An Accomplished Latina, College Chief of Staff and VP Communications

by Phyllis Cambria

Meet Isabel M. Gonzalez, a 2020 Hispanic Woman of Distinction, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Communications and Community Relations, Broward College

 

“Hispanic women are a beautiful mixture of ethnicities, nationalities and experiences, and there is strength in our diversity. It is important now more than ever, as our nation will look more and more like us and our children, that we must help each other ‘step into the arena’ and prepare for increased corporate, civic and community leadership.”

It has often been said, “If you want something done, give it to a busy person.” Although that quote has been attributed to many, whoever the author was, undoubtedly had someone like Isabel M. Gonzalez in mind.

Isabel Gonzalez Broward As the Chief of Staff at Broward College, she oversees the Office of the President and, as Vice President of Communications and Community Relations, she’s in charge of the school’s community relations and institutional events, marketing, public relations and contact center.

In addition to Isabel’s main job functions, she is the Co-Chair of Broward UP. Recognizing that 65% of Florida jobs require a post-secondary education, Broward UP makes Broward College more accessible to local areas where there is the highest unemployment rates and the lowest educational achievement. The college, working with other community, municipal and non-profit partners, is providing workforce training, educational workshops, and support to give those most affected in these hard-hit areas the ability to achieve UP – their Unlimited Potential.

Before joining Broward College’s staff in 2018, Isabel was the Senior Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives for the New York City Department of Education, led community relations for Mesa Public Schools and was in charge of strategic planning and communications for the Office of the Governor while living in her native Phoenix, Arizona.

Since moving to Florida, Isabel has become active in a variety of community programs. She serves on the board of HANDY, Inc., is a member of the Leadership Council of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, and the Downtown Coalition Fort Lauderdale.

Isabel earned her master’s degree in Public Administration from New York’s Columbia University and bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Spanish from Arizona State University.

Cycling, traveling, rock climbing and hiking are just some of Isabel’s free-time passions. She particularly enjoys exploring her Mexican heritage, and active travel as she hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the 867-foot vertical climb to the summit of Wyoming’s Devil’s Tower made infamous in Steven Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

The 19th annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity luncheon to be held on August 28th at Signature Grand in Davie, Florida is anticipating another sell-out of up to 1000 guests paying tribute to Latina professionals who are strengthening the social fabric of this country and making inroads in the leadership pipeline for a growingly diverse America.

The annual cultural event has now grown to be the largest celebration of Latinas in Florida representing a cross-section of disciplines that are changing the face of American culture.  With over 70 nominations this year, 12 Latinas and a Latina Pioneer have been selected to join the more than 200 past honorees.

What the women have in common and is a major part of the judging process, is their American entrepreneurship intertwined with their values and traditions. The accomplishments of these Latinas stand on their own and are even more significant given the traditional roadblocks that exist for women, especially Latinas.

Presented by Latina Style Magazine, in partnership with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Latin Biz Today, this popular high-powered exciting event includes a complimentary “mojito” and silent auction, hors d’hoerves, entertainment, and an interactive business expo on Facebook Live.

The event benefits FLITE Center, the one and only one-stop in Broward County for youth transitioning from foster care and other transitioning youth who are facing severe risks and challenges with no family support.  FLITE Center works alongside our county’s foster care placement agency, ChildNet, as well as the Judges and Magistrates who oversee their care plans.  They serve over 1500 youth per year and serve as the gap filler in the community for youth and agencies lacking the resources to help them reach full self-sufficiency.

The 2020 Honorees to from Broward, Dade and Palm Beach County are:

2020 Latina Pioneer of the Year:  RITA B CRAIG – President, Top Tier Leadership  

JENNIFER DILIZ – CEO, Founder, Midnite Communications – (Miami)

JANIE FLORES – President, Buena Vida Media – (Hialeah)

ISABEL M. GONZALEZ – Chief of Staff & Vice President of Communications & Community Relations at Broward College – (Fort Lauderdale) 

RUTH CECILIA MOGUILLANSKY – Principal Planner, Palm Beach County Office of Community Revitalization – (Palm Beach Gardens ) 

JENNIFER OLMEDO-RODRIGUEZ – Shareholder, Head of Miami Office of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney – (N. Miami Beach)

JENNIFER M. RAYMOND – Executive Director, Family Promise of South Palm Beach County – (Boynton Beach )

MARY MUNIZ-PELLICER – Director, Human Resources, YWCA of Greater Miami-Dade, Inc  (N. Miami Beach )

MONICA RIBEIRO – Vice President, Business Relationship Manager – BankUnited – (Pompano Beach)

LUZ STELLA RIOS, Phd – Managing Director, National Life Group – (Pembroke Pines) 

ESTELAMARI RODRIGUEZ, M.D. – Assoc. Director Community Outreach Thoracic Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center – (City of Miami )

ALESSANDRA STIVELMAN –Shareholder –  Eisinger, Brown, Lewis, Frankel & Chaiet, P.A.  (Hollywood)

ISIS ZAMBRANA – V.P./ Chief Quality Officer, Jackson Health System – (Weston) 

2020 Latina Pioneer of the Year:  RITA B CRAIG – President, Top Tier Leadership  

Rita formed her company more than 20 years ago helping leaders and organizations build winning cultures, deliver results and maximize performance around the world.  An award winning certified speaker and coach she has recently been appointed as one of the 21 women on the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. Rita is a resident of Palm Beach Gardens.

For more information, visit www.hispanicwomenofdistinction.com or email: hispanicwomenlunch@aol.com.   Tickets are $95 per person.  Sponsorships begin at $1500. All major credit cards accepted.  Follow us on Facebook

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