VeigaMilton: Family Style Philanthropy
Ana VeigaMilton, Glorida Estefan and Dr. Falicia Knaul attend The Lancet Commission on Gender-Based Violence at University of Miami.
We spent a meaningful afternoon sharing stories and learning about the gravity of gender-based violence. We immersed ourselves in sisterhood as the amazing Gloria Estefan shared her very personal story. Dr. Felicia Knaul fights back with evidence-based science, elucidating this critical topic for us and the world.
The Lancet Commission on Gender-Based Violence is Dr. Knaul’s second commission awarded at UM. As a UM Trustee and believer in Dr. Knaul’s transformative influence, I was proud to host over 35 UM researchers, community leaders, experts on violence, and sponsors, including Dr. Knaul, Estefan, and notable community leaders Kristi House CEO Amanda Altman, Women’s Fund Exec Director Marya Meyer, Coral Gables Community Foundation CEO Mary Snow, among others.
Lancet Commission on Gender-Based Violence Based at UM & Easterseals.
I hosted a special Lunch & Learn focused on a Lancet Commission chaired by UM’s then-First Lady, Dr. Felicia Knaul. The Lancet is a leading medical journal, and it establishes Commissions to address the world’s most pressing problems. Only the most prestigious institutions are awarded a Commission. UM has already successfully hosted a Commission on Palliative Care and Pain Relief. Dr. Knaul’s second commission focuses on gender-based violence and its health ramifications. Commissioners around the world conduct research which is then compiled into a document with recommendations to change policy and improve practice, a truly collaborative effort.
The Lunch & Learn brought together donors, UM faculty representing different disciplines, and community leaders and specialists in the areas of human trafficking and gender-based violence. Special guest Gloria Estefan shared a horrifying personal story; any one of us or our loved ones can experience threats of violence and actual abuse. Through academic research exposing the statistics and the adverse health effects of experiencing violence, Dr. Knaul hopes to shed light on repressed suffering and expose its health consequences to garner more resources and manifest policy changes that will prevent abuse and deal with perpetrators.
To add to the inspirational conversation, I brought Easterseals South Florida’s Coffee on Wheels, a dynamic mobile classroom within the Culinary Arts Program, to allow its students to engage with guests. Everyone enjoyed made-to-order coffee and interacting with the students.
Easterseal’s mission is to provide services that address equity and inclusion disparities for individuals with disabilities by enhancing education, advancing health, expanding employment, and elevating community. Easterseal’s accredited Culinary Arts High School uniquely addresses the need for high-quality, developmentally appropriate, culturally competent education and vocational training for students ages 14-22 with autism and other disabilities. Students gain a sense of independence through increased self-confidence, vocational training, and social skills, which are essential foundations for students to find jobs and a place in our community.
I also invited the culinary arts students to enjoy a cooking experience aboard the Milton Family yacht, the Queen D, with French-trained Chef Tayla. Chef Tayla led the students to prepare a full meal, which they then enjoyed eating. The students had a memorable and educational experience aboard a yacht with a working personal chef – how cool!
Ana VeigaMilton directs Corporate Social Responsibility for United Property Management, owners and managers of almost 9000 residential units in Florida. She also presides over the José Milton Foundation, striving to close the opportunity gap in South Florida, primarily through access to quality healthcare, research, and education opportunities. As co-founder of the Cecil & Ana Milton Family Foundation, she supports a healthy and clean environment through conservation efforts, our military, and first responders. Ana holds leadership positions and serves on various philanthropic boards, including Jackson Health Foundation (past-Chair), Red Cross Miami (Secretary), University of Miami Citizens Boards (past-President), Zoo Miami Foundation (past-Chair & emeritus director), and United Way Miami (Campaign co-chair). Most recently, Ana became a board member of Girl Scouts Tropical Florida. As an engineering and law alumna, she is incredibly proud and honored to serve as a University of Miami Trustee, working to accelerate UM’s impressive upward trajectory. Ana is passionate about encouraging women and minorities to enter STEM fields and provides scholarships to graduates of the 5000 Role Models and Girl Scout Gold Awardees who choose STEM majors. Ana and her family have been recognized for their philanthropy, community engagement, and volunteerism. She was recently tapped into Iron Arrow Honor Society, the highest honor attained at the University of Miami, was awarded the Power & Influencer Award by the Global Innovative Foundation and named the Latina Pioneer of the Year 2022 by Hispanic Women of Distinction. The community celebrated the first anniversary of the José Milton Memorial Hospital at Jackson West, Top 5 percent of all US hospitals. The Milton Family’s commitment to South Florida runs deep. Ana and her husband Cecil are blessed with three community-engaged adult children, Alec, Eric, and Diana. The Milton Family resides in Coral Gables.
