The Empowering Women Behind Miami Mayor Francis Suarez: A Tale of Strength and Support
They say behind every great man is a great woman, and in the case of Miami mayor Francis Suarez, there are three remarkable women who have played significant roles in his life and success. While Francis Suarez has garnered attention for his political achievements and charisma, it is important to acknowledge the influential women who have shaped him into the leader he is today. In this article, we delve into the lives of three key figures in his life – his mother Rita Suarez, his wife Gloria Font Suarez, and his communications director Soledad Cedro.
Rita Suarez, the mother of Mayor Francis Suarez, is a Cuban immigrant who arrived in Miami at the age of seven in 1961. She remains a central figure in her son’s life, offering guidance and support. Rita emphasizes the values of hard work and resilience, instilled in her by her own experiences as a Cuban immigrant. Balancing the responsibilities of raising four children and teaching full-time for 25 years in Miami schools, Rita exemplifies the importance of determination and perseverance. Her strong work ethic has clearly influenced Francis, who shares the same dedication to his role as a public servant while prioritizing his role as a husband and father. Francis postponed his initial run for mayor upon learning of his wife Gloria’s pregnancy, showcasing his commitment to family above all else.
Service to others holds a special place in Rita’s heart. She believes that everyone should engage in community service and help those in need. Rita has been actively involved in various acts of kindness, such as assisting the homeless during Hurricane Andrew, creating programs for immigrant assimilation, and working towards improving conditions in Miami’s Allapattah neighborhood. Her commitment to serving others has undoubtedly influenced Francis, who continues the family tradition of serving the homeless with his son each year on Thanksgiving at Miami’s Camillus House shelter.
Gloria Font Suarez, the wife of Mayor Francis Suarez, serves as the glue that holds the family together. Raised in Miami by Cuban immigrant parents, Gloria shares the values of faith and family instilled in her upbringing. Juggling the responsibilities of raising their two young children, managing her own small business, and supporting her husband’s endeavors, Gloria is a master multitasker. She actively supports her husband’s work by managing their home life and assisting his staff with scheduling and logistics. Her visits to the Mayor’s office not only provide opportunities for moments of reconnection but also offer insights into his life that help fill in the blanks for his staff. Gloria’s commitment to community service is also deeply rooted in her family’s immigrant background. She is grateful for the sacrifices made by her parents and grandparents and strives to give back to the community they helped build.
Soledad Cedro, Mayor Suarez’s communications director, plays a crucial role in shaping his public image and managing his communications strategies. Her expertise was particularly evident when Mayor Suarez tested positive for Covid-19, and his subsequent video journal propelled him onto the national stage. Soledad advises and trains Mayor Suarez on all aspects of building his brand and effectively communicating with the public. Their dynamic working relationship thrives on their shared high energy and a shared belief that anything is possible. Together, they have implemented initiatives such as Cafecito Talks, a series of discussions between the mayor and community leaders on topics impacting the Miami community, as well as collaborations between Miami’s charter schools and Miami Dade College to offer opportunities in emerging sectors to underserved high school students.
The success and popularity of Mayor Francis Suarez can be attributed, in part, to the remarkable women in his life. From his strong and dedicated mother, Rita, who instilled in him the values of hard work and resilience, to his supportive and influential wife, Gloria, who keeps him grounded and fosters a sense of normalcy, to his communications director, Soledad, who guides him in effectively reaching and connecting with the public, these women have played pivotal roles in his journey. Their collective influence has shaped Mayor Suarez’s commitment to public service, his compassion for the people of Miami, and his desire to make a positive impact.
As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, it is natural to wonder if Mayor Francis Suarez is destined for higher office. With his upcoming role as President of the US Conference of Mayors and the support of his dedicated family, the possibilities seem endless. Regardless of his future path, one thing remains certain: the empowering women in his life will continue to stand by his side and support him every step of the way, just as they have done throughout his remarkable journey.