OCT •
26
• 2026

JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS MIAMI

BEACON AWARDS

Thank you for celebrating innovation, leadership, and transformative impact at the 2026 Beacon Awards, see you next year!

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More than 600 business and community leaders gathered at the JW Marriott Marqis Miami for the 2026 Beacon Awards to celebrate Miami’s momentum and the personal stories of those who boldly champion it. From established companies and emerging innovators to individuals whose contributions extend far beyond business, the evening recognized the achievements, investments, and the lasting impact that continue to shape Greater Miami.

SPONSORSHIP

CONTACT US

Paula Hopkins Headshot
DR. PAULA HOPKINS
EVP, Strategic Partnerships & Funding Development
Miami-Dade Beacon Council
Julio Piti Headshot
JULIO PITI
Vice President, Investor Relations & Funding Development
Miami-Dade Beacon Council

THAN K YOU

TITLE SPONSOR

GAME CHANGER SPONSOR

PRIVATE RECEPTION SPONSOR

JAY MALINA AWARD SPONSOR

FOUNDERS AWARD SPONSOR

CORPORATE CATALYST SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Finance
Technology
Life Sciences & Healthcare
Professional Services
Small Business

PARTNER SPONSORS

CATALYST SPONSORS

TABLE SPONSORS

Allyo Global Logistics (formerly Interport)
Altura Capital
Baker Tilly
BDO
Dubai DET / FTI Consulting
FedEx
Florida East Coast Realty
Merrill Private Wealth Management
Miami-Dade County Commission District 13
Millennium
Sidley Austin LLP
Susan and Joe Pallot
The Palace Group

“For more than four decades, The Beacon Council has been a trusted steward of Greater Miami’s economic future—partnering with business, government, and community leaders to build a stronger, more resilient region. We are eager to honor those who through their catalytic investments, and collective leadership have shaped our dynamic economy.”

Portrait photo of Christine Barney
Christine Barney
CEO, rbb Communications
Miami-Dade Beacon Council Board Chair
Presenting

THE AWARDS

CATEGORY FINALISTS

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AVIATION & AEROSPACE

2026 Winners
Finalists
AERAS AVIATION
GREATER MIAMI AVIATION ASSOCIATION

FINANCE

2026 Winner
Finalists
FLEX
U.S. CENTURY BANK

LIFE SCIENCES & HEALTHCARE

2026 Winner
Finalists
GALDERMA
united homecare

TECHNOLOGY

2026 Winner
Finalists
EMERGE AMERICAS
hut 8

TRADE & LOGISTICS

2026 Winner
Finalists
CAPTIVA CONTAINERS
SAVAGE FOODS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

2026 Winner
Finalists
kaufman Rossin
urban-x group

SMALL BUSINESS

2026 Winner
Finalists
HEXTRONICS
THREE ZERO FIVE TRANSPORTATION

ONE2WATCH

2026 Winner
Soraya Roberts
WYNWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Finalists
Michelle Shirley
BE STRONG INTERNATIONAL
Shavon Saint Preux
PROPELLING INTO TRIUMPH
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FOUNDATION AWARDS

JAY MALINA AWARD

CHOSEN BY PAST CHAIRS

Since the inception of The Beacon Awards, the Jay Malina Award has been presented to the executive who has done the most to enhance Miami-Dade County through professional success and civic participation. The award honors the late Jay T. Malina, Founder and Co-Chair of the One Community One Goal initiative that established a master plan and implementation process focused on job creation for Greater Miami. Jay's legacy and his vision for a greater Miami-Dade County lives on. Jay's wife, Jana Sigars-Malina, and their daughter Powell proudly join The Beacon Council annually to present the Jay Malina Award to an individual who best combines economic development and business success with positive community involvement.

Portrait photo of Dr Eduardo Padron
2026 Recipient
HELEN & JACOB SHAHAM
Founders of The Palace Group

FOUNDERS AWARD

CHOSEN BY HOST COMMITTEE

Established in 1985 by Sidney Levin, Theodore Hoepner, and Merrett R. Stierheim, The Beacon Council was built on the belief that economic success is a collective effort, one that thrives when business leaders, public officials, and community stakeholders unite with a shared purpose. This award recognizes those who carry forward that legacy, demonstrating visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and an unwavering dedication to advancing Miami’s prosperity. 

Portrait photo of Alexandra Villoch
2026 Recipient
SHELDON T. ANDERSON
Chairman, Grove Bank & Trust

CORPORATE CATALYST AWARD

CHOSEN BY HOST COMMITTEE

This award recognizes an organization whose leadership, investment, and long-term commitment have served as a catalyst for economic growth and civic advancement across Miami-Dade County. Through innovation, collaboration, and corporate citizenship, the recipient has helped create opportunity, strengthen the region's competitive position, and advance initiatives that benefit businesses and the broader community alike. This recognition celebrates organizations whose influence extends beyond business success, leaving an enduring legacy that helps shape a more prosperous future for Greater Miami.

Portrait photo of Alexandra Villoch
2026 Recipient
FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT
Rod Miller speaking at the podium

“The Beacon Awards are more than a celebration. They recognize the leaders and companies actively shaping the trajectory of Miami’s economy. Each honoree represents the investment, innovation, and leadership that drive job creation, attract capital, and position Miami as one of the most dynamic economies in the world."

Rodrick Miller Headshot
RODRICK MILLER
President and CEO
Miami-Dade Beacon Council

OUR HISTORY

The Beacon Awards, established in 2002, celebrate individuals, businesses, and organizations driving Miami’s economic growth and innovation. Over the years, the awards have recognized excellence across industries like aviation, finance, healthcare, and technology, with notable honors such as the Jay Malina Award, which celebrates individuals enhancing Miami-Dade through professional success and civic engagement. Now in its second year, the Founders Award continues to honor those who embody the founding principles of The Beacon Council, further cementing the event as a cornerstone of Miami's business and economic community.

Beacon Awards 2025 Stage
Beacon Awards 2025 floor
Beacon Awards Trophy
Juan-Carlos Liscano and Rod Miller

"As Greater Miami continues to rise on the global stage, The Beacon Council remains steadfast in its role as a trusted partner and steward of the region’s economic journey. Alongside business, government, and community leaders, we proudly celebrate the bold vision, transformative investments, and collective leadership that are fueling innovation, strengthening our economy, and shaping a more vibrant future for generations to come."

Portrait photo of Pablo Pino
Pablo Pino
South Florida Market President, TD Bank
Host Committee Chair & Miami-Dade Beacon Council Board Member
Beacon Award Trophies