Leadership for Lasting Economic Change

Economic Justice Council

YWCA South Florida's Economic Justice Council (EJC) brings together influential leaders committed to creating a more inclusive economy through workplace equity.

While South Florida has grown increasingly diverse, economic disparities persist—particularly for women of color, who typically earn only 65-70% as much as white men despite often being primary household providers.

Our Mission

The EJC creates cohorts of South Florida's high-level executives and C-suite leaders with the power and influence to transform organizational structures that limit economic opportunity. Together, these influential decision-makers learn, grow, and challenge historic patterns that have created barriers for entire communities of working women.

Our Impact

YWCA South Florida has placed 300 underemployed women and individuals from underrepresented groups into living-wage positions over a three-year period, helping to recession-proof these workers and protect their families from continued systemic economic disenfranchisement.

An inclusive economy is a strong economy.

To create lasting economic change, YWCA South Florida implements a strategic two-fold approach that addresses both systemic barriers and individual opportunity:

Two-Fold Approach 

  • Develop annual Economic Justice Council leader cohorts to drive change within industries and corporations

  • Upskill and train underrepresented and unemployed people through YWCA's workforce development programs

The EJC Experience

Participants engage in expertly curated sessions that unpack workplace inequities, foster meaningful discussions, identify potential solutions, and learn directly from women whose lived experiences highlight the need for greater inclusivity. 

Sessions explore:

  • The benefits cliff

  • ALICE simulation

  • Intersectional identities

  • Organizational financial impact

  • Racial and gender equity

  • Leadership and commitment to social impact

 Previous Cohorts 

    • Eddy Arriola, Apollo Bank 

    • Dexter A. Bridgeman, MIA Media Group 

    • Glenn Davis, Kaufman Rossin 

    • Albert Dotson Jr., Bilzin Sumberg 

    • Karen Gilmore, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta 

    • Beatriz Gonzalez, Miami Dade College 

    • Matt Haggman, Miami-Dade Beacon Council 

    • Blain Heckaman, Kaufman Rossin 

    • Vania Laguerre, Bank of America 

    • Natalia Zea, The Children’s Trust

    • Mike Allen, Barry University

    • Paula Hopkins, Miami-Dade Beacon Council

    • Flavio Mello, MDM Hotel Group

    • Alex Mena, The Miami Herald

    • Francesca Covey, Miami-Dade County

Join Cohort 3 (2025) 

The EJC is currently recruiting for Cohort 3! We seek industry leaders and decision-makers who can implement meaningful change for a more inclusive economy. 

Core Sessions Schedule 

  • Friday, March 21: Introduction to Cohort 3 

  • Thursday, April 24: The Benefits Cliff 

  • Tuesday, May 22: ALICE Simulation 

  • Tuesday, August 27: Intersectional Identities 

  • Tuesday, September 23: Graduation Reception 

Bonus Sessions

  • June/July: Virtual Check-in 

  • November/December: Networking Mixer 

Learn More

Attend a Virtual Open House: 

  • Thursday, February 13, 3:30-4:00 PM 

  • Friday, March 7, 1:30-2:00 PM 

Glenn Davis, Principal Emeritus, Kaufman Rossin

“If you have an opportunity to serve as a member of the EJC, do not hesitate for a moment. It will be life changing. You will be enlightened.”

Adriene McCoy, Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer, Baptist Health South Florida 

“Be a part of this. Try to make every meeting connect, learn, be inspired and take back what you can to your community, to your businesses.”

EJC Graduates

Support Economic Justice

The Economic Justice Council offers a unique opportunity for industry decision-makers to understand and implement change for a more inclusive and prosperous economy. Your support can help build this into a movement that impacts workplaces and workers throughout South Florida for years to come. 

Sponsor benefits may include:

  • Recognition on EJC website, program materials, communications, and at events

  • Recognition in YWCA’s Annual Report

  • Opportunities for remarks at dedicated EJC events

  • Invitation to be featured on YWCA’s Take Action Tuesday interview series

For sponsorship inquiries, contact Sarah Coleman at scoleman@ywcasouthflorida.org or 305-377-9922 ext. 239. 

Thank you to our EJC launch partners: