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Women Leaders Unite: Climate Solutions at Art Basel Miami

On December 4, 2024, during the renowned Art Basel Miami Beach, a significant gathering of influential women took place, hosted by the women-led strategy firm LEBEC. The event, titled Women Leading Climate Action, was held at The Wolfsonian–FIU and sought to spotlight the role of women in combating climate change through a lens of equity.

Moderated by Alix Lebec, a recognized leader in impact initiatives, the panel included prominent figures such as Yoca Arditi-Rocha from The CLEO Institute, Thais Lopez Vogel of the VoLo Foundation, Stacey Boyd from Olivela, and Estefania Rebellon of the Yes We Can World Foundation.

The discussion centered on innovative strategies needed to tackle the severe impacts of climate change on women and marginalized communities. “We are approaching a critical juncture,” Lebec stated. “The intersection of climate and social crises requires immediate, unified action. It's imperative that we engage women as key players in these solutions, creatively channeling philanthropic resources and investment to enhance resilience and equity.”

Yoca Arditi-Rocha emphasized the necessity for diverse approaches to climate leadership. She shared how CLEO is nurturing the next generation of climate leaders while also securing substantial federal funds for local climate solutions. “Our focus is on gender and justice, which presents a unique opportunity for transformative change.”

From her perspective, Thais Lopez Vogel stressed the urgency of catalytic investments in climate initiatives. “As a mother, the safety of our future is my drive. The VoLo Foundation is dedicated to investing in solutions that nurture healthier communities and the environment. Each dollar invested multiplies benefits across health, education, and equity.”

Stacey Boyd spoke passionately about mobilizing flexible philanthropy. “Women are disproportionately affected by climate issues, but they are also powerful change agents. It’s crucial that we recognize their pivotal role and enhance their potential.” Boyd’s organization, Olivela, reinforces this by encouraging consumer behaviors that support sustainable practices.

Estefania Rebellon brought an essential perspective linking climate change to migration. As her foundation focuses on educational support for refugee children, she noted how climate disasters force families to flee their homes. “We must acknowledge how intertwined these global challenges are, as addressing education gaps today means fostering future leaders equipped to tackle climate action.”

As the panel wound down, the call for collective urgency and collaborative effort resonated among the attendees. The night culminated with networking opportunities inside the aesthetically curated environment of The Wolfsonian–FIU.

LEBEC's gathering included participants from esteemed organizations like the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Foundation and Water.org, highlighting a collective commitment to philanthropy and sustainable practices.

“Women are the architects of solutions,” Lebec concluded, underscoring the moment's significance. “Now is the time to act; together, we can reshape the narrative around the climate crisis.”

For those interested in supporting women-focused climate initiatives, reaching out to LEBEC could be a valuable step towards making impactful contributions to global sustainability efforts.

About LEBEC

LEBEC is a trailblazing firm with a mission to leverage innovative finance and philanthropy, championing women-led enterprises. With extensive expertise, their focus is on creating scalable solutions that address some of the world's most pressing challenges, aligning partners with transformative impact-driven organizations around the globe.