Bosses for Babies

How This Boss Makes an Impact for Children in Florida

At Miami Dade College, the students are at the heart of the institution. Serving as the community's college for more than 60 years, Miami Dade College is the pathway to opportunity where people from all walks of life come to seek the American Dream. As the largest and most diverse institution in the nation, Miami Dade College remains steadfast in its dedication to preparing students with the essential skills and knowledge for success in their chosen careers, tailored to meet the dynamic demands of the job market. MDC’s commitment extends to providing accessible and affordable educational opportunities, ensuring that higher education is attainable for everyone.

MDC understands that their students come from various walks of life and stages of their journey. That's why they are proud to offer a multitude of programs, including the Child Care Assistance for Student Parents (CCAMPIS) Voucher program. The CCAMPIS program offers support to low-income students with children under the age of 5, providing them with childcare assistance at nationally accredited, pre-approved childcare centers. The objective is to enhance access to post-secondary education for MDC student parents by delivering high-quality, affordable, and convenient childcare services as they pursue their educational goals. They are pleased to share that 95% of those who enroll their children in this program successfully maintain their enrollment in school, reflecting the program's effectiveness and impact.

In addition, MDC employees form the heartbeat of the institution, and their growth and well-being are paramount. In keeping the commitment to supporting their world-class team, MDC provides a range of benefits, including several opportunities for professional development that are aimed at enhancing skills and upholding their commitment to excellence. When MDC’s faculty and staff thrive, their students do as well.

Bio

Madeline Pumariega is the first female president appointed to lead one of the nation’s largest educational institutions, Miami Dade College (MDC). Adding to the historic nature of this appointment is the fact that Pumariega is an alumna of MDC.

Prior to becoming MDC’s president, Pumariega was appointed the first female and Hispanic chancellor of the Florida College System (FCS). In that role, she designed and implemented strategies to keep college accessible and affordable for Floridians, especially for those entering high-demand job fields. In 2019, Pumariega became the executive vice president and provost of Tallahassee Community College. 

In her current role as President, Pumariega has prioritized working with business partners to identify the skills needed by key industries and tailoring higher education programs to match those needs. This intentional forming of strategic alliances and job pathways between companies and MDC students accelerates each graduate’s ability to enter the workforce immediately. Driving her relentless pursuit is the passion to develop leaders and build thriving communities.