Jessica Joseph, 2022 Hispanic Woman of Distinction, Manager of Philanthropy and Public Relations Catholic Hospice, Inc.
“Hispanic women have come a long way in the world of ‘suits.’ We have proven we can empower and embrace each other through our culture. We have proven our strengths, leadership and involvement to put our minds together and achieve our aspirations.”
One of the most difficult times in anyone’s life is when they or a loved one is facing a devastating or life-limiting illness. Doctors and hospitals can provide medical care, but often they are not equipped to handle the emotional toll severe illness takes on patients and their family. Organizations such as Catholic Hospice, Inc. help provide that additional care that is so desperately needed.

Jessica Joseph
As the Manager of Philanthropy and Public Relations, Jessica Joseph helps to spread the word about the programs offered and raises funds to enable the non-profit to continue to provide their essential palliative care and end-of-life hospice services.
For over 30 years, Catholic Hospice has provided care to more than 70,000 patients and families from all religious backgrounds throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County. They offer comfort care, symptom management, pain control, spiritual and emotional support, family education, clergy visits, professional grief and bereavement counseling, and special programs. Catholic Hospice cares for patients in any residential setting, at home, nursing home, assisted living facility, or in one of their three inpatient care centers.
In addition to fundraising/friend-raising events and outreach programs, Jessica works with organizations to support the programs Catholic Hospice provides through corporate philanthropy, tribute and legacy gifts as well as sponsorships. Jessica also is a frequent media expert and travels around South Florida providing education about the programs Catholic Hospice has to offer. She also encourages private benefactors to provide donations and to include Catholic Hospice in their planned giving plans.

Councilman Luis Collazo presented Proclamation to Catholic Hospice Jessica Joseph 5.4.22
A fifth generation American of Mexican descent, Jessica has been in the non-profit sector and exposed to philanthropy for most of her career. Prior to her current promotion, Jessica was the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director/Senior Management Team at Catholic Hospice. Before joining Catholic Hospice, Jessica also worked as the Executive Assistant to the President/CEO of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Inc.
Jessica completed several certification programs. She also serves on the Alliance for Aging-New Face of Aging, the Town of Miami Lakes Elderly Affairs and the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Health and Wellness committees. She is also active with the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group.=
Her efforts have been recognized throughout the community including receiving the Women Empowerment – Inspiring and Achieving Award by the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Jessica and her husband, Johanny, who owns Premier Lending Corp., along with their three children, Jasmine, Jada and Jayden enjoy volunteering, traveling and just spending time together as a family.
The annual celebration of Community, Culture and Charity honors Latinas in South Florida, past and present.
The 21st annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity luncheon to be held on Friday, August 26th, 2022, at Signature Grand in Davie, Florida is anticipating another sell-out of up to 1000 guests paying tribute to Latina professionals who are strengthening the social fabric of this country and making inroads in the leadership pipeline for a growingly diverse America.
Founded in 2001 by the late Erwin M.Vasquez, M.D., a Venezuelan-born cardiologist, philanthropist and publisher of the pioneer Spanish newspaper, El Heraldo de Broward, the goal was to help to empower Latinas and to recognize the influence they have in the South Florida community. These Latinas, both past and present, are not afraid to dream big, to carve their own paths, to be grateful for the opportunities they have received, and to pay it forward to those who will follow.
The 2022 Honorees are:
- ODALYS AREVALO – co-founder, Las Madrinas de Los Seguros, managing partner Sunshine Life & Health Advisors.
- ALEXANDRIA AYALA – School Board Member, Palm Beach County
- DUNIA CUNEO – Owner, Doral Human Resources Consulting
- SYLVIA DAUNERT, PhD, PharmD, MS – Lucille P. Markey Chair and Professor, Dept. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine
- JESSICA JOSEPH – Manager. Philanthropy/Public Relations, Catholic Hospice, Inc.
- NAELYS LUNA- Ph.D., MSW – Founding Dean & Professor, College of Social Work & Criminal Justice – Florida Atlantic University Work & Criminal Justice – Florida Atlantic University
- AYENZA A. MATTHEWS – Wellness Director, Heal the Planet
- MONICA PAYARES-LIZANO, M.D. – Pediatric, Orthopedic Surgeon, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
- SUSY DIAZ PIESCO – Exec.Director Middle School of the Arts Foundation, City Councilwoman Greenacres City
- KARINA de OLIVEIRA RODRIGUES – Assistant County Attorney, Broward County Attorneys Office
- VANESSA SELTZER – Director of Philanthropy, Arc Broward
- PATRICIA TREJO – Adm. Program Planner Hispanic/Latino Studies, Palm Beach County School District, FL-ALAS President
2022 LATINA PIONEER of the YEAR
ANA VEIGAMILTON – President, José Milton Foundation, Chair of Jackson Health Foundation, UM Trustee and President of the Citizens Board, lawyer and engineer, committed to impactful philanthropy and community engagement throughout South Florida. Family Values • Community-Wide
UP & COMER HONOREE
ARLETTE GOMEZ – Third year law student at NSU, Shepard Broad College of Law, Dean’s list with awards for outstanding service. Cuban born, this young woman is active on numerous community boards, and NSU’s President’s 64 Member, whose purpose is to strengthen the relationship with the community.
JOIN US on August 26th to honor these fantastic women! Tickets $95 per person, table sponsorship $1500. For more information email: [email protected]. www.hispanicwomenofdistinction.com
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