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Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Miami for 2022. These unique women are committed to the advancement and development of women in the corporate arena. Women have been strong leaders in Miami since its founding in 1896 by “The Mother of Miami,” Julia Tuttle, who is credited with leading the movement to officially incorporate the city. Since then, countless women have followed her in footsteps as leaders, using their years of experience and diversified backgrounds to guide their organizations in continued success. Not only does Miami offer natural beauty and gorgeous beaches, but it is also an area exploding with corporate growth, allowing opportunity for so many to shape the future of the city.
Awardee Michelle Eisner, the Chief Human Resource Officer of SBA Communications, led the company’s global response to the pandemic while keeping her focus on helping the highly regulated, complex organization build competitive advantage by scaling rapidly and attracting and retaining key talent. Meanwhile, Nanea Marcial, the Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer of American Facilities Professionals, has become the first Hispanic woman to achieve the executive C-Level role of CGO and oversees crucial parts of the business success in 22 states. Natalie Dawson, the Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Operations for Cardone Ventures, has helped the company gain quick success since its founding in 2019 by using her specialty of aligning employees with business objectives, creating measurable returns on investments.
The individual and industry diversity for this year's awardees speaks to the uniqueness of Miami but one commonality remains consistent, their commitment and dedication to the organizations they serve. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Miami for 2022.
1. Giselle Cushing
Cigna
Giselle Cushing is the Market President of Cigna. Cigna is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, wellbeing, and peace of mind. Cigna has 74,000 employees who serve more than 100 million customers throughout the world. Its insurance subsidiaries are major providers of medical, dental, disability, life and accident insurance and related products and services, the majority of which are offered through employers and other groups. Cushing has 26 years of experience. She began her career in 1996.
Before joining Cigna, Cushing was a market VP at Humana and before that a territory sales manager at Colonial Life. Earlier in her career she worked with Sunrise Healthcare Plan as an account executive. Cushing graduated from Florida Atlantic University - College of Business with an undergraduate degree in health care leadership.
2. Melissa Spann
Monte Nido & Affiliates
Melissa Orshan Spann, PhD, LMHC is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Supervisor. Dr. Spann is currently the Chief Clinical Officer at Monte Nido and Affiliates where she oversees the 25+ clinical operations and programming for Monte Nido, Clementine and Oliver-Pyatt Centers. Founded in 1996, Monte Nido & Affiliates now have over forty programs in thirteen states that specialize in the treatment of eating disorders for all genders, in inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient levels of care.
Prior to serving as the CCO, Dr. Spann was the VP of admissions for MNA. Dr. Spann is an accomplished presenter who presents nationally on topics related to body image development, eating disorders in the Jewish community, and the intersection of trauma and eating disorders. Dr. Spann is a passionate clinician who has spent her career working in eating disorder higher level of care. She is a member of the Academy for Eating Disorders, the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals as well as serving on iaedp Certification Committee, and serves on the South-East Eating Disorder Conference committee. She received her Doctoral degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, Master's degree from the University of Miami, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida. She is a native Floridian who lives in Miami with her husband and two incredible kids.
3. Rachel Baum
Rockefeller Capital Management
Rachel Baum is the Vice President of Private Wealth Advisor of Rockefeller Capital Management. She first joined the company in 2021. Rockefeller Capital Management is a leading independent financial services firm offering global family office, wealth management, asset management and strategic advisory services to ultrahigh-net-worth individuals, families, institutions and corporations. As of December 31, 2021, the firm has 829 total employees in 33 locations across 21 states.
Previously, Baum was a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley and before that a leadership management director at American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Earlier in her career she worked with Robb & Stucky Interiors as a director of marketing. Baum earned an MBA from the University of Miami and an undergraduate degree in economics from Brandeis University.
4. Ileana Musa
Morgan Stanley
Ileana Musa began her financial professional career over 23 years ago. Today, she is a Managing Director and Head of International Banking and Lending with Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley, the Fortune 500 multinational investment bank and financial services company, is headquartered at New York City, with offices in more than 42 countries and more than 74,000 employees. The company mobilizes capital to help governments, corporations, institutions, and individuals around the world achieve their financial goals. For over 85 years, the firm’s reputation for using innovative thinking to solve complex problems has been well earned and rarely matched.
Before joining Morgan Stanley, Musa was the global client segment and strategy executive for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Prior to this role, Musa was head of international credit and banking within Bank of America’s Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM) Banking group. She has also held several leadership roles in the domestic, international, and affluent banking platforms at Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, where she lent her talent to growing their cross-border wealth management businesses. Musa received an undergraduate degree with a concentration in finance from the University of Miami and an MBA in finance from Florida International University.
5. Eva Ovejero
Morgan Stanley
Eva Ovejero is an Executive Director of Wealth Management and International Client Advisor with Morgan Stanley. She first joined the company in 2004. Morgan Stanley helps people, institutions and governments raise, manage, and distribute the capital they need to achieve their goals. They offer timely, integrated analysis of companies, sectors, markets, and economies, helping clients with their most critical decisions. Morgan Stanley is the leading global investment bank and wealth management firm.
Previously, Ovejero was an account executive at Lloyds TSB Bank, PLC and before that an investment advisor at Banco Santander. Earlier in her career she worked as part of the LDI Group of Dynamic Telecom as a representative. Ovejero earned an undergraduate degree in business administration from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.
6. Cori Kasten
Platinum Select Nursing
Cori Kasten is the CEO and Administrator of Platinum Select Nursing. Platinum Select Nursing is a nurse-owned professional home care service for seniors that has operated for over 50 years. Their full-time nurses visit each and every client ensuring that the homecare they provide continues to meet all their clients’ needs. Platinum Select Nursing services include companions, home healthcare aides, certified nursing assistants and licensed board certified nurses. Kasten has 14 years in the hospital and healthcare industry. She began her career in 2008.
Kasten graduated from Queensborough Community College with an undergraduate degree in registered nursing.
7. Natalie Dawson
Cardone Ventures
Natalie Dawson began her professional career nearly 9 years ago. Today, she is the Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Operations for Cardone Ventures. Cardone Ventures’ mission is to help clients and their teams achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals through the growth of their businesses. They launched in March of 2019 and have had upward momentum ever since. Today, Cardone Ventures is a business consulting company that helps business owners grow their companies from a 360-degree perspective, including operations, marketing, finance, and people.
In 2013 Dawson served as a leadership development manager at Audigy Group before eventually rising to become the director of organizational development at Stratus Dental Group, her most recent position prior to joining Cardone Ventures. Dawson graduated from the University of Portland with an undergraduate degree in economics and social justice.
8. Jacqueline Sullivan
U.S. Bank
Jacqueline Sullivan is the Vice President for Technology Communications and Information Security Services of the U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank is committed to serving its millions of clients with their best-in-class services. They offer wealth planning, investments, trusts and estates administration, wealth management banking and specialty services. Sullivan has nearly 17 years of experience. She began her career in 2005.
Before joining U.S. Bank, Sullivan was an acting program lead and program manager of the US Department of Homeland Security at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and before that a program manager at the US Customs and Border Protection. Earlier in her career she worked with Select Staffing Ltd as a program analyst. Sullivan graduated from Howard University with an undergraduate degree.
9. Simone Arnold
Fiserv
Simone Arnold is the Vice President of Network Strategy and Payments Relations of Fiserv. She first joined the company in 1995. Fiserv is a global fintech and payments company with solutions for banking, global commerce, merchant acquiring, billing and payments, and point-of-sale. Arnold has over 27 years of experience in the financial services and technology industries.
Arnold is a member of the National Women of Color Empowerment Institute, where she has served as a moderator and panelist. She is a member of WNet and the National Society of Leadership and Success and is an experienced motivational speaker and Founder of MotivEight, LLC. She was recently featured on Black Doctor’s Talk. As a Champion for children with unique abilities, Arnold has fought for change by sharing her son, Ayden’s story to the Florida Senate (SB48) aiding in the simplification of scholarship programs and the flexibility to meet individual needs. Arnold received an undergraduate degree in communication from Florida Atlantic University, an MBA from Nova Southeastern University, and a doctor of management in organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix.
10. Nanea Marcial
American Facilities Professionals
Nanea Marcial is the Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer of American Facilities Professionals. American Facilities provides complete, end-to-end facilities management services throughout the US. Their expertise spans a broad range of sectors to include commercial, industrial, retail, government, education, multifamily, office, mixed-use, senior living and healthcare, providing all building-related services. In her roles, Marcial oversees business development, sales revenue goals, bilingual marketing/communications, and public relations covering 22 states and growing rapidly in the facilities management industry.
Before joining American Facilities Professionals, Marcial was a former chief of staff in the Florida Senate and former PR and governmental affairs manager in the transportation, infrastructure, and engineering/planning industry. Marcial brings a balance of powerful energy and warm light and excels at creating a successful team. She earned two undergraduate degrees from Florida State University.
11. Kellyn Muller
International Materials
Kellyn J.W. Muller is the General Counsel at International Materials, (IMI), where she leads the Company’s internal legal and risk management functions related to contract, claim and compliance management, international growth opportunities, business partnerships, and joint ventures. IMI, founded in 1987, is one of the leading independent bulk raw material trading companies in the world with $2 billion in revenue.
Prior to joining IMI, Muller was with Cozen O’Connor for 13 years in several capacities, including Member and Non-Equity Partner and Office Managing Partner Vice Chair in West Palm Beach, Fla. In addition to stellar career accomplishments throughout more than two decades, Muller continues to make her mark in professional roles as well. She is currently president of the International Materials Foundation and a founding member of CHIEF, a private network designed to drive more women into positions of power and keep them there. Her professional achievements include being named a “Pennsylvania Super Lawyer - Rising Star” for three years, and a Florida Super Lawyer - Rising Star,” both distinctions in insurance coverage. Muller earned an undergraduate degree (cum laude) from Rowan University and a JD with honors from Rutgers University School of Law. While at Rutgers, she received several honors and distinctions, including the 2001 Atlantic Region Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition oral advocacy and appellate brief award, and she was selected as an extern for the Honorable Joseph H. Rodriguez, Senior Judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
12. Rebekah Biondo
Assurant
Rebekah Biondo began her professional career nearly 23 years ago. Today, she is a Senior Vice President and Finance Officer of Assurant. Assurant is a global provider of risk management products and services with headquarters in New York City. Its businesses provide a diverse set of specialty, niche-market insurance products in the property, casualty, extended device protection, and preneed insurance sectors. The company’s main operating segments are in global housing and global lifestyle.
Biondo first got her start in 1999 as a Reserving Actuary at Chubb. Biondo graduated from Penn State University with an undergraduate degree in actuarial science and mathematics.
13. Nathalie Corredor
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Nathalie Corredor is the SVP of Corporate Development and Chief of Staff of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is an international luxury hotel and resort company. It opened its first hotel in 1961 in Toronto, Canada. Four Seasons operates more than 100 hotels and resorts worldwide. Since 2007, Bill Gates, through Cascade Investment, and Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, through Kingdom Holding Company, have been majority owners of the company. Corredor has 20 years of experience. She began her career in 2002.
Before joining Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Corredor was an SVP of strategy & research at Hilton Worldwide and before that a director of business development at Boutique Air. Earlier in her career she worked with Mercer Management Consulting. Corredor graduated from Stanford University with an MBA and from Duke University with an undergraduate degree.
14. Michelle Eisner
SBA Communications
Michelle Eisner is a Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of SBA Communications Corporation. She first joined the company in 2018. SBA Communications is a leading independent owner and operator of wireless communications infrastructure including towers, buildings, rooftops, distributed antenna systems and small cells. An industry leader with more than 30 years of experience and expertise, SBA has a portfolio of more than 34,000 communications sites in 15 markets throughout the Americas and in Africa. Listed on NASDAQ, SBA is part of the S&P 500 and is also one of the top Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) by market capitalization.
Before joining SBA, Eisner spent 17 years at Hollander Sleep Products, where she served as Chief Human Resources and Talent Officer. Prior to Hollander Sleep Products, Eisner served as a Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Tyson Foods. Eisner also currently serves as a board director and is a past president of WEL Florida where she is dedicated to empowering women for executive and board leadership and is committed to a vision of equitable gender diversity. Eisner earned a Master of Science degree in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University and an undergraduate degree in fine arts from The City College of New York.
15. Christine Duffy
Carnival Cruise Line
Christine Duffy is the President of Carnival Cruise Line. She first joined the company in 2015. Carnival Cruise Line is an international cruise line with headquarters in Doral, Florida. Since their founding in 1972, Carnival Cruise Line carries millions of passengers every year. They are proud to be part of a family of companies owned by Carnival Corporation & plc, a Fortune 200 Company, which includes sister lines Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Cunard Line, among others. They pride themselves on delivering fun, memorable vacations to their guests by offering a wide array of quality cruises which present outstanding value for the money.
Previously, Duffy was a president and CEO at Cruise Lines International Association and before that a president at Maritz Travel Company. Earlier in her career she worked with McGettigan Partners as a president and COO.
16. Martha Poulter
Royal Caribbean Group
Martha Poulter is the Chief Information Officer of Royal Caribbean Group. Royal Caribbean Group, formerly known as Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., is a global cruise holding company incorporated in Liberia and based in Miami, Florida. It is the world's second-largest cruise line operator. As of January 2021, Royal Caribbean Group fully owns three cruise lines: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. Poulter has 33 years of experience. She began her career in 1989.
Before joining Royal Caribbean Group, Poulter was a CIO at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, and before that a CIO and VP at GE Capital. Earlier in her career she worked with Southern New England Telephone as a programmer and project manager. Poulter graduated from the University of New Haven with an MBA and honorary doctorate, and from the University of Connecticut with an undergraduate degree in computer science and engineering.
17. Elizabeth Calzadilla
Business411
Elizabeth Calzadilla is the founder and CEO of Business411. She first joined the company in 2019. Business411 specializes in business growth solutions providing complete branding solutions that help companies stand out and grow their reputation. At Business411, they have a very unique intel and experience with the roofing industry. Over the last 5 years, Calzadilla has worked with thousands of roofing companies on implementing technology and studying their business systems globally.
In addition to founding Business411, Calzadilla is the founder and CEO of Marketing411, Realty Center411, Roofing Industry News and OnlyRoofers, a growing roofing podcast. She helps facilitate the growth of thousands of construction companies across the nation each year through business planning and development, personal branding, company organization and automation methods. Previously, Calzadilla was a communications manager at iRoofing.
18. Julie Waas
Baptist Health South Florida
Julie Waas began her professional career nearly 24 years ago. Today, she is the Assistant Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Baptist Health South Florida. Baptist Health South Florida is the region's largest not-for-profit healthcare organization with more than 23,000 employees working across 11 hospital campuses and more than 100 outpatient facilities throughout 4 counties. In 2016, Baptist Health welcomed the newest weapon in the fight against cancer, the world-class Miami Cancer Institute, and proton therapy center.
Waas first got her start in 1998 as a partner at Jackson Lewis LLP. Waas graduated from the University of Miami - School of Law with a JD and from Bryn Mawr College with an undergraduate degree in religion.
19. Michelle Doery
Stimwave
Michelle Doery is the Chief Accounting Officer and Controller of Stimwave. Stimwave Technologies is a privately held medical device company engaged in the development, manufacture, commercialization and marketing of wireless microsize injectable medical devices for neurology markets. Stimwave strives to improve people’s lives through utilizing wireless neurostimulation technology that enables low-cost alternatives to complicated and expensive surgery, coupled with convenient and safe methods of use easily incorporated into everyday life.
Doery is a seasoned accounting and finance professional who has served in various accounting leadership roles including controller, VP of finance, director of accounting and CFO. Doery has managed the accounting, IT, legal and HR departments as part of her roles at past organizations. She has experience in preparing and presenting both accounting and operational related analysis to the board of directors, lending institutions and others, which have included financial results, budgets, restructuring and refinancing plans. Having worked at both public and private companies, Doery has held responsibilities for the accounting close process, internal control structure, KPI and financial reporting, coordination of audits, and preparing SEC reporting. Doery graduated from Merrimack College with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
20. Yani Rodriguez
Oracle
Yani Rodriguez is the Vice President of Cloud Multicountry North of Oracle. She first joined the company in 2014 as sales director for the Caribbean, Centro America & Venezuela divisions. Oracle is a cloud technology company that provides organizations around the world with computing infrastructure and software to help them innovate, unlock efficiencies, and become more effective. They also created the world’s first and only autonomous database to help organize and secure their customers’ data.
Previously, Rodriguez was a director of sales and marketing at Smart IT Solutions and before that a public sector regional executive at Sun Microsystems - Latin America. Earlier in her career she worked with IBM in systems and software engineering. Rodriguez earned an MBA in marketing management from Universidad Metropolitana and an undergraduate degree in information systems design from Kingston University.
21. Mayra Luis-Castillo
Commvault
Mayra Luis-Castillo began her professional career over 36 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Global Cloud Partnerships of Commvault. Commvault is a publicly traded data protection and data management software company headquartered in New Jersey. Commvault’s intelligent data services can help their customers drive greater efficiency with data backup and recovery, cloud and infrastructure management, retention, and compliance.
Luis-Castillo first got her start in 1985 as a network engineer at AT&T. From there, she went on to Nortel Networks, before eventually rising to senior partner and development director at Microsoft, her most recent positions prior to joining Commvault. Luis-Castillo graduated from the University of Miami with an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering.
22. Niza Motola
Univision Communications
Niza Motola is the Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for Employment and Litigation with Univision Communications. She first joined the company in 2014. Univision Communications is an American media company headquartered in Miami. Since its founding in the early 1960s as Spanish International Network, the nation's first Spanish language television network, the company has catered to Hispanic and Latino Americans. Today it is a multimedia company with broadcast cable, digital and audio networks, including 65 television stations, online, mobile apps and products.
Previously, Motola was a special counsel at Littler Mendelson and before that an associate at Jackson Lewis. Earlier in her career she worked with the District of Columbia Court of Appeals as a law clerk to the Honorable Vanessa Ruiz. Motola earned a JD from The George Washington University Law School and an undergraduate degree in political science from Columbia University.
23. Karen Elmir
The Elmir Group, ONE Sotheby's International Realty
Karen Elmir is the CEO of The Elmir Group under ONE Sotheby's International Realty. ONE Sotheby's International Realty, covering Florida’s East Coast, is the premier source for luxury real estate and development opportunities with 22 offices spanning from Miami to Cocoa Village. Their inventory of properties and real estate for sale includes a broad range from luxury waterfront homes for sale, to single family houses, condos, townhomes, villas, brand-new developments, and more. Elmir has 12 years in the real estate industry. She began her career in 2010.
Before joining ONE Sotheby's International Realty, Elmir was a top producer at Cervera Real Estate, and CEO of The Elmir Group under Cervera Real Estate. Elmir graduated from Miami Dade College with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management.
24. Yamila Garayzar
Turnberry
Yamila Garayzar began her professional career 33 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Marketing Sponsorship and Retail of Turnberry. Turnberry designs, develops, and manages multi-use real estate properties. In its more than fifty-year history, the company has created exceptional destinations that inspire how people live, work and play including approximately 20 million square feet of retail space, more than 7,000 apartments and condominium units, 1.5 million square feet of office space and almost 3,000 hotel and resort rooms.
In 1989 Garayzar served as a director of marketing at Edward J. Debartolo Corporation. From there, she went on to Jones Lang LaSalle, before eventually rising to director of development at Children's Home Society of Florida, her most recent position prior to joining Turnberry. Garayzar graduated from the University of Miami with an undergraduate degree.
25. Tanya Draskovic
World Elite Concierge
Tanya Draskovic is the CEO and Founder of World Elite Concierge. World Elite Concierge is a free benefit on World Elite Mastercard credit cards. The Mastercard World Elite Concierge service provides 24/7 on-demand personal assistance with nearly anything a cardholder can think of, from purchasing event tickets and making restaurant reservations, to helping locate lost luggages. Draskovic has over 9 years of experience. She began her career in 2012.
Before joining World Elite Concierge, Draskovic was a sales associate at Continuum South Beach Realty. Draskovic graduated from Valencia College with an undergraduate degree in film production.
26. Whitney Walters-Sachs
Pine Crest School
Whitney Walters-Sachs is the Vice President of School and Legal Affairs of Pine Crest School. She first joined in 2016. Pine Crest School, founded in Fort Lauderdale in 1934, is a private preparatory school with campuses in Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton. Pine Crest School offers more than 30 Advanced Placement courses in the upper school and has also been named a "Blue Ribbon School" by the United States Department of Education.
Previously, Walters-Sachs was a partner at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP and before that an associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates. Earlier in her career she worked with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York as a law clerk. Walters-Sachs earned an EdD in organizational leadership and learning from Vanderbilt University, a JD from Brooklyn Law School, and an undergraduate degree in foreign service from Georgetown University.
27. Jorey Friedman
SB Architects
Jorey Friedman is a Principal and Vice President of SB Architects. SB Architects is an international architecture practice with 60 years of experience, providing clients with the highest level of creativity and design excellence for hospitality, residential and mixed-use developments. From concept to creation, SB Architects strives to incorporate smart sustainability goals into every project and see it as their duty to promote impactful solutions for the next generation. Friedman has 28 years of experience in architecture and planning. She began her career in 1994.
Friedman graduated from Cornell University with an undergraduate degree in architecture.
28. Lissette Sabatino
Atlantic | Pacific Companies
Lissette Sabatino, CAM, LCAM, CAPS joined Atlantic | Pacific Companies in 2003 and has 25 years of experience in the multi-family industry. She is currently the Managing Director for the Property Management Division and responsible for the overall strategy, operations, and profitability of an apartment portfolio of over 16,000 units across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas. Coordinating a team of management specialists, she supervises more than 350 field personnel and serves as an operations liaison with asset owners.
Sabatino participates in administering the support services of APM to a team of regional managers and on-site personnel, which includes fiscal accountability, revenue growth, expense management, physical asset management, and the implementation of marketing and training programs. Lissette has always remained focused on providing extraordinary experiences to residents, clients, partners, and employees of the company. She has excelled in all phases of property management including new development and construction, asset management, marketing, plus learning and development. Sabatino attended Florida International University and is an active member of the South East Florida Apartment Association and National Apartment Association.
29. Nikki Upshaw
Oceania Cruises
Nikki Upshaw began her professional career 32 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Sales of Oceania Cruises. Oceania Cruises is the world’s largest upper premium cruise line that operates six cruise ships on worldwide itineraries. It typically offers cruises that last between 10 and 14 days but is also known for its long cruises lasting up to 195 days. Finest Cuisine at Sea, Destination Immersion Specialists and Intimate & Luxurious Ships are the pillars that define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product.
In 1990 Upshaw served as a director of national accounts at Royal Viking Line. From there, she went on to Cunard Line, before eventually rising to SVP of global sales and marketing at The World, her most recent position prior to joining Oceania Cruises. Upshaw graduated from the University of Miami - Herbert Business School with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
30. Adela Gonzalez
Future Force Personnel
Adela Gonzalez is the CEO of Future Force Personnel. Future Force Personnel, founded in 1992, is a full-service staffing firm that has focused on building lasting relationships with companies, organizations, and job candidates throughout the region they serve. Their clients range from small businesses to large corporations, and their candidates range from entry-level temporaries to highly experienced, full-time professionals. Gonzalez has 42 years in the staffing and recruiting industry. She began her career in 1980.
Before joining Future Force Personnel, Gonzalez was a regional vice president at Personnel One. Gonzalez graduated from Florida State University with an undergraduate degree in clinical psychology.
31. Janet B. Cabada Medina
The Janet Group
Janet B. Cabada Medina is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Janet Group LLC (TJG), based out of the RE/MAX Coral Gables office. Today, TJG is globally-recognized, allowing her to serve clients with offices in over 115 countries – more than any other firm. Bilingual in Spanish and English, her international clientele has recognized her as a leading global real estate agent, and she prides herself in providing a premium level of service for the upper-tier luxury home and commercial market all over South Florida. Cabada Medina has specialized in condominium bulk sales and redevelopment, and her firm TJG provides strategic real estate investor services to HNW and UHNW clients. As a twenty-seven-year veteran of Miami’s fast-moving commercial and residential real estate market, Cabada Medina is highly respected for her intricate knowledge of local and regional real estate and is well-known for her reliable connections in the South Florida community.
Cabada Medina started her professional career in 1994 when she joined the prestigious Byrne-Rinehart & Co. and remained with the company after its 1998 merger with EWM. In 2004, she was recruited by RE/MAX and founded TJG in 2015. As a trusted advisor in South Florida real estate, Cabada Medina has successfully led her clients through all market cycles with her steadfast and time-proven advice. She consistently ranks in the RE/MAX Top Producer worldwide in multiple categories and is a seven-figure earner in her network as a leading Commercial and Residential Real Estate Agent for the entire region. Cabada Medina has also been honored as a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame and was invited to join the Master Brokers Forum, which recognized her as one of South Florida’s top residential real estate professionals. To her sellers, Janet is simply known as The Closer. This has earned her the RE/MAX Distinguished Service Award for loyal service as well as the RE/MAX Diamond Award for excellence in sales.
32. Renata Ribeiro
Carnival Corporation
Renata Ribeiro is the Senior Vice President in the Office of the COO for the Carnival Corporation. Carnival Corporation & plc is one of the world’s largest leisure travel companies with a portfolio of nine of the world’s leading cruise lines. They are also the largest cruise company and a leading provider of vacations to all major cruise destinations throughout the world. With operations in North America, Australia, Europe and Asia, their portfolio features Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (Australia), Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard. Their portfolio of leading global, regional and national cruise brands that sell tailored cruises products, services and vacation experiences to the world’s most desirable destinations.
Ribeiro first got her start in 1995 as a senior associate at Booz & Company before moving on to become a principal with The Boston Consulting Group. Later in her career she held director roles with Natura &Co and eventually joined Carnival Cruise Line in 2008. She held several positions including senior director and SVP roles. In addition to her current role, Ribeiro is a board member of the Ashtead Group Plc. Ribeiro graduated from Fundação Getulio Vargas with an undergraduate degree in business and from Wake Forest University with an MBA in finance and marketing.
33. Deborah Spiegelman
Miami Children's Museum
Deborah Spiegelman began her professional career 38 years ago. Today, she is the CEO of the Miami Children's Museum. The Miami Children’s Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning and enabling children to realize their highest potential. It is a non-profit educational institution that meets the needs of all children in their multicultural community. The Miami Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits, programs, and learning materials related to arts, culture, community, and communication.
Spiegelman first got her start in 1984 as a director of the women's division at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. From there, she went on to Mount Sinai Medical Center - Miami Beach, before eventually rising to director of development and public relations at the University of Miami, her most recent position prior to joining the Miami Children's Museum. Spiegelman graduated from the University of Miami - School of Business with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
34. Melissa Doval
EveryMundo
Melissa Doval began her professional career over 23 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Financial Officer of EveryMundo and served in that role during their acquisition by PROS. EveryMundo provides airlines with performance marketing technology for direct channel growth and customer acquisition. They work with over 70 airlines worldwide ranging from major full-service carriers to LCCs, based on 6 continents and marketing in over 30 languages. The company’s airline marketing platform, airTRFX, enables an airline to launch a dedicated webpage for every destination and route, in all languages, markets, and devices.
Doval first got her start in 1998 as a staff accountant at De La Hoz & Associates before moving on to Kaufman, Rossin & Co. During this time, she also served as the treasurer of the Greater Miami Society for Human Resources Management. Doval graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a master’s in accounting and from Florida International University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
35. Christina Riley
Florida Storage Winkler
Christina Riley is the Owner of Florida Storage Winkler. She founded the company in 2017. Florida Storage Winkler is a 1000-unit self-storage facility in 110,000 sq. ft. managed by two persons, based in Jupiter, Florida.
Riley is also a partner in a development company that owns property and leases the building and land to Panera Bread and Bank of America in NY. She is also the co-owner of Knight Auto Spa car wash in Pompano Beach and is currently an executive at Satelles, Inc., a startup company in the satellite space providing an alternative to GPS, used by the government and many crucial infrastructure companies in the energy, transportation, finance, and telecom spaces. Riley earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from Denison University.
36. Veronika Stipanic
Insigneo
Veronika Stipanic is the Vice President of Insigneo. She first joined the company in 2021. Insigneo is a financial services firm headquartered in Miami, Florida. The firm is a FINRA Registered Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Advisor and runs a first-class investment platform for independent financial advisors serving the needs of non-US clients. The firm also services non-US focused RIAs, MFOs and wealth management firms. Insigneo promotes a culture of shared values with smart controls, strong due-diligence, and continuous innovation.
Previously, Stipanic was a senior financial advisor at Latin American Financial Services and before that a relationship manager at Banco Santander. Earlier in her career she worked with ABN AMRO Bank as a relationship manager of Van Gogh Preferred Banking. Stipanic earned a JD from the University of the Republic School of Law - Uruguay.
37. Eva Gonzalez
NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises
Eva Gonzalez is an accomplished marketing and communications professional. Today, she is the Vice President of Corporate Communications & Corporate Affairs Operations of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is a world-class media company leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality Spanish-language content to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. This fast-growing multiplatform portfolio comprises the Telemundo Network and Station Group, Telemundo Deportes, Telemundo Studios, Telemundo International, Universo, and a Digital and streaming unit. Since joining the company in 2017, she has made corporate communications more efficient with innovative content and channels. She leads a team that constantly looks to elevate the standards for all executive communications as well as reinforce and reinvent the corporate culture across the organization.
Gonzalez has built her career on using data to tell a story, change perspectives, and open minds to the new realities of a shifting world. Before joining the company, she was a multicultural expert at Nielsen U.S. and Canada, where she led insight reports, published articles, and organized relevant industry events creating awareness about the relevance and importance of Hispanics and other minority groups. In addition, she oversaw marketing and communications at Nielsen Latin America, managing 17 markets across the region. On this front, she conducted the strategic planning and execution of corporate communication and marketing, including brand activation and thought leadership, supporting the two divisions of the business, media and consumption. Gonzalez graduated from Tecnológico de Monterrey with a graduate degree in marketing, from Centro Avanzado de Comunicación with a graduate degree in business communications, and from Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes with an undergraduate degree in mass communication.
38. Zahra Karsan
GetZENd
Zahra Karsan is the Founder and CEO of GetZENd. GetZENd offers a suite of interactive tools that include online video training and an award-winning app to help users stay on track with their life goals without compromising life experiences. Karsan’s flagship product, the GetZENd app, blends her most effective techniques from her unique background in neuroscience, positive psychology, and the study of success into one powerful yet easy-to-use app. Karsan has over 20 years of experience in coaching and consulting which has led to her success today.
Before founding GetZENd, Karsan was a success coach at Steve & Majorie Harvey Foundation and before that a success coach at Honey Shine Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with Rogers Communications as a senior business analyst and project manager. Karsan graduated from The Flourishing Center with a postgraduate degree in applied positive psychology.
39. Monica Hook
GEO Care
Monica Hook is the Vice President of Communications of GEO Care. GEO Care, a division of The GEO Group, provides flexible solutions that increase accountability, enhance public safety, contain costs, and reduce recidivism. Their technology solutions enable community corrections officers to manage individuals using GPS, mobile or transdermal alcohol detection, radio frequency, biometric voice verification, mobile apps, and more. GEO Care delivers comprehensive approaches to manage, rehabilitate and treat individuals inside secure settings and throughout the community. Hook has 25 years of experience. She began her career in 1997.
Before joining GEO Care, Hook was a marketing communications director at BI Incorporated. She graduated from Regis University with an MBA and from Iowa State University with an undergraduate degree.
40. Jacqui Hartnett
Starmark International
Jacqui Hartnett began her professional career 36 years ago. Today, she is the President of Starmark International. Starmark International is a national integrated, full-service marketing company that is project-based and powered by Agile Methodology. The agency specializes in strategic thinking, award-winning creative, branding, advertising, interactive and public relations. Since 1978, it has partnered with world-class companies to build measurable results.
Hartnett first got her start in 1986 as a director of operations at Stamark International, before eventually rising to EVP at GFX International, her most recent position prior to re-joining Starmark International. Hartnett graduated from the University of San Diego with an undergraduate degree in political science and government.
41. Katie Bourdeau
Archdiocese of Miami
Katie Bourdeau began her professional career 17 years ago. Today, she is the President, Chief Development Officer and Cabinet Secretary of the Archdiocese of Miami. The Archdiocese of Miami is home to over half a million Catholics in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties. Mass is celebrated in 17 languages, and they serve 108 churches and missions plus the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, and 63 schools.
Bourdeau first got her start in 2005 as a director of student engagement and special events at Nova Southeastern University, before eventually rising to senior director of the citizens board and corporate relations at University of Miami, her most recent position prior to joining Archdiocese of Miami. Bourdeau graduated from Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center with a JD and from the University of Miami with an undergraduate degree in psychology and sociology.
42. Daniella Gruenthal
Domes for Humanity
Daniella Gruenthal is the Founder and Executive Director of Domes for Humanity, where she leads the strategic organization of the foundation, implements educational training on dome building and evaluates the impact of the organization’s sustainable outreach and vision. Gruenthal’s passion goes beyond rebuilding homes and shelters for disaster-reconstruction. Her first-hand views of devastation worldwide and volunteer work led her to researching the most disaster-resistant structure in history- monolithic domes. She was certified to build monolithic domes in 2014 and is currently working on a Build 200 Domes Campaign for Haiti earthquake survivors alongside nonprofit and philanthropic partnership. Her and her team empower others by “thinking outside the box.”
Gruenthal has a 15-year creative and professional background that is rooted in sustainable architectural design from managing nationwide complex design and construction projects for government, commercial and tech projects, to a focus on climate adaptation in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) community while living in her home state of Florida, and in Virginia. She graduated with an undergraduate degree from Ai Miami International University of Art & Design and is a Certified Dome Builder and a LEED Green Associate.
43. Carrie Moore
BizPay
Carrie Moore began her professional career over 25 years ago. Today, she is NA-CEO of BizPay where she leads the go-to-market strategy of a fintech start-up with its parent company out of Sydney, Australia. BizPay’s core focus is to be a partner for growth with small to midsize businesses where they remove the friction in the credit process and provide ease of cash flows between suppliers and their customers.
Moore is a former Managing Director for global institutions such as Citigroup, AEGON NV, Bank of America Merrill Lynch spanning the globe with extensive experience in transaction and corporate banking, capital markets, investor relations and human capital business development. She holds an undergraduate and graduate degree in business administration and management with an emphasis on organizational dynamics and a minor in psychology and sociology from the University of Louisville.
44. Teresa Boyd
Chase
Teresa Boyd began her professional career over 28 years ago. Today, she is the Executive Director of Business Banking with Chase. Their mission is to create engaged, lifelong experiences. They serve nearly half of America’s households with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing.
Boyd first got her start in 1993 as a retail banking manager at Bank of America. From there, she went on to Bank United, before eventually rising to SVP and business banking director at BB&T - South Florida Region, her most recent position prior to joining Chase.
45. Leslie Carratala
Stern International Bank
Leslie Carratala is the Chief Control Officer of Stern International Bank. Stern Bank is a privately owned and fully independent bank servicing industrial and commercial entities. They have a team that consists of trade finance specialists, attorneys, and accountants with decades of experience, who offer innovative and comprehensive solutions to their clients worldwide. Their clients are importers and trading companies that utilize their services to expand their business by leveraging their existing cash-flow. Carratala has over 24 years in the banking industry. She began her career in 1997.
Before joining Stern International Bank, Carratala was a compliance officer at Desjardins Bank - North America and before that a senior risk & policy officer at Mercantil Commercebank - North America. Earlier in her career she worked with various South Florida banks as chief compliance, BSA officer, treasurer, and investment officer. Carratala graduated from Florida International University - College of Business Administration with an MBA and from the University of Miami - School of Business with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
46. Marina Negrisoli
Suzano
Marina Negrisoli is the Managing Director of Suzano. She first joined the company in 2004. Suzano, the company resulting from the merger of Suzano Pulp & Paper and Fibria, is committed to being a global reference in the sustainable use of natural resources. It is the world's leading producer of eucalyptus pulp and one of Latin America’s largest paper producers that exports to more than 80 countries with ten mills. Suzano has an annual installed capacity of 10.9 million tons of market pulp and 1.4 million tons of paper.
Previously, Negrisoli was a general manager for the Americas with Fibria, and before that a senior at Alvarez & Marsal. Earlier in her career she worked with Bulltick Capital Markets in desk operations. Negrisoli earned an MS in economics and corporate finance and an undergraduate degree in business administration from Fundação Getulio Vargas.
47. Danyiel Louis
Green Children's House Montessori School
Danyiel Louis is the President and Founder of Green Children's House Montessori School. She founded the school in 2008. Green Children’s House is a non-profit, Gold Seal accredited, and eco-friendly Montessori preschool in Florida. It offers a safe and healthy learning environment for little ones and strives to sustain the planet with their business practices and in the way they teach children. The school has low student teacher ratios and believes that positively impacting a child’s life is the most important thing one could do, and it is with that thought in mind that they work to bring children a positive environment conducive to their growth and development.
Previously, Louis was a software engineer at IBM. She earned an undergraduate degree in computer science from the University of California - San Diego.
48. Jill Otto
Merrill Lynch
Jill Otto began her professional career over 10 years ago. Today, she is a Managing Director of Merrill Lynch. Merrill is both a full-service broker-dealer and a registered investment adviser, and offers a wide variety of brokerage and investment advisory products and services. They offer a number of investment advisory services, which include both discretionary and non-discretionary management of accounts.
Otto first got her start in 2011 as an associate with J.P. Morgan before moving on to become an executive director. She graduated from Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business with an MBA, from Georgetown University with a master’s degree, and from Princeton University with an undergraduate degree in comparative literature.
49. Shama Hyder
Zen Media
Shama Hyder began her professional career 14 years ago. Today, she is the Founder & CEO of Zen Media. Zen Media is the go-to PR and marketing agency to build reputations and shape consumer choices for B2B brands. They help companies stand out from the competition with their PESO model. PESO is an acronym that stands for “paid,” “earned,” “shared,” and “owned” media. Each of these four categories represents both types of media and communication methods that drive massive ROI.
Hyder graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a master’s in organizational communication.
50. Ellen Patterson
Jacobs
Ellen Patterson is the Vice President & Geographic Operations Manager of Jacobs. Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. is an American international technical professional services firm. The company provides technical, professional and construction services, as well as scientific and specialty consulting for a broad range of clients globally, including companies, organizations, and government agencies. Patterson has 30 years of experience. She began her career in 1992.
Before joining Jacobs, Patterson was a manager of talent at CG2M - South Florida. Patterson graduated from Indiana University - Bloomington with an MS in environmental science and from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with an undergraduate degree in chemistry.