Live streamed event engaged hundreds of women virtually
Moira Forbes, executive vice president of Forbes Media and president and publisher of ForbesWomen, was the keynote speaker of the United Way of Miami-Dade’s 20th Annual Women United Breakfast on April 30, 2021. The live streamed event, presented by Leslie Miller-Saiontz and family, engaged business, civic and philanthropic female leaders passionate about making a difference in our community. Jolie Balido and Tina van der Ven, co-founders and co-CEOs of NewStar Media, co-chaired this year’s landmark breakfast, bringing together influential female leaders across sectors.
“What began as a small gathering of like-minded community women has become a forum welcoming national leaders such as Moira Forbes to the conversation,” said Maria C. Alonso, president and CEO, United Way of Miami-Dade. “Moira’s longstanding dedication to empowering women and her active leadership in bringing women’s issues to the forefront are emblematic of our annual breakfast and Women United – standing by and with each other to create lasting change.”
As the executive vice president of Forbes Media, Forbes is responsible for driving new business initiatives across the company’s diverse media platforms and branding Forbes events worldwide. She is also the president and publisher of ForbesWomen, a multi-media platform dedicated to successful women in business and leadership. Apart from hosting “Success with Moira Forbes,” a video series on the Forbes Video Network featuring candid, one-on-one interviews with today’s top women leaders, she also writes a dedicated leadership column for Forbes.com, profiling today’s most dynamic business leaders. In 2013, she launched the annual Forbes Women’s Summit in New York City, which brings together 250 female leaders to discuss and solve the world’s most intractable issues.
“As a former journalist and longtime local business owner and community board member, and particularly now as a single Mom of two young kids, I am grateful for the many opportunities I’ve had over the years to help elevate our community and support the brilliant professionals who comprise it,” said Jolie Balido, Co-founder and chief executive officer, NewStar Media. “One of the most meaningful ways we can empower women as business leaders is to show them how to own their sovereignty and accountability as creators of their own destinies. It’s a privilege to work alongside Tina and the other powerhouse women leaders to conceptualize and create a new three-part structure for this year’s Women United Breakfast which does just that!”
“I am incredibly honored to serve as co-chair of the Women United Breakfast, alongside Jolie this year. The mission and endeavors of Women United align perfectly with my deep-rooted commitment to community service, philanthropy and empowerment of women in our community,” Tina van der Ven, Co-founder and chief strategy officer, NewStar Media, said. “Through the United Way of Miami-Dade, we are emboldened to build a dynamic community network of incredible women who are committed to sharing strengths, experiences and passions to support and uplift one another.”
The breakfast is exclusive to members of United Way Women United. Led by Chair Soledad Picón and Vice-chair Jennifer Marques, Women United represents a group of 2,500 of Miami’s most inspiring women who unite to focus on issues of shared concern. Members come together to celebrate women who continue to break glass ceilings, change the rules of the game and make history. Each member makes an annual gift of $1,000 or more to support United Way’s work in the areas of education, financial stability and health, key to building a stronger, and better, Miami for all. Women United is connected to a global, growing force of women dedicated to creating a world of opportunity for everyone.
Past breakfast speakers have included, Emmy Award-winning television show host, entrepreneur and bestselling author, Martha Stewart; former chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi; creative director and founder behind the lifestyle brand AERIN, Aerin Lauder; president and CEO of Grameen America, Andrea Jung; real-life mom from the “The Blind Side,” Leigh Anne Tuohy; international fashion icon Donna Karan; vice chair of the Clinton Foundation, Chelsea Clinton; Academy Award-winning actress, Goldie Hawn; former Paramount Studios CEO, Sherry Lansing; and head coach of the 2019 U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, Jill Ellis, among others.
For women who are interested in becoming Women United members, please contact womenunited@unitedwaymiami.org.
About United Way Women United
Women United is a circle of purpose-driven women, passionate about making a difference through philanthropy and service. With meaningful opportunities for advocacy, volunteering, professional development and networking, 2,500 of Miami’s most inspiring women unite to focus on issues of shared concern. Members care deeply about making lasting change to improve the lives of women, older adults, young children, and families. Members contribute $1,000 or more annually to United Way and participate in year-round networking and volunteer activities that provide personal and professional growth. For more information, visit unitedwaymiami.org/join.
About United Way of Miami-Dade
Since 1924, United Way of Miami-Dade has been transforming lives by responding effectively to the community’s changing needs. Today our innovative programs focus on education, financial stability, and health–building blocks for a better quality of life. Our success comes from investing in strong programs, advocating for wise policies, and engaging community members to help generate resources. To learn more, give, advocate or volunteer, visit unitedwaymiami.org, facebook.com/UnitedWayMiami, twitter.com/UnitedWayMiami or instagram/UnitedWayMiami.
