Foundation

The Beacon Council Foundation is a Florida-based 501(c)3 nonprofit created exclusively for charitable and educational purposes dedicated to the growth and prosperity of Miami-Dade County.

A Legacy of Growth, A Vision for Tomorrow

Since 1986, The Beacon Council Foundation has been the catalyst for Miami’s transformation into a global business hub. Our unwavering belief remains simple yet powerful: when a community unites, its potential knows no bounds.

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.

Our Mission

Promote community-wide economic development and prosperity in Miami-Dade County for all

Our Focus

Build a more inclusive economy

By creating clear pathways to prosperity, advancing equity across Miami-Dade County, and ensuring economic growth uplifts all communities.

Drive business growth

By attracting transformative business investment, creating high-quality jobs across industries, and powering research and marketing that showcases Miami’s potential.

Strengthen our business ecosystem

By supporting local business development, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and creating connections that drive economic growth.

Provide critical support when it matters most

Offering emergency relief during crises, helping businesses navigate challenges, and ensuring our community perseveres.

An innovative workforce solution to connect employers, educators, and talent

Talent is the currency of competitiveness — and business is the engine driving it.

In Miami-Dade, long-term growth depends on building systems that attract, retain, and develop skilled talent. Talent Bridge is an employer-led platform that aligns education, workforce, and economic strategies to meet industry needs.

It’s more than a program — it’s a connector, a source of actionable insights, and a testbed for workforce innovation. Whether you’re hiring for tomorrow or shaping what’s next, Talent Bridge keeps business at the center of Miami’s talent pipeline.

Board

Chair

Christine Barney

rbb Communications
Full‎ bio
Chair-Elect

Basil Khalil

FedEx Latin America
Full‎ bio
Secretary

Armando Fernandez

Florida Power & Light
Full‎ bio
Treasurer

Pablo Pino

TD Bank
Full‎ bio
Past Chair

Juan Carlos Liscano

American Airlines
Full‎ bio
Past Chair

Jaret Davis

Greenberg Traurig
Full‎ bio

Staff

Staff

Dr. Paula Hopkins

Full‎ bio
Staff

Camela Glean-Jones

Full‎ bio

Donate to the Foundation

Your support of The Beacon Council Foundation is more than a donation—it’s an investment in Miami’s future. Every contribution fuels innovation, sparks opportunity, and strengthens the foundation for lasting growth that touches every corner of our vibrant, diverse community.

CareerSource South Florida

CareerSource South Florida is a workforce development agency dedicated to connecting job seekers with employment opportunities and training programs. They collaborate with businesses and communities to build a skilled and competitive workforce.

Sponsor of Opportunity Miami since 2023.