As Executive Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Funding Development at the Miami-Dade Beacon Council (MDBC), Dr. Paula Hopkins will champion The Beacon Council’s partner engagement and major gifts strategy in support of its mission to develop a more sustainable, inclusive and competitive economy for Greater Miami.
The former PepsiCo executive brings more than 30 years of experience in leadership, sales, strategy and operations to the organization. The newly created role allows her to focus on foundational and institutional giving, public and private sector grants, and higher level partnerships that extend the organization’s reach and impact.
A long-time Miami resident and advocate, Dr. Hopkins is an innovative leader with experience in commercial strategy, supply chain operations, and non-profit board participation. She understands the dynamics driving a diverse economy like Greater Miami’s, and knows how to harness the power of a shared vision to deliver for investors, partners, the organization, and our community.
In addition to her role in PepsiCo’s sales organization, Paula oversaw and executed strategic initiatives that cut across the enterprise and its multi-billion dollar sales units. Her leadership was pivotal in driving numerous initiatives that advanced equity within the organization, including analytical workstreams for PepsiCo’s journey to become a company that focused on equity and inclusion through the pillars for People, Business, and Community. Most recently, Dr. Hopkins launched her own investment and consulting firm, Second and Sixth, which specialized in reinvigorating businesses, developing and preparing top talent for executive leadership, and supporting organizations with new strategic initiatives.
A three-time Rollins College alumnus, Dr. Hopkins followed her Bachelor of Arts in Sales and Marketing from Rollins College with a Master of Business Administration and a Doctorate in Business Administration, both from the Crummer Graduate School at Rollins College. Dr. Hopkins completed her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification at Purdue University, and is a certified LifeBound Executive Coach.
Dr. Hopkins is actively engaged in her community, volunteering with several non-profit organizations including Women of Color Empowerment Institute, Best Buddies, and National Forum Black Public Administrators. Leadership roles include serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors for GlobalMindED, a non-profit dedicated to closing the equity gap by cultivating a diverse and skilled talent pipeline, and as a member of the Board of Directors for Warrick Dunn Charities and the Urban League of Louisiana. Paula actively participates in the YWCA of South Florida’s Economic Justice Council, and was a distinguished member of Greater Miami’s Super Bowl Host Committee in 2020.
Why did you join the Beacon Council?
I became a member of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council to serve as a catalyst for change, an innovator, and a bridge-builder, working to create more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable communities. This work impacts the present and sets the tone for future generations.
How long have you lived in Miami?
15 years
Why Miami?
I absolutely love the Culture or Cultura in Miami! The city attracts people from all over the world, who bring with them their customs, languages, food, music, and art. The diversity of the culture is truly unmatched.
What’s your favorite project that you have worked on at the Beacon Council?
Our fourth strategic pillar, “Shaping the Future”, empowers me to collaborate with public, private, and not-for-profit organizations to unleash the power of community engagement, collaboration, and innovation. Together, we take charge of addressing the complex challenges of our times and shaping a brighter future for the next generation.
What’s your perfect Miami day?
There’s nothing I love more than sitting on the beach with a good book, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves as they roll in.
What do you imagine for Miami in the next decade?
Big things! We are outgrowing our Gateway to the Americas brand and becoming a global city center.
Why do you work in economic development?
Economic development is dynamic and impactful and, more importantly, essential for the health and vitality of any community. I get to wake up every day and make a difference.
What do you imagine for Miami in the next decade?
Miami’s economy is poised for continued growth, not only due to its status as a gateway to Latin America but also because of its significant contributions to innovation, technology, and cultural development.