On March 15, 2026, THesis Hotel Miami served as the backdrop for one of the most compelling youth-led philanthropic events in South Florida: the Second Annual Brunchin’ for Breakthroughs. What unfolded across the Paseo that afternoon was not simply a brunch, but a dynamic, student-driven experience that blended entrepreneurship, culinary creativity, and performance, ultimately raising nearly $145,000 to support Breakthrough Miami’s mission.
The event, which engaged more than 50 young leaders, directly funded a full year of programming for 29 Breakthrough Scholars. Designed and led by Giuliana Reynolds, a member of the Class of 2029 at Palmer Trinity School, the initiative demonstrated the tangible impact of empowering students to take ownership of ideas and execute them at scale. As originally envisioned, Brunchin’ for Breakthroughs was intended to bridge classroom learning with real-world application, an ambition that was fully realized in this year’s expanded format.
“I was inspired to create this event while working a summer job. I wanted to share that real-world experience with other students my age,” Reynolds said. “Seeing it grow into something that supports so many Scholars and brings together an entire community is incredibly meaningful.”
At the center of this year’s event was the debut of the Young Entrepreneurs Market, a standout addition that transformed the brunch into an interactive showcase of student innovation. Breakthrough Scholars and alums presented a wide range of ventures, from hand-crafted crochet toys and custom fragrances to 3D-printed designs, baked goods, vintage fashion, and art-driven concepts such as film mosaics. Each business reflected not only creativity but also a level of professionalism and market awareness well beyond expectations for student-led enterprises.
Guests moved through the marketplace, engaging directly with the young entrepreneurs, purchasing products, offering mentorship, and hearing the stories behind each venture firsthand. The result was an environment that felt equal parts incubator and community gathering, reinforcing Breakthrough Miami’s emphasis on experiential learning and leadership development.
The program also featured a strong cultural component, with live performances adding depth and emotional resonance to the afternoon. Scholar and Teaching Fellow alumna Gricelda Ramos delivered a memorable lyrical performance alongside partner Gaston Adanto, while Amparo Torres-Platt of Gulliver Prep organized additional musical contributions. Performances by vocalist Gabriela Celic and the Gulliver Prep Orchestra underscored the breadth of talent within the Breakthrough community. They seamlessly integrated the arts into the event’s broader narrative of student achievement.
Students were embedded across every operational aspect of the event. From hospitality and guest services to culinary collaboration and stage production, participants from schools including Palmer Trinity, Belen Jesuit Preparatory, Gulliver Prep, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, Ransom Everglades, and Riviera Prep played active roles throughout the day. Their involvement was not symbolic. It was foundational and shaped both the execution and the atmosphere of the event.
The culinary experience itself, developed in collaboration with THesis Hotel’s leadership team, including Director of Culinary Operations Wayne Eldred, Managing Director Vikash Maharaj, and Director of Restaurants and Bars Massimiliano Giua, offered a globally inspired brunch menu that reflected both refinement and accessibility. Breakthrough Scholars worked alongside the culinary team, gaining exposure to professional kitchen operations while contributing to menu development and service.
The success of Brunchin’ for Breakthroughs was further amplified by strong community and philanthropic support. Visionary Sponsors John Chidsey and Jeffrey and Tina Miller were joined by Innovation Sponsors Citadel and Tricap Realty, as well as Community Champion Sponsor Amerant Bank. A wide network of Young Entrepreneur Sponsors, including Boyne Capital, Greenberg Traurig, The Jills Zeder Group, and the Coral Gables Community Foundation, played a critical role in bringing the marketplace to life.
Ultimately, the event served as a powerful expression of Breakthrough Miami’s model of students teaching students, supported by a broader ecosystem of mentors, educators, and community leaders. With more than 1,800 Scholars served across South Florida, the organization continues to expand access to educational and leadership opportunities, ensuring that events like Brunchin’ for Breakthroughs are not just celebrations but catalysts for long-term impact.
In a city known for its cultural vibrancy and entrepreneurial energy, this student-led initiative stood out not only for the funds it raised but for the next generation of leaders it actively empowered.
Written in partnership with Tom White
