2017 Influential Business Women: Visionary pioneers for a new age

South Florida’s influential businesswomen reflect and attempt to emulate the achievements of their predecessors. Yet, they’re successfully doing so in a new age.

Whether modeling themselves after local leaders or acclaimed executives from among the world’s blue chip corporations, they are tenacious and innovative pioneers not satisfied with the status quo – even if they’ve made great strides over previous generations.

These leaders are trailblazers who often span the very industries that help define South Florida itself. They’re from professional, personal and financial services; health care; real estate and development; and travel, tourism and attractions that together form the very backbone of the local economy.

Read on to see that their stories are not necessarily unique. But they are indicative of the importance others have played in helping each woman find her own success – and elevate South Florida’s business, cultural, civic and philanthropic communities to greater heights.

Our 25 honorees were feted at a May 12 luncheon celebration at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, during which they each shared a pearl of wisdom.

We’d like to thank our corporate sponsors, Florida International University College of Business and GCI Worldwide Corp., and associate sponsors Durée & Company, Fibernet Direct and HSBC.

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Tanya Ferreiro
Principal and assurance practice leader, Kaufman Rossin
www.kaufmanrossin.com
2699 S. Bayshore Drive, Miami 33133
(305) 857-6737
Birthplace: Santiago de Cuba
Education: B.A. in accounting, Florida International University

Fun fact: “I have a snake phobia,” Tanya Ferreiro says. “Friends have suggested that I pet a snake to get over my fear, but there is absolutely no way I can do that. It may seem funny to others, but for me, the panic is real.”

A role model for some, mentored by others, the source of “a significant positive impact at her company and in her community.” These attributes define an influential businesswoman to Tanya Ferreiro.

Yet, they don’t have to come from a woman. Ferreiro’s path to becoming assurance practice leader with Kaufman Rossin began when she took a bookkeeping class in grade school and discovered she had a knack for numbers and accounting. Her teacher, Mr. Healy, encouraged and guided her to pursue accounting as a career.

One of her proudest moments was being named the firm’s first female partner. In an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated, this was a significant milestone. More recently, Ferreiro was appointed leader of the firm’s audit practice, managing one of the firm’s largest departments and identifying ways to increase productivity and revenue, principally through innovation. She’s proud of the recognition.

She’s also proud of her efforts in the community. Ferreiro has worked with several nonprofits through her role at the firm, providing audit services and guidance to the boards of organizations such as the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, United Way, Miami Dade College Foundation and Cure SMA. She also served on the board of directors and as the audit committee chair for CHARLEE, Children Have All Rights: Legal, Educational and Emotional.

Getting to this point in her career, Ferreiro has been motivated by a common philosophy – with a twist.

“If you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life,” she says. “While that may not be 100 percent true, pursuing your passion will certainly make you feel more fulfilled and accomplished.”