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THE BASICS:
Cindy has lived in Miami-Dade County almost her entire life. A Florida native, she moved here when she was just two years old. She graduated from Miami-Dade College with a music education degree, and University of Miami with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminology. UM also awarded her a graduate fellowship to study sociology. To round out her Miami pedigree, she even once sang in the chorus of Carmen at the Miami Grand Opera (now Florida Grand Opera). The following year she graduated from Leadership Miami. Cindy’s public service work began in 1992 when she helped organize the Miami AIDS Walk and the White Party for Care Resource/Health Crisis Network, where she eventually became assistant director for development. She worked also as a program officer for the United Foundation for AIDS; managing director of the Miami Light Project; executive director of the MDGLCC Foundation/LGBT Visitor Center; executive director of the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, and is currently with Jewish Community Services running the Lambda Living Program for LGBT Seniors.
For many years she has run her own event-management firm, Cenergy LLC, whose numerous local and national clients have included DIFFA, GLSEN, Miami Beach Gay Pride, Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, Cancer Community Center, Miami Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Alliance for Gay Youth, and the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Equality Florida, and Pelican Harbor Seabird Station. Her volunteer connections to the non-profit community have been numerous and ongoing. She has served on the boards of SAVE, SAVE Dade, The Dade Human Rights Foundation, the Gay & Lesbian Foundation of South Florida, the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival and the Advisory Committee for the Women’s Community Fund (now known as The Aqua Foundation for Women). She currently serves as the Vice Chair of the LGBT Advisory Committee for the City of Miami Beach and the Vice-Chair of the Mayors Elder Affairs Committee for Miami-Dade county.
PROFILE:
Pronoun: She/Her/Hers
Gender Identity: Female
Sexual Identity: Lesbian
Zodiac Sign: Libra
What do you hope to accomplish as a face of pride?
Bring greater awareness to older LGBTQ people as well as celebrating the diversity that we have in the LGBTQ+ community. Raise awareness for critical issues such as youth suicide, and suicide attempts. Encourage others to get involved in making their community safer for LGBTQ+ folks.
Why is being a Faces of Pride important to you?
It is a culmination of 30 years of service and activism in South Florida. When I was in high school, I would have never thought that we would be where we are. I am proud that my activism helped get us here.
Who is your Celebrity Crush?
I don't really have one. But, if I had to pick someone it would be Sara Ramirez. She is so hot!!
What is your ultimate travel destination?
I am lucky that I have had the opportunity to travel both around the country and internationally. On my "need- to- go" list is Australia. I want to dive the Great Barrier Reef!!
Who is your favorite Disney character?
Donald Duck What sport did you try and FAIL at as a child?
Hmmm I played softball, swam, and was a cheerleader. What I started and failed at was ballet lessons.
If you had a boat, what would you name it?
Ocean Goddess
What show on Netflix did you binge watch embarrassingly fast?
Too many...LOL Right now it's Grey's Anatomy. watched 13 seasons in a month!
If you could create one holiday, what would you create?
That is a tough question. National No Technology Day. Everyone shuts down and is present to the live people, and world around them.
If you could pick one job to do forever (and be guaranteed all the money you need), what job would it be?
Director of a foundation. I would love to make decisions about granting funds to organizations doing awesome work.
I would have never thought that we would be where we are. I am proud that my activism helped get us here.- Cindy Brown
ABOUT THE FACES OF PRIDE
Miami Beach Pride and Dr. Brandt have joined forces to create a powerful campaign centered around inclusivity and diversity in the LGBTQ+ community. Faces of Pride highlights the beautiful diversity within our community. We are committed to celebrating everyday people who make the LGBTQ+ community so amazing and colorful. Not only are we looking for truly unique faces, we are interested in hearing your stories and understanding your experience and lifestyle.
Miami Beach Pride continuously seeks to reach beyond the status quo and push the boundaries set by society. Our faces are committed to sending a clear message to underrepresented communities that we honor their humanity and cherish their existence.
Stay up-to-date on the unique journey of all of our Faces of Pride. Click here to learn more!