The Miami Dade College Foundation welcomed alumni, community leaders, donors, supporters and new board members to the Loews Coral Gables Hotel for its annual Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, celebrating 12 MDC graduates who exemplify the power of education through outstanding professional achievement and leadership. The evening also marked a strong milestone for the Foundation as it raised more than $1 million in support of student scholarships.

In addition to honoring its newest Hall of Fame inductees, the Foundation also announced its 2026 Board of Directors leadership team, which will continue to guide the organization’s efforts to support student success and advance Miami Dade College’s mission through philanthropy and community engagement.

2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

Business
U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Peru, U.S. Department of State

Education
Dr. Paul S. George
Resident Historian, Museum of Miami

Entrepreneurship
Joshua Pascual
Owner, Josh’s Premium Meats

Hospitality
Emilio Cabrera
McDonald’s Franchise Owner, EC Management Corp.

Law
Beatriz Azcuy
Managing Partner, Miami Office, Sidley Austin LLP

Non-Profit
Kamila E. Pritchett
President & CEO, The Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc.

Philanthropy
Silvia Rios Fortun
President of Guardian Angels, Jackson Health System Foundation

Public Safety – Fire
Chief Fernando Gomez
Chief Fire Officer, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue

Public Service
Senator René García
County Commissioner District 13, Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners

Real Estate
Nestor J. Machado
President, Cawy Management Corp.

Sports
Coach Francisco J. Martin
Head Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Massachusetts

Technology
Ernesto Arguello
Co-founder and Co-CEO, CanWe app by Social Navigation Society