Meet Carolina Veira: Community Leader, Financial Strategist & DEI Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolina Veira and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolina, how does your business help the community?
I lead the Partnerships and Corporate Social Responsibility department at IMC Health, where I have made it my priority to ensure that IMC works towards becoming Miami’s leading purpose-led healthcare organization. My team and I strive to create opportunities for our staff to give back to the community by developing programs and initiatives to help the most vulnerable members of society, particularly the populations that have been negatively impacted by the current pandemic.

In 2020, we partnered with various organizations (P&G, PepsiCo, We Are All Human, Beam Suntory, Modelo, etc.) to bring help to the communities in need, including healthcare and frontline workers at major Miami Hospitals as well as farmworker families in the Redlands. In partnership with The Hispanic Star, we also created webinars about Census and voting, mental health, mindful eating and conversations about leadership, inclusion and empathy with various professionals and entrepreneurs in the U.S. who are leading their teams with purpose and passion. We have also donated holiday meals to farmworker families in Homestead and toys to families at Deliver the Dream for the holidays.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the inequalities in our society and how much more it is expected from corporations to help create a better world. My team and I are committed to ensuring IMC Health is part of the solution.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My background is in Finance; numbers just make sense to me. Analyzing information, understanding the challenge, and thinking of solutions is something that I have always enjoyed. However, I have also been passionate about education, community, storytelling, inclusion, and empathy. I genuinely believe that as humans, we are meant to be part of something bigger than ourselves. It is then when we find purpose in what we do. Because of this personal belief, I have always worked on initiatives to advance our communities, particularly by helping minorities thrive. I have developed trainings and webinars, written newsletters, guest authored a book and hosted a series of conversations with Hispanic Leaders in the U.S.

I believe if we all combine our talents and experiences and use them to elevate others, we can open doors and help others advance, grow and lead. I am committed to being a voice for those who do not have one. I want to remind everyone of their value and the power of their voices and stories. Don’t count yourself out because you think you are not ready to be involved with something bigger than yourself. You are! We all are!

All we need to do is take action. Take that first step and then the next one, and by the time we realize it, we would have reaped amazing results and changed the lives of many. And by doing so, we get to find our superpower. My superpower is my identity. It is what drives me. I am the daughter of Johnny Veira and Aida Corrales and sister to Johnny and Osman. I am many things and all things because my passion and legacy are limitless. I want to impact as many lives as possible by reminding them that we only win if we all win.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Miami is a hub for gastronomy and entertainment. The city is filled with eclectic restaurants and things to do. If I were to recommend places to take a visiting friend, I would start with a brunch at Bulla in Doral. This Spanish cuisine restaurant has tapas that will make your mouth water and an array of sangrias that are one-of-a-kind. For a theatre night out, Microteatro in Downtown Miami is the place to be. Its short Spanish-language plays are performed in shipping containers for a unique experience. You and your friend can choose from various comedy and drama plays, or even spend the night watching them all!

A great day-time experience would be visiting Zoo Miami, where you can have a nice walk, explore animal species and even feed them. While you are down south, you might as well head down to Homestead and grab a smoothie at Robert Is Here, a farm stand with a plethora of rare tropical fruits, a smoothie bar and even a petting zoo. While you’re in the Redlands, you should pass by Schnebly Winery, where you can enjoy good food and fruit wine.

Another great day would be an outing in Coral Gables. First, for breakfast, you should enjoy some croquetas and a cafecito at Versailles, a historic Cuban Restaurant that has served presidents and other influential people. Then, take a stroll down Miracle Mile and visit their quaint stores or take a dip in the Venetian Pool’s refreshing spring waters from an underground aquifer. For dinner, visit Hillstone in Coral Gables for delicious upscale American cuisine.

If your friend is more into the artsy scene, they will want to visit the Design District and Wynwood to see some cool murals and enjoy some tasty Mexican food at Bakan. Lastly, because no one can come to Miami and miss the beach, take your friend to Miami Beach for a day in the sun. Try a relaxing massage at a hotel spa, enjoy their pool and private access to the beach. Walk down Lincoln Road for shopping and Ocean Drive for some great food and craft drinks. Miami has so much to offer!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my Shoutout to my family. Mom, dad, Gianni & Mia, Pete, brothers, cousins, aunts and uncles, you make up my foundation and the most significant contributors to my success. I am who I am, and who I am becoming, because of you. Since the beginning, you have given me hope and taught me to believe that I can accomplish great things for myself and others.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank two organizations I hold very near and dear to my heart. To my colleagues and friends at IMC Health and We Are All Human, you have been amazing partners, sponsors, mentors and contributors to my initiatives and successes. It is encouraging to know that there are organizations such as these deeply committed to equality and inclusion. These organizations genuinely put words into actions and make a difference in people’s lives. They have indeed made a difference in mine.

To my friends in South America, Europe and here in the U.S., your love and support amazes me and makes me want to go further, reach higher and love deeper. I have been able to do what I do because you incredible individuals have been paving my way, giving me advice, sharing your dreams and simply lending me a friendly ear.

Website: https://carolinaveira.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroveira/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinaveira/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaroVeira

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caro.veira

Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/CarolinaMVeira

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgkBw2Z_CAMPRET6M55PTgA