A major highlight of the meeting was the Empower Her Nomi Woman Mentorship Initiative, championed by Commissioner La Fortune. The initiative, designed to empower women and girls in North Miami, plans to organize monthly sessions with both breakout groups and larger themed discussions. La Fortune presented a comprehensive application process to ensure fair selection, which received unanimous approval. The initiative’s curriculum, tailored for different age groups, focuses on critical areas such as self-esteem, financial literacy, mental health, and career planning. Members agreed to hold the sessions on the first Saturday of each month, from 12 to 2 PM, with sponsorships for food being suggested to enhance participant experience.

The commission emphasized the importance of participation from all commissioners in leading sessions. While some members preferred guest speakers, there was consensus that everyone should contribute in some capacity. The need for quality speakers and balancing member-led and guest-led sessions was discussed to ensure a collaborative environment.

In addition to the mentorship initiative, discussions covered the importance of effective marketing and outreach for upcoming events. Members proposed creating flyers and utilizing various platforms, including social media, to increase attendance. The potential for a YouTube channel was debated, though feasibility under city guidelines was questioned.

A significant portion of the meeting addressed logistical challenges in planning the annual Nomi Women’s Wellness Summit brunch. Initially proposed for June 29, 2025, the event was rescheduled to September 14, 2025, due to venue availability issues. The Scott Galvin Community Center was confirmed as the location. Members discussed the event’s logistics, including color themes and the need for a video promotion to boost outreach.

Further discussions highlighted the challenges faced by the commission in maintaining quorum and active participation. Concerns were raised about the absence of members and the need for a change in operational procedures to prevent disruptions. A proposal to limit absences to three consecutive meetings without an excuse was suggested to align with other city boards’ policies.

The commission also tackled the ongoing “50 Female Startup” project, initially aimed at supporting new business owners. Commissioner Claudia Pasmino expressed discomfort in advocating for funding amid other pressing needs and recused herself from the initiative. Commissioner La Fortune agreed to take over, emphasizing collective brainstorming for fundraising.

One member expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of proactive contributions, stating that the board should focus on impactful initiatives rather than getting bogged down by minor details. This sentiment was echoed by others, who called for more efficient use of meeting time.

Public comments included congratulations to a member for obtaining a master’s degree and discussions about the needs of single mothers in the community. Suggestions were made to explore partnerships with institutions to provide childcare during meetings, facilitating attendance for single mothers.

The commission concluded with announcements of upcoming events, including a “back to school block party” and a “driver’s license renewal event” at the public library. Plans for a food drive, a family fun day, and a housing fair were also discussed, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.