MIAMI, FLORIDA — August 28, 2026 — The U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the recognition of Dariel Fernandez, Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, as one of South Florida’s most distinguished Hispanic public leaders of a new generation.
Fernandez will receive the 2026 Public Servant of the Americas Award during the 32nd Leadership Gala of the Americas 2026, on September 4, from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel, as part of the Chamber’s 27th Anniversary celebration.
The Gala is a private, invitation-only gathering, with 44 confirmed guests including corporate presidents, entrepreneurs, international organizations, industrial leaders, and local, state and federal public officials.
“Recognizing Mr. Dariel Fernandez means recognizing a new generation of public servants who understand that leadership begins with hard work, responsibility, and commitment to the community. His personal journey and his service in Miami-Dade deeply represent the spirit of the American Dream,” said Doug Mayorga, President and Founder of the U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce.
FROM CUBA TO MIAMI-DADE: A STORY OF PERSEVERANCE
Born in Güines and raised in Madruga, Cuba, Fernandez came to the United States in 2002 in search of opportunity. His background in electrical technology, experience in South Florida media, and subsequent entrepreneurial career helped him develop a strong connection with the community he now serves.
In 2015, he founded Ponemus Group, a boutique marketing, consulting and technology firm focused on helping small businesses use innovation to achieve greater success.
His story is also deeply rooted in family. Together with his wife, Carolina, he has built his home in Miami-Dade and raised their two daughters, Elizabeth and Anastasia.
For Mr. Fernandez, the American Dream is not simply measured by material success, but by freedom, opportunity and the ability to build a better future through hard work and responsibility.
A CHAMBER INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
The recognition reflects the Chamber’s renewed commitment to strengthening Hispanic leadership and entrepreneurship in South Florida.
As part of this new chapter, the Chamber is developing a business school for entrepreneurs in Miami, focused on business transformation, technology, government contracting, corporate relations, international trade and preparing young entrepreneurs to participate in export markets.
The initiative, named the Donald J. Trump Center for Entrepreneurial Education Toward Wealth, represents the Chamber’s vision of transforming knowledge, entrepreneurship and opportunity into tools for economic prosperity.
“Our mission is to recognize those who are making history, but also to prepare those who will write America’s next chapter,” Mayorga concluded.
For additional information:
Peter Cohen
Chief of Staff
U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce
786.406.2190
