YWCA South Florida Inducts Nine Trailblazers at 2024 First But Not The Last Celebration
Impactful Night Honored Trailblazing Women Leaders and Shared the Stories of YWCA Women and Families, Raising $280,000 and Inspiring Hope for South Florida’s Future
YWCA South Florida celebrated an extraordinary evening of inspiration and impact at the 2024 First But Not The Last Women Leaders of South Florida Celebration, presented by Fifth Third Bank, raising $280,000 to support its mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Held at the JW Marriott Miami on Saturday, Oct. 26, the event inducted a new class of dynamic South Florida leaders who are breaking barriers in their fields and inspiring the next generation.
This year’s honorees included:
Dr. Lanetta Bronté-Hall - A leading national and international researcher and population health scientist in the field of sickle cell disease, rare blood disorders, community-based participatory research, and chronic disease management, Dr. Bronté-Hall founded and leads The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research, the nation's first outpatient center exclusively dedicated to the treatment of and innovative research for sickle cell disease.
Monica Cepero - Cepero is the first Hispanic woman and first LGBTQ+ individual to serve as Broward County Administrator, the chief executive officer of the nation’s 17th largest county, with more than 1.9 million residents and a $7.8 billion budget.
Christine King - City of Miami Chairwoman and District 5 Commissioner King is the first Guyanese American to be elected in the City of Miami and the first woman to Chair the City Commission in its more than 100 years of existence.
Madeleine Thakur - Thakur is president & CEO of The Children’s Movement of Florida, a statewide advocacy organization focused on the policies and investments that help each child in Florida thrive in their first five years. She is the first woman and mother to lead The Movement in its 25-year history, spearheading statewide initiatives such as Bosses for Babies, ReadingPals, and The Future Project.
Natalia Zea - As Chief Public Policy, Communications & Engagement Officer for The Children’s Trust, Zea led the creation of Miami-Dade’s first large-scale, institution-led drowning prevention program, Zero Drownings Miami-Dade, in close coordination with Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, The Miami Foundation, American Red Cross, United Way and others.
Dexter A. Bridgeman (Jason Jenkins Man-Kind Award) - Bridgeman is the CEO and founder of M•I•A Media Group LLC, the largest distributor of media content highlighting the success and achievements of South Florida’s Black community. The company’s print publications -- Legacy Miami, Legacy South Florida, and M•I•A magazine -- are distributed in The Miami Herald and Sun-Sentinel, reaching more than one million readers, and partner with major events such as Jazz in the Gardens and the American Black Film Festival. Under his leadership, M•I•A Media Group has become a key platform for elevating Black voices, shaping the narrative around Black excellence, ensuring that the achievements of Black leaders and businesses receive the recognition they deserve,
Daniella Levine Cava (Encore Award) - Mayor Levine Cava was elected Miami-Dade County's first-ever woman mayor in November 2020, and in 2024 became the first twice-elected woman mayor, building upon her 40 years of advocacy for South Florida families. She is an inaugural First But Not The Last Trailblazer, inducted in 2021, and the first recipient of an Encore Award.
The Brown Family: Ellery and Johnny Brown, parents of Ketanji Brown Jackson (Legacy Award)- The Brown family has made a lasting impact on South Florida and beyond through their commitment to justice, education, and public service. Ellery and Johnny Brown, deeply rooted in Miami’s civic life, raised their family with a focus on education and giving back. Ellery dedicated her career to education, first as a teacher and later principal at New World School of the Arts, and Johnny, also initially a teacher, obtained his law degree from the University of Miami, then recently desegregated, and eventually became an attorney for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Together, they instilled in their children the belief that service is the highest calling. Their daughter, Ketanji Brown Jackson, has carried on these values. A respected jurist, she made history as the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Her dedication to civil rights, fairness, and justice reflects the strong foundation of love and discipline her parents provided. Their son, Ketajh, also follows this legacy as a commercial litigation attorney.
Each of these leaders exemplifies the bold, transformative spirit of YWCA’s mission, becoming "firsts" in their respective domains and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
YWCA Trailblazers from previous years came out to welcome the new inductees into their ranks, including: Juliet Roulhac, Florida Power & Light; Lucia Davis-Raiford, The Carrie Meek Foundation; Loreen Chant, Health Foundation of South Florida; Kelly-Ann Cartwright, Holland & Knight; Al Dotson, Jr., Bilzin Sumberg; and Dr. Greg Haile.
YWCA Trailblazers from throughout the years. From left: Lucia Davis-Raiford, Natalia Zea, Al Dotson, Jr., Johnny Brown, Ellery Brown, Loreen Chant, Madeleine Thakur, Kelly-Ann Cartwright, Christine King, Dexter A. Bridgeman, Dr. Greg Haile, Monica Cepero, Juliet Roulhac, Dr. Lanetta Bronté-Hall, YWCA President and CEO Kerry-Ann Royes.
In addition to recognizing South Florida’s remarkable women leaders, the event debuted the new Impact Experience, an innovative and immersive journey that brought attendees into the heart of YWCA’s work. This unique activation highlighted the stories, struggles, and triumphs of women impacted by YWCA’s programs, providing an in-depth view of the urgent need for the organization’s economic justice and empowerment initiatives.
“YWCA South Florida’s First But Not The Last is more than a celebration of what’s been accomplished—it’s a commitment to the future we’re all building together,” said Mayela Rojas Sanchez, YWCA Board Member and Event Chair. “Tonight’s honorees and participants demonstrate the profound impact that empowered women leaders have on our communities, especially during times of uncertainty. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters, YWCA South Florida can continue providing critical resources that uplift our community and pave the way for the next generation of trailblazers.”
YWCA South Florida President and CEO Kerry-Ann Royes added, “Every dollar raised tonight brings us closer to a South Florida where every woman has the tools and support to reach her full potential. The success of this event and the excitement around our Impact Experience show just how committed our community is to achieving gender and racial equity. Together, we are creating lasting change that will ripple across generations.”
The funds raised from the gala will go directly toward YWCA South Florida’s programs to ensure that women and girls across the region have the support they need to thrive, including early education, youth development, women’s health, economic prosperity, and racial and gender equity.
For more information about YWCA South Florida, including its programs, services and upcoming events in the South Florida community, visit ywcasouthflorida.org.
