Before joining the Beacon Council full-time, Ayla worked with the organization as an independent contractor, supporting financial operations, marketing initiatives, and business development efforts. Her expertise spans coordinating outreach efforts, expense analysis, CRM-driven lead generation, and stakeholder engagement, making her an invaluable asset in strengthening business relationships and enhancing Miami’s economic landscape.
Her career has taken her across industries, from managing luxury jewelry and fashion retail to leading visual merchandising strategies and private shopping experiences. She understands brand positioning, customer engagement, and market trends—insights that now help her support businesses looking to expand in Miami-Dade.
Fluent in English, French, Haitian Creole, and Spanish, Ayla thrives in diverse environments and enjoys building relationships across industries. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Florida International University and an Associate of Arts in Fashion Merchandising from AI-Miami International University of Art & Design.
Ayla is thrilled to join such an awe-inspiring team, contributing to the meaningful and impactful work of driving economic growth in Miami-Dade. With a passion for innovation and business development, she looks forward to supporting Miami-Dade’s thriving economic landscape.
How long have you been at The Beacon Council?
As a contractor since November of 2023
How long have you lived in Miami?
Born and Raised in Miami. Only did a semester in NYC if that counts as out of state.
Why Miami?
Miami is a rare mix of cultures—locals, transplants from all over the U.S., and internationals. That diversity isn’t just what makes the city interesting, it’s what makes it feel like home no matter where you’re from.
What’s your favorite project that you have worked on at The Beacon Council?
I’ve really enjoyed working with the BD team—their ability to close projects and make an impact is what inspired me to join full-time. Seeing their work firsthand showed me how much goes into bringing opportunities to Miami, and I wanted to be part of that.
Why did you join The Beacon Council?
I did choose to pursue the position because I was incredibly inspired by the mission of the Beacon Council as well as the team.
What is your perfect Miami day? Or what is your favorite thing to do in Miami?
My favorite thing to do in Miami is head on down to a Miami neighborhood that has a mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment spots and explore. There are always new things opening up so I like to explore and see what’s new in say Coconut Grove or Miracle Mile.
Why do you work in economic development?
I believe in Rod’s sign-off—”Juntos Ganamos!”—because when Miami grows, we all win. Economic development isn’t just about business; it’s about creating opportunities for everyone. Miami has so much to offer, and I want to help showcase that so more people can thrive here.
What do you imagine for Miami in the next decade?
I see Miami becoming an even bigger global powerhouse over the next decade—kind of like an international version of NYC but with our own flavor. One of the things that makes Miami special is how seamlessly different cultures blend here. Depending on where you are, it can feel like you’ve stepped into another country, which is something not many cities can pull off. If we can build on that cultural richness while strengthening our position as a business and tech hub, we could become the go-to entry point for companies looking to break into the U.S. market. With our location, talent pool, and growing industries, we have everything we need to make that happen.
How has working for The Beacon Council changed your perspective of Miami?
It’s made me realize how much work goes on behind the scenes to keep Miami’s economy growing. Despite rising costs nationwide, the efforts at Beacon help create opportunities that soften the impact and keep Miami moving forward.