DECEMBER JANUARY 2025 2026 MIAMISHORES.COM
Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce
2025 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR LIANGY FERNANDEZ CALLI
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR CELEBRATION
JAN. 24th
AMPERSAND STUDIOS | MIAMI
HONORING
JACK CODEN
A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON
Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce serving Miami Shores, Biscayne Park, Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce El Portal LittleShores, River for over 75 years. servingand Miami Biscayne Park, El Portal and Little River for over 75 years.
COVER COVER PHOTO BY: PHOTO KATE BAUMWELLBY: KATE BAUMWELL
Selling Season is here! Ready to make your move? Smart preparation and polished presentation help your home put its best foot forward. Try these quick tips to start strong:
1 Declutter & Depersonalize 2 Refresh Curb Appeal 3 Fresh Paint Inside & Out 4 Tackle Quick Repairs Want a tailored plan for your home? Reach out and let’s prep for success.
Let’s Connect! Wes Pearce | Property Agent | Graber Realty Group Wes@GraberRealty.com 305.790.3331
@WesSellsMiSho @WesPearce 2 l EGRET January 2026
www.wespearce.co
CARLAPETERS, PETERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CARLA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
2025 EXECUTIVEBOARD BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2026 EXECUTIVE OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT PRESIDENT
TREASURER VICE PRESIDENTS
Wes Pearce, Graber Realty Group Wes Pearce, Graber Realty Group
Rich Pototsky, CPA, Miami-CFO.com Kate Baumwell, Kate Baumwell Photography VICETurkel, PRESIDENTS Gigi Core Design Group Kate Baumwell, KateRose Baumwell Angela Young, St. of LimaPhotography Church School
PAST PRESIDENT TREASURER Catherine McLaney, The Citadel Rich Pototsky, CPA, Miami-CFO.com
BY CAFE CREME
Gigi Turkel, Core Design Group Angela Young, St. Rose of Lima Church School
A Legacy in Print
2026 MUNICIPAL BOARD MEMBERS
2025 MUNICIPAL BOARD Omarr MEMBERS C. Nickerson, Ph.D., Mayor, Village of El Portal Angela Dorney, Miami Shores Village Jonathan E. Groth, Mayor, Angela Dorney,Esq, Miami ShoresVillage Villageof Biscayne Park Omarr C. Nickerson, Ph.D., Mayor, Village of El
The Story of The Egret Magazine
First published in 1973, The Egret Magazine began humbly as a one-page comJonathan E. Groth, Esq, Mayor, Village of Biscayne Park Portal munity letter circulated among the resi2026 GENERAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS dents of Miami Shores. Over the years, 2025 GENERAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS PLEASE US AT that single page JOIN blossomed into a fullSAPORI MIAMI BY CAFÉ CRÈME Maria Leon, Little Stars Dentistry Maria Leon, Little Stars Dentistry fledged publication, growing not only in Andrew Bellinson, Esq., Bellinson Law Firm Andrew Bellinson, Esq., Bellinson Law Firm AS WE KICKlength OFF 2 but EVENTS THAT voice, WILL BENEFIT in impact, and reach. SunJa Leon, SunJa Leon,The TheNokkha NokkhaGroup Group Roni Bennett, Florida People of Color THE KENNEDY Roni Bennett, SouthSouth Florida People of Color What was KIDS once FOUNDATION a neighborhood bulleVanessa Maggi, Group Robert Bourne, Robert Bourne Real Estate Vanessa Maggi,Maggi MaggiRealty Realty Group Robert Bourne, Robert Bourne Real Estate tin has evolved into a trusted community MAY16TH AUGUST 31ST Mélida Matos, Doctors Charter School Victor Bruce, Bruce & Bruce magazine–now delivered to over 7,500 Mélida Matos, Doctors Charter School Victor Bruce, Bruce & Bruce We will have a special lunch menu Cristine Pacheco, Rustic French Home Diego Caiola, The Florida Marketplace Group locations across Miami Shores, El Cristine Pacheco, Rustic French Home for $24Biscayne + tax &Park, gratuity DiegoLiangy Caiola,S. The Florida Marketplace Portal, and parts of Little Margarita Perez, MD, Miami Shores Medical Group Fernandez-Calli, Resident Group Member Margarita Perez, MD, Miami Shores Medical Group and aalong specialwith dinner River, local businesses Deb Dziena, DD Hospitality & Events Mark Piper, Northwestern Julie Isha, Barry University menu for $39our + tax & gratuity Mark Piper, Northwestern thoughout communities. LiangyCory S. Fernandez-Calli, Resident Member Gittner, Mediatech Meghan Grimbert , MGD Shop Julie Isha, Barry University Jon Harmeling, Chick-fil-A Cory Gittner, Mediatech
Sara Ryan, Museum of Contemporary Art
Sara Ryan, Museum of Contemporary Art Scott Smith, Ph.D., Barry University
Scott Ph.D., Barry University Paula Smith, Szlufman, Primer Microschools
Robin Hechler,, MGD Horace Mann Middle School Meghan Grimbert Shop Kleinman, \Mortgage RobinDennis Hechler, Horace First MannEquity Middle School Banker, Inc.
Dennis Kleinman, First Equity \Mortgage Banker, Inc.
Paula Szlufman, Primer Microschools Christian Ulvert, Edge Communications
Christian Ulvert, EdgeBarry Communications Carter Winkle, Ph.D., University
June 25thInweaddition will beto hosting a wine dinnerThe our print circulation, at 7 pm $75 perextends person its + tax andtogratuity Egret wings thousands You will also be through able to apurchase the wines more vibrant digital presence, bringing stories, and opportuniand participate in theupdates, silent auction.
Carter Winkle, Ph.D., Resident Member
2025 EGRET MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS
Egret is designed by Carla Peters, MyWeeThree Design and GigiCONTRIBUTORS Turkel, Core Design Group 2026TheEGRET MAGAZINE Egret Photographer: Kate Baumwell Egret Editorial: Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli
!
The Egret is designed by Carla Peters, MyWeeThree Design and Gigi Turkel, Core Design Group Egret Photographer: Kate Baumwell EgretShores, Editorial: Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli The Egret • June 2025 • 9620 NE Second Avenue Suite 201, Miami FL, 33138 • 305-754-5466 e-mail: chamberinfo@ miamishores.com • www.miamishores.com • facebook.com/MiamiShores, The Greater Miami Shores’ Egret is the official publication of the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce, and is published monthly. 7400 copies of the Egret are to 2026 homes,•apartments, businesses within the 201, villagesMiami of Miami Shores, El Portal, Little River The Egretdistributed • January 9620 NE and Second Avenue Suite Shores, FL,Biscayne 33138 Park, • 305-754-5466 e-mail:andchamberinfo@ Upper East•Side free of charge. Views expressed in this publication are those of the editorial and Egret do notisnecessarily miamishores.com www.miamishores.com • facebook.com/MiamiShores, The Greater Miami staff Shores’ the officialreflect publication of the the Board of Directors. Informationand in it isis published intended formonthly. Chamber member welldistributed as the residents of our apartments, Greaterthose Miamiof Shores Chamber of Commerce, 7500 copiesorganizations of the Egretas are to homes, communities. Please contact the Chamber for more information on membership, advertising, distribution, or content. and businesses within the villages of Miami Shores, Biscayne Park, El Portal, Little River and Upper East Side free of charge.Views expressed in this publication are those of the editorial staff and do not necessarily reflect those of the Board of Directors. Information in it is intended for Chamber member organizations as well as the residents of our communities. Please contact the Chamber for more information on membership, advertising, distribution, or content.
2025 CHAMBER TRUSTEE MEMBERS
2026 CHAMBER TRUSTEE MEMBERS TRUSTEE MEMBERS
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce Community Partners
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ties to even more readers, near and far.
RSVP required for the wine dinner At the heart of our publication is a 786.409.3961 deep commitment to community. At contact@cafecreme.com the750 Greater Miami Shores Chamber of NE 125 Street Commerce, we believe North Miami, FL 33161in giving back
and uplifting the people and businesses that make our neighborhoods unique. That’s why every aspect of The Egret Magazine – from design and printing to publication and distribution – is proudly handled by local professionals and vendors. When you hold a copy of The Egret, you’re holding a piece of this community: created by us, for us. More than a magazine, The Egret is a reflection of our shared stories, milestones, and momentum, a voice for the neighborhoods we call home. If you would like to advertise in the EGRETJune June l 3 EGRET monthly Egret Magazine, please contact Carla Peters at 305-754-5466.
PHOTO BY KATE BAUMWELL 4 l EGRET January 2026
2025 Citizen of the Year Liangy Calli
Her journey into Miami Shores, and the work behind the honor.
of the story. That approach sits at the heart of why the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce named her the 2025 Citizen of the Year. The path to Community Engagement
Liangy Calli knows what it feels like to miss a
Liangy’s path to the Village started with a love story and a leap. “Paul and I met in the same building where we both worked in 2006,” she says. “It was a whirlwind, love-at-first-sight kind of story, straight out of a movie.Timing was everything.” She moved to Miami Shores in 2007, and the couple married at Deering Estate in 2008, “with our sons, John and Charlie, standing as our Best Men.”
That’s a big part of why Liangy treats community as something you build on purpose. It also helps explain why her story starts where it does.
Paul, she notes, already knew the Village well. “Paul has lived in Miami Shores since 1994. He introduced me to the Village, promising I would fall in love with it, and I did.” Once she arrived, she started doing what she now encourages others to do: show up, get involved, and let relationships form through shared work.
Article by Doug Turkel Photos provided by The Liangy Family
place. Once you’ve left a place you love, you don’t just remember the headline version of it. You remember the little things, the sounds, the way a normal day felt. And if you moved around as a kid, you also learn how long it can take to feel fully settled.
“I was born and raised for most of my childhood on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, a Commonwealth of the United States, also known as La Isla del Encanto,” she says. Her father served in the Air Force, which meant the family moved at times. Until they landed in South Florida. “Miami became our permanent home in the late ’80s, during the height of Miami Vice. I was starstruck.” She remembers the transition as “relatively smooth,” with the honest caveat that “acclimating as a teen always presents its challenges.” She had arrived in a place that felt dynamic and electric, but the deeper sense of community still took time to click. And she carried vivid images of what she left behind. “I missed the lush mountains, endless stretches of bamboo and Flamboyant (Royal Poinciana) trees, waterfalls, off-the-beaten-path beaches, and the beautiful sound of the coquís in every backdrop. But growing up, I don’t recall being in one place long enough to really appreciate community.” That early mix of movement and longing comes through in the way Liangy talks about community now. For her, belonging isn’t a vague feeling. It’s something you build through getting involved, staying curious, and helping people feel like they’re part
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Ask what first pulled her toward community involvement, and Calli starts with school. “Once our girls started attending Miami Shores Presbyterian Church School I was drawn in,” she says. “Somehow, PTAs always get you,” she adds with a laugh. She joined to stay connected to her daughters. In the meantime, her husband started and coached the Doctors Charter Baseball Team (where their sons attended school). She found that one project naturally led to another, and her circle in Miami Shores widened. And after raising four children here, service has become part of the family’s rhythm. For more than a decade, the family has supported Safe Space, a domestic violence shelter. They’ve also supported local animal-rescue efforts. In the Calli household, “give back” isn’t a slogan. It’s second nature. Liangy comments, “To borrow from a dear friend, we live by the words: ‘let the work speak for me.’ ” Communication as community service Calli credits a nudge from a former neighbor for pulling her deeper into Village leadership. “I blame Jesse Walters. LOL.” In 2016, she says, “He asked
me to join the Chamber Board and be a Green Day ‘Czar.’ It was such an honor to be asked.” Not long after, she ran for Village Council. That experience sharpened her sense of what can hold a community back, even when people care. “As a whole, I remember when I ran for council, the one thing that struck me was the number of information gaps that existed,” she says. “It was the one thing that was holding us back as a community.” Her response came from a communicator’s instincts. “It’s when my marketing instinct kicked in, you just can never have enough communication.” She knows that residents rely on different sources for news and updates, so the Village needs consistent messages across more than one channel. That belief, that clear information helps people participate, has guided her decisions about where to put her time. “Welcoming and friendly to everyone” In 2019, Calli volunteered with Bound by Beauty and later served on its board. Around the same period, the Miami Shores Friendly Villagers became a central focus. “Countess Linda Samsoe invited me to join,” she says. “It was the start of a beautiful friendship, the organization became my project.” The mission immediately matched her values: “to be welcoming and friendly to everyone.” con’t on page 10 EGRET January, 2026 l 5
Liangy Ad
6 l EGRET January 2026
REMEMBERING JACK CODEN:
A life of integrity, loyalty, and heart. There are professionals who succeed because they understand the market and then there are those who succeed because they understand people. Jack Coden was firmly in both categories. His legacy in real estate and the Miami community is measured by the remarkable career he built, the trust he earned, the lives he quietly influenced along the way, and the unmatched love and laughter he so generously shared.
Jack was drawn to real estate because it sat at the intersection of everything he valued: people, his love for life, and purpose. He understood buying or selling a home was rarely just a financial decision - it was a deeply personal one, often tied to milestones, family, and future dreams. Over the decades, Jack’s passion was lead by the privilege of being invited into people’s lives at pivotal moments. Even as the industry evolved – with new technologies and shifting markets – his motivation stayed remarkably consistent: do right by the client, every single time. For Jack, real estate was never about chasing volume or headlines. It was about service, stewardship, and long-term relationships. He simply cared. And that speaks volumes. Ask anyone who worked with Jack, and a few words come up again and again: honest, generous, loving and funny. Clients felt safe with him. He had an uncanny ability to slow things down in moments that felt over-
whelming, he explained complex situations with clarity, and made people feel heard. Jack didn’t oversell. He didn’t pressure. He advised. He educated, and when a transaction detail wasn’t right, he was not afraid to say so, even if it meant walking away from a commission. That integrity became his calling card. Many of his clients became repeat clients and many became friends. Many sent their children, relatives, and neighbors to him years later, confident they would be treated with the same care. Real estate has changed dramatically over the years and Jack’s approach remained grounded in fundamentals that never go out of style: knowledge, love, and ethics. He believed expertise mattered. He studied contracts carefully, knew his inventory intimately, and respected the responsibility that came with advising clients on one of the largest financial decisions of their lives. What truly set him apart though, was his long view. Jack was never interested in short-term wins at the
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expense of long-term trust. He built a business that could last because it was built the right way. His reputation was his most valuable asset, and he protected it fiercely. There were countless transactions reflecting Jack’s professionalism, but the ones best capturing who he was, often ended quietly. A buyer he advised to wait rather than overpay. A seller he guided through a difficult decision with compassion. A transaction taking longer than expected because he refused to compromise his client’s interests. These moments didn’t make for flashy stories, but they made for lasting loyalty. Jack believed success wasn’t about how many transactions you closed, it was about how you conducted yourself in the ones you closed. Jack was the Egret magazine’s longest-running advertiser, a distinction that speaks volumes about who he was. His loyalty wasn’t transactional; it was relational. He believed deeply in supporting local institutions, local voices, and the fabric of the Miami Shores community. Advertising in the Egret wasn’t just marketing for Jack, it was a commitment. It was a way of showing up, staying visible, and investing in the same community that trusted him professionally. That kind of consistency reflects a man who valued trust, partnership, and community above trends or quick returns. Outside of work, Jack was a man of routines and quiet joys. He valued time with his loved ones, meaningful conversations, and moments of laughter. He wasn’t flashy. He was deeply present. He found fulfillment in m e n t o ring, guiding others, and watching people grow, both personally and professionally. Jack was not only a visionary in his work, but also in the way he planned for the future. Long before his passing, he was deeply intentional about building a legacy that would endure beyond him. He thoughtfully prepared Daniela Ferraro and Alicia Diaz to step into partnership roles, mentoring them with the same trust, discipline, and integrity that Jack leaves behind; it’s more than a business or a name that defined his own career. Together they formalized a merger becoming The Coden–Ferraro Group. Just as importantly, Jack surrounded himself with extraordinary talent: Kevin Veilleux, Sophie Delaplaine, Nicole Joyce, Angel Veilleux, and Jane DeBlasio, assembling a unified team grounded in shared values, mutual re-
spect, and excellence. This was not a reaction or a moment of circumstance. This was Jack’s vision, executed with intention and care. Today, that vision lives on – strong, steady, and intact. His legacy is not simply remembered, it is carried forward daily through the people he believed in, the standards he set, and the work his team continues to do with purpose, integrity, and heart. Friends often describe Jack’s presence as a guiding light. When he entered a room, there was a sense of steadiness that followed. He listened more than he spoke. Jack’s low, calm confident voice exuded warmth. With thoughtful insight and a keen sense of humor, his words and demeanor were reassuring and enlightening. He had the rare ability to make people feel comfortable simply by being himself. There was no pretense, no ego, just authenticity and pure love. At the core of Jack’s life and work were values that never wavered: integrity, loyalty, care, and kindness. He had a deep love for life and an unmatched generosity of spirit, always ready to help, always giving, and never expecting anything in return. Jack showed up for people in ways both big and small, offering guidance, support, and reassurance simply because it was who he was. He believed in doing things the right way, even when no one was watching. He understood that trust is earned slowly and lost quickly, and that success meant very little if it wasn’t shared. Jack Coden leaves behind more than a business or a name, he leaves a standard. A reminder that professionalism and humanity are not mutually exclusive, that loyalty still matters, and that character is built choice by choice, day by day. His legacy lives on in the clients he served, the colleagues he mentored, the community he supported, and in the countless lives made better simply because he was part of them, an extraordinary man who touched more hearts than he will ever know.
The Egret is grateful to Jack Coden’s team for sharing this tribute. As our longestrunning advertiser, Jack’s kindness and long-standing support of this publication reflected his deep belief in local business, local stories, and the community he cared for so deeply. It is an honor to celebrate his life and legacy in these pages. -CP
EGRET January, 2026 l 7
In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Friend, Mentor & Leader, Jack Coden Dear friends and family, On December 2nd, we said goodbye to an extraordinary man — our dear friend, our mentor, our guiding force, Jack Coden. Jack built his business with unmatched vision, discipline, and heart. He created a standard of excellence that became his legacy—The Jack Coden Standard—a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the people he served. Anyone who crossed his path felt his wisdom, his generosity, and his quiet but powerful leadership. What many may not know is that Jack prepared meticulously for the future of his team. His legacy was never meant to end with him. He built something designed to last—intentionally, thoughtfully, and with great pride. Over the years, Jack cultivated leaders, empowered us to grow, and increasingly placed us front and center— teaching us, guiding us, and preparing us for the moment we would one day carry the torch. With his blessing and full partnership, he elevated Daniela Ferraro & Alicia Diaz into a leadership role and formalized the merger that became The Coden–Ferraro Group. Jack also made sure that he was surrounded by amazing talent like Kevin Veilleux, Sophie Delaplaine, Nicole Joyce, Angel Veilleux and Jane Deblasio. This was not a reaction. This was Jack’s vision. This was Jack’s plan. And this was Jack’s confidence in his team. To our past and present customers, friends, and partners: Please be reassured that the relationships, systems, and high standards you have come to rely on were built by Jack and by the team he trusted wholeheartedly. We have worked side by side for years—learning, refining, and shaping this business together. What we do, how we do it, and why we do it all come fromthe foundation Jack laid. As we honor the remarkable man who inspired us, we promise you this: The Jack Coden Standard will continue. It will guide us. It will define us. And it will remain at the heart of everything we do. We would like to also take this opportunity to extend our deepest and most sincere thank you for your continued trust, loyalty, and support throughout the years. It has truly been an honor to walk alongside you through so many important moments and milestones. Your confidence in us, your referrals, and your kind words have meant more than we can ever express. We are incredibly grateful for the relationships we have built and for the opportunity to serve such an exceptional community. None of this would be possible without you, and we look forward to many more years of working together with gratitude and appreciation. Dear Jack, rest in peace. We will continue to honor you with strength, excellence, and the unwavering dedication you instilled in us all. Your name, your legacy, and your light will continue through us—today, tomorrow, and always.
8 l EGRET January 2026
The Jack Coden Group will be doing business under the name The Coden-Ferraro Group.
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EGRET January, 2026 l 9
for ‘green’ success.” When she looks ahead, Calli hopes Miami Shores protects what gives it character. “I hope that the aesthetics of a bygone era are not completely erased,” she says. She pairs that with a bold environmental wish: “...that for every new construction there is, 100 native trees are planted.” She also names the infrastructure improvements she wants to see. “We need septic to sewer for all, and a new rec center. Stat.”
Liangy saw what the group could become with clearer positioning and broader participation. “I saw a lot of potential. It was a matter of rebranding and growing the membership.” She doesn’t pretend it happened overnight. “It took some time,” she says, but today she sees clear results: “We are now properly recognized and respected for our work in the community, and have exponentially grown our membership.” For many residents, especially newcomers, that kind of welcome changes everything. It turns Miami Shores from a place that looks friendly...into a place where they belong. Green Day’s growth, and what comes next As co-chair of the Chamber’s Green Day, Liangy has watched the event evolve in both message and impact. “I have seen Green Day grow over the years and expand on its messaging,” she says. She points to a change that helped the event make sense on
the ground. “The creation of Green Street was genius. Thank you Carla Peters (the Chamber’s Executive Director) for that.” The practical benefit: “Housing our environmental nonprofits in one spot is key.” She keeps her focus on progress. “Is it perfect? No, but every year we aim to continue implementing more green efforts throughout the event.” She also highlights the year-round partnership that extends the work past a single day. “Our year round joint workshops with the Village’s Sustainability and Resiliency Committee are so important,” she says. “That partnership is another avenue
JOY + KINDNESS HAPPY 10 l EGRET January775x3625-FINAL.indd 2026 20251006-TCS-Egret 1
Through all of it, she sees service as both responsibility and example. “We all have a responsibility to give back, in any capacity,” she says. “It is an unspoken duty.” She adds, “I do it because it is important that my children understand that they too have a duty. They need to see firsthand what it means to contribute to something larger than themselves.” Her closing thought captures the spirit behind the Citizen of the Year honor: “We are just stronger when we are engaged and work together.”
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EGRET January, 2026 l 11
Where Neighbors Connect and Just Have Fun! From festive shopping and seasonal celebrations to a runway favorite, this month’s Out & About highlights three events that brought Miami Shores together in style. Sip, Shop & Celebrate, Barry University’s holiday celebration, and the Miami Shores Friendly Villagers Annual Fashion Show offered plenty of moments worth capturing. We hope to see you out and about at a Chamber event in 2026!
12 l EGRET January 2026
HAPPY
HOUR
Thank you to everyone who came out and made Sip, Shop & Celebrate such a joyful evening. From neighbors strolling the streets to families, friends, and first-time visitors, the energy was truly special.
A heartfelt thank you to our partners and sponsors who helped bring the night to life, including Miami Shores Village, Graber Realty Group, and Studio Mc+G Architects, along with all of the incredible local businesses that participated in our Shop the Block activity. Your creativity, hospitality, and community pride were on full display.
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Events like this are a powerful reminder of why shopping local matters. When you support neighborhood businesses, you are investing directly in the heart of our community. Sip, Shop & Celebrate captured that spirit perfectly. It was an evening filled with connection, collaboration, and the kind of hometown pride that makes Miami Shores such a special place. We look forward to keeping that momentum going and hope you will join us at one of our upcoming Chamber events. Upcoming Chamber Events Citizen of the Year Celebration Saturday, January 24, 2026 Ampersand Studios
One of the Chamber’s most meaningful annual traditions, this celebration honors an individual whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact on our community. Join us as we recognize Liangy FernandezCalli, our 2026 Citizen of the Year. For event details, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, visit https://miamishores.com Monthly Networking Breakfast Friday, February 6, 2026 C. Lawton McCall Community Center
Doors open at 7:30 AM. Programming runs 8:00 to 9:00 AM.
Start your morning connecting with fellow business and community leaders at our monthly networking breakfast. Sponsored by Rich President, Trust Align.
Pototsky,
For tickets and more information, visit https://miamishores.com
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EGRET January, 2026 l 13
A Year of Connection, Celebration, and Community: The Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce Reflects on 2025 If there was one word to define 2025 for the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce, it would be ‘connection.’ Connection between neighbors and businesses, leaders and emerging voices, and tradition and progress. Throughout the year, the Chamber brought together residents, entrepreneurs, educators, advocates, and community champions to strengthen our businesses’ visibility and celebrate what makes it such a special place to live and work.
encer, who reflected on persistence and representation in law and advocacy; and Alejandra Molina, award-winning journalist, who highlighted storytelling as a powerful form of leadership. Their stories sparked meaningful conversations and reinforced the importance of community-driven dialogue.
In November, the Chamber partnered with Barry University to honor Drs. John and Roxanne Davies with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Recognized for their decades of leadership, service, and commitment to education and community engagement, the Davies exemplify the values the Chamber strives to promote. The celebration highlighted In April, downtown Miami Shores came alive for the importance of long-term dedication and strong the Chamber’s signature event, the Green Day partnerships in creating meaningful community imStreet Festival. With more than 10,000 residents, pact. friends, and neighbors in attendance, the festival transformed the village into a vibrant celebration of local culture and commerce. Local vendors, artisans, and organizations lined the streets, while food trucks, live music, and entertainment created a festive atmosphere for all ages. Green Day remains a powerful example of how the Chamber supports local businesses while fostering a strong sense of place and community pride.
The year began with a meaningful celebration honoring the 2024 Citizen of the Year, Gigi Turkel, at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Surrounded by friends, family, and community leaders, Gigi was recognized not only for her accomplishments, but for the compassion, integrity, and dedication she brings to her service. The creative setting provided the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with heartfelt tributes and reflection, setting a And we can’t forget about our annual Pickleball Palooza networking event, which always brings that positive and inspiring tone for the year ahead. extra energy and excitement, welcoming players of Soon after, the Chamber continued its focus on all skill levels for a day of friendly competition and leadership and empowerment with the Pathways community connection.The event offered a fun, acto Leadership: Women in Business event. This en- tive way to network, while also giving back, with a gaging gathering held at Barry University highlight- portion of proceeds benefiting the Whiskers and ed the journeys of four remarkable women whose Wine Foundation. careers and leadership have made a lasting impact across diverse fields. The event celebrated resil- Throughout the year, the Chamber continued to ience, mentorship, and authenticity, offering valu- build connections through its ongoing programable insights into what leadership looks like today. ming and networking opportunities. From Shores The Pathways to Leadership event included leaders Young Professionals (SYP) gatherings to Women in in their fields like Caroline Lewis, Climate Advocate Business events and the popular monthly Breakfast and Educator, who spoke about leadership through Series, members and guests had countless opporeducation and action; Bobbie Weiner, Entrepreneur tunities to network, collaborate, and grow. These and Innovator, who shared her experiences build- events went beyond business, creating spaces ing businesses and embracing creativity; Yolanda where relationships were built and community Cash Jackson, Attorney, Lobbyist, and Policy Influ- bonds were strengthened. 14 l EGRET January 2026
As the year came to a close, the Chamber wrapped up 2025 with the festive Sip, Shop & Celebrate street fair, bringing the community together once again to support local businesses and enjoy the spirit of the season. This final celebration provided the perfect moment to reflect with gratitude on the support that made the year’s accomplishments possible. Sincere thanks go to the Chamber’s members, the advertisers in the Egret, the Board of Directors, and the many community partners whose collaboration and dedication fueled each initiative.
Looking ahead, the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce invites you to stay engaged and connected through our events, programs, and Chamber Chats. Read the Egret for updates on upcoming opportunities, and visit MiamiShores.com for the latest information. Thanks for being part of our incredible year. We look forward to continuing this journey together and building an even brighter future for Miami Shores, Biscayne Park, El Portal Little River, and North Miami.
2026 Toyota Rav4
Start your New Year with new adventures at Lipton Toyota. Buying a car shouldn’t feel like a hassle. Start the New Year in a new Toyota with Lipton Toyota’s Friends & Family pricing, offering great deals, a great selection of new Toyotas, and quality pre-owned vehicles. Skip the haggling and long waits and enjoy true insider, stress-free treatment as your perfect New Year upgrade. Scan the QR code and get started on an easy car-buying experience today. “We have purchased 10 vehicles from Lipton Toyota and our buying and service experience has been exceptional every time.” ~ J. Bellinson (Miami Shores, FL) “My second time leasing a Toyota from Lipton was so easy and getting there from Brickell was effortless.” ~ A. Di Paolo (Miami, FL)
1700 West Oakland Park Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale ~ Right off I-95 & Oakland Park Boulevard LiptonToyota.com 305-520-9494
MIAMISHORES.COM
EGRET January, 2026 l 15
Sponsor
Sponsor
S HAN E G R ABER , BROKER
WELCOME TO THE GR ABER - HOOD! T hank yo u! W ith over $ 850 million in sale s , G R A B ER is n ow th e TOP b rokerage in th e MiM o/ Up p er Eas t side - Miami S h ore s - El Por tal - Bisc ay n e Park market! F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G S
PENDING
SOLD
V I L L A PA R A I S O - R E C O R D B R E A K E R
S U N S E T PA L M S
4 3 6 N E 8 8 t h S t . , E l P o r t a l | $1 . 8 M I L L I O N
4 3 3 N E 9 1 S t . , M i a m i S h o r e s | $1 . 3 2 5 M I L L I O N
Call Shane Graber @ 305.606.2200
Call Shane Graber @ 305.606.2200
COMING SOON
FOR SALE
MID-MOD RANCH
V I L L A A G AV E
61 5 N E 11 5 t h S t . , B i s c a y n e P a r k | $1 . 0 75 M I L L I O N
54 NW 96 St ., Miami Shores | NE W CONS TRUC TION
Call Shane Graber @ 305.606.2200
Call Richard “Ricky” Zimmerman @ 786.942.8998
FOR SALE
SOLD
S I LV E R PA L M S
THE DECO DIAMOND
11 5 0 4 N E 6 t h A v e . , B i s c a y n e P a r k | $1 . 3 9 8 M I L L I O N
6 8 N W 9 7 t h S t . , M i a m i S h o r e s | $1 .1 M I L L I O N
Call Wes Pearce @ 305.790.3331
Call Wes Pearce @ 305.790.3331
RE AL E S TATE .
MADE BETTER.
CALL US TODAY
305.606.2200
9699 NE 2nd Avenue | Miami Shores