CISV Miami

CISV educates and inspires action for a more just and peaceful world.

About CISV Miami Chapter

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

Members at Large

Junior Branch

Co-President: Anna

Co-President: Rafaela

JLJR, Co-Vice President: Max

JLJR, Co-Vice President: Carolina

Philanthropy Chair: Julia

Activities Chairs: Leonardo and Valentina

Treasurer: Nicolas

Historian: Bryanna

Secretary: Ana Luiza

Board Members

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!”

 

 

 

 

Leticia Keremian – JB Advisor/NLT

“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”

 

 

 

 

Marcos Calvert – Program Chair

“Hello. I’m Marcos Calvert, recent member of the CISV Miami chapter but have been involved since 1985 when I went to a village.  Me, my wife, Paola (who I met in CISV), and our kids moved from Mexico to Orlando 2 years ago. I studied business and also Culinary Arts.  I have a glass company and am super excited to participate in CISV once more.”

 

 

 

 

 

Alejandra Garza-  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 “melting pots”. 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.”

 

 

Josie Stevens – Trustee

“Hello! 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.”

 

 

 

 

Mario Hidalgo – Trustee

“I am part of the group that co-founded CISV Miami Chapter.

I took a 3-year break from the Chapter to be part of CISV USA National Board of Directors.
I’m excited to find a much stronger and vibrant organization, that I am happy to support.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members at Large