We are thrilled to share that Claire Tolman Barone, Education Programs Manager at YES Institute, has been named Most Valuable Event Person of the Year by the Greater Miami Festivals and Events Association (GMFEA).

The award recognizes Claire’s leadership in producing YES Institute’s 30-Year Anniversary Celebration, “Luminous Voices, Limitless Futures,” held aboard the Biscayne Lady Yacht on Feb. 28, 2026. The evening brought together supporters, families, and friends to mark three decades of powerful work in communication and education for gender- and orientation-diverse youth.

Claire was nominated by Retta Logan, Director of Operations at A3 Visual and GMFEA board member, whose close partnership with YES Institute reflects the kind of belonging that makes this work possible. We are deeply grateful for Retta’s recognition and support.

This honor belongs to everyone who shows up for YES Institute’s mission. It is a reflection of what becomes possible when a community unites in a common purpose.

Want to be part of what comes next? The YES Institute Uplift Fund is raising $1 million to expand our reach and deepen our work. Through the Wildflower Foundation Matching Gift Campaign, every new gift and every increase above a previous annual gift is matched dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. Your contribution goes twice as far, right now.

Give to the Uplift Fund: yesinstitute.org/uplift-fund