Michael Capponi

Founder/President
Michael Capponi

Michael Capponi is known as one of the key pioneer’s 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 has fully retired from the private sector and focuses 100% of his time and efforts to 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 innovative, efficient and modernized systems.

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, 40 countries, distributed over 250 Million Dollars in supplies, coordinated over 332 disaster mission trips and built or repaired more than 124 homes, 7 schools and supported children in Haiti with their education for the last decade.

Humanitarian Awards

  • Citizen of the Year, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce 2022
  • Jan Karski Medal , Poland 2022
  • Town of Surfside Proclamation 2022
  • Dade County Proclamation 2022
  • Key to City of Miami, for Efforts during Hurricane Irma and Maria: October 6, 2018
  • Merit of Values & Excellency Award from the Foundation of the Americas.
  • Fundraising Trailblazer, American Red Cross Greater Miami & The Keys: 2002
  • Honored, American Red Cross Greater Miami & The Keys: 2004
  • Changing Lives Award, Miami Rescue Mission: 2007
  • Building Communities And Rebuilding Lives Award Of Excellence, Developers & Builders Alliance: 2007
  • Community Excellence Hospitality, March Of Dimes: 2008
  • Community Partnership Award, Florida Campus Compact: 2009
  • Power Player, Florida International Magazine: 2009
  • Heart Of Gold Sponsor, The Wellness Community: 2009
  • Honorary Chairman, The Wellness Community: 2010
  • Humanitarian Award, Miami International Fashion Week: 2010
  • 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
  • Honored, Make-A-Wish Foundation: 2012
  • Honored For Work In Haiti, The Edeyo Foundation: 2012
  • Philanthropist, Women In The Arts: 2016
  • Global Empowerment Mission Dedication Day, City Of Miami Beach: April 8, 2017

More Team Members

Kazi
Bash Kazi
a16eda1fb36084b23e0e634071374b26
Claudine De Niro
Kaj Larsen
Kaj Larsen
53c4b0d8-2c91-4439-93cc-ab18b7b3efc4
Bianca Bucaram
Jamila Sozahdah
Jamila Sozahdah
Antonio Misuraca
Antonio Misuraca