Jackson CEO garners award from American Jewish Committee |Opinion
Carlos Migoya is proof that the remarkable Cuban-American story, which has played out in Miami repeatedly, is similar to the story of many Jewish-American, Irish-American and other hyphenated people’s stories.
All share the word American, and that’s no coincidence.
Eleven-year-old Migoya and his parents fled communist Cuba for the United States in 1961, seeking a better life for the family. But it wasn’t easy. During his recent acceptance of the National Human Relations Award from the American Jewish Committee, Migoya reminded us that Miami was a “chilly” place for minorities when he arrived.
Migoya has been described, I’d say rightly, as “the most interesting man in Miami.” He attended Miami Dade College, earned two degrees from Florida International University. He has succeeded in multiple industries and roles, from commercial banker to Miami city manager and transformative CEO of Jackson Health System since 2011.
He is a role model for his many civic achievements as well as his extraordinary selflessness.
The National Human Relations Award is presented annually to a business and community leader who personifies the mission and values of AJC, a global advocacy organization that works to protect Jews and other minorities, supports Israel and promotes democracy and freedom in South Florida and around the world.
Migoya joined an impressive roster of past NHRA recipients who have helped shape our culturally rich, economically strong, and respectfully diverse community.
However, when accepting the award, Migoya acknowledged that our community is far from perfect despite its significant progress.
We have come a long way, but not far enough. Migoya recalled being blocked from promotion at his first job because he was Cuban, similar to Jews being excluded from schools and clubs or when Black leaders could not stop Interstate 95 from dividing their historic downtown Miami Black community.
At the same time, Migoya displayed his trademark optimism in his acceptance speech, when he reminded today’s generation of local leaders that our community has “never let our imperfection dampen our work toward something more perfect.”
He realized he had much in common with Jewish and Black colleagues and friends, who became lifelong allies and trusted advisors.
These relationships opened windows of humanity he has embraced, nurtured, and now treasures.
Migoya’s life experiences give him the courage and moral clarity to stand up to hate and bigotry, speak out for what’s right, and condemn what is wrong. He affirmed that Jews and Israel not only have the right to exist but to defend themselves from existential threats.
Migoya learned that policy disagreements cannot cloud one’s core principles. Indeed, healthy, principled discourse can add valued perspectives that bring people together. Migoya’s leadership exemplifies that type of openness and collaboration.
Similarly, AJC works diligently to build coalitions with interfaith and intergroup partners to create bonds and reliable allies. With antisemitism at record levels across the country, especially since the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre in Israel, the need to achieve that understanding with our neighbors is more urgent than ever. But we can get to that place.
Carlos Migoya’s remarkable record of achievements and bridge-building is proof of the benefits that we can reap when we do.
Susan Greene Pallot is the president of American Jewish Committee, Miami and Broward.
