Meet the Palm Honorees

Join these young influencers at Happy Hour at 1306 Miami Wednesday, April 25, from 6 to 9, for socializing, lite bites and a complimentary PALM cocktail. Each month SocialMiami and 1306 recognizes young leaders who are making Miami a better place to live and work. See you there – 1306 Miami Avenue in the Arts & Entertainment District.

Chris Norwood

How long have you lived in Miami and where were you born?

I’ve lived in Miami since 1999, I was born in Orange, New Jersey and raised in Newark. Came to Miami for Law School and the Dolphins (its complicated).
What do you do?
I do alot of things. I’m a lawyer by training, but my courtroom is public affairs. For instance, I founded the Florida Association for Independent Public Schools to provide a leadership, advocacy and support for charter schols that are entirely governed, operated and managed by community based non-profits. But I also serve my community in many other ways as the Chairman of the City of Miami Education Advisory Board, Vice Chair of the Miami DadePublic School Board’s Audit and Budget Committee, and Secretary of Our Little Ones Head Start Child Care Center in Little Haiti. During election years, I focus on assisting good people get elected to public office as a politcal consultant. Although all of these activites seem totally disparate, to me its all related to making impact in public policy, public administraion and public law.
What organizations do you support? 
National Hampton University Alumni Association, Treasurer. The Intiernatioal Review for African American Art, Board Member. Florida Memorial University, Social Work Advisory Board
In what area do you live?
Planet Earth in the Milky Way Galaxy in a spec called Miami Lakes
A spot in your “neighborhood” or nearby that is your go-to place for coffee, shopping, lunch, dinner, or simply drinks with friends.
The River Oyster Bar in Brickell
What Miami doesn’t have that you would like to see?
Equal Opportunity for Justice, Safety and Education.
Your marital status: Single; married; involved.
Single but I’m diggin’ on someone
Also, please nominate someone you would like to recognize at next month’s PALM. It is the last Wednesday of every month. Justin Cardoza – just1justin@gmail.com

JennyLee Molina

How long have you lived in Miami and where were you born?

I’ve lived in Miami all my life with brief stints in San Diego, New York and Guatemala City. I grew up in Hialeah and spent the weekends taking Florida road trips with my huge Cuban family. We were never home, my childhood was an adventure and my parents were big on travel being both in the hospitality industry. Love my roots and being a native to Miami.
What do you do?
First and foremost, I’m a mother to a precious soon-to-be 8 year old – that is my greatest commitment in this world. I’m also the founder of JLPR, an integrated marketing and PR agency based in Miami. We are so lucky to work with innovative global brands as well as many local businesses. Our goal is to work strategically on campaigns that are measurable and effective that drive long-term results. No two clients or campaigns are ever the same. We have such a passionate and dedicated team which makes everything come together. I’m also the founder of 3:05 Cafecito, a social media community that has partnered with brands like Cafe La Llave, Starbucks and Nespresso and we produce 305 Day annually, a festival that celebrates our community pride and brings together over 8,000 people. Being born and raised in Hialeah, I have always felt a strong motivation to give back. As the co-founder of the Leah Arts District, we have privately raised funds to support cultural programming while creating lucrative opportunities for artists as well.
What organizations do you support? (List your pet causes or detail your involvement, if you wish)
I’m a big supporter of the United Way of Miami-Dade County. I’ll admit that it wasn’t until a few years ago that I fully understood everything they do for our community. They partner with hundreds of individuals and organizations that share a vision for what is possible in Miami. Through their work in education, financial stability and health, they are improving the odds for children and families right here in our backyard. Proud to serve on their Young Leaders board and play a small role in all the big things they are doing!
In what area do you live?
I live in the sweetest little enclave of Miami Springs. It’s perfectly central for us with the 112 taking us straight to Wynwood, Design District and Miami Beach but I also have Coral Gables, Hialeah and Doral not too far. Anyone who’s been to this little hidden side of town knows how charming it is. We love living in Miami Springs – and one of my best friends is also my next door neighbor!
A spot in your “neighborhood” or nearby that is your go-to place for coffee, shopping, lunch, dinner, or simply drinks with friends.
One of my favorite spots to spend quality time with good friends is right downstairs from our office in Little Havana at Union Beer Market. Beer, tacos and good conversation makes for a great night always. If I’m looking for something a little more sexy and sophisticated, you can find me at Marion in Brickell or El Tucán, it’s always fun time with great drinks, food and entertainment.
What Miami doesn’t have that you would like to see?
I love that Miami is continuously evolving and proud of our city along with the many entities that are propelling it forward. However, when it comes to environmental responsibility our city is falling behind. Most major cities have recycling bins next to every regular trash bin but you don’t see that in Miami – yet. Another thing I would love to see, as much as I love my cafecito, is the elimination of styrofoam products including those handy cups our Cuban coffee is poured in. Happy to see that Miami Beach had implemented a zero styrofoam policy and is also leading the way in reducing single-use plastics with partners like Woosh Water, a service that is changing the way people consume water on the go by encouraging them to refill their bottles. We live next to one of the most incredible ecosystems in the world and having an eco-conscious community is so important for the future of the Everglades as well.
Your marital status: Single; married; involved.
I’m married to A.T. Molina, an incredible husband and father who is one of the most talented people I’ve ever met. He’s a Grammy winning music producer with hard drives and hard drives of original music. He would take his favorite shirt off his back for someone in need.

Lauren Cohen

How long have you lived in Miami and where were you born?

I was born in Miami Beach, and I’ve lived here my entire life — Miami girl through and through!
What do you do?
I’m a film programmer with Miami Film Festival, and I run the Festival’s membership level for young professionals called CineClub. I also frequently contribute film + fashion coverage for SocialMiami.com.
What organizations do you support? 
I’m a huge theater lover and always do everything I can to support local theater companies in Miami, specifically Zoetic and Slow Burn; I’ve been on the after-party committee for Miami Children’s Museum; and as film is my absolute main focus and passion, I also avidly support all of the local art house cinemas: Tower Theater, Coral Gables Art Cinema, Miami Beach Cinematheque, O Cinema, and Cosford Cinema.
In what area do you live? 
Miami Beach
A spot in your “neighborhood” or nearby that is your go-to place for coffee, shopping, lunch or dinner, or simply drinks with friends
My friends and I are always going to Katana for dinner — it’s this tiny little sushi restaurant in Miami Beach that has some of the best sushi and the absolute best prices in the city; drinks at Lagniappe and Soho Beach House; and shopping at Alice + Olivia in their gorgeous new flagship store in the Design District.
What Miami doesn’t have that you would like to see? 
Miami has a really great theater and film scene, but I would love to see the local arts community embrace interactive theater and film events that get people excited about everything our city has to offer, i.e what Punchdrunk and Alamo Drafthouse do.
Your marital status: Single; married; involved
Single

Sonia Succar Rodriguez

How long have you lived in Miami and where were you born?

I have lived in Miami my whole life, born at Mercy Hospital on Biscayne Bay.
What do you do?
I lead The Nature Conservancy’s Cities Program for Florida. I’m focused on bringing nature back into cities, working heavily in Miami right now. I support urban conservation that benefits people and their access to open spaces, while providing unique benefits to treat our water, clean our air, and mitigate flooding.
What organizations do you support?
I support local environmental organizations that are doing incredible hands-on environmental work, especially with our youth. I support organizations like Citizens for a Better South Florida, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens, and Tropical Audubon Society. I am working closely to support these organizations to help them integrate their successful programs into larger projects around Miami-Dade County.
In what area do you live?
Shenandoah, an old Miami neighborhood tucked between Little Havana and Coconut Grove.
A spot in your “neighborhood” or nearby that is your go-to place for coffee, shopping, lunch, dinner, or simply drinks with friends.
Sushi Chef is my favorite local restaurant. It’s authentic Japanese on Coral Way, with the most delicious sushi and dishes with fresh local fish. The “Miami Roll” is amazing, pair it with sake.
What Miami doesn’t have that you would like to see?
Miami could really improve on their baywalks, riverwalks and trails in urban spaces. I am constantly looking for safe accessible walkways, paths and trails to enjoy with my children, specifically on the Miami River and Biscayne Bay. These areas are so beautiful, and are obviously most desired by the public, yet we don’t accommodate for this.
Your marital status:
I am married to the most wonderful husband, Jose Javier.