N E W
G E N E R A T I O N
LEADERSHIP&
W ORKFORCE I N S T I T U T E
GRADUATION BOOK
Class of
2014 MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER Friday, June 27th, 2014
Message from Margarita Cepeda
Margarita Cepeda Executive Director, UNIDAD OF Miami Beach, Inc
For the past nine years, UNIDAD of Miami Beach, Inc. has offered a unique and innovative youth development and leadership program aimed at providing inner city youth with the opportunity to reach higher, dream bigger, and work smarter while achieving life and career goals. The goal of the New Generation Leadership and Workforce Institute is to help prepare today’s youth to excel in tomorrow’s workforce and in their lives overall. This year, enrollment was so successful that a waiting list had to be developed. Of the 386 participants registered, 58 were chosen for Level I of the institute after an exhaustive selection process with trainers and counselors. These youth completed weeks of intensive workshops and training, demonstrating their commitment to the development of leadership skills and to their futures. While many high school students spent their summer at the beach, our graduates were hard at work developing skills and achieving goals. In 2015, 35 of those exhibiting the greatest leadership potential will participate in Level II of the Institute. Today, we celebrate the graduation of the 65 exceptional youth who have completed Level I of the New Generation Leadership and Workforce Institute. Join us in recognizing their achievements! During 2014-2015 we anticipate that hundreds more youth will participate in the program. Visit our website for program updates through the year at www.unidadmb.org. If you have suggestions for volunteer speakers, field trip experiences, funding sources, sponsors or other program resources, please contact: Ms. Margarita Cepeda at: mcepeda@unidadmb.org.
Message from Rick Beasley
Rick Beasley Executive Director, South Florida Workforce Investment Board
To the Graduating Class of 2014. South Florida Workforce congratulates you on your successful completion of the New Generation Leadership and Workforce Institute. Now that you have completed the program, we are certain that you are prepared to meet challenges that will be put before you as you venture into the workforce. This experience will open doors to career possibilities and help you build a future as a productive citizen in a changing world. It takes determination, dedication and perseverance to become self-sufficient by today’s workforce standards and you are well on your way. As you gain additional experience, we are confident that you will provide solid leadership, and be innovative and creative in performing assigned tasks. You have also grown to appreciate the meaning of teamwork. South Florida Workforce wishes you every success as you embark upon this milestone in your career. Be assured of our continued support. Stay focused, keep your feet on the ground and reach for the stars. We are all predicting a brilliant future for you. Again, congratulation and best wishes!
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Award Recipients 2014 OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Pedro A. Cofiño Esq.
Attorney / Founder Cariño and Associates Attorney at Law, Keynote Speaker
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD Pedro A. Cofiño came to the United States on or about 1960 on the Peter Pan Flights from Cuba. Theses flights were secured and overseen by the Archdiocese of Miami. Cofiño came over by himself on these flights when he was 7 or 8 years old. The Archdiocese attempted to place him in foster homes, but was unable to do so. He then was placed from orphanage to orphanage throughout the United States until such a time when he could be reunited with his parents. Once reunited with his family, in 1962 his father secured an apartment for them in Miami Beach and he has resided in Miami Beach ever since. The only time that he did not reside in Miami Beach was during his tenure in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict from 1972-1974. Once honorably discharged from the Army, Cofiño returned to Miami and finish his education. Pedro A. Cofiño graduated from Nova University in 1980 with his Juris Doctorate. Prior to obtaining his law degree, he was a student of the University of Miami, where he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in business administration in accounting. He then went on to sit for the Florida Bar Exam while working as the president and CFO of a tile company. In 1981, Pedro was admitted to the Florida Bar. Pedro established his practice in that year as well, under Pedro A. Cofiño, P.A. It was in 1995 that he established Cofiño and Associates. Since being admitted to the bar over 25 years ago, Cofiño has successfully worked in every single branch court in Dade County. Pedro A. Cofiño has a passion for the law and for his clients, and takes pride in helping the Miami Beach Community.
Sandra Peebles News Anchor/Reporter. Univision 23, Miami OUTSTANDING COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA AWARD Sandra Peebles is a bilingual journalist working for the Univision affiliate in Miami, Univision23. Peebles has developed her journalism career in South Florida, having graduated high school and graduating with a degree in Mass Communications from FIU in 1991. For nearly 25 years Peebles has reported on issues that impact the local community in Miami Dade and Broward counties. She proved she had the chops to report on the streets of Miami and lead a newscast as an anchor at her first television job at Dynamic Cablevision/Miavision. The operation was bilingual. In '93 Telemundo 51 offered a two year contract doing the weather in the main news casts. In 1995 NBC6 hired Peebles to be a News reporter and fill -in anchor. In 1999 she arrived at Univision as the weekend anchor and during the last 15 years she has demonstrated her versatility by specializing in health and politics. She has won six Suncoast Emmy Awards and has more that a dozen Emmy nominations. Peebles is passionate about strengthening the community which she sees a a fiber that holds each individual up. Sandra’s principal charitable work includes Kakes 4 Kids and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for which she has raised over $50,000.
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Award Recipients 2014 OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Liliam Lopez
President/CEOSouth Florida Hispanic Chamber
COMMUNITY BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AWARD Liliam M. López is a co-founder of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) in 1994 and the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation serving as President/CEO of both organizations. Through her leadership, the SFLHCC has become one of the most important and influential chambers of the U.S. with over 1,250 members. Lopez implemented a scholarship program in the year 1995 that has granted $500,000 in scholarships to financially disadvantaged sr. high school Hispanic students pursuing a career in health and hospitality. She also founded the Education Enhancement Program which provides traveling scholarship opportunities to students of the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. This program has served 60 students. Because of this, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was inducted as a Champion of Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Academy of Hospitality and Tourism. Annually, children of Centro Mater and the Center for Women and Children of the Miami Rescue Mission receive thousands of dollars in toys, toiletry items and clothes through a program “Help Our Children” also initiated by her. López currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Aging, the Miami-Dade Area Health Education Center and on the President’s Council for Florida International University (FIU). She served on the Entrepreneurial Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Regional Economic Information Network (REIN) as the only Hispanic woman in that board for the period 2008-2010, among many other boards. Liliam M. López has received numerous awards including: the 2014 Women of Impact Award of the Miami Dade County Women’s History Coalition; the Big Brothers, Big Sisters’ 2013 Miracle Maker Award; the 2012 Broward Women of Distinction Award; the 2010 Women Extraordinaire presented by South Florida Business Leader; The 2010 St. Thomas University Global Entrepreneur Award; the 2008 Induction to Miami Dade College’s Hall of Fame; the 2007 Miguel Cervantes Award presented by Nova Southeastern University; the 2006 March of Dimes Award in the Education and Training Category; “2003 Business Woman of the Year Award” CEO non-profit category presented by the “South Florida Business Journal;” “In the Company of Women” award presented by the Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Department on March, 2003; and the Keys to the City of Miami Beach presented by the former Honorable Mayor David Dermer on June 20, 2002
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Award Recipients 2014 OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Sabrina Cohen President / Founder Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD On Halloween night, October 31, 1992, Sabrina Cohen’s life changed forever. What was supposed to be a night out with friends, turned hauntingly tragic when the teenage boy behind the wheel decided to race against another car. Carelessly, the boy driving lost control and struck a tree. Sabrina, 14-‐years-‐old at the time and a sophomore at Miami Beach Senior High, survived, but the accident left her with a spinal cord injury and confined to a wheelchair. Since then, Sabrina has been an inspiration. For two decades, she has educated and mentored over 20,000 elementary and high school students about peer pressure and making positive choices in life. She graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Communications and received a diploma in copywriting from the Miami Ad School. She recently went back to UM to receive her certification as a Professional Life Coach. In 2006, Sabrina launched the Sabrina Cohen Foundation (SCF), a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to building a global network of top scientists in the field of Regenerative Medicine, while funding cutting edge research and innovative therapies that will reverse paralysis and effectively treat other impairments of the Central Nervous System. In just a few years, Sabrina has witnessed significant growth within her organization and has awarded $75,000 in grants to top scientists. Through fundraising events and educational outreach programs, she is building a strong network of supporters in the South Florida region. Current sponsors include Goldstein Schechter Koch, Bank United, EWM Realty, Shepard-‐Broad Foundation, Russle & Ronallee Galbut Foundation, DMR Corporation, Lucky Strike Lanes, Opium Group, Shake-‐a-‐Leg Miami and Marcus & Millichap. Sabrina’s organization is gradually gaining national exposure as she travels the country to speak at scientific conferences at prestigious Universities such as Harvard, Wisconsin, Stanford, Maryland and Johns Hopkins. Most recently, Sabrina was recognized by SELF Magazine as a winner of its national “Women Doing Good” contest and was featured on the Today Show. She has also won the nationwide “America Inspired” contest in the Overcoming Adversity category, and WebMD named her an "American Health Hero" for her resilience and efforts as an advocate for her cause. Stories about her have also appeared in the Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post, Wall Street Journal and The Jewish Journal. In addition, she has also been featured on the Today Show, WSVN’s Deco Drive, ABC, NBC and CBS station affiliates, WLRN, Comcast, Good Morning America and NPR Talk Radio. In addition to her work with her own organization, Sabrina serves as an ambassador for the Christopher Reeve Foundation, Darrell Gwynn Foundation and the Genetics Policy Institute, a Florida based think tank that promotes the policy behind the advancement of stem cell research. Sabrina is also a member of the Disability Access Committee for the City of Miami Beach, is very active in citywide affairs and also sits on several boards for the spinal cord injury community.
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Award Recipients 2014 OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Duke University DukeEngage Program OUTSTANDING EDUCATIONAL AWARD Eight undergraduate students from Duke University will spend eight weeks working with UNIDAD this summer. Duke University is a private four-year university with 6500 undergraduate students located in Durham, North Carolina. We are very happy to build on previous relationships established between Duke Alumnae and UNIDAD and to collaborate in a partnership that supports UNIDAD’s mission. These students have been selected to participate in Duke Engage, an immersive service experience in which students participate in a vast range of civic engagement activities, including community outreach, global health, education, social justice and more. We appreciate UNIDAD’s commitment to education by providing a range of experiential learning opportunities for us this summer and look forward to a very productive collaboration.
Joan Clifford, PhD
Director
Ritika Patil
Karina Santellano
Meghan Price
Amrith Ramkumar
North Carolina
California
Pennsylvania
Oklahoma
Michael Courtney
Taylor Doty
Brenda Onyango
Hailey Diaz
California
California
West Virginia
North Carolina
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O U R
T R A I N E R S
Mr. Hardge President and CEO of Hardge Management, Inc. Mr. Hardge, is President and CEO of Hardge Management Inc., a family owned and operated Real Estate and Development Company in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He is a motivational speaker, writer, author, producer and artist whose foundation for life is built on success quotes, universal principals, and Biblical scriptures. An advocate for assisting both young people and adults to develop inwardly to create success in their lives, he wrote a book and produced an album to further the cause. While the book is insightful, witty and applicable, his album reveals a man who has experienced several sides of life. Mr. Hardge is at a point in his life where he realizes the real reason one is Blessed is to be a Blessing.
Glenda M. Justice
President and founder of Glenda Justice & Associates Glenda is the president and founder of Glenda Justice & Associates, the diamond in customer service, coaching and training. A recognized leader known for crafting the requisite strategic vision to achieve business goals, Glenda comes with over 35 years of experience in customer service and call center redesign. Throughout her career, she dedicated her time building the skills, personnel and training vital to retain customers, enhance marketability and increase profits. Prior to coming to MDC, Glenda served her community with United Way, Women in Distress and Broward County Schools by educating corporate America about the local and public needs surrounding their organizations. As a regional staff manager for AT&T (BellSouth), Glenda was responsible for cultivating 17 centers in six different states. Focusing on one of the things she knows best--customer satisfaction—her centers received several J.D. Power awards as a result of her proficiency. Glenda is currently a contracted trainer for Miami Dade College School of Continuing Education and Professional Development.
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Alechia Reese
Founder and CEO of The Girl Rethought Project, Inc. Alechia Reese is a native of Sarasota, FL. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 2008 at Florida International University and went on to receive her Master’s in Business Administration in 2012. She is the Founder and CEO of the Girl Rethought Project, Inc., a social service organization that is seeking true social change in the community starting with young women. Specialized service offerings include empowerment seminars, interactive workshops, and life-changing yearlong programs that not only challenge each individual to see beyond the basics, but also seek to provide a road-map to do so. This is achieved through the acceptance of the past, the recognition of responsibilities, the formation of attainable goals, and the development of a life that is driven by one’s true purpose. The focus is on the mental, emotional, educational, & financial enrichment of each individual to help transform their dreams into realities. Everything begins and ends with a thought; change your thoughts and you will change your life.
Elena Brouwer
International Etiquette Centre Elena Brouwer is an internationally recognized etiquette, protocol and customer service expert, certified by the protocol School of Washington D.C. Along with her team, Elena offers corporate training seminars on business and dining manners, plus public speaking workshops. These seminars provide future and present leaders with the business tools to be more effective in daily interactions. Elena travels internationally as a speaker, educator, and presenter. In addition, she is an instructor of etiquette and communication courses at the University of Miami and the Florida Small Business Development Centers. Elena serves as Ambassador of Commerce of Florida At-Large by the International Business Council of Florida and as a board member of the Miami Council for International Visitors.
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Lourdes Triana Executive Director of VIDA Training Center Lourdes Triana is the Executive Director of VIDA Training Center, a Health and Safety Institute Approved Center, that works to advance the health care provider workforce through education, research and advocacy. Lourdes also currently serves as a staff member for Unity on the Bay, a faith based community, as Education and Family Ministry Program Director. She has developed a Sunday School Program, managed by over 30 volunteers, and a Summer Camp Program which serves the population of low resource families. Her involvement with Unity on the Bay started in the year 2000 when she organized a group of volunteers and developed training programs for teenagers detained at the Juvenile Justice System. She was a co-founder of Empowering Youth, a non-profit which focused its efforts to offer job opportunities for the youth leaving the Juvenile Justice System with the strategic objective to decrease recidivism rate. Lourdes has been involved with community outreach for over 20 years, working to help communities organize around issues of environmental and social justice; and assisting families in improving their quality of life.
Maria T. Barranco Owner of Vida Training Center LLC Maria T. Barranco graduated from Florida International University in 1988 with a BS in Business Administration and International Marketing. She was Co-founder and Director of Happy Start Child Care & Kindergarten. She then joined Family Central Inc. working in the areas of community liaison, community relations and children’s sdvocacy. She also worked with PriceSmart Inc. in Membership Wholesale for Central America and the Caribbean. Since 2007 she has been in the field of safety and health training, in CPR and First Aid – EMS training. She has incorporated and currently manages her own ASHI approved training center, Vida Training Center LLC, and is an advocate for having more linguistic sensitivity trainings in the state and federally mandated core competencies for direct care givers in our health care system.
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Project Style
Comprehensive, integrated substance abuse and HIV prevention program The Village South is a 501(c)(3) private, not-for-profit charitable organization approved as a Medicaid provider and fully licensed by the State of Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), for the provision of prevention, intervention and education services, and residential and outpatient substance abuse and behavioral health treatment. Founded in 1973, The Village is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The Village provides a wide spectrum of health and human services in residential, outpatient, home-based, and community-based environments. Outpatient and outreach services are provided to more than 10,000 individuals annually. Project STYLE is a comprehensive, integrated substance abuse and HIV prevention program that has been specifically designed to provide age-appropriate services to young adults (ages 18 to 24) living in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Some of the services offered include: educational group sessions on HIV/AIDS, STDs, and substance abuse; free risk-reduction counseling; free HIV testing; and linkages to other related community resources.
Dade County Federal Credit Union
Dade County Federal Credit Union recently created a Gen-Y Committee to focus on educating and promoting financial services and products to students. Although information about banking is vital to adults, there is a great need to inform students about the concept of money management as early as possible. The Gen Y committee consists of 12 employees from all different departments. This diverse group of employees can see different perspectives of the credit union and are able to use their knowledge to assist in the endeavor to educate current and future Gen Y members. The main goal is to visit high schools, colleges, and universities and educate the youth about Credit Unions, products and services through Financial Literacy Seminars.
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T R A I N E R S
FIU Trac Program Team ropes adventure challenge The TRAC Program consists of two complimentary phases. The first is a ground-based "teambuilding" component that is presented in an action oriented experiential learning format. These activities focus on the different areas that can be defined as "team work". These areas include, but are not limited to: planning, time management, collaboration, negotiation, assuming a leadership role, support, and trust. The activities chosen for each group are initially based upon information provided by a needs assessment and any additional discussions with the client, but are also modified as the day unfolds to meet the dynamics of the group. The second phase of the program is the climbing or high-elements. This is when individuals are given an opportunity to challenge themselves or push their comfort zone allowing them to discover or realize their full potential. Although not as physically challenging as one might think, the high-elements offer different levels of mental challenges. These events include climbing up to a horizontal log, walking on wires supported by hand ropes, or to a zip line. The climber is supported by the "team" who provide the rope safety, ladder support, and encouragement. We have a strict challenge by choice philosophy, which encourages climbing, but respects a person's right to set their level of participation.
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LEVEL I
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP
Rodrick Abel
Cedric Bush
Class of
2014
Jacquez Adkins
Jamaree Black
Dakahri Brown
Xavier Carela
Myeshia Cato
Ky-mani Dalrymple
Smith De’vontayveis
Chelsey Donahue
Anzagene Darden
Tar’keara Dean
Sierra Donahue
Hilton Edwards
Kyla Estiverne
Kayla Estiverne
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Class of
2014
LEVEL I
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP
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Najlaa Febres
Wallesha Fortner
Sylvester Givens
Janaih Golden
Tykevia Hamilton
Tranesha Housen
Deon Johnson
Janay Jones
Jermeka Jones
Dimitrius Jordan
Destinee Joseph
Ashley Leonard
Asyah Lockley
Alexander Michel
Andre Mitchell
Aalimah Nash
Class of
2014
LEVEL I
INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP
Jorge Niebla
Christopher Rivers
Cedrick Waters-Brown
Darnisha Parker
Ivanna Puga
Georgetta Ray
Tonganika Roberts
Jaime Walker
Legacii Ward
Markesse Wiliams
Briyuana Williams
Cinnavia Wright
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Class of
2014
LEVEL II
ADVANCED LEADERSHIP
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Kevin Burnes
Rachel Blansain
Angelica Centeno
Janesa Darius
Anthony Deacon
Ruben Dorta
Solmeshia Hooks
Keytron Jordan
Amanda Lenza
Stacey Lewis
Carlos Mato
Curtis Mcmillian
Marcus Mincey
Renisha Moss
Cesar Pera
Feguy Pierre
Deborah Reels
Trevon Robinson
Charlina Starks
Chykevia Taylor
Jose Vazquez
Mark Wiggan
Anthonie Wiggan
A Generation that
CARES!
2014
2013
2012
2011 2010
2009 2008
2007
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2006
2005
O U R
Raymond Adrian Director of Youth and Senior Services
Silvia Vallin Career Advisor
Anisley Lima Career Advisor
Naylinn Barreda Program Specialist
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S T A F F
Mirrizza Menendez Youth Program Coordinator
Elizabeth Sanfiel Career Advisor
Jacky Bruno Team Leader
Vivina Elgueta Career Advisor
S P E C I A L
T H A N K S
Miami Beach Senior High William H Turner Tech Miami Central Senior High Miami Carol City Senior High Miami Northwestern Senior High Miami Springs Senior High Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High Miami Gardens Senior High Miami Edison Senior High Booker T. Washington Senior High American Senior High Miami Coral Park Senior High Southwest Senior High Miami Edison Middle School Brownsville Middle School Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center Model City Library North Central Library Alternative Outreach Program Barbara Goleman D.A. Dorsey Educational Center
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N E W
G E N E R A T I O N
LEADERSHIP&
W ORKFORCE I N S T I T U T E MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER Hall B , Room 214 - 218 1901 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach, FL 33141
Special thanks to our collaborating partners: