In an evening celebrating the living legacy of the Green family, Florida International University’s FIU in D.C. hosted a reception and rooftop gathering on Thursday. It honored their transformative impact on the school and tyhe greater South Florida community.
The event celebrated Ambassador Steven J. Green, his wife Dorothea Green, and their daughter Dr. Kimberly Green for their decades of philanthropic leadership and dedication to education, public service and the arts. The event also marked two personal milestones for the family — the ambassador’s 80th birthday and the couple’s 58th wedding anniversary.
In addition to the guests of honor, FIU in D.C. hosted several notable figures like Singapore Ambassador Tuck Yew, former U.S. Rep. Illeana Ros-Lehtinen, and FIU Interim President Jeanette Nuñez.
“The entire Green family have not only been incredibly generous with their contributions, but they have also been unwavering in their support of our students,” said Núñez during her remarks.
The evening began with a reception and panel discussion on public diplomacy, international careers, and the significance of the family’s ongoing contributions. The conversation featured Dr. Kimberly Green, former U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia, and Ambassador to Indonesia Robert Gelbard. It was moderated by FIU alumna and journalist Niala Boodhoo.
“One of the ways we think we can help students is to do an insider’s guide with each of these fellows,” said Anthony Pereira, director of the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center.
This spring marks the first semester of the Green School’s Washington, D.C. program, which gives students the opportunity to live and study in the nation’s capital while exploring various career opportunities.
Political science senior Fiorella Perez, a member of the inaugural cohort, delivered a thank-you speech on behalf of the students.
“I also think it’s important to be inspired by people who are in a position maybe we want to get to,” said Perez. “It’s important to see that it’s possible and that they’re here supporting us to get there, too.”
From expanding access to healthcare through the Green Family Foundation NeighborhoodHELP program to supporting emerging artists via Green Space Miami, the family’s influence reaches far beyond FIU’s campus.
