First But Not The Last
Our Fourth Annual First But Not The Last Women Leaders of South Florida celebration is SOLD OUT!
YWCA South Florida’s Fourth Annual First But Not The Last celebration will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the JW Marriott Miami.
First But Not The Last is a night where we come together to honor a distinguished group of leaders who are making a difference within their respective fields. This year’s theme is the refreshing optimism and light that YWCA and our First But Not The Last inductees shine beacons of hope and leadership, illuminating the way forward and reminding us of the power and importance of steadfast progress and resilience.
This event is more than a celebration—it's an opportunity to connect with the heart of our mission. Guests will enjoy an immersive experience through our impact areas, learn about our ongoing initiatives, and discover ways to contribute to our continued efforts in creating positive change before sitting down for dinner and the induction of our newest class of First But Not The Last Trailblazers.
Be Part of the Change
As we gather to honor these exceptional leaders and the work of YWCA, we invite you to join us in this journey. Together, we will light the way forward, paving the path for future generations of leaders and ensuring that the light of progress never dims.
This will be a night that promises to inspire and empower. Let's continue to shine brightly, together.
Saturday, Oct. 26
6:oo PM - Registration Opens
6:30 PM - Launch into YWCA IMPACT EXPERIENCE
7:30 PM - Dinner, Awards Ceremony, and Dancing
Dress: Elegant and elevated cocktail chic
Announcing our 2024 YWCA Trailblazers
Each year, First But Not The Last inducts new members into the ranks of YWCA Trailblazers. This prestigious group comprises industry trailblazers, thought leaders and community inspirations. YWCA South Florida is thrilled to recognize the remarkable efforts of this group so that the women and girls in our communities can realize their own potential and value. Because they are the first, we believe these same women and girls will know that they are certainly not the last. They will have these indelible footprints to follow.
“This event is one for the ages. YWCA has taken their leadership role in the community and paid it forward by recognizing incredible leaders who are breaking barriers for women and people of color.” - Barbara Fonte
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Award Sponsors
Trailblazer Hall of Fame
Inaugural 2021 Trailblazers
Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava, Miami-Dade County
Judge Bertila Soto, Miami-Dade County 11th Circuit Court
Senior Judge Patricia A. Seitz, Southern District of Florida
Dr. Barbara Sharief, Broward County Commissioner
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity Cruises President & CEO
Monica Richardson, Miami Herald Executive Editor
Madeline Pumariega, Miami Dade College President
Juliet Rouhlac, Florida Power & Light (FPL) Director of External Affairs
Annette Franqui, AARP National Board of Directors Chairwoman
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Aflac
Alben Duffie
CareerSource South Florida
Commissioner Marleine Bastien, Miami-Dade County District 2
Florida Panthers
Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research
FPL
Greenberg Traurig
Grove Bank & Trust
J. Kelly Advisors/ Glavovic Studio
Key Biscayne Community Foundation
Strategos
The Children’s Movement of Florida
The Miami Foundation
The Office of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
Vercetti Enterprises
Arlenna Williams
Barry University
Chairman Oliver Gilbert, Miami-Dade County Commissioner District 1
Solstice Benefits
Tripp Scott
United Way Miami
Beverage Sponsor
2024 First But Not The Last Event Committee
Mayela Rojas Sanchez, Chair
Veronica Brown
Paula Hopkins
Rose Martin
Dionne Polite
Angelica Santibanez
Arlenna Williams
Lauren Ziadie
2022 Trailblazers
Lilian Abbo, M.D. Associate Chief Medical Officer, Jackson Health System
Irela Bague, Miami Dade County, Chief Bay Officer
Maria Julia Mas Blet, Wells Fargo
Lucia Davis-Raiford, President The Carrie Meek Foundation
The Honorable Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, United States Congress House of Representatives D-FL 20th District
Dr. Greg Haile, Broward College President - Inaugural Jason Jenkins Man-Kind Award
Supporting Sponsors
YWCA Champions
2023 Trailblazers
Loreen Chant, President & CEO, Health Foundation of South Florida
Kelly-Ann Cartwright, Partner, Holland & Knight
Yolanda Cash Jackson, Board Chair, Beacon Council and Shareholder, Becker Lawyers
Caroline O'Connor, President of Business Operations and Kim Ng, General Manager - Miami Marlins
Felecia Hatcher, CEO, Black Ambition
Al Dotson Jr., Managing Partner, Bilzin Sumberg - Jason Jenkins Man-Kind Award