Hollywood Resident Receives LAAIA Humanitarian of the Year Award

Hollywood resident receives laaia humanitarian of the year award

Florida Peninsula Insurance Company, one of the top 10 largest homeowners insurance companies in the state, is delighted to announce Mariella Gonzalez has received the Humanitarian of the Year award from the Broward County Latin American Association of Insurance Agencies (BLAAIA). She serves as the company’s Director of Community Involvement and is a driving force behind the “Florida Peninsula Gives Back” team.

“Mariella is a true testament of doing for others in their time of need and the power of what can be accomplished by working together. She inspires all of us – our leadership, staff and agents – to give back to communities and individuals across the state,” said Barry Sanders, President of the BLAAIA Board of Directors. “I can think of no one else in the insurance industry more deserving of this award.”

Gonzalez received the honor at the BLAAIA’s 2019 Installation Dinner on Aug. 17. She is the first recipient of this award, which was created by Sanders to recognize charitable individuals in our community and to bring attention to the importance of giving back. 

As Florida Peninsula’s Director of Community Involvement, Gonzalez leads the charge on the company’s philanthropic and volunteer efforts, including spearheading the creation of the “Florida Peninsula Gives Back” team. Since joining the company in 2005, she has organized countless charitable projects from Habitat for Humanity build days; to clothing and supplies drives for the Broward Partnership; to providing Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas presents and Easter baskets via donations from company employees. For several years, she has organized Florida Peninsula agents and staff across the state to participate in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s Race for the Cure, raising thousands of dollars for the organization and its mission to combat breast cancer.

Under Gonzalez’s leadership, Florida Peninsula has also held statewide school supplies drives and has worked with the Head Start Program at C. Robert Markham Elementary School to “adopt” students and their families. Throughout the years, they have worked with the Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, The Humane Society of Broward County, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Boca Helping Hands, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, Toys for Tots, InVEST, and many more wonderful organizations.

The LAAIA, founded in 1969, is an association of insurance professionals whose purpose is to protect the rights of its member for the benefit of the consumer through education, information, networking and active participation in the political environment and community service.

Picture of Author: Amanda Jones
Author: Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones specializes in content marketing. She holds a Master's degree in Marketing Management from the University of Florida and a Content Manager Professional Certificate from the University of Miami.

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