Latina Nicaraguan American Dedicated to Public Service

by Elaine Vasquez

Meet Maria Alejandra Membreno, 2026 Hispanic Woman of Distinction, Chief of Staff, Mayor Jose “Pepe” Diaz, City of Sweetwater

“Hispanic women in leadership inspires other women to pursue positions where they can lead, serve and create opportunities for future generations”

Maria Alejandra Membreno is a distinguished community advocate, and accomplished executive whose professional journey reflects resilience, service, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others.

A proud immigrant who came to the United States from Nicaragua at the age of six, Maria Alejandra’s life story is rooted in faith, perseverance, and gratitude for the opportunities afforded by this nation. Her experiences have shaped a leadership philosophy centered on integrity, compassion in creating pathways for others to succeed. As a Hispanic woman in leadership, she is passionate about inspiring others to pursue opportunities where they can lead, serve, and create lasting impact for future generations.

Maria Alejandra currently serves as Chief of Staff to Mayor Jose “Pepe” Diaz for the City of Sweetwater, directly assisting in managing the city’s daily operational functions and its nearly 32-million-dollar budget. She oversees strategic initiatives, intergovernmental affairs, economic development efforts, procurement, public policy implementation, and community engagement.

Throughout her tenure, she has played an instrumental role in advancing transformative projects that enhance quality of life for residents, strengthen municipal operations, and position the city for long-term success.

Prior to her service in government, Maria Alejandra built an accomplished career in banking, real estate, commercial lending and staffing holding executive leadership positions developing a reputation for strategic thinking, operational excellence, and results-driven management ultimately launching her own business Legacy Worx in 2017.

Her commitment to excellence has earned numerous recognitions throughout her career. In 2026, she was recognized by “Estylo Magazine” and “Hispanic Media” for her professional leadership and dedication to public service. In 2025, she received the “Civic Leadership Recognition” from the City of Sweetwater for her contributions in supporting the administration of Mayor Jose “Pepe” Diaz and advancing initiatives focused on economic development, community programs, and public engagement. Maria Alejandra received the “2015 Business Leader Award’ from the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, recognizing more than 20 years of active involvement supporting Hispanic entrepreneurship, business development, mentorship, and economic empowerment throughout South Florida. She was also honored as AXA Advisors/Equitable “Employee of the Year in 2014” for her exceptional professional performance and leadership.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Maria Alejandra has dedicated decades to community service. She is the founder of The Tooth Healer for Children Around the World Foundation; an organization committed to improving the lives of underserved children through healthcare access and humanitarian outreach. She also served as an ambassador for the MagicWaste Youth Foundation, supporting youth transitioning out of foster care and helping create opportunities for their future success.

A devoted wife, mother, daughter, mentor, and woman of faith, Maria Alejandra believes true success is measured by the lives we impact and the opportunities we create for others. As a recipient of the “2026 Hispanic Women of Distinction” award, she is recognized not only for her professional achievements, but also for her lifelong dedication to service, leadership, community advancement, and empowering future generations of Hispanic women to lead with courage, purpose, and compassion. Maria Alejandra’s mantra that she lives by is Soli Deo Gloria.

The 25th Hispanic Women of Distinction  charity luncheon and business expo

The 25th annual Hispanic Women of Distinction charity luncheon and business expo will take place Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, marking a milestone year honoring Latina leadership across South Florida. Founded in 2001 by the late Erwin M. Vasquez, M.D., a Venezuelan-born cardiologist and publisher of El Heraldo de Broward, alongside his wife, Elaine Miceli-Vasquez, the program was established to recognize Latinas whose leadership, service and professional success continue to shape the region.

Over the past 25 years, the initiative has grown into one of South Florida’s most recognized platforms celebrating Latina achievement across business, government, health care and community service. “The remarkable Latinas I have met over the past 25 years have created a true sisterhood — supporting one another in business, community service, and in preserving and sharing their culture and traditions,” said Miceli-Vasquez, producer and co-founder. “Our Dos Culturas reception brings together past and current honorees, reinforcing those connections year after year.”

The annual sold-out luncheon draws approximately 1,000 attendees in partnership with Nicklaus Children’s Health System, the region’s only licensed health care system exclusively for children. More than 30 corporate and media partners support the event. Latin Business Today, a longtime media co-sponsor, features honorees through dedicated editorial coverage. Each year, a charitable organization benefits from proceeds generated through the event’s silent auction, raffles, sponsorships and advertising. The 2026 beneficiary is the American Lung Association, which works to improve lung health, prevent lung disease and advance clean air initiatives nationwide.

2026 honorees: Selected from more than 60 nominations across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties:

2026 Latina Pioneer of the Year

Rosanna Cordero-Stutz, sheriff of Miami-Dade County. With more than 29 years in law enforcement, she is the first Hispanic American woman sheriff in Florida’s history. The achievements of this year’s honorees underscore the continued advancement of Latinas in leadership roles, despite longstanding barriers in professional and civic spaces. The event will feature a complimentary cocktail sponsored by Tito’s Vodka, live entertainment, a business expo, silent auction and a tribute recognizing more than 350 honorees since the program’s inception. Sponsorships begin at $1,500, and individual tickets are $125.

For more information visit: Hispanic Women of Distinction or email

 Gran celebración del 25.º aniversario de Hispanic Women of Distinction:
almuerzo benéfico y expo empresarial

Comunidad • Cultura • Filantropía

El 25.º aniversario del almuerzo benéfico y expo empresarial Hispanic Women of Distinction se llevará a cabo el viernes 21 de agosto de 2026 en el Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino en Hollywood, Florida, marcando un año emblemático en reconocimiento al liderazgo latino femenino en el sur de Florida. Fundado en 2001 por el fallecido Erwin M. Vasquez, M.D., cardiólogo venezolano y editor del periódico El Heraldo de Broward, junto a su esposa Elaine Miceli-Vasquez, el programa fue creado para reconocer a mujeres latinas cuyo liderazgo, servicio y logros profesionales continúan impactando positivamente a la comunidad. A lo largo de 25 años, la iniciativa se ha consolidado como una de las plataformas más reconocidas del sur de Florida para destacar el talento y la trayectoria de mujeres latinas en los sectores empresarial, gubernamental, de salud y comunitario.

“Las extraordinarias mujeres latinas que he conocido durante estos 25 años han creado una verdadera hermandad, apoyándose en los negocios, el servicio comunitario y en la preservación de sus culturas y tradiciones,” expresó Miceli-Vasquez, productora y cofundadora. “Nuestra recepción privada Dos Culturas reúne a homenajeadas de años anteriores y actuales, fortaleciendo esos lazos.” El evento anual, que tradicionalmente se presenta con entradas agotadas y reúne a aproximadamente 1,000 asistentes, es presentado por Latina Style Inc., líder nacional en el desarrollo empresarial de mujeres hispanas, en alianza con Nicklaus Children’s Health System, el único sistema de salud pediátrico con licencia especializada en la región. Más de 30 socios corporativos y medios de comunicación respaldan este evento. Latin Business Today, copatrocinador de larga trayectoria, presenta perfiles editoriales de las homenajeadas cada año.

Como parte del evento, se selecciona una organización benéfica beneficiaria de los fondos recaudados a través de subastas silenciosas, rifas, patrocinios y publicidad. En 2026, la organización beneficiaria será la American Lung Association, cuya misión es mejorar la salud pulmonar, prevenir enfermedades respiratorias y promover aire limpio para todos.

Homenajeadas 2026:

HWD
2026 Hispanic Women of Distinction

Seleccionadas entre más de 60 nominaciones de los condados de Miami-Dade, Broward y Palm Beach:

 Latina pionera del año 2026

Rosanna Cordero-Stutz, alguacil del condado Miami-Dade Con más de 29 años de experiencia en el orden público, es la primera mujer hispanoamericana en ocupar el cargo de alguacil en la historia de Florida. Los logros de las homenajeadas reflejan el avance continuo de las mujeres latinas en posiciones de liderazgo, a pesar de los desafíos históricos en el ámbito profesional y cívico. El evento incluirá un cóctel de bienvenida cortesía de Tito’s Vodka, entretenimiento en vivo, expo empresarial, subasta silenciosa y un homenaje especial a más de 350 mujeres reconocidas desde la creación del programa. Los patrocinios comienzan en $1,500 y las entradas individuales tienen un costo de $125.

Para más información, visite: For more information visit: Hispanic Women of Distinction

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