A Day at The Women's Fund Miami-Dade's Power of the Purse 2024 Event • She.Work

On a sunny Friday afternoon, the Hilton Miami Downtown transformed into a vibrant hub of inspiration and empowerment as over 1,000 attendees gathered for The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade’s “Power of the Purse” flagship event.

This annual event, a cornerstone for advocacy and change in the community, brought together a diverse group of leaders, philanthropists, and activists dedicated to enhancing the lives of women and girls in Miami-Dade County. The event emphasized the theme “Stronger Together for Women and Girls in Miami-Dade,” highlighting the collective impact of community support in advancing gender equality.

A Gathering of Visionaries and Game-Changers

The event’s atmosphere was electric, filled with the collective energy of individuals united by a common purpose: to champion the cause of women and drive societal change through advocacy, investment, and research.

The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade has been at the forefront of this movement, providing crucial support to various programs that address the most pressing challenges faced by women today. Throughout the event, speakers and panel discussions shed light on The Women’s Fund’s pivotal role in addressing key issues such as domestic violence, human trafficking, and economic disparities. These conversations not only highlighted the challenges but also celebrated the achievements and ongoing efforts to bring about positive change.

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s Inspirational Leadership

The room buzzed with anticipation as Mayor Daniella Levine Cava took the stage. Her presence was a powerful reminder of the strides women have made in political and social arenas. As Miami-Dade’s first female mayor, she has not only shattered glass ceilings but has also been a tireless advocate for women’s rights and safety.

Mayor Daniella began her address by acknowledging the challenges and victories faced by women in our community. She highlighted her administration’s proactive steps in combating gender-based violence, “We have opened new Victim Assistance Centers, both in the north and in the south of the county, to provide refuge and support to those affected by violence and abuse,” she declared, underscoring her commitment to making Miami-Dade a safer place for all women.

She also spoke about the importance of data in shaping effective policies, “We’re revolutionizing how we collect and analyze gender-based data to ensure our policies are truly reflective of our community’s needs,” she explained. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address systemic inequalities and provide women with the opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Her speech was not just about policies and initiatives; it was also a heartfelt call to all attendees to contribute to the ongoing fight for equality. “Let’s keep breaking that glass ceiling, time and time again,” she urged, her words resonating with the passionate crowd gathered to support the cause.

Although her speech was inspiring in its entirety, my personal favorite part was when she spoke about the driving forces behind her advocacy for women’s rights and safety. She shared, “Right now I’ve got three granddaughters. So that honestly, that’s the tipping point for me, because we just care so much to make sure that our daughters and our granddaughters go into a world and into a life where they have every opportunity, every benefit, every chance to soar.” As a mom, those words went right into my heart.

Florencia Jimenez-Marcos: A Connector of People and Ideas

Although my friend who invited me, Florencia Jimenez-Marcos could not attend the event in person, her spirit of advocacy and community was felt strongly at our table. Thanks to her invitation, I was introduced to an amazing network of professionals.

Over the years, I’ve admired Florencia for her unwavering support for the arts, music and women’s rights. From our days together at the local elementary school, North Miami Beach Elementary where our daughters became close friends, to her influential roles in various cultural and civic organizations, Florencia has always been a supporter of all things related to the arts, music and women.

Her dedication to connecting people and championing women’s causes continues to inspire me. Florencia’s introduction of our group, including a thoughtful exchange of LinkedIn profiles, exemplifies her skill in fostering professional connections and building community— are a testament to her commitment to fostering networks of support and empowerment. Going forward, I am going to replicate the same type of introduction complete with LinkedIn profiles!

The Collective Impact of Advocacy

The stories of Mayor Daniella and Florencia Jimenez-Marcos, although in different capacities, illustrate the power of female leadership and the diverse ways in which women advocate for change. At she.work, we celebrate these powerful narratives because they resonate deeply with our mission to uplift and unite women from all walks of life. Mayor Daniella, with her commitment shaped by her hopes for her granddaughters, and Florencia, with her intuitive ability to connect people, both use their unique positions to champion change. Their stories remind us at she.work how every personal journey and professional achievement contributes to a tapestry of empowerment. Together, we’re not just observers but active participants, each of us weaving our own strand into the broader story of women’s progress.

The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade: Championing Women and Girls

The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade has been at the forefront of advocating for women and girls since its inception in 1992. With a mission to create positive change through advocacy, investment, research, and leveraging collective impact, this organization focuses on developing initiatives that promote gender equality and improve the quality of life for women in the Miami-Dade area.

The Women’s Fund operates under four strategic pillars that guide their activities:

Economic Mobility: Initiatives under this pillar aim to provide women with access to resources that enhance their economic stability, including efforts to ensure living wages and equal pay.

Leadership: This pillar supports the development of women as leaders in various spheres, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and flexible work policies that accommodate women’s needs.

Health & Well-Being: The focus here is on improving women’s health services, particularly in areas like reproductive healthcare and mental health, ensuring that women have access to affordable and comprehensive services.

Freedom from Violence: Dedicated to combating violence against women, this pillar includes programs that address domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking.

Making a Difference: Through substantial funding and advocacy, The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade has supported approximately 500 programs that serve over 79,000 women and girls across the county. Their work is pivotal in shaping policies and creating opportunities that foster a supportive environment for women’s development.

How to Get Involved: Individuals and organizations can support The Women’s Fund through various means such as donations, volunteering, or participating in events like the Power of the Purse. Each contribution helps to further their mission and impact in the Miami-Dade community. For more information on how you can contribute or participate in upcoming events, visit their website: https://womensfundmiami.org

Commitment to Change

As someone who writes for She.Work, where we celebrate the dynamic contributions of women in all professional realms, participating in The Women’s Fund’s luncheon was right up my alley. It is through gatherings like these that we find not just networking opportunities but also the inspiration to continue our advocacy for gender equity. It is also one of the places we meet amazing women who we would love to interview, so stay tuned for those!

The Power of the Purse served as a reminder of the strength found in solidarity. Each story shared and connection made reinforced the event’s theme: together, we are stronger and capable of overcoming the barriers that women face in various aspects of life.

The Path Forward

As we look to the future, events like The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade’s Power of the Purse are crucial in keeping the momentum of change alive. They provide a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard and forge pathways for new initiatives and solutions that continue to push the boundaries of what is possible for women and girls.

Together, let’s continue to support one another, break barriers, and advocate for a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.

Keep shining,