The Lopez Lens: Spotlight on Tamara Beliard Rodriguez
The television executive and philanthropist focuses on giving back and getting her family involved.
Tamara Beliard Rodriguez is an entrepreneur and author and co-owner of Island TV, a Miami based television network with over 25 years on-air offering news and entertainment programs in Haitian Creole, French and English. Under Beliard Rodriguez’ leadership, the network is now in 15 Caribbean islands and is fully digital. A much anticipated Caribbean cook-out television show is in the works with the first season launching this summer. Beliard Rodriguez a CPA who has also written children books. But the mother of two beautiful teenage girls, who says she feels strongly about elevating her own Caribbean culture, also says that giving back to her community as a family is the best way to inspire the next generation of volunteers and philanthropists. In fact, Beliard Rodriguez co-founded the Caribbean Community Cares Foundation with that fundamental principal in mind.
Her most recent endeavor was co-chairing the “Take a Walk in Her Shoes” luncheon benefiting Chapman Partnerships. Beliard Rodriguez and her five dynamic co-chairs, Ariel Penzer, Tatiana Teo, Brigid Samole, Trish Bell and myself included, helped raise over $320,000, secured over 1000 new volunteers and countless hours of future service and awareness for Chapman Partnerships.
I sat down with Beliard Rodriguez and asked her how she manages to be Superwoman-mom of two; TV host; board member at three charitable organizations, author and health & wellness ambassador for her community. A soft spoken, elegant lady with a passion for many causes, she smiled and said, “Let me tell you why.”
Marile Lopez: Why do you give back to your community?
Tamara Beliard Rodriguez: I give back because I believe that too much is given, much is expected. I have been blessed with so much love and opportunities and I feel that it is important to give back. So as much as I can, I give back.
ML: You well-known within the Haitian-American community. How did you know this was your “calling”?
TBR: I come from a family that has always been active in the community and works towards uplifting the underserved and underrepresented. I feel good when I empower someone to reach their full potential or when I help someone feel loved and appreciated. I always say that is being an accountant is my profession, but giving back is my passion!”
ML: What words of wisdom would you tell young women who are now coming into their careers and family about “balance?”
TBR: Balance is a very tough skill to master! I think it is important to prioritize and focus on your top 2-3 goals. In my experience, it is very difficult to do it all and expect all of it to be done perfectly!
ML: Why did you choose to volunteer and support Chapman Partnerships?
TBR: Chapman Partnerships believes in transitioning from homelessness to a permanent home with dignity. I love the Chapman pillars and wanted to be more involved with organizations in Miami-Dade County.
ML: What was your biggest take away from the TAWIHS luncheon?
TBR: The testimonials from the Chapman residents were so beautiful! It was an afternoon of fun, networking, fundraising, but also an afternoon that connected all the attendees to the authentic impact of the organization.
ML: Tamara Beliard Rodriguez it was an honor to co-chair with you, and an even bigger honor to become your friend….on to next year’s Take A Walk in Her Shoes, when Tamara and her dynamic co-chairs will be at it again, raising funds, raising awareness and raising lots of smiles for all the residents at Chapman Partnership.
Marile Lopez is the Chief Financial Officer at Jorge Luis Lopez Law Firm, a governmental affairs firm representing Municipal Governments, Florida 100 and Fortune 500 companies at the federal, state and local levels. As CFO, she manages the financial reporting, income taxes, account receivable, drafting of contracts, and investments for the firm. Prior to joining the firm in 2006, Mrs. Lopez founded and was creative director for Maria Elena Headpieces, a successful million dollar bridal accessory company which designs, manufactures, and sells products to high-end international wedding boutiques.
Mrs. Lopez also dedicates time to serve the community through leadership roles in a number of organizations. She is Chair of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s South Florida Executive Committee, whose initial focus is to host the 2020 Legends for Charity Dinner (NFL Super Bowl LIV). She is also Chair of FIU’s Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs Dean’s Advisory Council, where she is leading her 2nd — multi-million dollar capital campaign as part of “Next Horizon: The Campaign for FIU”. She also serves on the board of Chapman Partnership, Boys and Girls Club of Miami-Dade, FIU President’s Council, and the American Red Cross. She has served as Chair of Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH) Foundation, on the Board of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and the Miami Children’s Health System Board, as well as on the Board of American Cancer Society’s Miami-Dade Unit.
Marile Lopez and her husband, Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq., are widely known for their philanthropic work in our South Florida community. They have received numerous awards for their exceeding dedication, including the 2017 Power Couple by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, 2015 American Red Cross Philanthropy Volunteer of the Year Award, the 2014 Charles “Bebe” Rebozo Humanitarian Award from the Boys & Girls Club of Miami-Dade, the 2013 James W. McLamore Volunteer of the Year Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Marile received in 2018 the MDC Parks Foundation in the Company of Women Award, the Take a Walk in her Shoes Award by Chapman Partnership, and the Woman of the Year Award by Miami Women Who Rock. In 2017, she received the Philanthropy Award by Fairchild Botanical Gardens, and in 2016, she was the recipient of Torch Award – Community Leadership Professional Achievement Award by Florida International University, the American Red Cross Spectrum Award, and the Women of Substance & Style Award by Buoniconti Fund. In 2015, Marile received the Woman of Distinction and Caring by Plaza Health Network, and in 2014, the Women of Faith with the Virtue of Charity Award from the Archdiocese of Miami, Mujeres Giving Back Treasure by The Woman’s Fund, Women Who Have Influenced the Community with Outstanding Charitable Causes by Neiman Marcus-Coral Gables, Miracle Maker by Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Hispanic Leadership Philanthropy Award by the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Marile was also the recipient of the Inner Circle of 12 recognition from the American Cancer Society in 2013, and St. Jude Honors in 2012.
Mrs. Lopez received her Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration from Florida International University, and Associate’s degree from Miami-Dade College.
Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq., have five children: AR, Carli, Annia, Saramelia and Luis Jorge. They all reside in Coconut Grove, Flo
