Miami-based Limestone Asset Management, via a joint venture with Orion Real Estate Group, purchased / closed on Colonial Palms Plaza, located in the Pinecrest area at 13601–13621 S Dixie Highway, Miami, FL, 33176, for $70.5 million on Dec. 23, 2022. Limestone Asset Management invests in and acquires real estate properties over all asset classes throughout North America. The purchase reflects Limestone and Orion’s expansion in Pinecrest, a suburban village in Miami-Dade County, located south of downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. It is one of Florida’s most affluent neighborhoods. The 188,389-square-foot property encompasses seven buildings and 29 tenants, including Marshalls, HomeGoods, PetSmart, Old Navy, Party City, Five Below, Visionworks, CycleBar, Panera Bread, Miller’s Ale House, and more. “With the purchase of Colonial Palms Plaza, we are pleased to continue expanding our holdings in the upscale area of Pinecrest,” said Ibrahim Al-Rashid, chairman of Limestone Asset Management. “This purchase confirms our commitment to the South Dixie corridor.” Kevin Sanz, president of Orion Real Estate Group, led the buyer group, Orion Colonial Plaza LLC. “Colonial Palms Plaza is located in a strong submarket with incredibly high barriers to entry,” Sanz said. “This was an amazing execution by our team, and we are excited to acquire this high-performing center with a superior national tenant roster.” Eric Williams of JLL represented the seller, MetLife Investment Management. Goldman Sachs is providing financing for the purchase. In March 2021, Limestone and Orion closed on Pinecrest Town Center, approximately one mile away from Colonial Palms Plaza for $32 million. Located at 12651 South Dixie Highway, Pinecrest, FL 33156, Pinecrest Town Center is a mixed-use retail and office property. In September 2022, Limestone began a $4 million renovation of the property, with a slated completion date of Q2 2023. More than 101,670 residents, with an average household income of $149,442, reside within a 3-mile radius of the property. The average home listing price for Pinecrest/Palmetto Bay is $1 million+. With a high quality of life and vast acre lots, major business executives and professional athletes have long been attracted to Pinecrest with many new Florida residents flocking to the area since the COVID-19 pandemic. About Limestone Asset Management: Miami-based Limestone Asset Management was founded in 2010 and invests in and acquires real estate properties over all asset classes throughout North America. For more information, visit https://orionmiami.com/our-affiliates/. About Orion Real Estate Group: Orion Real Estate Group provides commercial real estate services to investment clients around the world. Since its founding in 1978, the firm has been involved in more than $4 billion in transactions and holds a portfolio exceeding $800 million. Its headquarters are located at 200 S. Biscayne Blvd, 7th floor, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit https://orionmiami.com/ or call (305) 278-8400 or 1-888-255-4502. Images courtesy of Limestone Asset Management

MY Self Wellness President & Founder Christina Thomas and Chief Brand Officer Charles Patti appeared on the popular CNBC TV show “Money Court,” hosted by entrepreneurs Kevin O’Leary and Bethenny Frankel, on CNBC. Entrepreneurs Thomas and Patti founded My Self Wellness, a cutting-edge ketamine clinic and pioneer in the psychedelics space in Bonita Springs, Florida in 2020. They will appear on CNBC’s “Money Court” where entrepreneurs Kevin O’Leary and Bethenny Frankel weigh in on and resolve a wide range of high-stakes financial disputes commonly faced by many small and expanding business and chart a path forward. Whether it’s estranged partners battling over a deal gone sour, friends and business partners disagreeing over pricing strategy, or partners with different visions for their future, what all the cases on CNBC’s “Money Court” have in common are high stakes, real money, and an agreement by the participants to abide by Kevin and Bethenny’s ruling. Together, they’ll carefully consider all sides of a case, examine all relevant information, and ultimately come up with a strategic solution to set the business on the right path. Opening its doors one week before the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown of 2020, MY Self Wellness assists and empowers individuals on their health and wellness journey by combining the healing benefits of ketamine with new lifestyle practices for a full mental reset. In addition, MY Self Wellness recently launched its nonprofit organization Warriors of Consciousness, with the mission to help those who cannot afford psychedelic ketamine therapy treatments. The organization aims to assist those struggling with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and other mental health conditions. Thomas and Patti are also the hosts of Psychedelic Radio, a podcast on which they interview a variety of industry thought leaders. “Being on CNBC’s ‘Money Court’ was an incredible experience for us,” said Thomas. “As we are enjoying great success in the psychedelics industry and are very business savvy, we gained valuable advice from Kevin and Bethenny to help us with business decisions and the growth of MY Self Wellness. We learned from the best.” “With the launch of not only MY Self Wellness, but also Warriors of Consciousness and Psychedelic Radio, we continue to thrive and help others experience the benefits of therapeutic ketamine in creating a joyful, purposeful life,” said Patti. “Appearing on ‘Money Court’ was a fantastic opportunity to learn from Kevin and Bethenny’s longtime experience in the business world.” For more information about MY Self Wellness or to book a treatment, please visit www.myselfwellness.center. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of MY Self Wellness

Ring in the new year at Gulfstream Park! On Saturday, Dec. 31 from 9 p.m.-1 a.m., guests are invited to reflect on this past year and celebrate the new year while enjoying food, drinks, music and plenty of entertainment at this family-friendly event. The walking ring will be transformed into a neon nightclub with a laser show along with DJ beats by DJ Mike Locke. 30 Vice, with roots in Miami and Nashville, will perform live and will have guests dancing to the very best in Pop, R&B, Disco, Rock, Latin and Country. Food items including pizza, pretzels, hot dogs and chicken fingers will be available to purchase from various pop-ups set up in the walking ring. Guests can also visit Gulfstream restaurants Yard House, Christine Lee's, Bissaleh, Texas de Brazil, Haagen Dazs, and Pastry is Art. For those looking to get together in a more intimate setting, there will be an elevated private dining option available by ticket purchase. Here, guests can enjoy a 3-course meal and top the night off with a bubbly toast. Don’t miss the last night of Symphony in Lights! The property will be illuminated with more than 250,000 LED lights, all set to the sounds of holiday favorites and popular music from yesterday and today. A 10-minute light show will begin at the top of every hour from 6-11 p.m. For more information click here. Free entry. Stations with food and drinks available for purchase. Dinner Packages: $125 per person (all inclusive) To purchase, click here. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Gulfstream Park

The announcement by celebrated singer Celine Dion in early December 2022 that she has stiff-person syndrome – a rare neurological disorder – stunned the world and led to an outpouring of support for the French Canadian star. Until Dion’s revelation, most people had probably never heard of the condition. Worldwide, stiff-person syndrome affects only about 1 in a million people, mostly between the ages of 20 and 50, with twice as many women as men having the disorder. Celine Dion, performing in London on July 5, 2019. Since her diagnosis, she has rescheduled her tour dates. Brian Rasic/WireImage via Getty Images First reported in 1956, the classic and most common form of stiff-person syndrome is characterized by painful and fluctuating stiffness, mostly in the muscles of the trunk, including the back and abdomen and upper legs. Patients also experience painful muscle spasms, sometimes triggered by touch or noise. The onset of the disorder is usually gradual, and those who suffer with it may experience progressive worsening of their symptoms. The experience of living with stiff-person syndrome varies from person to person, as it depends on the severity of symptoms and one’s response to treatment. Ultimately, stiff-person syndrome can affect the ability to walk, increasing the risk of falls and the need for assistance with a cane, walker or wheelchair. We are specialized neurologists who treat patients with movement and neuroimmunological disorders. Because stiff-person syndrome is so rare, patients typically will receive extensive testing by multiple doctors before being diagnosed with the condition. In our experience, it is not uncommon for us to be the third or fourth doctor whom individuals seek out for an evaluation and diagnosis. Many stiff-person syndrome patients can be treated effectively with medication and immunotherapy. Biological underpinnings Stiff-person syndrome is different from other neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. Although in each of these conditions people can experience stiffness and cramps, the underlying cause of symptoms is different in all three. Stiff-person syndrome is an autoimmune disorder – a broad term to describe when the body’s natural defense system mistakenly attacks the person’s own body. In the late 1980s, researchers discovered what are known as “auto-antibodies” related to stiff-person syndrome. Antibodies are a critical part of the body’s defense system to help fight off infection or anything that appears to be foreign. So auto-antibodies are those that mistakenly target specific receptors, cells or organs of one’s own body. But it was the discovery of one key auto-antibody that gave physicians important insights into the disease process of stiff-person syndrome and how to manage it with various medications and immunotherapy. The human nervous system is comprised of various pathways that prevent too much or too little muscle activation. An enzyme called glutamic acid decarboxylase, or GAD, helps convert a neurotransmitter – a chemical that nerve cells use to communicate – called glutamate to gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. This process plays an important role in preventing excessive muscle activity. Researchers have found that 60% to 80% of people with classic stiff-person syndrome have elevated levels of the auto-antibody called anti-GAD. Antibodies against GAD prevent the formation of GABA, which can then lead to excessive muscle activity such as stiffness. While anti-GAD appears to be the most common auto-antibody in those with classic stiff-person syndrome, recent discoveries have revealed additional antibodies that can also result in the condition. Treatment options To date, there is no cure for stiff-person syndrome. Current treatments are aimed at improving the stiffness and spasms, and modulate the immune system. Different types of muscle relaxants are used to treat the muscle tightness and spasms. And some anticonvulsants, used to treat epilepsy, have also been shown to reduce muscle spasms. Doctors may also use treatments that target the immune system. Evidence is accumulating that one treatment, known as intravenous immunoglobulins, may be effective. Immunoglobulins, or antibodies, collected from thousands of healthy donors are given intravenously at regular intervals to patients with stiff-person syndrome to help improve their symptoms. Alternate treatments for those who do not respond to these approaches may include antibody therapy with the drug rituximab, or a procedure called plasma exchange in which the auto-antibodies are filtered out. However, evidence for the effectiveness of these therapies is lacking. Living with the diagnosis Doctors like us still have a lot to learn about stiff-person syndrome, but increasing awareness of this condition may lead to a more timely diagnosis and help accelerate research. And as more people learn about it, they may be more likely to recognize the symptoms and seek treatment earlier. Patients with milder disease or those who respond well to treatment may continue functioning independently while they continue medical therapy. For others, symptoms may not be completely controlled and could lead to disability. We recognize that the journey to a diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome can be challenging and receiving the diagnosis can be life-altering. But through capable teams of doctors and other support systems for people who are diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, researchers like us hope to help patients continue living life to the fullest. Words By Torge Rempe Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Florida & Bhavana Patel Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Florida. Special thanks to The Conversation for republishing permission.

In the spirit of the giving season, Craig Zinn Automotive Group and its dealerships, Toyota of Hollywood, Lexus of Pembroke Pines, Acura of Pembroke Pines, Lexus of North Miami and Subaru of Pembroke Pines held their annual holiday toy drive. Each dealership served as a toy drop-off location and all donations to the toy drive benefitted Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. As a result of the generous donations made by team members and customers throughout the month of December, Brittany Zinn and Zachary Zinn of Craig Zinn Automotive Group delivered toys to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital on Wednesday, December 21 where a large truck dropped off toys, including games, dolls, books, stuffed animals, toy cars, art supplies and more. The toys bring joy to children throughout the holiday season and beyond. Members of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital executive team were present along with JDCH’s beloved clown, Lotsy Dotsy. This event was a part of the ongoing partnership with Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and the work it does to save the lives of children, regardless of age or medical complexity. The holiday toy drive is one of many Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital initiatives supported by Craig Zinn Automotive Group in a quest to make the community a better place for all. Visit www.czgroup.com for more information. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Craig Zinn Automotive Group

Tiffany & Co. painted São Paulo in yellow. The House announced that it hosted its “Yellow Is the New Blue” event in São Paulo to introduce high jewelry designs for the first time in Latin America. In celebration of bringing “Yellow Is the New Blue” to São Paulo, Anthony Ledru hosted an intimate dinner with over 170 guests inclusive of top-tier press, influencers, and celebrities. Some notable attendees included J Balvin, Bruna Marquezine, Camila Queiroz and Helena Bordon- long-time friends of the house. About Tiffany & Co. Tiffany & Co., founded in New York City in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany, is a global luxury jeweler synonymous with elegance, innovative design, fine craftsmanship and creative excellence. With more than 300 retail stores worldwide and a workforce of more than 13,000 employees, Tiffany & Co. and its subsidiaries design, manufacture and market jewelry, watches and luxury accessories. Nearly 5,000 skilled artisans cut Tiffany diamonds and craft jewelry in the Company’s own workshops, realizing the brand’s commitment to superlative quality. Tiffany & Co. has a long-standing commitment to conducting its business responsibly, sustaining the natural environment, prioritizing diversity and inclusion, and positively impacting the communities in which it operates. To learn more about Tiffany & Co. and its commitment to sustainability, please visit tiffany.com. Photography by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images for Tiffany & Co

New for the Spring/Summer 2023 women’s pre-collection are The Jewelled Hobo and The Jewelled Hobo Mini, featuring the iconic McQueen Knuckle closure and skull motif. The body of the bag is inspired by the large facetted stone that sits on the Knuckle. The bag may be hand-held, worn on the shoulder or cross body via the chain shoulder strap. For more learn more visit alexandermcqueen.com By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Alexander McQueen

The Advisory Board of Miami-Dade Public Schools’ NAF Academy of Hospitality & Tourism (AOHT) is delighted to announce that Steve Adkins, President of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce was named South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year at the 31st Annual Awards Luncheon held December 15, 2022 at the Hyatt Regency Miami. An accomplished business, hospitality and tourism leader, Mr. Adkins has dedicated his career to building business relationships, closing social gaps, working for equality, assisting the marginalized, and making his community a better place to live, work and play. President of Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Honored at Annual South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year Luncheon Steve Adkins, South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year With professional roots in the banking industry, a move to Miami more than 20 years ago presented an opportunity for Mr. Adkins to take an active role in the hospitality and tourism industry as the owner of a Miami Beach bed and breakfast. As a gay businessman, he became involved with the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Several years later when the head of the organization stepped down, Mr. Adkins stepped into the position and found his calling. Adkins’ business expertise, passion for community and dedication to advocacy has garnered the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce recognition among the most accomplished and impactful organizations of its kind in the country. Under his leadership, chamber membership grew twentyfold and through the MDGLCC Foundation, opened the first and only LGBTQ Visitor Center in the world on Miami Beach, which helped position Greater Miami and Miami Beach as a gay and lesbian friendly year-round destination. Adkins is the South Region Co-Chair of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce; Chairman of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority; Board Member of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau; and Advisory Board member of Miami Beach Pride. Other distinguished nominees of this year’s South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year include Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) Senior Director of Partnership & Events Ali Bibeau; Hyatt Regency Miami General Manager Amir Blattner; Miami- Dade Aviation Department (MIA) Director and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Cutié; and Miami-Dade County PortMiami Director & CEO Hydi Webb. Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ AOHT is a member of the non-profit organization NAF. Academies are in 16 Miami-Dade County public high schools. Proceeds of the South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year luncheon benefit work-based learning activities and scholarships for AOHT students and professional development for teachers. More on NAF NAF is a national network of education, business, and community leaders who work together to ensure high school students are college, career, and future ready. NAF’s educational design is uniquely comprehensive in its approach to skill development, enabling students of all backgrounds to participate in a meaningful education and gives businesses the opportunity to shape America’s future workforce by transforming the learning environment to integrate STEM infused, career-relevant curricula and work-based learning experiences, including internships. NAF has grown from one NAF Academy of Finance in New York City to hundreds of academies across the country focusing on growing industries including finance, hospitality & tourism, information technology, engineering, and health sciences; and support programs of study that are aligned with the National Career Clusters Framework. During the 2021-22 school year, over 120,000 students attended 618 NAF academies across 35 states, plus DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. In 2021, NAF academies reported 99% of seniors graduated with 87% of graduates planning to go to college. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Steve Adkins

Pure vehicular insanity is the most accurate way to describe Gymkhana 2022, the latest film in Hoonigan Media Machine’s award-winning Gymkhana series. Travis Pastrana is back in a Subaru after his debut performance in the film franchise, which his buddy and rally racing rival Ken Block created, smashed all previous viral records. Set across the Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale, and parts of the Everglades, Gymkhana 2022 is on a level of its own with tricks ranging from 160+mph jumps, to tandem donuts with a helicopter, and a Monster Truck donut that risked totaling both vehicle and driver. Not to mention Pastrana’s newfound proximity moments and massive BASE jump “mishap.” It’s set to be the wildest film yet in the series. “Gymkhana 2022 is the wildest film I have done on four wheels. Period,” said Travis Pastrana, Subaru rally driver and action sports legend. “I never thought I’d race a fighter jet, do donuts around a Monster Truck doing nose wheelies, skim 100 feet across a six-foot-deep pond, or tandem slide with a helicopter. Definitely not in the same video. But here we are, with Gymkhana 2022!” The machine built to take Pastrana’s wild driving is dubbed “The Family Huckster,” the most extreme Subaru GL Wagon ever imagined. Starting life as a humble 1983 Subaru GL wagon, the car is now a carbon-clad space-frame with an 865-horsepower Subaru Boxer engine, active aero, and long-travel rally suspension. The all-wheel-drive monster also features a functional carbon-fiber roof rack that directs air to the rear-mounted radiator, one of a few homages to US Ski Team Subaru GL wagons of the 80s. The Huckster also rides on one-off KMC Wheels inspired by wheels on 80’s Subaru models, in a gold color sourced directly from the wheels used on Subaru’s World Rally Championship winning race cars. In typical Pastrana fashion, the film also features a healthy lineup of cameos. From Monster Jam royalty Ryan Anderson, YouTube phenom Cleetus McFarland with his 3,000 horsepower El Camino named “Mullet”, veteran pilot Floyd Ingram in a MD 500 helicopter, all the way to Jim York from Pit Viper Sunglasses on a Florida-made Jet Ski turned scooter. And of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Florida video without other homages to the state’s storied culture of vehicles, from a twin-turbo fire breathing fan boat to high-rise lifted trucks from American Force. “Travis Pastrana is a mad man, and that makes him the perfect wheelman to take these films to a different level,” says Gymkhana Director and Hoonigan Co-Founder Brian Scotto. “Travis stepped up big time for this film, really improving his driving style and proximity control. But what makes Gymkhana 2022 stand apart, is Travis’ flat-out, just-ain’t-care approach that created some truly unforgettable, and downright sketchy moments for this film.” The entire series, featuring the past 11 videos, including the recently released Electrikhana featuring the bright lights of Las Vegas and the all-electric Audi S1 Hoonitron, can be seen here: Gymkhana. Other partners supporting the project include Black Rifle Coffee Company, Yokohama, Pit Viper and Monster Jam. More on Hoonigan Hoonigan is much more than a brand. It’s an automotive subculture, fueled on the shared passion of going fast and breaking things... then rebuilding them better than before. The company’s signature brand of vehicular savagery is on full display across their network of YouTube channels, serving daily content to a subscription base numbering in the millions. In addition to daily videos and social media content, Hoonigan has long been the production and marketing outfit behind Ken Block’s award-winning series of viral videos such as Gymkhana, Climbkhana, and Terrakhana. At the heart of it all, however, is a wide-ranging apparel collection that (along with an authentically automotive obsessed cast of characters) represents the brand’s core ethos: Having fun with cars. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Hoongian

Calling all the sweet and chocolate lovers! Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, the historic botanical garden that is one of the premier conservation and education-based gardens in the world, is welcoming back visitors to celebrate the annual Festival of Chocolate. This year’s 16th annual Festival of Chocolate is set to be a two-day celebration of all things chocolate. Taste your way through chocolate confections, decadent desserts, and savory bites. Enjoy entertainment, activities, classes, lawn games, and demonstrations. Indulge in chocolate pairings with wine and spirits that will unlock flavors and delight your palate. Bring your family and friends to explore the Garden and discover one delicious chocolate adventure after another. 2023 SWEET LINEUP INCLUDES: Chocolatiers and Decadent Sweets Circus Eats Romanticos Chocolate Key West Sweets Kakao Zon Palato Hand-Crafted Chocolate Go Dark Chocolate Oh My Gosh Bridadeiros Club Chokolate Castronovo Cao Chocolates Pairing Parlor Saturday and Sunday 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM Wine’n Cupcakes Enjoy a sweet flight, pairing fine wine with delectable mini cupcakes. PRICE WILL BE UPDATED ON THE WEBSITE (Seating is limited) Club Confection 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Daily Chocolate Adventures - Kids can journey through the Garden to learn how chocolate is made (more details to come) The Chocolate Challenge 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM Daily Compete in the Doughnut Toss, Chocolate Chip Cookie Hunt, and Cacao Sack Race for a chance to win a prize! Giant Lawn Games Try your hand at larger-than-life-sized Jenga, Chess, and Connect4! Sweet Stories 10:45 AM, 12:45 PM, 2:45 PM Daily Gather for sweet tales in The Children's Garden Chocolate Express 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Daily Choco Choco Choo Choo Hop on the Chocolate Express for a train ride around the garden! Cocoa Lounge 10 AM - 5 PM Daily Mini Chocolate Martini Flight- Enjoy a flight of (3) decadent mini chocolate craft martini's $24 Bourbon and Chocolate Pairing - Taste 3 Specialty Chocolates paired bourbon $29 Chocolate Lab Times TBD Cooking demos and how to make chocolate Spa Chocolát 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Daily Hosted by Couture Mobile Spa, indulge in micro chocolate-infused massages and manicures. Cost: Varies, Inquire FOR TICKETS: Admission for members is free Adults $24.95 Seniors $17.95 Students (with ID) $15.95 Children (6-17) $11.95 Children (0-5) Free More on Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is an 83-acre tropical paradise located in the Heart of Miami. Founded and named after Dr. David Fairchild, one of the most famous plant explorers in history, the Garden’s outstanding botanical collection has been a fundamental part of the institution’s existence since 1938. Fairchild is home to a significant collection of palms, cycads, and rare tropical plants. It is also home to the only tropical rainforest in the continental US and Wings of the Tropics, an exotic butterfly exhibit featuring butterfly specimens from all over the world. Fairchild has the largest education program of any metropolitan area, reaching more than 300,000 schoolchildren each year with programs like The Fairchild Challenge, The Million Orchid Project, Growing Beyond Earth, and its BioTECH High School. The Garden is a not-for-profit organization committed to harnessing the power of plants for humankind and sharing the joy of tropical gardening with everyone. Fairchild Garden is known for its outstanding signature events. From Chocolate, Mango, and Orchid Festivals, to concerts, classes, art exhibitions, and plant shows, Fairchild has something for everyone. Additionally, Fairchild is a premier location for outdoor weddings and private events. With gorgeous vistas and spectacular event spaces, the Garden is the perfect location to celebrate all of life’s important moments. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Lily Collins wore a Gucci Cosmogonie fluorescent pink long-sleeve crew-neck mini dress with gathered detail at the waistline and detachable gorget with black sheer polka dot tights while promoting the forthcoming third season of Emily in Paris on Netflix. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Charlotte Joanna Hadden

We don’t often associate beauty models with science, technology, engineering and mathematics….until now. Meet Haley Kalil, a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model who is launching “The Nerd Herd” – an organization that empowers women to love their bodies and minds, while working to educate the new generation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). A cause Haley is passionate about as an accomplished scientist herself (who earned a collegiate 4.0 in Biomedical Sciences & Psychology, with a minor in Chemistry). Haley will be releasing a collection of Nerd Herd loungewear later this year, donating 100% of the proceeds from the first launch to organizations like Black Girls Code that help get young women involved in STEM. Miami Living chatted with Haley to learn more. Click below to launch slideshow > Words by Markin Abras | Images by Nick Suarez, Christian Michel & Serek Kettela Miami Living: I understand that Miami was the birthplace of your modeling career. How did that exactly happen? Haley Kalil: Miami holds a special place in my heart because it was the first place I ever modeled. I was a lab nerd living in my home town of Minnesota, who had recently graduated with a double major in Biomedical Sciences and Psychology with a minor in Chemistry. I was drawn to the study of cellular tissue and medicine. While studying for my MCAT and preparing to apply to medical school, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit held their first ever open casting call. I always wanted to be a model but I never knew how! As a nerdy kid growing up in Minnesota... It seemed like an impossible dream. Thankfully, I built up the courage and submitted a casting video to the iconic SI Swimsuit. To my surprise, they invited me to the casting in NYC. After the casting, I was chosen as one of only 15 women to walk in Miami Swim Week. This was the birth of my modeling career. I’ll never forget walking that runway in front of what felt like all of Miami... so nervous but also so excited for what the future could hold. Who knew that runway would be the start of an entirely new life. Click below to launch slideshow > ML: So what happened after that memorable runway walk? HK: I went on to shoot for the SI Swimsuit issue and eventually was named co-winner of the first ever SI Swimsuit open casting call. I was signed to my first modeling agency. I went on to shoot with brand after brand, that I had previously only dreamed of working with! I never would have guessed that four years later, I would have just finished shooting my 4th year with SI Swimsuit and working as a full-time model. ML: How did you manage to come up with “The Nerd Herd” with such a busy schedule? HK: Because science holds such a special place in my heart, I wanted to use my platform to give back. I had grown my platform from a mere 50 followers to over 380K on Instagram. I never imagined I would reach so many people – especially so many young women. That’s when I started The Nerd Herd. ML: Tell us about The Nerd Herd project and what it means to you. HK: The Nerd Herd is my passion project. It is a way I am hoping to give back to a community I know and love dearly. Science was once my entire life. I came from a world where I was respected for my mind... and entered a world where I was respected for my body... and it made me aware of the incredibly stringent rules that have been placed on women in the sciences. Society tries to place women into categories. If you embrace your intellectual abilities, you can’t embrace your body and vice versa. Society puts women in boxes based on their choice of swimsuit or the length of their skirt... but women are incredibly multifaceted and embracing both one’s body and one’s mind at that same time should not be deemed inappropriate. Click below to launch slideshow > ML: What are some of the objectives you are looking to achieve with The Nerd Herd? HK: I want a world where female doctors can post a bikini photo without being shamed. I want a world where a female engineer does not have to worry about posting vacation photos because her sundress is short. I want a world where a female attorney doesn’t wonder if wearing the wrong top will lose her the respect of her coworkers. I started The Nerd Herd as a safe place for women to express every piece of who they are and embrace the multidimensional nature of their bodies and minds. ML: Besides your modeling, what are some of the things you are working on? HK: When I’m not busy modeling, I have been working hard on a line of Nerd Herd loungewear that will launch in Summer 2021. With 100% of the proceeds from the first launch donated to organizations that help get young women involved in STEM at an early age – organizations like Black Girls Code. I have always been passionate about the sciences. It gave me meaning and purpose. I want other young women to feel the same. I want them to embrace the power of their minds, and hopefully they will be the next generation of astronauts, doctors, engineers, and researchers that change the world. And, I will work tirelessly until they are able to do so without all the current restrictions society places on women in these fields. ML: Your meaning and purpose are powerful intentions. They are indeed needed! HK: It’s incredible for me to look back at this entire journey... a journey that began with a 60-second casting video on my tiny Instagram platform and a runway show in Miami. Every time I land in Miami to work on a campaign or shoot for a magazine cover.. or even, to shoot for SI Swimsuit for my 4th year.... I think of that runway. I think of my nerves. I think of my excitement. I think of how that girl had absolutely no idea what life had in store for her... because one post and a few steps on a runway in Miami changed my entire life. Connect with Haley: Haley Kalil and The Nerd Herd