Week 2/25/26 Newsletter - SFLHCC 16th Annual Fashionably Red Luncheon and Panel Discussion Spotlights Heart Health

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SFLHCC 16th Annual Fashionably Red Luncheon and Panel Discussion Spotlights Heart Health

The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) proudly hosted its 16th Annual Fashionably Red Heart Disease Awareness Luncheon and Panel Discussion on February 20th, 2026, at the Biltmore Hotel. This year’s event, themed “The Heart of the Matter: Prevention, Innovation, and the Future of Cardiovascular Care,” united community leaders, healthcare professionals, and advocates for an inspiring afternoon focused on raising awareness of heart health and the importance of early detection.

The highlight of the afternoon was the dynamic panel discussion, expertly moderated by Emmy Award-winning Univision news reporter Maria Fernanda Lopez. The distinguished panelists included:

Ralph G. Nader, MD – Cardiologist, University of Miami Health System
Joseph Lamelas, MD – Cardiothoracic Surgeon & Director of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery, Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery, Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Rooney Heart Institute at Naples Comprehensive Health
Nicolas A. Brozzi, MD – Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Surgical Director of Heart Transplant Program & Director of Cardiovascular Research Heart, Thoracic & Vascular Institute at Cleveland Clinic in Florida
Romualdo Peter Segurola, MD – Cardiothoracic Surgeon & Medical Director of Cardiac Surgery at HCA Florida Kendall and Aventura Hospitals
Daniela Urina Jashir, MD – Cardiologist, Mount Sinai Medical Center
Juan Zambrano, MD – Chief of Cardiology, Jackson South Medical Center

Adding a fashionable flair, the luncheon featured a stunning runway show with stylish looks from stores at Miami International Mall. The event’s elegant atmosphere was further enhanced by prestigious beauty sponsors Giorgio Armani and Valentino.

SFLHCC extends heartfelt appreciation to our title sponsor, University of Miami Health System, presenting sponsor Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH), and all of our valued sponsors and partners for making this impactful event possible.

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Miami City Ballet holds premiere for " Into the Magic City," celebrating 40th year and 85th birthday of founder Toby Lerner Ansin

Miami City Ballet marked a milestone moment with the highly anticipated premiere of "Into the Magic City," a dazzling new production celebrating the company’s 40th anniversary. The premiere also paid tribute to the extraordinary legacy of founder Toby Lerner Ansin, who turns 85 this year. The event not only showcased the innovative spirit and artistry that have defined Miami City Ballet since its inception but also honored the vision and dedication of the woman who made it all possible.

Watch Now!

Meet the Newly Appointed SFLHCC Honorary Board Members

Mayor Steven Meiner

City of Miami Beach

Steven Meiner, the distinguished Mayor of Miami Beach, has been appointed as an Honorary Board Member of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC). Mayor Meiner brings a wealth of experience in public service and a strong commitment to fostering economic growth and diversity within the community. His inclusion on the honorary board underscores the SFLHCC’s dedication to collaborative leadership and strengthening relationships between local government and the Hispanic business community. The Chamber looks forward to Mayor Meiner’s valuable insights and support in advancing its mission

David Perez

Director of Development

Arc Broward

David Perez, a highly respected nonprofit executive and the current Director of Development at Arc Broward, has been appointed as an Honorary Board Member of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC). With more than 12 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, David is recognized for his expertise in strategic growth, fundraising, and community engagement. His outstanding accomplishments have earned him accolades such as Nonprofit Executive of the Year (2024) and Young Professional of the Year (2023) from the SFLHCC, as well as national recognition from Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. As an honorary board member, David brings invaluable insight and dedication to supporting the economic and social growth of South Florida's Hispanic business community. The SFLHCC is proud to welcome David Perez and looks forward to his leadership and impactful contributions.

Closing Out Black History Month:

Celebrating Achievements and Looking Forward

As February comes to a close, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) proudly reflects on Black History Month and the richness it brings to our local community. Throughout the month, we have taken time to honor the achievements, contributions, and influence of Black Americans in shaping our shared history, economy, and culture.

From inspiring business leaders to ground-breaking entrepreneurs and community advocates, Black professionals have long been at the forefront of innovation and positive change in South Florida and across the nation. Their impact is woven into the fabric of our diverse community, a reminder that our strength comes from unity and mutual respect.

Here at SFLHCC, we recommit ourselves to supporting Black-owned businesses, fostering inclusivity, and championing opportunities for all. We are grateful for the partnerships we have built and for the trailblazers who continue to inspire future generations.

As we move beyond Black History Month, let us continue the work of learning from each other, lifting one another, and building bridges that ensure a prosperous future for all. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Take Our Survey to Support Local Students

The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) is partnering with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) and CareerSource South Florida (CSSF) to help prepare students for successful careers. As champions of education, innovation, and professional development, our members are uniquely positioned to provide the next generation with the skills and experiences they need to thrive.

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Start the Year off with the Chamber's

Upcoming Events

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Grant Opportunities

Apply for the Mona $5,000 Small Business Impact Grant

Mona $5,000 Small Business Impact Grant: Mona, the small business funding co-pilot incubated at Harvard Innovation Labs, has launched its first Impact Grant – $5,000 in unrestricted, flexible funding for an entrepreneur making a meaningful impact in their community. The application is intentionally brief. Apply here by March 16th.

Apply Now for the District 4 Small Business Grant Program

Bid Now on Auction Items Benefitting the SFLHCC Foundation

Click here to Start Bidding

Donate to the SFLHCC Silent Auction

Support our mission and make a lasting impact.

We invite our members to contribute to our Silent Auction and help advance the SFLHCC Foundation’s programs supporting scholarships, educational enrichment, and nutritional assistance for children and families in our community. Your generous donation helps us continue creating meaningful change.

Click Here to Fill out the Donation Form

Member Spotlight Feature

SFLHCC Member Spotlight:

Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida

For more than four decades, Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida has opened its doors to families facing the unimaginable, offering not just a place to stay, but a compassionate community of comfort, care, and hope while their child receives medical treatment.

This year marks a truly historic moment. Construction is underway on our new House at Jackson Memorial Hospital. This 63,000 square foot home will more than double our capacity, allowing us to serve more families than ever before and ensure that parents can remain just steps away from their child’s bedside.

You are warmly invited to be part of this extraordinary chapter at our signature fundraising event, the Twelve Good Men Luncheon. This inspiring afternoon celebrates 12 remarkable men who lead with compassion and service, while raising the critical funds that sustain our House and the families who depend on it every day.

Your participation is more than attending a luncheon. It provides exhausted parents with restful nights, warm meals after long hospital days, and the strength of a supportive community during life’s most challenging moments. It is an opportunity to directly impact a child’s healing journey and help ensure that no family is ever turned away.

We hope you will join us by purchasing a table, securing your ticket, or placing a congratulatory ad. Together, we can continue building a place where love, hope, and healing live under one roof.

Reserve your spot today:

https://apps.rmhcsouthflorida.org/upcoming-events?EV=370

This week, we take a trip down memory lane to 2019, when the SFLHCC's 25th Annual Sunshine Awards was featured in the South Florida Luxury Guide Winder Edition.

Call for Vendors

Digital Forensics Now Conference

April 20, 2026 · One-Day Conference · Coral Gables, Florida

Sponsorship Deck

Save the date and stay tuned for more details. We look forward to seeing you in Miami for what promises to be an exciting and insightful event!

Member Event Spotlight


Sponsorship Deck

Remember to Maximize Your Benefits

The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) has announced an exciting partnership with CareerSource South Florida to deliver enhanced services to its members. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths and resources of both organizations to benefit businesses and job seekers within the community.

Need Help Recruiting the right candidates? Please contact Cathy at Cathy@sflhcc.com

Business Services

Training & Financial Incentives

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Email info@sflhcc.com for the requirements and availability


Join us for Women of Tomorrow® Mentor & Scholarship Program’s annual gala, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM in beautiful Indian Creek, Miami Beach. This unforgettable night will celebrate our mission, honor the vision of our Founder, Jennifer Valoppi, and Co-Founder, The Honorable Katherine Fernandez Rundle, and raise critical funds to support the young women we serve. Reserve your tables and tickets today and be part of something truly magical.	Join us in celebrating a historic milestone! Diario Las América's is preparing a special commemorative edition in honor of its 250th anniversary, and we invite our readers and advertising partners to be part of this unforgettable moment. This edition will highlight our shared history, community, and the voices that have shaped our journey. We would be honored to include your participation in this celebration. Be part of our legacy. Be part of this special edition.
Save on great seats with $85 tickets! Use code SLFHCC Miami City Ballet invites you into a vibrant celebration of movement, music, and Miami’s unmistakable energy. Bold, colorful, and full of life, Into the Magic City captures the pulse of the city—where classical beauty meets contemporary edge. The program features George Balanchine’s Serenade and Tarantella, alongside a powerful World Premiere by Alexei Ratmansky created in honor of our founder, Toby Lerner Ansin. Roses from the South, Three Waltzes for Toby is a tribute to legacy, artistry, and Miami. Register Now!	Register Now!