MIAMI (April 01, 2026) – Miami’s notable female philanthropists and community leaders will gather for Chapman Partnership’s 16th annual Take a Walk in Her Shoes Fashion Show and Luncheon at Hotel Colonnade in Coral Gables on May 14, 2026. The acclaimed fundraiser honors women who elevate the organization and raise critical funds to illuminate the path toward self-sufficiency for those experiencing homelessness.

“Our community comes together for this meaningful celebration of philanthropic champions, uplifting the work of Chapman Partnership and transforming the lives of those experiencing homelessness,” said Trish Bell, Chapman Partnership’s Board Chair Emeritus and Event Honorary Chair, alongside her husband, Dan Bell.

The event will feature a luxe marketplace and Miami Dade College Fashion Institute student-led fashion show raising money to provide life-changing resources for families overcoming housing and food insecurities. The afternoon will also include inspiring stories from individuals who have benefited from Chapman Partnership’s programs, highlighting the tangible impact of community support. All proceeds from the event will go directly to supporting essential services such as shelter, healthcare, job training, and permanent housing for those in need, reinforcing Chapman Partnership's mission to empower vulnerable individuals and families in Miami.

This year’s co-chairs are Brittnie Bassant and Teresa Foxx. The 2026 Take a Walk in Her Shoes honorees are:

Brigid Cech Samole- principal shareholder, Greenberg Traurig; Chapman Partnership Board Chair

Emina Cunmulaj-Nazarian- Honorary Consul of Albania to Florida; Founder, Emina’s Hand Foundation

Meg Daly- Founder and Executive Chair, Friends of The Underline

Karen Fryd- Founder and Director, South Florida Youth Foundation

Beth A. Kaplanek RN, BSN, NCPT- Practitioner of Pilates for Rehabilitation

For tickets: 2026 Take A Walk in Her Shoes < Chapman Partnership

About Chapman Partnership

Chapman Partnership was founded in 1995 and operates the largest emergency Homeless Assistance Centers with 800 beds with locations in Miami and Homestead. For 30 years the nonprofit has provided a comprehensive and innovative “village” of support for unhoused men, women, and children. The support includes housing, meals, health and psychiatric care, wellness programs, employment training and placement, and assistance with securing permanent homes. Aided by generous donors and sponsors, we uplift the unhoused, providing the tools and hope necessary to build a positive, independent future. An award-winning organization, Chapman Partnership is designated as a top ranked four-star charity from nationally recognized nonprofit evaluator Charity Navigator. Chapman Partnership is the private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. Learn more at www.chapmanpartnership.org.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES:

Andi Phillips 305-401-5908/Andi.phillips@outlook.com

Chapman Partnership is pleased to announce that G. Scott Hansel has been hired as President and Chief Executive Officer. Hansel has over 30 years of business and entrepreneurial expertise, with a focus on improving communities by strengthening families and neighborhoods. Hansel is set to join the nonprofit organization this August.

“Hansel is poised to take the helm, with proven leadership and vision to carry this organization into its 28^th year of transforming lives of the most vulnerable in Miami-Dade,” said Edward J. Joyce, Chairman of the Board, Chapman Partnership. “We are deeply grateful for Peter T. Pruitt, Jr. for his sturdy direction as interim President and CEO this past year, and as a former board chair.”

Hansel has served as the CEO of Community Partners of South Florida, a nationally accredited nonprofit organization in Palm Beach County, since 2017. Under his leadership the organization enhanced the quality of life for residents through a comprehensive model providing housing, financial and mental health services.

“I am honored to be chosen by the Chapman Partnership Board of Directors to build upon the legacy created by Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. and joining a team of passionate staff members and volunteers who work to improve the lives for people experiencing homelessness,” said Hansel.

Hansel is a member of the executive committee of the Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County and vice-chair of the Neighbor Works Florida. He earned his MBA from Bellarmine University and his B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of Kentucky. Hansel and his family have resided in South Florida for nearly two decades.

Chapman Partnership was founded in 1995 and operates two Homeless Assistance Centers with 800 beds located in Miami and Homestead. The nonprofit provides a comprehensive and innovative “village” of support for homeless men, women, and children. The support includes housing, meals, health and psychiatric care, job training, job placement, and assistance with securing stable housing. At Chapman, aided by generous donors and sponsors, we empower the homeless, providing the tools and hope necessary to build a positive, independent future. An award-winning organization, Chapman is designated as a top ranked four-star charity from nationally recognized nonprofit evaluator Charity Navigator. Chapman Partnership is a private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. Learn more at www.chapmanpartnership.org.

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Fund grants $123.45 million to 40 nonprofits across the U.S. to move the needle on re-housing and supporting families experiencing homelessness

MIAMI – (November 22, 2022): Chapman Partnership, the private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust and the primary provider of emergency shelter in Miami-Dade County, today announced that it has received a $5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund—the largest private gift in the organization’s history. Launched in 2018 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the Day 1 Families Fund issues annual leadership awards to leading organizations on the frontlines that are employing compassionate, needle-moving work to help families move from unsheltered homelessness and shelters to permanent housing with the services they require to achieve stability.

“Providing a pathway to self-sufficiency for families experiencing homelessness is key to building stronger communities,” said Peter T. Pruitt, Jr., president and CEO of Chapman Partnership. “Thanks to the significant generosity of the Day 1 Families Fund and the philanthropic leadership of Jeff Bezos, Chapman Partnership is now positioned to make an even greater impact on family homelessness and achieve our vision of a Miami-Dade County where no one sleeps on the streets.”

This one-time grant will help Chapman Partnership in its tireless work to support families as they reel from skyrocketing rent costs, limited services and insufficient incomes. Chapman Partnership plans to use the grant funds to implement a system-wide approach that goes beyond shelter. The organization will reimagine its centers in a trauma-informed way that ensures families experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives in a healing environment.

To promote independent living and reduce recidivism, the grant will fund a certified approach for staff to recognize and respond to the effects of trauma, a specialized and expanded team to bolster clients’ completion of their housing success goals, enhanced holistic emotional-health programming and facility upgrades. This transformative gift is directly aligned with Chapman Partnership’s strategic plan to change the way its clients live, learn, work and play in South Florida and beyond.

Chapman Partnership was selected as a Day 1 Families Fund grant recipient by a group of national advisors who are leading advocates and experts on homelessness and service provision. National advisors brought expertise on housing justice, advancing racial equity and helping programs employ resources effectively to assist families out of homelessness.

Over the past five years, the Day 1 Families Fund has provided 170 grants totaling more than $520 million to organizations around the country working to combat homelessness and help families gain housing support and stability. This year, the Fund issued a total of $123.45 million in grants to the following organizations: Carpenter's Shelter; CATCH, Inc.; Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona; The Center for Women and Families; Changing Homelessness; Chapman Partnership; Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County; Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc.; Community Services & Employment Training (CSET); Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO); Family Promise of Hawai'i; Family Promise of Northern New Castle County; Family Services of Tulare County; Flagstaff Shelter Services; Gateway180; Heartland Alliance; H.O.M.E. Inc.; Homeless Alliance; Hope House of Milwaukee; Housing First, Inc.; Housing Forward; HRDC; Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers, Inc.; LA Family Housing; Mother Nation; Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter, Inc.; New Reach; Oglala Sioux Tribe; Partners for HOME; PATH; The Salvation Army, Denver Metro Area; Samish Indian Nation; San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness; Sojourner Truth House; Solo Por Hoy, Inc.; Start Corporation; Strategies to End Homelessness; The Wellspring; YWCA Cass Clay; and YWCA Missoula’s Housing Programs.

“We are truly honored to be one of the chosen recipients of the Day 1 Families Fund and the impactful difference that this grant will make in helping us achieve our vision of ending homelessness in Miami-Dade County for one of our most vulnerable populations,” said Chapman Partnership Board Chairman Edward J. Joyce. “The Day 1 Families Fund is to be commended for its passion and dedication to funding critical programs across the country that prioritize ending homelessness among families with children.”

The Bezos Day One Fund made a $2 billion commitment to focus on making meaningful and lasting impacts in two areas: funding existing nonprofits that help families experiencing homelessness, and creating a network of new, nonprofit tier-one preschools in low-income communities. The Day 1 Families Fund issues annual leadership awards to organizations and civic groups doing compassionate, needle-moving work to provide shelter and hunger support to address the immediate needs of young families. The vision statement comes from the inspiring Mary’s Place in Seattle: no child sleeps outside. For more information, visit www.BezosDayOneFund.org/Day1FamiliesFund.

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Joined by Allan J. Pekor, Executive Committee member of the Board of Trustees, for Outstanding Board Leader

MIAMI - Sept. 9, 2020 - The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) has recognized Chapman Partnership and Allan J. Pekor, Executive Committee member of the Board of Trustees, with NOVO Awards for boasting exemplary innovation and excellence in the nonprofit sector. The honor comes as Chapman Partnership celebrates 25 years of empowering the homeless with a nationally recognized assistance model that fosters long-term self-sufficiency and independence.

“We’re proud to be recognized for our passion and commitment to Alvah H. Chapman Jr.’s mission and our forward-thinking approach to increasing opportunity for those experiencing homelessness, said president and CEO Symeria T. Hudson. “To share this honor with Allan is a privilege, as his contribution to Chapman Partnership and the South Florida community have earned him this award and far more.”

Allan’s vision for volunteerism, philanthropy, and leadership has impacted lives and organizations across South Florida, including Chapman Partnership and its homeless residents. Twenty years ago, founding chair Alvah Chapman asked Allan to join Chapman’s Board and Chair its Development Committee. Since then, he’s gone above and beyond by chairing the Audit Committee, serving as a member of the Executive and Investment Committees, Expansion Task Force, and mentoring Symeria Hudson as the incoming President and CEO in 2018. It is this drive and passion which Allan shares with many other Chapman Partnership advocates that have propelled the organization forward in the last 25 years.

The innovation and high-quality that earns Chapman Partnership a NOVO award is reflected in its recent initiative, Chapman 2.0. By diligently pursuing new advancements and analyzing data and trends, the organization has diversified its programming to include educational resources that break the traditionally generational cycle of homelessness and transform the future of its residents. As a leading driver in Chapman 2.0, Social Enterprise Academy (SEA) equips its residents of all ages with the skills needed to successfully gain stable housing and achieve long-term independence.

GMCC developed the NOVO Awards to recognize nonprofits that have made a difference in the lives of the people they serve, producing outcomes that exemplify excellence and feature best practices of not-for-profit businesses.

Allan J. Pekor, Executive Committee member of the Board of Trustees, Named Outstanding Board Leader

MIAMI – Chapman Partnership, a leader in empowering the lives of Miami-Dade’s homeless population, is pleased to announce being selected byThe Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) as winner of the 2020 NOVO Award for Innovative Excellence. The award recognizes Chapman Partnership in the category of organizations with an annual operating budget exceeding $2 million, for making a difference in the lives of the people they serve, producing outcomes that exemplify innovative excellence, and featuring best practices of not-for-profit businesses.

“We are honored beyond measure to be recognized among such truly outstanding nominees. We are grateful to the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and to all our supporters, without which we could not continue to serve our growing community. This acknowledges the work of our exceptional team, our leadership in the homeless landscape, as well as innovation in program development and execution,” said Symeria T. Hudson, President and CEO, Chapman Partnership.

The GMCC 2020 NOVO Award for Outstanding Board Leader was bestowed on Allan J. Pekor, a member of the Chapman Partnership Board’s Executive Committee. This honor recognizes Pekor’s 40-plus years of involvement in volunteerism, as a board member recruited by founder Alva Chapman. Pekor has been instrumental in helping shape the organization’s value statements of passion, compassion, teamwork, innovation, and results driven work.

This recognition comes as Chapman Partnership celebrates 25 years of empowering the homeless with a nationally recognized assistance model that fosters long-term self-sufficiency and independence. The innovation and high-quality service that is acknowledged

by the NOVO award is reflected in its recent initiative, Chapman 2.0. The organization has diversified its programming to include educational resources that break the traditionally generational cycle of homelessness and transform the future of its residents. As a leading driver in Chapman 2.0, Social Enterprise Academy (SEA) equips its residents of all ages with the skills needed to successfully gain stable housing and achieve long-term independence.

Chapman Partnership today announced the appointment of its new Vice President of Development, Heidi Alzate, CFRE. Alzate will bring more than a decade of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising strategies, and community and government relations to Chapman Partnership.

“Chapman Partnership is proud to welcome Heidi Alzate to the team,” said president and CEO Symeria Hudson. “Her diverse expertise in strategic fundraising, planning, and cultivating community relationships enables Chapman Partnership to advance its vision of elevating its life-altering programs and resources, and engaging the entire community in the impactful work being carried out at our two centers.”

As Vice President of Development, Alzate will lead the nonprofit’s development team in promoting the mission and priorities of Chapman Partnership by fundraising and fostering philanthropic relationships that help transform the lives of more than 5,000 homeless residents each year. Alzate will also be responsible for directing and enhancing the annual development plan, direct solicitation of major gifts, corporate gifts, planned giving, grants, direct mail, online giving, and in-kind donations.

“I am excited to join Chapman Partnership as vice president of development. The organization’s mission and vision are ones that align very closely with my personal story. As a first-generation American, I understand the value of hard work and a strong support system,” said Alzate. “Chapman Partnership is a driving force for a model that’s proven to provide self-sufficiency for residents and encourages them to live their best lives.”

Alzate is a successful executive with prior experience specializing in public and private higher education, social services, and health care. Her efforts in local, regional, and national initiatives have netted $30 million in the last 15 years.

Before Chapman Partnership, she served as Director of Development at Nova Southeastern University’s Health Profession division, where she led strategic, university-wide comprehensive giving campaigns, provided day-to-day management of an integrated development program for philanthropic gift commitments of $50,000 and more.

She is a certified fundraising executive through CFRE International, which is the only accredited, globally-recognized certification for fundraising professionals. She is an affiliate of the Association for Fundraising Professionals World-Wide and a member of CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education). Alzate also serves as a volunteer advocate and currently sits on the executive board for Woman United.

MIAMI (Dec. 4, 2018) - Chapman Partnership today announced the appointment of its new president and chief executive officer (CEO), Symeria T. Hudson, MBA. She will assume her new role on Jan. 2, 2019, succeeding H. Daniel Vincent, after a yearlong search by a special ad hoc search committee comprised of members from the organization’s board of trustees.

Hudson is a seasoned corporate executive with international experience in leading large-scale franchises, product portfolios, and driving product innovations for top medical technology/health care companies across the U.S. and Europe.

As president and CEO of Chapman Partnership, Hudson will report directly to the board of trustees. Her responsibilities will include overseeing the strategic, programmatic, financial, and managerial operations of the organization, in support of its mission and vision. Her role also entails closely collaborating with the board of trustees to develop the organization’s fundraising and revenue generation strategy and goals; securing and allocating sufficient resources to sustain the mission and operational requirements; and creating and implementing innovative marketing and brand initiatives to raise awareness of Chapman Partnership's work in the community, among other duties.

"It is truly a privilege to serve as the president and CEO of Chapman Partnership and carry on the incredible mission, vision, and legacy of Alvah H. Chapman," said Hudson, president and CEO of Chapman Partnership. "I am excited to work with a great leadership team with whom together, we will drive more innovative solutions to serve our residents, community partners, and existing and new stakeholders."

Prior to Chapman Partnership, Hudson was based in West London, U.K., as the president of Global Franchises and Innovation for ConvaTec, PLC, a $1.8 billion, international medical products and technologies company with a focus on chronic care conditions. At ConvaTec, she was responsible for global marketing including strategy, commercial excellence, portfolio management, and research and development across three of the four chronic care franchises. She also served on the executive committee that drove ConvaTec’s flotation on the London Stock Market in 2016, the largest IPO by a health care company in Europe.

Prior to joining ConvaTec, Hudson served as the global franchise head for Renal Home Therapies, a $2.1 billion business operation for Baxter Corporation, focusing on strategy and new product innovation for patients with end stage renal disease. Before her tenure at Baxter, she served in several leadership roles throughout her career, including at Hospira, Inc. where she led product innovation, the execution of "go-to market" strategies, and sales force execution plans, which resulted in significant growth across the Medication Management Business Unit.

In 2015, she was named a "Top 50 Business Leader of Color" by Chicago United Organization. She also served as board member of the Kohl Children’s Museum and the Baxter Foundation, respectively in Chicago, IL. Hudson received her MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s of science from Alabama A&M University School of Business.

MIAMI (Sept. 11, 2018) - Chapman Partnership will be celebrating its annual Illuminations Gala with an evening of dining, dancing, and entertainment honoring the donors and volunteers whose work is a shining light to the 5,000 men, women, and children that Chapman Partnership serves annually.

The 2018 Illuminations Gala will be held Saturday, October 13, 2018, at the JW Marriott Marquis. The event will provide guests with an exciting evening, produced by WOW MKTG, honoring the men and women whose support help further Chapman Partnership’s mission every day. Local 10 News’ Laurie Jennings will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

The gala is generously sponsored by: Publix Super Market Charities, Betty Chapman, Trish & Dan Bell, Carnival Foundation, and Bacardi. This year’s media sponsors are Miami Magazine and Selecta Magazine.

This year’s Gala event chairs, Marile & Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq., alongside gala committee chair Lucy Morillo, Esq., are leading a 33-member gala committee made up of some of Miami’s most influential community ambassadors who advocate on behalf of Chapman Partnership, and have come together to create an unforgettable evening celebrating the dedicated volunteers and donors.

“Every year, we come together as a family to celebrate the outstanding generosity of donors and volunteers whose tireless commitment further Chapman Partnership’s mission daily,” said Marile Lopez, Gala event chair. “We are grateful for the opportunity to acknowledge those who dedicate their time and love to supporting the homeless residents at Chapman Partnership’s two homeless assistance centers.”

The special evening will continue with a Gala After Party presented by Chapman Partnership’s young professionals group, nextgen. Nextgen is made up of Miami’s young professionals and community ambassadors, between the ages of 25-40, who work to increase awareness, revenue and advocacy for Chapman Partnership. From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., nextgen members and guests will enjoy food, live music, an open bar, and complimentary valet.

At this year’s gala, Chapman Partnership will present the Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. Humanitarian Award to a leader who follows the moral and civic examples of Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. in serving the homeless. The 2018 award recipient is none other than Chapman Partnership’s Board Chairman, Carlos Fernandez-Guzman, CEO of Pacific National Bank, who will be recognized for demonstrating outstanding humanitarian initiative and compassion for others, as Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. did.

“This year, we are recognizing Carlos Fernandez-Guzman for his three years of service and commitment to this great organization as Chairman of the Board,” said H. Daniel Vincent, President and CEO of Chapman Partnership. “Fernandez-Guzman’s noble service to the homeless community not only serves as an inspiration to us all but also continues to make Mr. Chapman’s vision and mission of empowering the homeless an attainable reality."

Chapman Partnership’s Illuminations Gala celebrates the legacy of empathy, humanity, and achievements demonstrated by its inspiring founder Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. and the organization. Together, they have helped empower the lives of more than 110,000 individuals, including 24,000 children.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.chapmanpartnership.org/gala

MIAMI (June 25, 2018) - In support of Chapman Partnership's promise to serve three hot meals a day to its more than 800 residents, Goya Foods is donating 3,000 pounds of food to Chapman Partnership on Tuesday, June 26 at 10:00 a.m. Goya Food’s donation is on behalf of renowned Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli, Chopped champion and owner of Eating House and Glass and Vine. Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli chose Chapman Partnership as his benefiting charity after winning the Goya Foods' People's Choice Award at the 2018 South Beach Wine and Food Festival.

The donation will be delivered to Chapman Partnership’s North Center, located at 1550 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33136. Chapman Partnership’s Senior Leadership Team, Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli, and Goya Foods executives will be at the center for delivery, followed by a tour of Chapman Partnership.

"We're humbled by the generosity of Goya Foods and the support of Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli, whose donation will help us continue serving three hot meals a day to more than 800 homeless residents at Chapman Partnership," said H. Daniel Vincent, President & CEO of Chapman Partnership. "The support and dedication of organizations like Goya Foods is key in helping our residents achieve self-sufficiency."

Chapman Partnership prepares and serves more than 800,000 hot meals annually to residents at its North and South Center, spending close to $1 million dollars in operating expenses.

"Chapman Partnership for the Homeless is a remarkable organization that has done so much for the homeless in our community," said Giorgio Rapicavoli, chef/owner of Eating House and Chopped champion. "I truly take pride in giving back and am very thankful for Goya’s generous donation to Chapman Partnership for the Homeless."

"Giving back to the communities we serve has always been at the forefront of Goya’s mission," said Cynthia Chipi, Marketing Director of Goya Foods of Florida. "We are happy to make this donation to Chapman Partnership for the Homeless and be able to help families in need as they go from homelessness to self-sufficiency."

MIAMI (May 23, 2018) -- Chapman Partnership’s 9th Annual Take A Walk in Her Shoes fashion show and luncheon celebrated Miami’s top women philanthropists and community leaders on Friday, May 18 at the InterContinental Miami. The event was organized by Womenade, a group of women who are dedicated to increasing awareness and revenue for Chapman Partnership, to celebrate the city’s most influential women. The theme - Year of the Woman: FASHION IS POWER. POWER IS US. - was inspired by women rising up for a better future, like our honorees, who support organizations like Chapman Partnership.

Honorary Chairs were Trish and Dan Bell and the Event Chairs were Bronwyn Miller, Brigid Cech Samole, and Migna Sanchez-Llorens. The 2018 Trish Bell Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Adrienne Arsht, business leader and philanthropist, for her exceptional commitment and contributions to the South Florida community.

Adrienne’s philanthropic leadership at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, University of Miami, Amigos For Kids, United Way of Miami-Dade County and throughout Miami, is the truest embodiment of the Trish Bell Lifetime Achievement Award.

“It was an honor to recognize Adrienne Arsht as this year’s Trish Bell Lifetime Achievement Award recipient,” said Daniel Vincent, President/CEO of Chapman Partnership. “Her contribution and commitment to South Florida is truly inspirational and encourages us to continue our pursuit of improving the quality of life of others. Ms. Arsht’s passionate leadership embodies the mission of Chapman Partnership to provide for the more than 110,000 homeless men, women and children admitted to our centers since 1995.”

WSVN TV personality, Lynn Martinez, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies and introduced the 2018 Take a Walk in Her Shoes honorees and women of the moment: Heide Dans, Remedios Diaz-Oliver, Cathy L. Jones, Marile Lopez, Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, Marielena Villamil and Josie Wang.

Every year, Chapman Partnership’s Take a Walk in Her Shoes fashion show and luncheon is an opportunity to experience fashion history with stylish looks from iconic designer brands of the past decades while honoring outstanding South Florida women and raising funds to help to illuminate our residents’ path toward self-sufficiency. The fashion show and luncheon was directed by award-winning stylist Danny Santiago, known for shaping the fashion scene in Miami in the 80’s and 90’s. Take A Walk In Her Shoes also featured red carpet commentary by Elysze Held, vintage designs by C.Madelines, with hair and makeup by renowned Rik Rak Salon.