Innovative Builder
For nearly 30 years, Jose F. Matos of CCS G Contractors has helped develop small and large-scale award-winning residential projects in Key Biscayne and beyond. A Civil Engineer, General Contractor & Developer, he is actively involved in the Builders Association of South Florida, the National Association of Home Builders and the Florida Home Builders Association. He believes Miami is a cultural crossroads — vibrant, entrepreneurial, and full of energy. “It’s a city where diversity thrives and where people from all backgrounds can come together to innovate and build,” he says. “We are all capable of making a lasting impact on the world.”
Wellness Champion
Raised in a household where business wasn’t just a job, it was a way of life, Alicia Otero credits her entrepreneurial mindset to her family. Growing up, conversations around the dinner table involved talks about clients, strategy, growth and how to build something that lasts. She took those lessons to heart and launched wildly popular Pilates Zone and Movement Zone in Key Biscayne, offering Pilates, Barre, TRX, and Aerial Silks classes to a diverse range of clientele. “My mission is to empower others through mindful movement, education, and community-driven wellness,” she says. “Always believe in your voice, trust your journey, and lift others as you rise.”
Modern Legacy
A visionary businesswoman, global strategist, and third-generation leader of ARS Communications, Mariana Frias Melchert has evolved one of Latin America’s most iconic advertising agencies into an international powerhouse with a strong presence in the U.S. and strategic alliances around the world. “I always encourage others to lead with authenticity, to stay curious and build bridges — not walls,” she says. “Aim to seek collaboration and create spaces where others can rise alongside you. Our greatest strength lies in our ability to connect, adapt, and transform with heart.” Secrets to success? “You don’t have to choose between tradition and innovation,” she says. “You can embody both — and when you do, you become a leader who is not only effective, but unforgettable.”
