Investing in Talent, Investing in Miami’s Future
Empowering Miami’s Future: The Academic Leaders Council and the Talent Pipeline Revolution
FEATURED CONTENT:
The Academic Leaders Council, TalentBridge, and the 2040 Talent Development Goals aren’t just education initiatives, they’re economic growth strategies. Read on to learn more.
In a world of rapid transformation, talent is the currency of economic growth—and Miami is making a bold investment. Opportunity Miami, powered by The Miami-Dade Beacon Council, is shaping the future workforce through its Talent and Inclusion pillar, aligning education, industry, and innovation to prepare Miami for what’s next.
Miami’s Economy: Built on Talent
From tech and healthcare to finance and logistics, Miami’s industries are booming, bringing investment, opportunity, and high-paying jobs. Yet, one challenge looms: ensuring that Miamians are prepared for the jobs of the future.
The Academic Leaders Council (ALC) is at the forefront of this mission, a powerhouse coalition uniting academia, government, and business to forge stronger pathways between education and employment.
The Academic Leaders Council: Aligning Education with Industry
Led by Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega, the ALC convenes Miami’s most influential education leaders to develop strategies that ensure students graduate with the skills employers need. These are the presidents of Miami’s top institutions who are driving the talent strategy:
"The future of Miami is talent. Our ability to build an inclusive, innovative workforce will define our economic trajectory for generations to come."
— Madeline Pumariega, President, Miami Dade College & Chair, Academic Leaders Council
“The ALC allows me to link and make connections with every single partner that we have in higher education. We want to prepare and get our students ready for their next step in their career development.”
— Jose L. Dotres, Superintendent, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
“Our strength lies in this collaboration which creates pathways to success in a myriad of in-demand careers that fuel South Florida's thriving workforce.”
—- Kenneth Jessell, Outgoing President, Florida International University
“The ALC sends a very important message, particularly to the business community, that the institutions of higher education are committed to meeting their talent needs.”
— Mike Allen, President, Barry University
“The Academic Leaders Council has been phenomenal: large schools, small schools, private schools, and public schools all working together to fulfill the needs of our workforce here in South Florida”
— David Armstrong, President, St. Thomas University
“What we need is connection to the institutions and have alignment on what we need as business owners. We need to tell you, this is what the future is in our mind.”
— Joe Echevarria, President, University of Miami
“We understand the needs of the workforce and we want to have our students as they matriculate and complete their degree of choice, that they are empowered, energized, and ready to serve at work.”
— William C. McCormick, Jr., Florida Memorial University Interim President
The Co-Chairs of the ALC include Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, and Christine Barney, CEO and Managing Partner of rbb Communications as well as CareerSource South Florida Executive Director Rick Beasley.
These partnerships and growth ensure that every student and worker in Miami has a pathway to economic mobility.
The 2040 Talent Development Goals
In February 2024, Opportunity Miami and the ALC launched the 2040 Talent Development Goals, setting a powerful target: By 2040, 65% of Miami’s working-age population will hold a postsecondary degree or credential. You can read or download the full report here.
Why This Matters:
🔹 Higher education leads to higher earnings and stronger economic growth
🔹 A well-trained workforce attracts business investment and job creation
🔹 A competitive talent pipeline keeps Miami at the forefront of innovation and industry
Currently, only 45.5% of working-age Miamians hold a postsecondary credential—ranking Miami in the bottom third of peer metros. This initiative aims to change that trajectory.
Strategic partnerships have a transformative impact on the future workforce, as explained by President Pumariega in the first essay in a new series by the ALC titled, “Talent Action Series: Achieving our 2040 Talent Goal.” You can read that essay here to learn how Miami Dade College engages industry leaders.
Introducing TalentBridge
The Miami-Dade Beacon Council Foundation will deliver TalentBridge to strengthen Miami’s economy by connecting industry and talent. The mission is to bridge the critical gap in industry engagement by connecting, convening, and amplifying efforts across sectors that will:
- Deliver real-time labor market data, resources, and insights through an innovative workforce portal.
- Align professional development opportunities and workforce training with evolving industry needs.
- Expand employment opportunities and strengthen worker pipelines by providing greater industry exposure and targeted training for underemployed populations.
Want to explore the TalentBridge match opportunity? Contact Dr. Paula Hopkins, EVP of Strategic Partnerships & Fund Development, Miami-Dade Beacon Council at phopkins@beaconcouncil.com.
Together, we are building a future-ready Miami, where talent drives opportunity.
PITCH US
If you have a company or entrepreneur to suggest or an idea to share that relates to building Miami’s future, email us at next@opportunity.miami. We invite you to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on our social media channels. If you were forwarded this newsletter, you can subscribe by clicking here. And if you are new to Opportunity Miami, you can learn about our mission and work here.
~ Dr. Paula Hopkins
