Dr. Beatriz González, Wolfson Campus President
Before her work at MDC, Beatriz served as Chief Diversity Officer, Vice Provost, and Professor of Counseling at the University of La Verne in California. As Vice Provost, she held responsibility for sponsored research, community engaged learning, faculty development, student affairs, library & learning resources, career services, tutoring, and advisement & registration. Prior to serving in California, she was Vice President for Planning and Enrollment at St. Thomas University (STU), Florida, responsible for institutional research and strategic planning, enrollment, marketing and communications, student affairs, and athletics.
Committed to advancing education as a public good, Dr. González is an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow and an E. Kika De La Garza Fellow. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Higher Education Resource Services, a member of the National Advisory Council for the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE), and a member of the Social and Economic Development Council of the Board of County Commissioners (Miami-Dade). With published works in assessment, leadership, and cultural competence, Dr. González is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the State of Florida. Prior to her work in higher education, Dr. González was a certified teacher and counselor, serving Miami Dade County Public Schools for a decade.
Mauricio Ferrazza, Chairperson at the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex (MAGIC)
Mauricio Ferrazza has been working with animation production for film and TV for over 30 years. With a B.A. in Advertising and Marketing, and an M.F.A. in Computer Animation, Ferrazza specialized in dynamics and particle simulation, creating motion and recreating natural phenomena through the application of the principles of physics. Ferrazza worked for Univision Communications, the leading Spanish network in the country, designing the concept and executing graphics and animation for the network’s programming and special events department.
In 2015, Ferrazza inaugurated the Miami Animation and Gaming International Complex (MAGIC) at Miami Dade College. MAGIC is the first facility of its kind at a public higher education in Florida. Modeled after a feature production studio — MAGIC has positioned itself as a new animation and gaming industry hub and has gathered enthusiasts, studio executives, software specialists, artists, and others from around the country to collaborate in different initiatives.
In 2018, The Aspen Institute and the Siemens Foundation awarded the MAGIC program at Miami Dade College with the Siemens-Aspen Community College STEM Award, in recognition of the outstanding preparation and education the program provides students seeking careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). In 2023, the MAGIC program was included in the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s newest guide: “Excellence & Equity in STEM Programs,” which covers three strong suits of high-value STEM programs: Outreach and Recruitment; Onboarding, Advising, and Student Support; and High-quality Programs and Employer Partnerships.
Douglas Roberts, President & CEO at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
As the President and CEO of the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, I am responsible for advancing the museum’s vision of inspiring visitors to enjoy science and technology, explore the natural world, and engage with their community. With over 25 years of experience in science research and communication, I bring a unique combination of skills and expertise to this role, including astronomy, education, programming, and visualization.
My passion for science and innovation drives me to create immersive and interactive experiences that showcase the latest discoveries and developments in various fields, such as space exploration, climate change, biotechnology, and engineering. I also lead the museum’s efforts to foster partnerships with academic, industry, and government entities, as well as to expand its outreach and educational programs for diverse audiences. My goal is to make the Frost Museum of Science a world-class destination for learning, discovery, and enjoyment.
Arva Suzanne Gibson, Miami DDA Board of Directors, Dade Heritage Trust, Executive Board of Directors
Miami has a pioneering spirit. I know people respond to this because I’ve spent my whole life, as both a resident and civic leader, seeing us do great things when given the chance to strategically impact and enhance the future of a great city.
In all my roles, whether it’s through my historical consulting company, Dade Heritage Trust or the Miami Downtown Development Authority (MDDA), it’s my job—and my privilege—to protect and cultivate Miami’s legacy and culture. And, most resonant for me, to leverage our storied past to build a future that respects and includes the communities that made this city the dynamic world destination it is today.
This is a guiding principle for me in my work with the MDDA, where I develop creative initiatives, facilitate funds and problem-solve to empower business owners and cultural groups. Through outreach, advocacy and support, I build unique forums for businesses and creatives to network and grow.
Natalia Crujeiras, CEO & Executive Director HistoryMiami Museum
Lifelong learner and passionate advocate for community building through arts, culture, and innovation. As a seasoned executive with extensive experience in journalism, strategic planning, and cultural institution leadership, I am committed to nurturing talent and fostering inclusive environments. My expertise spans content development, media strategy, philanthropy, and driving organizational change, with a focus on creating spaces where people feel a sense of belonging.
With a proven ability to lead large-scale projects on tight budgets, I’m dedicated to strengthening our community’s social fabric, empowering future leaders, and leaving a lasting impact on every initiative I am part of. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, I thrive in multicultural settings, always striving to leave things a little better than I found them.
Meg Daly, Founder of The Friend of the Underline
A 30-year sales and marketing veteran, Meg owned First Media Direct, a breakthrough target marketing company catering to the broadcast television industry. She has also held executive positions in the public relations, advertising, and real estate industries. Meg has a BA in English from Vanderbilt University and has served on numerous philanthropic boards. She is currently CEO/President of Friends of The Underline and Chairwoman of The Underline Conservancy and a board member of the Miami-Dade Transportation Trust.
Since its founding, Friends of The Underline has been committed to transforming the underutilized land below Miami’s Metrorail—from the Miami River to Dadeland South Station—into a 10-mile linear park, urban trail and public art destination.
Through a partnership with Miami-Dade County, a vibrant and engaged board of directors, public and private donors and hundreds of volunteers, The Underline is becoming an example for repurposing unused land into a public park and community space and asset. And so, The Underline was born.
Christina Crespi, CEO & Executive Director at the Miami Downtown Development Authority
As the head of one of Florida’s largest Economic Development Agencies,the Miami DDA, Christina works with a 15-member Board of Directors and manages a team of 30 employees to ensure the economic health a vitality of Downtown Miami/Brickell. The agency develops and implements business development strategies to expand current business opportunities and recruit new to market companies looking to move to Downtown Miami/Brickell. The Miami DDA assists stakeholders navigate permitting and quality of life concerns and enhances the urban core thru targeted marketing initiatives that have raised downtown Miami/Brickell as a global business destination or the #WallStreetoftheSouth. The agency provides data and research on the realestate and office market and focuses on urban planning projects to create a pedestrian safe community. The Miami DDA sponsors various events to ensure downtown Miami thrives in an evolving market.
With over 19 years of experience, Christina has worked at all levels of local government including the Miami Dade County Mayor’s office, developing policies, strategic direction and financial planning and oversight of multiple operational departments. She is a visionary and collaborator who’s passion for the city has changed and ignited the cultural renaissance and ever-changing sky-line in downtown Miami and Brickell.
Cesar Sakay, Vice President, Art & Design at TelevisaUnivision
Senior creative leader with a dynamic history of management, strategic thinking, and innovation. Proven adaptability through 20+ years experience in a continuously evolving field. I take pride in my personal journey that has given me visibility from entry level to senior leadership positions, allowing empathy and understanding of team members at all levels. I thrive on building a collaborative and energetic environment that inspires teams to always think further.
TelevisaUnivision has supported the MAGIC program for ten years now, as a scholarhip donor, as students’ mentors and by hiring our graduates.
Manny Perez, Dean of Engineering, Technology and Design at Miami Dade College
With an illustrious career spanning over two decades at Miami Dade College, Manny Perez has been an embodiment of dedication, leadership, and innovation in education. Currently at the helm of the College’s School of Engineering, Technology and Design as the Dean, Mr. Perez has been pivotal in introducing cutting-edge curriculum in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data analytics, fostering real-world experiences for students, and ensuring the school stays at the forefront of innovative academic programs. His vision has not only shaped the direction of the faculty but has also inspired countless students to reach their peak of potential. Mr. Perez has also secured and managed numerous grants, significantly enhancing the school’s resources and academic programs.
Sarah Tuskey, Dean of Faculty, Wolfson Campus
Dr. Sarah Tuskey serves as Dean of Faculty at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus. With a career at Miami Dade College spanning several years, she has served across multiple positions, from Associate Dean of Academic Affairs to Department Chairperson for Business at the Kendall and Homestead Campuses. Her academic leadership has been marked by a commitment to the enhancement of academic programs, pedagogical innovation, and the elevation of student success metrics resulting in the advancement of program offerings and an improvement in student persistence and academic achievement.
Lupe Ferran Diaz, Ph.D., Administrative Director at the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Department of Career and Technical Education
Dr. Lupe Ferran Diaz currently serves as the Executive Director of the Department of Career and Technical Education which services over 105,000 students enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs that are aligned with the One Community One Goal targeted industries. Prior to this appointment, she served as Project Director for the Smaller Learning Communities Grant and was responsible for overseeing the district’s NAF career academy programs. She is well respected and revered as an early leader in the use of technology in the classroom. Dr. Diaz holds a B.A, in Business Education from Hunter College-City University of New York, an M.A. in Business Education and a Ph.D. in Vocational-Technical Education from The Ohio State University.
Brian Schriner, Dean of the Schools of Journalism, Architecture and Communications at FIU
Brian Schriner was appointed Dean of the College of Architecture + The Arts in 2009. Upon the integration of the FIU School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the college was renamed to the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts (CARTA) in 2016. Under Dean Schriner’s leadership — and the demanding work of the college’s faculty, professional staff, students, alumni, donors, board members, and partners — CARTA has established a reputation as one of the nation’s most innovative and forward-thinking colleges.
Denise Mendez, Principal Engineer at Microsoft
As a Principal Software Developer at Microsoft in the Mixed Reality team, I am building the best-in-class data observability solutions across the fabric of the product life cycle, from the hardware to the user experience. At Magicleap I built end two end telemetry business intelligence systems, worked as a solutions architect for Spatial Computing in the education sector. At Motorola I was at the forefront of mobile technology and connectivity, designing and defining test systems architecture. I spent extensive time travelling to build Global Supply Chain engineering systems.
Nelson Hincapie, Executive Director at the MDC Foundation
Nelson Hincapie is the executive director of the MDC Foundation, which raises essential private funds to support scholarships, academic programs, and services to change the lives of MDC students, families, and communities through the transformational opportunity of education.
Most recently, Hincapie served as President and CEO of Voices for Children Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit that provides financial assistance and resources to abused, abandoned, and neglected children. During his time at Miami-Dade County, he led the successful statewide campaign for Universal Pre-K, which guarantees high-quality pre-kindergarten education for every four-year-old child in Florida.
Siggi Backmann, Senior Director of Research and Design at NWS
My role as a creative leader is to inspire creativity in others so that they may become more successful in their role. I am the Senior Director of Design and Creative Services at the world-renowned classical music academy New World Symphony. I am responsible for oversight of all visual design, advertising, and branding as well as fostering team collaboration using design thinking to help teams innovate and frame new opportunities for business growth. I am the creator of a comprehensive toll kit called Audience Experience Design (AXD), a human-centered design framework that provides arts organizations with tools to better connect them with their audiences.
Michelle Kucharczyk, VP Business Development at NWS
Nonprofit Operations Expert with 25+ years of experience in organization development, strategic planning, project management, software implementation, hiring, venue rentals, facility interior design and equipment procurement, artistic and institutional advancement.
With a growth mindset, able to creatively and objectively test new methodologies and tools, seeking efficient and sustainable approaches that build human-centered best-practices while prioritizing impact, evaluation, and scalability.
Prioritizes mentorship with a 100% success rate of new hires and cross-promoted staff. Comfortable in an environment that blends cutting edge technology and the arts.
Dr. Susan Epstein Garcia, Professor at NWSA
A composer, educator and author, Dr. Epstein Garcia holds an DMA in Composition from Boston University 1999 and a BM in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music 1992. The Colorado Symphony Orchestra have performed her compositions, as well as at Clark University, Brandeis University, Boston University, and Florida International University. Additionally, her work has received international recognition with performances at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, UniRio in Rio de Janeiro, and esteemed venues in Rome and Spain. She is a contributing author to Women and Music Since 1900: An Encyclopedia and is actively involved in IAWM (the International Alliance for Women in Music). Dr. Epstein Garcia holds the rank of Professor and joined the faculty of New World School of the Arts in 1999. She was awarded the Mary Pond Family and Friends Endowed Teaching Chair in Memory of Karl S.E. Pond.
Patricia Arias, Executive Director, CAMACOL
Pattie founded the Miami Media and Film Market in 2008 and currently serves as its Chief Executive. She was on the host committee for the first three Miami International Film Festivals, and she is currently a member of the international jury for the Premio’s Platino, which acknowledges Ibero-American Cinema. Pattie is also a member of Miami Dade College’s School of Entertainment & Design Technology Advisory Board.
Pattie was instrumental in creating and implenting the “Miami Animation Incentive Program,” in collaboration with CareerSource South Florida and the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex (MAGIC) at Miami-Dade College (MDC), an innovative program to link our next generation of animation/gaming professionals, with animation companies worldwide.
Jose Luis Martinez, Miami Media & Film Market
JL is a producer, consultant, and director. Since 2010, through co-founding and creative direction of MMFM he has organized and moderated panels with a wide cross-section of entertainment and media professionals from around the world. His latest projects include the award-winning feature MARCUS which he produced, and the executive produced a digital campaign “The Amparo Experience” for The Real Havana Club.
JL was instrumental in creating and implenting the “Miami Animation Incentive Program,” in collaboration with CareerSource South Florida and the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex (MAGIC) at Miami-Dade College (MDC), an innovative program to link our next generation of animation/gaming professionals, with animation companies worldwide.
Susan Guzman, Senior Designer at UnivisionTelevisa
Susan Guzman is a graphic designer with over 20 years of experience in media, design, and live event production. At TelevisaUnivision, the world’s leading Spanish-language media company, she plays a key role in creating promotional graphics for major award shows, network campaigns, streaming content, and breaking news.
Susan holds an AAS in Interior Design and a BFA in Communication Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, including a study abroad semester at the London College of Printing. Her career began at Univision New York, and she later joined the Miami HEAT as a Motion Graphic Designer and LED Operator, producing high-impact visuals for NBA games, concerts, and arena-wide events. Susan is also a Suncoast Regional Emmy nominee for achievements in advanced media craft and campaign work.
Silvia Sayas, Assist. Professor of Animation & Game Art at Miami Dade College (MAGIC)
University Professor with 30 years of experience teaching animation in different educational institutions, Silvia began teaching at Miami Dade College in 2019 and was promoted to full time professor in 2024. Silvia Sayas holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer animation from William Paterson University, USA. She also holds a certificate in Creative Programming for Digital Media Certificate from the University of London.