The planning of the Miami-Dade County Women’s Leadership Summit was a primary topic during the meeting. The proposed event is set to coincide with Women’s History Month and aims to bring together women leaders from across the county to share best practices and empower women to lead and serve effectively. A 12-member committee is being formed to organize the summit, comprising leaders from the Commission for Women, local organizations, and women-led small businesses. The committee will also include representatives from municipal commissions, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community advocacy groups.

Logistical challenges were a concern, including the need to secure a large venue to accommodate over a thousand attendees. Universities such as Miami Dade College and Barry University were suggested as potential hosts. There was also discussion about the importance of collaboration with other organizations to ensure the summit’s success. Suggestions were made to promote the event through a press release and conference for maximum visibility and to partner with transportation companies like Uber to facilitate access.

The summit’s topics will include health, mental health, business, civic engagement, and parenting, with suggestions to expand to finance and technology. Breakout sessions are planned to address these areas, particularly focusing on parenting and supporting single mothers. The summit aims to engage a broad spectrum of participants, including female students and young professionals.

In addition to the summit, the commission addressed a policy proposal for women’s health equity and preventative care, particularly in the 33161 zip code, known for significant health disparities. The Women’s Equity Program (WEP) seeks to expand access to preventative care and strengthen community partnerships to address high rates of uninsured residents and barriers to maternal health services. A detailed budget for a one-year pilot program was proposed, with estimated costs of $715,000. The budget covers staffing, program services, community engagement, health screenings, educational workshops, and monitoring efforts.

Partnerships with organizations such as MJD Wellness Community Center, Hannah Florida, Jesse Tric, and the Boren Clinic were emphasized to reduce costs and prevent duplication of services. The proposal also highlighted potential support from foundations like the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Some commissioners expressed concerns about securing funds, suggesting a gradual approach to implementing the initiative and conducting smaller projects, such as free health screenings in local parks, to engage the community without heavily relying on city finances.

The meeting also involved a discussion about leadership changes within the commission. The current chairwoman announced her upcoming resignation at the end of December 2025, appointing Dr. Nerissa Glickman as her successor. This announcement led to a debate about leadership continuity and term lengths, resulting in a split vote on extending Dr. Glickman’s term until December 2026. Despite some members opposing the extension, the decision was made to ensure uninterrupted leadership.

The outgoing chairwoman received a proclamation recognizing her contributions to the community, with November 18, 2025, designated as “Naomi Esther Bier Day” in her honor. Members expressed gratitude for her service and leadership, with one stating, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve in this position.”