Long-known as the gateway to Latin American and the Caribbean, Miami-Dade County is positioned as a cultural and economic hub for the region. An entrance to one of the most promising regional economies, Miami is considered the second-largest financial hub in the U.S - hosting many multinational corporations’ Latin America headquarters. Its diverse populace provides a talented, multilingual workforce, with 22% of all degrees, bachelors or higher, in Florida awarded to someone of Hispanic descent. Within this position, Miami-Dade County is tasked with the roles of cultural diplomacy to improve relations across communities, fostering economic partnerships and sister city relationships with surrounding nations, and facilitating the mass exchange of resources that takes place across the regions. In this Fireside, the Miami-Dade Mayor, Hon. Daniella Levine Cava, will discuss the essential role of Miami-Dade county for the region, and the challenges and successes this brings to the Miami-Dade area.