Griselle Marino, Dr. h.c.

Dr. Griselle Marino is a nationally recognized journalist and communications professional known for her impactful career across journalism, government, aviation, emergency management, nonprofit leadership, and real estate. Inducted into Florida International University’s (FIU) School of Communication and Journalism Hall of Fame in 2022, she currently serves as the Communications and Media Director for the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners’ Office of Community Advocacy. In this role, she oversees media strategy and external affairs for 12 advisory boards representing the County’s diverse population.

Marino’s career began in the airline industry at Miami International Airport, where she served high-level travelers through roles at Pan Am and United Airlines. Fluent in English and Spanish and conversational in French and Portuguese, her linguistic and cultural fluency laid the foundation for a communications career with global reach.

Her award-winning journalism includes two Emmy Awards and five nominations. She has interviewed figures such as Prince Albert of Monaco, Mikhail Gorbachev, Lord Charles Spencer (Princess Diana’s brother), and Desmond Tutu. She has reported on defining moments in American history, including the September 11 attacks, the 2000 presidential election, and the Terri Schiavo and Elian González cases. Her investigative reporting on child abduction and Cuba’s HIV confinement centers earned Congressional recognition.

Marino holds an associate degree in Business Administration from Miami Dade College, a bachelor’s in Mass Communication with a minor in English from FIU, and completed 43 credits in legal studies at FIU’s College of Law. She gained courtroom and legal experience as a paralegal with famed attorney Roy Black. In 2017, she was appointed to FEMA’s External Affairs cadre and served as a Media Relations Reservist.

In County government, Marino began her communications career at the Aviation Department, then served as Director of Media for the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, and later became Public Affairs Manager for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Office of Emergency Management. She has represented the County in FEMA emergency exercises and served on the Regional Domestic Security Task Force. Her specialized training includes public information roles during disasters and crises involving weapons of mass destruction.

Her public service work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the In the Company of Women Award for Communications and Literature, an honorary Doctorate in Ministry, the Excellence in Public Service Award (2024), and a Congressional Proclamation from Congresswoman Frederica Wilson.

As a community advocate, Marino is Director of Advocacy and External Affairs for Global Innovative Foundation, supporting survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and gun violence. She serves on the advisory board of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and has been on the American Cancer Society’s Board of Ambassadors since 2007.

Marino is currently authoring her first nonfiction book to raise awareness about a largely misunderstood women’s health crisis — a project inspired by her own personal health journey. Through honest education, prevention, and advocacy, she aims to empower women, particularly those from underserved and minority communities. The book is forthcoming, and updates will be shared as the project evolves.

Raised by strong women, Marino credits her mother — a PhD educator from Cuba who revalidated her credentials in the U.S. — and her aunt for guiding her through life as a young single mother. Her father, nearing 89, still works full time and remains a model of integrity and discipline. Her greatest pride is her two adult sons, David and Daniel, who inspire her daily and are the driving force behind her relentless advocacy and dedication.