Catalyst Miami awarded Proclamation of Honor at Miami-Dade County School Board Meeting

By: Viviana Mauri, Communications Intern

            Last Wednesday, July 13^th, 2011, marked a very special day for our nonprofit organization, Catalyst Miami. Our CEO & President Daniella Levine, the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) and the Children Leadership Training Institute (CLTI) programs of our Civic Life Academy were honored by Miami-Dade County's School Board Member of District 6, Raquel Regalado.

            Ms. Regalado was present at this year’s 2011 PLTI and CLTI graduations as a special guest speaker, and walked away from the event so impressed with the work of our Parent and Child Leadership and Civics education programs, that she decided to bestow this  Proclamation of Honor  upon our organization, Catalyst Miami.

            Present to receive our Proclamation of Honor with Daniella Levine were members of our staff, our School Engagement Director, Abigail Asgaralli, and our CLTI Coordinator, Lizabeth Verjano. Among the School Board members who also shared kind words of the work Catalyst Miami has completed and presented to our South Florida community were Dr. Gilbert “Tee” Holloway, Dr. Marta Perez, and Chair Ms. Perla Tabares Hantman. Also commending Catalyst Miami were Mr. Martin Karp and Dr. Larry Feldman.


             Additionally being recognized at last Wednesday's School Board meeting was the Heaven on Earth Foundation. View below pictures taken at the Proclamation of Honor School Board Meeting and click here for Raquel Regalado's official photo album of the special moment.

Live Entertainment Rocks Saturday's Birthday Bash

By:  Bianca Mijares, Catalyst Miami Communications Intern
       Viviana Mauri, Communications Intern
       Cheryl Mizell, Communications Director

The Patxi Pastor Allstar Band promises to "lively up" the birthday party for Daniella Levine and Laura Levey this upcoming Saturday.  

Alto Reed's most recognizable performances include the intro to the song, "Turn the Page" and his saxophone solo in "Old Time Rock 'n Roll."  Reed was inducted to the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame with the Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band in 2004.  The Ventures, also known as, "Rock & Roll's Greatest Guitar Band," invited him to perform on one of TV's Greatest Theme Songs, "Hawaii 50", for their induction ceremony into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  He has worked during his career with artists including George Thorogood, Otis Rush, Grand Funk, Spencer Davis, and Foghat.

Leroy Romans is an owner at LSR production, music producer at Fuller Sound Mastering, and musician for The Original Wailers and Maxi Priest.  He has created music, samples and tracks for today's popular artists like P.Diddy, Rihanna, and Pitbull.  He has collaborated on a number of successful albums, among them, the Grammy-nominated, "Third World." 

Other special guests include Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Co-Founder of The Bob Seger Silver Bullet Band Alto Reed on saxophone and Multi-Grammy Nominated Producer & Keyboardist Leroy Romans.

Leroy has aligned a team of professional partners including Artists, Musicians, Film Makers, Marketing Professionals, and I.T. Specialists with the purpose of creating and forming a series of companies that will promote his brand and services to a continually larger audience.  These companies have advanced the thing he loves most about the music industry: the ability to advocate a strong voice within communities, give back, and making a difference through his music.

Join the Catalyst Miami staff along with the Patxi Pastor AllStar Band on Saturday to celebrate the birthdays of  Daniella Levine and Laura Levey from  6 - 11pm  at the home of Laura and Lewis Levey, 4777 Pinetree Drive, Miami Beach. Come and enjoy great paella, drinks and music on Saturday -- July 16th!  In lieu of a birthday present, Daniella and Laura appreciate your gifts to Catalyst Miami:  NICE gifts of $50, GREAT gifts of $75 and AWESOME gifts of $100.  Please RSVP and make your GIFT donations online NOW at www.hscdade.org

Catalyst Miami's friend, Laura Levey

By: Viviana Mauri, Communications Intern

This Saturday, July 16^th, 2011, marks Catalyst Miami’s Birthday Bash Celebration for Daniella Levine and Laura Levey at the home of Laura and Lewis Levey. 

            As the supporters and readers of Catalyst Miami’s online media sites and blog, you definitely know well our President & CEO, Daniella Levine, but you may want to learn more about our event’s hostess, Mrs. Laura Levey.
         

Mrs. Levey was introduced to our nonprofit organization, Catalyst Miami, through her grade school friend, our Vice President of Community Partnerships, Karla Gottlieb. Mrs. Levey spoke only the kindest words of her grade school classmate, calling Karla a great friend whom she knows not only works very hard on behalf of Catalyst Miami, but believes the passion for her work truly comes from the goodness of her heart. She is deeply moved by Karla’s devotion to her community.


A mother of five children, Laura shares that her passion of giving is something she hopes to transfer to her kids by supporting organizations such as Catalyst Miami. Laura shared: “I love to be involved with the community. They need my help.” She fears, “too many organizations are disappearing.”

            Laura shared with our Communications Director, Cheryl Mizell, her admiration for our Catalyst Miami CEO & President Daniella Levine as well as for the work she has accomplished in both Miami-Dade County and the international community. Additionally, she shared her recognition for the respect that Daniella commands within the Jewish community.

Among the three public concerns Catalyst Miami identifies (economic opportunity, health, and education), the one Laura focused on was education. She is deeply grateful to the work Catalyst Miami has conducted in schools to support the children and families who cannot afford the supplies and help they need to succeed. 

At only three days away, you are still in time to RSVP for this Saturday evening’s 6-11PM beautiful Birthday Bash for Daniella & Laura! Please do so by contacting our Events Coordinator, Monica Matteo-Salinas, at (305) 576-5001 x 22 or e-mailing her at monicas@hscdade.org. In lieu of a birthday gift, the birthday girls request a $50 donation to your nonprofit organization, Catalyst Miami. See you then for a delicious Spanish paella, live music and a great time!

Visit our website, www.hscdade.org, to view our official invite (Also below)!



A First Look at Tomorrow's "Masked"

By: Viviana Mauri, Communications Intern

We are only ONE day away from Catalyst Miami's 11th Annual Theatre Event, the Southeastern premiere of MASKED!

During this year's "Masked",  Catalyst Miami will include "A Call to Prayer," an interdenominational prayer service of both Muslim and Jewish faiths by South Florida's religious leaders, Rabbi Mitch Chefitz of Temple Israel and Imam Dr. Nasir Ahmad of Al Answar Mosque. In addition, we  honor this year's exceptional philanthropic and community leader, John Anzivino. After the show, Catalyst Miami will be hosting a cocktail reception with invited cast members at the Biltmore Hotel's Piano Bar. 

It is with pure excitement at Catalyst Miami's Communications that we share with you a first, exclusive look at tomorrow's play: behind-the-scenes photographs of the set submitted personally to us by the GableStage!

We hope to see you there! If you have not secured your seats to tomorrow evening's event yet, you can do so by visiting Catalyst Miami's official website, www.hscdade.org, or purchasing your tickets at the door!

It will be a night to remember! Until then, take a first look at "Masked"...

Interns for Impact: VIVIANA MAURI

Good afternoon Catalyst Miami blog readers! I hope you celebrated a beautiful 4th of July weekend with your loved ones!



VIVIANA MAURI

My name is Viviana Mauri, and I serve Catalyst Miami as their Communications Intern, one of my main duties being as Editor and Intern Liaison for this blog. Each day, I work closely with Communications Director, Cheryl Mizell, to ensure that all of the organization's incredible accomplishments, advancements, and hot news reach the South Florida community in the most exciting and effective ways.

During my internship, I have taken on projects I feel confident will prepare me for all types of future professional endeavors. During my experience thus far, I have learned to write press releases, researched Catalyst Miami's history in the media, assisted meetings regarding the re-branding and transition of Catalyst Miami from Human Services Coalition, video-taped two full days of Public Allies' Presentations of Learning, all while always making sure that Catalyst Miami's official social media pages are not only up to date, but in perfect sync. In my experience at Catalyst Miami, I have truly covered all grounds of communications.

A graduate of Young Women's Preparatory Academy's Class of 2010, I became a Posse Foundation Scholar to Mount Holyoke College. Currently a rising sophomore at MHC, I major in Romance Languages and Cultures, concentrating in Italian and French, and minor in Journalism, Media, and Public Discourse. During my freshman year at Mount Holyoke, I launched an on-campus radio show with good friend, aspiring sex-therapist and talk show host, Crystal Reed, called, "Crystal and Vivi After Dark." I plan to continue working with WMHC 91.5 FM South Hadley, as a Radio Host and as their new Promotions Director for 2011-2012.

Learning about the steps to re-branding Catalyst Miami is currently undertaking is knowledge I will apply to my new position at the station, as I hope to re-introduce WMHC to the Mount Holyoke student body in a more new, bold, and modern way this school year. I am also involved with my campus' newspaper, The MHNews, where I work as Assistant Editor to the Arts and Entertainment Section. One of my most exciting articles this past year as Staff Writer was a detailed coverage of the pop culture moment of year: The Royal Wedding.

I aspire to become a Broadcast Journalist, and envision myself pursuing a Masters in Television and Radio Broadcasting.

I would love to hear your feedback on the Catalyst Miami official blog, so please, do not hesitate to comment below or let me know what you're thinking via Twitter! Tweet me personally @VivianaMauri and if you haven't already done so, please FOLLOW Catalyst Miami on Twitter @CatalystMiami and LIKE the organization on Facebook for the latest updates!

Daniella's Hot Topic: Harvard Advanced Leadership Seminar visits the University of Miami

By: Viviana Mauri, Communications Intern

            Last week on June 17^th, 2011, our President and CEO Daniella Levine attended a prestigious leadership conference by Harvard University called the Advanced Leadership Seminar at the University of Miami’s Newman Alumni Center. The program was opened by Thomas LeBlanc, Executive Vice President and Provost of the University of Miami, and Dennis Scholl of the Knight Foundation. 

           Themes of the conference included understanding what it takes to adapt in a changing environment, determining how to pick the right causes compatible with your skills and connections, how to help grow a good idea, dealing with conflicting stakeholders, and learning to think in both the long-term and short-term simultaneously.

            Within Daniella’s wonderful notes from the event, there was one particular section I felt worth sharing with our amazing supporters and readers here at Catalystmiami.blogspot.com: the “7 Leadership Skills”, presented by program designer Rosabeth Moss Kantor, a Harvard School of Business professor. Check them out and see how they can help you in your life!

1. Learn to Listen: Tune into your environment.
2. Be dissatisfied. By looking for the thing that is not working, you can improve your situation and work.
3. Communication. It’s important that one not only has a vision and passion, but the ability to communicate clearly what it is you want to accomplish.  
4. Coalition building. Two heads think better than one. Believe in the power of teamwork.
5. Perseverance. Know how to deal with unexpected obstacles. Everyone loves a beginning and the finished end goal. But it is often the middle, the hard work, the “sweat, blood, and tears,” if you will, that requires from us the most sacrifice. Move from rhetoric to action
6. Face your critics! With a positive, proactive approach, stand up for yourself, but at the same time, listen, to know where you can improve, and the most important word in any environment: accountability.
7. Last, but not least, celebrate your success! You deserve to be happy in all of the amazing things that you do!

          The workshop was attended by diverse leaders from twelve countries and four continents, including top representatives of South Florida’s institutions of higher education, President of the University of Miami, Donna Shalala, and President Emeritus of Florida International University, Modesto Maidique. Also present were Florida State Senator for District 33, Oscar Braynon, Senior Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education at UM, William Green, Florida House Representative, Frank Artiles of District 119, Jim Cason, Mayor of Coral Gables, and former Mayor of the City of Miami, Manny Diaz, who served as a featured panelist to the event. 

 

A Word with Theatre Event Honoree John Anzivino

By: Viviana Mauri, Communications Intern

As we draw closer to the 11^th Annual Catalyst Miami Theatre Event, MASKED, on Friday, July 8^th at the GableStage at the Biltmore Hotel, we have had the opportunity get a few questions answered by one of this year’s honorees, Mr. John Anzivino, who will be recognized for his exceptional community involvement. Take a look at our Q&A with this incredible community leader! If you haven’t purchased your tickets, please visit http://www.hscdade.org/ to secure your seats.

Viviana Mauri: This year, we’re excited to present Catalyst Miami’s 11^th Annual Theatre event, “Masked,” where you’ll be honored for your exemplary community involvement. What does that mean to you? 

John Anzivino: It is an opportunity to encourage others to get involved in the community and experience the pleasure of working with like minded people who are trying to make Miami a better place.  Some of the nicest people I have ever met and some of my most cherished friendships have come from community involvement.  You develop a sense of belonging that is so valuable in life.   Being "honored" just adds to those wonderful feelings.        

VM: Catalyst Miami’s Operational Values are Leadership, Collaboration, Innovation, Self-Empowerment, and Compassion. Can you describe how one or more of these values have played a role in your philanthropic career?   

JA: My passion to help others and have an impact on our community forced me to take leadership roles I would otherwise have not experienced.  Those experiences helped me grow to be a leader in my own way. Innovation often arises from collaboration in addressing community issues.  

VM: Catalyst Miami’s mission is “to develop and support individual leadership and strong organizations that work together to improve health, education and economic opportunity in all our communities.” Is there one aspect of our mission that you feel aligns closest to your community involvement?

JA: Not really.  As the saying goes "It's all good!" 

 VM: Why do you believe an organization like Catalyst Miami is important to our South Florida community? 

JA: Absolutely!  Many people think about getting involved.  But, often they need a "catalyst" to motivate them to break through their inertia and get into action. 

Interns for Impact: JAZMIN LOCKE

JAZMIN LOCKE
Photo by: Viviana Mauri, Communications Intern.

Hi there! My name is Jazmin Locke and I am the first intern to be featured on Catalyst Miami's blog, this is exciting! I must then be responsible for paving the explanation of what an intern at Catalyst Miami may be doing. Primarily I'd say it is being patient and receptive of the different assignments thrown at me and holding my breath to not exclaim, "Wait are you sure you want me to do this?" In just these two weeks I have noticed that Catalyst Miami places great confidence and enthusiasm in their interns, both believing in our creativity and our initiatives.

As a student in Environmental Sustainability at Mount Holyoke College, I am excited to get the opportunity to work with Lynn Fiala in improving Farmers Markets' efforts to reach people across Miami. While reading Request for Proposals, paying close attention to local politics and countless e-mails, I am gradually learning the steps it takes to bring Farmers' Markets from across Miami together to collaborate with one another, share resources, and increase the availability of locally grown food. Locally grown food is not easy to find across the county, particularly in designated food deserts where supermarkets cannot be found within a 10 mile radius. This collaborative is to work toward closing these gaps.

Here with three other Posse Scholars of Miami, I have the support of my peers in a new professional setting, where I can learn what it means to be myself in a progressive environment. This opportunity is providing me the experience that I will use in the environmental field in the future.

A Super Birthday Bash

By Viviana Mauri, Communications Intern

Dear Catalyst Miami Supporters and Followers,

We know you've probably heard about our 11th Annual Theatre Event, MASKED, on July 8th, 2011, but what you might not have heard is that there's another exciting event taking place the following week!

Keep reading -- you don't want to miss this!

Save the Date because you're invited to a super birthday bash for our President and CEO Daniella Levine and Ms. Laura Levey. The birthday party set to take place on Saturday, July 16th from 6 to 11 PM at 4777-Pine Tree Drive in Miami Beach.

Don't worry about what to decide for their gifts, because the birthday celebrities have a special request...they're asking for a $50 donation to be made to Catalyst Miami!

Stay tuned online for more details because you wouldn't want to miss out on this exciting night of drinks, dancing, music, and Spanish paella!

More details coming soon to our Catalyst Miami blog and social media pages!

“A Call to Prayer” at MASKED

By: Viviana Mauri, Communications Intern

Our 11^th Annual Theatre Event, MASKED, is “An explosive Israeli play about three Palestinian brothers locked in a life-and-death struggle over issues of deception and betrayal. Set in a village on the West Bank in 1990, it depicts the tragedy of one family torn between duty, kinship, principles and survival.” We are pleased to announce that we will start this special evening with “A Call to Prayer.” We will be joined by two faith leaders of our South Florida community who will each open and close the show in inter-denominational prayer.

The idea for the prayers came from Catalyst Miami’s President and CEO Daniella Levine who shared, “The play is about Palestinians in Israel, written by an Israeli but dealing with Palestinian brothers. It’s been called ‘explosive,’ so I know it’s going to stir a lot of emotions and passion. It seems impossible to resolve the crisis in the Middle East. Only when we’re called to a higher purpose can we understand possible solutions. The play depicts the conflict of two different faiths that actually share the same God and pray to the same God, in their own way. That is what inspired my idea of a Call to Prayer in the Muslim tradition. Even those who don’t believe in the power of prayer and who are not religious hopefully can gain from appreciating this message that bridges traditions of prayer and peace.”

Tickets are available at http://www.hscdade.org/ or by calling (305) 576-5001