Donna E. Shalala has spent her entire life fighting to improve the lives of others. A lifelong Democrat, and the former president of the University of Miami, she has advocated tirelessly for women’s rights, civil rights, increased access to health care, better education and schools and a clean, sustainable environment.

She was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) where she served for eight years, becoming the longest serving HHS Secretary in U.S. history.  Donna has lived in Pinecrest and Coral Gables for 17 years and is unapologetic in her love for South Florida’s natural beauty, its rich culture and its diverse people.