Javier F. Aviñó is the Practice Group Leader of Bilzin Sumberg’s Land Development & Government Relations Group and Co-Chair of the Firm’s International Group. He focuses his practice on land use, zoning, and environmental law, representing both domestic and international clients. Javier’s experience includes the representation of both private and public sector clients before various state, county, municipal governments and regulatory bodies throughout South Florida. Javier joined Voices For Children’s Board of Directors in 2018.

“Effective representation of children in the legal system has a major impact for both the children and for our community. Having deep roots here in South Florida, it is a privilege to be involved with Voices For Children in support of youth in need.”

David G. Barbeito, CPA, es socio y director de De La Hoz, Perez & Barbeito, P.A. David cuenta con más de 22 años de experiencia en contabilidad pública, auditoría e impuestos a empresas privadas en diversas industrias, incluyendo mayoristas y distribuidores, bienes raíces, atención médica, franquicias deportivas profesionales y compañías financieras.

David tiene una maestría y es licenciado len contabilidad de la Universidad Internacional de Florida y es miembro del Instituto Americano de Contadores Públicos Certificados y del Instituto de Contadores Públicos Certificados de Florida. También participa en varias organizaciones benéficas locales, como United Way of Miami-Dade y Americans for Immigration Justice y L.I.V.E. (Lead, Innovate, Volunteer and Empower), una organización sin fines de lucro que co-fundó en 2016. David se unió a la Junta Directiva n Voices For Children en 2019 luego de sentirse comprometido a apoyar a los niños necesitados de su comunidad.

Michael Block is the founder and CEO of Greenmonkey® and Director of Toy Plus. Michael became involved with Voices For Children in 2006 because he was impressed with our mission and the work we do to serve such an important need for such an important group of kids.

“I am extremely impressed by the dedicated members of the GAL Program. The importance of the work they do, providing a voice to those most in need of one, is invaluable.”

Simone Z. Boayue-Gumbs is a shareholder at the international law firm, Greenberg Traurig, with extensive experience representing lenders in various financing transactions, as well as airlines and lessors in connection with the financing, refinancing, and leasing of commercial transport aircraft and private jets. She was selected by Legacy Magazine as one of “South Florida’s 40 Under 40 Leaders of Today & Tomorrow for 2013.” Simone has been a part of Voices For Children’s Board of Directors since 2012. She has always had an interest in children’s issues and empowering children. While in high school and college, Simone interned with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), whose mission, similar to Voices For Children’s, is to advance children’s rights, survival, development, and to ensure their protection.

Eddie Borrego is the Associate Vice President of operations for Jackson South Community Hospital. He manages and leads the operation for the hospital. He previously served as the Director of Corporate Initiatives for the health system planning and implementing critical priorities and projects throughout the system. Eddie has extensive experience in management and leadership in healthcare operations, government relations, team management and strategic programming. He has been a lifelong public servant, having previously held posts with a US Senator and two Florida Governors. Eddie serves on numerous boards and is one of Voices For Children most recent Board members. He has brought diversity into the Board, by representing the public sector.

“Voices enables the community to provide a voice to the thousands of voiceless children in South Florida. The impact on a child’s life is immeasurable, Voices gives me and others an opportunity to advocate and impact a life.”

Bertha Cordoves-Pino’s background in social work and public health and her passion for philanthropy led her to join the Voices For Children Foundation Board of Directors in 2016. Bertha has experience working with children in need that are part of the foster care system. She worked with Children’s Home Society advocating for foster children who were born with HIV by attending to court hearings, hospital rounds and home visits. Educated as a Medical Technician with a Master’s in Public Health, Bertha also worked for The Florida Department of Health where she was able to understand the complexities of the overall health and well-being necessities of children in the foster care system. Bertha is exceedingly proud of her current role as a homemaker and manager of her family’s real estate properties.

“Voices For Children gives me the opportunity to make a direct impact on children’s lives. Voices For Children does make a difference”.

Roberto Gadala-Maria is Senior Vice-President at EFG Capital International. He supervises institutional Brokerage Services for Central America, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Ecuador. In 2011, Roberto had the opportunity to go on a court tour and saw firsthand the impact of Voices For Children’s work on behalf of foster children.

“I saw the success stories and I saw the conviction of the Board of Directors (many of whom are actually Guardians as well). I saw a dedicated President and CEO that was emotionally attached to the cause, Staff members that care and that work harder than most people I know… I saw an organization that is dedicated and that I could trust. I imagined my own children going through what all of our kids have to endure; alone, confused, separated from everyone they trust. I decided that no child should face these issues alone, no child should be left in the hands of courts and foster care without a constant in their lives, without someone who ultimately only cares about the child’s wellbeing – so I decided to go all in and dedicate as much of my time as possible to Voices and to our children.”

Brian Y. Goldmeier is founder and president of BYG Strategies, Inc., recognized as one of Florida’s most prominent and successful government advisory, campaign and issue fundraising, and business consulting firm. Over the past decade, he has helped lead fundraising and capital raises for the most important issues, elections and referenda in the community including County mayor and commission seats, various city and municipal seats, countywide referenda, campaigns for statewide legislative and gubernatorial offices, as well as serving as a principal advisor and strategist to many of South Florida’s most important government, educational and business leaders. His fundraising leadership and stewardship has personally resulted in over $50 million raised for various political and issues campaigns.

Recognized for his strategic vision, thought leadership, and results-driven orientation, Mr. Goldmeier is consistently sought out for his opinion leadership and high impact in business, government and civic life. In philanthropy and non-profit activity, he has been active in, and elected to, leadership roles in some of the most important organizations in Florida and regionally including Leadership Florida, the United Way, Voices For Children Foundation, the University of Miami Citizens Board, City Year, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and the Beacon Council of Miami-Dade, among others.

Mr. Goldmeier holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and Hospitality Administration, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), from Endicott College, where he was the top seed on the college’s intercollegiate tennis team. He currently resides in Miami, Florida. Brian’s outside interests include professional sports, playing tennis, boating and fishing, and travel and dining with family, friends and business associates.

“I decided to join Voices For Children’s Board of Directors in 2012 because I have a sincere belief that childhood experiences mold the foundation for the adult you become later in life”

Kira Grossman is an attorney with a background in family law, including Collaborative Law, commercial litigation, government affairs, and complex legislative initiatives. She currently serves as General Counsel at Sun Packing and is an attorney at Alvarez, Carbonell, Feltman & Da Silva, PL. Known for helping clients reach their goals, Kira is committed to resolving disputes and complex issues in an effective, diligent and professional manner. Prior to joining her current firm, Kira was a family law attorney for many years and later an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Miami and Policy Advisor for the Miami Parking Authority. She not only helps clients in court but has also successfully represented issues in front of the Florida Legislature and various City and County Commissions. Clients appreciate Kira for her wide range of legal and business experience and trust her creative methods of resolving challenges. As an attorney and former social worker, Kira realizes it is important to give back to the community. Kira joined Voices For Children’s Board of Directors in 2012.

“Voices For Children is the best local program that provides services and gives back to the community.”

Alberto Jaen has been a Creative Director of multinational companies for over fifteen years. He has received several Cannes Festival awards and has been a jury member at different international advertising festivals. He now serves as a Communications Consultant, and is the Founder and Creative Director of Plus305, as well as a Co-Founder of HULA App. Alberto Jaen joined Voices For Children’s Board in 2017.

“Voices For Children is not only an organization, it’s a way of understanding life. I’m in love with the cause because it makes things happen. They have shown me that we can make a real difference in the life of kids in need in Miami. Isn’t it nice to be inspired this way?”

Suzanne Legon’s interest to give back to her community and help children in need led her to become and serve as a Guardian ad Litem since 2014. Suzanne’s background is in corporate and securities law and mediation. She is an involved environmental and animal activist. She taught yoga for many years and more recently became a meditation instructor. Suzanne also serves as a mentor for the Ladies Empowerment and Action Program, a prison re-entry support program.

“We need to remember that children in foster care are victims in circumstances beyond their control. I want to help these children have normal happy childhoods. Speaking up for them is essential to ensure they have access to resources which will help them achieve their fullest potential. I am also passionate about helping those children who age-out of foster care. These young adults must be taught the tools that they will need to be successful members of society. We must help break the cycles and stigmas of growing up in foster care”.

Robert Lowe is General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Miami. He is responsible for the executive management and operations for the deluxe 326-room waterfront hotel situated on Brickell Key. In 2017, the property was awarded the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award for the hotel, Azul restaurant, and The Spa. Mr. Lowe is a veteran hotelier with over 25 years of hospitality industry experience including 16 years with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. He joined Voices For Children’s Board of Directors in 2016.

“It is an honor to be a part of an organization who’s goals align with mine and Mandarin Oriental, Miami – who is proud of its long-standing relationship with Voices For Children. Children are our future and it is essential that we do our best to provide a good quality of life so they can thrive and make their place in the world.”

Rodrigo Melendez is Managing Partner at KPMG in the South Florida Business unit with over 13 years of experience in public accounting and has an extensive background with public and private multinational companies. He joined Voices For Children’s Board of Directors in 2007.

“Voices For Children benefits the community at large by letting foster kids know that they have someone looking out for them, so that they can have a chance to succeed and become outstanding citizens of our community.”

Brad Meltzer has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry and is the president of Plaza Construction Group Florida. Since the opening of the office in 2002, Brad has continued to propel the company’s development with consistent and sustainable growth. While managing some of Miami’s high-profile constructions projects, he has always demonstrated his commitment to civic responsibility through his continued dedication to philanthropic organizations that support causes from health to child welfare. Brad joined the Voices For Children Board of Directors in 2016 after learning how the organization brings change and hope in the life of abused and neglected children. Brad and the Plaza team have raised funds to benefit Voices For Children in their 2015 and 2016 annual Golf Invitational.

“Voices For Children provides children in the foster care system with support and care that they otherwise would not likely receive.”

Barry Minoff, was the Chairman of his family business, Kichler Lighting, based in Cleveland, Ohio for two decades. He has earned numerous business awards including Ohio Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, Nasdaq, and USA Today. He received the American Lighting Association’s Pillar of the Industry Award and his family was inducted into the Case Western Reserve University Family Business Hall of Fame in 1995.

Besides being a successful businessman, Barry is also well known as a producer, actor, and philanthropist. Barry serves as a board member of the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and is a member of the Broward sheriffs advisory council. After attending the 2018 Be A Voice Gala and listening to the moving testimonial of a former foster youth and human trafficking victim, Barry decided to become more involved with Voices For Children. He joined the Board of Directors shortly afterward.

“Voices For Children makes a true difference in the lives of children in foster care. They provide unconditional support and hope”

Hans C. Mueller is Vice President Commercial lending at 1First Bank. Hans has been on the Board of Directors for Voices For Children Foundation since 1998. He chose to get involved because of “Voices’ reputable transparency and excellent community cause.”

Julie Caputo is a lobbyist at Floridian Partners and Prime Strategies and has a decade’s worth of federal, state and local experience. Prior to her arrival at Floridan, she worked for United States Congressman Joe Garcia (FL-26) initially as a senior campaign advisor and then as the Deputy District Director for his district offices. Additionally, Julie worked on fundraising efforts for the Miami-Dade School Board Bond and Crandon Park’s Renovation Referendums among other County Commissioner’s campaigns.

Before moving to South Florida, Julie worked in Washington D.C. as the Senior Associate for former Clinton White House Deputy Chief of Staff, Maria Echaveste’s government consulting firm, NVG, LLC. There, she worked and lobbied on legislation covering health care, immigration reform, agriculture, patent reform, education, energy, nutrition, and transportation.

She and her Husband, Chris, have a daughter named Lily and 2 rescue dogs. The family are avid Miami Hurricanes fans as Chris is the Associate Head Coach for the Miami Men’s Basketball team. Julie is originally from St. Louis and a proud alumni of the University of Missouri (Mizzou).

“One day, when staffing my boss Congressman Joe Garcia, I was given the opportunity to visit the family courts with Nelson from Voices For Children. We were initially brought to see how the Guardian ad Litem Program worked, and that is when I saw just how children had benefited from having a Guardian. However, my visit also showed me how many more children needed help from this organization, and it was then that I decided I wanted to do all in my power to further this cause and ensure every child in foster care has the advocate they deserve”.