Latina Cuban-American Founder of a Firefighter-Paramedic Org.

by Phyllis Cambria

Meet Lourdes Sanchez-Breton, 2024 Hispanic Woman of Distinction, United Badges of Honor Foundation

“Hispanic women often face unique challenges, but many excel and serve as powerful voices for change and progress”

Lourdes Sanchez-Breton has been a dedicated career Firefighter/Paramedic for over 20 years, and she is also the founder of the United Badges of Honor Foundation.

Lourdes, who was born and raised in Miami, Florida, is deeply rooted in her community.

Lourdes says she draws strength and inspiration from her Cuban heritage. Her passion for helping others, as well as her commitment to public service are evident in her professional and philanthropic endeavors.

As a firefighter and paramedic, Lourdes has spent years protecting and serving her community. Her experience in emergency services has equipped her with the skills and resilience to handle high-pressure situations, and to provide critical care to those in need. She has also responded to several world- wide disasters, thus providing crucial support and aid to those affected by loss and tragedy. These experiences have further fueled her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Lourdes also founded the United Badges of Honor Foundation in order to support first responders and their families. This foundation works tirelessly to provide resources, assistance, and recognition to those who risk their lives to keep our communities safe. Through her leadership, the foundation has grown and made a significant difference in the lives of many first responders and their loved ones.

Outside of her professional life, Lourdes is an avid traveler who loves exploring new places and cultures. She finds joy and fulfillment in spending quality time with her family and prioritizes personal growth and self-improvement.

Therefore, giving back to the community is a core value for Lourdes, and she actively seeks out opportunities to contribute to various causes and to support those in need.

Lourdes’ hobbies also reflect her commitment to staying active and connected to nature. To this end, she enjoys fishing, gardening, cycling, weightlifting, and hiking. These activities not only provide a balance to her demanding career, but they also offer her a great sense of peace and rejuvenation.

Lourdes’ dedication to her work, her community, the foundation, and her personal passions make her a most respected and influential figure in her field. Her unwavering commitment to service, and her compassionate spirit continue to inspire those around her.

Hispanic Women of Distinction

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.

Related content:

The Hispanic Women of Distinction Reaches a Milestone Celebration of Community, Culture and Charity honoring Latinas in South Florida, Past and Present

The 19th Annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity Luncheon

The 2018 Hispanic Women of Distinction Honorees Named