Maylen Montoto an Advocate for Hospice Patients

by Latin Biz Today

Meet Maylen Montoto a 2015 Hispanic Woman of Distinction

 

Maylen MontotoIt takes a special person to advocate for hospice patients and the understanding that we are all able to die with dignity and the best care possible regardless of one’s ability to pay for services.  As the Director of Community Development for Catholic Hospice for the past 15 years, Maylen has used her public relations training, crisis management, fundraising and bilingual skills to educate the Hispanic community on the understanding of hospice programs and to protect our seniors.

Born in Las Villas, Cuba, Maylen came to the United States with her family and attended Miami Dade Community College and the earned her certification on Public Relations and Fundraising at the University of Miami.  Her engaging personality and leadership skills makes overseeing more than 250 volunteers at Catholic Hospice one of her most enjoyable responsibilities.  She coordinates  toy drives for underprivileged children, kids from Hospice patients, Children at Centro Mater and Miami Children’s Hospital and develops special events throughout the south Florida community.

Maylen finds time to be active with Liga Contra el Cancer and Relay for life, as her own mother is a three time cancer survivor.  She collaborates and  participates with the American Diabetes Association, Amigos for Kids, Cystic Fibrosis,  AOL Latino, Alzheimer’s Association, Coral Gables Chamber, Doral Business Council and South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce where she serves on the Healthcare Committee and the Hispanic Ladies Society chapter.

“I believe that one act of kindness can move a million people.  As Hispanic women we should do everything possible to encourage young Latinas to achieve a high level of education and to contribute to society”, said Maylen. “There is nothing that can limit us from achieving our life goals and keep moving forward.”

Married to her husband Luis and living in Coral Gables,  Maylen is the mother of two adult daughters, and just recently became a grandmother to healthy twin boys.  She finds time in her busy schedule to help her daughter with her grandsons while her son-in-law is on a tour of duty in the armed forces.

Also oversees 250 volunteers at the agency and participates in charities including Amigos for Kids, Alzheimers Assn. Cystic Fibrosis and the So Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and more. If anyone has seen her Facebook page recently, it is filled with photos of her first twin grandsons, also finding the time to help her daughter while her son in law is on a tour of duty in the armed forces.

CatholicHospice names Maylen Montoto Director of Community Development. Mrs. Montoto assumed responsibilities of Director on December 19, 2011.  As Director of Community Development, Mrs. Montoto is responsible for directing functions associated with the planning, organization and implementation of various public relations activities designed to increase public awareness and understanding of hospice programs, services and policies, and to promote citizen participation and volunteerism for the organization.

Mrs. Montoto, who has over 20 years of experience in the communications industry, has been with Catholic Hospice since 2001. She will oversee the fundraising efforts, the coordination of all special events and the Volunteer Department. Also included in her duties and responsibilities are acting as a public information officer, representing Catholic Hospice at various functions, developing informational materials,  and responding to citizens’ requests for hospice information.

“We are very pleased and excited to have Maylen join the Senior Management team at Catholic Hospice. Maylen brings her years of dedication, experience and compassion for end of life care to her new position as Director of Community Development. “comments Bonnie Alkema, Executive Director of Catholic Hospice.

Maylen will be celebrated as Hispanic Woman of Distinction on August 14, 2015.

Meet the other 2015 Hispanic Women of Distinction:

Eugenia Millender

Julie Kime

Maria Hernandez

Maria Elena Ferrer

Silvia Cobo

Claudia Bartra

Marielena Villamil

Yvette Aleman

Daisy Baez

Kattia A. Castellanos