First But Not The Last
2026 YWCA Trailblazers
Each year, First But Not The Last welcomes a new class of leaders into the ranks of YWCA South Florida Trailblazers. These pioneers are breaking barriers, leading change and making a lasting impact across our community.
In 2026, we proudly honor a new class whose leadership reflects this year’s theme, We the Women: Finishing the Sentence the Founders Started. Their achievements inspire others to recognize their own potential and continue building on the paths these Trailblazers have created.
Mark Your Calendars For Our Sixth Annual First But Not The Last Women Leaders of South Florida Celebration
YWCA South Florida’s Fifth Annual First But Not The Last Celebration returns on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the JW Marriott Miami for an unforgettable evening celebrating the women who are shaping South Florida.
Over the past five years, 37 remarkable women have been recognized as First But Not The Last Trailblazers, creating a powerful community of leaders whose influence continues to open doors for those who follow. This year, we’ll welcome a new class into that distinguished circle and celebrate the impact they are making across our community.
It’s an evening you’ll want to be part of. To learn more about joining us as a sponsor, click “Sponsor” below.
2026 First But Not the Last Lookbook
Prepare to be inspired. Our First But Not the Last 2026 Lookbook is here, bringing this year’s theme, We the Women: Finishing the Sentence the Founders Started, to life through style.
Inspired by the women who came before us, the trailblazers shaping today, and the women creating what comes next, the Lookbook moves through Then, Now, and Next with timeless elegance, bold jewel tones, statement silhouettes, and future-forward metallics.
Explore the Lookbook and get inspired for an unforgettable evening celebrating legacy, leadership, and what’s next.
See the Mission. Feel the Impact.
One of the most meaningful moments of First But Not The Last is the Impact Experience, an immersive look at the people and stories behind YWCA South Florida’s mission.
Through powerful portraits, personal testimonials and stories from the women, children and families we serve, guests will experience the impact of our work across Early Education, Youth, Race and Gender Equity, Health and Wellness, and Economic Prosperity.
More than an exhibit, the Impact Experience offers a rare opportunity to connect with the lives behind the mission and see how the support of our community is helping create opportunity, strengthen families and drive lasting change across South Florida.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Our First But Not The Last sponsors and partners are helping create meaningful change for women and families across South Florida.
Their support strengthens YWCA South Florida’s programs, expands opportunity and helps build brighter futures throughout our community.
As of Sept. 15, 2026
VISIONARY PLATINUM PARTNER
CHAMPION GOLD PARTNER
EMPOWERMENT SILVER PARTNER
ADVOCATE BRONZE PARTNER
YWCA CHAMPIONS
The Children’s Movement of Florida
“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
2026 First But Not The Last Event Committee
Mayela Rojas Sanchez, Co-Chair
Julie Isha, Co-Chair
Veronica Brown
Bea Hines
Paula Hopkins
Dionne Polite
Mildred Riscigno
Yolanda Salazar
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
Dr. Greg Haile, Broward College President - Inaugural Jason Jenkins Man-Kind Award
Hon. Carrie P. Meek, U.S. Representative (FL-17) - awarded posthumously
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
2025 Trailblazers
Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, President & CEO, The Miami Foundation
Barbara Fonte, Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer, Jackson Health System
Kim Griffin, Managing Partner, Deloitte
Bea Hines, Journalist & Columnist, Miami Herald
Sheri Brown Grosvenor, Dynamic Duo Award, Community Foundation of Broward
Maria Hernandez, Dynamic Duo Award, United Way of Broward
Dr. Nelson L. Adams, M.D., FACOG, Jason Jenkins ManKind Award, Metro-Miami OB/GYN Associates, P.A.
2024 Trailblazers
Madeleine Thakur, President & CEO, The Children's Movement of Florida
Natalia Zea, Chief Public Policy & Community Engagement Officer, The Children’s Trust
Chairwomen Christine King, City of Miami Commission, District 5
Dr. Lanetta Bronté-Hall, President & CEO, The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research
Monica Cepero, County Administrator, Broward County
Dexter A. Bridgeman, CEO & Founder of M•I•A Media Group-Jason Jenkins Man-Kind Award
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Mayor-Encore Award
The Brown Family- Legacy Award