Writer: Liz Palmer
2 min read March 2022 — There is no short supply of innovative and strong female leaders driving the community forward in Miami-Dade County. In both the public and private sector, these women are making decisions and leading the way toward an even stronger future for the county.
Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor, Miami-Dade County
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava serves Miami-Dade County as the first woman to hold the position of county mayor. Since being elected into office in November 2020, Mayor Levine Cava has made it her mission to put the health and safety of citizens first throughout the pandemic. Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are also at the forefront of her efforts for Miami-Dade, utilizing her skills from past careers in social work and law to advocate for every member of the community. “We’ve put in place the pieces to foster a more equitable economy and now we have to deliver,” she told Invest: last year. “We need to make sure the dollars flow to those who have been left out of the economy.”
Liliam Lopez, President and CEO, South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Lilliam Lopez sits as the current President and CEO of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She founded the chamber in 1994 and has since been a resource for Hispanic professionals and the development of their businesses. “We’re working on initiatives to improve Hispanic women’s representation in the workplace,” Lopez told Invest: in 2021. “If what we contributed to the U.S. economy as a whole was made into a country, we would be only behind France in terms of GDP.” She has spearheaded countless programs aligned with the chamber’s mission, focusing on initiatives such as international partnerships, daycare services, accessible healthcare, educational equity and more.
Annie Neasman, President and CEO, Jessie Trice Community Health System
Annie Neasman, is President and CEO of Jessie Trice Community Health System in Miami-Dade County. She led the organization through the pandemic by putting the community first and getting creative in finding ways to mitigate the damage COVID-19 caused. A main focus for Neasman is making sure the community has access to quality care for generations to come by prioritizing workforce development. “We serve about 97% people of color and we know that our workforce should reflect our community,” she explained to Invest:. “We’re looking at innovation in any way we can to grow and retain our workforce.”
Jennifer Olmedo-Rodriguez, Shareholder & Head of the Miami Office, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Jennifer Olmedo-Rodriguez serves as the Shareholder and Head of the Miami Office for Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, specializing in commercial litigation and delivering results for her diverse client pool. Looking toward the future, she believes that while technological innovation is inevitable, there will still be a need for human interaction as well. “With respect to the actual rendering of legal services, you need the human interaction and the brainstorming of ideas and theories to develop a comprehensive legal strategy – there is no substitute for that,” she told Invest: Miami.
Madeline Pumariega, President, Miami Dade College
Madeline Pumariega is the current President of Miami Dade College and the first woman to hold the office. President Pumariega has an affinity for higher education and the sector’s role in social mobility, especially as technological innovation advances. “There is no doubt that what is happening in Miami-Dade County right now and the development of the tech scene will lead to a greater need for more human capital, more talent. The college is at the forefront of this movement,” she told Invest:.
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