First But Not The Last
Mark Your Calendars For Our Fifth Annual First But Not The Last Women Leaders of South Florida Celebration
YWCA South Florida’s Fifth Annual First But Not The Last celebration will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at the JW Marriott Miami.
This is the night where we honor South Florida’s unstoppable women leaders. Over the past four years, we have inducted 30 of South Florida’s most intrepid Trailblazers, and we are excited for them to welcome the newest class of leaders to the fold.
This year’s theme - modern goddess - is inspired by the boldness, wisdom, and supernatural strength women have shown throughout humankind. We will also be bringing back our signature impact experience, with a Passport to Purpose twist. The energy in the room, the stories, the vision—it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, become a member of our new FUTURE FAMILIES FUND. Click below to learn more and sponsor.
Your Passport to Purpose
During the cocktail hour guests will invited to embark on a Passport to Purpose impact experience. This interactive journey will spotlight YWCA South Florida’s five program areas—Early Education, Youth, Race and Gender Equity, Health and Wellness, and Economic Prosperity are the work they do to empower women and families. As you explore, you’ll have the opportunity to meet program participants, hear their powerful stories, and see firsthand how your support helps fuel change and create brighter futures across our community.
6:00 PM - Event Registration and YWCA Passport to Purpose Impact Experience Opens
7:30 PM - Dinner and Awards Celebration
9:00 PM- 12:00 AM- Dance the Night Away
2024 YWCA Trailblazers
Each year, First But Not The Last inducts new members into the ranks of YWCA Trailblazers. This prestigious group comprises 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.
2025 First But Not the Last Lookbook
Prepare to be inspired. Our First But Not the Last 2025 Lookbook will be coming soon, bringing the theme of goddesses to life in shimmering golds, deep purples, and bold blues. This celebration will showcase the elegance, strength, and spirit of our honorees and community, weaving together imagery and design that embody wisdom, courage, and transformation.
“This event is one for the ages. YWCA has taken their leadership role in the community and paid it forward by recognizing incredible leaders who are breaking barriers for women and people of color.” - Barbara Fonte
Trailblazer Hall of Fame
Inaugural 2021 Trailblazers
Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava, Miami-Dade County
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
2025 First But Not The Last Event Committee
Mayela Rojas Sanchez, Chair
Veronica Brown
Paula Hopkins
Rose Martin
Dionne Polite
Mildred Riscigno
Angelica Santibanez
Arlenna Williams
Lauren Ziadie
2022 Trailblazers
Lilian Abbo, M.D. Associate Chief Medical Officer, Jackson Health System
Irela Bague, Miami Dade County, Chief Bay Officer
Maria Julia Mas Blet, Wells Fargo
Lucia Davis-Raiford, President The Carrie Meek Foundation
The Honorable Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, United States Congress House of Representatives D-FL 20th District
Dr. Greg Haile, Broward College President - Inaugural Jason Jenkins Man-Kind Award
2023 Trailblazers
Loreen Chant, President & CEO, Health Foundation of South Florida
Kelly-Ann Cartwright, Partner, Holland & Knight
Yolanda Cash Jackson, Board Chair, Beacon Council and Shareholder, Becker Lawyers
Caroline O'Connor, President of Business Operations and Kim Ng, General Manager - Miami Marlins
Felecia Hatcher, CEO, Black Ambition
Al Dotson Jr., Managing Partner, Bilzin Sumberg - Jason Jenkins Man-Kind Award