Begoñe Cazalis has an extensive background in communications and government relations, in both public and private sectors. She started her career as a journalist for The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald covering local government in various Miami-Dade municipalities.

Begoñe served as the Public Information Officer, and later Assistant to the City Manager at the City of Homestead, where she led the City’s National Parks Trolley program and the City’s branding of Homestead as the Gateway to the National Parks in partnership with Everglades and Biscayne National Parks.

Prior to joining the Everglades Foundation team, Begoñe handled Public Affairs and Government Relations for Coca-Cola Beverages Florida at the state and federal level, leading sustainability efforts, as well as education and economic development programs. Previously, she also managed Marketing and Communications for St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, FL, where she has also taught the occasional communications course.

Begoñe has a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in Journalism from Florida International University, and a Master’s in Communications from St. Thomas University.

She lives in Miami, her longtime hometown, in front of the Biscayne Bay.