Join us for this unique opportunity to learn from some of our most valuable South Florida foundations. This highly anticipated event will allow attendees to hear firsthand how these Grantmakers make strategic funding decisions and how fundraisers can more successfully position their organization for funding.

In-Person Link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/afmia/event/908019/

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS:

Ceci Rivas-Gonzalez

Ceci, a Miami native, currently serves as a Program Officer for the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, a private, family philanthropic foundation based in South Florida. She is passionate about innovative solutions that unlock the empowerment of people, organizations, and systems for the greater good. In her current role, she oversees the Economic Mobility and Arts portfolios at the foundation, including grantmaking and impact investing in workforce development, post-secondary access and success, wealth building, and access to the arts across Florida and the nation.  

Prior to joining the foundation, Ceci worked across various areas in the social sector including nonprofit, higher education, and mental health. Ceci earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida International University and a master's in Professional Counseling from the University of Georgia where she was selected as a Goizueta Foundation Scholar through the Center for Latino Achievement and Success in Education (CLASE). This year, she was honored with the Public School Alumni Achievement Award through The Education Fund and with her leadership, the foundation was recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Miami with the 2023 Outstanding Grantmaker Award.

Joelle Allen

With over twenty-five years of service as Executive Director and Board Member of Peacock Foundation, Inc., Joëlle is responsible for investing approximately $2 million annually in our beloved community. Peacock Foundation, Inc. with an almost eighty-year history, is dedicated to enhancing and promoting the good health and well-being of children and families in Miami-Dade through grants to nonprofit organizations. Joëlle prioritizes building strong relationships of trust with community partners and being a fiscally responsible steward of philanthropic funds.

Feeding the mind, body, and soul is an essential concept for Peacock Foundation, Inc., and Joëlle personally. Her role as Executive Director goes beyond the boardroom. She actively participates in site visits from the Everglades to the coral reef off Key Biscayne, from Deep South Dade to Miami Gardens. Her insatiable curiosity and commitment to excellence drive her continuous pursuit of knowledge and willingness to explore new ideas.

Kitty Dumas

Kitty Dumas is executive director of the Ryder Charitable Foundation, the corporate giving arm of Ryder System, Inc., a $12 billion Fortune 500 leader in supply chain, dedicated transportation, and commercial fleet management solutions. Kitty oversees the Foundation’s operations including developing and managing initiatives that advance the company’s giving strategy in communities where Ryder employees live and work.  As executive director, her focus includes disaster relief, education, and innovation, and research aimed at strengthening the world’s supply chains.
With more than 30 years of experience in communications and corporate giving, her career includes 15 years as a communications and marketing consultant for companies including Baptist Health South Florida, Ryder, and FIU’s Frost Art Museum.

Kitty is also a writer and former journalist whose reporting and analysis has appeared in publications including the Miami Herald, The New York Times, Congressional Quarterly, Black Enterprise, and the Philadelphia Inquirer.
She holds a B.A. in journalism and English from the University of Mississippi.