Michael Capponi

Founder/President

Michael Capponi is known as one of the key pioneers instrumental in shaping the image, popularity, and growth of Miami Beach. Over the past 30 years, Michael has been a leading force in the hospitality and entertainment industries and one of the most accomplished residential real estate developers in South Florida. Michael’s humanitarian and philanthropic missions started in 1999. He is now fully retired from the private sector and focuses 100% of his time and efforts on GEM. He now brings the skills of his prior endeavors to his philanthropic work with GEM.

He has built an international organization that’s disrupting the disaster sector through its innovative, efficient and modernized systems. Unlike many non profit executives, Michael is hands on, boots on the ground, on the field and the offices. He oversees the management of 6 international branches on multiple continents. Read More

GEM has the ability to immediately respond around the world to all phases of disasters. By harnessing the power of social media, celebrity influencers, strategic public-private partnerships and a strong, knowledgeable base of experienced volunteers, Michael has created a replicable formula to have an efficient and effective response to global disasters.

By leveraging support, streamlining and managing logistics and implementing sustainable construction practices, Michael has guided GEM to yield safe and effective results reaching hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries. GEM has responded to disasters in all 50 states, 50 countries, distributed over 250 Million Dollars in supplies, coordinated over 335 disaster mission trips and built or repaired more than 500 homes, 15 schools and supported children in Haiti with their education for the last decade.

Humanitarian Awards

  • 12 Good Men, Ronald McDonald House 2023
  • Haute 100, Most Influential People in South Florida 2008-2023
  • Citizen of the Year, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce 2022
  • Jan Karski Medal, Poland 2022
  • Town of Surfside Proclamation 2022
  • Dade County Proclamation 2022
  • Angels for Humanity, Humanitarian Award 2021
  • Art Bodega Gala Humanitarian of the Year 2019
  • Key to City of Miami, for Efforts during Hurricane Irma and Maria 2018
  • Global Empowerment Mission Dedication Day, City Of Miami Beach 2017
  • Philanthropist, Women In The Arts 2016
  • Honored, Make-A-Wish Foundation 2012
  • Honored For Work In Haiti, The Edeyo Foundation 2012
  • Starfish Award, United Way 2011
  • Miami Magic Honoree, Junior League Of Miami 2011
  • Humanitarian Of The Year, Sustainatopia 2011
  • Honored For Work In Haiti, Fashion Miami 2011
  • Philanthropist Of The Year, Shuzz 2011
  • Honorary Chairman, The Wellness Community 2010
  • Humanitarian Award, Miami International Fashion Week 2010
  • Merit of Values & Excellency Award from the Foundation of the Americas.
  • Community Partnership Award, Florida Campus Compact 2009
  • Power Player, Florida International Magazine 2009
  • Heart Of Gold Sponsor, The Wellness Community 2009
  • Community Excellence Hospitality, March Of Dimes 2008
  • Changing Lives Award, Miami Rescue Mission 2007
  • Building Communities And Rebuilding Lives Award Of Excellence, Developers & Builders Alliance 2007
  • American Cancer Society, Relay For Life Award 2005
  • Honored, American Red Cross Greater Miami & The Keys 2004
  • Fundraising Trailblazer, American Red Cross Greater Miami & The Keys 2002

More Team Members

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Nina Lesavoy
Dashama
Dashama
GG HeadShot Closeup 2018
Gary M. Goldfarb
Kazi
Bash Kazi

Chairman

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Claudine De Niro
Kaj Larsen
Kaj Larsen

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