Eight leaders. Eight stories. One powerful reminder that Miami’s strength is built by women who lead with vision, resilience, and purpose.
Every March, Women’s History Month offers an opportunity to reflect on the achievements, leadership, and lasting contributions of women who have helped shape our communities. In a city as dynamic and diverse as Miami, that legacy continues to grow through women whose work strengthens businesses, institutions, neighborhoods, and families across South Florida.
This year, Calle Ocho News proudly recognizes eight remarkable women whose leadership is helping shape Miami's future. Representing fields that range from public service and business to healthcare, education, and community advocacy, each honoree reflects the resilience, vision, and cultural richness that define our city.
Their stories are different, but their impact is shared. Some lead major organizations and initiatives that influence the region’s economic and civic future. Others dedicate their work to improving lives at the community level, creating opportunities and support systems that uplift others.
What unites them is a commitment to leadership that goes beyond professional success. These women serve as mentors, advocates, and role models—helping open doors for the next generation while strengthening the fabric of Miami’s diverse communities.
During this Women’s History Month, Calle Ocho News is proud to celebrate these eight extraordinary women whose dedication, courage, and vision continue to inspire our city and shape its future.
Aida Levitan, Ph.D.
Board Member and Immediate Past Chairman, U.S. Century Bank | President, ArtesMiami | President, The Levitan Group
Few leaders have shaped Miami’s cultural and business landscape as profoundly as Aida Levitan, Ph.D. Through decades of leadership in marketing, banking, and the arts, she has championed opportunities for women and Hispanics while helping position Miami as a global cultural hub.
As President of ArtesMiami, Levitan works to strengthen the city’s international cultural presence by supporting artists, filmmakers, and cultural organizations. Her leadership also extends to the financial sector as Immediate Past Chairman and Board Member of U.S. Century Bank, where she has helped guide the institution’s growth as one of Florida’s leading community banks.
Throughout her career, Levitan has faced challenges including xenophobia, gender bias, and ageism. Rather than allowing those obstacles to define her path, she chose to respond with excellence and integrity, demonstrating that perseverance and professionalism can overcome prejudice.
Her advice to the next generation of women leaders is clear: persevere, work hard, and seek mentors who can guide and support your journey. Just as importantly, she encourages women to pay it forward, helping lift others as they rise.
For Levitan, leadership ultimately means creating opportunities, strengthening community, and ensuring that future generations of women have the support they need to succeed.
Lourdes Mola
Vice President of Latin Business Development, Seminole Gaming
In a city known for its cultural diversity and entrepreneurial spirit, Lourdes Mola has built a career rooted in connection, opportunity, and community impact. As Vice President of Latin Business Development at Seminole Gaming, she plays a key role in strengthening relationships with Miami’s vibrant Hispanic community while helping shape initiatives that celebrate culture and expand business engagement.
For Mola, leadership is about more than professional success—it is about creating opportunities for others. In a city like Miami, where ambition and cultural pride intersect, she believes leadership requires both resilience and empathy. “Leadership means opening doors for others while staying true to who you are,” she says. “Strength and compassion can coexist, and when leaders create space for people to grow, everyone succeeds.”
Her journey has not been without challenges. Like many women in business—particularly Latina leaders—Mola has navigated spaces where representation has historically been limited. Instead of waiting for opportunities, she chose to help create them, building a career defined by confidence, persistence, and a commitment to lifting others along the way.
Today, that mindset continues to guide her work and her mentorship of future leaders. One piece of advice she often shares comes from a mentor who left a lasting impression: “When you don’t have a seat at the table, build a table.”
For Mola, that philosophy reflects the true spirit of leadership—creating space not only for personal growth, but for the generations of women who will follow.
Yvonne Sawyer
Co-Founder and President, Hope for Miami
For Yvonne Sawyer, leadership is rooted in faith, service, and collaboration. As Co-Founder and President of Hope for Miami, she has dedicated her work to strengthening the nonprofit sector and supporting initiatives that address critical community needs across the city.
Sawyer believes in the philosophy of servant leadership, a model that prioritizes listening, collaboration, and empowering others rather than seeking recognition. Throughout her career, she has helped guide and support numerous nonprofit leaders, creating pathways for organizations and individuals to thrive while expanding resources for Miami’s communities.
Her leadership journey has been defined by determination. Colleagues often remark that saying “no” to Sawyer rarely stops her. Instead, she and her team have consistently identified gaps in social services and found innovative ways to address them, ensuring that those in need receive support and opportunities.
Sawyer credits mentorship as a powerful catalyst in her own journey. After moving to Miami in 1999, she found inspiration in a network of nonprofit leaders brought together by now-Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, whose guidance helped shape her path.
Her advice to the next generation of women leaders: find your tribe, seek strong mentors, and remain relentless in pursuing your vision to serve others.
Ana VeigaMilton, Esq.
President, José Milton Foundation | Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, United Property Management | Co-Founder, Cecil & Ana Milton Family Foundation
For Ana VeigaMilton, leadership in Miami means building bridges across cultures, generations, and sectors while using influence to create opportunities for others. Through her work in philanthropy and community engagement, she has focused on strengthening organizations and expanding access to education, culture, and civic leadership throughout South Florida.
As President of the José Milton Foundation and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at United Property Management, VeigaMilton has played a key role in advancing initiatives that support community development and cultural preservation. Her work reflects a belief that leadership is measured not by visibility, but by sustained impact and the ability to create pathways for others to rise.
Throughout her journey, she has navigated environments where representation—particularly for women in fields like STEM and philanthropic leadership—was limited. Rather than viewing those moments as barriers, she embraced them as opportunities to demonstrate what is possible and open doors for future leaders.
Her advice to the next generation of women leaders is clear: pursue excellence, remain mission-driven, and always be prepared. Above all, she reminds women that integrity, perseverance, and a welcoming spirit are powerful tools for leadership.
Emily Zubi
Founder, Miami Women Who Rock
For Emily Zubi, leadership begins with personal example. As the founder of Miami Women Who Rock, she has created a platform that celebrates and supports women while encouraging them to pursue their ambitions with confidence. Zubi believes leadership means striving to make a positive difference not only through large initiatives but also through everyday interactions with family, friends, and community.
Her journey has been shaped by humble beginnings, including experiencing food insecurity as a child. Those early challenges fueled a determination that continues to guide her today. Rather than allowing adversity to define her limits, Zubi credits those experiences with igniting the drive that pushed her to pursue her goals and never settle for less than what she believes she deserves.
Today, her work through Miami Women Who Rock reflects that same determination—creating opportunities for women to connect, grow, and celebrate their achievements.
Her advice to the next generation of women leaders is to remember that true happiness and fulfillment are not found in material success alone, but in being present, valuing relationships, and appreciating the moments that matter most.
Naty Diaz
Founder & CEO, Prestige Clinical Research Network, LLC
For Naty Diaz, leadership as a Hispanic woman in Miami means building success that reaches beyond business and into the community. As Founder and CEO of Prestige Clinical Research Network, she has focused on advancing clinical research while supporting initiatives that strengthen families and protect children across South Florida.
Diaz believes leadership should reflect the values that define Miami—family, culture, and resilience. In addition to leading her growing clinical research organization, she serves as Corporate Council Chair for Amigos for Kids, advocating for programs that protect vulnerable children and provide resources for families.
Her journey has been shaped by the challenge of earning credibility in a highly competitive industry. Through discipline, persistence, and a commitment to integrity, Diaz has built an organization that continues to grow and make an impact.
Her advice to the next generation of women leaders: stay connected to your purpose, invest in your education, and build success that creates opportunities for others.
Liliam M. Lopez
President & CEO, South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the SFLHCC Foundation
For Liliam M. Lopez, leadership as a Hispanic woman in Miami means combining determination with compassion while creating opportunities for others. As President and CEO of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and its Foundation, she has spent decades supporting Hispanic entrepreneurs, students, and families across the region. Through the foundation she launched in 1996, more than $1.3 million has been provided in scholarships, paid internships, and community health programsto help young people and families thrive.
Lopez’s leadership journey began at 25, when she founded the chamber. Early on, she was told she was a “triple minority”—young, a woman, and Hispanic—an observation that highlighted the challenges she would face. Rather than allowing those obstacles to discourage her, Lopez used them as motivation to work harder and remain focused on her mission.
Her advice to the next generation of women leaders is to stay focused on their purpose and remain authentic. The road to leadership may be challenging, she says, but perseverance, integrity, and staying true to who you are will ultimately define lasting success.
Nercy Radcliffe
President & CEO, Providence Healthcare Services, Inc.
For Nercy Radcliffe, leadership is rooted in purpose, service, and compassion. As President and CEO of Providence Healthcare Services, she has dedicated her career to improving access to healthcare while building an organization centered on trust, quality care, and community impact.
In a city as rich and diverse as Miami, Radcliffe believes leadership means creating opportunities for others to grow while making decisions that positively affect families and the broader community. For her, true leadership is grounded in gratitude, empowering teams, and building meaningful relationships that strengthen both organizations and communities.
One of the greatest challenges in her journey has been navigating business growth while maintaining the personal touch that defines healthcare. Scaling an organization without losing that human connection required intentional leadership, stronger systems, and a clear sense of purpose.
Her advice to the next generation of women leaders is to stay true to their values and lead with both strength and compassion. For Radcliffe, leadership is not defined by titles—but by the lives you impact along the way.
Together, these eight women reflect the strength, vision, and resilience that continue to shape Miami-Dade County’s future. Their leadership spans business, healthcare, culture, philanthropy, and community advocacy—demonstrating how women across our region are creating opportunities, strengthening institutions, and inspiring the next generation.
As Miami continues to grow as a global city, the voices and contributions of women leaders remain essential to building a stronger and more inclusive community for all. To stay informed about stories that highlight the people shaping our region, subscribe to the Calle Ocho News newsletter for the latest reporting and updates. Local businesses and organizations interested in reaching Miami’s vibrant and diverse audience are invited to contact Pressnet Corp. to explore advertising and partnership opportunities with Calle Ocho News.
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