LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE - 2019 Summer Edition | Page 37

Latina
Latina
Leadership
Lideres Awards
Awards
political leadership
Luz Weinberg
2019 Latina Mover N Shaker
by: Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla
If you can go back to let’s say 18-21, what are some of the pivotal decisions
that you have made that you would do differently?
I was married, had a mortgage and two of my
three children, worked full-time and was in school
in that four-year period! I am proud of where
those choices led me as a now 46-year old
successful professional with already adult children,
so very thankfully, the simple answer is no. I have
also always frowned upon looking back to things
you realistically cannot change.
LTM: Tell us about where you were born and
raised and where your family is from Luz Weinberg: I was born in Puerto Rico, raised in the Do-
minican Republic and spent my summers in PR. I got family
in both islands and I identify strongly with both. that where you are is exactly where you ought to be, so be there
and be there well! We Latinas need to start erasing that ‘chal-
lenge’ stigma ourselves and inspire our sense of belonging to be
the driver of our every move! This has served me very well in all
aspects of my busy life.
LTM: Tell me about what you do for a living
Luz Weinberg: After 30 years of being an employee, three
years ago I set up my own communications consulting firm,
GlobComm, LLC, specializing in Construction Impact Mit-
igation, and I enjoy clients in Aventura, Coconut Grove and
Canada. That pays my bills while I continue my public ser-
vice as a Governor Appointee on board of the Miami-Dade
Expressway Authority (MDX) since 2013. LTM: What is your favorite type of musica and what is your
favorite song?
Luz Weinberg: I love all music genres. Truly, so it is hard to pick
a favorite song. However, if I have to pick then it is “Mi Tierra”
by Gloria Estefan because it is such a poignant song and it is
my go-to in Karaoke. I actually ‘rock it’ pretty well, and sing it
proudly because at that moment, I am ALL LATINA for all to
see!
LTM: Tell me about what organizations you are a part of
Luz Weinberg: I am former Vice President and Lifetime
Member of the National Association of Latino Elected and
Appointed Officials (NALEO); Lifetime member of my alma
matter FIU Alumni Association; and Advisory Board Mem-
ber of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. LTM: Tell us about what kind of projects you currently have
going on
Luz Weinberg: I have two actual projects going on right now
for two clients: Esplanade at Aventura by Seritage Growth Prop-
erties and Ransom Everglades Prep School’s STEM Building.
On a personal note, I have accepted an invitation to be one of
30 Latina Leaders participating in the 2019 HOPE Fellowship
(Hispanas Organized for Political Equity). As a Republican in
this social climate, I believe Political Equity is a critical topic, so
I am very much looking forward to this fellowship and to be in
the company of other outstanding Latina entrepreneurs.
LTM: Tell us about the biggest highlights of your career
Luz Weinberg: I think a highlight that is appropriate for this
edition is my election to the City of Aventura Commission in
2005 when my 3-way race was the only one of four decided
on election night (no run-off), I won with 62% against two
men and became the youngest and first Hispanic ever elected
to office in the city. I served proudly through term-limits in
2014, and I got to learn how good government actually works
when you have an ego-free elected body whose only agenda
is to improve the lives of those we serve. That has also been
my experience on the MDX board. I say I have been political-
ly spoiled and feel truly blessed to serve with such honorable
individuals.
LTM: As a Latina leader in community, business or other…
what has been your biggest challenge and how have you
been able to overcome it
Luz Weinberg: I have always seen challenges as opportuni-
ties disguised as a lot of hard work. I have raised my children,
and teach in my many lectures, that you should always feel
L atin T imes M agazine
LTM: What is your comida favorite?
Luz Weinberg: Cliché as it is, it actually is Arroz Con Pollo
and my mother makes the very best! To control my Hyperten-
sion and get off medication, I became Vegan two years ago, but
when Mami calls me and says, “Pasa por casa que hize arroz con
pollo,” I drive immediately over and I eat the whole thing, rice,
meat, bones and all!
LTM: What did I miss? Tell me something you want us to know!
Luz Weinberg: Music makes me a Mover & Shaker, but I will tell
you a secret: When I hear music of any type (especially 90s rap
and merengue), I sure can’t help but do both. No matter where I
am or who I am with, I move and boy do I shake!
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A braza el calor de tu cultura !
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