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Commission assigns reappointed commissioner to lead $25,000 50‑female startup fundraising effort after member recuses
Summary
Commissioner Claudia Pazmino recused herself from leading the 50 Female Startup Initiative; Dr. Marie O'Etienne agreed to champion raising $25,000 to help 50 women start businesses in North Miami.
Commissioner Claudia Pazmino recused herself from leading the 50 Female Startup Initiative at the meeting, saying she felt the funding might better serve existing local businesses amid current needs. The commission accepted her recusal and designated Dr. Marie O'Etienne to champion the effort to raise $25,000 to help 50 women start businesses in North Miami.
The initiative was originally framed to support new women entrepreneurs. Pazmino said she had voted for the original motion but now preferred resources be directed to existing businesses; she asked not to lead the fundraising. The chair accepted the recusal and opened the assignment to other commissioners.
Dr. Marie O'Etienne, newly reappointed, agreed to take on championing the initiative; Vice Chair Nerissa Glickman and other commissioners offered to help. Commissioners verbally agreed to the reassignment at the meeting.
No formal budget appropriation or city council funding was approved at the meeting; commissioners discussed approaching the council for funds but did not submit a formal funding request during the session. The assignment is procedural: the designated commissioner will coordinate with staff and partners to develop a fundraising plan and report back to the commission.
