Leadership
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Virginia M. Akar
Founder, President Virginia M. Akar is an attorney and human rights advocate who is dedicated to bringing about positive social change in her community, with particular focus on disrupting the cycle of poverty. Her vision of eliminating poverty through education led to the founding of Strong Girls, Inc., an anti-poverty initiative whose mission is to eliminate the obstacles to higher education and career faced by girls in disadvantaged communities. Ms. Akar has had a career in the public interest sector since her early days of practicing law as an Assistant State Attorney for Miami-Dade County in 1994. From there, she took a few years off to raise her family, and gradually returned to a service-oriented career. In 2013, she co-founded her first non-profit organization Young Musicians Unite, which currently provides free in-school and after-school music programs throughout Miami-Dade County. She maintains an active role on the Executive Committee and Board of that organization. In 2016 she earned her Master of Laws in Intercultural Human Rights, which was in large part the catalyst for the founding of Strong Girls, Inc. |
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Laurie Kaye Davis
Chief Operating Officer Laurie Kaye Davis has over 30 years of business management experience in a broad spectrum of industries, as well as extensive leadership participation in civic and community organizations. Laurie is passionate about education and advancing women and girls in leadership. She believes that “filling the pipeline” must start exceedingly early on. Some of her professional career highlights include managing a school to work mentor program in two “F” high schools for a non-profit with a budget of over seven million dollars, a 90-office executive suite business, a leasing program for a multimillion-dollar mall renovation, and most recently leading TCI South Florida where she oversaw the administrative management and development of South Florida. During her career, she took four years off to volunteer and support Miami Beach Senior High as PTSA President. Laurie grew up in Michigan, but moved to Miami in 1980, after receiving her degree with high honors from the University of Florida’s Warrington School of Business. She has three daughters, with two in the education field, and one granddaughter. |
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Laura Ganoza
Board Chair Laura Ganoza is a partner and litigation lawyer with Foley & Lardner LLP. Ms. Ganoza is the author of “Fashion Branding: What’s in a Name,” published on Apparel (August 30, 2016). Ms. Ganoza spoke on a panel addressing the professional and legal ramifications to consider regarding e-commerce and social media at SwimShow 2015, an essential show for the swimwear industry. |
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Kaili Akar
Board Member Kaili Akar is currently a Teach for America Corp member and educator working in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Industrial and Labor Relations as well as minors in Inequality Studies and Law & Society from Cornell University. With experience in non-profit consulting through Cornell's Social Business Consulting Group and leadership in various organizations including Women Empowered, Student Government, and College Mentors for Kids, her work shares an underlying passion for social impact and equity work. She was awarded a Teach for America fellowship in 2017 where she worked as an education consultant in Los Angeles, New Orleans and San Antonio. |
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Arlene Alvarez
Board Member For nearly 30 years, Arlene has been working in the financial services industry, acquiring knowledge while dispensing invaluable wisdom along the way. As a Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo Wealth Management and prior to that, Citibank/Citicorp Investment Services, Arlene earned her clients’ trust with her transparency and creative thinking. Her genuine desire to empower her clients ultimately led her to take the entrepreneurial route in 2015 when she established her own Independent Wealth Management Practice with Raymond James Financial Services. Inspired by her own transition and grateful for the opportunity to work independently under the renowned Raymond James brand, Arlene has adapted a “financial coach philosophy” in her practice. She tailors each client’s individual financial plan according to their experience, investment psychology and risk tolerance; and strives to educate, clarify and review in detail all investment options so that clients feel comfortable with the important investment decisions they are making. Arlene coaches her clients, educating and inspiring them to focus on their financial and life goals, especially during challenging markets and life experiences wherein emotional decisions can compromise the successful outcome of their long-term objectives. Arlene believes in living life to the fullest and encourages her clients to do the same. She is happily married and a proud spectator of the now-adult lives of her two daughters and stepson (ages 25, 23 and 20, respectively). An avid reader, world traveler, wine aficionado, fitness buff, and music and dance enthusiast, Arlene is also in the process of self- publishing her first book. She serves on an Executive Forum of The Commonwealth Institute, an organization dedicated to mentoring and connecting women in business and leadership. Arlene feels most fulfilled when inspiring others. Her passion is making life a richer experience for everyone she meets in every way possible. |
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Jamie Barrar
Board Member Jamie has spent the last five years at Google leading agencies and brands through digital transformation and business growth. She also recently served on the Global Brand team at Google, marketing groundbreaking creative experimentation and insights to teams globally. In addition to her core roles, Jamie developed a women's leadership and mentoring program, known as the Coffee Club, which has scaled to 16 offices globally. She also works at Google's internal venture incubator where she's led Brand Strategy and go-to-market planning for new developments in the creator and privacy spaces. Prior to Google, Jamie worked in Account Management at FCB and Trend Forecasting at Mintel. Outside of work, Jamie is pursuing her MBA part-time at NYU Stern with a focus in brand management, strategy and sustainable innovation. She spent Fall 2020 as a Teaching Fellow for Scott Galloway’s Brand Strategy course. Outside of work, Jamie loves all things fashion and retail, brainstorming and executing ideas, and the Miami Heat. |
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Linda Barrocas
Board Member Linda is a resident of Miami Beach and an active member of her community. She regularly gives back by volunteering with animal rescue programs and participating as past board member of the Humane Society of Florida. She also has worked closely with neglected and abused children as a Guardian Ad Litem through the Miami Dade Guardian Ad Litem Program. Her own Portuguese Waterdog, Wally, is a member of the “Paws for Court” program through the Miami-Dade County Children’s Courthouse, where he helps to soothe the anxiety of children who may have to testify in dependency court. She also enjoys choreographed dance, painting, photography, as well as cooking and entertaining friends and family. She holds a degree in Liberal Studies from Barry University, is bilingual in English and Spanish. Linda brings with her a strong background in business leadership. She built a multi-million dollar real estate-finance management company that caught the eye of a Fortune 500 company that ultimately bought it. Over a period of 20 years, Linda grew an organization to 350 employees and 65 offices nationally. Homebuilders Financial Network was recognized by Inc. Magazine “500 Winner Entrepreneurial Success” series as well as receiving various other honors from the National Homebuilders Association and the Mortgage Bankers Association. |
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Dr. Leslie Baumann
Board Member Dr. Leslie Baumann is a globally respected cosmetic dermatologist. She authored the first textbook about cosmetic dermatology in 2002, and the second edition of Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice (McGraw Hill) now ranks as the bestselling dermatology textbook in the world and has been translated into 14 languages. In 2005, Dr. Baumann authored The Skin Type Solution, a New York Times bestseller that has been published in many languages. The latest edition of The Skin Type Solutions was published in December 2010 to coincide with the PBS special, “Skin Type Solutions with Dr. Leslie Baumann,” which began airing in late 2010. Dr. Baumann’s latest textbook, Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill) was released in November 2014. Dr. Baumann also pens a bi-monthly column in The Miami Herald and regularly contributes to magazines, trade publications and medical journals. |
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Christina Beltran-Miller
Board Member Christina Beltran-Miller grew up in Melbourne, Australia. Always an avid sports-woman and artist, she went on to pursue a career as a professional golfer, competing throughout Europe and Australia. In 2012 she returned to Australia to become a fully accredited PGA Golf Instructor, teaching at the esteemed, Victoria Golf Club. She moved to Miami in 2017 to be with her now husband, Jeffrey Miller and step sons Anthony and Lenny. During this time, she began studying at the University of Miami, where she is currently majoring in Sports Administration, and minoring in Entrepreneurism. Christina is devoted to giving back to the community, raising over 75k in funds for the Dolphin Cancer Challenge, as well as working with her husband, through initiatives such as Breakthrough Miami, and their Charter School, Beacon College Prep. Together, they are passionate about helping the youth of Miami gain the opportunity to better their education and futures. In addition to this, Christina has also volunteered with the University of Miami Athletic Department, fundraising to grow the Annual Celebration of Women in Athletics event. She believes in the importance of empowering young women to be confident and hard-working in order to enrich their lives and achieve their goals. |
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Dr. Tina Carroll-Scott
Board Member Dr. Tina Carroll-Scott is a board-certified pediatrician in practice for the last twenty-three years. She is a graduate of Princeton University, Boston University School of Medicine, the University of Chicago Hospitals and Miami Children’s Hospital for internship/residency. Dr. Scott has built her career as a pediatrician focused on populations in-need. First caring for an immigrant farm worker population in Fort Pierce, Florida, and now with the uninsured/underinsured children in South Miami. The goal was to provide high quality healthcare, dispelling the perception that “free care” meant substandard care. Her belief was that improved access to healthcare and health education would give these children the foundation to build healthier minds and bodies. She also believed that a real difference could be made in the lives of these children by providing a true medical home. Since opening the clinic ten years ago, she has been able to achieve many of these goals. Poverty, fatherlessness, teenage pregnancies, substance abuse and illiteracy are just a few of the problems plaguing this community. The clinic has become an avenue to address the medical, psychosocial and economic problems facing these families and is instrumental in providing resources. She has recently implemented the use of telemedicine into her practice to improve access to care and reduce after hours urgent care and emergency room visits for non-emergencies. Dr. Scott’s life has come full circle in becoming a part of the South Miami Children’s Clinic. “I’ve come back to working with the underserved and I have discovered it is my passion…using my training to make the greatest difference in the lives of people most in need.” |
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Barbara Frankel
Board Member Barbara Frankel is a therapist, certified in trauma counseling with a focus on behavioral pediatrics and family counseling. Recently, she worked at the University of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development. Barbara also has extensive research experience in the areas of addiction and cult studies. She earned Master's degrees in Child Development and Marriage and Family Counseling from Columbia University and the University of Miami. Barbara also spent many years as Vice President of patient management at Aetna Healthcare where she supervised medical staff and developed hospital-based programs. A native of New York, Barbara recently relocated to Miami Beach with her husband, Randy, who is part owner of the Tampa Bay Rays and Anatomy gym in Miami. Their family is also involved in the wine business on the North Fork of Long Island, NY where they own and operate two wineries. |
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Tania Kunen
Board Member Tania Kunen is Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for Discovery Latin America, where she advises the company’s production and programming divisions on a broad range of legal and strategic business matters. Prior to joining Discovery, Mrs. Kunen served as Vice President of Business Affairs & Associate General Counsel for W Studios (a joint-venture between Univision Communications and Televisa) and the Fusion Media Group (which began as a joint-venture between Disney/ABC News and Univision Communications). She started her career as counsel for Viacom International Media Networks, supporting Nickelodeon, MTV, Vh1, Tr3s, Paramount and Comedy Central Latin America. Mrs. Kunen received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, Philosophy and Business Law from the University of Miami, where she graduated with summa cum laude honors, and subsequently attended the University of Miami School of Law, where she received a Juris Doctorate with cum laude honors. During law school, she was actively involved in Miami’s Children & Youth Law Clinic, which provided pro bono counsel to children in foster care and former foster youth receiving mental health services. Mrs. Kunen currently resides in Miami, Florida with her husband and two children. She is a member of the South Florida Group of Regional Counsel, the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group, and the Entertainment and Sports Law Society of the American Bar Association. |
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Gianni LaCapra
Board Member Gianni LaCapra, a Miami native with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Florida International University is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Decorative Sales Associates. She has dedicated much time and effort to the Dolphins Cancer Challenge that raises funds and awareness for cancer research for the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. As an alumnus of Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, an all girls Catholic school in Miami, she has a true passion for helping empower women. She hopes to educate others in understanding that it all begins with helping young girls break the cycle of poverty. Every woman is capable of great things when she is given an opportunity to succeed. |
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Suzanne Leeds
Board Member Suzanne Leeds has a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of children and is passionate about creating positive change. For the past three years, Suzanne has been working in the underserved Miami community teaching nutrition and cooking classes to 1st- 5th graders. Suzanne has always been involved with various educational charities and has established character education programs in numerous schools. For many years in NY she taught culinary education classes for children along with working in numerous professional kitchens. She also volunteers her time at the Miami Beach Library and Cushman Day school with her certified therapy dog “Yoda” teaching children how to improve their reading skills. Recently, Suzanne was a special events coordinator for Tiger Direct Inc., where she was responsible for their events, including TigerDirect Tech Bash, an event that attracted over 28,000 attendees. Suzanne received her undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and her Master in Business Administration from Hofstra. She also attended the Culinary Institute of New York specializing in Pastry. She recently completed a course at Columbia University “Teaching Food and Nutrition For All.” |
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Dr. Roza Pati
Board Member Dr. Pati is a tenured Professor of Law at St. Thomas University School of Law where she teaches International Law, Human Rights Law and Human Trafficking Law. Formerly a Member of Parliament and a Cabinet Member serving as the Secretary of State for Youth and Women of Albania, Dr. Pati has a rich experience in public service and academia. In August 2012, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Professor Pati to be a Member of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, at the Vatican. She is the only Council member representing the United States. |
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Loren Rosario-Maldonado
Board Member Loren Rosario-Maldonado is currently the head of Human Resources at Claro Enterprise Solutions, Inc. overseeing all Global Human Resources Operations. She has over 25 years of Human Resources Management experience in various industries including Retail, Telecommunications, Advertising, Entertainment Media, Interior Design, and Brokerage. Her track record reflects a strong expertise with multi-national, rapid-growth, environments including, Human Resource operations start up, restructuring and/or transformation across multiple disciplines. Loren has made a career of making an impact, which includes the successful creation of several HR departments from the ground up within start up environments, one of which involved operations within the Latin America and European regions. Loren is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology at California Southern University. |
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Senia Severino
Board Member Senia Severino is Vice President of Finance for Latin America for Live Nation Entertainment, the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. In this role, Senia oversees the joint ventures comprised of operations in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Portugal, and Miami (Groot Hospitality) and leads the full spectrum of accounting and finance operations. As a result of her strategic planning and financial analysis she was able to rapidly strengthen financial and operational discipline across Live Nation Entertainment’s Latin American portfolio. Prior to her role at Live Nation Entertainment, Severino was Vice President of Finance for Programming for NBC Universo and Telemundo Enterprises, a world-class media company leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality Spanish-language content serving 60 million U.S. Latinos and audiences around the world. During her tenure at Telemundo, she was the head of finance for non-scripted reality programming while also optimizing financial reporting for other programming including, Billboard Awards, Latin American Music Awards, Masterchef, networks news, daytime telenovelas and films. Severino also worked on two of the world's largest sporting events, the 2014 and 2018 Men's World Cup, Women’s World Cup and COPA America tournaments. Before joining NBCUniversal, Severino held financial leadership roles with Univision, FUSION Media Network, and American Express. Highly regarded for her strategic and operational expertise, Severino has led teams with mentorship and growth as a core fundamental. During the span of her 13-year career in the media and entertainment industry, Severino has personally committed to mentoring, coaching and crafting individual development plans for young women on her teams, carving paths toward multiple promotions and more representation of women in finance leadership roles. Severino holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Administration from Barry University and a Master of Business Administration from Nova University in Miami, Florida and is a Certified Six Sigma Green belt. Severino lives in Miami, with her husband and children. |
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Lindy Smiley
Board Member Lindy Smiley is a Human Resources Executive with over twenty five years of experience in the field. Lindy is currently Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources for Starwood Property Trust, a publicly traded REIT in Miami Beach, Florida. In this role Lindy oversees all aspects of Talent Management, Compensation and Benefits. Lindy works closely with the executive team on all employment related and strategic staffing matters. Prior to joining Starwood, Lindy spent nearly fifteen years working in various capacities of Human Resources both in New York and Miami. Lindy’s career began in the Financial Services sector for Moody’s and Morgan Stanley before moving into the Commercial Real Estate arena. Lindy holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Syracuse University and a MBA from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. In addition, Lindy serves on the advisory board of The Commonwealth Institute of South Florida. She is a mother of three and an avid runner and sports enthusiast. |
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Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd
Board Member Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. She completed her undergraduate studies at Georgetown University and later earned her medical degree at the University of Miami School of Medicine. She completed her training in dermatology at the University of Miami where she also served as chief resident. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd is an internationally recognized dermatology and wellness expert. She has lectured at national and international conferences on anti-aging strategies in skincare and wellness. She is the creator of Specific Beauty, a skincare line specifically designed to treat hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd participates extensively in clinical research, serving as an investigator in dozens of FDA clinical trials with an emphasis on increasing the inclusion of skin of color patients. She has been featured as an expert in various publications such as CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Allure, Bustle, Glamour, O Magazine, Prevention, Well+Good, and Refinery 29. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd practices dermatology in both a private practice and an academic setting. She currently serves as Director of the Skin of the Color Division for the University of Miami Department of Dermatology. She also enjoys serving as the social media chair for the Skin of Color Society and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine HEAL Group. |
Past Board Members
Stephanie Rimes
Holistic Health and Nutrition Coach
Holistic Health and Nutrition Coach
Doris Maya
Grant Writer, Caridad Center
Grant Writer, Caridad Center
Elizabeth S. Mitrani
Non-Profit Executive
Non-Profit Executive