Lopez Lenz: Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
Daniella Levine Cava is the first woman Mayor of Miami-Dade County and SocialMiami contributor Marile Lopez brings us moments from the Instillation Ceremony.
It is a great year for women!
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is the first woman mayor of Miami-Dade County and my daughters Annia Lopez and Saramelia Lopez — who are second generation Cuban-American — joined me and my husband Jorge Luis Lopez last week Mayor Levine Cava’s Installation Ceremony. We witnessed history being made as Madame Mayor was sworn in at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts (an organization named after an amazing philanthropist, attorney and friend).
Madame Mayor is an example of a dedicated public servant, a respected attorney, an inspirational activist and a devoted mother, wife and daughter. Wearing an elegant white power suit as she gracefully acknowledged and honored the 100 years of Women Suffrage, and the passage of the 19th Amendment, Madame Mayor took the podium and delivered her speech.
“I stand before you today on the shoulders of women throughout history who marched, organized, voted, and worked to make this moment possible,” said Madame Mayor Levine Cava in her opening remarks. “To all the girls and women watching in Miami-Dade, I want you to know that the future is as big and bright as you imagine it to be.”
I’m a mother of five — two beautiful, strong young girls and three boys who were raised in a home of equality — I am beyond excited about their futures in business, law, engineering, technology, science, politics or whatever their calling and passion may be. The “glass ceiling” as it has been referred to for many years has not only been cracked but shattered; bringing about endless opportunities for the future of women in any field.
As my daughters sat in the first-row, orchestra left-hearing these Madame Mayor’s inspiring words, I felt their hearts pounding with emotion, their minds opening to the endless opportunities awaiting them, and their smiles lighting up the room. Madame Mayor’s remarks of unity, inclusion, vision and hope motivated the audience- everyone applauded, stood and some even teared at her encouraging words. Her new ideas for our Miami-Dade County community-her approach to issues we all encounter in our daily lives brings relevance to our communities’ needs. Other inspiring women in the audience included: Rita MaGill, Danet Linares, Rabbi Julie Jacobs and Raquel Regalado.
Whether we are in the private sector, government agency or nonprofit organization-we all face similar challenges. Madame Mayor’s soft spoken yet firm tone on those issues brought for hopeful solutions. The Arsht Center resonated with enthusiasm, energy and excitement. As we were heading home, my daughter Saramelia, who is Freshman Class President at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, turned to me and said “Mom, someday I too will make a difference”- inspiring words to live by and I am sure she too will succeed.
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
