To our amazing WCC community, cherished Board of Directors, and the unstoppable women who show up each day for you and for us, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude. Your support and consistent dedication form the very foundation of our success.
At the Women's Chamber of Commerce (WCC) of Miami-Dade County, we're proud to mark four decades of connecting business women across the South Florida Tri-County areas. Our mission, envisioned by the remarkable Mrs. Thelma Gibson, has remained steadfast: to advance women in South Florida by fostering meaningful business relationships, providing unique educational programming, and hosting creative member events.
Diverse Representation: 48% of our members are women of color, embodying the rich representation of our community.
Empowering Leaders: 75% of our members are corporate queens, while 25% are visionary entrepreneurs, driving innovation and growth.
Community Engagement: An impressive 72% of our women participated in Chamber events or programs directed towards community enrichment.
Mentorship Impact: 63% of our members received invaluable mentorship and guidance, nurturing professional development.
Catalyzing Growth: A remarkable 77% of women reported business growth directly attributed to the support received from the Chamber.
Access to Resources: 78% of our members accessed vital resources through the Chamber, amplifying their capabilities and opportunities.
Promoting Diversity: Through Chamber-led collaborations, 89% of women benefited from initiatives promoting diversity and inclusivity.
Advocacy Efforts: While 36% of our women engaged in advocacy efforts to address systemic barriers, their voices reverberate for change.
These three words encapsulate the spirit of the extraordinary women that constitute the heart of the Chamber.
Thelma Vernell Anderson Gibson's indomitable spirit and trailblazing legacy continue to inspire us.
Check out a few of her wins that define her legacy and continue to inspire generations.
Education and Healthcare Pioneer:
Among the first African-American nurses at Jackson Memorial Hospital and a member of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II.
Champion of Women's Empowerment:
Founded Miami-Dade's first Women's Chamber of Commerce in 1984, fostering a supportive community for women in business.
Community Leader and Political Trailblazer:
Broke barriers as the first black assistant supervisor of nursing at the Dade County Health Department.
Served as an interim Miami City Commissioner at age 70.
Advocate for Social Justice and Healthcare Access:
Established the Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, ensuring healthcare access for South Florida's vulnerable communities.
Legacy of Service and Recognition:
Honored with prestigious awards like the AXA Advisors Healthcare Heroes' Lifetime Achievement Award and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Drum Major for Justice Award.
Inspiring TEDx Talk:
Highlights the importance of perseverance and dreaming big to enact meaningful change.
Thelma’s legacy inspires us to overcome barriers and create positive change in our communities through dedication and determination.
As we celebrate this milestone, we invite our queens to share their wins with us. Your triumphs inspire us all, and together, we'll continue to celebrate and elevate each other.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here's to 40 years of impact, and to many more to come!
