The story of how this Cuban American trailblazer blended culture, business, and mentorship in South Florida
When you think about the people who’ve turned Miami into the international cultural hub it is today, Aida Levitan, Ph.D., is a name that comes up again and again. From her early days as a Cuban refugee arriving in the U.S. through Operation Pedro Pan, to becoming one of the most influential Hispanic women in advertising, banking, and the arts, Aida Levitan has never stopped believing in the power of culture to change lives.
Recently awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Royal Order of Isabel la Católica, she called it one of the greatest honors of her life. For Aida, the recognition from King Felipe VI of Spain is deeply personal as it validates her mission to celebrate Spanish heritage and support the arts.
“It’s probably the greatest honor I’ve ever received,” she said. “It comes from a king, but it also carries the name of Queen Isabella, who was such a strong leader with both moral and physical courage. I’m very proud to carry that name.” - Dr. Aida Levitan
Her love of Spanish culture began in childhood in Havana, where her aunt would dress her in flamenco outfits and play Spanish music. Even after arriving in the U.S., she never lost that connection.
Passion turned to action
Over the years, she turned that passion into action by earning a doctorate in Spanish literature, co-founding Sanchez & Levitan (which was once among the nation’s top Hispanic ad agencies), and launching ArtesMiami, a nonprofit that supports artists with funding, marketing, and event production.
“Even though I love the business world, my heart is in the cultural arena,” she shared. “I studied literature from an early age, and I’ve always loved art.” Dr. Aida Levitan
ArtesMiami provides a combination of financial support and hands-on partnership, which has made the organization a vital part of the city’s creative scene.
Even when she’s traveling, her team and board members step in to keep things running. She shared an example of organizing the Cuban Cinema Series at the Miami Film Festival while she was overseas. “I had promised my husband we would go to Europe, so while I was in Spain and Italy, our board members were here, representing ArtesMiami,” she said. “It’s never just one person. It takes a community.”
Aida Levitan on breaking barriers and leading the way
Aida’s journey wasn’t without its share of obstacles. Early on, she encountered the all-too-common mix of skepticism, bias, and condescension that women have faced in business.
“There’s always someone ready to tell you that you can’t do something or that someone else could do it better,” she recalled. “And sometimes, it’s even people who love you. There was a lot of prejudice back then against women in leadership roles. They didn’t even think of us.” - Dr. Aida Levitan
When she first became Director of Latin Affairs in Dade County in the late 1970s, she discovered she was paid less than every other director, even though she had one of the most important jobs. “I found out through friends what everyone else made. It was a shock,” she said.
But Aida didn’t back down and decided to change the narrative. In 1978, she founded the Coalition of Hispanic American Women, by gathering 80 powerful women at a Bastion of male supremacy called the American Club in the Royal Trust building on Calle Ocho and 27th avenue which left many men confused. “These guys were like, ‘What is going on?’” she said. “They’d never seen that many women leaders in one place.”
It worked. The coalition brought visibility to the efforts Hispanic women were already making and pushed for greater inclusion in civic and business life.
Years later, when Aida became Chairman of U.S. Century Bank, she again saw an opportunity to lift others. “One of the first things I thought was: I need to bring another woman onto this board,” she said. She invited Maria Alonso, former president of United Way, to join. “And now Maria and I are still the two women on the board,” she said proudly.
Making culture and business work together
Aida has always believed that entrepreneurship and cultural preservation don’t have to be separate pursuits. In fact, she found creative ways to combine them.
During the 1980 Mariel boatlift, Miami became home to a wave of talented Cuban artists, including the late Carlos Alfonzo. Aida persuaded Absolut Vodka, which was one of her advertising clients, to sponsor a landmark exhibition called Absolut Mariel Art in Miami Beach.
“It was an incredible exhibition with a beautiful catalog,” she remembered. “That’s how you build cultural awareness while also helping your clients grow.”- Dr. Aida Levitan
Later on, she served on the commission to create the Smithsonian Latino Museum, working alongside icons like Eva Longoria, Emilio Estefan, and Eduardo Padrón.
“Latinos have contributed so much to this country,” she said. “There’s an African American Museum. Why shouldn’t there be a Latino museum?”- Dra. Aida Levitan
Though funding challenges have delayed construction, Aida remains hopeful that Congress will eventually see the importance of honoring Hispanic heritage on a national scale.
Passing the Legacy
If you ask Aida what she’s proudest of, she won’t talk first about awards or titles. She lights up when she talks about the people she’s mentored.
“When I see how far they’ve come, it’s the most rewarding thing,” she said. “I believe if you have success, you have a duty to help the next generation succeed.” -Dr. Aida Levitan
Even after selling her agency, Sanchez & Levitan, she kept finding ways to guide others. Today, she’s excited about young talents and looks forward to watching their career take off.
“My hope is that I’ve created a culture of giving back,” she said. “Because when you lift others, the whole community rises.” - Dra. Aida Levitan
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