Health Foundation of South Florida (2025)

28/07/2025

At the Health Foundation of South Florida , our work is powered by people—by their stories, their passions, and the purpose they bring into everything they do. This summer, we asked our team a simple but powerful question: Who or what inspires you most?

Today, we’re honored to highlight a reflection from Barbara Davalos, who shared how her core values—and her incredible mother—have shaped both her personal and professional journey:

“Every day, I’m guided by two core values: respect and efficiency. But those values weren’t formed in a vacuum—they were shaped by the people who’ve walked alongside me. I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing coworkers and mentors who believed in me, challenged me, and helped me grow. But more than anyone, my greatest inspiration is my mother.”

“Left to raise a teenager as a single parent with no prior work experience or education in the U.S., she had every reason to quit. Instead, she put herself through school while working full time and caring for me. She graduated at the top of her class—in a language that wasn’t her first—and landed a job in her field before finishing her program. Her example taught me the power of perseverance and the quiet strength of showing up every day, no matter how hard the path may seem.”

Barbie, thank you for reminding us that resilience, humility, and consistency are often the most powerful drivers of success—and that the people who believe in us can change the course of our lives.

25/07/2025

At the Health Foundation of South Florida , our work is powered by people—by their stories, their passions, and the purpose they bring into everything they do. This summer, we asked our team a simple but powerful question: Who or what inspires you most?

Today, we’re proud to spotlight a reflection from Nicole Barham, whose journey was shaped by the wisdom and dreams of her grandmother:

“At just six years old, my grandma was already having conversations with me about the importance of getting an education. She told me it would open many doors and ‘take me around the world.’ Growing up in rural Jamaica, opportunities were limited—especially for women of her generation. But she dreamed of something better for her children and grandchildren, and made sure I knew that education was the key to that ‘better.’”

Nicole’s path led her from Wolmer’s Girls’ School and the University of the West Indies to becoming one of the youngest diplomats appointed to the Jamaican Consulate in New York, and later to the Jamaican High Commission in Ottawa.

“Education did exactly what my grandmother promised—it took me around the world. And it gave me the experiences, confidence, and global perspective I now use to guide most of my decisions.”

Thank you, Nicole, for sharing your story—and for reminding us how generational wisdom and a single belief in possibility can shape a lifetime of purpose.

24/07/2025

At the Health Foundation of South Florida , our work is powered by people—by their stories, their passions, and the purpose they bring into everything they do.

This summer, we’ve invited our team to reflect on a simple but powerful question: Who inspires you most?

Today, we’re grateful to spotlight a heartfelt reflection from our talented Graphic Designer Rock Star, Lisa Barker:

“My children inspire me every single day to be the best version of myself. As a mom, they remind me to be patient, present, and loving, even in the chaos. Watching them learn, grow, and express their creativity encourages me to nurture those same qualities within myself.

As a wife, their laughter and joy bring a renewed sense of connection and purpose to our family, reminding me to cherish the love that builds our foundation. They also inspire me to be a better person by modeling empathy, resilience, and curiosity—traits I strive to embody more deeply.

And as a graphic designer, their uninhibited imagination and fearless approach to creating push me to think outside the box and design with authenticity and heart. They are my greatest motivation and my most beautiful source of inspiration.”
Lisa, thank you for reminding us how family, love, and creativity can light the way in both our personal and professional lives.

22/07/2025

At the Health Foundation of South Florida, our work is powered by people—by their stories, their passions, and the purpose they bring into everything they do. This summer, we’ve invited our team to reflect on a simple but powerful question: Who inspires you most?

Today, we’re proud to highlight an empowering reflection from our Director of Communications Felicia Lopez-Walker.

“Who inspires me most in my professional journey? My mother, Roberta “Betty” Campbell Lopez. From as early as I can remember, I watched my mom — alongside my dad, Frank I. Lopez — register voters, lead neighborhood cleanups, and lift every community they called home. When I was just three years old, my parents marched on Washington, an experience that planted seeds of courage and justice that would shape my own path forever.

My mom (and dad) built a career in Washington, D.C., and Tampa, working in business, government, and nonprofit leadership. When she returned to her hometown of Archer, Florida, she broke barriers as the first African-American woman to serve on the Archer City Commission, later becoming Vice Mayor and Mayor.

Her leadership helped transform an abandoned school gym—once a segregated space that excluded Black residents—into a vibrant, inclusive community center. Today, she continues preserving Black history through the restoration of the historic Bethlehem Methodist Episcopal Cemetery, established in 1873 and the final resting place of enslaved individuals and Veterans of World Wars I and II.

At 80-plus years, my mother’s life is the definition of service, resilience, and grace. She taught me that leadership is not about a title — it’s about showing up, lifting others, and building a legacy that lasts long after you’re gone.”

18/07/2025

Philanthropy has a powerful role in shaping a healthier, more equitable future, and Health Foundation of South Florida a is proud to help lead that charge.

We’re proud to share that our Chief Strategy Officer, Dr. Janisse Rosario Schoepp, was a featured speaker at the 2025 Grantmakers In Health Annual Conference on Health Philanthropy—the nation’s largest gathering of health funders.

During the Learning Lab, “Impact Investing: A Tool to Bolster Impact and Catalyze Place-Based Collaboration,” Dr. Schoepp joined national leaders to explore how foundations can align capital with mission to drive systems-level change.

She highlighted the Health Foundation’s investments in affordable housing through its impact investing portfolio and underscored the role of networks like the South Florida Anchor Alliance in advancing place-based strategies to tackle housing challenges.

“Impact investing is not just a financial tool—it’s a strategic lever for advancing equity and improving population health at scale.” - Janisse Schoepp

A nationally recognized leader, Dr. Schoepp also contributed to and served as a reviewer for the national playbook “Activating Place-Based Partnerships for Equitable Economic Development,” helping other institutions build equity-centered investment strategies. Check out the full press release at www.HFSF.org.

Thank you, Grantmakers In Health, for hosting a robust gathering under the theme “Forging Partnerships for a Better Tomorrow.” 🔗 Learn more:

https://web.cvent.com/event/88ae068b-f8e8-4fcc-a4da-6120d39aca49/summary

17/07/2025

At the Health Foundation of South Florida , our work is powered by people—by their stories, their passions, and the purpose they bring into everything they do. This summer, we’ve invited our team to reflect on a simple but powerful question: Who inspires you most?

One of our team members, Any Karina Balza, Grants Management and Operations, shared a heartfelt tribute to the woman who shaped her strength, determination, and sense of purpose from the very start:

“My mom inspires me most. She moved to a new country, rebuilt her career from scratch, and created a better future for our family without ever losing her sense of self. Her courage and grit are the reason I believe in possibility—and why I show up every day to do the work I do.”

It’s a profound reminder that those who raise us often instill the very values that guide our work and purpose today.

16/07/2025

At the Health Foundation of South Florida, our work is powered by people—by their stories, their passions, and the purpose they bring into everything they do. This summer, we’ve invited our team to reflect on a simple but powerful question: Who inspires you most?

Today, we’re proud to highlight an uplifting reflection from our Programs Officer, Katelyn McGuigan.

“My colleagues! I’ve been most inspired by the mentors and peers I’ve worked alongside over the past years. From the University of Miami Grad Programs team to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and the Florida Institute for Health Innovation, I’ve been surrounded by people who lead with purpose and inspire action in the public health field in South Florida.

I feel incredibly fortunate for my current team at HFSF and continue to draw inspiration from them all, as their passion and mentorship help shape my own personal and professional path in this field.”

Katelyn, thank you for reminding us how collaboration and shared purpose can fuel growth and drive meaningful change.

15/07/2025

At the Health Foundation of South Florida orida, our work is powered by people—by their stories, their passions, and the purpose they bring into everything they do. This summer, we asked our team a simple but powerful question: Who or what inspires you most?

Our Director of Programs Megan Gamwell shared a reflection anchored in pride, purpose, and place:

“What has inspired me most, both professionally and personally, is the City of Miami. I grew up in Miami, and this city has always been a big part of who I am. Its rich cultural diversity, global influence, and fast-growing spirit of innovation shape not only how I work but also what I work toward. I’m proud to be part of a city that brings together people, ideas, and cultures from around the world—and I’m driven by the hope of building a better Miami for tomorrow, one that my children and their children will be proud to call home.”

It’s a meaningful reminder that our environment can shape our values, fuel our ambition, and inspire our work in something greater than ourselves.

14/07/2025

With a transformative investment by the Health Foundation of South Florida , The Education Fund ’s Food Forests for Schools program has turned 30 local elementary schools into thriving living classrooms serving 59,000 students and their families. What began as a vision of school gardens in 2004 has flourished into lush Food Forests filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, providing students with their first taste of certain produce while offering hands-on lessons in sustainability, nutrition, and healthy eating.

Since its inception, the program has distributed more than 278,000 harvest bags, helping families foster healthier eating habits. The program reports 47% of students improved their eating behaviors, such as choosing more fruits and vegetables and 47% of parents reported serving healthier meals at home. Additionally, fresh produce from the Food Forests is integrated into school cafeteria meals, ensuring that students have daily access to nutritious food. The initiative’s impact extends beyond food access—students are learning about nutrition literacy, understanding how fresh food impacts their well-being, and engaging in healthier eating behaviors.

The program nurtures long-term health benefits by fostering early exposure to healthy eating habits. By teaching children where their food comes from and how to grow it themselves, the initiative encourages balanced eating practices that can help prevent obesity, diabetes, and diet-related illnesses later in life. Plans to expand to 60 schools promise an even greater impact on student health and community wellness.

10/07/2025

At the Health Foundation of South Florida , our work is driven by people — by their stories, their passions, and the purpose they bring to everything they do. This summer, we’ve invited our Board to reflect on a simple yet powerful question: Who inspires you the most?

Today, we’re honored to share a heartfelt reflection from Board Member Caraline Coats, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations and Strategy at Humana.

“My parents. Professionally, they’ve both been my mentors, offering guidance, support, and a steady perspective throughout my journey. Personally, they continue to inspire me as they age.

I lost my dad to cardiac issues, brought on in large part by the stress of being the primary caregiver for my mom, who lives with Alzheimer’s. That experience changed me. It opened my eyes to the fact that what matters most for my mother today — and for so many others — isn’t just clinical care, but the social and emotional support that preserves dignity and quality of life.

Supporting caregiver health and finding new ways to invest in aging with compassion has become my passion — and it’s work I’m proud to be part of every day.”

Thank you, Caraline, for sharing your story — and for your leadership and heart in advancing health equity across South Florida.

09/07/2025

At Health Foundation of South Florida , our work is powered by people—by their stories, their passions, and the purpose they bring into everything they do. This summer, we’ve invited our team to reflect on this simple but powerful question: Who inspires you most?

We’re delighted to spotlight a heartfelt reflection from our Chief Financial Officer, Alecia Dillon, who reminds us that inspiration often starts at home.

“My greatest inspiration has always been my mom, Rose Dillon. As treasurer of Fruitport Township, she works late over ledgers, balances budgets down to the penny, and treats every taxpayer dollar with the utmost care—then turns around and pours her energy right back into the community she serves.

Watching her give generously of both time and talent taught me that accounting and finance aren’t just about numbers; they’re about safeguarding a shared future. Her relentless work ethic, quiet integrity, and spirit of service made the profession feel both noble and attainable, and every step I take in my own career is guided by the example she set at our kitchen table, calculator in hand.”

Thank you, Alecia, for sharing your story—and for carrying forward the legacy of service, stewardship, and purpose-driven leadership.

08/07/2025

At the Health Foundation of South Florida , our work is driven by people — by their stories, their passions, and the purpose they bring to everything they do. This summer, we’re proud to spotlight reflections from the incredible members of our Board of Directors.

Today, we’re honored to share a reflection from Board Member and banking executive Carol Fine.

“My amazing father-in-law, Marty Fine, has inspired my professional and nonprofit journey since I had the good fortune to meet him in 1983, a year after arriving in Miami. Marty’s name graces many buildings and awards of importance because he had a remarkable vision for this city — and he turned that vision into action through his law firm, the GMCC, and as Board Chair of Miami Dade College, among many other roles.

Affordable housing was always at the heart of his mission, and I believe he saw the Doc Surtax program, which he championed alongside Carrie Meek and which was ultimately enacted in Miami-Dade County, as his crowning achievement. That program has generated millions of dollars for affordable housing over the decades. Though Marty left us in 2014, he is always on my mind. I know he would be thrilled to see Miami today, with so much of his vision fulfilled.”

We are grateful for Carol’s leadership and for the legacy of changemakers like Marty Fine who continue to inspire us all.

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Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

Health Foundation of South Florida

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