A warm Breakthrough welcome to our newest board members
March 2021
Miami, FL (March, 2021)
Breakthrough Miami announced the appointment of four new board members who will each help uphold the organization’s mission to create a vibrant learning environment for traditionally underrepresented youth striving for educational opportunity. Committed to advancing Breakthrough Miami’s mission and promise, these dynamic individuals reflect diverse industries and backgrounds united by a shared vision of educational equity.
“Board Chairman Jeffrey Miller and I, are excited to announce the appointment of our new board members who share our commitment to empowering our youth through education,” said Lori-Ann Cox, Breakthrough Miami’s CEO on the appointment of new members Ofelia Chiavacci, Krystal Hernandez, Jason Jenkins and Oti Roberts. “Each brings their own set of unique interests, experiences, networks, and talents. Our new board appointees will help lead Breakthrough Miami to increased impact and recognition.”
Among the group of new board members is Ofelia Chiavacci, an accomplished architect and founder of MYOC Design. An engaged volunteer leader, Ms. Chiavacci is a member of the Community Council at CARE Elementary and a founding member of TEDxCoconutGrove. Chiavacci has supported Scholar recruitment efforts with Breakthrough Miami for many years.
Krystal Hernandez is the Vice President, Community Relations Manager for Bank of America’s Local Market Engagement team, focused on making a positive impact on communities and building connectivity and employee engagement. An active volunteer leader, Krystal is a member of the Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement team, LGBT, LEAD for Women Employee Network groups and serves as finance chair for the local chapter of Black Professionals Group (BPG). Supporting Breakthrough Miami, Krystal has helped leverage the Bank’s resources and expertise to support students and families, including financial education programming and support for COVID relief efforts.
Jason Jenkins, the Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs with the Miami Dolphins. Overseeing the organization’s front-facing brands, including media outreach, public relations, digital and social media and community efforts, Jenkins is widely respected as an influential community leader, mentor and a passionate advocate for social justice. Recognizing the power of sports to promote and encourage dialogue and critical conversations to address bias and racism and bridge divides.Jenkins has supported the development and evolution of Breakthrough Miami’s Breakthroughs and Bridges initiative over the past two years. Jenkins serves on numerous community boards throughout South Florida.
Oti Roberts is the Managing Director at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management. Referred to as the “rainmaker,” Roberts is a recognized private baking leader having served ultra-high-networth clients with the world’s leading banking institutions. Engaged as a volunteer leader in our local community, Roberts serves on the board of the Frost Science Museum and Camillus House. New to Breakthrough Miami’s village, Roberts is guided by a deep commitment to create equitable access to education and resources.
Also new to the board as ex-oficio members are Breakthrough Scholar parent Francois Cham and Breakthrough Miami Alumni Network President Damonta Morgan. Cham and Morgan bring the voice and perspective of key constituents of our Breakthrough Miami Village.
“For the past three decades, Breakthrough Miami has evolved as an opportunity generator. Students striving for educational opportunity are met with a rigorous learning environment, near-peer mentors, and a culture of high expectations. ” shared Cox. “Led by our Board of Directors and propelled by our dedicated Breakthrough Village, we will continue to grow the impact and reach of our students-teaching-students model.”