Miami Lakes is a unique place for many reasons and perhaps especially because each year, it formally recognizes women who contribute to the well-being of residents.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava noted that aspect of town culture when she made the keynote speech at the Women of Distinction luncheon, held at Town Hall on March 15.
“That you have such a committee, and you have such awards, I don’t think any other municipality does that,” Levine Cava said.
Residents nominate women who have made significant contributions to Miami Lakes in six categories: Volunteering, the arts, business, government, education and health services.
The town’s Cultural Affairs Committee chooses the winners who are recognized as part of the town’s Women’s History Month celebrations.
Levine Cava was joined by the committee, honorees’ families and members of the Miami Lakes Town Council.
Vice Mayor Bryan Morera said in his opening remarks, “These awards recognize leaders, trailblazers and changemakers.”
Councilmen Juan Carlos Fernandez and Steven Herzberg also attended.
“Our county is stronger because of you,” Levine Cava told the audience. “Your town, Miami Lakes, is stronger because of you … Women do so much for so many. We’re stronger because of all women.”
Levine Cava celebrated women’s contributions as well as how the county has worked under her leadership to help them succeed.
She recounted being approached to sign a United Nations treaty to prevent discrimination against women.
“We are the first county to have adopted [it],” Levine Cava said. The U.S.A. has not yet ratified it, she said.
Levine Cava said she and county staff are highlighting female business owners, addressing the wage gap and combating human trafficking and domestic violence against women and girls.
After her speech, Levine Cava said she is concerned about how women are currently being treated by the federal government.
“If you look at [a new list of] prohibited words, one of them in federal grants right now, one is [the word] woman,” Levine Cava said. “DEI, diversity, equity and inclusion, those who have benefitted most from that approach are women. So yes, I am very concerned about support for women in this administration.”
The luncheon was catered by Chef Veronica Mauri.
This year’s honorees are:
• Volunteer: Vivian Levy, chair, Special Needs Advisory Board. Madelin Santana, vice chair of the Special Needs Advisory Board, nominated Levy. “Vivian Levy has made a profound and lasting impact on our community, especially in the field of special needs advocacy and inclusion,” Santana wrote. On the board since 2018, Santana credited Levy with providing support and joy for families by staging talent shows; fashion shows; sensory-friendly movies; parent workshops and field trips.
• Arts: Audrey Amadeo, founder, Arts for Autism. Vivian Levy nominated Amadeo and wrote that Amadeo’s Arts for Autism organization teaches dance to children and adults with special needs. Levy said, “She is constantly promoting acceptance and inclusion in our community through her dance program and her work [at Miami Dade College as director of access disability services].”
• Business: Tammy Hassan, catering coordinator, Pei Wei restaurant. Maddie Santana’s nomination letter said: “With 18 years in the hospitality industry and four years at Pei Wei, Tammy Hassan has become a dedicated leader in both business and community service in Miami Lakes.” Hassan hosts Girl Scouts’ Lunar New Year events, organized school lunches, business events and local donations and created “a space where families and staff felt at home.”
• Education: Elizabeth Rebustillo, science teacher. Jessy Orellana nominated Rebustillo, who was called “passionate about fostering a classroom environment built on respect and compassion.” She taught biology to Orellana’s son, and “went above and beyond” for him. She “strives to empower her students to become independent thinkers, lifelong learners, and responsible citizens,” Orellana said. With 28 years of experience, she taught at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School and for the past 12 years at Miami Lakes K-8 Center.
• Health Services: Dr. Rutsie Hernandez, DMD Miami Lakes Dental Associates. Zee Aleman’s nomination letter said Hernandez is “generous in her efforts to uplift others” and “visionary and compassionate, she inspires those around her with unwavering dedication and integrity.” Aleman also described Hernandez’s “superior bedside manner” and noted Hernandez’s “entrepreneurial spirit as a business owner” and “commitment to excellence.”
• Government: Clarisell De Cardenas, communications & community affairs director, Town of Miami Lakes. Elsa Reus nominated De Cardenas and said early in her career, “She coordinated over 100 events every year to cater to a wide range of audience.” While keeping residents informed, she leads her department in coordinating events and communications for Miami Lakes. During her 13 years at Town Hall, she has been promoted to her current role. As a member of the Miami Lakes Town Foundation board, De Cardenas has helped raise “thousands of dollars in funds” for non-profits, Reus wrote.
First photo caption: The Town of Miami Lakes and the Cultural Affairs Committee held its annual luncheon to honor women who contribute to life in the community. From left: Elizabeth Rebustillo; Dr. Rutsie Hernandez; Audrey Amadeo; Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who gave the keynote speech; Clarisell De Cardenas; Vivian Levy and Tammy Hassan. Photo: Alexandra Herrera.