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Lori-Ann Cox is a visionary educational leader with decades of service in South Florida. As the Chief Executive Officer of Breakthrough Miami, Lori-Ann is responsible for the continued growth of a nationally recognized academic and social enrichment program providing transformational experiences for 1300 ambitious Scholars striving for educational opportunities, and 130 Teaching Fellows developing themselves as young leaders and mentors. Breakthrough Miami, is positioned as an embedded service learning partnership at five leading independent schools and the University of Miami. During Lori-Ann's leadership, Breakthrough Miami has been recognized as the best summer learning program in the country by the National Summer Learning Association and expanded to additional sites, serving 120 more Scholars each summer. In 2019, Lori-Ann was selected as the GMCC Non-Profit Leader of the Year in recognition of her outstanding leadership in the sector as well as her vision and unwavering commitment to this community. Lori-Ann was named to the 2020 Miami Herald Influencers, a panel of statewide leaders and influential Floridians who explore the crucial issues facing the state.

A native of Jamaica, Lori-Ann holds an MBA from Florida International University, has served on various chambers and councils including Greater Miami, Coral Gables, Miami-Dade, and the Doral Business Council, and was a member of the GMCC Leadership Miami Class of 2000. Lori-Ann is recognized and respected as an active and energetic figure in South Florida, with more than 20 years of education management experience, and an unwavering commitment to shaping the future of our community. Prior to joining Breakthrough Miami, she served as Chief Advancement Officer and Executive Director of External Affairs at Gulliver, the nation’s fifth largest college preparatory school, where she cultivated a culture of philanthropy, ushering in growth through enhanced communications, engagement, and programming. The foundation of Lori-Ann’s professional career was built as an integral member of Florida International University (FIU). Serving in various positions during her tenure of more than 22 years, Lori-Ann built a meaningful network both broad and deep, and was a creative and entrepreneurial leader as the university grew to become a top tier research university serving 54,000 diverse students. From driving the growth and prominence of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, to leading FIU’s Community Relations and President’s Council, Lori-Ann was known for cultivating strategic public/private partnerships to advance the community’s educational and economic goals.