Breakthrough Miami Welcomes New Board Members, Strengthening Commitment to Opportunity and Leadership Development

Breakthrough Miami is proud to announce the appointment of three distinguished new board members, reinforcing our commitment to opening doors of opportunity for young leaders demonstrating merit and excellence. With their diverse expertise, leadership, and dedication to educational opportunity, these new members will play a pivotal role in advancing Breakthrough Miami’s mission and impact.

“We are thrilled to welcome our new board members,” said Jeffrey Miller, Breakthrough Miami Board Chairman. “Their passion, experience, and networks will enhance our work for a new chapter of Breakthrough’s continued growth in South Florida, accelerating youth leadership and early workforce development. Together, we will ensure more pathways for more ambitious students to fulfill their potential.”

CARLOS X. RAMOS

Joining the Breakthrough Miami board feels like a welcome home for me.I’ve been so blessed with a fulfilling professional career and now I have an opportunity to contribute to our community in an impactful way. A hungry young mind, when fed, can accomplish great things; I’m eager to help build the menu. – Carlos X. Ramos

A Breakthrough Miami Scholar Alumnus, Carlos X. Ramos is Senior Vice President and Corporate Regional Manager at Amerant Bank. His extensive experience in commercial banking, combined with his firsthand understanding of Breakthrough Miami’s transformative impact, makes him an invaluable addition to the board. Carlos’s leadership extends beyond banking, as he actively engages with community organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. A proud Miami native, Carlos graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a degree in finance and is dedicated to giving back to the organization that helped shape his academic and professional journey. Carlos is the first Breakthrough Scholar alumnus to serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors.

BARI RAUSNITZ

From Scholars to Teaching Fellows, Breakthrough Miami uplifts and unites the broader Miami community, providing a positive and everlasting impact on the lives of all who participate. – Bari Rausnitz

A seasoned marketing executive, Bari Rausnitz has worked with top creative agencies and global brands such as Target and Nespresso. Currently, she collaborates with Mythology, a New York-based creative agency, guiding Target’s advertising campaigns and brand strategy. Bari serves on the board of the Heckscher Foundation for Children, which has supported Breakthrough Miami’s high school programming for nearly a decade. Passionate about arts and philanthropy, she continues to integrate her creative expertise with meaningful social impact. Having relocated to Miami in 2022 with her husband and two children, she is eager to contribute to Breakthrough Miami’s vision of educational excellence.

MARCIN SABLIK

Breakthrough represents opportunity for those willing to learn and those ready to teach. It is a program that shows us how Miami leads by example. I am honored to be invited to contribute to that journey. – Marcin Sablik

Marcin Sablik is a Partner at Citadel Securities. With a background in quantitative research and financial markets, he brings a deep understanding of strategic analysis, scaling, investments, and problem-solving. Raised in the Netherlands, Marcin holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Cambridge. Now a Miami resident, Marcin is eager to engage in the South Florida community and meaningfully contribute to Breakthrough Miami’s next chapter of growth.

“For the past 34 years, Breakthrough Miami has evolved as an opportunity generator,” said Lori-Ann M. Cox, Chief Executive Officer. “Welcoming these dynamic leaders to our Board strengthens our ability to attract new partnerships, resources, and visibility that will expand opportunities for our Scholars. Their expertise and networks will help propel Breakthrough Miami forward, ensuring we continue to create transformative pathways for the next generation of leaders.”

Breakthrough Miami continues to serve as a vital partner in shaping the future of young leaders through its proven 8-year out-of-school academic and leadership enrichment model. Breakthrough Miami welcomes these new board members with enthusiasm and looks forward to their contributions toward expanding opportunities for youth in South Florida.

Jeffrey S. Miller (Chair) | Michael P. Elkin (Vice Chair) | Frank Gonzalez (Treasurer) | Brooke Perlyn (Secretary)

MEMBERS

Ofelia Chiavacci | Stephanie Fleischman | Barry S. Gould | John Hall | Laura Koffsky | Elizabeth Leight | John Malloy | Jackie Mansfield | JuliAnne McDowell | Josh Navarro Carlos X. Ramo s| Bari Rausnitz | Oti Roberts | Rachel Rodriguez | Rick Rodriguez Piña | Marcin Sablik | Alvaro Tafur | Taylor White | Abby Zanarini

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Lori-Ann M. Cox | Teshica Beckford | Melissa Buckner | Daniela de Lope | David Gellman

For more information about Breakthrough Miami and ways to get involved, visit breakthroughmiami.org/getinvolved.