Can We Talk? ... Really, Can We Talk? 

Seeking Understanding and Common Ground: Black and Jewish Relations in South Florida.  

On January 24, MCCJ partnered with GableStage to host another edition of the interactive series Can We Talk? This time, the conversation addressed black and Jewish relations in South Florida.

Six panelists courageously took on the important conversation as they attempted to go back to the basics in Seeking Understanding and Common Ground: Black and Jewish Relations in South Florida. The panel was comprised of Monique Hayes, Partner at DGIM Law, Dr. Guerda Nicolas, UM Professor at the Department of Educational and Psychological Studies and School of Education and Human Development, Mojdeh “Moj” Khagan Danial, Jewish Community Relations Council at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Brian Siegal Regional Director, American Jewish Committee Miami & Broward, and Chris Lomax, Founder, and Managing Attorney at Lomax Legal. It was moderated by Matthew Beatty, Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer at The Carrie Meek Foundation.

You can watch the entire conversation at GableStage by clicking here:

Jan 24 - Can We Talk Video.

To further the conversation, on March 27th, John W. Kozyak, 2006 Silver Medallion winner, graciously hosted "Can We Talk?". MCCJ invited additional community leaders to expand the dialogue that took place at Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton in Coral Gables. Participants left with next steps for future conversations, and another public forum on the horizon. Stay tuned!

JEDI Training at Barry University

As part of Barry University’s 5-year plan, MCCJ’s Associate Execuitve Director, Nikki Watkins, and Dr. Justin Pinn, EdD held a JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) training course for Barry’s leadership team. Nikki and Justin curated a space for engagement, vulnerability, and growth.

Emerging Leaders Dinner

MCCJ relaunched its Emerging Leaders dinner at the home of Yosbel Ibarra, Board Vice-Chair, and Dr. Drew Stoudt. Leaders from several sectors were convened for a discussion led by guests of honors Jaret Davis, Greenberg Traurig Co-Managing shareholder, and Rodrick Miller, New Beacon Council CEO.

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Drew Stoudt, Raymond Duenas, Alex Fraser, Angelica "Angie" Santibanez, Roshell Rosemon Rinkins, Rafael Saldaña, Brandi Griffin, Rodrick Miller, Madeleine Thakur, Jaret Davis, Leigh-Ann Buchanan, Matt Anderson, and Matt Grosack.

World Happiness Fest

Matt Anderson, Executive Director, was invited to be on a panel at The World Happiness Fest 2023, which took place at the Florida International University Biscayne Bay Campus in Miami, Florida from March 23rd – 25th, 2023. This year’s theme was ‘Building New Narratives to Rising. The panel addressed Uniting Spirituality and Social Justice to Create a Thriving World.

Participants underwent three days of activities and sessions, which included multiple tracks on business and leadership, education, planet, social justice, health and mental health, the arts, nutrition, and technology.

Keynote speakers included the president of Florida International University, Kenneth A. Jessell; Mayor of Miami Dade, Daniella Levine Cava; Mayor of the City of Miami, Francis X. Suarez; and founder and president of the World Happiness Foundation, Luis Gallardo.

Pictured: Matt Anderson, Arathi Ramappa and Laura Guren Rodriguez

6th FIU annual Iftar Dinner at the Mohsin and Fauzia Jaffer Center for Muslim World Studies 

On March 30 at 6:30 p.m., Executive Director, Matt Anderson and Reverand Tom Capo, co-chair of MCCJ's Clergy Dialogue, attended the annual Interfaith Iftar dinner, which took place at FIU's Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs. It was an opportunity to experience the beauty of Ramadan.

Pictured: Matt Anderson, Dr. Mohammad Homayounvash, Rev. Tom Capo

Silver Medallion Hummanitarian Awards Dinner

The honorees have been named!

We're excited about our upcoming awards dinner in honor of six deserving South Florida leaders. Be sure to reserve your seat at the dinner table scheduled for Sunday, May 7 at 6PM. Click the flyer to make a purchase now or to simply make a donation!

Call for MetroTown Delegates

This year's MetroTown applicaton is open for new delegates for the 2023 Camp MetroTown. This year, it will be held on the campus of St. Thomas University from 9:00 AM on Sunday, June 25, 2023 through 3:00 PM on Friday, June 30, 2023.  Click below to access the application.

Please share this with any teens who may benefit from this life-changing leadership development experience.

Staff Announcements

It's hard to believe it, but Nikki Watkins, Associate Executive Director, just celebrated four years with the MCCJ family. In addition to being an important part of the leadership team, Nikki has been impactful in significant organizational capacity building, expanding our programming, and building our leadership training business. She is still serving as Chair at Barry University's Community Advisory Committee, as well as a mediator for Miami's Civilian Investigative Panel.

Moni Barrios, Operations & Community Outreach Director, is receiving the “Minority Owned Business of the Year” award for her business Moni’s Sweets which just celebrated its 10-year anniversary, during ChamberSOUTH’s annual Business Excellence Awards. For those who wish to attend, the award ceremony is being held on May 23, 2023. Please contact Moni for more information.

Matt Anderson, Executive Director, has joined the Board of Directors of the Miami Jewish Health Foundation. He was also one of 12 selected to the Antidefamation League's Glass Institute. GLI is the cornerstone leadership development program at ADL. GLI empowers young adults to fight hatred and bigotry in their communities, and provides unique opportunities to explore ADL’s core mission, “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all.” 

New Hires

Say hello to Jordan Pratts, our new VISTA Program Coordinator, Ruby Lyas, RRT, our new VISTA Community Engagement Coordinator, and Kathryn Landry, M.A., our new VISTA Outreach Coordinator.