Week 2/18/26 Newsletter - SFLHCC Unites Art and Community at Inspiring Networking Event
- Feb 18
- 8 min read
SFLHCC Unites Art and Community at Inspiring
Networking Event
The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) hosted a remarkable evening of art, connection, and community at the elegant Rodez Art Studio Loft. SFLHCC members gathered in an intimate setting, surrounded by the vibrant, thought-provoking works of acclaimed artist George Rodez.
Guests enjoyed the perfect blend of business and creativity, mingling and networking while admiring the expressive artwork that brightened the space. The event offered a unique opportunity not only to spark professional relationships but also to celebrate the power of art to bring people together.
SFLHCC extends heartfelt thanks to George Rodez for hosting this event and to everyone who attended and helped make the evening such an inspiring success. When art and community meet, endless possibilities unfold.
Stay tuned for more events where business, culture, and connection come alive!
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Community Medical Group Opens Miami
Seniors Healthcare Center
Celebrating Black History Month: Fun FactsEach February, the nation collectively observes Black History Month, a special time to honor the achievements and stories of Black Americans throughout U.S. history. The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) recognizes the power of diverse communities joining in celebration, reflection, and support. Let’s commemorate the occasion with some fun and inspiring facts about Black History Month, the people it celebrates, and its special ties to South Florida. |
1. Black History Month Began as a “Week.”Black History Month traces its origins to 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson established “Negro History Week” in the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The celebration expanded to a month in 1976, during the United States Bicentennial. 2. The First Black-Owned Newspaper Was Founded in 1827“Freedom’s Journal,” the first Black-owned and operated newspaper in the U.S., began publication in 1827 in New York City. It played a crucial role in giving the Black community a powerful voice, something we can all appreciate in today’s world of diverse and independent media. 3. Black Innovators Have Shaped Modern LifeDid you know Garrett Morgan invented the traffic light, or that Dr. Shirley Jackson’s research made caller ID and call waiting possible? Black inventors have left an indelible mark on our daily routines, showing the importance of recognizing innovations from all backgrounds. 4. South Florida’s Rich Black HistoryHere in Miami, the neighborhood of Overtown (historically known as “Colored Town”) has been a thriving hub of Black culture since the early 1900s, once hosting famous guests like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. The Lyric Theater in Overtown stands as a testament to the district’s artistic legacy. | 5. Afro-Latino Heritage Connects UsMany South Florida families trace their heritage to regions where Black and Latino cultures intersect, such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. In fact, over 95% of Dominicans and nearly 36% of Puerto Ricans have African ancestry, reminding us how interconnected our communities truly are. 6. The First African American Woman Millionaire Was an EntrepreneurMadam C.J. Walker became America’s first self-made female millionaire, a businesswoman and philanthropist who built a beauty empire in the early 20th century. She exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship we celebrate at SFLHCC. 7. Black History Month Has a New Theme Each YearEach year, Black History Month features a unique theme. In 2024, the theme is “African Americans and the Arts,” celebrating the profound impact of Black artists, writers, poets, and performers, and making it a perfect time to check out local galleries and concerts. |
Happy Black History Month! Together, we build bridges and opportunities, today and every day.
SFLHCC President Liliam M. Lopez and Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner Celebrate Water Taxi Success
  | SFLHCC President, Lily Lopez, joined Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner for a water taxi ride across Biscayne Bay to celebrate the service's growing popularity. The water taxi, which links Miami Beach with downtown Miami, has seen a surge in ridership, offering both a convenient transit option and a unique way to enjoy the city's scenery. Thank you, Mayor Steven Meiner, for the invitation.  |
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.
Start the Year off with the Chamber's
Upcoming Events
Lat
ino Leaders Magazine
Index 500 of the largest Latino-owned companies
Ford Encourages Safety Belt Usage Through The Abróchate Por Amor Initiative
DEARBORN, Michigan, February 12, 2026 — Ford Motor Company emphasizes the importance of consistently wearing safety belts throughout the year to protect individuals and their families as the automotive giant highlights the month focused on love and friendship. On February 12, Ford will launch its acclaimed Abróchate Por Amor initiative for 2026, reiterating that the use of safety belts is critical to saving lives.
The digital and community initiative is designed to promote consistent safety belt usage, particularly among new and young drivers. Abróchate Por Amor invites individuals to participate in a 7-Day Challenge by ensuring their safety belt is correctly positioned over the shoulder each time they operate a vehicle. To emphasize the significance of developing safe driving habits, participants are encouraged to share a photo using the hashtag #AbrochatePorAmor while the vehicle is stationary.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues to find that seat belts are highly effective, reducing the risk of front‑seat passenger car occupant deaths by 45%, moderate to critical injuries by 50%, and front‑seat light‑truck occupant deaths by 60%—figures confirmed in the most recent national data releases.
Despite national seat belt use reaching 91.2% in 2024, teens remain the least likely age group to buckle up, and lack of restraint continues to drive fatality trends. In fact, more than half of teens ages 13–19 who died in crashes in 2021 were unrestrained, underscoring the persistent risk for young passengers and drivers.
Research from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey also shows clear disparities: Black (African American) students are more likely to report not always wearing a seat belt, and Hispanic students are more likely to ride with a driver who has been drinking, both behaviors that significantly elevate crash‑injury and fatality risk.
One of the best things you can do as a parent and role model is to always wear your seat belt in the car.
Join the safety revolution and take the pledge today!
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.
Member Spotlight Feature
SFLHCC Member Spotlight: Arc Broward
We proudly shine our Member Spotlight on Arc Broward, a pioneering non-profit dedicated to transforming the community by providing opportunities for people with disabilities and other life challenges. As Arc Broward celebrates its 70th anniversary, we recognize their unwavering commitment to empowerment, inclusion, and innovation across Broward County and South Florida.
Since 1956, Arc Broward has been at the forefront of building brighter futures. Through diverse programs, from youth services and employment training to health and wellness initiatives, Arc Broward supports individuals in unlocking their full potential and becoming integral contributors to our community. Their social enterprises, including the acclaimed Arc Educates and Arc Culinary, not only provide vital job training but also set a gold standard for disability inclusion in the workplace.
Arc Broward's lasting impact is evident in the many lives touched and changed for the better. From helping teens discover new passions through summer camp to connecting adults with meaningful employment, the organization's reach is both personal and profound.
As valued members of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Arc Broward exemplifies the spirit of service, diversity, and economic growth that drives our region forward. We congratulate them on 70 years of remarkable service and look forward to celebrating their ongoing achievements.
You're invited to a special evening celebrating the kick-off of Arc Broward's 70th Anniversary and honoring the distinguished members of our 1956 Annual Giving Society.
This week, we take a trip down memory lane to 2019, when the SFLHCC Chamber hosted its 25th annual Sunshine Awards at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne.
We’re thrilled to announce a must-attend event for digital investigation professionals and enthusiasts alike, the Digital Forensics Now Conference is coming to Miami in April 2026!
Join experts from around the globe for this groundbreaking, community-led conference focused on the latest advances in evidence analysis and digital forensics. Whether you work in cybersecurity, law enforcement, technology, or digital investigations, this is your chance to connect, learn, and advance your skills at the forefront of digital forensics.
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!
Unlock 15% Off Your SFLHCC Membership &
Win a Southwest Trip!
Member Event Spotlight
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.
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Step Into the Magic City
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.
Whether you’re a longtime ballet lover or new to the art form, Into the Magic City promises an unforgettable night of passion, style, and movement.
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.
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Schedule your Appointment for the New Year Now!
Chamber Member Announcements
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A"Business Minute with Lily Lopez"
"A Business Minute with Lily Lopez" Featuring Marco Rubio, US Senator (FL) | A "Business Minute with Lily Lopez" Featuring US Senator Rick Scott (FL) |
Click below to access "A Business Minute with Lily Lopez" on YouTube
