Madeline Pumariega

Proud alumna and first female president to lead Miami Dade College. #BeMDC #IAmMDC #MDCTogether

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

@coachFMartin @MDCollege So proud to call you a friend! Congratulations Coach!

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

They started at Miami Dade College. Their impact reaches far beyond it.

We welcome the 2026 Miami Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame class and celebrate a remarkable group of leaders whose achievements reflect the transformative power of education and opportunity.

Public servants. CEOs. Physicians. Entrepreneurs. Philanthropists. Advocates. Artists. Innovators. Their careers have taken them across industries, communities, and continents, but they all share a common beginning: @MDCollege.

The MDC Alumni Hall of Fame has now recognized more than 400 distinguished graduates whose accomplishments have strengthened communities, advanced industries, and improved lives. This year’s inductees are a powerful reminder that talent, when given opportunity, can create extraordinary impact.

That is why this evening matters far beyond the recognition itself. Every scholarship supported through this event helps open doors for the next generation of students whose potential is waiting to be discovered.

To our 2026 inductees, congratulations. Your journeys began here, but your influence extends around the world. We are proud to call you Miami Dade College alumni and grateful for the example you set for our students and more than 2.5 million graduates worldwide.

Bernie Navarro @BernieNavarro7
Dr. Paul S. George
Joshua Pascual
Emilio Cabrera
Beatriz Azcuy
Kamila E. Pritchett @BlackArchives
Silvia Rios Fortun @jhf_jackson
Chief Fernando Gomez @MiamiDadeFire
Senator René García @SenReneGarciaFL
Nestor J. Machado
Coach Francisco J. Martin @coachFMartin
Ernesto Arguello @ernestoarguello

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

Today’s Annual Meeting of Members & Goals Conference marks the culmination of an incredible year serving as Chair of the @MiamiChamber.

It has been an honor to work alongside an exceptional Board, Chamber leadership, business leaders, and volunteers committed to strengthening our region’s economic future. Together, we advanced the Chamber’s mission to grow, improve, and protect our business community through advocacy, workforce development, innovation, and collaboration.

Over the past year, we championed priorities that matter most to South Florida, including education and workforce development, transportation, resilience, and workforce housing, while continuing to elevate Miami’s position as a global hub for business and opportunity.

I am grateful to the Chamber, @AlfredSanchez58, and my fellow Board members for the opportunity to serve an organization that has helped shape our community for more than a century.

Congratulations to incoming Chair J.C. Liscano. Miami’s future is bright, and I look forward to continuing to support the Chamber’s important work.

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

Fashion, creativity, and innovation took center stage at @MDCollege's Miami Fashion Institute Annual Fashion Show, presented in collaboration with @MiamiFashionWk .

This year's event is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Miami Fashion Institute, a decade of preparing the next generation of fashion leaders, designers, and creative visionaries.

We were honored to welcome renowned artist and fashion illustrator Rubén Toledo as our Guest of Honor. Internationally recognized for his distinctive visual storytelling, Rubén is a painter, sculptor, filmmaker, author, and longtime friend of MFI. Through the Rubén and Isabel Toledo Award, his enduring support reflects our shared commitment to excellence in fashion education.

Highlighting the evening was a stunning student-designed capsule collection commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Congratulations to our graduating students, faculty, and industry partners who continue to make MFI a premier model of innovation!

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

The story of the Cuban exile community is one of courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in freedom.

I am humbled to be recognized as a Distinguished Voice in the @FACECubanExiles Oral History Archives alongside an extraordinary group of Cuban American leaders whose stories have helped shape our community, our nation, and generations to come.

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

Talent is Florida’s competitive advantage.

@CareerSourceFL's Board and leadership are helping align workforce strategy with economic growth across our state. At @MDCollege, we are proud to be partners delivering on that mission by developing the talent employers need to grow, innovate, and compete.

It was great to highlight MDC’s partnership with @BeanAutomotive and @AARCORP.

Together, we are building Florida’s future and ensuring Florida remains #1 in workforce.

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

Proud to congratulate @MDCSharks Head Coach Laz Lanes on receiving the Tillie Bishop Sportsmanship Award at the @JUCOWorldSeries.

This recognition reflects the leadership, integrity, and commitment to excellence that Coach Lanes brings to the game every day. Under his leadership, our Sharks captured the State Championship and earned a place in the JUCO World Series, representing @MDCollege with pride on and off the field.

Well deserved, Coach. Shark Nation is proud! 💙

[JUCO World Series⚾️ @JUCOWorldSeries]

#JUCOWS26 Tillie Bishop Sportsmanship Award:
Laz Llanes, @MDCSHARKS

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

Honored to host the @SelectFLA Board Meeting at Miami Dade College with FL Secretary of Commerce @JAlexKelly, CEO Matt Swanson, and business leaders driving investment and job creation across our state. As Florida accelerates growth across aviation & aerospace, advanced manufacturing, clean technology, construction, healthcare, logistics, and artificial intelligence, @MDCollege is leading through our innovative programs at the Florida Center for Aviation and Aerospace, the Construction Trades Institute, and 25+ registered apprenticeship pathways, we are closing the gap between education and industry.

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

I am deeply honored to be inducted into the Miami-Dade County Women’s Hall of Fame alongside an extraordinary group of women whose leadership, service, and contributions have helped shape our community for generations.

This recognition is about far more than one individual. It reflects the power of education to transform lives and the collective efforts of those who believe in creating opportunities for others.

I share this honor with the students who entrusted Miami Dade College with their dreams, the faculty and staff who dedicate themselves to student success every day, and the many women who broke barriers and opened doors so others could follow.

As the first female president of Miami Dade College, I understand that progress is built on the shoulders of those who came before us. My hope is that this recognition encourages young women to pursue their ambitions boldly, lead with purpose, and never underestimate the impact they can have on their communities and the world.

Thank you to the Miami Dade County Commission for Women and Miami-Dade County for this meaningful recognition. It is a privilege to serve this community and to continue helping create pathways of opportunity for future generations.

#WomensHallOfFame

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

Honored to join leaders from across our community to discuss Cuba’s Constitution of 1940 and its enduring lessons on freedom, citizenship, and education.

For many, the Cuban Constitution of 1940 represents more than a historical document. It is the last constitution freely debated, adopted, and voted on by the Cuban people, embodying a vision of democratic governance, the rule of law, individual rights, and civic participation.

As we reflect on this important chapter in Cuba’s history, we are reminded that the pursuit of freedom has always been inseparable from the pursuit of education.

The Constitution recognized that an educated people are empowered to think critically, participate in civic life, and shape their own future. It reflected a belief that opportunity, knowledge, and liberty are deeply connected. These principles remain as relevant today as ever.

Education is not only a pathway to opportunity, but also one of the strongest foundations of a free society, an engaged citizenry, and the preservation of liberty.
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Honrada de reunirme con líderes de nuestra comunidad para reflexionar sobre la Constitución cubana de 1940 y sus perdurables lecciones sobre libertad, ciudadanía y educación.

Para muchos, la Constitución cubana de 1940 representa mucho más que un documento histórico. Es la última constitución libremente debatida, adoptada y aprobada por el pueblo cubano, una que encarna una visión de gobernanza democrática, estado de derecho, derechos individuales y participación cívica.

Al reflexionar sobre este importante capítulo de la historia de Cuba, recordamos que la búsqueda de la libertad siempre ha sido inseparable de la búsqueda de la educación. La Constitución reconoció que un pueblo educado está empoderado para pensar críticamente, participar en la vida cívica y forjar su propio futuro. Reflejó la convicción de que la oportunidad, el conocimiento y la libertad están profundamente entrelazados. Estos principios siguen siendo tan relevantes hoy como siempre.

La educación no es solo un camino hacia la oportunidad, es también uno de los pilares más sólidos de una sociedad libre, una ciudadanía comprometida y la preservación de la libertad.

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

@MDCollege and the @WorldAffairsMIA, along with the Freedom Institute of the Americas, brought together distinguished leaders, diplomats, and experts to explore the future of democracy in the Americas, reflecting on 250 years of American democracy and Taiwan’s inspiring journey from authoritarian rule to a thriving democratic society.

As nations across our hemisphere confront challenges and opportunities alike, the conversation focused on what it takes to build strong institutions, foster civic engagement, and preserve freedom for future generations.

Thank you to Congressman @CarlosGimenezFL, Charles Chou, @jguaido , @LelandLazarus , John W. Tai, and Aaron Rosen for helping lead this important dialogue.

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

The @MDCollege Presidential Leadership Academy continues to inspire the next generation of leaders!

We were honored to host Professor @JosephBFuller from @harvardhbs for an insightful presentation on Managing the Future of Work.

His research reminds us that the future of work is not just about technology. It is about talent. By aligning education with industry needs, expanding work-based learning, and strengthening talent pipelines, we’re creating greater economic opportunity for our students and communities alike.

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

Proud to see @MDCollege recognized for its leadership in shaping Miami’s innovation economy. Through workforce training, AI, and applied technology programs, MDC continues to create pathways for students while strengthening the talent pipeline driving our region forward.

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

Miami Dade College is proud to be featured in @MiamiTodayNews “Best of Miami,” recognizing the forces shaping our region into a leading technology hub.

We are advancing the talent pipelines that power Miami’s innovation economy through industry-aligned programs in artificial intelligence, applied technology, and workforce training.

By strengthening partnerships and prioritizing career-connected learning, we are equipping students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy and to help drive Miami’s continued growth.

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

Happy Birthday to an extraordinary leader, dedicated patriot, and cherished friend, @SecRubio ! 🇺🇸

Grateful for your leadership, your service to our country, and your continued commitment to advancing freedom and opportunity. May God Bless you today and always!

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

What a powerful way to close the @MiamiChamber Senior Executive Orientation right here at the iconic Freedom Tower.

The SEO is one of the most unique and meaningful programs in our region, bringing together Miami's top civic, business, education, and community leaders to build relationships, deepen understanding, and strengthen the ties that make this city work.

As GMCC Board Chair, I am deeply proud of the work this organization does every day to champion our business community, advance economic opportunity, and build the Greater Miami for all of us.

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

Job fairs play a vital role in connecting talent with opportunity, strengthening our workforce, and creating pathways to economic mobility for students, graduates, and community members alike.

Held at @MDCollege Padrón Campus, the event brought together employers, job seekers, students, and community partners from across South Florida to create meaningful connections and open doors to new career opportunities.

Thank you to Congresswoman @MaElviraSalazar for hosting another successful Job Fair and for her continued commitment to expanding economic opportunity across our community. Proud to see our MDC students serving as interns for the Congresswoman.

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

Thank you, Ambassador Navarro, for your leadership and continued belief in the mission of @MDCollege. Our visit to @udelima reinforced the power of global partnerships to advance innovation, expand opportunity, and strengthen the future of workforce education across the Americas.

Through initiatives like the Institute for Freedom in the Americas, Miami Dade College is proud to foster international collaboration grounded in academic excellence, democratic values, and leadership development. When institutions come together with a shared vision, we create meaningful pathways for students, elevate global dialogue, and help prepare the next generation to lead!

[Embajador Navarro @USAmbPeru]

Mi tiempo dirigiendo la Junta Directiva de @MDCollege fue un honor especial. Vi de primera mano el impacto que MDC tiene en sus estudiantes. Fue un placer acompañar a su liderazgo en su visita a @udelima. Cuando instituciones de este nivel se unen, el futuro se torna brillante.

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

Today, we join our community in honoring the brave service members who gave their lives for our freedom. 🇺🇸

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

This Memorial Day, Miami Dade College honors and remembers the brave service members who gave their lives in service to our nation. 🇺🇸

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

This Memorial Day, Miami Dade College honors and remembers the brave service members who gave their lives in service to our nation. 🇺🇸