In the fifth and final week of MOSAIC, the stories of 3 South Florida influencers shine through
For the past four weeks, INDULGE has shined a light on a different side of South Florida’s prominent players, a more intimate one that detailed their “at-home” experiences during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. In the fifth and final installment of MOSAIC, the digital editorial series presents the stories of three figures from distinct backgrounds, each contributing to our community in their own unique way. It is said that in life, it isn’t what you do but how you do it. The people whose realities you have read about through this special project represent resiliency, hope and charity in a time of crisis. They, like you, are examples of the strength of our residents and the mosaic of cultures that makes South Florida a colorful community in which to live.
Highlighted in week 5 of MOSAIC is: Steven Sonenreich, president and chief executive officer of Mount Sinai Medical Center; James R. Haj, president and chief executive officer of The Children’s Trust; and Laura Steckler, senior vice president and managing director of Steckler Wealth Management Group of Raymond James.
Steven Sonenreich, president and chief executive officer of Mount Sinai Medical Center
Tell us about how teamwork is a crucial part of life at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
At Mount Sinai, everything is about team – everyone’s role on our team is important and is respected, and we often refer to the team as our “Mount Sinai family.” We’re always working towards our shared goal and mission of protecting the health and well-being of our community, and this pandemic has really underscored that importance. We’re really proud of the work we have been doing every day to overcome challenges and care for all of our patients while protecting their safety.
How did you navigate the challenges of leading your team while at-home measures were in place?
While many in our community have been able stay home, healthcare workers and other first responders have remained on the front lines, caring for our community. Our leadership team committed to being on the ground at the medical center with those on the front lines throughout these past months. I’ve always felt the “captain needs to be with the ship,” and that resonates especially in challenging times. There is no better way to provide leadership than to be making rounds, being on site with the team and personally hearing, seeing and feeling what is going on.
What protocols is Mount Sinai implementing as part of the “new normal”?
The safety and well-being of our patients, visitors and employees has always been our top priority, so that has been the most important factor in determining our “new normal.” We’ve reopened our physician offices with strict cleaning and social distancing protocols in place, and we have strict safety measures throughout every one of our buildings. We want the community to know they are safe to visit our doctors, our emergency rooms, or any of our services. Delaying medical care when you are sick or have a condition can be so detrimental.
What would you like to see happen now that stay-at-home restrictions are lifted?
It’s important to remember that even as restrictions are lifted, that the virus is not eradicated. We want people to remain vigilant with social distancing, hand hygiene and other measures that are necessary to make sure we don’t see a spike in cases. It’s still so vital to protect the elderly and vulnerable populations in South Florida.
Who or what has been your greatest source of inspiration during this time?
My biggest source of inspiration has been witnessing first-hand the strength, courage and positivity our staff at Mount Sinai has been demonstrating every day they come to work. There have been many tough days, but the support we have for each other is incredible. I am so proud to be a part of this family and I’ve been in awe of the camaraderie and true heroism that they continue to exemplify.
James R. Haj, president and chief executive officer of The Children’s Trust
Explain how The Children’s Trust benefits the community?
The Trust supports children from birth to 18 years of age and those with special needs up to young adulthood, as well as their families. We partner with the community to plan, advocate for and fund strategic investments that improve the lives of all children and families in Miami-Dade County. The work we do is critical to the community, and at this time, it is exceptionally crucial as there is an even greater need to take care of children and families.
Did the organization shift the way that it provides assistance to those that it helps most?
Since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in our community, we’ve been looking at all our initiatives to provide additional supports and identify gaps in service where we can assist. For example, childcare is on everyone’s mind right now, even though it was never shut down as it is considered an essential service. When businesses in Miami started to reopen recently, more parents began needing help with their children as many must physically return to work. But we can support them by providing a confidence level that the locations their children will be at are safe. I am proud to have worked with childcare experts, medical professionals and community leaders as part of Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez’s task force on childcare and summer camps to bring recommendations and guidance on how best to manage those centers during this pandemic.
How have you been adjusting to the safety measures we are living through, which are now slowly being lifted?
The enormity of the job at hand – taking care of children in our community – keeps me up at night. The work doesn’t stop, but I am making a conscious effort to make time for myself and my family. With three children, that means that there will often be frustrations, but I realize how fortunate I am that we all have our health and each another. I also look at the positive side of what’s going on within my family. I will never have this much time with my kids again. I’m trying to cherish it. Also, I’m making it a point to exercise and get out of the house for some much-needed vitamin D. Times are difficult, but for those families without means, struggling with a sick family member or having a child with unique needs, many of the traditional supports have evaporated. These situations are much more difficult than what I am experiencing.
What kind of initiatives has The Children’s Trust implemented since the COVID-19 outbreak?
The Trust steadfastly supports our providers. That means supporting organizations that provide direct service to children through these tough times and making sure they are viable when this is over. It’s not only about paying workers, but also keeping the organizations sustainable when things return to a semblance of normality. We’ve also created StayHome.Miami, a website designed to help families and children get through the pandemic by encouraging activities and entertainment from home. We’ve had close to 100,000 page views in less than two months. And we will continue funding all our initiatives and providing emergency support to critical causes like foster care, women’s shelters, diaper distribution, PPEs for our providers and other essential needs.
What do you love most about Miami?
Mahatma Gandhi stated “the true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” Miami should be exceptionally proud of how it supports its children. This is clearly illustrated with its citizens voting The Children’s Trust into existence with an 86 percent approval rating in 2008. For over 50 years, I have watched this community grow into the beautiful city it is today. Our future is bright. We are Miami Strong.
Laura Steckler, senior vice president and managing director of Steckler Wealth Management Group of Raymond James
Tell us about the work that you do.
My team and I focus on providing personalized, holistic financial planning advice, guidance, and support tailored to each client and family’s goals and needs. Our practice revolves around investment and retirement planning, risk management through insurance planning, in addition to estate and tax reduction strategies. I am very passionate about people and their financial well-being and get a deep sense of satisfaction helping people enjoy a life well planned and lived.
How has your industry influenced the community during the coronavirus outbreak?
Given the market and economic impact due to COVID-19, in my financial planning practice, we’ve had a tremendous opportunity to provide education, support, and guidance to our clients as well as those in our community. As we haven’t been able to do in person meetings and client events, we’ve developed financial planning webinars and a new video series to help individuals and families get through this difficult time and reduce anxiety. Also, we are trying to give back and support our community when possible. We are partnering with the No Kid Hungry initiative to help feed children across south Florida who are struggling given the current situation. My family and I participated in a virtual walkathon in our neighborhood benefiting the Friendship Circle, which is an organization that provides programming to children and adults with special needs here in Miami. This has been very meaningful for me. On a corporate level, Raymond James Financial committed $1.5 million to support charitable organizations which deliver essential services to communities affected by COVID-19. We are also make a national gift to Feeding America .
Are there any valuable lessons or silver linings you have extracted from your experiences in the past few months?
I believe that being adaptive and malleable to different situations is key. I’ve been focusing on making lemonade out of proverbial lemons and making the best of the situation. I’ve appreciated not having a long commute each day, being able to spend more time with my two kids, and while working just as many hours if not more, being home for dinner every night. My elderly mother who has Alzheimer’s was diagnosed with coronavirus in her nursing home, was in the hospital, and survived. I have a deep sense of gratitude on a daily basis for so many things in my life. It helps to have a supportive spouse, 2 silly kids, virtual Zumba, and chocolate chip cookies!
Describe what you think the “new normal” will be like for your business and our community.
I believe that the use of technology will become increasingly important in conducting client meetings and meetings in general. I also believe that my financial planning practice will have an even higher level of productivity and efficiency while still maintaining close client relationships. My hope is that our community will move forward with an increased sense of cohesion and collaboration-that while we may not be in the same boat, we are certainly in the same storm and need to support each other.
What is something that gives you hope?
Seeing the outpouring of kindness that people have extended to each other in our local communities. Hearing a story of helping a neighbor get something they needed, caring for those who are isolated and alone, a simple smile and wave from someone during a walk, providing financial support to people in need—this gives me hope for how things can continue to be.
