Miami, FL — Sept. 2025 — In a state known for its fast-evolving skyline, the recent CREW Miami Fireside Breakfast stood out as a gathering grounded in shared purpose, bringing together leaders committed to building opportunity, legacy, and community values. Before Ramola Motwani, Chairwoman at Merrimac Ventures, took the stage, the event paused for a meaningful spotlight on Girls Inc. of Greater Miami.

Rooted in its mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, Girls Inc. of Greater Miami provides programs that ensure young people — with girls at the center of its mission — have access to the resources, opportunities, and networks needed to grow up self-reliant.

Virginia Akar, attorney, human rights advocate, and Founder and Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Greater Miami, addressed the audience, highlighting the alignment between CREW’s mission and the work of Girls Inc:

“There is so much synergy between the purpose of CREW and what we do at Girls Inc. of Greater Miami,” said Akar. “We are part of a larger national network that has been around for 160 years, serving youth across the U.S. and Canada. Our mission is to make sure that girls grow up strong, smart, and bold — with access to resources, health and wellness, and academic support. We begin when girls are in second grade and stay with them through high school and beyond, guiding them to naturally bring out their best selves. And while our focus is on girls, our programs are designed to support all the students we serve.”

Founded in 2017 as Strong Girls Inc., Girls Inc. of Greater Miami currently serves students across six Title 1 schools in Miami-Dade County. With a vision to reach all 317 Title 1 schools, the organization offers programs in academics, STEM, athletics, arts, career readiness, and beyond.

“The work we do goes beyond homework help and life skills,” Akar added. “Our students have participated in a tennis clinic with Venus Williams, soccer drills, and an upcoming FIFA program sponsored by Coca-Cola that includes career workshops. These experiences connect them with leaders in different industries and put them on a path to start thinking about their futures.”

She also emphasized that mentorship and networks are essential to this mission:

“When you have a network, that’s social capital. The difference between having one and not having one will often determine your path,” said Akar. “That is why we reach out to groups like CREW Miami — because you are their future network. Imagine if, back when you were in second grade, you had a trusted adult and a trusted network guiding you through tricky moments. That’s what Girls Inc. provides.”

Akar concluded with a call to action:

“We are still accepting members for our Community Impact Board, with about five spots left,” she noted. “I invite you to learn more at girlsincmiami.org — and I would love to hear from you.”

Following Akar’s remarks, Ramola Motwani delivered a moving Fireside Chat moderated by Wendy Ruiz Cofiño, Vice President of FALKE. Motwani shared her extraordinary journey — from arriving in the United States in the 1970s to co-founding a development enterprise with her late husband, Ramesh Motwani, and playing a pivotal role in redefining Fort Lauderdale’s skyline.

Today, her and her sons Nitin and Dev Motwani continue this legacy through the Motwani Bawa Jain Foundation, advancing education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement in ways that honor their family’s enduring commitment to community.

The event was a powerful reminder that legacy is built not only through structures, but through people, values, and shared investment in the next generation.

Stay Connected. Be Part of the Progress.

Girls Inc. of Greater Miami invites you to follow our journey. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn  to learn more about our programs, events, and how we’re preparing the current and next generations of doers, thinkers, builders, and leaders — across every field of knowledge today and those yet to be imagined.