Women’s Hall of Fame nominations now open | The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women (CFW) proudly announces the opening of nominations for the 2025 Miami-Dade County Women’s Hall of Fame. Beginning May 1, 2025, the public is invited to nominate outstanding women who have made significant contributions to the social, economic, cultural, or political well-being of Miami-Dade County. The Hall of Fame honors trailblazing women whose leadership, service, and achievements have left a lasting impact on the community. Inductees will be recognized by the County Commissioners at an official ceremony later this year and will be permanently honored at the planned Women’s Hall of Fame to be located at The Women’s Park. Nominations will be accepted from May 1 to May 30. | |
Domestic Violence Oversight Board hosts
First Responders Roundtable
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The Miami-Dade County Domestic Violence Oversight Board hosted a powerful First Responders Roundtable in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week on April 9.
Held in Liberty City, one of the County’s most impacted communities, this important conversation brought together local experts, first responders, and community members to address the realities of sexual assault, domestic violence, and intimate partner violence. Attendees posed thoughtful questions, shared lived experiences, and gained valuable insight on how we can strengthen our collective response and better support survivors.
| May is Older Americans Month | |
May is recognized as OIder Americans Month and the 2025 theme is “Flip the Script on Aging” to encourage a shift in how society views, discusses, and approaches aging. It aims to challenge stereotypes and embrace the opportunities that come with aging.
In observance of Older Americans Month, the Miami-Dade County Elder Affairs Advisory Board is hosting an Older Adult Resource Fair on Tuesday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Milander Center for Arts and Entertainment, 4800 Palm Avenue, in Hialeah. The event is free and you can register here. Additional information and resources on elder issues can be found at the Alliance for Aging, AARP Florida, and the Senior Planet Center in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. And the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs has released the 2025 Golden Ticket Arts Guide, which provides free admission to older adults to cultural events and venues in Miami-Dade County.
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Commission for Women attends
Junior League Luncheon
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Dr. Rose Martin, Director of the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women (CFW), and Board Member Dr. Jacqueline Peña, joined Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins at the Junior League of Miami’s annual "Women Who Make a Difference Luncheon" on April 12. The event celebrated outstanding women leaders and their contributions to the community.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava was honored at the luncheon. In her remarks, she acknowledged the work of the CFW and highlighted the county’s ongoing commitment to issuing the Status of Women report.
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Commission for Women Director presents at
UM Human Rights Law Clinic
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Dr. Rose Martin, Director of the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women (CFW), was invited to speak at the University of Miami School of Law’s Human Rights Clinic. During her visit, she presented findings from the 2024 Status of Women Report and shared how the CFW is using a data-driven, CEDAW-informed framework to advance gender equity in Miami-Dade County. You can read the 2024 Status of Women Report here.
Dr. Martin also discussed opportunities for collaboration in developing policy advocacy language and working with the Human Rights Clinic to gather community feedback and agency input on future recommendations.
The Women's Fund Miami-Dade is also out with its most recent Gender Equity Index, which measures progress for women and girls in Miami-Dade County in the areas of economic mobility, health and well-being, leadership, and freedom from violence. View the Gender Equity Index here.
| CountryFest wrapped up another successful year April 26-27 at Tropical Park. Hosted by County Commission Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, CountryFest celebrated Miami-Dade County’s country roots and spirit. The event featured local agriculture, rodeo action, cattle and farm animal exhibitions, music, food, and fun for everyone. Staff from the Office of Community Advocacy was on hand to volunteer in different capacities. We are looking forward to next year’s event! | County launches Civics Academy | Classes have started at the new Miami-Dade County Civic Engagement Academy for Civics Education, an initiative championed by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and County Commissioner Marleine Bastien. The classes will teach participants how to become active residents, participate in local government, and advocate for their communities. Topics covered include navigating local, county, and municipal government systems and available community resources, and will provide opportunities to engage with elected officials and policymakers. Knowledgeable and engaged residents are essential to a thriving community. Classes are being offered at several libraries. | Strive305 HUB: County’s one-stop resource for small businesses | In December 2024 Miami-Dade County launched the Strive305 HUB, an all-in-one resource platform for small businesses. At the Strive305 HUB, small business owners can find information on resources, workshops and trainings, loans, events, etc. Powered by Miami-Dade County and funded and sponsored by Wells Fargo, the Strive305 HUB makes it easier to find the resources and tools that small business owners need to be successful. Another helpful website is Axis Helps, with information and resources for both small business owners and individuals in need. | | Don’t forget to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot | Due to recent changes in Florida law, all requests for vote-by-mail ballots expired at the end of 2024 so any request on file with the Supervisor of Elections has expired. If you wish to continue voting by mail you must make a new request, either online or by calling 305-499-8444. | | |
Free mobile veterinary clinic
provides care for our pets
| The Wellness on Wheels (WOW) free mobile veterinary clinic serves the needs of at-risk pets and pet owners in underserved communities throughout Miami-Dade County and is fully equipped to provide routine medical care to owned cats and dogs. Services include physical exams, vaccinations, boosters, deworming, and flea prevention. The WOW clinic will also refer clients to low or no-cost options for spay/neuter surgeries not offered at the clinic. Pets will be served on a first-come, first-served basis, until capacity is reached. The WOW clinic rotates throughout various locations and is stationed from April 7 to June 25 at the Jorge Mas Canosa Youth Center, 250 SW 114 Ave, Sweetwater, FL 33174. Hours are Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4:40 p.m.; closed Thursday through Sunday, as well as on County-observed holidays. | |
COMMUNITY ADVOCACY
BOARD MEETINGS UPDATES
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**There are several vacancies on the following Advisory Boards. If you are interested in serving on one of our boards, contact the respective board Program Director listed below.
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Program Director: Joshua Ho
Chairperson: Tai Vaz
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 6 p.m.
Location: Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128
Conference Room 18-4
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Program Director: Retha Boone-Fye
Chairperson: Pierre Rutledge
Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Location: Miami-Dade College Gibson Educational Center
3629 Grand Ave, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
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Program Director: Dr. Rose Martin
Chairperson: Michelle Abreu
Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Town of Miami Lakes Government Center
6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, FL 33014
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Program Director: Shirley Plantin, EJD
Chairperson: Rene Diaz
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 2 p.m.
Location: Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128
Conference Room 18-4
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Program Director: Elizabeth Regalado
Chairperson: Cecile Houry, PhD.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Location: Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128
Conference Room 1011
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Program Director: Vanessa Azzam
Chairperson: Lupe Bruneman
Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Location: Westchester Regional Library
9445 Coral Way, Miami, Florida 33165
| Miami-Dade County has the largest population in the State of Florida of individuals 60+ years old. With a County population that totals 2.7 million, more than 435,000 of the total population is made up of those 62+. On May 1, 2018 the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance 18-49 creating the Miami-Dade County Elder Affairs Advisory Board. |
Report elder abuse at 1-800-962-2873
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Program Director: Natalie Milian, MPA
Chairperson: Dr. Raul Moncarz
Friday, May 23, 2025, at 1 p.m.
Location: TBD
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Program Director: Natalie Milian, MPA
Chairperson: Francesco Duberli
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 1 p.m
Location: Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128
Conference Room TBD
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Program Director: Teo Noboa
Chairperson: Rabbi Mark Rosenberg
Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 2 p.m.
Location: Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128
Conference Room 1011
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Program Director: Gabriel Paez
Chairperson: Ariel Trueba
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 3 p.m.
Location: Milander Center for Arts & Entertainment
4800 Palm Avenue, Hialeah, Florida 33012
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Stephen P. Clark Government Center
111 NW 1st Street Suite 1034
Miami, Florida 3312
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Office of Community Advocacy
| 305.375.5730 | laura.morilla@miamidade.gov | www.miamidade.gov/advocacy/home.asp
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