Diana Susi, President and CEO, MSW, MFT, CMHP Project Director

Masters level Social Worker, 40+ years experience as Projects Director, Executive and CEO of AYUDA guiding staff, board and families to provide excellent service to clients. Has started and directed clinics for special needs populations and ensured that inclusion programs prevail in school settings. Has advocated for human rights issues in Miami-Dade County, has mentored, taught and supervised Bachelor and Master level Mental Health and Social Work Interns. Has written grants that get regranted since 1990. Implemented and protects the value system of AYUDA as an agency that serves its client base from infancy to the end of life with dignity and respect.

Alison Davis Gerits, Board Chair

Alison was born in Colombia and raised there and in Argentina. She graduated from Colby College in 1993 with a degree in International Relations. That year she joined DDB Advertising Agency in New York City. Over the next twenty years she worked on American Airlines, ExxonMobil and McDonald’s in NY, Dallas, Miami, Buenos Aires and Jakarta. In 2022, Alison founded her own online lifestyle business City Life Guru. She is also a Board Member of Jewish Community Services of South Florida.

Lucia Baez-Geller, BOARD CO-CHAIR

Lucia Baez-Geller was elected November 2020 to represent District 3 in the Miami-Dade County Public School Board. She has been a part of the community she represents for over 30 years, working tirelessly to give its residents a better education.
For over 15 years, Lucia has dedicated her life to education by teaching thousands of students. Her advocacy efforts are far reaching beyond the classroom with her involvement with education initiatives in Miami-Dade County, Tallahassee, and Washington, DC. She was awarded the title of 2013 Political Advocate of the Year by the National Education Association. Lucia has worked with United Teachers of Dade, Florida Education Association, the National Education Association, Educational Excellence School Advisory Council, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, Media Ambassador for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and served as the Education Chair with the League of Women Voters.

Anne-Marie Tristan, Board Vice Chair

With over 40 years of development/fundraising experience, Anne-Marie is happy to be grant writer for AYUDA. Anne-Marie is originally from Brooklyn, New York and has lived in Miami since 1992. She has a Bachelors in Music with a minor in Art History and a Masters of Business Administration from The American University. She began her career as a High School teacher
before becoming an administrator and grant writer. She enjoys painting (mostly watercolor), playing piano and is an animal rights advocate. She fostered 9 children and adopted her daughter and is glad to have three beautiful grandchildren.

Esther Dollar, Board Secretary

Esther joined Ayuda in 2014 after years of dedicating time to the organization as a volunteer. As a Board member, she developed a youth empowerment program focusing on self-esteem for teen girls. Esther is a model and pageant titleholder. Additionally, she can be seen regularly on Univision in lifestyle and entertainment segments.

MELINA ALMODOVAR, Board Member

Melina Almodóvar, also known as La Muñeca de la Salsa and La Chica Del Bling, is a Puerto Rican salsa singer, songwriter, dancer, and entertainer. She has also performed in many festivals and clubs all over the United States and the world. Her main stage has been Hollywood Salsa Festival, an event that she produces herself with her production team ALMODOVAR MUSICA PRODUCTIONS. Thousands come every year to the City of Hollywood, Florida on the first Saturday of April to enjoy salsa music from the best salsa musicians, dancers and DJjs in the world. This event has become the highest attended festival of Florida dedicated exclusively to the salsa genre. Melina has also produced the Miami Beach Salsa Festival . In 2021 The Miami Beach SalsaFest was a benefit for AYUDA. Melina is dedicated to ensuring that the joy of Salsa is accessible to all ages and cultures.

WINSOME BOLT, BOARD MEMBER

Presently designs Mindwarehouse co-work space and Mindwarehouse Connect, an open concept venue for events located downtown Miami. Winsome curates, creates and designs venues to exhibit Visual/musical/spoken word artist in pop up Gallery style at homes and offices in Miami and Broward, Miami Beach Botanical Garden Banyan Room and curates and exhibits local and international emerging and veteran artist at the Mindwarehouse Connect. She curated Art Days, and Block 1 Art week during Art Basel. Presently instructs art and design classes at local after schools such as Fienberg Fisher, as well as classes for adults at UNIDAD, Surfside Community Center and other neighborhood facilities.

GIL COHEN, Board Member

With over 25 years of dynamic experience in accounting, real estate, and business consulting, Gil Cohen is a powerhouse in managing business operations and finance. He excels in representing individual investors and commercial firms, demonstrating unparalleled skills in operations, development, and leadership. Known for his ability to harness team talents for exceptional results, Gil’s expertise spans financial, operational, compliance, and information systems across diverse industries. His knack for thorough analysis, risk evaluation, and meticulous attention to detail sets him apart. A results-driven professional, Gil thrives both independently and in collaborative environments, dedicated to achieving excellence in every endeavor.

KYRA FULLEDA, Board Member

Over 19 years of experience in the Medicare Industry, with a strong background in Medicare Advantage plans. She is Director of Market Development for Carepoint. Bilingual professional with a strong hands-on work performance. Cultivate excellent relationships with new brokers and existing brokers. Managed all aspects of the organization, overseeing 4 district Managers and more than 400 brokers. Rebuilt, restructured & revitalized sales team. Recruiting more than 150 brokers and General agencies. Communicate a clear, strategic sales vision, effectively training and coaching both veteran and junior sales team members and brokers.

JANELLE GRAHAM, Board Member

Serving as an advocate for youth and their role in telling their stories, Janelle facilitates creative expression workshops. Janelle Nicole Graham through “Poetic Puff” provides relatable spaces for young people to take ownership as the authors of their life stories. Ten years as a poetry instructor, she has volunteered for non-profits serving at-risk youth. For five years, she has worked as an educator and earned awards and recognition such as New Educator of the Year and New American Hero Award. As a writer, she listens to needs and crafts words to form clear and creative expressions with intentions to generate discussion, fuel action, and make an imprint. Transparency brings healing and storytelling has the power to build community Through “Poetic Puff” rising generations are harnessing the vitality of their voices.

KIMBERLY HILLERY, Advisory Board Member

Kimberly Hillery was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. and relocated to Miami in 1997. She received her law degree from Temple University and has devoted her career to public service positions. She is currently an assistant chief counsel with the Department of Homeland Security. Ms. Hillery joined the Board of AYUDA in 2016 in an advisory capacity and provides Pro Bono legal advice. She enjoys working with others to improve the lives of South Florida families and making positive contributions. In her spare time, she enjoys piano playing, interior design, and foreign travel.

LILIANA MARTINEZ, BOARD MEMBER

Liliana Martinez, a native of Colombia, has lived in Miami Beach for 22 years. Martinez is an activist, supporting causes that help the needy and underserved in Miami Beach, and is a member of the City’s Hispanic Affairs Committee. Over the years, she has become the go-to person for campaigns in need of voter outreach. Political operative Liliana Martinez has worked for eight campaigns in Miami Beach’s 2021 elections, including those of Mayor Dan Gelber, Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, and the political committee opposing a 2 a.m. alcohol sales ban. She has received several recognitions from the Miami Beach City Commission for her avid passion and activism in this City.

DAVID SEXTON, Board Member

David Sexton is an (almost) 30 year resident of Miami Beach. While living here, he has owned a gym (South Beach Ironworks) and an art studio (Painting with a Twist), worked for MARVEL Comics, produced shows and plays and events. He currently owns the Art/Event company Normandy Arts LLC (www.NormandyArt.net) and is the President of the Normandy Fountain Business Association www.NormandyFountain.com ).

ANDRES WILLIAMS, Board Member

André L. Williams is a real estate attorney with a full-service real estate law firm representing real estate developers, investors, lenders, brokers and individuals in real estate matters. He previously practiced law at Holland and Knight LLP. André was selected as one on of the “10 Best Attorneys” in Florida for Client Satisfaction in Real Estate Law by the American Institute of Legal Counsel. He is also the President and CEO of Pendragon Title and Escrow Inc.(www.pendragontitle.com), a title company which offers a full range of title and real estate closing services to lenders, brokers, sellers and purchasers throughout the State of Florida. He is the President of the Miami Gardens Chamber of Commerce. André received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and American Literature from Harvard University and his law degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law.

EVA DIAS, Board Member

Eva Dias is an accomplished Business Executive, who has developed her Human Resources career within 4 of the biggest corporations in the world, all leaders in their industry – Philip Morris, L’Oréal, Novartis and IFF – International Flavours & Fragrances. Throughout her career, she has gained a very broad international experience, working in different countries, such as Brazil, Portugal, Switzerland, France and since 2003 in US. She is currently the CEO & Founder of Phoenix Human Capital Solutions, a Human Resources practice with the mission of “helping people and organizations to unveil and unleash the best version of themselves.” She is a Co-Founder of the Life Science Women Network.
She has co-written 2 books: Empowered Women and 100 Successful Women Around the World, where she shares her trajectory as a human being, woman, professional since her beginning in Brazil all the way to the whole world. She speaks fluently English, Portuguese, French and Spanish.

ROMINA OROZCO-ENCIO, Board Member

Community-driven and highly motivated event professional with over 20 years of experience in floral design, event coordination, and sports management. Passionate about uniting people through culture, creativity, and sports. Skilled at organizing large-scale community events, fundraisers, and tournaments in partnership with local organizations, city officials, and law enforcement. Recognized multiple times by the City of Miami Beach for outstanding dedication, leadership, and community impact. Owner & Event Designer | Abbott Florist, Miami Beach, FL (1990–Present). Active member of the North Beach CRA and Normandy Fountain Business Association, promoting neighborhood growth and small business visibility.

PAMELA CALDERÓN, Board Member

Digital Marketing, Sales, and Business Development strategist with training in Administration, Marketing, and Finance. Over 15 years of experience combining corporate leadership, process optimization, and execution of high-impact digital campaigns.
Specialist in brand positioning for professionals in the tax and accounting sector in the U.S. Expert in organizing corporate and community events, lead generation, conversion funnels, and digital community growth. Founder of a nonprofit organization focused on social impact and community mobilization. Independent Consultant | Digital Marketing & Business Strategy U.S. and Latin America | 2020 – Present.

Marjorie York

Marjorie York is a community activist who is on many Boards in Miami Beach and throughout the County. I especially enjoy helping to plan events where everyone can gather to exchange ideas and discuss legislative issues. It is very gratifying to witness people receiving needed services provided by AYUDA.

In Memoriam

DEANNE CONNOLLY GRAHAM, BOARD CHAIR emeritus

The passing of our dear Board Chair DeAnne Connolly-Graham has left a void in many lives and organizations. We are grateful to have had her championing our cause for over 18 years, she has left a magnificent legacy. AYUDA has created the DeAnne Connolly Graham Legacy Fund to continue her essential work in the community.