Michael Capponi is the founder and president of Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), a leading international disaster relief nonprofit dedicated to providing swift, strategic, and sustainable aid to communities in crisis. A visionary humanitarian and entrepreneur, Capponi has leveraged his decades of experience in real estate development, logistics, and philanthropy to transform GEM into one of the most agile and impactful organizations in the global aid sector.
Capponi’s career began in Miami, where he became a pioneering figure in the city’s real estate and hospitality industries. Often credited with helping shape South Beach into a world-renowned destination, he built a reputation for visionary development and cultural influence. However, after a personal transformation in 2011, Capponi shifted his focus from nightlife and development toward humanitarian work, driven by a mission to bring dignity, speed, and long-term impact to disaster response.
Founded in 2011, GEM operates with a distinctive three-phase model: Disaster Relief, Stabilization, and Sustainable Development. This approach allows GEM to respond within 24 to 72 hours after a disaster, distribute critical aid, and remain on-site for months or years to help rebuild infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods. Capponi’s leadership has turned GEM into a model of modern humanitarian aid—efficient, transparent, and deeply rooted in local partnerships. GEM has a 100% rating from Charity Navigator and has outperformed the world’s biggest INGO’s in many countries.
To date, GEM has:
From the Haiti earthquake and Hurricane Dorian to the war in Ukraine, the Turkey-Syria earthquakes, the Maui wildfires, and the Israel-Hamas war, GEM has earned global recognition for its ability to act faster and more effectively than many traditional aid groups.
Capponi’s unique ability to bridge the worlds of private enterprise and public service has drawn support from corporations, philanthropists, celebrities, and governments. He continues to be a driving force in rethinking how humanitarian aid is deployed—prioritizing local empowerment, innovation, and long-term solutions over short-term optics.
His work has been featured by CNN, Forbes, NBC, The Miami Herald, and numerous international media outlets. Today, Michael Capponi remains at the forefront of global relief efforts, with a singular focus: empowering humanity through action. Michael has received multiple awards and accolades for his humanitarian work and regularly speaks at global conferences in Davos and Geneva.
2024 City of Doral
Key to the City
12 Good Men, 2023
Ronald McDonald House
Most Influential People in South Florida. 2008-2024
Haute 100
Citizen of the Year, 2022
Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce
Jan Karski Medal, 2022
Poland
Town of Surfside Proclamation, 2022
Dade County Proclamation, 2022
Humanitarian Award, 2021
Angels for Humanity
Humanitarian of the Year, 2019
Art Bodega Gala
Key to City of Miami, October 6, 2018
For Efforts during Hurricane Irma and Maria
Global Empowerment Mission Dedication Day, April 8, 2017
City Of Miami Beach
Philanthropist, 2016
Women In The Arts
Tony Goldman Historic Preservation Award In A Historic Residential Property, 2013
Miami Beach Chamber Of Commerce
Honored, 2012
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Honored For Work In Haiti, 2012
The Edeyo Foundation
Starfish Award, 2011
United Way
Miami Magic Honoree, 2011
Junior League Of Miami
Humanitarian Of The Year, 2011
Sustainatopia
Honored For Work In Haiti, 2011
Fashion Miami
Philanthropist Of The Year, 2011
Shuzz
Honorary Chairman, 2010
The Wellness Community
Humanitarian Award, 2010
Miami International Fashion Week
Community Partnership Award, 2009
Florida Campus Compact
Power Player, 2009
Florida International Magazine
Heart Of Gold Sponsor, 2009
The Wellness Community
Renovation Firm Of The Year, 2008
Developers & Builders Alliance
Community Excellence Hospitality, 2008
March Of Dimes
Changing Lives Award, 2007
Miami Rescue Mission
Building Communities And Rebuilding Lives Award Of Excellence, 2007
Developers & Builders Alliance
Honored, 2004
American Red Cross Greater Miami & The Keys Fundraising Trailblazer, 2002
American Red Cross Greater Miami & The Keys
