fbpx

March Cover Star Tamara Rodriguez Headlines CEO Connect

In our cover story on Island TV co-owner Tamara Rodriguez, one of the most remarked upon exchanges happened at the end of the article:

“How do you manage to wear so many hats and do it with such seeming ease and grace?,” SFBW editor-in-chief Drew Limsky had asked.

“I think I’m very driven,” was Tamara’s response. “The people around me are driven—my husband, my father, my family. I also think I’m very well surrounded. We have two teenage daughters, and my husband supports what I do; he helps me. So, in order to have this interview with you, he has to go pick up the kids, so choosing a partner who encourages and supports me is also really part of the strategy. I think it’s important to think about that. I tell young women that all the time: You have to think about somebody who you’re going to be with who supports what you want and supports your passion.”

Being “well surrounded”—quite an evocative phrase.

And choosing a life partner with care struck a chord with the audience at the Tower Club.

When Tamara’s husband Richard Rodriguez joined his wife onstage, it was clear that their relationship is a love match as well as a fruitful professional partnership. (Richard is the president and CEO at Centuric, a global leader in technology services; Tamara serves as CFO.) The two spoke of the importance of offering each other advice, of always having a mentor in the house, of having each other’s backs.

Tamara, who was born in Haiti to a family of entrepreneurs in shipping and hospitality, was candid about the racism she faced when she came to the U.S. as a teenager. She was equally unguarded about the slights she continues to experience as part of an interracial couple, sharing that, in public, strangers will sometimes assume that she is the babysitter—rather than the mother—of her biracial daughters. And Richard spoke movingly of wanting his daughters to emulate their mother’s determination and independence.

The evening demonstrated the best of SFBW: not just connecting, but connecting in an authentic way, by sharing—and really hearing—each other’s stories. Of course, the event wouldn’t be possible without the help of our generous sponsors: Transworld Business Advisors and Truist. Their unwavering support enables us to forge meaningful connections with the South Florida business community we proudly serve.

You May Also Like
Celebrating South Florida’s Prestigious Women

Giving thanks to all our honorees for being the leaders who make South Florida a better place.

Read More
Prestigious Women
VIDEO RECAP: Highlights From SFBW’s 2024 Prestigious Women Awards Luncheon

We honor the women who contribute to the betterment of South Florida’s community.

Read More
Prestigious Women’s Awards
SFBW and JC White Host Panel Discussion on Tenant Representation

Discover tips on how to move your business and minimize the pain.

Read More
JC White
On the Heels of Success

Successful women CEOs share insights on mentoring and leadership during our recent CEO Connect networking event.

Read More
CEO Connect
Other Posts
SFBW’s Annual D&I Awards Provide an Excellent Opportunity to Engage With Diverse Community

“I think we should all be supportive of people’s basic rights to live their lives, regardless of who they are, how they identify, and who they love,” Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis says. “I don’t understand people who don’t think that way.”

Read More
PHOTOS: SFBW’s Prestigious Women Awards Luncheon

It was our privilege to help recognize the outstanding women in the South Florida community.

Read More
SFBW’s Excellence in Human Resources Awards Continue With Panel Event

After the success of the 2024 SFBW Excellence in Human Resources Awards at Gulfstream Park’s Sport of Kings Theater, SFBW gathered some of the honorees to participate in a panel

Read More
Human Resources Awards
VIDEO: Relive Our 2024 Excellence in Human Resources Awards

South Florida Business & Wealth was proud to recognize South Florida’s best and brightest human resource teams and executives. Nominations were open for professionals dedicated to driving business results, productivity,

Read More