Meet Felicia Madison, a comedic powerhouse weaving laughter through marriage, motherhood, and New York's high life.  A mother of three, Felicia found her comedic calling post-kids, after the age of 50.  She is the founder of “Laughing Affairs”, which produces the daytime lunch show “Laughercise" and private comedy shows for events in need of uncontrollable laughter. As the New Talent Director at West Side Comedy Club, Felicia spotlights emerging talents through talent shows she curates and produces called F Comedy Club. Her recent ventures, FUNY Comedy School and FUNY Records, redefine comedy education and production.  And watch out for her upcoming YouTube stand-up special in February 2024, marking a new chapter in her career. Beyond the spotlight, Felicia balances family, golf, and exercise while passionately supporting ASPCA, Planned Parenthood, and The Jewish Museum. Join us for an exclusive Miami Living Magazine chat with Felicia Madison. Miami Living (ML): So nice to speak with you Felicia! Your bio reads like a whirlwind of accomplishments in the comedy world. We're eager to dive into your story. Can you walk us through the moment when you realized comedy was your true calling, and how you navigated the transition into this vibrant and successful career? Felicia: I had a friend that did stand up and I always told him whenever I saw him that I wanted to try it.  So finally, one day I decided to give it a whirl and took a class on his recommendation.  My first performance, my graduation performance, was so much fun and such a thrill I knew at that moment I was hooked.  From there I did what most new comedians do, performed in what the industry calls bringer shows… meaning you must literally bring an audience to get time on a show. You bring 4 people to a club, and you get five minutes of stage time. After a while, it became difficult for me to get my friends to travel downtown late at night, so I needed a better option. That is how I came up with lunchtime comedy shows. The desire to create daytime opportunities for myself and others also led to a daytime mic, which snowballed into producing nighttime shows which led to me overseeing new talent shows, to talent booking to now running a comedy club and school. I would say that that wasn’t necessarily my initial objective it just progressed this way… I do enjoy all of it, but what I truly love is to create and perform. ML: As a mother of three, you've managed to juggle family life, a successful comedy career, and even founded Laughing Affairs. Tell us, how do you keep the laughs going at home, and what's the secret sauce to balancing family life with being a comedy powerhouse? Felicia: It is not how I keep the laughs going it is more like how my kids give me more material….  Every day something happens in my life where I look at my kids and think to myself, this is going to be a good joke. Everyone in my family has a great sense of humor and so we are always making each other laugh, I just made a career out of it. It is extremely difficult to balance family life and comedy because it does not coincide with anyone’s schedule… my husband works during the day; my kids are at school or work during the day, and they are all home and available at night when I am AT WORK! My youngest was 14 when I started comedy and before that I was a full time stay at home MOM. What is really depressing is that she has no memory of it… She sees me as always working and not around for her. She got the brunt of my working. Now my kids are adults and mostly independent, so the only person left to neglect is my husband, and so far, he has been a good sport. ML: Your daytime lunch show, "Laughercise - Come Laugh Your Ass Off," sounds like the perfect midday pick-me-up. What inspired you to create this unique comedy experience, and how do you think laughter contributes to overall well-being? Felicia: After performing late night, downtown for young crowds I was a) getting tired, b) running out of friends to “bring” and c) having a hard time relating to the young 20 somethings. My friends, like me, were basically free during the day when our kids were in school and extremely busy during the nighttime witching hours when we are dealing with our children, dinner, bath, homework and try, try, try to get them to bed. So that is when I decided to bring comedy to them during a time when they are free, hence laughercise. And I came up with laughercise because daytime was the time, we all worked out so this could be an alternative because laughing burns calories and tones the stomach plus definitely improves overall moods. Skip the gym and come laughercise with us.  Laughter is the best medicine; nothing beats a good belly laugh to reduce stress and help you relax. ML:  Being the New Talent Director at West Side Comedy Club, you're essentially a comedy matchmaker. Can you share a memorable story of discovering a hidden gem and how you nurture and support emerging talent in the bustling New York City comedy scene? Felicia: The best discovery or introduction to date is Zarna Garg. A friend of mine tagged me in a comment on one of Zarna’s Facebook posts saying, “you two should meet.” Granted I get that a lot and it usually doesn’t pan out. But I checked it out and I could tell Zarna was a natural entertainer. I reached out to her immediately. I then convinced her to come to my feedback open mic, which has the reputation of being one of the nicest mics in comedy. It was evident to me, and everyone else at the mic, that she had what it takes to succeed. Zarna was a dynamo, she is funny, with a distinct voice, confidence, drive, and business savvy. Together we produced a show called HinJews where we alerted with a skit together followed by our comedy and special guests…they were a huge success and gave Zarna the confidence that she could do this successfully on her own.  And she did. I love finding and supporting comics and for some odd reason I have a real talent for it.  And comedians trust me, they sometimes refer to me as a momager. Watch out Kris Jenner. I have taken my passion for helping comedians, which Zarna actually always encouraged me to do, into creating a full fledge comedy school, called FUNYstandup.com. ML: From launching FUNY Comedy School to FUNY Records, you're shaping the future of comedy education and production. Can you share more about the motivation behind creating these platforms and your vision for shaping the next generation of comedians through education and record production? Felicia: Like I mentioned earlier, I always enjoyed and had a knack for helping young comedians. I was also very frustrated with the programs out there for comedians. They were usually one off’s, not consistent in terms of what was taught and there were no real multitiered programs where you could progress up the ladder. As a very isolated career with no guild or unions there is no place for comedians to feel welcome and converse with others. I wanted to create a safe, friendly environment for comedians to come hang, learn, and take care of themselves. I have created in addition to the schools, a support group with #samehere_global a charity dedicated to raising awareness about mental health. Recordings are very popular and a great way for comedians to reach new audiences and make money.  I want to reach out to comedians that are on the verge of being discovered, who may not have a full hour (or between hours) and put together niche compilation albums where comedians perform ten minutes on a specific topic. I’m hoping this helps promote comedians and provide comedy in topics that may be underrepresented now. ML: We've heard about your upcoming stand-up special on YouTube in February 2024, coinciding with your birthday. Any hints on what audiences can expect, and how does it feel to celebrate this milestone in your career with the world? Felicia: Working on my one hour was such an incredible experience and I really grew as an artist because of it.  I had been thinking of doing an hour for a while. One day on the treadmill, where my mind really works the best, it occurred to me that my 45th anniversary of my bat mitzvah was coming up in April.  That is how I picked the date, and title, 45 years a woman---Anniversary of my Bat Mitzvah.  I noticed after my special everyone was tagging on Instagram with BTS (better than sex) and thought it was curious and interesting… I do have a joke in there about BTS. So, when someone mentioned that perhaps my title was a bit dull that thought popped in my head thus why my album is called better than sex. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the hour… I thought of it as my hail Mary, do it and if something happens great, if not, I would concentrate on the business side of the comedy world. I spent three months working with comedians, honing, practicing, honing, practicing, rewriting, practicing, practicing, practicing… and then my final performance which by the way was the first time I ever performed the entire hour on stage. The response was better than expected especially by my husband who was jaded by my coming home in tears every night saying I can’t do this. He was very apprehensive. After the performance, he gave me a great big kiss and said that was amazing. After multiple months of waiting on edits, it is finally here, a culmination of years of comedy that pokes fun at parenting, marriage and life as a mom in an affluent part of the world. I am excited for the world to see the culmination of years of comedy, and I hope at the very least it makes someone laugh and at the best I get a tv series out of it making my pilot about my life come to life. ML: Besides being a comedy dynamo, you're also a passionate supporter of the ASPCA, Planned Parenthood, and The Jewish Museum. Can you share a bit about why these causes are close to your heart, and how do you integrate your support for them into your busy schedule? Felicia: Giving back is something I learned not from growing up but from my husband’s values and the values from Jewish tradition of tzedakah and tikkun olam.  At the club I produce at least one event a month where all proceeds go to a charity. I have been concentrating most of my efforts on the current crisis in the middle east and have raised funds for Magen David Adom and #Bringthemhome. Due my busy scheduling giving my time to charities has been drastically reduced.  So instead of chairing events, donating my time, and organizing activities, I produce charity shows. ML:  Lastly, as we’ve been able to see, you're a real-life Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, juggling family, comedy, and philanthropy. If we were to peek into your everyday life, what's a typical day like for Felicia Madison, the superhero mom and comedian? Felicia: I was so excited about the pilot I was writing about my life 8 years ago right before the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel came out. I remember exactly where I was when I first saw a promotion for it and thank God I was on the ground floor because when I jumped out the window I didn’t die. I mention this because in the pilot it really describes my life and the juxtaposition of life on the Upper East Side vs. A Comedy Club. I run in from a charity event dressed in my Chanel suit (which I don’t own yet) rip it off, put on jeans and a leather jacket (which I do own) and run to the dark basement club to hang, perform, and sometimes climb underneath something to check for a loose wire. That pretty much sums up my life balancing two different worlds. My schedule has gotten easier now that my kids are mostly grown and out of the house… I wake up, meditate, read the newspaper, head to the gym, do some housework/paperwork/organizing for both family and business-related things. Sometimes I’ll meet a friend, have a business lunch or if super busy eat on the run which is what I mostly do. I try to take time to write and work on my routine every day but with all my activities lately this is falling through the cracks.  Sometimes I can grab a quick bite with my husband, then it is off to the club for some meetings and a show. I am not a superhero, just a mom.  But being a mom has prepared me for just about everything. It taught me patience, resilience, and how to juggle many things at once. This combined with my upbringing to work hard and not take no for an answer gave me the confidence and strength to achieve whatever I put my mind to. SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Felicia Madison

Taste of Tennis Miami makes its sizzling return to Miami on March 18, 2024, from 7pm-10pm at the JW Marriott Miami! The unforgettable event that blends the excitement of professional tennis with gourmet delights is back and more flavorful than ever. Guests will enjoy entertainment, world-class cuisine and interactive experiences provided by sponsors including: JW Marriott Miami, Segafredo Zanetti, Barbados, VOSS Water, Brackish Vodka, Volkl, Lucky in Love and Chef Works. Join Miami's hottest culinary talent and tennis' biggest stars for a night to remember Taste of Tennis will be hosted by Tennis Channel commentator and former ATP star Nick Monroe and feature a number of top tennis stars including: Alex de Minaur, Alycia Parks, Emma Navarro, JJ Wolf, Alex Michelsen, Qinwen Zheng, Alexander Zverev, Mirra Andreeva, and many others! This year's acclaimed chefs offer a diverse array of culinary dishes, including: Antonio Bachour (Tablé by Antonio Bachour), Patrick Palmer (JW Marriott Miami), Dayanny De La Cruz (Quimera), Cesar Zapata (Phuc Yea), Carolina Molea (L’Artisane Bakery & Bistro), Chris Valdes (Chris Valdes Catering), Adrianne Calvo (Cracked by Chef Adrianne), Karla Hoyos (Tacotomía), Omar Montero (Casa Ya'ax), Karin Ou Yang (Dirty French Steak's), Ilkay Suuctugu (Artisan Beach House at The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour), Michael Hernandez (Boulud Sud Miami - Marriott Marquis), Carlos Garcia (Leku Miami), Rodney Ignacio (SUGARCANE), Farid Lutfi (Lira Beirut Eatery). For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit here (tasteoftennis.com/miami) and follow @tasteoftennis on social media for updates. More on AYS AYS is a woman-owned marketing and events agency founded in 1995 by Judi and Penny Lerner. AYS provides customized event solutions and consultation services for clients seeking to maximize their marketing, events, sponsorship, and digital initiatives. AYS also created and produces the Taste of Tennis, a one-of-a-kind culinary and tennis experience that takes place in Indian Wells, Miami, London, and New York City. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of AYS

Winner of Best Pop Solo Performance and Record Of The Year, Miley Cyrus wore a Gucci by Sabato De Sarno custom dress with cutout and high split in chocolate brown sequin, worn with a tonal feather boa, and a Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbag and Gucci Signoria pumps in brown patent leather. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Gucci/Getty Images

FIFA officially released the highly anticipated match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 26™, revealing that Miami will host seven matches ― beginning June 15 through July 18, 2026 ― including one quarterfinal and the bronze match. This announcement marks a historic moment for the community, placing Greater Miami and Miami Beach and the state of Florida at the center of the global soccer stage. “Fútbol is coming to Miami-Dade County with immense energy and passion in 2026 as we host FIFA World Cup. We are thrilled to share with our residents and visitors that our community will welcome seven matches, including one quarter final and the bronze match,” expressed Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. FIFA World Cup 26TM signifies the thrilling return of the tournament to the United States for the first time since 1994. The tournament was the biggest-ever World Cup staged in Canada, Mexico and the United States, featuring a record 48 teams and 104 matches across North America. Seven of those matches will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, which has played host to some of the most high-profile soccer matches in recent history. “Residents of Miami Gardens already know what it means to be recognized as a community that has a championship pedigree as well as wearing the title of year-round sports mecca,” said Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris. “We can unite a community through sports and find ways to provide economic opportunity for our citizens thanks to Hard Rock Stadium, which proudly calls Miami Gardens home.” The match schedule runs more than a month during the summer of 2026 and provides added incentive for members of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee to roll up their sleeves and get to work on delivering the best experience possible for residents and visitors alike. “The announcement of seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Greater Miami and Miami Beach, really kicks things into high gear including one quarter final and the bronze match,” said Rodney Barreto, co-chair of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee. “We have a unique opportunity to showcase the diversity of Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, and we are excited to get to work.” For information about volunteering and ongoing event updates, please visit: www.MiamiFWC26.com and follow us on Instagram (@FWC26Miami), X (@FWC26Miami) and Facebook (@FWC26Miami). By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of FIFA World Cup 26

Ryan Gosling wore a custom Gucci three-piece lilac suit to the 96th Oscars Nominees Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton on February 12, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. Image courtesy of Gucci/ Getty Images

Florida Grand Opera is serving up a series of musical treats throughout February and March in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The popular SongFest  and ¡Viva Zarzuela! concert series promise offerings to please every musical palate. SONGFEST: FROM THE PAGE TO THE STAGE Great music and storytelling unite in Florida Grand Opera’s Songfest: From the Page to the Stage: Great Literary Works Reimagined on the Operatic Stage. Featuring the FGO Studio Artists, the second concert of the SongFest series takes place on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at Riviera Presbyterian Church in Coral Gables and Sunday, February 18, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living in Oakland Park. Tickets are $15, free to donors and subscribers, and available at fgo.org. Drawing from the works of authors like William Shakespeare, Alexander Pushkin, and Sir Walter Scott and composers like Charles Gounod, Pytor Illich Tchaikovsky, and Gaetano Donizetti, the concert demonstrates how compelling music enhances skillful storytelling. Repertoire includes selections from The Marriage of Figaro, Carmen, Lucia di Lammermoor, Eugene Onegin, Romeo et Juliette, and more. “’From the Page to the Stage’ is a fun and entertaining opportunity to see a story or a character you already know from your favorite classic books get a soundtrack,” says Neil Nelson, the Samuel M. Townsend Studio Manager. “These characters come off the page and come alive right before your eyes as the Studio Artists interpret them. There’s nothing like being feet away from one of these young, talented opera artists singing their hearts out for you. It’s a really special experience.” ZARZUELA: CUBA EN ZARZUELA Y CANCIÓN Florida Grand Opera’s immensely popular zarzuela concert series is back with Zarzuela: Cuba en zarzuela y canción (Cuba in Zarzuela and Song), an afternoon of favorites celebrating Cuban musical tradition. The concert takes place on February 25, 2024 at 3 p.m. at the Cuban Hebrew Congregation in Miami Beach. Curated by internationally renowned voice teacher and zarzuela champion Manny Perez, the concert will team artists such as Cuban-American Metropolitan Opera soprano Eglise Gutiérrez, Yetzabel Arias, Megan Barrera, Marinel Cruz, Laura DeMare, Ray Gonzalez, Mabel Ledo, Armando Naranjo, Gerardo Ortega, Maria Aleida Rodriguez Reyes, Felix Spengler, and members of the elite Florida Grand Opera Studio Artist Program and Studio Faculty Coach/Pianist Jared Peroune at the keyboard. Repertoire includes popular songs and selections from works like Maria La O, María Belén Chacón, Cecilia Valdés, Amalia Battista, Lola Cruz, and more. Tickets are $25, and available at fgo.org. SONGFEST: DROP THE MIC! BROADWAY MUSICALS WITHOUT MICROPHONES Florida Grand Opera Studio Artists will serenade audiences with classic songs and scenes from Broadway’s Golden Age in Drop the Mic! Broadway Musicals Without Microphones. The concerts take place Friday, March 15, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at Riviera Presbyterian Church in Coral Gables and Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living in Oakland Park. Tickets are $15, free to donors and subscribers, and available at fgo.org. This final concert of the 2023-2024 SongFest Series revisits a time when stars belted their best without amplification and features classics like “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha and “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy” from South Pacific. “It’s the best of Golden Age Broadway as it was meant to be heard,” says Nelson, “The unamplified voice creates an almost magical intimacy, and you’ll hear these familiar and beloved tunes in whole new way.” Tickets for “From the Page to the Stage” are $15 or free to subscribers and donors. Purchase tickets or register for free seats at fgo.org. The Florida Grand Opera Studio Artists are soprano Sara Kennedy, soprano Hayley Lipke, mezzo-soprano Taylor-Alexis DuPont, tenor Joseph McBrayer, baritone Joseph Canuto Leon, and bass-baritone Keith Klein. These early-career artists come from all over the nation to serve as the face of opera in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. They appear in both leading and supporting roles in mainstage performances and tour Miami-Dade and Broward counties in a wide variety of appearances, including outreach to young audiences and public concerts. Faculty Coach Jared Peroune serves as the collaborative pianist for the Studio. To schedule interviews or for more information about the Florida Grand Opera and its upcoming events and March Gala, please contact press@fgo.org or visit fgo.org. Images Courtesy of Florida Grand Opera

Loxen Productions, LLC, the South Floridabased theatrical production company that commenced operations in 2019, announced today the launching of a new company that will operate as a not-for-profit corporation in support of Loxen Productions and its mission. Loxen Entertainment, Inc. has been incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in the State of Florida and has made the necessary filings with the Internal Revenue Service for a Determination Letter confirming its status as a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. “We feel that, through the creation of a not-for-profit corporation that shares Loxen Productions’ mission of improving the artistic standard of our community, we can further support the shared goal of providing work opportunities not only to actors and other theater craftspeople, but to artists in general,” said Benjamin León IV, Tony ® -nominated Broadway producer and founder and President of the new company. “There should be no reason to have to go to New York, London or any other world capital to find good theater. ‘Good theater’ is done by ‘good artists’, and that can be found right here in South Florida.” Loxen Productions, LLC has become an important contributor to the arts community in South Florida through its high-quality productions of musicals during the past five years. Its productions of In the Heights, Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors, The 25 th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee and Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein have received high praise from critics and audiences alike for their production values and artistic excellence. The company has presented its shows at a variety of venues such as the Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Miami, and the historic ARTime Theater in Southwest Miami. Loxen Entertainment, Inc. also announced the members of its board of directors: Benjamin León IV, Founder and President; Benjamin León III, Vice President; Gonzalo Rodríguez, Artistic Director/General Manager; Jim Kierstead, Executive Director/Director of Development; and Daniel Hernández, Consultant. “Our new board is looking forward to working with other artists in the area in a variety of endeavors that will continue to shape the artistic landscape of our community,” said Mr. Leon IV. “Our 2024 season is shaping up as our most ambitious to date,” said Gonzalo Rodríguez, Artistic Director of the organization. “We are preparing the current off-Broadway hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, the hilarious musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone, and the family favorite Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We are also bringing our acclaimed production of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein to the Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center in October. We will also present a gala concert showcasing the music from some of the most popular video games. The concert will feature a symphony orchestra and will be held at the James L. Knight Concert Hall at the Adrienne Arsht Center in the summer.” Final dates and venues for the 2024 season are being finalized and will soon be announced on Loxen’s website http://loxen.org/ and through its social media: https://www.facebook.com/loxenproductions and @loxenproductions. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Loxen Productions

Stitch Lab will return for the seventh edition of its highly-anticipated pop-up shop at the Miami Design District from Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17. Since its inception, the fashion incubator has brought exposure in the U.S. to hundreds of fashion designers from all across Latin America. Their continued efforts over the years, both through e-commerce and in-person, have springboarded these brands to success in new markets, introduced U.S. shoppers to a whole new world of fashion, and, most importantly, supported the goals and dreams of the next generation of talent in Latin American fashion. Stitch Lab will once again host its unique spring pop-up in Miami for three days with 43 designers, continuing its partnership with the Miami Design District as its official sponsor and host. It will kick off with a private cocktail reception on Thursday, March 14, and the consumer-facing pop-up will take place from Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17 at Paradise Plaza. In this edition, the participating designers come from Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, El Salvador, Venezuela, Uruguay, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Mexico. “Highlighting the rich diversity of Latin American creativity,  our pop-up shop is a vibrant celebration where talented designers infuse their cultural stories into a global style,” said Karina Rosendo, Founder & CEO of Stitch Lab. “We believe in providing a platform for these amazing creators to showcase their unique visions, fostering a community that embraces the richness of our cultural heritage.” This year, the pop-up is thrilled to welcome Venezuelan actress, model, and internationally renowned entrepreneur, Gaby Espino, to Stitch Lab. Espino will attend the event alongside the brand WIN Fitness Wear, with whom she recently collaborated to create WIN x Gaby Espino, her line of athleisure wear. Other designer highlights include BRAVO’s Season 19 “Project Runway” winner and Miami-based designer Shantall Lacayo; Venezuelan TV personality and fashion designer Rodner Figueroa; and Renata Lozano, one of the top ambassadors in the world of Colombian fashion, who will be launching a special capsule collection tailored exclusively for the Stitch Lab audience to celebrate the opening of her first Miami showroom. Stitch Lab is proud to introduce over 20 new emerging brands in their curation, including Apré; a Mexican fine-jewelry brand; Peruvian swimwear sustainable label NelBlu; Flabelus, a stylish Spanish brand that specializes in turning classic espadrilles into colorful shoes, and FIORI, high-quality leather handbags and accessories handmade in the Dominican Republic. Some of the fan favorites from previous pop-up editions that come back this year include: Las Sureñas; PAMPA, Adriana Fernandez, Goretty Medina, Sigal, and Mia de Dios. Stitch Lab is honored to announce its continued partnership with Istituto Marangoni as its official educational ally and Modern Luxury’s Ocean Drive Magazine. Entry into Stitch Lab’s three-day fashion pop-up is complimentary and will be located on the third floor of Paradise Plaza in the Miami Design District at 151 NE 41st Street, from March 15-17, 2024. For more information about Stitch Lab, please visitwww.StitchLabMiami.com. MORE ON STITCH LAB Stitch Lab is a talent incubator and launching pad for Latin American designers in the U.S. founded in 2018. Its mission is to position and strengthen Latin American fashion's presence in the international arena through creative consumer experiences, a solid network of contacts, and highly effective communication strategies. Stitch Lab thrives in working with brands that have a social, environmental, and sustainable purpose. They endorse designers who produce ethical fashion and preserve their native artisanal legacy. In 2020, Stitch Lab introduced its online marketplace as a virtual solution during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer consumers access to some of Latin America’s most treasured fashion talent. LIST OF 2024 DESIGNERS: By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Stitch Lab 2024

GOLDLAW – The Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. – is proud to announce that its Chief Legal Officer Spencer T. Kuvin has been accepted into the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Founded more than 50 years ago, acceptance into ABOTA is among the highest honors trial lawyers can aspire to obtain. Members are dedicated to the preservation of the 7th Amendment right to civil trial by jury, the promotion of civility and professionalism among members of the bar, and the protection of an independent judiciary nationwide. Membership to ABOTA is by invitation only. It requires a lengthy application process that can take more than a year. To be considered as a Trial Advocate, an applicant must have at least eight years of active experience as a trial lawyer and as a member of the Bar of the state in which he/she practices and have tried a minimum of 50 civil jury trials to a jury verdict or hung jury as lead counsel. ABOTA is at the forefront of promoting the legal profession and independence of the judicial branch. ABOTA runs a host of programs designed to fill the growing gap in education and understanding about the judiciary and serves as a reminder of why a strong and independent third branch, anchored by a jury of citizens, is essential to maintaining liberty and democracy. ABOTA’s membership consists of only about 7,300 lawyers and judges in the U.S. (only about 700 in Florida) and is equally balanced between plaintiff and defense, spread among 96 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. “GOLDLAW is thrilled Spencer has been accepted into ABOTA. This invitation-only honor reflects his exceptional trial skills, unwavering commitment to the legal profession, and his outstanding record of success in the courtroom,” said Craig Goldenfarb, founder and CEO of GOLDLAW. “ABOTA recognizes only the most elite trial lawyers. We’re honored and proud to have such a renowned legal advocate leading our legal team.” About GOLDLAW - Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A.: Founded in 2002, we have offices in West Palm Beach and Port St. Lucie, Fla., representing clients injured in auto accidents, slip-and-falls, nursing home abuse, inadequate security, or any other incident where someone’s negligence causes another person to be injured or killed. With more than 300 combined years of legal experience, we’re prepared to handle any personal injury cases in Florida. Visit GOLDLAW.com or call (561) 222-2222. About ABOTA – American Board of Trial Advocates: Founded in 1958, the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) has worked to advance the civil jury trial and elevate the standards of integrity, civility, and professionalism in the legal profession. ABOTA is an invite-only organization, requiring members to demonstrate significant litigation experience. The organization has more than 7,600 members spread among 95 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of GOLDLAW

Rio Open, South American's biggest ATP tournament held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, will feature a racket donation campaign this Saturday, February 17th, in its 10th edition. The public will be able to donate rackets starting this Saturday, when the qualifying rounds of the biggest tournament in South America begin. Photo credit/Photojump Counting on the partnership of Wilson, the event's official ball supplier, they will donate sports materials for every two racket donations received from the public. The donations will be aimed at children and young people from social projects supported by the event: Escolinha Fabiano de Paula, Futuro Bom, Projeto Paraty Tênis, and Tênis na Lagoa, in addition to Núcleo Esportivo Rio Open. To make a donation, interested parties must bring their rackets to the tournament and can leave them at the entrance from Saturday, February 17th, until the end of the event on the 25th. Reinforcing the role of tennis as a tool for inclusion and social transformation, Rio Open will continue to promote the Winners Tournament in 2024, a competition aimed at children and young people who attend the aforementioned projects. Furthermore, members of these institutions receive tickets to watch the Rio Open matches, and some are also part of the tournament's ball team. Photo credit/Dhavid Normando AGIF More on the Rio Open The Rio Open 2024 has master sponsorship from Claro, sponsorship from Santander, Mubadala, Shell, Black Princess, Engie, Betway, Emirates, and Herbíssimo. Additionally, with companies such as Rolex, KIA, B3, EMS, Star+, Disney Cruise Line, and White Martins, New Holland, RedeDor, IBMEC, Café Melitta, PremieRpet, Zetaflex, Cremer, Shopping Leblon, ALLOS, Copa Energia, and Gray Goose. Fila will be responsible for the sporting equipment, and Wilson will supply the official ball for the event. Worldwine will offer the official sparkling wine and wine of the Rio Open, and Lider will provide the furniture for the Corcovado Club, Espaço Pedra da Gávea, and the Players Lounge. The event also has a partnership with the Brazilian Jockey Club and Rio City Hall. SporTV is the official broadcaster of the Rio Open and shows all center court games in HD for Brazil and more than 140 countries through ATP Media. The event is supported by the Special Secretariat for Sports of the Ministry of Sports through the Federal Sports Incentive Law. It is also made possible by the State Sports Incentive Law of the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro through the State Secretariat for Sports and Leisure. The Sports Incentive Law is an important development and social inclusion tool that helps to bring sports to citizens throughout the state of Rio. The Rio Open is an IMM promotion hosted by the ICT. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Rio Open

American Heritage Schools, the top-ranked PK3 through 12 college preparatory school in Florida, is proud to announce that many of the students in its 2024 graduating class from its Broward and Palm Beach Campuses have secured early acceptances to some of the nation’s finest colleges and universities throughout the United States. At American Heritage Schools, preparing for college begins as early as elementary school to ensure a well-rounded foundation that propels students toward their academic aspirations. By senior year, many students have identified their dream schools. Many of these students choose to apply to their first-choice college through the early decision process, demonstrating their strong commitment to a particular institution. Many in this year’s graduating class chose to apply to elite colleges and universities, including MIT, Stanford University, Duke, Cornell University, Brown, and the University of Chicago. American Heritage students have experienced some of the highest acceptance rates to elite universities nationwide, solidifying its position as a premier institution that nurtures academic excellence. Anna Shullman, a senior from American Heritage Schools’ Palm Beach Campus who has been accepted to Georgetown University for the fall, said, “American Heritage has definitely prepared me for a school like Georgetown and beyond college because of all of the amazing resources and opportunities that they've provided us here.” Barbara Bomfim, a senior at American Heritage Schools’ Broward Campus, has been accepted to Northwestern University. She said, “The classes at American Heritage are like none other really. Our teachers are so focused on supporting our students and have challenged me to take classes that I never thought I'd be able to take before and discover that I love something new and that was super awesome.” For an impressive 14 consecutive years, American Heritage Schools has held the coveted No. 1 spot for the highest number of National Merit Scholars in Florida. American Heritage Schools is also the No. 1 private school in Florida for nationally recognized scholars in math competition, science fair, mock trial, moot court, and speech and debate. “We are proud to see our seniors receive early acceptances to the universities and colleges of their dreams and see their hard work pay off,” said Dr. Doug Laurie, president of American Heritage Schools. “The impressive roster of acceptances is a testament to each of the student’s academic and artistic talent, dedication, philanthropic endeavors, and personal attributes. We cannot wait to see all that these students accomplish in the future.” For the full list of American Heritage Schools’ early acceptances, please visit: https://www.ahschool.com/early-college-acceptances-2024 By ML Staff. Image courtesy of American Heritage School

Miami Living Magazine had the pleasure of sitting down with the accomplished Latin actress, Danielle Larracuente, and her equally charismatic 7-year-old son, Benson Larracuente, who is already a budding actor himself. Known for her roles in the popular Amazon crime drama “Bosch: Legacy" and her recurring role as Mandy Moore's nurse, Laila, on NBC's hit drama "This Is Us," Danielle is a recognized force in the entertainment industry. And making most recent Hollywood headlines, Danielle is set to light up the screen in the new Jennifer Lopez musical "This Is Me Now," premiering February 16, 2024 on Amazon, where she stars as one of JLO’s best friends in the film. However, the acting bug doesn't stop with Danielle; it's a family affair. Her vivacious 7-year-old son, Benson, is also currently making his mark on the Sofia Vergara Netflix series "Griselda". Their story unfolds as a delightful and inspiring blend of family, career, and community involvement.  Join us for an inside look at this talented mother-son duo and their exciting projects contributing to the rich tapestry of Latin representation. Miami Living (ML): Hey Danielle and Benson!  Thank you for chatting with us today!  Since it is clear that the acting bug runs strong in your family, do you ever find yourselves spontaneously breaking into character or reenacting scenes from your respective shows and movies just for laughs? Any favorite impromptu performances that stand out? Danielle: Omg! Yes, Benny loves to reenact scenes all time! One that stands out to me is he really loved the tooth fairy for a while. He thought she was so cool how she flew in, dropped gifts and left. So, we pretended I was waiting for the tooth fairy and then I woke up and checked to see if she left anything but didn’t. He then decided to break the 4th wall, walk in front of the frame, drink water, spit it out and to the camera said “what!!!” I was dying laughing! ML: Benson, congratulations on landing a role on Sofia Vergara’s Netflix series “Griselda”!  That’s amazing!  Is this your first acting gig?  And what have you liked most about it so far? Benson: Yes! This my first breakout tv role! I loved learning on set all about sound and watching the director call “action!” ML: Danielle, from a stint on Broadway at only 9 years old, to performing on “Saturday Night Live”, to now returning to your role as Paulina Calderon in “Bosch: Legacy", you've had a diverse career to say the least. What is a standout moment for you in your career? Danielle: I feel like all of those are milestones and have stood out for me during those times. SNL was with Jimmy Fallon, so I was so star struck. With The Lion King I got to live out my favorite Disney movie and sing and dance. Lastly, with Bosch, as my parents are retired NYPD officers, I got to play them. Which was such an honor. ML: Benson, besides being a star on the soccer field and working on your skills as a martial artist, we’ve heard you are also a major fan of the virtual world.  What's a favorite game you’ve played lately and what do you love about it? And Danielle, any chance you've joined in on the gaming fun with him? Benson: ROLBLOX is LIFE At the moment! I love how I can create my character and buy special skills to make the game easier. I also love playing with my friends. Danielle: I have definitely joined in on the fun with Benny, I had to see what all the hype was about. ML: Danielle, how have you juggled being so incredibly prolific in your acting career while also managing to raise your son Benson on your own?  And when did he start showing signs of wanting to give acting a go himself? Danielle: I have such an amazing support system and village who help me so much. From my family to friends and even coworkers in the industry. I feel that’s the biggest tool that I have, and it is so crucial to have when you are in this industry and have kids. I started Benson when he was two years old. He booked his first print job for Munchkin. He always was so photogenic and loved the camera, so I thought to myself - let’s give this a go. Maybe he is following in my footsteps! ML: Benson, we hear you're quite the animal lover. Can you tell us a little about your pets, especially Goldie the fair-winning fish, and how they form a part of your daily life? Benson: I have two dogs. One is a BIG HUGE baby German Shepard/Husky mix named Nemo! Can you believe he is as big as a horse, and he is only 1 year old! I also have a small grey doggy named Buster. He is 9 years old. Buster sometimes gets tired of Nemo lol. Goldie my fish is my favorite because I won it. My mommy wasted all her tickets on trying to win her. I kept asking her to let me try but she thought it was a hard game. She finally let me on the last ticket, and I won on the first try! My mommy’s mouth was on the floor! Haha! ML: Danielle, you've expressed a commitment to bringing a rising presence in TV & Film for the Latino community. What are your aspirations for the future, both in terms of your career and the impact you hope to make on the industry? Danielle: Yes, that is very important to me. In terms of my career, I am focusing on trying to give myself the most diversity of roles possible and reach bigger roles and bigger audiences. I want it to be the norm that a Latino can play everything from a lawyer to a lead in a rom-com to a period piece. I am aiming to open the door more for that, and my hope for the industry is that I leave the industry more inclusive and easier to work for the Latinos coming after me. ML: Finally, any family or professional projects on the horizon with the two of you in collaboration? Danielle: Ahh! That would be a dream! We cannot wait to act in a project together. I want to put that into a manifestation. So yes, in the near future we will be acting in a project together. Keep an eye out! Social Media: Instagram | IMDB By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Jared Schlachet