Once a recipient of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, attorney Devon Vickers now works with the non-profit, serving on the legal team that helped expand their southern Florida headquarters. Devon’s triumphant fight against childhood cancer fueled her ambition as an adult, breaking barriers as a land zone attorney and earning her the title of “Rising Star” in Florida Super Lawyers.
“Professionally, I’m proud to use my legal career at Greenberg Traurig to help shape projects that strengthen our communities, but the project that means the most to me is my work with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida,” Vickers shared. “As a former Make-A-Wish child, the organization poured so much hope into me during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. Decades later, having the opportunity to serve on the legal team that helped bring its new headquarters and Wish House to life felt like everything had come full circle.”
Vickers, like other members of the 2026 Class of Legacy Miami’s 40 under 40, draws inspiration from those who came before them — the legacy of generations past motivating them forward. For Dr. Andre Jackson, assistant principal of Miami Jackson Senior High School, 40 under 40 represents more than his hard work alone; it reflects the investment from his family, mentors, community and those who supported his journey.
“The impact I’m most proud of is helping change the trajectory of people’s lives,” Jackson said. “Whether it’s a student who discovered their potential, a teacher who found confidence in their abilities, or a leader who grew into a stronger version of themselves, those transformations are what matter most to me.”
Another honoree creating impact in the community is Marcus Barfield, who serves as the district coordinator for Miami-Dade County Commission District 3. In this role, he addresses constituent concerns, facilitates community engagement, and coordinates activities for the district.
Honoree Vanessa Champagne also gives back to the community in her role as the senior director of Development for City Year Miami, a non-profit that prepares students with academic, workforce, and interpersonal skills needed to succeed.
When it comes to hospitality in Miami, two 40 under 40 honorees pave the way. Jenifer Caison, a hospitality sales executive at the Miami Beach Convention Center, has more than a decade of experience supporting luxury markets and delivering high-impact event experiences.
Honoree Cheyenne Rodney is thriving on social media, dishing a dose of South Florida cuisine to her thousands of followers, hungry for more from the energetic Miami food and culture storyteller. Rodney’s venture, “Tales at the Table,” is an immersive dining experience where culture, cuisine, and conversation come together.
“Tales at the Table is one of the impacts I am most proud of,” she said. “It allows us to preserve and share important Black history through food, storytelling, and meaningful conversation.”
Keno Tate Jr. is another leader in the culinary scene, expanding the family business as the chief operating officer of Tasty Tate’s Catering, bringing vibrant flavor to events across the region. Rooted in Bahamian culture, the business blends generations of family recipes and traditions with modern American fusion.
Kelvin Hair uses his creative talents as an actor, model, and producer, with roles in popular TV series such as “Black Lightning” and “Sistas.” Marqueita Bowen stands out in her own right, a locomotive engineer in a male-dominated industry. Bowen blends her background in advocacy with her locomotive career as a mental health advocate for her field, speaking on suicide prevention and burnout.
When it comes to the accounting industry, honorees Alex Auguste, managing director of Citrin Cooperman, and Dominique Chandler, accountant and owner of Chandler Accounting, navigate complex accounting transactions, creating financial solutions for their clients.
In the modern AI revolution, Rushell Hylton is at the forefront as the senior leader of Ai Product & Program Delivery at The Hartford. In this role, she bridges the gap between complex Ai innovation and measurable business value.
“I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and intentional leadership,” Hylton reflected.”Professionally, I want to pave the way for more women and underrepresented leaders in data, analytics, and Ai. Personally, I want my daughter and community to see that you can lead with passion, integrity, and purpose.”
Together, the 2026 Class of 40 under 40 represents a new generation of Black excellence — one that is creating opportunities and legacies that inspire change.
