MIAMI, FL – The Miami Dade College (MDC) Foundation (MDCF) proudly announces its newest class of inductees, who will receive one of the college’s highest honors at its annual Alumni Hall of Fame celebration in June. Each year, the MDC Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes graduates whose professional achievements, leadership, and service reflect the transformative impact of an MDC education.
Since 2003, more than 400 MDC alumni have been inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition of their extraordinary accomplishments. The inductees represent a remarkable cross-section of professions, spanning public service, innovation, business leadership, community safety, education, healthcare and more. Each honoree brings a distinct and compelling story of impact.
“Our inductees’ accomplishments demonstrate the power of education to create opportunity and drive positive change,” said Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega. “We’re proud to recognize this remarkable group of alumni whose leadership and service continue to inspire our students and strengthen the communities they serve.”
The newest class of Hall of Fame inductees includes:
- Business - Bernie Navarro, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Peru, U.S. Department of State
- Education – Historian - Dr. Paul S. George, Resident Historian, HistoryMiami Museum
- 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 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 - 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 - 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
“Each year, the Hall of Fame is a powerful reminder of the impact our alumni have across industries and throughout our community,” said Jorge Plasencia, Chair of the Miami Dade College Foundation Board. “This year’s inductees truly demonstrate how education can open doors, create opportunity and drive change.”
The newest class will be formally recognized at the MDC Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on June 5 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, where College leadership, alumni, community leaders, and public officials will gather to celebrate their extraordinary achievements.
