groundbreaking advocacy, her Miami roots, and the driving force behind her lifelong commitment to human dignity and equality.

Shari Bower

July 2025

Join Melanie Damian for an insightful conversation with Shari Bower, Regional Executive at the Miami Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Shari shares her journey from New York to South Florida, her role shaping monetary policy, and how she brings local economic perspectives to national conversations. Learn more about her leadership, community impact, and what drives her work in the financial sector.

Peggy Hollander

July 2025

Join us for an enlightening conversation as Melanie Damian interviews Peggy M. Hollander, founder and managing partner of The Succession Group. Peggy shares her expertise in wealth transfer, business succession planning, and preserving multi-generational legacies.

Ileana Musa

June 2025

Join Melanie Damian for an inspiring interview with Ileana Musa, Managing Director and Head of International Banking and Lending at Morgan Stanley. Ileana shares her remarkable journey as a global financial leader, her commitment to empowering the Latino community, and how she's paving the way for diverse talent in wealth management. Read more here   Melanie Damian spearheads an outstanding project for IWF Florida, conducting insightful 10-minute interviews with members, delving into their professional accomplishments and personal journeys.

Dr. Rachel Silverstein

June 2025

Join Melanie Damian for an insightful conversation with Dr. Rachel Silverstein, marine biologist and CEO of Miami Waterkeeper. In this interview, Dr.

Daphne E. Jones

May 2025

Join Melanie Damian for an inspiring conversation with Daphne E. Jones, a trailblazing tech executive, board leader, and author. Daphne shares her journey from humble beginnings to C-suite success at IBM, GE, and Hospira, and offers insights from her bestselling book "WIN WHEN THEY SAY YOU WON'T.

Sue Romanos

May 2025

Join us for an insightful conversation as Melanie Damian interviews Sue Romano, founder and former CEO of CAREERXCHANGE, one of Florida's leading diversity businesses providing staffing solutions to over 500 companies ranging from mid-size to large Fortune 500 corporations. With over 20 years in HR and staffing, Sue reflects on building a company that empowered thousands through employment, her leadership journey, and the values that guided her success. She also shares what she's doing in this new chapter of her life after retirement.

Sarah Arison

May 2025

Join Melanie Damian for an inspiring interview with Sarah Arison, President of the Arison Arts Foundation and a passionate champion of emerging artists. Sarah shares how her family's legacy shaped her commitment to the arts, her work with world-renowned cultural institutions, and her efforts to build creative bridges across industries. From film production to arts education, get an inside look at how Sarah is shaping the future of young artists.

Chief Judge Nushin G. Sayfie

March 2025

Join us for an insightful conversation as Melanie Damian interviews Chief Judge Nushin G. Sayfie of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. Chief Judge Sayfie shares her unwavering dedication to the law and her inspiring journey from assistant public defender to Chief Judge of Miami-Dade Courts, offering a glimpse into both her personal life and professional achievements.

Berta Blecke

March 2025

  Join us for an insightful conversation as Melanie Damian interviews Berta Blecke, a dedicated advocate for children's rights and a driving force behind Florida Foster Care Review and the Guardian Ad Litem Program. Berta shares her decades-long journey championing child advocacy, from launching vital community programs to ensuring every child has a voice in the court system. 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.

Marilyn Holified

February 2025

Join us for an inspiring conversation as Melanie Damian interviews Marilyn Holifield, a trailblazing partner at Holland & Knight. Marilyn shares insights from her distinguished legal career, from business litigation to championing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. She also reflects on her courageous journey growing up in racially divided Tallahassee and breaking barriers in 1963 as one of the first African-American students to attend a desegregated high school.

Theresa Therilus

February 2025

Join us for an insightful conversation as Melanie Damian interviews Theresa Therilus, a dynamic leader with a track record of transforming government administration, infrastructure, and entertainment. From turning around North Miami's finances to securing critical resources during the pandemic, Theresa shares her journey of leadership and impact.   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.

Mónica Gil

January 2025

Mónica Gil Join us for an inspiring interview as Melanie Damian speaks with Mónica Gil, Chief Administrative and Marketing Officer at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. A trailblazer in media, Mónica shares her journey leading Telemundo, her groundbreaking marketing efforts, her passion for championing women in the workplace, and insights into her upbringing and personal life.   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.

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.