We started in October 2015 with four families, all of whom were long time CISVers. The families had participated in CISV programs while living in Mexico, Italy, Costa Rica and Brazil. We were very happy to finally launch the Miami, Florida chapter.
CISV Miami Chapter Board
President: Alessia Zoso chairmiami@cisvusa.org
Secretary: Juliana Laranjeira secretarymiami-florida@cisvusa.org
Risk Manager: Christel Velhagen riskmiami-florida@cisvusa.org
Treasurer: Eduardo De La Fuente treasurermiami-florida@cisvusa.org
JB Advisor / LLT: Leticia Keremian leticia@cisvusa.org
Program Chair: Gisele Widmer pchairmiami-florida@cisvusa.org
Activity Chair: Josie Stevens miami-florida@cisvusa.org
Fundraising Chair, Alejandra Garza Schroeder fundraisingmiami-florida@cisvusa.org
CISV Miami Chapter Chair / Coordinators
LIC: Gabriela Heisel
Communications: Daniela Sagradi
Website: Amy Berardi
Mosaic Co-Chair: Andrea Bernal
Junior Branch
Co-President: Victoria Zang
Co-President: Maria Cortes
JLJR, Co-Vice President: Giorgia Serafini
JLJR, Co-Vice President: Oscar Moral
Philanthropy Director: Elizabeth Zang
Activities Chair: Anna Alves
Treasurer: Rafaela Kamimura
Historian: Julia Guimaraes
Secretary: Ana Luiza Andrade
Secretary: Kai Gomez
Alessia Zoso – President
“Hi! I am the Miami Chapter chair for 2021-2024. I am from a small town in the North of Italy, and I moved to the USA to continue my studies and my career as an immunologist.
I’ve been involved with CISV because I think it is a great growth opportunity for my kids, but CISV gave me so much more back: lifelong friends, renewed confidence, and life skills and talents that I didn’t know I had.”
Juliana Laranjeira – Secretary
“I’ve been a CISVer since 1986 when my family co-founded the CISV chapter in my hometown of Salvador-BA, Brazil. I was part of the first JB in Salvador and participated in many local activities and programs. CISV had a great, positive impact in my life. I’m grateful that now my kids get to experience CISV while I also continue my journey as the Miami Chapter Secretary. Once a CISVer, always a CISVer!”
Christel Velhagen, Risk Manager
“I was born in Costa Rica and moved to Miami 17 years ago. I am a founding member of the Miami chapter.
We’ve got involved in CISV as a family when my kids wanted to be part of this great organization.
It’s been fun and fulfilling to see the chapter grow and see families enjoy it as much as we do. Peace out!”
Eduardo de La Fuente- Treasurer
“Hello! I’ve been in CISV since I was 11 years old when I participated in a Village. Since then, I have been very active in CISV, as a camper in Seminar Camps, leader in Villages, staff in Christmas meetings and as a board member of CISV Mexico City and CISV Miami, where I am a cofounder. My 3 sons and my wife have been also very active, as campers, leaders and staff. I love CISV!”
Leticia Keremian – JB Advisor/LLT
“CISV has been a part of my life for over 30 years.
Thanks to CISV I made great friends, met amazing people and had unforgettable experiences.
It makes me happy to now be able to share CISV with my family, and contribute to the Miami Chapter”
Gisele Widmer – Program Chair
“Hi! I grew up in a multi-cultural household, with my mom being Honduran and my dad Swiss. As a child I lived in many countries such as Switzerland, England, and Mexico and later in the USA. The exposure to all these different cultures and languages, opened my mind early in life and helped me develop curiosity towards everything that was different and new. It also taught me to be sensitive towards people of different backgrounds. Although I didn’t learn about CISV until my adulthood, I am lucky to see my daughters grow up around this amazing organization that promotes values, like the ones I grew up with. Today I can say, I am happy to experience CISV through their eyes, and my own as a volunteer”
Josie Stevens – Activities Chair
“Hello! I am responsible for the Activity Committee.
I’ve been in CISV since I was 21 years old, and I went to a Village as a leader. Since then, I have been leader in different camps, staff and participant in Christmas’ meeting.
I am a founder of CISV Miami and National Interchange Coordinator for CISV USA.”
Alejandra Garza Schroeder- Fundraising Chair
“I am originally from Mexico City, but have lived in NYC for the past decade until my recent move to Miami. At 11 years old I was lucky to find CISV. Going to a village in England changed my life forever, and shaped my need to experience the world, different cultures and meet different people. Maybe that is why I am drawn to big cities that act as cultural “meltingpots”. Now, As a mom of two, my hopes are to have them experience the unique growth that CISV offers. I am therefore committed and excited to join the CISV Miami chapter, to help it grow and get even stronger for our children to benefit from.”
Daniela Sagradi -Communication Chair
Gabriela Heisel- LIC – Liaison Interchange Coordinator
Amy Berardi- Website