9th Annual “For the Love of Learning” Gala

Benefitting The Foundation for New Education Initiatives, Over 400 of Miami’s most influential business and philanthropic leaders attended, providing critical support so the district’s underprivileged students can achieve their educational goals.

Roberto Alonso, Donald Slesnick II, Marshall Davis Sr., Bobby Flam, Superintendent Jose L. Dotres, Michelle Delancy, Mari Tere Rojas, Kris Anderson, Luisa Santos, Mary Blanco, Senator Rene Garcia

The Foundation for New Education Initiatives hosted its ninth annual “For the Love of Learning” Gala at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami. Over 400 of Miami’s most influential business and philanthropic leaders attended, providing critical support for M-DCPS students for scholarships, new STEAM Labs for elementary schools, resources that bridge the technology gap, and for opportunities to experience cultural events. This support includes providing resources for the district’s underprivileged students so they can achieve their educational goals.

This year’s event was co-Chaired by Jose L. Dotres, Superintendent of Schools, Maribel Dotres, Alan Fein of Stearns Weaver, and Susi Westfall, Founder of City Theater Miami. The Foundation Board of Directors and the 2025 Gala Sponsors were recognized for their outstanding leadership and support. WPLG Local 10 News Anchor, Louis Aguirre, welcomed and invited guests to join in paying tribute to the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Gala guests were greeted by the National Academy of Business and Finance Students from Southwest Miami High School. Dinner was accompanied by a lively performance from Dance Now Ensemble M-DCPS students. Finally, remarks from Miami Norland Middle School student Clint John were given. Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres highlighted the evening and showcased our amazing and talented students.  Our incredible sponsors were recognized during the Gala program.

Senator Rene Garcia, Donald Slesnick II, Kris Anderson, Michelle Delancy, Superintendent Jose L. Dotres, Bobby Flam, Marshall Davis Sr.
Kaira Weiser, Talia Gonzalez, Ana Gonzalez, Henry Gonzalez

Miami-Dade County Public Schools Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Kris Anderson
Adrienne Calvo
Marshall Davis, Sr.
Michelle Delancy
Bobby Flam
Rene Garcia
Jamar Roberts
Donald Slesnick, II

Beth Smith, Steven Beltre, Courtney Rivas, David Marin, Yesenia Sanchez, Osvaldo Guerra
Alan Fein, Susi Westfall, Maribel Dotres, Jose L. Dotres
Jose Dans, Heide Dans, Maribel Dotres, Jose L. Dotres

Sponsors

Art Access Miami
The Knight Foundation
Cigna Healthcare
Jose Milton Foundation
Achieve Miami
Miami Dade College
Senator Rene Garcia
EdFed
FPL
Greenberg Traurig
Stearns Weaver Miller
The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation
Achieve Miami
WOW Mktg
Phyllis McHenry with Friends

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Superintendent Jose L. Dotres, Maribel Dotres
Calros Migoya, Zuzel Jimenez, Senator Rene Garcia, Maribel Dotres, Superintendent Jose L. Dotres
Ron Shuffield, Anita Shuffield, Jose L. Dotres, Maribel Dotres
Maribel and Jose Dotres, Dave Lawrence, Debbie and Darrel Payne
Laurie Jennings, Madeline Pumariega, Jose and Maribel Dotres
Maribel and Jose Dotres, Mari Tere Rojas
Jose L. Dotres, Mari Tere Rojas, Daniella Levine Cava, Luisa Santos, Roberto Alonso
Alfred and Selena Thomas, Mary and Mike DiBenedetto
Laurie Jennings, Josh Salman, Robert and Beth Sackstein, Jose and Heide Dans, Scott and Robin Hansel
Matthew MacDonald, Louis Aguirre, Beth and Robert Sackstein
Brad and Cori Meltzer, Laurie Jennings, Josh Salman
Suzan McDowell, Susi Westfall, Natasha Lowell, Sandra Bermudez