A lot has happened in 30 years. Through it all, Breakthrough Miami has stayed true to our belief that all motivated students – no matter their background – deserve access to the resources needed to unlock their potential and succeed. A belief that not only should they have an even playing field, but that WE, as a community, have the power to make it happen. To make change happen. To make dreams happen. And above all, to make opportunities happen so that future generations of leaders can continue to make history happen.
Breakthrough Miami. We make opportunity happen.
Support-A-Scholar Chairs: Tatsiana & Andy Ansin | Constance & Mike Fernandez | Tina & Jeffrey Miller
Committee members: Conchi Perdomo Argiz & Tony Argiz | Jodi & Jeremy Barras | Heidi & Robin Bogle | Ofelia & Louis Chiavacci | Allison & Justyn Feldman | Sara & John Fumagalli | Monica & James Goldsmith | Sara Barli Herald | Sophia & David Howard | Kalyn & Rico James | Elizabeth & Jason Jenkins | Vicky & Sanjay Kamlani | Laura & Dan Koffsky | Elizabeth & Nathan Leight | Kendra & John Malloy | Carola & Eugene Mato | Galia Pennekamp | Monica & Mauricio Quirch | Zeinab & Olukayode Ramos | Remi & Oti Roberts | Stephanie & Michael Rosen | Hollen & Ryan Rosenberg | Michelle Simkins Rubell & Jason Rubell | Sayfie Family | Jennifer & Neil Sazant | Jackie & Richard Siegel | Blair & Jorge Sonville | Tracey & Larry Spiegelman | Jessica Goldman Srebnick & Scott Srebnick | Alvaro Tafur | Coco Palenque Torre & Venny Torre | Kim Kolisch Vinas & Frank Vinas | Abby & Jeff Zanarini
HONOREES.
We are proud to celebrate 30 years of transformative work as Miami’s Opportunity Generator. A true asset in our community, Breakthrough has evolved as a systemic solution addressing the opportunity gap, structural racism and educational inequities. We have become nationally known — from Best Summer Learning Program in the Country to NFL Social Justice Grants to Innovation in Distance Learning Awards. Our growth over the past three decades has been fueled by the energy, aspirations and commitment of our future leaders and accelerated by a dynamic Village of donors, partners, advocates, host site schools and Scholar families.
On our 30th year anniversary we celebrate five pioneers who were instrumental in our organization’s growth over three decades. Along with our honorees we will recognize the multitude of inspiring stories of leadership that span our history. Publish a message in our Tribute Journal in recognition of an honoree or RSVP here to attend this free virtual event.
Would you prefer to receive a call from our Director of Development, Frantz Williams, to make your Tribute Gift?
Michael Elkin
Principal, Forensic, Advisory and Valuation Services, Kaufman Rossin
Vice Chair, Breakthrough Miami Board of Directors
As a founding member of the Board of Directors and a dedicated professional with a vision for an inclusive and empowered community, Mike has played a vital role in ushering Breakthrough Miami’s transformative growth from a small operation with great promise to an independent 501(c)(3) with a multi-site service delivery model. His leadership and expertise has provided vigilant oversight of our fiscal and operational health. Fueled by an unwavering belief in the promise of student potential and equitable educational opportunities, Mike has worked tirelessly to build and safeguard our financial foundation. Publish a message in our Tribute Journal in honor of Mike Elkin.
Regina Jollivette Frazier
Retired, University of Miami Hospitals & Clinics
Secretary, Breakthrough Miami Board of Directors
As a long-standing member of the executive and governance committees of our Board of Directors, Regina has served in a leadership capacity at a pivotal time in the organization’s development, helping to nurture the seed planted in 1991 with an inaugural class of forty Scholars. She has furthered our important work through her leadership ensuring our organization maintains proper governance, building and safeguarding and protecting Breakthrough Miami’s reputation as an upstanding and high-quality non-profit. Publish a message in our Tribute Journal in honor of Regina Jollivette Frazier.
JuliAnne McDowell
Founder, Breakthrough Miami Volunteer Network
Trustee, Breakthrough Collaborative
Member, Breakthrough Miami Board of Directors
Julianne exemplifies one of the greatest stories of leadership that has helped shape our organization’s growth and profoundly expanded our impact. She has served in a leadership role at a pivotal time in the organization’s development, helping to nurture the seed planted in 1991. Julianne has furthered our important work with her creativity. Propelling the organization’s brand, supporters and affinity, many of the ideas she sparked have since become embedded, in a more formal way, into our organizational infrastructure, traditions and program. Her leadership has helped bring together enthusiastic volunteers with shared interests, enhancing the embedded service-learning partnerships at our host site schools, and bringing to life new programming support and traditions. Publish a message in our Tribute Journal in honor of JuliAnne McDowell.
Jeffrey Miller
Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Krillion Ventures
Chairman, Breakthrough Miami Board of Directors
Founding Chairman, Beacon College Prep Board
Chair, University of Miami Frost School of Music Board
Founding Breakthrough Miami board member and passionate advocate for education, Jeff embodies the Breakthrough spirit of transformational leadership. Jeff’s ambitious vision and goals for Breakthrough Miami have been instrumental to advancing our trajectory of growth and success. His steady leadership, big heart, coaching, ideas, advocacy and introductions over 14 years have helped us fundamentally evolve as a stronger and more effective organization and team. Building and promoting the partnership with Ransom Everglades, and more recently Beacon College Prep, Jeff has worked tirelessly to accelerate and advance Breakthrough Miami. Publish a message in our Tribute Journal in honor of Jeffrey Miller.
In memoriam: Dr. Eugene Sayfie
As an early member of the SummerBridge Advisory Board, Dr. Eugene Sayfie served in a leadership role at a pivotal time in the organization’s development, helping to nurture the seed planted in 1991 with an inaugural class of forty Scholars. Dr. Sayfie’s belief in the promise of student potential and equitable educational opportunities, helped foster a community of supporters who galvanized to grow a partnership that would later evolve into an independent 501c3, Breakthrough Miami. Honoring Dr. Sayfie’s legacy, we also recognize the enduring, candid and heartfelt partnership and support of the family, who have been by our side as passionate advocates and avid supporters. Publish a message in our Tribute Journal in honor of Dr. Eugene Sayfie.
EVENT DETAILS.
As we toast to this momentous year, we invite you to join us for a two-part Celebration this Fall honoring leadership and our shared commitment to education equity. Kicking off our anniversary celebration, our Virtual Tribute Ceremony on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 will feature a salute to pioneers and leaders who make breakthroughs possible. Publish a message in our Tribute Journal in recognition of an honoree or RSVP here to attend this free virtual event.
Contributions to Support A Scholar include invitations to the two-part event.
Each gift of $2,500 funds one year of a Scholar’s journey with Breakthrough Miami.
For inquiries or additional information contact our SAS team:
at admin@breakthroughmiami.org / 305.646.7210