


THE YEAR OF COLLABORATION


ABOUT THE GALA

G. Eric Knowles
PRESIDENT & CEO, MIAMI-DADE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Webster’s Dictionary defines collaboration as working jointly with others, especially in an intellectual endeavor. That definition comes to life every day through the work of the Chamber. Our mission simply would not be possible without the collective strength of a community committed to the betterment of all its citizens.
Each day, we collaborate with Chamber members, corporate partners, small business owners, and leaders across local, state, and federal government. We also stand alongside individuals who boldly embrace the entrepreneurial spirit—those willing to take risks, create opportunities, and shape the future of our economy.
The Chamber’s work continues because of you—because of those who show up, step forward, and make a difference in the life of an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of our economy, pulsing throughout Miami-Dade County and all of South Florida. It thrives because of our shared commitment to come together, face challenges head-on, and ensure that small businesses can keep their doors open and their dreams alive.
Miami—truly an epicenter of the world. There are few places whose name resonates so powerfully across the globe. Mention Miami anywhere, and it captures attention, imagination, and opportunity. That global presence is no accident.
We pay special tribute to the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, whose unwavering dedication keeps Miami connected to the world. Through its efforts, millions are invited each year to experience the energy, culture, and magic that define our community.
We extend our sincere gratitude to David Whitaker, President and CEO, and the entire GMCVB team for their generous support and leadership as Honorary Chairman of the Twenty-First Annual Holiday Gala.
Together, through collaboration, we are not only building businesses—we are building a stronger, more vibrant community for all.
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Respectfully,
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G. Eric Knowles
G. Eric Knowles
President & CEO, Miami-Dade
Chamber of Commerce

GALA HONOREES

GARTH C. REEVES, SR.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award is presented to individuals whose selflessness, foresight, and guidance have made an immeasurable contribution to the quality of life in our community. Bestowing these recipients with one of our city’s most prestigious accolades, the Citizen of the Year Award, these past honorees have set the standard and continue to exemplify leadership role models.
Teri Williams
President and Chief Operating Officer, OneUnited Bank
Teri Williams is President and Chief Operating Officer of OneUnited Bank and is responsible for implementation of the Bank’s strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations. Under her leadership, OneUnited Bank has consolidated the local names and product offerings of four (4) banks and launched a digital platform to create a powerful national brand supported by innovative technology, products and services. OneUnited Bank, the nation’s largest Black owned bank and award-winning Community Development Financial Institution, serves as a bridge by offering affordable financial services and promoting financial literacy. She brings 30 years of financial services expertise from premier institutions like Bank of America and American Express, where she was one of the youngest VPs. She holds an M.B.A. with honors from Harvard Business School and a B.A. with distinctions from Brown University.

DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE AWARD
The recipient of this award has demonstrated community leadership beyond the ordinary, has sparked inspiration, or has been of aid to others in their quest for excellence.
Dr. Dorothy Bendross Mindingall
M-DCPS District 2, School Board Member
Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, a former classroom teacher, principal, adult education administrator, and current School Board Member for District 2, has dedicated her life to using education as a powerful pathway to opportunity for hundreds of students, teachers, and parents. After graduating from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, she continued her education at Tuskegee (Alabama) Institute, Nova University, Barry University, and Florida International University, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees, specializations, and certifications in education and leadership.

DAVID FINCHER
YOUNG INNOVATOR AWARD
This award is presented to an individual between the ages of 18 and 35 who demonstrates strong community service and leadership abilities, while contributing innovative thought processes to address various concerns and issues in our community.
Marqueita “Krystal” Bowen
Locomotive Engineer and Advocate,
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Marqueita “Krystal” Bowen is a trailblazing locomotive engineer and advocate dedicated to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for others to rise. She brings resilience, cultural pride, and a deep sense of purpose to every aspect of her work and life. As a proud representative of the 2% of Black women in locomotive engineering, Krystal is committed not only to excelling in her field but also to paving the way for those who follow.
Her advocacy work is equally meaningful. As a presenter in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), she leads suicide prevention presentations with a special focus on the African American community. Through her efforts, she works to break stigma, encourage honest conversations, and provide culturally relevant mental health education while creating spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to heal.

BETTY WRIGHT ICON AWARD
Community Icon Award
Luther Campbell
Coach. Author. Businessman. Mentor. Community Leader.
Coach. Author. Businessman. Mentor. Community leader. Cultural pioneer. Four decades of fighting for South Florida — now he's taking that fight to Washington.
Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell is a coach, author, businessman, mentor, community leader, and cultural pioneer whose work has influenced music, sports, business, and public policy for more than four decades.
From humanitarian efforts helping Haitian refugees, to creating job programs for disadvantaged youth, to securing tens of millions of dollars in funding for parks and youth facilities in Miami neighborhoods — his life's work has always been about one thing: creating opportunities for people who are too often overlooked. Founded Luke Records 1985 Luther launches Luke Records in Miami, pioneering Southern hip-hop and launching the careers of 2 Live Crew, Pitbull, Trick Daddy, and H-Town. Builds an industry that reshapes American music.

JASON JENKINS
UNSUNG HERO AWARD
This award is presented to an individual who does great deeds but receives little or no recognition for them.
Robert W. Holland, Esq.
Owner, Law Offices of Robert W. Holland
Robert Holland, Esq., is a distinguished Miami attorney, civic leader, and community advocate with more than three decades of experience in law, government relations, public policy, and community service. Holland's dedication to strengthening communities and advancing economic opportunity has earned him recognition from the Miami-Dade County Mayor's Office and Board of County Commissioners on multiple occasions.
As founder of the Law Offices of Robert Holland, he has built a respected legal practice representing clients in government procurement, government relations, zoning, land use, real estate, contracts, family law, and administrative law throughout Florida.

H.T. SMITH LIFETIME
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award is presented to an individual whose exceptional lifetime contributions of community leadership and philanthropic endeavors have improved the quality of life for Miami-Dade County residents
Marshall L. Davis, Sr.
Managing Center Director of African Heritage Cultural Arts Center
A native Miamian, raised in Liberty City and Overtown, Marshall L. Davis, Sr. earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida Atlantic University. His long, rich history in leadership began with leading multiple Black Student organizations while in college, including recruitment efforts for the University. Davis also served as a teacher in Miami-Dade County, teaching dramatic arts to elementary students. Marshall is a visionary executive, community builder, and transformative leader who has spent over four decades proving that when communities are provided with the proper structural access and resources, they can reshape the world.

HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE
We are teaming up with the community for the toy drive this year .
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We encourage you and your guest to bring an unwrapped toy to be distributed to children for the Christmas Holiday.
