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, is managing partner at De La Hoz, Perez & Barbeito, P.A. With more than 22 years of service in public accounting, David has extensive experience providing audit and tax services to privately owned companies in various industries including wholesale/distributors, real estate, healthcare, professional sports franchises and finance companies.

David holds a masters and bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida International University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He is also active in several local charities including United Way of Miami-Dade, and Americans for Immigration Justice and L.I.V.E. (Lead, Innovate, Volunteer and Empower), a non-profit organization he co-founded in 2016. David joined Voices For Children Foundation’s Board in 2019 after feeling compelled to support children in need in his community.

“Children are the future of our community and Voices serves those children that are most vulnerable. I couldn’t be more excited to work alongside Nelson and the rest of the Voices team in making our community better today and in the future”.

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.”

Brad Meltzer is a real estate and construction industry veteran with more than 31 years experience managing various high-value and diversified project portfolios across the country. He founded the Miami office for Plaza Construction and eventually lead the company as its CEO. During his tenure as CEO, he was responsible for directing the day-to-day activities for the firm’s operations, including strategic development, forecasting, and client management across all of Plaza’s market regions. His portfolio of work encompasses a large range of project types, from new out-of-the-ground facilities to high-end interiors, and large scale renovations, such as One Thousand Museum by Zaha Hadid Architects, Ritz Carlton Residences Miami Beach, the entire Paraiso District in Edgewater among many others. His professional experience, coupled with an educational background that includes a Masters in Architecture from Tulane University gives him a unique perspective and extensive understanding of the industry. Brad joined the Voices For Children Foundation Board of Directors in 2015. He also serves on numerous local and national boards such as Gulliver Board of Trustees, University of Miami School of Construction, Management Industry Advisory Board Chair, University of Miami MRED+U, and Tulane School of Architecture Advisory Board.

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

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.”

Juan D. Cordoba, is Vice President of Commercial Lines for USI Insurance Services. He specializes in insurance products sales, risk management monitoring programs for clients and marketing and development. Mr. Cordoba joined Voices For Children in September of 2018.

“Voices for Children gives me the opportunity to give back to the community and also to grow personally by the interaction and learning from its amazing Directors.”

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”

Jay B. Shapiro is a Shareholder in the Litigation Department at Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. He is also a member of the firm’s Board of Directors and sits on the firm’s Executive Committee. Jay became involved with Voices in 2007 because he was greatly moved by the importance of the organization’s work. Prior to joining Voices, Jay had little understanding of the magnitude of abused, abandoned and neglected children in this community. “Nor did I appreciate the critical importance of the GAL program,” says Jay, “But after spending a few hours in Judge Lederman’s courtroom – listening to an unending parade of heart-wrenching stories of children who have been abused or neglected in the most unimaginable ways — I could not help but be moved to action.” Led by his support, Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. has been the Presenting Sponsor for the annual Be A Voice Awards Luncheon since 2007.

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?”

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.”

Abigail Price-Williams is the First Assistant County Attorney responsible for the oversight and supervision of Assistant County Attorneys’ support staff and office operations. Abigail also provides legal counsel to County Commissioners, the Mayor’s Office and County Departments. She has also held the position of Acting County Attorney. Abigail joined the County Attorney’s Office in 1990 and joined the Voices For Children’s Board of Directors in 1997. On numerous occasions, Abigail has served as Co-Chair of the Voices For Children Foundation’s annual Be A Voice Awards Luncheon.

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”

Marco Tejada is a Senior Private Banker at Wells Fargo. Marco tells us, “I once read a book titled “A Child Called It” which motivated me to get involved with foster children, but serving as a foster parent or as a Guardian seemed to be a herculean task given the nature of my job. Fundraising for the program through Voices For Children simply seemed to be a better fit for me.” Marco has been on Voices For Children’s Board of Directors since 2006.

Yolanda Valencia is Head of HR and Corporate Philanthropy for Galleria Farms, a leading grower, importer and distributor of premium, fresh-cut flowers to mass market retailers and supermarkets nationwide. Galleria Farms supports nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of children, military veterans, and senior citizens. Yolanda became a Guardian Ad Litem in 2014. She was awarded Outstanding GAL Volunteer in her Division in 2016. She also co-chaired the Voices for Children Foundation Annual Be a Voice Luncheon in 2016. She joined the Board of Directors in 2017.

“Were it not for good parenting, any one of us could have become a foster child.
Children do not have a choice who brings them into this world.
Foster children are the innocent victims of parents who let them down…they did not protect and nurture them. If everyone showed compassion and did a little bit of good to help a foster child, their lives would be enriched with love. Being part of Voices for Children Foundation is my “little bit of good”. We can all do good.”

Feyza Altindag Shipley earned her BA from Istanbul University and worked in the banking field in her native country, Turkey. She then moved to the UK and attended the University of Edinburgh's MBA program. While working in London, she developed an interest in International Business and moved to China to work on a team chartered with opening factories to produce goods for British companies.
In 2004, she moved to Boston where she decided to make a change in her professional life. Alongside with terrorism expert scholars, she worked as an assistant contractor for Special Operations Command and CIA on counter terrorism field research, which led her to spend time in Afghanistan. While she was working in this field, during the summers, she earned her Dental Hygiene degree and worked as an RDH in Boston for seven years.
Feyza served in Lions International in her early years and got the chance to work with underserved communities and children. At a young age, she got the opportunity to work on fundraising projects. Also, in her time in Afghanistan, she worked on research about war orphans and child brides. She also volunteered as a health care provider in schools in Massachusetts where oral health care was out of reach.
In 2016, she became part of the Shipley family and is a Board member of the Shipley Foundation. Feyza started the new scholarship programs and supported other projects that targeted children and youth. Since Feyza joined, the Shipley foundation has directed some of their support towards children and youth in need not only in the US, but also internationally.

“ I joined the board because I believe in the ability of Voices to change the lives of those we serve. Voices is able to give young people the tools they need to help break the cycle of generational abuse and neglect, effectively building a more equitable community in Miami.”