Submitted by Tongelia Milton and Carlos Goycochea
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. (February 2025) – The 2025 recipients of the YMCA of South Florida’s Dave W. Cash Leadership Awards and Spirit of Community Awards were announced during the Y’s 21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Inspirational Breakfast in Broward County and Inspirational Luncheon in Miami-Dade County, both presented by Delta Air Lines.
Pettis is co-founder and senior partner of Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm, where he has represented clients in civil trial matters for more than 38 years. He is host of the monthly podcast Can We Talk? 360°, which provides “a safe space to openly, honestly, candidly, and authentically discuss different perspectives and viewpoints on a range of topics that impact humanity.” Pettis also made history as the first African American president of the Florida Bar, where he launched several initiatives including the creation of the William Reece Smith Leadership Academy, a program designed to equip diverse groups of lawyers with the tools to enhance their leadership skills. Recognized for his exceptional speaking abilities, Pettis is in high demand and has motivated thousands at events such as Curated Discussions with Bar Leaders and Boys in Bowties with B.R.A.I.N.S. He is widely published on topics including best practices in law, healthcare disparity, diversity and equity, and supporting youth excellence. He has been recognized by South Florida Business Journal as an Ultimate CEO and recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, among others.
Florida Blue is the leading health insurer in Florida, providing health solutions to more than six million members. Through its Florida Blue Foundation, the company has made a significant impact on the state, contributing more than $20 million to improve community health. The Foundation has supplied 53 million meals, awarded $3.3 million to strengthen food security, supported hurricane relief efforts, donated more than $2.5 million in grants to promote health equity through education and outreach, and invested $3.2 million in mental health resources for children, teens, families and older adults. By sponsoring the commercial retail space at the L.A Lee YMCA Mizell Community Center, Florida Blue has aided economic progress and accessibility in Fort Lauderdale’s Sistrunk community. Additionally, the company has also provided support for water safety and drowning prevention programs, as well as invested in community health initiatives including La Bodega, the food pantry in the YMCA’s location in Allapattah, which helps ensure families have access to nutritious food.
The recipients of the Dave W. Cash Leadership Awards, presented annually to students in each county who have embodied the ideals of Dr. King in advocating for social change in the community, were high school students Layla Johnson and Rocio Pena. Both received a $2,000 college scholarship to support enrollment, registration and financial needs to further their education.
Johnson, a senior at McArthur High School in Hollywood, exemplifies service, advocacy, and empowerment through her unwavering dedication to her community. Shaped by her experience at the Y, Johnson inspires her peers to succeed and is passionate about addressing issues such as homelessness, racial equality, mental health and chronic illnesses. Active in several organizations including the Sigma Alpha Lamplighters, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and March of Dimes, she has made a significant impact at events like the Sickle Cell Picnic and Resource Fair, Peace in the Streets and Cones with a Cop.
Pena is a senior at Doral Academy Charter High School and was one of only five Miami-Dade County students selected for the prestigious 2024 Bank of America Student Leaders Program, which partners with the YMCA. Last summer, Pena worked at the Village of Allapattah YMCA Family Center, where she applied her leadership skills to serving underserved communities. During her time at the Y, she spearheaded a variety of projects, including back-to-school and book bag drives, technology education events for older adults, and led a hurricane preparedness session and a healthy eating workshop for seniors. To address social isolation, she also organized senior social events and regularly volunteered in La Bodega, the YMCA food pantry in Allapattah. Beyond the YMCA, Pena led her school’s Spanish Honor Society in a book drive for her home country, Venezuela, highlighting her belief in the transformative power of education. She also volunteered with Box of Joy, providing Christmas gifts to children in impoverished nations.
“Eugene, Layla, Rocio and Florida Blue are exceptional representatives of what these awards symbolize. They lead by example and are committed to making a difference in our community,” said YMCA of South Florida President & CEO Sheryl A. Woods. “They are truly leading the way in creating positive change and fostering unity across South Florida and their advocacy for social change, dedication to service and embodiment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ideals are an inspiration to all of us.”
Judge Glenda Hatchett, former juvenile court judge, attorney, author and community advocate was the keynote speaker for the Inspirational Breakfast and Luncheon, which were two in a series of events led by the YMCA in Broward and Miami-Dade counties in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Other events included a Teen Town Hall at Boyd H. Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes and a Day of Service at two separate Y locations in both counties.
The Signature Sponsor of the 21st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Weekend was Delta Air Lines. Presenting Sponsors for the breakfast and luncheon were JM Family Enterprises and Amazon, respectively. The Impact Sponsor was UKG. Diamond Sponsors were Brown & Brown Insurance Miami-Dade, Fifth Third Bank, Milner and Spirit Airlines. Platinum sponsors were Aver Productions, City National Bank, Florida Power & Light Company, Gulf Building, Publix Super Markets Charities, Ryder, the Las Olas Company, and Riverside Hotel.
For more information about the Y, visit ymcasouthflorida.org.
About the YMCA of South Florida
For more than a century, the YMCA has been woven into the fabric of the South Florida community. As an award-winning nonprofit, the Y is committed to strengthening community through more than 200 programs serving everyone from six months old to 100 years young. Our Family Centers and programs are inclusive, vibrant hubs of community life, offering a diverse array of classes, cutting-edge fitness facilities, life-saving aquatics, exciting community events, unforgettable camps, supportive afterschool care, and holistic health and wellness programming. At the Y, there’s something for everyone. Join the movement by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or YMCASouthFlorida.org.
