North Miami Commission for Women swears in Claudia Pazmino, names Nerissa Glickman vice chair; fundraising for startup initiative discussed

The North Miami Commission for Women administered an oath of office to Claudia Pazmino on Tuesday and confirmed Nerissa Glickman as vice chair by a 4-0 roll-call vote.

Claudia Pazmino was introduced to the commission as a community advocate with a background in communications and longtime local volunteer work; staff said she had been appointed by the City Council and the commission completed the swearing-in at the meeting.

Commissioners then moved to fill an open vice chair position. Chairwoman Naomi Blumore nominated Nerissa Glickman; the nomination was seconded and passed by a 4-0 vote. The clerk recorded that the motion was moved by the chairwoman and seconded by Commissioner Rosemary Pierre, and that the item passed 4-0.

Commission business included a discussion of the 50 Female Startup initiative, an eight-week program the commission said is intended to support 50 women who want to start businesses. Commissioners said the program requires $25,000 in funding; they discussed short-term fundraising tactics such as a booth at an upcoming city event and direct outreach to council members for discretionary funds. Staff and commissioners agreed to prepare a draft fundraising letter to the mayor, vice mayor and city council members.

Other business included a plan to move forward with the "Get Fit Know Me" fitness initiative and scheduling for the Commission for Women annual conference in June and a women's wellness day in October. Commissioners said budget figures for fiscal year 2024–25 were not yet available; staff stated they had reached out to the city manager's office and would report numbers at a later meeting.

The commission also tabled reconciliation of a prior women's wellness event until a later meeting when a former commissioner can present final materials.