Dr. Griselle Marino – Top Latino
Doral, FL /LWW/ Dr. Griselle Marino, Director, Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board, Office of Community Advocacy for Miami Dade County, has been recognized by the Top Latinos in the 2026 edition.
In the heart of Miami-Dade County, where cultures converge and diversity thrives, Dr. Griselle Marino has dedicated her life to building bridges—between communities, governments, and individuals. Her journey is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Born into a multicultural world, Griselle’s early years were shaped by a deep appreciation for her heritage and a desire to amplify the voices of those often unheard. This passion led her to pursue a career in journalism, where she quickly made her mark. As a news anchor, host, and reporter, she didn’t just tell stories—she changed lives. Her exposé on Cuba’s confinement of HIV-positive individuals brought international attention to practices later discussed in United Nations and public health forums as human rights concerns. Her relentless pursuit of justice reunited a local Hispanic mother with her abducted daughters in the Middle East, a story that ultimately led to a long-awaited reunification more than two decades later with the help of social media, one so impactful it reached the halls of the U.S. Congress.
Griselle’s journalistic excellence earned her two Emmy Awards and five nominations, but her work was never about the accolades—it was about the people. Whether interviewing global figures like Mikhail Gorbachev, Desmond Tutu, Prince Albert II of Monaco, and Charles Spencer, brother of the late Princess Diana, to covering the South Florida impact of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Griselle infused humanity into every story she told. Her reporting spanned major national and international events, including the 2000 presidential election, the Elián González case, and high-profile stories such as the Terri Schiavo legal battle and the cases of Jessica Lunsford and Natalie Holloway.
In 2004, Griselle transitioned from journalism to public service, joining the Miami-Dade County Government. Over the years, she climbed the ranks, serving under nine different Chairs of the County Commission—a reflection of continuity, institutional knowledge, and trusted leadership within Miami-Dade County government—and eventually becoming Director of its Media Division. Her ability to connect with people and her dedication to community advocacy led her to her current role as Director of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board in the Office of Community Advocacy. Here, she champions civic participation, advances community-centered policies, and fosters active citizenship among one of the nation’s largest Hispanic populations, while overseeing communications and external affairs for 12 advisory boards representing the diverse communities of Miami-Dade County.
But Griselle’s impact doesn’t stop at her government role. She is a tireless advocate for causes close to her heart. As Director of Advocacy and External Affairs for the Global Innovative Foundation, she tackles issues like domestic violence, human trafficking, and gun violence. Her decades-long volunteer work with the American Cancer Society has inspired countless others to join the fight against breast cancer. She was also appointed to FEMA’s External Affairs Cadre, supporting disaster response communications efforts during times of need. And her involvement with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and the FIU School of Communication + Journalism reflects her commitment to education and health in Hispanic communities.
Griselle’s achievements are a testament to her relentless drive and boundless compassion. She has been recognized with numerous honors, including induction into the Florida International University School of Communication + Journalism Hall of Fame, the In the Company of Women Award, and the upcoming Hispanic Women of Distinction Award in 2026. She also holds an honorary doctorate in ministry in recognition of her work in advocacy and journalism. Yet, she remains grounded, crediting her family and mentors for their unwavering support. Her sons are her greatest source of pride and inspiration.
Beyond her professional accolades, Griselle’s life is a testament to the power of multicultural engagement and the importance of giving back. Whether as a journalist, a public servant, or a community leader, she has consistently used her platform to uplift others and create meaningful change.
Dr. Griselle Marino’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and an unyielding belief in the power of advocacy. She reminds us that one person, armed with passion and purpose, can truly make a difference in the world.
Top Latinos is a prestigious New York publication dedicated to honoring the achievements of the Latino community. They meticulously identify and honor outstanding Latino professionals nationwide who have reached impressive levels of success in their respective fields. By showcasing their accomplishments, they aim to foster growth and appreciation of the Latino industry and culture. Since their establishment in 2010, Top Latinos has been wholeheartedly committed to fulfilling their mission of bringing awareness to the exceptional contributions made by the Latino professional and executive community.