First But Not The Last
Thank You for a SOLD OUT Third Annual First But Not The Last Event!
YWCA South Florida was thrilled to host the 3rd annual First But Not The Last celebration on Sept. 23, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency Miami. It was a night to celebrate trailblazers, take a bold stand for equity and revel in the beauty and richness of South Florida arts and culture. This year’s event was presented by our generous sponsor, Fifth Third Bank.
6-7 p.m. Cocktail Reception | 7-10 p.m. Dinner, Awards & Celebration
First But Not The Last is a night where we come together to honor a distinguished group of leaders who are making a difference within their respective fields. This year’s event was inspired by the bold, beautiful arts and colors of South Florida’s various cultures. Our community’s diversity is our strength, and should be celebrated in all its glory.
It was an unforgettable event celebrating our 2023 First But Not The Last inductees.
Presented by
Inductees
We are honored to announce our 2023 First But Not The Last Inductees; a group comprised of industry trailblazers, thought leaders and community inspirations. YWCA South Florida is thrilled to recognize the remarkable efforts of this group so that the women and girls in our communities can realize their own potential and value. Because they are the first, we believe these same women and girls will know that they are certainly not the last. They will have these indelible footprints to follow.
Questions about this event can be directed to development@ywcasouthflorida.org.
“This event is one for the ages. YWCA has taken their leadership role in the community and paid it forward by recognizing six incredible leaders who are breaking barriers for women and people of color.” - Barbara Fonte
Thank you to our auction donors for their contributions
Adrian Lorenzo
Antigua Beach Club
Bring Your Own Bartender
Desiree Kawass
Dionne Polite
Gablestage
Hof’s House of Sweets
Kendra Scott
Kimberley Kaye
The Limelight Collection
Lowe Art Museum
Miami City Ballet
Miami New Drama
Michael Green
Monica Krause
Retail Therapy Gift Shop
Tasheba Gordon
Whitney Ash
A special thank you to the event committee for their vision and creativity in leading the curation of this year’s First But Not The Last Event
Mayela Rojas Sánchez, Chair
Dexter Bridgeman
Veronica Brown
Paula Hopkins
Barbara Fonte
Rosy Lopez
Ann Machado
Esther Moreno
Dionne Polite
Arlenna Williams
Lauren Ziadie
2022 First But Not The Last Inductees
Lilian Abbo, M.D., Jackson Health System
Irela Bague, Miami-Dade County
Maria Julia Mas Blet, Wells Fargo Private Bank
The Honorable Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, United States Congress
Lucia Davis-Raiford, The Carrie Meek Foundation
Dr. Greg Haile, Broward College: Honored with the Inaugural Jason Jenkins Man-Kind Award
Carrie Meek (1926-2021): Honorary inductee
Inaugural First But Not The Last Inductees (2021)
Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava, Miami-Dade County
Chief Judge Bertila Soto, Miami-Dade County 11th Circuit Court
Senior Judge Patricia A. Seitz, Southern District of Florida
Dr. Barbara Sharief, Broward County Commissioner
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity Cruises President & CEO
Monica Richardson, Miami Herald Executive Editor
Madeline Pumariega, Miami Dade College President
Juliet Rouhlac, Florida Power & Light (FPL) Director of External Affairs
Annette Franqui, AARP National Board of Directors Chairwoman