Legacy & Leadership Luncheon Recap

The Brickell Homeowners Association (BHA) hosted its Legacy & Leadership Luncheon to formally recognize three individuals whose long-standing service and leadership have significantly shaped the Brickell neighborhood and strengthened civic engagement in the City of Miami. The event honored leadership rooted in consistency, advocacy, and community stewardship.

The luncheon was attended by newly appointed Miami-Dade County Commissioner Vicki Lopez (District 5) and City of Miami Commissioner Rolando Escalona (District 3). Commissioner Lopez reaffirmed her commitment to the Brickell community and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between residents and county leadership. Commissioner Escalona shared his vision for progress and his commitment to serving the neighborhood, and he invited attendees to join him for his official swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, December 17, at 1:30 p.m. at the Miami Tower Theatre, 1508 SW 8th Street, followed by a reception at Domino Park Plaza.

The Legacy & Leadership Luncheon was supported by Title Sponsor Brown & Brown, represented by Derrick Karadi, who delivered opening remarks and underscored the importance of partnership between community organizations and the private sector. Ben Messerschmidt, representing Epic Forensics & Engineering, also shared brief remarks on behalf of the sponsoring organizations. The Brickell Homeowners Association expressed its appreciation for their leadership and continued support of the Brickell community.

Honoree: Jay Solowsky

Jay Solowsky was honored for more than four decades of legal excellence and civic leadership. An AV-rated attorney and Of Counsel at KHL Law, Mr. Solowsky has been widely recognized as one of South Florida’s premier litigators. Beyond his legal career, he has served as Vice President of the Brickell Homeowners Association since 2019 and has played a key role in advancing resident advocacy, public safety policy, and neighborhood green space, including the development of 1814 Brickell Park. His civic contributions were formally recognized by the City of Miami with the declaration of “Jay Solowsky Day.”

Honoree: Robert Green

Robert Green was recognized for 15 years of dedicated service as Treasurer of the Brickell Homeowners Associationand longtime Chair of the Urban Redevelopment Committee. Through consistent collaboration with elected officials, planners, and community stakeholders, Mr. Green has helped guide responsible growth, infrastructure planning, and redevelopment policy in Brickell. He has been a strong advocate for neighborhood green space, including ongoing efforts to protect and enhance Simpson Park, and is widely regarded as a steady and trusted leader within the organization.

Honoree: Ernesto Cuesta

Ernesto Cuesta was honored as the only surviving founding member of the Brickell Homeowners Association and for decades of unwavering advocacy on behalf of Brickell residents. His leadership has spanned multiple generations of neighborhood growth, including efforts to preserve Southside Park, support Mater Brickell, and represent resident interests on zoning, development, transportation, and quality-of-life issues. Mr. Cuesta’s vision and perseverance have been foundational to the mission and longevity of BHA.

The Legacy & Leadership Luncheon served as a meaningful opportunity to honor the leaders who laid the foundation for Brickell’s growth while reaffirming a shared commitment to the work ahead. The honorees’ sustained civic service and principled leadership have shaped Brickell’s physical landscape, governance, and community voice, setting a standard for future generations of leadership.