Miami, March 7, 2025 – Today, Miami Dade College (MDC) President Madeline Pumariega received the International Women’s Day Achievement Award presented by World Trade Center Miami for her visionary leadership and commitment to advancing education.
Established in 2004, the award highlights women in international business or trade, their commitment to advancing relations between the local community, state, country, and globally, as well as their role in creating and supporting jobs and fostering economic development.
“It is an honor to be recognized by World Trade Center Miami and to be among such inspiring women who are creating opportunities for growth in Miami and beyond,” said Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega. “Miami Dade College contributes $7.1 billion to the Florida economy. This recognition underscores our commitment to advancing student success pathways that lead to in-demand careers and drive economic development in the region.”
President Pumariega is the first female president appointed to lead MDC, the nation’s most diverse higher education institution. Under her leadership, MDC made history, ranking No. 4 among Top Public Schools in the South Region and No. 18 among all colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Prior to MDC, President Pumariega served as the first female and Hispanic chancellor of the Florida College System (FCS). In 2019, she held the position of executive vice president and provost at Tallahassee Community College. A visionary leader with a passion for education and workforce development, she has helped secure more than $100 million in funding for MDC. Dedicated to shaping higher education to meet the evolving needs of industries, President Pumariega prioritizes collaboration with business partners to align educational programs with workforce demands, ensuring talent is prepared for the future of work.
President Pumariega continues to make a profound impact on education at local, state and national levels, serving on the Board of American Council on Education and serving as Chair on the Board of the Florida Prepaid Foundation. In addition, she is Chair Elect of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and is a Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Orange Bowl Committee. Recognized for her transformative leadership, she was recently named on the Forbes 50 Over 50 Innovation list for her commitment to shaping the future of education.
Other honorees included Gisela Marti, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Tourism, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB); Ilona Vega Jaramillo, Vice President of International Economic Development, Miami-Dade Beacon Council (MDBC); Queralt Puig, Director of Investment & Institutional Relations Department Trade Commission of Spain and Yolanda Cash Jackson, Shareholder at Becker Lawyers.