A single act of kindness can ripple through countless lives—just ask Mayte Vizcaino.
-Wilson Alvarez
A Miami Rising Star is someone whose efforts and achievements uplift their community, inspire others, and create meaningful change. At MiamiBusiness.com, we are honored to recognize Mayte Vizcaino as a Miami Rising Star. As the Director of Philanthropy and Engagement at Live Like Bella® Childhood Cancer Foundation, Mayte embodies leadership fueled by passion and purpose.
Born and raised in Miami, Mayte always dreamed of becoming a teacher. Her journey led her to study early childhood education and public administration, but her career path took an unexpected turn. Today, she channels her skills, compassion, and determination into supporting families battling childhood cancer through her work at Live Like Bella.
In just two and a half years, Mayte has played a pivotal role in growing Live Like Bella, both financially and strategically. Her primary responsibility is fundraising, and her success has directly translated into providing more resources and assistance for families of children with cancer. Her contributions have significantly advanced the foundation’s goal of achieving nationwide and international recognition.
Mayte’s dedication is deeply personal and driven by her desire to make a profound difference in the lives of families. During a pivotal conversation with Live Like Bella’s Chairman, Raymond Rodriguez-Torres, she asked about his vision for the foundation’s future. His response—to make Live Like Bella a globally recognized organization and work toward curing childhood cancer—sparked a deeper commitment in Mayte to expand the foundation’s reach and impact.
The mission of Live Like Bella is rooted in love, resilience, and hope. The foundation was created by a family who lost a child to cancer, honoring Bella’s legacy of joy, compassion, and unshakable love for life. Today, Live Like Bella offers emotional and financial support to families in need across the globe. Through her work, Mayte ensures this legacy continues to thrive and grow.
With 18 years of experience in development and public service, Mayte has mastered the art of building lasting, meaningful relationships. Her ability to connect with donors, sponsors, and community partners through innovative strategies has been instrumental in achieving Live Like Bella’s ambitious fundraising goals. Her efforts have not only strengthened the foundation but have also amplified its ability to serve more families in need.
Mayte’s vision for the next five years is clear and ambitious. She is dedicated to ensuring that every family fighting childhood cancer feels supported and seen. Her work goes beyond raising funds—it brings hope to those who need it most.
As Maya Angelou once said, “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” Mayte exemplifies this sentiment, shining a light for families facing their darkest days. Her unwavering dedication reminds us that even one person’s commitment can create an extraordinary ripple effect of change.
The takeaway is simple yet powerful: Mayte Vizcaino’s story demonstrates the transformative power of purpose-driven work. By combining passion, perseverance, and a heart for service, she uplifts her community and inspires us all to do the same.
If Mayte’s story has inspired you, consider supporting Live Like Bella’s mission. You can make a difference through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can help children and families facing the challenges of childhood cancer and honor Bella’s enduring legacy of love and hope.