Success is built on connections—every handshake is a step toward your next big opportunity.
– Wilson Alvarez

In a bustling Miami event, Community Newspapers once again gathered professionals from all walks of life to celebrate local achievements and foster meaningful connections. This event, sponsored by Dade County Federal Credit Union, highlighted the deep-rooted value of networking in Miami’s business ecosystem, and it was hosted at the vibrant CasaCuba venue in South Miami.

As I walked through the crowd, I was reminded of my own journey, starting back in the mid-90s when I became certified in database development, Lorus 1-2-3, and WordPerfect—credentials that were key to launching my computer consulting career. This foundation, paired with the enduring love of family and faith, has shaped my professional trajectory, much like the leaders we heard from that day.

The event opened with a heartwarming introduction by Mike Carricarte, a respected figure in the community, followed by Wilbur Bell, as they led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and a rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Their presence at these events is a testament to their commitment to bringing unity and pride to every gathering.

One of the standout moments for me was meeting Michael Weiser, Chair of the Board of Directors at the Jack Miller Center. The Jack Miller Center is dedicated to advancing political and civic education through its network of scholars and K-12 teachers. Michael’s passion for education was evident in our conversation. He mistook me for Wilson Alvarez, the baseball player known for his no-hitter game—an entertaining moment that led to him sharing an interesting fact: although the Major Leaguer threw a no-hitter in his first game, he walked eight batters. That was an unbelievable stat for any baseball fan, and it certainly brought some lightheartedness to the conversation.

I also had the pleasure of seeing Iliana Ros-Lehtinen, the first Latina congresswoman elected to the U.S. Congress. She has been a beacon of leadership and inspiration, and seeing her at the event reminded everyone of the trail she blazed for women in politics. Ros-Lehtinen introduced Miami Dade College President Marilyn Pumareiga, the first female president in the state’s education sector—a true trailblazer in her own right. She is pictured with Rosemary Guilfoyle with Wealth Advisor at Private Wealth Management of Coral Gables

Another notable guest was Patty Vila, who is en route to Las Vegas to be recognized as one of the Top 100 Successful Women in Business. Her achievements are a powerful reminder of the heights one can reach through dedication and hard work. It was fantastic to see a Miami professional receive such national acclaim. Also pictured is Dr. Danay Arritola Rodriguez, CNO from Larkin Hospital.

 

A Moment of Reflection

As Marilyn Pumareiga took the stage, she spoke about her role at Miami Dade College and her efforts in bringing advanced educational programs to the institution. She has become a key figure in the adoption of AI education in Florida. Her story is an example of what can happen when ambition meets opportunity—a perfect illustration of a quote by Thomas Edison: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Marilyn’s journey reflects this idea, showing that the road to success is paved with hard work and innovation.

The event at CasaCuba was a reminder that our city’s success is driven by its people—leaders like Marilyn Pumareiga, educators like Michael Weiser, and trailblazers like Iliana Ros-Lehtinen. Each of these figures demonstrated that passion and dedication are the cornerstones of community progress. The connections made here today will undoubtedly shape Miami’s future.

If you want to make an impact in your community and connect with like-minded professionals, attending events like these is crucial. Join the conversation, network, and be inspired by the leaders who are shaping the future of Miami’s business landscape.