Board of Directors

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Board of Directors

Board Officers

Anthony J. Abbate, Chair

Associate Provost and Professor

Florida Atlantic University

I am involved with Hispanic Unity of Florida because I support the mission to empower immigrants to be engaged, productive, and self-sufficient members of American society. I am aware of the opportunities and the challenges, my parents having been first and second-generation immigrants, of contributing meaningfully to the "melting pot" that makes this nation so attractive for achieving security and prosperity for individuals and families.

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Christina Paradowski, Past Chair

Attorney 

I support Hispanic Unity because: "I want to pay it forward. Uprooting and moving your family is a challenge all on its own, but when it involves moving to a new country with a different language and an unfamiliar way of life, it can be completely overwhelming. Hispanic Unity provides a built-in community to help our neighbors acclimate to their new lives and learn to navigate through everyday situations we take for granted. This way, they will be fully equipped to fulfill their potential as civically, socially, and professionally engaged members of our community. And one day, they, too, will pay it forward."

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization!

Maritza Alvarez - Chair Elect

Vice President of Memorial Neuroscience Institute

Memorial Hospital West

“As the daughter of immigrant parents, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the courage and determination it takes to leave one’s country and pursue the American Dream. In those days, resources and support services for immigrants were scarce to nonexistent. I support HUF because it has become a beacon in our community for immigrants seeking guidance and support as they acclimate to their new home.”

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization!

Carolina Cardozo, Esq., Secretary

Attorney, Carolina Cardozo, Esq.

I support HUF because: I believe in its mission. HUF’s programs and services have real impact on people’s lives in our community. I feel fortune to be able to contribute my time and efforts to such an amazing organization.

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization!

Lisette Rodriguez, Treasurer

Audit Principal

Hancock Askew & Co., LLP

I am involved with Hispanic Unity because…of the amazing and noble work they do to support our immigrant community. I am the first generation of my family born in the USA, which is something I will never take for granted because of all that my grandparents and parents sacrificed to ensure a better life for me. The mission of HUF is close to my heart and I am thankful to be on this journey with HUF to further their program mission.

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization!

Board Members

Maria Barnard

VP, Strategy and Finance

JM Family Enterprises, Inc.

I am involved with Hispanic Unity because… “I connect with HUF’s mission of empowering immigrants and others to become self-sufficient, productive, and civically engaged. Everyone benefits from having a community of support – immigrant or not. However, it can be harder for immigrants to find a support system in a new country, with a different culture and language. I know firsthand the immense positive impact of those that help me along the way, and through HUF I have an opportunity to help others in our community.”

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization!

Elsa Bittar

Director of Wealth

JPMorgan Chase

I am involved with Hispanic Unity because I share the same values, mission, sense of responsibility to serve and empower others. It is through the collective knowledge and strengths that we will be able to pave the way for others and continue to move our communities forward.

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization! 

Giselle Cushing

I am involved with Hispanic Unity because… “ I want to help others achieve the “American Dream”. My parents were immigrants that came into this Country with no money to start their lives in the USA. They were very fortunate to connect with a small non-for-profit organization in Chicago that assisted them to get on their feet. I want to pay it forward and help families access the same opportunities we all have in this Country! ”

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization!

Lesli Cartaya Franco

Account Director

O'Connell & Goldberg Public Relations

I am involved with Hispanic Unity because… “I am the daughter of an immigrant and mother to two beautiful Cuban-Puerto Rican children. As such, I feel a strong connection to my heritage and advocate on behalf of issues affecting our diverse cultures. My hope is to help effect small changes in our community that will create a more vibrant and loving future for my children.”

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization!

 

Boris Espinoza

I am involved with Hispanic Unity because…I am passionate about doing everything I can to help recent immigrants assimilate into the fabric of our society in the US. Having arrived in the US at the age of 9, I was the recipient of a great deal of help from people and institutions that wanted us to assimilate and ultimately succeed in achieving the American Dream. Being part of HUF gives me the opportunity to help others as I was helped.

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization!

Dan Herz

DFH Business Consultants Inc.

Private Hard Money Lender

I support HUF because: I was fortunate enough to have been born and raised in America and feel all immigrants should have the same opportunities to work hard and prosper that I have had.

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Dr. Jeffrey Nasse

Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs

www.broward.edu

HUF truly is a “force for good” here in South Florida. I am involved with HUF because of this organization’s tremendous work in supporting immigrant families who better our community. The scale of the meaningful differences that HUF has made, and will make, for so many people is so powerful. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing team.

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization!

Alexandra Palau

Email Marketing Consultant, All About Email Marketing

www.allaboutemailmarketing.com

I am involved with Hispanic Unity because I am the proud daughter of a Cuban immigrant who arrived in the United States with nothing but hope and resilience. I've witnessed the struggles and sacrifices made by friends and family to build a better life here. It's a personal mission to ensure that HUF continues its vital work, empowering all immigrants to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. This organization stands as a beacon of hope, and I am committed to illuminating that path for others.

Christian Reyes

Market Director

JPMorgan Chase

“I have personally experienced the many sacrifices immigrants make to achieve a better life, this has shaped who I am today. I am lucky to have been embraced by a strong support system that has helped me achieve the American dream. Hispanic Unity will undoubtedly help me further this personal passion, by helping individuals achieve their own personal goals and aspirations. I consider myself very fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of this organization.”

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization!

Francisco Rivera

Head of Emerging Business for Latin America

Sony Pictures Entertainment

I am involved with Hispanic Unity of Florida because of their commitment with the Hispanic community and their focus on partnering with them through education, civil engagement, practical training and support. As an immigrant, I'm certain that HUF will be a key part for unlocking our community's full potential.

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization!

Ana Rodriguez

Director, Florida Blue Centers

Florida Blue/ Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida

I am involved with Hispanic Unity because I truly believe in the importance and value of this amazing organization. As a two-time immigrant myself, I know first-hand the intricacies and challenges of building a new life in two new countries. First, as a 3 year old child immigrating from Colombia to London, England, where I recall my family facing daily challenges with the language barrier, lack of knowledge of laws and regulations, employment challenges and overall complications acclimating to the English way of life. Later in my young adult life, I chose to relocate to Miami, FL arriving with only two suitcases- where again I had to learn an entirely new system in order to build a new life here. Being an immigrant offers wonderful opportunities, but without organizations such as HUF, the process can be extremely difficult, sometimes impossible.

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization!

Lucia Rodriguez

 

Principal & Senior Consultant

7 Circles LLC – Strategic Marketing Solutions

I support HUF because...As an immigrant, I know the level of courage and perseverance that is needed to successfully navigate the journey towards achieving the American dream. I also know how critical it is to have the right support and guidance along the way. I want to give back to that same community that has supported and guided me in my own journey. I feel passionate about the mission of the organization and truly treasure this opportunity to serve.

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization!

Angie Stone

Consultant

Stone Business Solutions, Inc.

I support HUF because...“I found a place in South Florida that supports people who have moved to a new place in order to improve their lives.”

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization!

Legal Counsel

Manooch Azizi

Legal Counsel

Tripp Scott, P.A.

Board Member Emeritus

Melida Akiti

Vice President

Memorial Healthcare System

I support HUF because: “I take passion in serving my community. I strongly believe in giving back as part of our mission in life.”

Thanks for making a gift to my favorite organization!

Juan Carlos Arias

Catalina Avalos

Josie Bacallao

Manny Baerga, Founder

Rosie Puello Burkman

Angelo Castillo

Rae Chorowski

María Elena Ferrer

Malena Mendez

Carlos García

Guillermo Gomez

Jorge Gonzalez

Barbara Grevior

Yvonne Lopez

Nydia Menéndez

Attorney

Menéndez Law Firm

I support HUF because: I love what HUF does and how HUF does it.

Hyram Montero, P.A.

Arnold Nazur, CPA, CFE

Lily Pardo

Dr. Maritza Paz

Emma Pfister

Andrés Pintaluga

J. E. Piriz

Marta Prado, R.N.

María Sanjuan

Steve Sampier

Daniel Schevis

Charles Tatelbaum

Director

Tripp Scott

I support HUF because: I am involved with Hispanic Unity because of its mission and commitment to the community to provide education and support services (without charge) to those residents who strive to reach the American Dream. As a son of parents who came to this country seeking to reach that goal, their success was based in part on those that were willing to help them in their new home. Hispanic Unity continues the century old tradition of helping others reach and exceed their aspirations for themselves and their families. 

 

 

Diana Wasserman Rubin

Hispanic Unity of Florida: Client Stories

Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUF) is a non-profit founded in 1982 by community leaders to ease the acculturation transition for newcomers from other nations. Today, HUF provides assistance through 12 programs and 30+ services in four languages to South Florida's diverse community. HUF, an UnidosUS Affiliate, is one of South Florida’s largest agencies dedicated to the immigrant population, providing them with the tools they need to build a new life. Since its inception, HUF has served nearly 500,000 people.