Power Advocate

After 20 years in wealth management and serving as a Vice President at Wells Fargo, Brad M. McMorris retired at the age of 49 after his Parkinson’s symptoms progressed to a point where the daily demands of his professional responsibilities became too challenging. “Parkinson’s altered the course of my life, but it also clarified what truly matters,” he says. Today, via The Parkinson’s Foundation, he ensures that others facing a similar diagnosis don’t feel isolated or unsupported. “My involvement centers on raising awareness, supporting research, and building community for individuals and families impacted by Parkinson’s disease,” he says. “One of the initiatives I’m most proud of is launching Monday Madness, a weekly gathering in Brickell for people living with Parkinson’s.” Although Parkinson’s altered the course of his life, it also clarified what truly matters. “I have a structured way to channel my desire to help others into meaningful action,” he says. “I experience advocacy as both a coping mechanism and a calling.”; Parkinson.org.

Meaningful Impact

When it comes to the causes she supports, it’s impossible for Patricia Fuller to pick a favorite. Actively involved in scores of non-profits throughout the years, her philanthropic initiatives include hosting Thanksgiving feasts for foster kids through Voices For Children; working toward getting unhoused individuals back on their feet through Chapman Partnership; helping children who struggle with reading via The Lucy Project; and mentoring youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters. She’s even trained on mental health techniques when she volunteered for a suicide prevention hotline. “Sometimes people who want to get involved are not sure how to get started and afraid they won’t have the time,” she says. “It’s not all about going to luncheons and events — you can plan a holiday party for homeless children, serve food on weekends in shelters, collect clothes and essentials, share time with mentees…the ways to get involved are endless!”; BeAVoice.org.

All Heart

More than a decade ago, Alexander P. Almazan of Almazan Law volunteered for the American Heart Association after hearing about its impact. That initial volunteer stint led to chairing the 2019 Miami Dade Heart Walk, where he introduced a 5K run to attract younger participants, raising more than $320,000. Today, as Regional Chair, he’s focused on connecting national strategy with local action and championing technologies and policies that save lives. “Philanthropy is a long game,” he says. “Commit to consistent action rather than one-off gestures. You’ll make connections, learn and discover how to leverage your network for good.”; Heart.org.

Inspiring Insights

A Cornell Law alum, Greg Baldwin is a retired lawyer and U.S. Army veteran who served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida (Miami), where he became Chief of Operation Greenback, the first ever U.S. joint anti-money laundering taskforce. He culminated his career as a Partner at Holland & Knight, where he spent 36 years at the firm. Throughout the years, he has supported countless organizations including HCN (now Care Resource Community Health Centers), Project YES (now YES Institute), POINT Foundation, Project HOPE (as Episcopal AIDS organization), Body Positive Resource Center, United Way of Greater Miami, the United Way’s Alexis De Tocqueville Society, A Second U Foundation, Feeding South Florida, Health in the Hood, Kristi House and 100 Black Men of South Florida, among many others. “Involvement for me means actually working with an organization and supporting it financially,” he says. “Most people think of ‘getting involved’ as making some grand or heroic gesture. It’s not. It’s actually alignment and consistency.”; YESInstitute.org.

Community Champion

As the Executive Director of the Center For Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of Miami, Dr. Michael Alessandri oversees programs that provide lifespan support, guidance and resources to individuals with autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as families, educators and service providers across South Florida. In addition to CARD, there are many other incredible organizations that he’s proud to be affiliated with including Els for Autism Foundation (current Board Chair), Casa Familia (current Board Member), The Social Cog (current Board Vice President) and BLOOOM (current Board Member). He has also held Board roles at the National Alliance for Autism Research, Parent to Parent of Miami, the de Moya Foundation, Work For America, and Easter Seals South Florida. “Giving back has never been separate from my professional life — it’s deeply woven into who I am,” he says. “For me, philanthropy is about legacy and building systems of support for generations to come.”; CARD.Miami.edu.