March 2, 2024 @ 3:30 PM
Graham Center Ballroom - Miami, FL
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • DINNER • GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY • AND SPECIAL SURPRISES
*Our intended audience for this event is primarily women, however, allies are welcome. If you are an ally wanting to attend, please keep in mind that the content of the event will be centered around women and their experiences.
**This is a formal event. Please dress accordingly (i.e. no jeans, T-shirts, flip flops, sweatpants, or other casual attire).
Keynote Speaker
Kerry-Ann Rose
Kerry-Ann Royes is the president and CEO of YWCA South Florida. Utilizing more than 25 years of social sector experience, Kerry-Ann has dedicated her talents, time, and heart to the advancement of marginalized communities, particularly in the fight against social issues affecting women and girls. Kerry-Ann leverages a wealth of expertise in social justice and innovation, strategic alliances, management, and leadership in spearheading YWCA South Florida’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women into the next century.
As head of YWCA, Kerry-Ann is committed to the enrichment and longevity of the organization’s mission of rooting out and effecting injustices that happen at the intersection of race and gender. Under her leadership, YWCA South Florida has rebranded to expand its services and regional presence to Dade and Broward counties, developed the board to include men for the first time in 100 years, and successfully mobilized the largest community-wide social justice learning movement in South Florida. She also led the launch of the First But Not The Last, an annual platform to recognize and elevate South Florida trailblazers whose accomplishments as the first in their fields serve as meaningful representation for generations to come. In the coming years, Kerry-Ann is locking arms with South Florida’s leadership to fully transform YWCA South Florida’s programs, buildings, and assets in response to the housing and childcare crisis being experienced by working families and women in the region.
Before joining YWCA, Kerry-Ann was the founder, president, and chief strategy officer of The Arrow Group, where she advised industry leaders on corporate social citizenship, non-profit leadership, and collaborative community development issues. She previously served as executive director of YMCA of South Florida, helping to grow its reach and impact while overseeing its largest youth and family services portfolio across organizational departments, contracts, and partners to modernize services for the 4,000 young people served daily.
Originally from Jamaica, Kerry-Ann has devoted herself to her South Florida home for more than 30 years. In that time, Kerry-Ann has served on boards for Partners In Education, Inc., Nautilus Oceans Exploration Trust, and Philanthropy Miami, and she is a trustee of The Miami Foundation while also lending her voice and expertise to Miami Herald’s CEO Roundtable and Florida Influencer Series, South Florida Racial Justice Table, South Florida PBS, South Florida Sun Sentinel, and WLRN Public Radio and Television. In 2022, she was awarded Leadership Florida’s Equity, Equality & Justice Influencer Award and the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women Spirit of Community Award. She has ingrained herself in the heart and culture of her community, working every day to improve the lives of those around her.
Special Guest
Lisa Bonich
Born and raised in Miami, Lisa is an alumnus of the University of Florida with a degree in linguistics. After graduating, Lisa partnered with the United Way of Miami Dade’s Leadership/Major Gifts team. Her time with United Way afforded her the ability interface with various individuals vastly different backgrounds and life circumstances. This experience prepared Lisa for her 20-year career at International Corporate Art, a multi-national company, specializing in curating and installing collections in the maritime industry.
In the present day, Lisa assists her husband in running his business, and she also serves as Vice Mayor for the City of South Miami.
Guest Speeakers
Brooke Espinosa
Brooke Espinosa lives in Coral Gables with her husband and two cats, and she is a Middle School and High School pastor at Christ Journey Church in Coral Gables. She has done ministry to the next generation for over 21 years in Portland, OR, Washington DC, and now the Miami area since moving in 2021. Along with her full-time ministry she helps lead workshops, writes, and publishes curriculum and leadership trainings for One Hope Ministries and is an adjunct professor at Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL and Northwest University in Kirkland, WA.
Brooke believes deeply in the power of multi-generational influence and is a fierce defender and believer in the next generation and why we need to help them shape their voices and step into their callings at the youngest age possible.
Stephanie Hernandez
A Miami native currently residing in Boca Raton, Florida, Stephanie Hernandez is a Digital Marketing Specialist with a Master’s Degree from Florida International University and over eight years of professional work experience. Passionate about connecting people and creating community through digital platforms and events, Stephanie has worked with a variety of clients and businesses in South Florida ranging from the City of Coral Gables to products and services that have been featured on The Ellen Show. She currently brings her talents to a Fortune 200 company in the renewable energy space and aims to empower young professionals to challenge themselves and chase their professional dreams.
With over 25 years of professional dance and modeling experience, Stephanie is a performer at heart. She has performed on stages like the Miami Heat Halftime show, the Miss Florida Pageant, and many televised FIU Sports games. She has also walked countless runways as a designer fashion model in shows such as Miami Swim Week, DAMA Fashion Show, and was even featured in British Vogue.
As a proud representative of South Florida Stephanie had the honor of being a Miss America Organization titleholder as Miss FIU 2016, Miss Miami 2017, Miss Florida Everglades 2018 and first runner up at Miss Florida. She was Miss Congeniality not once but twice and was awarded thousands of dollars in educational scholarships. A fun fact in pageant history, Stephanie is still the first Latina to place 1st runner up at Miss Florida in over 50 years.
As she continues to promote leadership, excellence, creativity, education, style and service Stephanie now happily serves as a spokesperson on the Miss Miami Scholarship Pageant Board of Directors mentoring young women to live to their fullest potential.
Naomi Esther Blemur
Naomi Esther Blemur is an influential leader known for her impactful work as an author, advocate, and entrepreneur. Her primary mission is to inspire individuals to embrace their divine calling and lead fulfilling lives.
At the heart of Naomi’s life’s work lies her non-profit organization, Esther’s House of Hope Inc. (EHH), which she founded in 2008. EHH is dedicated to empowering and mentoring women of all ages and providing transitional housing for emancipated at-risk young ladies aged 18 to 25. Naomi, as the co-founder of Balancing Life and the Chairwoman for Pearls of Wisdom (POW), has firmly established herself as a woman committed to fostering strong, thriving and balanced communities.
Naomi’s educational background reflects her diverse interests and global outlook. She pursued studies in Italian language and culture, Business in the European Union, and International Management and Marketing in Italy, France, and Spain, respectively. Additionally, she obtained a degree in accounting with a minor in Economics in the United States. Presently, Naomi is furthering her education by pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration, aiming to enhance her capacity as a public servant and better serve her community.
Naomi’s deep commitment to public service is evident through her current roles as a Commissioner on the North Miami Planning Commission and Vice Chair on the North Miami Commission for Women. In a significant milestone in 2022, Naomi achieved a historic feat by becoming the first Haitian-American to run a statewide race and secure a party’s nomination, garnering an impressive three million votes from Democrats, Independents, and Republicans.