The Earth and I have traveled 365 days around the sun since I began my role as CEO
of The Miami-Dade County Public Schools Foundation. During that time, I was
reminded that learning doesn’t just happen in the nearly 366 schools managed by
Miami-Dade County Public Schools; it happens in the day-to-day conversations with the
educators, thought-leaders and philanthropists who are investing in our children.
In this new role, I’ve had the profound experience of seeing our schools through a new
prism, and through this experience, I’ve grown as well.
I’ve learned …

… that the needs of our massive public school system are many, and that tax dollars
don’t cover everything that teachers, students and administrators need to do their best.
That need motivates me to help our students reach their potential. That need also
propels me to connect with people who can help because whether or not your student
attends a public school, we all have a responsibility to assist. Education raises up our
community, creating the informed employees, neighbors and leaders we all want.

… listening, not talking, is how I become a better CEO. It’s been a year of conversations
with principals, administrators, parents, staff and most importantly, students. No matter
how young they are, they know what tools are missing. I have left elementary schools
smiling from ear to ear because young students were overjoyed at the new STEAM Lab
that the Foundation made possible. I listened to challenges and heard opportunities.

… and finally, that I’m definitely in the right job! When your purpose is being fulfilled, you
sleep at night knowing you’re moving hope forward. Is it always easy? No. But it is
always worthwhile to know my work feeds students, so they can focus in class; creates
a STEAM lab, so students can learn by doing; and opens doors for others to walk
through, so they can make themselves proud.

The first year flew by with lessons learned. I can’t wait to see what the second year
brings. If you know of areas with unfunded needs, I want to listen to you. If you know a
person or organization wanting to help maximize a donation to fill those gaps, let me
know that too!

Facing our next journey around the sun, I want it to be as we walk alongside the
students whose futures we’re enriching and shaping through the M-DCPS Foundation.