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From Awareness to Action: SDGs Leaders Awards and United Nations Day



On October 30th, we gathered to celebrate seventeen extraordinary leaders in our community, recognizing their impactful contributions toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These leaders are tackling global challenges at the local level, working on issues ranging from climate action to equal access to opportunities, and creating vibrant urban spaces for all. Our event, "From Awareness to Action: SDG Leaders Awards & United Nations Day," was a testament to what we can achieve when united by a common purpose.


This year’s celebration coincided with the 79th anniversary of United Nations Day, marked by the theme “UN for US.”This clever play on words emphasized the critical need for the United States to engage with the United Nations, reinforcing the importance of global collaboration. We were honored to welcome UNA-USA Executive Director Rachel Bowen Pittman, who traveled from Washington, D.C., to encourage civic engagement and emphasize the role of the United Nations in supporting the United States. Her remarks reminded us all of the UN's significance in addressing worldwide challenges and fostering global cooperation.


The event also featured an engaging panel discussion moderated by Irisaida Méndez, Executive Director of the Univision Foundation. A seasoned communications and marketing executive and recognized as a 40 under 40 Caribbean Business Top Executive, Méndez facilitated a rich dialogue on civic action while maintaining our commitment to neutrality as a non-partisan organization.

The panel included two esteemed experts:

  • Leah Blumenfeld, Interim President of the League of Women Voters-Miami Dade County, who brings years of experience in political science, civic engagement, and leadership, including her work on the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women.

  • Stephany C. Alvarez-Ventura, ’09, ’11 M.Sc. Sr. Director for Advancement Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs Florida International University

Their insights shed light on enhancing democratic processes and the importance of community involvement in driving positive change.


The celebration was held at Arc Culinary, a program from Arc Broward that exemplifies the SDGs by empowering individuals with disabilities through education and work experience in a professional kitchen setting. Arc Culinary’s inclusive model promotes skill development, community engagement, and support for sustainable livelihoods.


This event honored our community’s leaders and their commitment to progress, moving from awareness to action. With the support of leaders like Rachel Bowen Pittman and our esteemed panelists, we continue to strive toward a brighter, more inclusive future, united by the values of the United Nations.



2024 SDGs Leaders Awardees

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)


Awardee

Title

Organization

1

Poverty


Luciano Todeschini

Director

SIX PILLARS PARTNERSHIP

2

Zero Hunger


Alexandria Guerrier

Chairperson and board member overseeing of the Pine Crest Lower School Gardening Initiative

The Pine Crest Lower School Gardening Initiative

2

Zero Hunger


Allyson Vaulx

AVP of Philanthropy

Feeding South Florida

3

Good Health and Well-Being


Asha Gandreti

Founder and President

Young Voices for Hospice

3

Good Health and Well-Being


Maura Plante

Founder

Florida Health and Nutrition Coalition

4

Quality Education


Mercedes Cortes

Reading Teacher and Introduction to Speech and Debate Teacher

PPCS Model UN Program

5

Gender Equality


Sara Nunez

Executive Director

Pace Center for Girls

6

Clean Water and Sanitation


Sofia Leon

Climate Innovation & Fundraising Lead

The Nature Conservancy in Florida

7

Affordable and Clean Energy


William Marks

High School Student, Co-Founder

KinetiCharge

8

Decent Work and Economic Growth


Dan Lindblade

President and CEO

Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce

9

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure


Amaury Genao

Manager Community and Citizenchip

TURNER CONSTRUCTION

10

Reduced Inequalities


Cathy Brown

Director

Broward Center for Nonprofit Excellence

10

Reduced Inequalities


Jessy Allain

Donor Relations Manager

Kids in Distress

11

Sustainable Cities and Communities


Teresa King Kenny

CEO

Miami Association of Realtors

12

Responsible Consumption and Production


Bill Walker

Owner

Water Taxi

13

Climate Change


Leah Weisburd

Chair

Broward Sierra Group

14

Life Below Water


Dan West

Director

Friends of Anne Kolb Nature Center, Broward County Parks and Recreation Division

15

Life on Land


Eric Eikenberg

Chief Executive Officer

The everglades foundation

16

Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions


Bacardi Jackson

Executive Director

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

17

Partnerships for the Goals


Eileen Davis-Jerome

UNA-USA National Council Membe, SE Regional Representative, r 2018-2024, Partnerships & Collaborations Chair

UNA-USA National Council Member, Chairing Partnerships & Collaborations (P&C) Committee, while representing UNA Broward


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