Miami, FL, Friday 19 September 2025. The 9th SAMA Board Meeting of 2025 was held a week later than the usual 2nd Thursday of the month. To be precise, It was held on Thursday 18 September at the World Trade Center in Miami. Officers present were Daniel Álvarez (president), Joaquín Ruhi (vice president) and Jorge “Nacho” García (secretary). Also present were president emeritus Paul Borden, immediate past president Woodie Lesesne, board member Eduardo Hapke and board advisor María Ravani.. Special guests were Albert Collazo (Hispanic Communications Director for Ford), Ariel García-Linares (Vice President, Transportation Sector at Ketchum), John Kiskinis (President of Kiskinis Communications) and Tony Serrato of Prestige Auto.
September events completed…
The busiest month on SAMA’s 2025 calendar kicked off with the successful completion of the second Hot Wheels Fun Day. This spiritual successor to SAMA’s Rides and Smiles served as a kickoff for National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month events at the Miami Cancer Institute. The brave young children and teenage warriors battling pediatric cancer enjoyed the respite provided by the vehicles present (including a Rolls-Royce!)
…and upcoming
Naturally, the September 2025 SAMA Board Meeting centered on the month’s remaining events. First up is the 2nd annual ChargedUp Miami drive and awards event for electrified vehicles. This is held on Wednesday 24 September at The Athletic Club Miami. Last-minute details were confirmed and ironed out. These included the attendance of 12 vehicles from 10 brands, the precise event schedule and more.
SAMA’s September’ calendar finalizes with the 2025 Miami International Auto Show. On Thursday 25 September, a trio of jurors will select the 2025 SAMA Award recipients. They are vice president Joaquín Ruhi, secretary Jorge “Nacho” García and our newest member Diego Porciello.
John Kiskinis confirmed a number of details about the Auto Show. The press day schedule for Friday 26 September was confirmed and finalized. Media Registration and credentials pickup starts at 9 AM at Ocean Drive Room A of the Miami Beach Convention Center. At 10 AM Stellantis’ Jeep division will host the Opening Breakfast for media. The final press conference of the day will be the SAMA Awards presentation. This will take place at 11:45 AM at the Squadra Lupo display.
