Herb Sosa herb@unitycoalition.org
Community activist, Miami historian, preservationist and freelance writer, Herb Sosa is a founding member of, and currently serves as President of
Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida.
Mr. Sosa has also been instrumental in the development and leadership of UC Florida PAC, the annual Miami Masquerade Ball benefit and most
recently, co-founder and Editor in Chief of Ambiente, a Florida and Latin America focused bilingual e-magazine for the Latino LGBT community.
Mr. Sosa brings over 20 years of corporate and not-for-profit leadership experience in the community.
Previously, Mr. Sosa was Corporate Creative Director for Burdines Dept. stores, was Executive Director of Miami Design Preservation League and
the Art Deco Weekend Festival in Miami Beach.
In 1995 Mr. Sosa created and developed the Ba-Balu Store concept in Miami & Miami Beach, earning the store the unique distinction of being
named one of Conde Nast Traveler Magazines top 100 destinations in the world in 1996. Mr. Sosa has receive various career and personal
accolades from his peers, including the Up and Comers Business Leaders Award (1996), City of Miami Beach Herb Sosa Day proclamation (1997),
and featured in Cafe Con Leche, a documentary on first- generation Cuban-Americans (1996). Sosa served as chairman of Miami Beach's
Historic Preservation Board for over six years, and has served on the Board of Directors of the Miami Design Preservation League, Dade Heritage
Trust, Miami Beach Community Development Corp., Shelbourne & Fernwood HIV/AIDS Housing, and variety of other organizations throughout
South Florida.
In January 2004, Herb Sosa was named one of Tentaciónes Magazines Top Ten Latina/o activists in the U.S. and in 2005 was named one of
OUT magazines Top 100 LGBT Activists and featured on LOGO TV. In summer 2006, Orgulloboriqua.net named Sosa one of their Orgullo Del
Momento - Pride of the Moment- recipient and on April 2008 Sosa was named Terra.com's Activist of the Month.
Community activist, Miami historian, preservationist and freelance writer, Herb Sosa is a founding member of, and currently serves as President of
Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida.
Mr. Sosa has also been instrumental in the development and leadership of UC Florida PAC, the annual Miami Masquerade Ball benefit and most
recently, co-founder and Editor in Chief of Ambiente, a Florida and Latin America focused bilingual e-magazine for the Latino LGBT community.
Mr. Sosa brings over 20 years of corporate and not-for-profit leadership experience in the community.
Previously, Mr. Sosa was Corporate Creative Director for Burdines Dept. stores, was Executive Director of Miami Design Preservation League and
the Art Deco Weekend Festival in Miami Beach.
In 1995 Mr. Sosa created and developed the Ba-Balu Store concept in Miami & Miami Beach, earning the store the unique distinction of being
named one of Conde Nast Traveler Magazines top 100 destinations in the world in 1996. Mr. Sosa has receive various career and personal
accolades from his peers, including the Up and Comers Business Leaders Award (1996), City of Miami Beach Herb Sosa Day proclamation (1997),
and featured in Cafe Con Leche, a documentary on first- generation Cuban-Americans (1996). Sosa served as chairman of Miami Beach's
Historic Preservation Board for over six years, and has served on the Board of Directors of the Miami Design Preservation League, Dade Heritage
Trust, Miami Beach Community Development Corp., Shelbourne & Fernwood HIV/AIDS Housing, and variety of other organizations throughout
South Florida.
In January 2004, Herb Sosa was named one of Tentaciónes Magazines Top Ten Latina/o activists in the U.S. and in 2005 was named one of
OUT magazines Top 100 LGBT Activists and featured on LOGO TV. In summer 2006, Orgulloboriqua.net named Sosa one of their Orgullo Del
Momento - Pride of the Moment- recipient and on April 2008 Sosa was named Terra.com's Activist of the Month.
UNITY COALITION of MIAMI-DADE
2008 Board of Directors | Junta Directiva
Herb Sosa - President "Ron" Saul Brenesky - Chairman
Rachel Alfonso - Treasurer & Special Events Coordinator
Dahlia Canes - Animal Advocacy
Dr. Laura Leyva - Women & Heath issues
Christian Aguilar - Volunteer Coordinator
Dr. Arturo Alvarez - Children's Toy Drive Chairman
Efren Martinez Pulgaron - LGBT Liaison for Political Interests in Cuba
OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg
ADVISORS: Luis Penelas (in memory)
2008 Board of Directors | Junta Directiva
Herb Sosa - President "Ron" Saul Brenesky - Chairman
Rachel Alfonso - Treasurer & Special Events Coordinator
Dahlia Canes - Animal Advocacy
Dr. Laura Leyva - Women & Heath issues
Christian Aguilar - Volunteer Coordinator
Dr. Arturo Alvarez - Children's Toy Drive Chairman
Efren Martinez Pulgaron - LGBT Liaison for Political Interests in Cuba
OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg
ADVISORS: Luis Penelas (in memory)
| Dahlia Canes dcanes@unitycoalition.org Dahlia Canes Ms. Canes was born in Havana, Cuba and her family was one of the first to be exiled in Miami. As a graduate of Hialeah High in 1971she served as student government president and was the only student to serve on the Board of Governors for Florida National College. Later Ms. Canes worked as a hair & platform stylist for many years, including working with the Llongera Brothers in Spain. Canes holds a Associates Degree in Law, has extensive experience working Florida's courts and judicial system, and has worked as a paralegal with the firm Gregory A. Moore, P.A. for the past 17 years. She is recognized as an animal rights advocate and hands-on rescuer, active in the political & legal system and is currently fighting the breed-specific legislation in Miami-Dade County. Canes is an award winning writer and serves as a board member of Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida. |
Dr. Laura Leyva lleyva@unitycoalition.org
Dr. Laura Leyva A South Florida native of Hispanic decent, Dr. Leyva is very active in Florida's medical and social services communities.
Leyva is currently working towards her Risk Management license and running three companies in the health care world. Alfa Medical
Supplies, LLC (medical equipment company) with her brother, Physician Consultants, Inc. (a healthcare consulting firm), and American
Rehab of Kissimmee, Inc. (a Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility)
She is the director and founder of Family AIDS Coalition, a non-profit organization focusing on the needs of families and individuals affected
by HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Leyva is a member and serves on the board of Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida, Pets2luv, a non profit for pets as well as remaining very
active in women's and minority rights and issues in her community
Dr. Laura Leyva A South Florida native of Hispanic decent, Dr. Leyva is very active in Florida's medical and social services communities.
Leyva is currently working towards her Risk Management license and running three companies in the health care world. Alfa Medical
Supplies, LLC (medical equipment company) with her brother, Physician Consultants, Inc. (a healthcare consulting firm), and American
Rehab of Kissimmee, Inc. (a Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility)
She is the director and founder of Family AIDS Coalition, a non-profit organization focusing on the needs of families and individuals affected
by HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Leyva is a member and serves on the board of Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida, Pets2luv, a non profit for pets as well as remaining very
active in women's and minority rights and issues in her community
Oscar Christian Aguilar
Mr. Aguilar was born in Costa Rica, moved to Miami in his teens, and is a founding member and
serves on the board of Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida.
With a passion for Political Consulting and Event Management, Mr. Aguilar focuses his efforts on minority rights, political campaigns and LGBTQ issues
in South Florida, and has been instrumental in the organization of the annual Miami Masquerade Ball benefiting Unity Coalition.
Mr. Aguilar was born in Costa Rica, moved to Miami in his teens, and is a founding member and
serves on the board of Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida.
With a passion for Political Consulting and Event Management, Mr. Aguilar focuses his efforts on minority rights, political campaigns and LGBTQ issues
in South Florida, and has been instrumental in the organization of the annual Miami Masquerade Ball benefiting Unity Coalition.
Rachel Alfonso
Rachel Rae Alfonso nacio en La Habana Cuba. Emigro para EE.UU. en el Exodo del Mariel en el 1980. Se graduo de Asistente Medico
en el año 1985, pero su sueño siempre fue ser una gran escritora. Ha escrito tres libros: Acompañame a Estar Solo (poemas), Regalo
Cosmico (cuentos), y Rachel (autobiografia). Actualmente cursa estudios en el MDC. Nunca le han gustado las injusticias, por eso
forma parte de la Organizacion Unity Coalition que defiende los derechos de la Comunidad LGBT. y otras minorias. Le gustaria
trabajar en un programa de radio o television para ayudar a los jovenes que necesitan ser escuchados.
Rachel is a board member of, and currently serves as Treasurer of Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida.
Rachel Rae Alfonso nacio en La Habana Cuba. Emigro para EE.UU. en el Exodo del Mariel en el 1980. Se graduo de Asistente Medico
en el año 1985, pero su sueño siempre fue ser una gran escritora. Ha escrito tres libros: Acompañame a Estar Solo (poemas), Regalo
Cosmico (cuentos), y Rachel (autobiografia). Actualmente cursa estudios en el MDC. Nunca le han gustado las injusticias, por eso
forma parte de la Organizacion Unity Coalition que defiende los derechos de la Comunidad LGBT. y otras minorias. Le gustaria
trabajar en un programa de radio o television para ayudar a los jovenes que necesitan ser escuchados.
Rachel is a board member of, and currently serves as Treasurer of Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida.
| Dr. Arturo Alvarez Co-Owner of Club Azucar in Miami, Alvarez has a long history of community activism, fundraising & awareness. Having worked in Africa for many years, Alvarez developed a unique perspective and awareness for HIV/AIDS education and funding. Arturo also heads UC's annual Children's Toy drive, benefiting Latino/Hispanic needy children & those living with HIV/AIDS. Arturo is a board member of Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida. |
Efren Martinez Pulgaron emartinez@unitycoalition.org
A native of Cuba, Martinez has a rich history of community activism, focusing on the media & LGBT and is a board member of Unity
Coalition|Coalicion Unida..
Efren Martinez Pulgaron. Havana 1965. Journalist.
Studied at the Academy San Alexander of Havana. In 1992 became involved with the Christian Movement Liberation, an opposition group
to the Castro regime. In 1995 Efren begins to work as an independent journalist at Cuba Press, an agency that reported the incidents &
violations of human rights in Cuba for the free world. Due to his activities as a government opposer , Martinez Pulgaron suffered harassment
and persecution, and was assisted by the Office of Interests of the United States in Havana, and was granted political asylum in 1999 when
he arrived in Miami. Efren currently works as a freelance journalist.
Efren Martinez Pulgaron. La Habana 1965. Periodista.
Curso estudios en la Academia San Alejandro de La Habana.
En 1992 se integra al Movimiento Cristiano Liberacion, un grupo opositor al regimen castrista.
En 1995 comienza a trabajar como periodista independiente en la agencia
Cuba Press, una agencia que reportaba para el mundo libre las incidencias de las violaciones de los derechos humanos en Cuba. Debido a
sus actividades como opositor y comunicador alternatico sufrio el acoso de la seguridad del estado por lo que la Oficina de Intereses de los
Estados Unidos en La Habana le otorga asilo politico y viaja a Miami en 1999. Trabaja como free lance journalist.
A native of Cuba, Martinez has a rich history of community activism, focusing on the media & LGBT and is a board member of Unity
Coalition|Coalicion Unida..
Efren Martinez Pulgaron. Havana 1965. Journalist.
Studied at the Academy San Alexander of Havana. In 1992 became involved with the Christian Movement Liberation, an opposition group
to the Castro regime. In 1995 Efren begins to work as an independent journalist at Cuba Press, an agency that reported the incidents &
violations of human rights in Cuba for the free world. Due to his activities as a government opposer , Martinez Pulgaron suffered harassment
and persecution, and was assisted by the Office of Interests of the United States in Havana, and was granted political asylum in 1999 when
he arrived in Miami. Efren currently works as a freelance journalist.
Efren Martinez Pulgaron. La Habana 1965. Periodista.
Curso estudios en la Academia San Alejandro de La Habana.
En 1992 se integra al Movimiento Cristiano Liberacion, un grupo opositor al regimen castrista.
En 1995 comienza a trabajar como periodista independiente en la agencia
Cuba Press, una agencia que reportaba para el mundo libre las incidencias de las violaciones de los derechos humanos en Cuba. Debido a
sus actividades como opositor y comunicador alternatico sufrio el acoso de la seguridad del estado por lo que la Oficina de Intereses de los
Estados Unidos en La Habana le otorga asilo politico y viaja a Miami en 1999. Trabaja como free lance journalist.
Oscar F. Medina Nacido en Buenos Aires, Argentina, el menor de tres hermanos. Estudio primer año de periodismo en Universidad
de Buenos Aires (UBA), a la edad de 25 años se mudo a la ciudad de Chicago IL, donde estudio trabajo social y psicologia. En el 2001 se
mudo a Miami donde comenzo su activismo y vida laboral en el area de VIH/SIDA, trabajando asi en sus pricipios en prevencion para la
comunidad LGBT , trabajando actualmente como cordinador del programa de prevencion de HIV/AIDS RIDE THE BUS Para el
Miami-Dade County Health Department.
de Buenos Aires (UBA), a la edad de 25 años se mudo a la ciudad de Chicago IL, donde estudio trabajo social y psicologia. En el 2001 se
mudo a Miami donde comenzo su activismo y vida laboral en el area de VIH/SIDA, trabajando asi en sus pricipios en prevencion para la
comunidad LGBT , trabajando actualmente como cordinador del programa de prevencion de HIV/AIDS RIDE THE BUS Para el
Miami-Dade County Health Department.
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"Ron" Saul Brenesky ron@unitycoalition.org
Ron Brenesky is a founding member of, and currently serves as Chairman of Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida.
Born in Miami Florida to a Costa Rican mother and a Cuban father, Ron Brenesky called Miami home during his elementary, junior high, high
school and early college years. Throughout his school years Ron served in various service clubs, fundraising events and student
government, which became a foundation for his life of service.
While in college, Ron Brenesky studied in Santa Monica, California and Salt Lake City, Utah. His studies were in Political Science, History and
International Law. Further studies took him to Guadalajara, Mexico, La Plata, Argentina, and special courses in San Jose, Costa Rica and
Bogota, Colombia.
Ron's family taught him the value of hard work, love of family, nation and God. They also taught him that one should and must stand up for the
rights of all.
After the death of his brother in Vietnam, Ron's strong love and passion for the rights of the minorities in America took on a new purpose, and
he worked advocating for the rights of others, protecting the right to be who they are in a free and respectful world.
Politically, Ron has worked hard to defend the rights of all, especially the gay citizens of Miami, Florida. In 1976 when Anita Bryant
successfully led here divisive and homophobic campaign against equal human rights in Miami, Ron further focused his attention and
energies to develop laws to protect LGBT rights.
Brenesky has served various political organizations, often crossing party lines to defend what he considered to be important human rights
issues. Brenesky has served in religious and civic groups, has volunteered in a number of clubs, committees and special interest groups.
Professionally Ron Brenesky served as a political aid to several County Commissioners, Mayors, State Senators and State Representatives,
as well as aid to national candidates in the US, Ecuador, Colombia, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Argentina, Paraguay,
Bolivia, Chile, Haiti and Mexico. Ron has worked in over 200 political campaigns and has helped develop over 50 local, state, national and
international organizations. He has developed and managed several businesses in the medical field, has worked in several law firms doing
research, a field that he deeply enjoys, and owned and managed several gay clubs.
For Ron Brenesky, serving his community is a personal passion and lifelong mission.
In January 2003, Ron Brenesky was named one of Tentaciones Magazines Top 16 Latina/o activists in the U.S. In 2007 was awarded the
Community Activists Premio Azucar in Miami for his work defending Civil Rights.
Ron Brenesky is a founding member of, and currently serves as Chairman of Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida.
Born in Miami Florida to a Costa Rican mother and a Cuban father, Ron Brenesky called Miami home during his elementary, junior high, high
school and early college years. Throughout his school years Ron served in various service clubs, fundraising events and student
government, which became a foundation for his life of service.
While in college, Ron Brenesky studied in Santa Monica, California and Salt Lake City, Utah. His studies were in Political Science, History and
International Law. Further studies took him to Guadalajara, Mexico, La Plata, Argentina, and special courses in San Jose, Costa Rica and
Bogota, Colombia.
Ron's family taught him the value of hard work, love of family, nation and God. They also taught him that one should and must stand up for the
rights of all.
After the death of his brother in Vietnam, Ron's strong love and passion for the rights of the minorities in America took on a new purpose, and
he worked advocating for the rights of others, protecting the right to be who they are in a free and respectful world.
Politically, Ron has worked hard to defend the rights of all, especially the gay citizens of Miami, Florida. In 1976 when Anita Bryant
successfully led here divisive and homophobic campaign against equal human rights in Miami, Ron further focused his attention and
energies to develop laws to protect LGBT rights.
Brenesky has served various political organizations, often crossing party lines to defend what he considered to be important human rights
issues. Brenesky has served in religious and civic groups, has volunteered in a number of clubs, committees and special interest groups.
Professionally Ron Brenesky served as a political aid to several County Commissioners, Mayors, State Senators and State Representatives,
as well as aid to national candidates in the US, Ecuador, Colombia, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Argentina, Paraguay,
Bolivia, Chile, Haiti and Mexico. Ron has worked in over 200 political campaigns and has helped develop over 50 local, state, national and
international organizations. He has developed and managed several businesses in the medical field, has worked in several law firms doing
research, a field that he deeply enjoys, and owned and managed several gay clubs.
For Ron Brenesky, serving his community is a personal passion and lifelong mission.
In January 2003, Ron Brenesky was named one of Tentaciones Magazines Top 16 Latina/o activists in the U.S. In 2007 was awarded the
Community Activists Premio Azucar in Miami for his work defending Civil Rights.
| . |
| Alan Ginsberg Mr. Ginsberg is a successful attorney, devoted family man, respected member of the Florida bar, active and charitable in the community, and serves as Counsel for Unity Coalition. |
Luis Penelas
Mr. Penela was a nationally respected civil activist, preservationist and community leader.
As a spokesperson for LGBT issues, HIV/AIDS and civil rights, Mr. Penelas served on varoius community boards, as well as on the Board of Advisors
of Unity Coalition.
Mr. Penelas passed away July 2006 and will be greatly missed.
Mr. Penela was a nationally respected civil activist, preservationist and community leader.
As a spokesperson for LGBT issues, HIV/AIDS and civil rights, Mr. Penelas served on varoius community boards, as well as on the Board of Advisors
of Unity Coalition.
Mr. Penelas passed away July 2006 and will be greatly missed.
| UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA is the leading Latino|Hispanic gay civil-rights initiative, offering leadership on issues that concern LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) Latino|Hispanic and other minority groups across the U.S. UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA es una iniciativa y lider en defender los derechos civiles de la comunidad latina|hispana LGBT (lesbianas, gay, bisexual, transgenero), ofreciendo liderazgo en asuntos concernientes a este y otros grupos minoritario através de los Estados Unidos. |
