Latin Argentina- American Preventing Child Abuse
Meet Karina Pavone, 2024 Hispanic Woman of Distinction, President/CEO, Amigos for Kids
“Hispanic women stand as pillars of strength within our culture, exemplifying resilience, fortitude and an unyielding commitment to progress. Through their unwavering determination, they inspire hope, drive, positive change and pave the way for a brighter future, not only for themselves but for generations to come.”
Just like the character Blanche DeBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” Karina Pavone personally understands the line, “I have always relied on the kindness of strangers.” This was especially true when her family moved from Argentina with little more than their clothes and a meager amount of money.
They arrived knowing no one, but soon encountered kind strangers who provided food, hand-me-down clothes, simple toys, and, most importantly, a sense of community. Inspired by the generosity she received, Karina discovered her own passion for helping others, leading her to pursue a career in psychology. She earned a BS in Psychology from Florida International University, followed by a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and further studies in Clinical Psychology at Carlos Albizu University. Karina is currently a Psy.D. candidate, making her the first in her family to complete college.
During her training, Karina worked with adults, the elderly, and AIDS patients during the height of the epidemic, addressing critical mental health issues. Although her early post-graduation positions diverged from her educational focus, her desire to make a difference eventually drew her back to her roots in psychology.
In 2020, Karina became the CEO and President of Amigos for Kids, a Miami-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect through programs that value children, strengthen families, and educate communities. Under her leadership, Amigos for Kids expanded its services amidst a global pandemic, doubling its after-school programming and launching the Amigos Care Program to support families facing food and housing insecurity during these challenging times.
Karina is a contributing author of Hispanic Stars Rising Volume II and has been featured in numerous publications, including Leaders Magazine. She has served on various panels, such as the Hispanic Leadership Summit, and has received several accolades, including the Light of Unity Award by Unity on the Bay and the Hispanic Women of Distinction Award.
Karina Pavone’s journey from relying on the kindness of strangers to becoming a beacon of support for others is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
The 2024 Honorees are:
MARIBEL FELICIANO – Broward Office of Economic & Small Business Development
MARY SOL GONZALEZ – Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative
CHRISTINA D/ELOSUA LAMBERT- Chief Adm. Officer Gordon & Partners, WPB City Commissioner
YOLY MAGANA-VALENCIA – Latinas Who Trade & Wealth with Yoly
TARLIKA NUNEZ NAVARRO – Dean, Professor of Law St. Thomas University College of Law
SUSAN NYAMORA – South Florida Wellness Network, President, CEO
KARINA PAVONE – Amigos for Kids, President CEO
MARIA T. PLANAS – Care Plus Health Plans
RACHEL EUGENIA PINEDO – Foundation of the Americas/Global Philanthropy Society, Founder
SILVIA MARIA QUINTANA – Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, Chief Executive Officer
LOURDES SANCHEZ-BRETON – United Badges of Honor Foundation, Founder & Firefighter
SANDRA NOEMI TORRES – United Latinas, Founder and CEO
2024 LATINA PIONEER of the YEAR
EMILY MARQUEZ-DULIN – -CEO, Brooke USA Foundation, a non-profit focused on providing aid to the to the developing world through economic and sustainable programs that advance the lives of people in equine dependent communities (600 million worldwide). A volunteer consultant for numerous charities and non-profit organizations as we
2024 UP & COMER HONOREE
TIFFANY ESCOBAR – Associate Attorney Beltran Brito Casamayor, LLP, Immigration & Nationality Law
Volunteer with Colombian Bar Association, Co-Founder of the Colombian American Student Bar Association and numerous community service activities.
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