October 26, 2017
By Rosemine Lederl

I was first introduced to Catalyst Miami in 2010 through a Parent Workshop at Miami Dade College.  Part of this workshop provided families the opportunity to file our taxes with the Catalyst Miami staff at no cost; where gladly, I have continued to do so ever since.

During my visits with Catalyst Miami staff, I began asking them to present at various PTA/PTSA meetings, parent/family nights, as well as health and wellness fairs.

The staff provided very informative and resourceful presentations to families and staff at Mary McCleod Bethune Headstart, Natural Bridge Elementary, Liberty City Elementary, as well as Miami Northwestern Senior High.

Looking for a way to enhance my advocacy skills, and combining that with my passion and commitment to serve and create change in my community, I signed up for the leadership program, Step Up Miami (a Catalyst Miami program), where we collaborated around root causes of poverty, the criminal justice system and first time youthful offenders, and the never-ending concerns around affordable housing.

As a part of Step Up Miami, we focused our learning on understanding the aforementioned crises and exploring how we could speak up to reach local policy makers regarding our concerns.  Shortly after, I then signed up to be a volunteer tax preparer with Catalyst Miami, which was just as intriguing as Step Up Miami.

Fast forwarding to the future, I then learned of the opportunity to apply and become part of Catalyst Miami's wealth team as an Community Financial Coordinator. I'm happy to say that I was welcomed to the staff since June of this year!

I've shared my story, as I believe it is an good example of how Catalyst Miami engages families at different stages of their journey.  It is no secret that thousands of families live at, near, or way under the poverty line in our community; as thousands more are struggling to make ends meet.  With Catalyst Miami, our families gain the tools to be more financially secure, healthier, and most importantly, more engaged in our neighborhoods as well as in larger communities.  It is my belief, as it is of Catalyst Miami's belief, that all families deserve opportunities to thrive and to shape our own environment, which is why we focus on prosperity, leadership, and collaboration.

Thank you all, sincerely, for supporting Catalyst Miami and allowing me to share my story with you!

Originally delivered as a speech by Rosemine Lederl at Catalyst Miami's inaugural Imagine Miami Luncheon & Fundraiser at Seaspice.