Blog

Philanthropy consultant Amy Bloom, attorney and board leader Brigid Cech Samole, and nonprofit CEO Lourdes de la Mata Little pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build a thriving nonprofit—beyond the gala. Through candid conversation and real-world experience, you’ll explore the strategies behind sustainable fundraising, meaningful donor relationships, and the kind of community engagement that keeps organizations growing long after the event is over.

Strategic communications experts Katie Bestenlehner and Jessica Forres explore the critical moments when marketing alone isn’t enough—and how strategic communications can step in to protect and advance your brand. Through real-world insight and expert discussion, you’ll discover the tools and frameworks that help businesses navigate high-stakes situations, manage reputation, and communicate with clarity and confidence when it matters most.

Grief and growth speaker Karine Nissim shares a simple, science-informed formula for optimized healing that helps you navigate whatever life throws your way—personally or professionally. Through story, teaching, and a hands-on mini workshop, you’ll explore tools for post‑traumatic growth, reframing challenges, and moving forward faster in seasons like divorce, loss, career change, and parenting transitions.

A workshop to create your 2026 vision board. Fernanda has led vision board workshops for ABD – in person in Austin and virtually.

A discussion with experts about charitable giving and philanthropic endeavors.

A casual conversation regarding home insurance coverage gaps, exclusions and everything else.

A discussion about leveraging current AI tools in you personal and professional edeavors

A discussion about elderly care

A panel discussion for business owners and stakeholders.

Join ABD Member, Personal Stylist, and Fashion Columnist Leigh A. Pollack for Spring/Summer Fashion and Mother’s Day Gift For Yourself.

Monica Moreno, MS, RDN is the founder of Essence Nutrition, where she oversees private client work, corporate wellness programming, speaking engagements, non-private client nutrition consulting services, school wellness programming, media opportunities, and marketing. She was the dietitian for the Miami Marlins, is the visiting dietitian specialist at Ocean Reef Resort and Club and is also an adjunct professor in the graduate Dietetics and Nutrition program at Florida International University.

In her community in Miami, she is a member of the Junior League of Miami, serves on the advisory board of Teen Health 101, is the Diversity Liaison for the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and is a past co-chair and current board member of Jewish Community Services of South Florida’s Young Alliance.

Jackyan Bowra is the founder of FIF Services LLC, DBA, Fraud Investigation & Forensic Services, a Private Investigation firm based in Florida, specializing in Financial Crime Investigations and Forensic Analysis.

Nathalie is a Realtor and Founder of Houselab Realty. has worked in the real estate industry in Miami for almost 20 years, as an investor and an agent.

An entrepreneur at heart, Nathalie has successfully navigated multiple industries, including the fashion industry, interior design world, and real estate. As a result of Nathalie’s love for design, architecture, and Miami, Nathalie founded Houselab Realty.

Dr. Lauren Frost is a noninvasive cardiologist who specializes in general cardiology, with a particular interest in women’s cardiovascular care. Dr. Frost is Board Certified in Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology, a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, and a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretations. Dr. Frost is a graduate of Duke University (GO DUKE!), and she attended the University of Miami Medical School. She trained in Internal Medicine in Boston and completed her cardiology fellowship at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital.