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.
Check full gallery of pictures at this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O4wlxA6VT4SpHGSvNL6AEOJzjcgOfo4a?usp=sharing
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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