More than 800 community leaders, advocates, and dignitaries filled Jungle Island’s Bloom Ballroom on April 16 for The Children's Trust's 20th Annual Champions for Children Awards Ceremony. The sold-out event, presented by TD Bank, celebrated exceptional individuals and programs making a meaningful and lasting impact in Miami-Dade County.

This signature celebration brought together everyone from longtime advocates to rising youth leaders, all united in their commitment to advancing child welfare. With inspiring videos, heartfelt speeches, and special recognitions, it was a memorable afternoon.

“For 20 years, The Children’s Trust has honored dozens of individuals and programs whose exemplary leadership and high-quality work have helped children and families across Miami-Dade thrive,” said The Children’s Trust president & CEO James R. Haj. “Our community continues to succeed and innovate because of leaders like today’s Champions.”

The event’s highest honor, the David Lawrence Jr. Champion for Children Award, was presented to Gepsie Metellus, Co-founder, Santa La Haitian Neighborhood Center, for her lifelong commitment to equity, opportunity, and the success of every child.

The ceremony also celebrated other outstanding leaders making an impact across Miami-Dade County. Honorable Alexis Calatayud, Florida State Senator, was recognized for the Excellence in Advocacy Award for her tireless work in advocacy and policy in support of Florida’s education champions.

Twala Kelly, a social worker with the University of Miami, School Health Initiative, received the Excellence in Director Service Award for her hands-on commitment to families navigating complex challenges, making sure students’ needs are addressed in a holistic and personalized manner.

Andrea Cabrera-Elguezabal, a high school student at Young Women's Preparatory Academy, was honored with the Excellence in Youth Leadership Award for her commitment to children, youth, and families.

Families First Program - UHealth Mailman Center for Child Development, Little SEALS Program - UM Linda Ray Intervention Center, and The Children's Trust Parent Club - FIU Center for Children and Families were honored with the Program of the Year Awards.

During the program, The Trust celebrated the work of the Miami-Dade Soccer Initiative on the eve of the FIFA World Cup.  Partners in the initiative, including the U.S. Soccer Foundation's President and CEO Ed Foster-Simeon and Julia Quinn, who was representing Ken Griffin of Griffin Catalyst, as well as others received commemorative Miami-Dade Soccer Initiative jerseys.

Haj said the initiative continues to grow with 50 total soccer pitches to be built across Miami-Dade.  These pitches will provide safe, accessible spaces where kids can play, learn teamwork, and stay active.  

The Trust also highlighted the work of its newest partner in the initiative, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, which has cleared the way for 25 of the new mini pitches to be built on school properties.  

Additionally, there was also an acknowledgement of Alina Hudak, CEO and President of the FIFA World Cup 26 Miami Host Committee, which is partnering with the initiative and Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, another longtime Trust provider, to bring even more inclusive soccer programming to children across the county.

The event's success was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Presenting sponsor TD Bank, Platinum sponsor City National Bank and Gold Sponsors Barry University, Community Health of South Florida, Senator Rene Garcia, University of Miami, Webauthor, WELS, WOW Marketing, and Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald. Silver Sponsors include Agencia Central, Armstrong Creative Consulting, Baptist Health, Corcoran Partners, Early Learning Corps, EdFed, Florida International University Center for Children and Families, Greenberg Traurig, Health Foundation of South Florida, Key Biscayne Community Foundation, Miami Dolphins Foundation, The Miami Foundation, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Q-Q Research, Reach Out & Read Florida, Ramax Miami, Commissioner Raquel Regalado, Uber, United Way Miami, and Cigna .

Click this link for photos of the 20th Champions for Children Awards Ceremony and to watch the honoree award videos, click here.