FROM YOUNG LEADER TO BOARD MEMBER

As Frank Gonzalez peers out his 18th floor office window overlooking Biscayne Bay, he considers himself very fortunate. Born to Cuban parents and raised in Miami, Frank wears two hats at Morrison, Brown, Argiz and Farra, one of the top 40 accounting firms in the country: managing principal and principal-in-charge of the audit department.

Frank's involvement with United Way of Miami-Dade began more than 20 years ago as a Young Leader. He then joined a United Way committee where he saw first-hand the struggles many families in our community face. This was life changing and propelled him to take a more meaningful role.

"Most people don't realize how many families are either in poverty or just one emergency away from falling into poverty," Frank said.

He went on to serve on the United Way board, assuming various leadership roles. "I feel extremely grateful to come from an immigrant family to a position where I have the ability to help those in need," Frank said.

By his side for more than 24 years has been his wife Maria Elena. They started their careers in accounting at the same time - both working crazy hours - but after their second child, they decided that Maria Elena would focus on home and family and Frank on career and community. Passionate about education, Maria Elena became actively involved in their children's schools, volunteering as headroom mother, delegate mother, and parent representative.

They also made it a priority to be good role models for their children - Frankie and Amanda - leading by example and instilling in them the importance of giving back and serving others.

Well aware of the importance of securing the future needs of the community for coming generations, in addition to being members of United Way's Tocqueville Society, Maria Elena and Frank invested in a life insurance policy benefiting United Way of Miami-Dade and its work in education, financial stability and health.