Miami-Dade County

These Miami leaders were just honored by The Children’s Trust. See why

Evangelina Gonzalez, a 6-year-old kindergartner, covers her left eye as she reads a row of letters on the Snellen chart during an eyesight exam performed by school nurse Ruby Ramirez during a follow-up consultation at the school clinic at Spanish Lake Elementary School at 7940 NW 194 St. in Hialeah, Florida, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.
Evangelina Gonzalez, a 6-year-old kindergartner, covers her left eye as she reads a row of letters on the Snellen chart during an eyesight exam performed by school nurse Ruby Ramirez during a follow-up consultation at the school clinic at Spanish Lake Elementary School at 7940 NW 194 St. in Hialeah, Florida, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald

The Children’s Trust’s Champions for Children Awards event on Thursday honored local programs and individuals dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County.

“The people who need your help most are often right in your backyard,” said Andrea Cabrera-Elguezabal, one of this year’s honorees.

Here’s what to know about the 2026 Champions for Children award winners:

sThe Children’s Trust Parent Club - FIU Center for Children and Families

Program of the year: This free program provides free parenting workshops in multiple languages to families throughout Miami-Dade County. The program offers free childcare in addition to support for parents.

Andrea Cabrera-Elguezabal

Excellence in Youth Leadership Award: The high school senior at Young Women’s Preparatory Academy founded Bridge to Prep, a weekly tutoring and mentoring program, to help support students with their literacy and English-speaking skills.

Alexis Calatayud

Excellence in Advocacy Award: The Florida state senator is an education advocate and a graduate of Florida International University.

Sen. Alexis Calatayud, R-Miami, attends the first day of the legislative session at the Florida State Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Tallahassee, Fla.
Sen. Alexis Calatayud, R-Miami, attends the first day of the legislative session at the Florida State Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Tallahassee, Fla. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com

Twala Kelly

Excellence in Direct Service Award: Kelly is a social worker and part of the University of Miami School Health Initiative.

Gepsie Metellus

David Lawrence Jr. Champion for Children Award: Metellus is the cofounder of Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, a community organization with a focus on uplifting Miami’s Haitian community.

Families First Program - UHealth Mailman Center for Child Development

Program of the Year: This center supports people with developmental challenges and children with learning disabilities.

Little SEALS Program - UM Linda Ray Intervention Center

Program of the Year: This organization offers services to help children develop school readiness and sharpen future student achievement.

This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 1:44 PM.

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Michael Butler
Miami Herald
Michael Butler writes about minority business and trends that affect marginalized professionals in South Florida. As a business reporter for the Miami Herald, he tells inclusive stories that reflect South Florida’s diversity. Just like Miami’s diverse population, Butler, a Temple University graduate, has both local roots and a Panamanian heritage.
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