For women returning from incarceration, the path forward is shaped by immediate realities: where to live, how to pay for groceries, and who will offer employment when a background check can close a door before an interview begins.

For 17 years, the Ladies Empowerment and Action Program (LEAP) has built its model around those realities. Its work begins with trauma-informed education inside prisons and Miami-Dade County jails and continues after release through transitional housing, reentry support, workforce development, and paid employment.

On Friday, Oct. 30, LEAP will bring the people, partnerships, and possibilities behind that work into focus at its annual Second Chance Gala: Celestial Masquerade, taking place from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Rubell Museum, 1100 NW 23 St., Miami, Florida 33127.

The annual gala will celebrate 17 years of LEAP’s work supporting women impacted by incarceration and aims to raise $250,000 for the organization’s incarceration-to-community programs.

LEAP’s model begins inside Florida prisons and Miami-Dade County jails through trauma-informed education, workforce preparation, and personal development. After release, the organization continues that support through transitional housing, reentry services, education, job training, and immediate paid employment through Dragonfly, LEAP’s social enterprise boutique.

LEAP launched Dragonfly in 2018 after recognizing that counseling, education, and employment preparation could only go so far if women could not quickly secure a job and begin paying for rent, food, transportation, and other necessities.

Through three-month paid internships at Dragonfly, women develop retail and technology skills, establish work histories and professional references, and gain experience in a supportive workplace. Some interns earn permanent positions and continue developing within the boutique.

In October 2025, Dragonfly moved to South Miami, bringing the boutique and LEAP’s program operations under one roof. Its curated inventory includes clothing, accessories, home goods, and a dedicated selection of designer pieces. Revenue from donated merchandise helps support wages, job training, and LEAP’s broader programming.

“Dragonfly grew out of a very practical need,” said Mahlia Lindquist, executive director of LEAP. “Women were completing classes, doing the counseling, and preparing to build different lives, but many still needed an employer willing to give them an immediate opportunity. We created a place where they could earn a paycheck, gain experience, and be welcomed for who they are becoming… not defined only by where they have been.”

Since 2009, LEAP has served more than 2,000 justice-impacted women, graduated more than 450 women from its in-prison program, reached more than 900 women through its jail programming, and delivered more than 60,000 hours of retail and technology job training. LEAP reports a recidivism rate below 7 percent among its prison-program alumni, compared with an approximate U.S. average of 58 percent.

An immersive evening at the Rubell Museum
Inspired by the night sky, Celestial Masquerade will be designed as an experience unfolding throughout the museum.

The evening will feature performances by LEAP graduates, a special performance of songs from Phantom of the Opera arranged by Radmila Lolly, tarot readings, food stations, a 360-degree photo experience, and live and silent auctions.

Guests also will be invited to write a wish to add to an evolving constellation installation. Additional details include custom keychains created by Piper & Skye made from lionfish skin, giving the invasive species an unexpected second use.

Celestial cocktail or evening attire is encouraged, including metallic, sparkling, or night-sky-inspired details. Masks are encouraged but optional.

2026 honorees
LEAP will recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership and partnership have helped expand opportunities for women impacted by incarceration.
Program Stars: Corinne Webb and Shed Boren — Former LEAP instructors recognized for their service and dedication to the organization’s participants.
Corporate Star: Lennar Foundation — Recognized for its investment in LEAP’s mission and programs.
Community Star: Ivon Mesa — Recognized for her leadership and partnership through the Miami-Dade County Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

“LEAP has been a trusted partner to the Miami-Dade Department of Corrections for over 15 years, providing life-changing programs that truly prepare women for success after incarceration,” Mesa said.

LEAP also gratefully thanks its 2026 gala sponsors, including the Lennar Foundation, Radmila Lolly Productions, Holland & Knight, In Memory of Michael Seltzer, Aksenyushkina Foundation, Sockel-Stone Family Law, Cristina Young LLC, Canal Road Group, Piper & Skye, and many more whose generous support helps make this evening, and LEAP’s work throughout the year, possible.

Introducing the Michael Seltzer Leadership Fellowship: The 2026 Second Chance Gala will serve as the platform to debut the Michael Seltzer Leadership Fellowship, including the introduction of its inaugural Fellow.

Michael Seltzer believed deeply in the transformative power of education. As a lifelong educator, volunteer, and devoted supporter of LEAP, he understood that talent and leadership are universal, but opportunity is not.

The Fellowship honors his legacy by investing each year in one extraordinary LEAP graduate whose lived experience, resilience, and leadership with the power to strengthen communities and transform lives. During her fellowship year, she will join LEAP as a full-time paid team member, lead a community impact project, represent LEAP as an ambassador for second chances, engage in advocacy and systems-change work, build relationships with civic and community leaders, and complete and present an annual Capstone Lecture.

She also will receive executive mentorship and coaching, leadership and public-speaking training, and support to carry her project forward.

Designed to invest deeply in one emerging leader at a time, the fellowship carries forward Michael’s belief in human potential while creating a ripple effect across the women LEAP serves and the systems it works to change.

For more information, visit LEAPforLadies.org.

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.