As Sr. VP, Gisela Marti develops the strategic direction for global leisure and convention marketing, including creative, communications, content, digital, and advertising. She leads internal teams and agencies in executing multi-channel marketing campaigns designed to drive visitation to Greater Miami while showcasing everything that makes the destination uniquely vibrant. She also oversees GMCVB’s global representation network across 45 countries, working closely with PR and Travel Trade representatives to strengthen relationships with international press, airlines, and tour operators, ensuring Miami’s position as a global hub for tourism and international business.

Since joining the GMCVB in 2007, Gisela has played an important role in the organization’s growth, overseeing its membership division, leading the global sales strategy for the leisure sales team, and serving as Miami International Airport’s tourism liaison for international air service development by creating a destination airlines incentive program to complement the airport’s incentives. With over 20 years of experience in international business development at a major cruise line, she has been instrumental in expanding Miami’s global reach and strengthening its position as a premier travel and business destination.

Gisela studied marketing, communications, and business strategy at Miami Dade Community College. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is also a dedicated volunteer at Camillus House, supporting its mission to serve the homeless community in Miami.

Ilona Vega Jaramillo is Vice President of International Economic Development at the Miami-Dade Beacon Council (MDBC) where she promotes Miami’s business community globally. Ilona provides extensive support and guidance to her clients on the benefits of establishing or expanding their businesses into Miami. Her expertise lies in assisting foreign companies as they look to develop the US market. She has an extensive network of professionals and contacts with whom she works to help investors navigate the US market. 

Prior to joining the MDBC, Ilona worked at the Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA) on the Businesses Development Team. During her tenure, she promoted Downtown Miami to businesses and investors as well as developed and executed a business recruitment strategy for the department. Prior to working at the Miami DDA, she worked at Enterprise Florida, the state economic development organization, where she promoted Florida to foreign businesses and supported local businesses and their export development efforts abroad.

Throughout her career, Ilona has assisted hundreds of companies to establish Miami and Florida operations and she has participated in, developed, and led over 30+ outbound business delegations. She has also received over 100+ inbound business delegations.

Ilona has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania and has a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from Columbia University in New York City. She is a Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council in Washington, DC.

Madeline Pumariega is a trailblazer in higher education, serving as the first female president appointed to lead Miami Dade College (MDC), the nation’s largest educational institution.

Under her leadership, Miami Dade College made history, ranking No. 4 among Top Public Schools in the South Region and No. 18 among all colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report. In addition, the College ranked No. 6 in Best Colleges for Veterans, No. 10 in Social Mobility, and No. 12 in Best Value in the South Region.

Before assuming the presidency at MDC, Pumariega became the first female and Hispanic chancellor of the Florida College System (FCS). In 2019, Pumariega held the position of executive vice president and provost at Tallahassee Community College.

A visionary leader with a passion for education and workforce development, under President Pumariega’s presidency at Miami Dade College, she has secured more than $100 million in funding. Dedicated to shaping higher education to meet the evolving needs of industries, Pumariega prioritizes collaboration with business partners to align educational programs with workforce demands, ensuring talent is prepared for the future of work.

In addition to her role at MDC, Madeline Pumariega continues to make a profound impact on education at local, state and national levels, serving on the Board of American Council on Education and serving as Chair on the Board of the Florida Prepaid Foundation. In addition, Pumariega is Chair Elect of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and is a Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Orange Bowl Committee. Recognized for her transformative leadership, she was recently named on the Forbes 50 Over 50 Innovation list for her commitment to shaping the future of education.

Queralt Puig is an experienced trade and business development professional with over a decade of experience facilitating the expansion of Spanish companies in the U.S. market. For the past 7.5 years, she has worked at the Trade Commission of Spain in Miami, providing strategic guidance and support to Spanish businesses looking to establish and grow in Florida. Prior to this, Queralt gained valuable expertise at the Catalonian Trade Office and at the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Miami, where she deepened her knowledge of international trade, assisting companies in navigating the U.S. business landscape.

Yolanda Cash Jackson is an experienced government law attorney who has established a strong reputation in the community for her leadership and commitment to civic, charitable, and professional organizations. She concentrates her practice in the area of governmental relations and has developed a proficiency in state government funding and appropriations. Ms. Jackson has excellent working relationships with the state’s leading elected officials and policymakers.

She has successfully lobbied state funding for a number of private Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and School Boards. Most noteworthy is Ms. Jackson’s successful lobbying of state funding for Florida’s three private HBCUs, totaling nearly $15 million. Ms. Jackson’s diverse list of clients include Fortune 100 companies, gaming, and healthcare corporations. She has also successfully lobbied for appropriations on transportation related infrastructure matters.

Throughout her career, Ms. Jackson has lobbied and shepherded landmark legislation. During the 2017 Legislative Session Ms. Jackson successfully lobbied for the inclusion of The Black Farmers and Agriculturists Association (BFAA) in the State’s recent medical marijuana law, which granted a designated license to the BFAA. This is noteworthy because it is believed to be the first of its kind in the Nation.

Among others, she has had board appointments and memberships to the following: Becker & Poliakoff Management Committee; the United States Senate Military Affairs; the National Black Caucus of State Legislators; the Florida Bar; the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists, Member; the Urban League of Broward County, Board of Directors; the Orange Bowl Committee; the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce; the Carrie Meek Foundation and was past chair of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, Board of Directors.

Awards include Top 100 National Black Lawyer; Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Exhibition, “Women of a New Tribe: Miami Icons”; Broward Black Elected Officials, “Community Service Award”; Gwen S. Cherry Women Lawyers Division, “Outstanding Member”; The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Miami, Bill Colson Award “Salute to Miami; the Miami-Dade County Commission on the Status of Women, “In the Company of Women”.