05/25/2026
ConnectFamilias would not be here today were it not, in large part, for the mentorship and guidance of Ruth Shack. Her belief that Miami’s children-serving organizations could come together to make a real difference in the lives of families and to change how we work in communities was instrumental to our development. Under her leadership at the Dade Community Foundation (now The Miami Foundation), ConnectFamilias found a home in its early years and the space to grow into the organization it is today.
Ruth’s mentorship and encouragement of our President and CEO, Betty Alonso, fueled her resolve and continues to be a powerful force for good in building healthy communities where all children and families can thrive and succeed. Ruth understood that this work “is part art and part science,” and she challenged us to honor both the heart and the rigor required to serve families well. As Miami “reinvents itself every 10 years,” we will continue to carry forward her lessons and stand on the shoulders of powerhouse leaders like Shack, whose vision, courage, and unwavering commitment to community will continue to guide ConnectFamilias for years to come.
