YWCA South Florida Announces First But Not The Last Event Co-Chairs

YWCA South Florida announces annual gala co-chairs

Miami, Fla. – YWCA South Florida has announced this year’s co-chairs for its annual gala, “First But Not The Last” Women Leaders of South Florida event, on June 3, 2022, at Gulfstream Park. Mayela Rojas Sanchez and Barbara Fonte will lead the event host committee over the next few months as co-chairs to design an event that celebrates the achievements of dynamic leaders in South Florida who have broken barriers in their respective industries.“Mayela and Barbara are passionate about civil, social and economic justice in our community,” says Kerry-Ann Royes, YWCA South Florida's president and CEO. “It is an honor to have their vision and guidance as we put together a dynamic event that builds upon last year’s special inauguration of the first honor roll of 'First But Not The Last' honorees.”In 2021, during the organization’s centennial anniversary, YWCA inducted nine women recognized as trailblazers for the glass ceilings they have broken for women and people of color across South Florida. The honorees included Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava, Miami-Dade County 11th Circuit Court Chief Judge Bertila Soto, Southern District of Florida Senior Judge Patricia A. Seitz, Broward County Commissioner Dr. Barbara Sharief, Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Lisa Lutoff- Perlo, Miami Herald Executive Editor Monica Richardson, Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega, Florida Power & Light (FPL) Director of External Affairs Juliet Rouhlac, and AARP National Board of Directors Chairwoman Annette Franqui.The inaugural honorees were selected by a respected group of women leaders that consisted of Kelly-Ann Cartwright, Karen Gilmore, Sara Herald, Caroline Iovino, Doreen LoCicero, Ann Machado, Dionne Polite, Yolanda Valencia, Marlene Williams and Stephanie Smith. This group of women leaders will serve as the honorary host committee for the 2022 event.Rojas Sanchez and Fonte, along with YWCA leaders, advisors and fellow committee members, will select the 2022 honorees who will be recognized at the June 3 event.Rojas Sanchez is an award-winning executive in the media and broadcasting field and currently serves as executive vice president for Media Vista Group, one of the largest Hispanic media companies with two Univision affiliates at the present time. She is also the founder of AMAZED ID, the boutique interior design and project management firm.Fonte is vice president of managed care and population health for Jackson Health System. With more than three decades of healthcare leadership experience, Fonte has an extensive background in business development, strategic planning and physician services.The 2022 First But Not The Last committee includes Rojas Sanchez and Fonte, as well as Dexter Bridgeman, Yolanda Valencia, Adriene McCoy and Angela Ramos. Cloud Nine Nonprofit Advisors, a Fort Lauderdale-based nonprofit consulting firm will assist in the production of the event.Sponsorships that include exposure to some of the top leaders in the South Florida community are currently available for the 2022 First But Not The Last celebration. Businesses or individuals interested in supporting can email development@ywcasouthflorida.org.ABOUT YWCA SOUTH FLORIDAYWCA South Florida seeks to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Combining direct service programming and advocacy, YWCA South Florida works across three key areas: racial justice and civil rights; empowerment and economic advancement of women and girls; and health and safety of women and girls. The organization has been at the forefront of some of South Florida’s most significant social issues since it was founded in 1921 and has worked to improve the lives of more than 3.1 million adults and children. To learn more, visit ywcasouthflorida.org.