Effie Silva Joins Braille Institute Board, Promoting Growth and Social Impact

Braille Institute Welcomes Effie Silva to Board of Directors

The Braille Institute of America is excited to announce a significant addition to its Board of Directors: Effie D. Silva, the General Counsel of Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. This strategic appointment, made public on June 2, 2025, highlights the organization’s commitment to enhancing growth and social impact. Silva, a distinguished legal executive with a proven track record, will bring invaluable insights to propel the Braille Institute’s ambitious goals.

A Leader with Extensive Experience

Effie D. Silva is a nationally recognized leader within the legal community and is well-known for her civic engagement. Her background includes over twenty years in leadership roles at Fortune 500 firms and multinational companies. Silva has served in various capacities at prominent organizations such as Cargill and Tyson Foods, focusing on legal matters and governance. In her role at Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., she oversees comprehensive legal strategies while addressing risks and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Her diverse expertise also spans Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sectors, proving essential for organizations aiming to make a significant social impact. Beyond her impressive career, Silva embodies a personal connection to the mission of the Braille Institute; her grandmother experienced vision loss, strengthening her dedication to advocating for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Commitment to Braille Institute's Mission

Jim (Dimitri) Kales, CEO of Braille Institute, expressed great enthusiasm regarding Silva's appointment: "We are honored to welcome Effie to our Board. She brings not only deep legal and operational knowledge but also a profound connection to our mission that will resonate with the communities we serve."

The Braille Institute’s strategic plan, dubbed „Mission Magnified,“ seeks to expand its services significantly over the next five years. The organization aims to serve over 200,000 individuals annually through a diverse range of programs, utilizing innovative technologies and creative partnerships. Silva's leadership and guidance will be instrumental in steering this tremendous growth and ensuring that persons with vision loss have access to life-transforming resources.

A Vision for the Future

Jim Rhodes, Chair of the Board, lauded Silva's strategic insights: "Effie brings tremendous insight as both a legal strategist and a purpose-driven board leader. Her guidance will be instrumental as we amplify our impact to serve over 200,000 individuals annually." Her appointment is seen as key to fostering collaboration and innovation that aligns with Braille Institute's overarching goals.

Currently, Silva is actively involved on various nonprofit and professional boards, such as the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Foundation and America On Tech, and she serves as a Trustee for the University of Florida Law School. Her credentials as an NACD Directorship Certified professional further underscore her readiness to make impactful contributions to the Board.

Michael Corley, chair of the Governance Committee, stated, "As Chair of the Governance Committee, I've had the privilege of leading Effie's nomination. Her warmth, strategic insight, enthusiasm, and collaborative spirit were evident throughout our conversations. She exemplifies the kind of leader who brings both heart and vision to the boardroom, and we are thrilled to welcome her."

About the Braille Institute

Founded over a century ago, the Braille Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of those with vision loss. It provides an array of free programs and services, empowering the visually impaired community to live independently. Programs range from low vision assessments and technology training to mobility assistance and educational services. The organization's new strategic initiative, "Mission Magnified," aims to radically expand its outreach, leveraging technological advancements and fostering meaningful collaborations.

In conclusion, the appointment of Effie D. Silva to the Braille Institute Board is not just about legal expertise; it is a heartfelt investment in a cause deeply rooted in compassion and dignity for all. With her guidance, the Braille Institute is poised to make an enormous difference for individuals facing vision challenges throughout the community.