Igniting Community-Driven Progress

Founded in 1996 by Daniella Levine Cava, Catalyst Miami advances economic and racial justice by investing in communities of color as they build the power they need to change unjust economic and political systems from the ground up. 

At Catalyst Miami, we believe the workings of our government and society’s systems should be shaped by all the people they are supposed to benefit. To that end, our work centers on creating both individual and collective paths to prosperity; increasing civic engagement; and enhancing the resilience of our environment and communities through people-led strategies. 

Catalyst Miami's mission is to identify and collectively solve issues adversely affecting low-wealth communities throughout Miami-Dade County. Our vision is a just and equitable society in which all communities thrive. 

See our history (opens PDF in new tab).

Catalyst Miami's community power-building strategies are founded on the twin pillars of economic and democratic inclusion.

What We Do

• Improve lives through free services and innovative economic security programs     
• Support equitable economic development and livelihood opportunities in communities that have been excluded from decades of wealth-building
• Build grassroots power and achieve better policies through engagement and advocacy

What We Strive For

• To advance racial and economic justice by shifting systems that lead to inequity in the first place
• To expand community control and ownership, and catalyze grassroots change led by our communities
• To ensure equitable access to the economy and increase participation in our democratic processes

What We Stand For

Compassion

We value the intrinsic worth of humanity. We value others by being actively empathetic: giving support, offering time, being flexible, and showing respect.

Collaboration

We work together. We believe that we are successful when internal and external silos are shattered. We share resources and acknowledge and appreciate the assets in others.

Innovation

We adapt to change while identifying and maximizing resources. We are flexible, reflective, and inclusive. We act purposely and creatively to achieve results.

Leadership

We lead by example. We aim high and follow a shared vision with defined needs and priorities. We believe leaders are humble, accountable, inspirational, passionate, ethical, and credible.

Self Empowerment

We value one another by growing, realizing, and recognizing the power within ourselves. We seek knowledge, opportunity, and discovery.

Our Goals

Design and implement innovative programs to build the health, wealth, and civic engagement of people in low-wealth communities in Miami-Dade County.

Create opportunities for community members, business and civic leaders to work through and solve critical community issues together.

Promote engaged community leaders and constituency-informed policy and system reforms to better meet the needs of communities.

Our Integrated Vision of Thriving

Based on the knowledge that disruption in one area of life can cascade into other areas and threaten stability, we aim to transform lives and communities with an intersectional perspective on well-being. To build both individual and community resilience, we make connections between numerous interrelated factors that strengthen or impede household and community wellness.

Health

Vision: Access to high-quality, affordable care

Disruption: Illness can disrupt employment, education, and finances.

Transportation

Vision: Access to reliable, affordable transportation

Disruption: Lack of access to transportation disrupts education, employment, and health.

Housing

Vision: Stable and affordable family shelter

Disruption: Lack or loss of housing often disrupts employment, health, education, and finances.

Employment

Vision: Opportunity to earn a living wage

Disruption: Un-/under-employment and unfair low compensation disrupts finances, health, and education.

Finances

Vision: Financial security

Disruption: Financial instability disrupts education, health, transportation, and employment.

Climate

Vision: Equitable disaster preparation and response; clean water, air, and energy for all

Disruption: Low-wealth and minority communities disproportionately shoulder the impact of storms and climate change.

Education

Vision: Universal access and attainment

Disruption: Inadequate and inequitable educational opportunity disrupts employment, health, and finances.