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.

Photos and captions of the 2024 Inductees: Dr. Lanetta Bronte-Hall, Monica Cepero, Christine King, Madeleine Thakur, Natalia Zea, Dexter A. Bridgeman, Daniella Levine Cava, The Brown Family

“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