Jacqui Carmona Appointed to the Board of HEAT Hospitality Employees Advancement and Training
September 2025 | News
Carmona Advisors is proud to share that Founder and President Jacqui Carmona has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Hospitality Employees Advancement and Training (HEAT), Inc.
HEAT, in partnership with UNITE HERE! Local 355 and leading hospitality employers across South Florida, provides comprehensive culinary training and direct job placement opportunities for workers seeking to build lasting careers in the region’s hotel and tourism industry. With a placement rate of nearly 80% of graduates moving directly into union jobs with strong wages, benefits, and advancement pathways, HEAT has become a cornerstone of workforce development in Miami-Dade.
For Carmona, joining the HEAT board reflects her ongoing commitment to empowering workers, expanding opportunity, and strengthening Miami-Dade’s economy from the ground up.
“This program changes lives,” said Carmona. “By providing skills training and connecting graduates with good jobs at major hotels across South Florida, HEAT not only uplifts individuals but strengthens entire families and communities. I’m honored to support this mission and excited to help expand its reach.”
Through partnerships with employers such as the Fontainebleau, St. Regis, Hyatt Regency, and others, HEAT graduates gain access to quality jobs that include free family health insurance, pensions, and advancement opportunities. Many participants begin with entry-level culinary training and work their way into higher-paying roles in Miami’s thriving hospitality sector.
As Miami continues to expand as a global destination, HEAT ensures that local residents are prepared to fill high-demand roles and share in the region’s economic growth. Carmona’s appointment to the board brings both her policy expertise and community advocacy experience to an organization already making a measurable impact.
About Carmona Advisors
Carmona Advisors is a women-owned boutique government affairs and strategic advocacy firm based in Miami, Florida. With deep local expertise and statewide and federal reach, the firm delivers results in housing, transportation, workforce, and international engagement. Learn more at CarmonaAdvisors.com.