South Florida’s Fearless Femme Trailblazers
- rcastro05
- Mar 10
- 4 min read
As we honor Women’s History Month, March is a time to celebrate the trailblazing women who have shaped history, and in South Florida, the legacy of women leading in business, art, culinary, hospitality and community work is undeniable. These fearless femme leaders are paving the way for future generations, ensuring that their voices and actions will continue to drive change. As we honor International Women’s Day on March 8, we recognize the incredible contributions of South Florida’s women who are making waves in their respective industries.
Lesley Goldwasser: A Visionary of Art and Community Leadership
Lesley Goldwasser is a force in both the business and arts communities. As principal art curator and co-owner of The Betsy Hotel, she has transformed the hotel into a cultural hub that celebrates art and creativity, including the innovative Betsy Orb, an architectural masterpiece showcasing digital art. Goldwasser is also a managing partner at GreensLedge, where she leverages her experience as a Wall Street executive to shape the firm’s strategy. A passionate advocate for the arts, Goldwasser is a founding board member of the Miami Music Festival, helping cultivate local talent and elevate Miami's cultural scene. Her philanthropic work extends globally through her leadership at Zara’s Center in Zimbabwe, an after-school safe haven for orphaned children. The center’s new campus, designed in collaboration with Krueck Sexton Architects, is a testament to Goldwasser’s commitment to providing educational and creative opportunities to vulnerable children.
Ariana Quant: A Pastry Prodigy Redefining Sweet Craftsmanship
Ariana Quant is a name synonymous with exceptional pastry. As the executive pastry chef for Hai Hospitality's Uchi Miami, Quant brings more than 16 years of expertise to the table. Her journey began at the Culinary Institute of America and continued through prestigious kitchens like Le Cirque and Joël Robuchon. With a knack for combining classic French techniques with innovative twists, Quant's creations continue to wow patrons. Her leadership within the Hai Hospitality family showcases her dedication to mentorship, teamwork, and pushing the boundaries of dessert innovation. She is a true artist, blending flavor and texture in ways that only a few can replicate.
Venecia “Chef V” Willis: Revolutionizing Fast-Casual Dining with Culinary Expertise
As the Director of Culinary at Velvet Taco, Venecia “Chef V” Willis challenges the norms of what we expect from fast-casual dining. With over 15 years of culinary experience, Willis has crafted a menu that redefines tacos, infusing diverse, globally inspired flavors that are far beyond the typical. Before joining Velvet Taco, she rapidly ascended the ranks in the culinary world, earning accolades such as “Young Leader to Watch” by QSR Magazine. Her leadership skills have helped shape Velvet Taco into a nationally recognized brand, while her dedication to culinary excellence is evident in every dish she creates.
Jordan DelGiudice: Shaking Up the Beverage Scene with Expertise and Passion
Jordan DelGiudice is a force in the beverage industry. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked her way up from bartender to beverage operations manager at Delilah Miami, a highly regarded venue in the heart of South Beach. DelGiudice began her career in Hawaii and expanded her expertise through leadership roles with The h.wood Group in Los Angeles. She has played a pivotal role in opening new venues across the country, and her innovative approach to creating unique drink experiences continues to set her apart in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her dedication to excellence and hands-on leadership style has helped redefine what it means to elevate the guest experience in hospitality.
Elgin Woodman: Crafting Memorable Culinary Experiences on a Grand Scale
As the executive chef at Constellation Culinary Group, Elgin Woodman brings a wealth of experience in catering and event planning. Born in Lima, Peru, she learned her craft from a young age, and her passion for the culinary arts has only grown with time. Over her 25-year career, Woodman has catered to some of Miami’s most prestigious events, bringing a level of quality and flair to large-scale gatherings that is unmatched. Her expertise in creating trend-setting, mass-produced menus while maintaining high-quality standards makes her an invaluable asset in Miami’s event scene.
Valeri Fuentes: A Culinary Visionary Blending Culture and Technique
Valeri Fuentes is the executive chef at Verde, the celebrated waterfront restaurant operated by Constellation Culinary Group at Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). With a rich background in South American cuisine, Fuentes brings an artistic touch to the food she creates, showcasing her ability to blend diverse culinary influences with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Her experience spans across prestigious establishments in Latin America, and at Verde, she continues to elevate dining experiences through carefully curated menus and special events. Her passion for culinary innovation has made her a standout in Miami’s dynamic culinary scene.
Anabel Llopis: Transforming Lincoln Road into a Cultural Epicenter
Anabel Llopis is redefining the heart of Miami Beach as the executive director of the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (BID). Since taking the helm in 2022, Llopis has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the installation of large-scale public art pieces like Marco Cochrane’s "R-Evolution" and Rubem Robierb’s "Dream Machine", which have brought new energy to this iconic pedestrian promenade. Her strategic leadership has helped secure city funding for infrastructure upgrades and fostered a cultural renaissance on Lincoln Road. Llopis has also played a crucial role in extending the BID for another decade, ensuring that Lincoln Road remains a vibrant center for community and commerce in Miami Beach.
Honoring Women Who Lead the Way
These women represent just a few of the fearless leaders who have dedicated their careers to creating change and inspiring others in South Florida. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor their achievements and recognize that their work continues to impact our communities in profound ways. Let us take a moment to celebrate their contributions and look to the future, where women like Lesley, Ariana, Venecia, Jordan, Elgin, Valeri, and Anabel continue to shape South Florida’s cultural and professional landscape. Together, these trailblazers show us that when women lead with passion, creativity, and resilience, they create legacies that will endure for generations to come.