Who doesn’t know Magaly Rubio?
If you belong to the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce, bought a house or worship at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, chances are you’ve met the vibrant 72-year-old Realtor.
Or perhaps you know Rubio in a more private way, as someone who has benefitted from her work with the Zonta Club on behalf of women and girls who suffer from domestic violence or human trafficking.
Rubio’s public service and leadership in business were recognized on Nov. 1 during a luncheon at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables that funded scholarships for minority college students.
Rubio received the 2019 Hispanic Advocate of the Year award from District 13.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Esteban Bovo, Jr. nominated her as a “district champion.”
“Magaly is a tireless advocate who works toward the betterment of our community every day,” Bovo said in an email.
“I thank Magaly for continuously promoting the economic well-being of Miami Lakes residents while enhancing the quality of life of the entire community,” Bovo said.
About the acknowledgment, Rubio said, “I told Commissioner Bovo he has so many dedicated people in our community who do so many different things. I’m honored and I’m humbled that I was chosen.”
Rubio was in college when her family left Holguin, Cuba in 1965 for freedom in America.
She was a cosmetologist at Burdines department store in Miami, and then worked with her father and brother in an insurance business.
She married Eugene E. Rubio, a real estate broker. She learned to sell properties and hasn’t stopped for 32 years. Her husband died four years ago.
The couple had two children, and she enjoys visiting three grandchildren in New York City.
A town resident for 49 years, Rubio has served in various roles with the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce and has been president for the past six years.
Marta Diaz, the chamber’s executive director, has known Rubio for more than a decade.
When one of Diaz’s best friends died suddenly, “Magaly was the first to arrive and be by my side,” Diaz said.
And as president of the business group, Diaz said Rubio “has represented the chamber before different levels of government, with grace and knowledge and diplomacy. And as a Realtor, she is a superstar.”
Despite leaving Cuba so long ago, Rubio belongs to a group from her hometown who live in this country. They raise money for a place that serves food to homeless people or for those who cannot cook at home, she said.
A tremendous booster of Miami Lakes, Rubio said it is important to visit local stores and restaurants.
“People should realize how lucky we are that from many homes, you can walk to shop or have dinner,” she said. “We’re a self-contained community and have everything we need. We should support businesses so we can stay in business.”
The town honored her as one of its 2018 Women of Distinction.
Rubio also serves on its Economic Development Committee.
“I eat out here as much as I can and I spend my money in town so that everybody will prosper,” Rubio said. “The small-town atmosphere that we have, you get to know your neighbor and you get to know the businesses.
“They greet you by name when you come in,” Rubio said. “This is a great place to live.”