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Honorees include Alex Villoch, Mas Family, and Dr. Eduardo Padron
MIAMI, FL (July 30, 2025) – The Miami-Dade Beacon Council today announced this year’s distinguished honorees for the upcoming Beacon Awards, the organization’s signature recognition program returning Oct. 22. Alex Villoch, CEO of the Baptist Health Foundation, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Founders’ Award. The Mas family has been selected to receive the 2025 Jay Malina Leadership Award, while Dr. Eduardo Padrón will be honored with the 2020 Jay Malina Leadership Award, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sector awards, Small Business, and One2Watch winners will be announced live during the event. The application period officially closes July 31, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
A full list of award categories can be found online.
“The leaders we honor this year combine fearless vision with a deep commitment to our communities,” said Rodrick T. Miller. “Their impact extends from boardrooms and innovation hubs to the heart of Miami’s neighborhoods. Through bold action and unwavering purpose, they are redefining leadership and setting a new standard for global impact, which is an especially fitting reflection as we celebrate our 40th anniversary.”
Chair of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council and Vice President of MIA Hub Operations at American Airlines JC Liscano added, “In this milestone year, we expanded and reimagined the Beacon Awards to capture more of the momentum happening across Miami. There is incredible work being done to grow businesses, build our talent pipeline, and strengthen our communities. These awards give us a chance to spotlight the people and organizations making it happen, and to inspire others to step up and lead.”
New for 2025─The Founders’ Award
The inaugural Founders’ Award was created in honor of the tri-chairmen whose visionary leadership helped establish The Beacon Council four decades ago. This award celebrates individuals whose entrepreneurial mindset, collaborative leadership, and civic commitment have made a lasting impact on the region’s economic development.
Alexandra Villoch, CEO of the Baptist Health Foundation, was unanimously selected as the inaugural recipient of the Founders’ Award. A trailblazer throughout her career, Villoch made history as the first woman to serve as publisher of the Miami Herald Media Company. Today, she oversees fundraising, government and community relations, and hospitality for South Florida’s largest hospital group. In addition to her executive leadership, she has served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami-Dade. A Past Chair of The Beacon Council and Chair Emeritus of its One Community One Goal initiative, Villoch remains a champion for healthcare, education, and economic opportunity in Miami.
“I am deeply honored to receive the inaugural Founder’s Award. As someone who has long been involved with mission-driven organizations, I am passionate about powering growth and innovation that makes an impact, allowing both South Florida businesses and our community to thrive,” said Villoch. “The Beacon Council supports the kind of collaboration that makes this possible, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the organization’s vision of a strong economic future for Miami-Dade County.”
The Jay Malina Leadership Award
The Jay Malina Leadership Award is the highest individual honor presented by the Miami-Dade Beacon Council at the annual Beacon Awards. The award is named after Jay T. Malina, Founder and Co-Chair of the One Community One Goal initiative that established a master plan and implementation process focused on job creation for Greater Miami.
The Mas Family, Jorge Mas, Juan Carlos Mas, and José R. Mas, will receive the 2025 Jay Malina Leadership Award in recognition of their commitment to inclusive economic progress, reflecting the spirit and legacy of Jay Malina. What began in 1994 with the founding of MasTec has grown into one of the nation’s leading infrastructure enterprises. The Mas brothers have also led major urban development projects, including Miami Freedom Park, blending their construction expertise with a bold vision for the city’s future. In 2018, they expanded into the world of sports, acquiring Inter Miami CF alongside David Beckham and helping to bring Major League Soccer to Miami. Through the Mas Family Foundation and Mas Family Scholarships, they continue to invest in future leaders and open doors of opportunity that will shape Miami for generations to come.
“We are profoundly humbled to receive the Jay Malina Leadership Award and stand alongside so many who share in the work of building Miami’s future,” said José R. Mas. “Our family has always believed in the promise of this city. Through MasTec, The Mas Group, Inter Miami CF, and our philanthropic efforts, we have been fortunate to play a role on projects that have expanded our city’s skyline and become cultural touchpoints to be enjoyed by generations for years to come.”
Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, President Emeritus of Miami Dade College, will finally receive his Jay Malina Leadership Awards originally awarded in 2020 due to the pandemic. A nationally recognized champion for education, equity, and workforce development, Dr. Padrón has been instrumental in expanding access to opportunity for thousands across Miami-Dade. Beyond his academic leadership, he has helped fuel Miami’s cultural renaissance as the founder of signature institutions like the Miami Book Fair and Miami Film Festival. His impact has earned recognition from organizations and governments around the world, cementing his legacy as one of Miami’s most transformative leaders.
“Receiving the Jay Malina Leadership Award, especially in this milestone year for The Beacon Council, is both an honor and a reminder of the responsibility we carry,” said Padrón. “Throughout my career, I have held an enduring belief that education is the gateway to opportunity, and it has guided my work to uplift our community. This recognition celebrates what we are achieving today and what we know is possible. It is a call for us all to keep investing in people and partnerships that move Miami forward.”
2025 Beacon Awards Event Details
The 2025 Beacon Awards will be held on Oct. 22, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Ziff Ballet House at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. The signature event brings together leaders from across the public and private sectors to celebrate collaboration, innovation, and impact. To become a sponsor, click here.
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About the Miami-Dade Beacon Council Foundation
The Miami-Dade Beacon Council is the sole member of the Foundation and has oversight and control over the Foundation’s fiscal and programmatic activities. The Beacon Awards program is a component of the current One Community One Goal (OCOG) initiative to diversify the local economy and promote higher-paying jobs. For more information on the Foundation, click here.
About the Miami-Dade Beacon Council
The Miami-Dade Beacon Council, a 501(C) 6, is the County’s official economic development partnership, focused on driving a more sustainable, inclusive, and competitive economy for Greater Miami. Since 1985, The Beacon Council has attracted more than 160,000 new jobs and $8.4 billion in investments to the region. The awards are managed by The Beacon Council Foundation a 501(C) 3, a Florida not-for-profit organization created exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. For more information, visit The Beacon Council’s website.
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