MIAMI – Andy Ansola, a South Florida Caribbean Community leader has been selected by the Millennium Movers committee to receive the coveted South Florida Shaker Award.
Millennium Movers is an organization of professionals dedicated to going above and beyond the 9 to 5 and promoting causes to benefit its members and the community. Each month Millennium Movers selects an outstanding individual who can “Shake and move” in South Florida.
By presenting them with a “Shaker Award,” we honor individuals who demonstrate excellence and outstanding leadership in the community and in their professional careers.
Andy Ansola was the recipient of the December 2007 Shaker Award. Proud of his heritage, Andy is an example of a true leader who is very influential in South Florida. A reception is being planned to honor Mr. Ansola milestone achievement.
Andy Ansola Profile
While Eisenhower was playing golf in Mexico and the world had its eyes set on the Civil Rights movement Andy Ansola was born on a J’Ouvert morning in Trinidad and Tobago on a leap year day. From a humble birth to a humble upbringing Andy Ansola has become a mover and shaker in the South Florida region.
At the tender age of 14 while living in Trinidad and Tobago his leadership skills sprung into action and he formed Y.O.U.T.H. (Young Organization of United teenagers from Hickling Village). Under his leadership YOUTH performed plays directed by Mr. Ansola and hosted an annual Sports meeting for the next 3 years during the Easter holidays. The event came to an abrupt end when at the age of 17 Mr. Ansola left for the “bright lights’ of the City of San Fernando.
Mr. Ansola became a police officer at the age of 19 and once again his leadership skills and desire to help the underprivileged gained him early recognition. Mr. Ansola first traveled to Miami in 1984 and then returned to Brooklyn New York in 1989 to further his education. In 1992 he relocated to Hollywood, Florida and returned to school in 1996 as an adult learner. At St. Thomas University he graduated valedictorian in the class of 2000 with a triple major. This is the first in the history of St. Thomas University and has never been duplicated.
Mr. Ansola has over 10 years experience in the Human Services field with a concentration on Marriage and Family Therapy, Thanatology (Grief, Loss and Healing), Mental Health, Social Services, Program Development, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Management, and Event Planning.
Andy Ansola
Mr. Ansola has a Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and certifications in Anger Management, Grief and Loss, Train the Trainer in Diversity, and Train the Trainer in Disaster Management. He began his Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in 2003. Mr. Ansola has undertaken a clinical project where he developed a model of Grief and Loss for Minority families but has taken some time off since 2005.
Mr. Ansola is well known in the Human Services field and Academia by all levels of government, the media, public schools, and social service agencies. Mr. Ansola is entrenched in the South Florida community as a member of the Broward County Diversity Advisory Board, the Broward County Nutrition Task Force, past member of the City of Hollywood Education Advisory Board, member of the City of Hollywood African Advisory Council, the Chairperson of Volunteers for Ft. Lauderdale Sister City, a member of the Million Meals Committee, the President of Broward Caribbean Carnival Inc., the Chair of the Diaspora of Trinidad and Tobago, the President of Sesame Flyers of South Florida Inc., the President of N.I.C.E. (National Intercity Cultural Exposition) member of 50th Anniversary Planning Committee for the City of Lauderhill, member of the City of Lauderhill Sister Cities Committee, sits on many boards and has received numerous awards.
Mr. Ansola is a Christian and confronts his challenges with spiritual guidance at the helm. He has been married to his wife Karen for 15 years. Mr. Ansola has 7 children and 2 grandsons, 4 sisters, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and hundreds of close associates. Mr. Ansola loves all sports and feels at times that he could have made it to the NBA. Mr. Ansola is an unpublished author, poet, and a general all rounder. Mr. Ansola has done almost everything from delivering newspapers, to painting houses, to cab driving, to cooking, to cleaning floors-you name it.
Mr. Ansola sets high goals and standards for himself and those that he leads. He is one of the most prominent leaders in the Caribbean/African American community, and a shaker and mover. If it addresses community, youth, the underprivileged, culture, injustice, and economic empowerment you can count on Andy Ansola to join your team and make it happen. He can “hit the ground running by any means necessary” his favorite line.
Favorite quote
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to Justice everywhere” Martin Luther King Jr.
