The community's dedication and spirit shone brightly in Coconut Grove, as United Way Miami hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards, where notable local figures and organizations were acknowledged for their unwavering support and contributions to the Miami-Dade area. Yesterday, the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove became the venue for recognition and celebration of those striving for community enrichment.
Among the honorees was Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who received the Public Service Leadership Award for her commitment and fierce dedication to the local community, as reported by WSVN. In conjunction with these individual accolades, United Way Miami also took the opportunity to honor several South Florida schools for their proficient fundraising efforts, showcasing the collective power of education in fostering community support.
The gathering was not solely about praising the victories of the past, it was equally about looking forward and building upon a foundation laid by cooperation and shared vision. Symeria Hudson, the President and CEO of United Way Miami, touched upon the transformative initiatives like UpSkill Miami and the enhancement of early learning through the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, as detailed in a news release from United Way Miami. The organization credits its progress to the robust partnerships and unwavering community support that propels their mission forward.
Not to be outshone, Miami-Dade County Public Schools were lauded as United Way's largest annual campaign contributor, reiterating their pivotal role in the fabric of communal endeavors. The ceremony also took a moment to honor five remarkable volunteers, including Annie Lord, who was awarded the Monsignor Walsh Outstanding Human Services Professional Award, and Maurits Acosta, recipient of the Outstanding Youth Award presented by American Airlines. A poignant posthumous tribute was made to Mark A. Trowbridge, through the Essie Silva Community Builder Award, and Susan Potter Norton's extensive volunteer efforts were recognized with the Dorothy Shula Award for Outstanding Volunteerism.
The event's success and strong sense of community were made possible by the awardees, volunteers, and generous sponsors, including City National Bank, Greenberg Traurig, and American Airlines.
