Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler, Dania Beach Mayor Walter Duke, Marine Industry Cares Foundation Chairman Mole Telfer,Kids In Distress CEO Mark Dhooge, Founder and Executive Director of Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center Susan M. Widmayer and many others participated in the Marine Industry Cares 5th Annual Spin-A-Thon to help raise money for Kids in Distress and Childrens Diagnostic & Treatment Center.
This young & talented ensemble, Kevin & Kristen Seto as violionists and Stephen Seto playing the piano will delight all with a Mother's Day special concertat Cinema Paradiso
about THE SETO TRIO:
Kevin Seto, a junior at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, is majoring in violin performance. He has also studied violin at the Boston Conservatory. Kevin began his violin studies at the age of 3 and joined the Florida Youth Orchestra in third grade. During his time at F.Y.O. Kevin enjoyed many performance opportunities including performing in America’s 400th Anniversary celebration with the Virginia Symphony and playing in Carnegie Hall in New York City. In May of 2009 the Florida Youth Orchestra presented him with the prestigious Joseph Leavitt Award. During his high school years, Kevin participated in the All County and All State Orchestras, was concertmaster of the Flanagan High School Orchestra, and in his senior year was nominated for the Miami Herald’s Silver Knights Award in Music. At FGCU, he was chosen to participate in the Florida Enhanced Learning Through Music programs in Collier County teaching the pre-k violin literacy program, recognized by Florida’s Department of Education, at the Guadalupe Early Childhood Center in Immokalee, Florida. Recent accomplishments include winning third place in the Big Arts Concerto Competition, first place in the Young Artists Awards and first place in the Jillian Prescott Music Awards in Fort Myers.
Kristen Seto:
As a violin performance major at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, Kristen Seto is currently studying with Mrs. Carol Cole and previously studied with Huifang Chen and Thomas D. Moore. Kristen was selected among the nations greatest to play in the National High School Honors Orchestra in Atlanta, Georgia. As a member of the Florida Youth Orchestra for 11 years, Kristen had the opportunity to serve as assistant concertmaster of the Principal Orchestra and first violinist of the Aurora Strings Quartet, where she was awarded the prestigious Joseph Leavitt Music Award. In 2012, Kristen was awarded honorable mention in the New World Symphony concerto competition and was selected as concertmaster for their Side-By-Side Concert. In high school she participated in All-County, All-State, and Florida Federation of Music Clubs Finals where she won first place in violin solo and honorable mention in violin concerto. In 2007, Kristen performed in America’s 400th Anniversary in Jamestown, Virginia where she was one of the 400 musicians chosen from around the country to play her violin with the Virginia Symphony for the President of the United States. Recent accomplishments include winning first place in the Ars Flores Young Artists Concerto Competition, honorable mention in the Miami Herald’s Silver Knights Award in Music and second place in the Big Arts Concerto Competition.
Stephen Seto:
currently pursuing a Professional Performance Certificate in Piano Performance at Lynn Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Dr. Roberta Rust. He recently completed his Master’s Degree from Lynn Conservatory of Music at Lynn University and received his Bachelor of Music with honors from the University of Miami where he studied piano with Tian Ying and harpsichord with Frank Cooper. Stephen has participated in piano master classes with pianists Ory Shihor, Jon Kimura Parker, Santiago Rodriguez, Luis Ascot, Louis Lortie, and Margarita Shevchenko. He was first place winner of the Fourteenth Annual Scholarship Competition presented by the Palm Beach County Music Teachers Association and has participated in the Florida Federation of Music Clubs State Convention where he was awarded 2nd place in Piano Solo and 2nd place in Piano Concerto. In 2006 Stephen was among 11 outstanding pianists performing for the Chopin Festival Concert in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His music has been played on local and national public radio stations. Stephen accompanies students of all instruments but enjoys making music with his brother Kevin and sister Kristen, who are violinists. He has also accompanied student’s participating in the Florida Orchestra Association music ensembles of Broward County Schools. Recently, he was the pianist for the award winning musical “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and “Nine to Five” at West Boca High School. Stephen balances out his time with the ukulele, guitar, composing, recording, astronomy, nature, spear fishing, and surfing.
WINNERS OF THE 37TH ANNUAL CARBONELL AWARDS ANNOUNCED
MALTZ JUPITER THEATRE SWEEPS MUSICAL CATEGORIES
AT ANNUAL CEREMONY
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. --- On Monday night, April 1, at the 37th annual Carbonell Awards, when the statuettes were all handed out, the musical numbers had concluded and the audience had left Broward Center for the Performing Arts to attend the after-party, two things could not be denied: South Florida is home to a rich, vibrant theatrical community packed with talent; and it was a good night to be the Maltz Jupiter Theatre.
Although the nominations were spread among 18 of South Florida theaters, three theaters dominated Monday night’s ceremony. Maltz Jupiter Theatre was honored with nine awards, winning every musical category, a feat that hasn’t happened in 34 years, when the Miami Beach Theatre of the Performing Arts swept the musical categories at the third annual Carbonell Awards. The awards for Maltz Jupiter Theatre were spread across three productions: The Music Man took honors for Best Musical, Best Actor/Musical, Matt Loehr; Musical Direction, Anne Shuttleworth; Choreography, Shea Sullivan; and Costume Design, Jose M. Rivera. Marcia Milgrom Dodge won Best Director for Hello Dolly!, a production that also saw wins for Best Actress/Musical, Vicki Lewis; and Best Supporting Actor/Musical, Matt Loehr. Angie Radosh won the Best Supporting Actress/Musical award for Cabaret.
The awards in the play categories were divided between GableStage in Coral Gables and Zoetic Stage in Miami. GableStage won four awards: Best Production of a Play for the drama Ruined; Best Director, Joseph Adler; Best Actress, Lela Elam; and Best Supporting Actor, Robert Strain, all for their work in Ruined. Zoetic Stage won three awards: Best Actor, Tom Wahl in I Am My Own Wife; Best Supporting Actress, Elena Maria Garcia, for Moscow; and Best New Work, Moscow, by Michael McKeever.
Four other theaters were honored with one award each. Broward Stage Door Theatre in Coral Springs won the Best Ensemble award for Rumors. Matt Corey won Best Sound for The Birds at Mosaic Theatre in Plantation. Margaret M. Ledford won Best Lighting for The Turn of the Screw at Naked Stage in Miami. And Michael Amico won Best Scenic Design for Talley’s Folly at Palm Beach Dramaworks in West Palm Beach.
Palm Beach County theaters earned 10 awards, followed by Miami-Dade theaters with 8 awards and Broward County theaters with 2 awards. (A full listing of the award winners follows.)
Along with honoring excellence in theater, a highlight of the annual Carbonell Awards ceremony is recognizing those who have made significant contributions to the arts.
The prestigious George Abbott Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts, awarded to an individual (or team) who has contributed significantly to the artistic and cultural development of the region, was presented to Mario Ernesto Sanchez, founder and Producing Artistic Director of Teatro Avante and the International Hispanic Theatre Festival of Miami. Sanchez has worked with a passion to preserve, promote and develop Hispanic theater across the Americas with a major impact locally and internationally since founding Teatro Avante in 1979.
The Ruth Foreman Award, which recognizes significant contributions to South Florida theater development by an individual or group, was awarded to Actors' Equity Association, the union that represents professional stage actors and stage managers across the U.S. Working to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of society, Actors’ Equity was honored in recognition of 100 years representing professional American theater on the occasion of their centennial.
The Carbonell Awards also awarded $1,000 scholarships to four South Florida students pursuing careers in theater or journalism: Sammi-Jack Martincak (Miami Dade County) who attends of New World School of the Arts; Christian Frost (Broward County) who attends J.P. Taravella High School; Vanessa Contreras (Palm Beach County) who attends John L. Leonard High School; and Jade Zaroff (Palm Beach County) who attends West Boca Community High School.
Generous Sponsors Help Set New Record
The Carbonell Awards, a not-for-profit organization, is funded by tax-deductible donations and award sponsorships. This year’s ceremony set a record for the most money raised in a single year. The generosity of this year’s sponsors shows a growing commitment from the community to the Carbonell Awards and their mission to advance theater in South Florida.
This 37th annual Carbonell Awards was generously supported by a leadership gift from the South Florida Cultural Consortium, Additional major support was provided by the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Actors’ Equity Association, Dr. Margaret and Mike Eidson, Rita and Jerry Cohen, Don Walters, Kerry and Scott Shiller, South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, Ann Kelly, Mary Ellen and Michael Peyton, Tony Finstrom, Neil Goldberg Dream Foundation & Cirque Dreams, Esslinger Wooten Maxwell (EWM) Realty, designel, Broadway Across America, Broward Cultural Division, ArtServe, Palm Beach County Cultural Council, and the South Florida Theatre League.
About the Carbonell Awards
The Carbonell Awards fosters the artistic growth of professional theater in South Florida by celebrating the diversity of our theater artists, providing educational scholarships, and building audience appreciation and civic pride by highlighting achievements of our theater community. Over 25 professional theater companies in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties participate in the awards process every year. Each season volunteer panelists and judges choose nominees and recipients from hundreds of shows produced on our area stages. The Carbonell Awards also celebrate the accomplishments of our artistic leaders by presenting ‘Special Awards’ and support the next generation of artists and journalists by awarding scholarships. Along with New York's Drama Desk and Chicago's Joseph Jefferson Awards, the Carbonell Awards are among the nation’s senior regional arts awards and predate others, including Washington, D.C.'s Helen Hayes Awards. The Carbonell Awards are named after Manuel Carbonell, an internationally-renowned sculptor, who designed the original solid bronze and marble award in 1976, the signature trophy that is given to Carbonell Award winners.
Below is a complete list of this year’s Carbonell Award winners, followed by a breakdown of the awards by county, theater and production.
Carbonell Award Winners, 2012
Best New Work (play or musical)
Moscow, Michael McKeever, Zoetic Stage
Best Production of a Play
Ruined, GableStage
Best Director/Play
Joseph Adler, Ruined, GableStage
Best Actor/Play
Tom Wahl, I Am My Own Wife, Zoetic Stage
Best Actress/Play
Lela Elam, Ruined, GableStage
Best Supporting Actor/Play
Robert Strain, Ruined, GableStage
Best Supporting Actress/Play
Elena Maria Garcia, Moscow, Zoetic Stage
Best Production of a Musical
The Music Man, Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Best Director/Musical
Marsha Milgrom Dodge, Hello Dolly!, Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Best Actor/Musical
Matt Loehr, The Music Man, Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Best Actress/Musical
Vicki Lewis, Hello Dolly!, Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Best Supporting Actor/Musical
Matt Loehr, Hello Dolly!, Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Best Supporting Actress/Musical
Angie Radosh, Cabaret, Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Musical Direction/Musical
Anne Shuttleworth, The Music Man, Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Choreography/Musical
Shea Sullivan, The Music Man, Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Best Scenic Design/play or musical
Michael Amico, Talley’s Folly, Palm Beach Dramaworks
Best Lighting Design/play or musical
Margaret M. Ledford, The Turn of the Screw, The Naked Stage
Best Costume Design/play or musical
Jose M. Rivera, The Music Man, Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Best Sound Design/play or musical
Matt Corey, The Birds, Mosaic Theatre
Best Ensemble Production (play or musical)
Rumors, Broward Stage Door
Awards by County
10 Palm Beach
8 Miami-Dade
2 Broward
Awards by Theater
9 Maltz Jupiter Theatre
4 GableStage
3 Zoetic Stage
1 Broward Stage Door Theatre
1 Mosaic Theatre
1 The Naked Stage
1 Palm Beach Dramaworks
Awards by Production
5 The Music Man Maltz Jupiter Theatre
4 Ruined GableStage
3 Hello, Dolly! Maltz Jupiter Theatre
1 I Am My Own Wife Zoetic Stage
2 Moscow Zoetic Stage
1 Cabaret Maltz Jupiter Theatre
1 The Turn of the Screw The Naked Stage
1 The Birds Mosaic Theatre
1 Rumors Stage Door Theatre
1 Talley’s Folly Palm Beach Dramaworks
MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013 was the OFFICIAL BEAUTY DAY Cinema Paradiso with our fundraiser "HELLO GORGEOUS" . Raffel winners won make overs from a team of make up artists and hair stylists from Encore Salon. Health and beauty tips were given and there was even a botox demonstration!
Jeremiah Jenner's level four photography class choose their favorite black and white photos from the photography course and showed them off at Galerie Jenner in Ft. Lauderdale. It was quite a party and Jeremiah was very proud of his students.
From the "Where The Boys Are" brunch at the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, a confluence of the "Andy Warhol and Cars" exhibition meets a new initiative "foto fort lauderdale" we get hear from Eric Shiner, Director of the Warhol Museum. Also a few classic cars and models in Bunny Yeager inspired swimwear. Bunny Yeager was there as well.
The cliché is that accounting is dry and boring, but Cecelia Garber would tell you otherwise.
In her line of work, she can change lives with numbers. She can influence the welfare of a child by calculating what support payments should be. She can enhance the value of someone’s lifelong work by knowing how to tabulate what his or her business or company is worth. She can ease the pain and suffering of the injured or victimized by helping to decide what their compensation should be. And, in some cases, she can even keep someone from going to jail.
Ms. Garber calls her profession a cross between science and art. The science comes from familiarity with the myriad laws and regulations of accounting and all of the fields to which it applies. The art is that sort of creativity that only can flow from experience.
Like other successful accountants, she is well-paid for her work. She applies her skills in ciphering through records and such and, in the end, making it matter for her clients. A lot of what she does is called “forensic” because of its in-depth and investigatory nature. Think of it as picking something apart through paperwork.
She grew up in South Florida, the daughter of a Jewish deli owner who she calls “probably the greatest man I’ve ever known.” As a young girl, her interest in accounting was first piqued by an uncle who was an accountant and “always seemed to be the most affluent side of the family.”
She is married and has two daughters, one with a degree in hospitality management from Johnson and Wales University and who is now studying locally for a second degree in the field, and another studying corporate communications at Boston University.
As Marcum’s partner-in-charge for the Florida region, Ms. Garber typically splits her time between the firm’s offices in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Based in New York City, Marcum is one of the country’s largest independent public accounting and advisory services firms.
Over the past 20 years, Ms. Garber has handled matrimonial litigation support, bankruptcy, fraud investigation, personal injury damage calculation, commercial business calculation and business valuation. She has represented individuals and businesses in tax income matters, income tax planning and compliance, personal financial statements, business consulting services, and IRS criminal and civil cases.
She has been hired by lawyers to represent “high net worth” clients in divorce cases, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, diversion of assets and income, and child support calculations. She has testified as an expert witness and has experience with mediations.
Ms. Garber discussed her career with Miami Today reporter Scott Blake at Marcum’s Fort Lauderdale offices.
The cliché is that accounting is dry and boring, but Cecelia Garber would tell you otherwise.
In her line of work, she can change lives with numbers. She can influence the welfare of a child by calculating what support payments should be. She can enhance the value of someone’s lifelong work by knowing how to tabulate what his or her business or company is worth. She can ease the pain and suffering of the injured or victimized by helping to decide what their compensation should be. And, in some cases, she can even keep someone from going to jail.
Ms. Garber calls her profession a cross between science and art. The science comes from familiarity with the myriad laws and regulations of accounting and all of the fields to which it applies. The art is that sort of creativity that only can flow from experience.
Like other successful accountants, she is well-paid for her work. She applies her skills in ciphering through records and such and, in the end, making it matter for her clients. A lot of what she does is called “forensic” because of its in-depth and investigatory nature. Think of it as picking something apart through paperwork.
She grew up in South Florida, the daughter of a Jewish deli owner who she calls “probably the greatest man I’ve ever known.” As a young girl, her interest in accounting was first piqued by an uncle who was an accountant and “always seemed to be the most affluent side of the family.”
She is married and has two daughters, one with a degree in hospitality management from Johnson and Wales University and who is now studying locally for a second degree in the field, and another studying corporate communications at Boston University.
As Marcum’s partner-in-charge for the Florida region, Ms. Garber typically splits her time between the firm’s offices in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Based in New York City, Marcum is one of the country’s largest independent public accounting and advisory services firms.
Over the past 20 years, Ms. Garber has handled matrimonial litigation support, bankruptcy, fraud investigation, personal injury damage calculation, commercial business calculation and business valuation. She has represented individuals and businesses in tax income matters, income tax planning and compliance, personal financial statements, business consulting services, and IRS criminal and civil cases.
She has been hired by lawyers to represent “high net worth” clients in divorce cases, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, diversion of assets and income, and child support calculations. She has testified as an expert witness and has experience with mediations.
Ms. Garber discussed her career with Miami Today reporter Scott Blake at Marcum’s Fort Lauderdale offices.
The Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale and PNC Bank are pleased to bring the new 40 piece exhibition, Andy Warhol and Cars: American Icons to South Florida. The exhibit it showing November 10, 2012 through February 10, 2013 and takes a look at Andy Warhol's apparent fascination with the American Automobile.
South Florida's own Steven Bauer, best know for his roles in "Scarface" and Que Pasa USA, was on the Red Carpet for FLIFF2012 talking about his new film, "Knuckleheads," which had a south Florida premiere during the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
Film Historian Foster Hirsch sat with Carroll Baker to discuss her career, which included working with James Dean, Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, Elia Kazan and Tennessee Williams.
The interview was conducted at Cinema Paradiso as part of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival 2012, prior to Ms. Baker receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from FLIFF
Director Timothy Anderson and Assistant Producer Nathaniel Rovit talk about their film "Two Hundred Thousand Dirty" which was shot in 18 days. The film played at the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival as part of FLIFF 2012
Actress Molly Parker stars in the new film, The Playroom,: which played at the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival as part of FLIFF 2012
Director Julia Dyer's new film, "The Playroom," was one of the featured films at the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival as part of FLIFF 2012. Ms. Dyer discussed the film and the long road to getting it made.
27th Annual Arts Teacher of the Year Winner!
Nova High School’s Nina Zakrzewski, musical theater, acting, stagecraft, English Honors, is Broward County’s 2012 Arts Teacher of the Year!
On an evening filled with celebration and inspiration, Nina Zakrzewski’s students performed a segment of their anti-bullying musical, Weight of Words; Title Sponsor, Florida Power & Light Company, along with other members of Broward’s business and arts community, gathered to recognize three outstanding leaders in arts education excellence from Broward County public and charter schools; and legendary broadcaster Tony Segreto emceed this signature event.
Fort Lauderdale resident Nina Zakrzewski’s advanced acting classes have been proclaimed “Agents of Change” by Broward’s Office of Prevention, through their original anti-bullying musical, Weight of Words, which has been touring Broward County Schools, and also performing for the Broward Center Student Enrichment in the Arts (SEAS) Program, playing to more than 20,000 people.
Zakrzewski earned a BFA in drama at the Boston Conservatory, a MA in Theatre Education from Emerson College, and an ME from Eastern Nazarene College in Educational Leadership. She is a member of various theatrical associations, including Actor’s Equity, AFTRA, and SAG. She is on the Board of Directors for Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts, and recently re-elected to the Board of Directors of FATE, Florida Association of Theatre Educators. Her teaching and administrative credits include work as Associate Director of Continuing Education at Quincy College, English and theatre professor at Eastern Nazarene College, as well as Theatre Arts Director K-12 at University School of Nova Southeastern University.
Before moving to Florida, she performed professionally in summer stock and regional theatres in the Boston area. She was also co-producer and artistic director for Mystery Du Jour Dinner Theatre which she ran at four locations in New England. This past summer Zakrzewski spent two weeks Teaching Shakespeare Through Performance on Fellowship at London’s Globe Theatre.
Among a crowded Amaturo Theater, an art exhibition, various stage performances and County dignitary remarks, Hilary Fine, visual art, Hollywood Academy of Arts and Science; Susan Ostheim, visual art, South Broward High School were the two Runners Up when NArts Teacher of the Yearova High School’s Nina Zakrzewski, became the emotionally-proud and humble winner for the County’s most prestigious arts education award. The reception brought members of Broward County Commission and other dignitaries to their feet, alongside the proud students, as they jammed to the music of arts education supporters DJ Skool.
The Arts Teacher of the Year Program has celebrated and showcased the artistic excellence of students and faculty of Broward County schools, through a partnership among Broward Cultural Division, the School Board of Broward County, Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Business for the Arts of Broward. The Title Sponsor this year is Florida Power & Light Company, with AutoNation as the Awards Presenter, and BBX Capital as the Reception Host.
Additional sponsors include: BankUnited; Florida Blue, Publix Supermarket Charities, Private Partners; BGT Partners; Broward College; Great American Farms; Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance; Kopelowitz, Ostrow, Ferguson, Weiselberg, Keechl; Merrimac Ventures; Nova Southeastern University; PNC Bank; Panera Bread; McGladrey; Starmark; Stiles Corporation; Sun-Sentinel; and WLD Enterprises.
27th Annual Arts Teacher of the Year Winner!
Nova High School’s Nina Zakrzewski, musical theater, acting, stagecraft, English Honors, is Broward County’s 2012 Arts Teacher of the Year!
On an evening filled with celebration and inspiration, Nina Zakrzewski’s students performed a segment of their anti-bullying musical, Weight of Words; Title Sponsor, Florida Power & Light Company, along with other members of Broward’s business and arts community, gathered to recognize three outstanding leaders in arts education excellence from Broward County public and charter schools; and legendary broadcaster Tony Segreto emceed this signature event.
Fort Lauderdale resident Nina Zakrzewski’s advanced acting classes have been proclaimed “Agents of Change” by Broward’s Office of Prevention, through their original anti-bullying musical, Weight of Words, which has been touring Broward County Schools, and also performing for the Broward Center Student Enrichment in the Arts (SEAS) Program, playing to more than 20,000 people.
Zakrzewski earned a BFA in drama at the Boston Conservatory, a MA in Theatre Education from Emerson College, and an ME from Eastern Nazarene College in Educational Leadership. She is a member of various theatrical associations, including Actor’s Equity, AFTRA, and SAG. She is on the Board of Directors for Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts, and recently re-elected to the Board of Directors of FATE, Florida Association of Theatre Educators. Her teaching and administrative credits include work as Associate Director of Continuing Education at Quincy College, English and theatre professor at Eastern Nazarene College, as well as Theatre Arts Director K-12 at University School of Nova Southeastern University.
Before moving to Florida, she performed professionally in summer stock and regional theatres in the Boston area. She was also co-producer and artistic director for Mystery Du Jour Dinner Theatre which she ran at four locations in New England. This past summer Zakrzewski spent two weeks Teaching Shakespeare Through Performance on Fellowship at London’s Globe Theatre.
Among a crowded Amaturo Theater, an art exhibition, various stage performances and County dignitary remarks, Hilary Fine, visual art, Hollywood Academy of Arts and Science; Susan Ostheim, visual art, South Broward High School were the two Runners Up when NArts Teacher of the Yearova High School’s Nina Zakrzewski, became the emotionally-proud and humble winner for the County’s most prestigious arts education award. The reception brought members of Broward County Commission and other dignitaries to their feet, alongside the proud students, as they jammed to the music of arts education supporters DJ Skool.
The Arts Teacher of the Year Program has celebrated and showcased the artistic excellence of students and faculty of Broward County schools, through a partnership among Broward Cultural Division, the School Board of Broward County, Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Business for the Arts of Broward. The Title Sponsor this year is Florida Power & Light Company, with AutoNation as the Awards Presenter, and BBX Capital as the Reception Host.
Additional sponsors include: BankUnited; Florida Blue, Publix Supermarket Charities, Private Partners; BGT Partners; Broward College; Great American Farms; Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance; Kopelowitz, Ostrow, Ferguson, Weiselberg, Keechl; Merrimac Ventures; Nova Southeastern University; PNC Bank; Panera Bread; McGladrey; Starmark; Stiles Corporation; Sun-Sentinel; and WLD Enterprises.
During the MIA Animation Conference in Miami we caught up with Debra Pierce, Director for MIA Animation to discuss the mission, purpose and future of this event.
Debra Pierce, has been working and placing students in the creative industries for over 8 years. Her success is attributed to her exceptional networking and collaboration abilities. Her collaborative concepts have enabled her to build a network of current and past partners that have created countless opportunities benefiting students, employers, and the organizations she serves.
Debra began her career as a personnel coordinator responsible for corporate partnerships and increasing client marketability. Her talents were soon discovered by the Fort Lauderdale Art Institute, where she successfully placed 97 percent of students for four consecutive years. Additionally, Debra continued to sharpen her expertise in building business relationships with local employers, civic leaders, and community organizations. In this role, Debra’s ability to think innovatively by creating interactive programs to increase attendance in career focused events did not go unnoticed. She was soon selected to head up the Career Services Department from its inception in the new Miami campus (Miami International University of Art & Design) including hiring and training key staff and establishing policies and procedures for the University.
Her role at Miami International University of Art & Design catapulted Debra into the Miami art scene. She has been instrumental in soliciting high profile projects from non-profit organizations completed by Graphic Design students enrolled in Design Honors class. Projects completed include: City of Miami Art Basel map, Women of Tomorrow invitations and website, Haitian Heritage Museum poster, Art & Business Council direct mail, Miami Dade Cultural Alliance invitations for print and web, Arts Panel Board Commissioner Michelle Spence invitation and Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce corporate identity to name a few. Additionally, Debra organized and coordinated guest speakers representing companies such as: Gayle Carson Inc., Ocean Drive, Propeller Advertising, MTV, Univision, Perry Ellis, Cardinal Development, Miami Children Museum and Entertainment Industry Incubator. She has successfully cultivated relationships with key community leaders within the City of Miami, Miami Dade County, community non-profits and organizations in the creative industries.
An accomplished executive with broad based expertise in developing, negotiating and implementing short and long-term corporate goals, she represents the University President in various capacities.
Bailee Madison sat with uVu during her visit to Ft. Lauderdale for FLIFF 2012. Bailee was awarded FLIFF's "Star on the Horizon" Award.
