The Miami-Dade Beacon Council has announced this year’s distinguished honorees for the 18th annual Beacon Awards, set to return on October 22 at the Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. This year’s ceremony celebrates standout leadership, economic impact, and civic engagement as part of the Beacon Council’s 40th anniversary.

2025 Headlining Winners

Alexandra Villoch, CEO, Baptist Health Foundation.
The newly established Founders’ Award, created in honor of the tri-chairmen who helped launch The Beacon Council 40 years ago, recognizes individuals whose entrepreneurial mindset and civic leadership have left a lasting mark on Miami’s economic landscape. Villoch, the inaugural recipient, is a pioneering figure in both media and healthcare. Formerly the first woman to lead the Miami Herald Media Company, she now oversees strategic initiatives at Baptist Health Foundation. A former Chair of the Beacon Council and Chair Emeritus of One Community One Goal, Villoch remains a key advocate for healthcare access, education, and inclusive growth across South Florida.

The Mas Family; Jorge, Juan Carlos, and José R. Mas.
Honored with Jay Malina Leadership Award for their expansive influence across infrastructure, sports, and civic development, the Mas family is being recognized for their commitment to inclusive economic progress. Since founding MasTec in 1994, they’ve led transformative projects like Miami Freedom Park and brought Inter Miami CF to life alongside David Beckham. Their philanthropic arms, the Mas Family Foundation and Mas Family Scholarships, continue to invest in future leaders, reflecting the legacy of Jay Malina.

Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, President Emeritus, Miami Dade College.
Postponed due to the pandemic, Dr. Padrón will finally receive the 2020 Jay Malina Leadership Award. A nationally recognized leader in education and equity, Padrón’s decades-long tenure at MDC opened pathways to opportunity for thousands. He also helped fuel Miami’s cultural life as a founder of the Miami Book Fair and Miami Film Festival. His legacy continues to influence higher education and workforce development across the region.

These leaders combine fearless vision with a deep commitment to our communities. Their impact stretches from boardrooms and innovation hubs to the heart of Miami’s neighborhoods.

said Rodrick T. Miller, President and CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council

JC Liscano, Chair of the Beacon Council and VP of MIA Hub Operations at American Airlines, added:

In this milestone year, we’ve reimagined the Beacon Awards to reflect the momentum and transformation happening across Miami.

More Honors to Come

Alongside the headline recognitions, the Beacon Awards will honor excellence across six strategic industries:

• Aviation & Aerospace
• Finance
• Life Sciences & Healthcare
• Technology
• Trade & Logistics
• Professional Services

Three additional awards will also be announced live during the ceremony:

• Small Business Award: Recognizing a high-impact local company with fewer than 50 employees.
• One2Watch Award: Celebrating a visionary under 45 shaping Miami’s next economy.
• Jay Malina Award: Honoring civic-minded business leadership.