Board Members

Board Members

At Lives Amplified, we are are privileged to have the following individuals as members of our honorary and other boards

Dr. Steven V. Melnik
Chairman
Mr. Andres Pastrana
Former President of Colombia
Mr. Yves Leterme
Former Prime Minister of Belgium
Mr. Vicente Fox Quesada
Former President of Mexico
Mr. Igor Lukšić
Former Prime Minister of Montenegro
Mr. Jorge Tuto Quiroga
Former President of Bolivia
Mr. Joseph Jouthe
Former Prime Minister of Haiti
Mr. Juan Gerardo Guaidó Márquez,
Former Interim President of Venezuela.
Mr. Ivo Josipović
Former President of Croatia
Mr. Jamil Mahuad
Former President of Ecuador
Mr. Youssef Chahed
Former Prime Minister of Tunisia
Mr. Djoomart Otorbaev
Former Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic
Joseph Muscat
Former Prime Minister of Malta
Mr. Rosen Plevneliev
Former President of Bulgaria

Honorary Members:

Hon. George Hamilton
Consul General of Sierra Leone
Darrel Montrope
Consul General of Saint Lucia
Abubakar Jidda
Consul General of Nigeria
Robin Bernstein
U.S. Ambassador (Ret.)
Dominican Republic
Pàul Arcelin
Amb (Ret.) of the Republic of Haiti to the Dominican Republic.
Oskars Kastēns
Minister for Special Assignments (Ret.) Latvia.
Arnaldo Castillo
Minister of Commerce (Ret.)
Honduras.
Mr. Miroslav Lajcak
Fmr. President of the United Nations General Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia
Jean Henry Céant
Prime Minister (Ret.) République of Haiti
Medhat Hassanein
Minister of Finance (Ret.) 
Egypt
Mayor Sheran Palacio
Major of Belmopan (Ret.) Belize
Rosalía Arteaga Serrano
President (Ret.) Ecuador
Vuk Jeremić
Frm. president of the United Nations General Assembly, frm. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
Shawn Richards
Current Member of the Parliament; Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Urban Development, Minister of Education and Sports (Ret), St. Kitts and Nevis.

Our Mission

At the heart of Lives Amplified is a commitment to:

  1. Amplify the Development and Support of Transformative Ideas: We foster innovation that promises to uplift lives worldwide.
  2. Amplify Positive Change: Our society is a conduit for the dissemination and implementation of social, political, and technology-driven solutions.
  3. Amplify The Bridge Between Sectors for Collaborative Success: We create connections between government, business, social, and academic sectors, facilitating unprecedented cooperation.
  4. Amplify Thinktank for Transformation: Lives Amplified is a crucible for the development of ideas that transform societies.
  5. Amplify Value for Members: Through networking, leadership opportunities, access to global leaders and world class entertainment, we offer our members unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth, influence and fulfillment.

The Most Elegant Locations

To infuse a sense of perpetual adventure and excitement into each experience, Cigars With Benefits takes you on a journey through vibrant landscapes. Our events unfold at diverse premier venues, each chosen with meticulous attention to detail.

These extraordinary locations are handpicked to offer not just a backdrop but an immersive atmosphere, where the fusion of exquisite settings, enchanting ambiance, architectural distinctiveness, and cultural notability creates a tapestry of unparalleled moments. From upscale city venues to coastal retreats, we invite you to explore the diversity of South Florida’s finest locales, each adding its unique flair to the canvas of our exceptional events.

Lives Amplified™: Conversations with Global Leaders

The “Lives Amplified™: Conversations with Global Leaders” segment of Cigars with Benefits Society Special Events features VIP guests, including past and present global political leaders, celebrities, and business and nonprofit heads. They share their most intriguing life story, their most enjoyable experience and why it was special, a memorable encounter with an extraordinary person, as well as what currently brings them joy and excitement. The segment concludes with a Q&A, allowing CWB Society Members to engage directly with these interesting figures.

VIP guests, including former heads of states, celebrities from film, music, and art, as well as leaders from major businesses and nonprofits, share their most intriguing life stories. These could range from pivotal moments in their careers to personal challenges and triumphs, offering a rare glimpse into their unique journeys and the lessons they’ve learned.

Each guest describes their most enjoyable life experience and elaborates on what made it so special. This could include anecdotes about unexpected adventures, meaningful personal achievements, or moments of profound happiness and fulfillment.

Here, the guests recount their most special experiences with the most amazing, interesting, or memorable individuals they’ve met. These stories might reveal encounters with other influential figures, moments of deep connection with someone unexpected, or instances where someone profoundly impacted their perspective or life path.

The guests share what currently brings the most joy and excitement into their lives, providing insights into their passions, hobbies, or causes they’re deeply committed to. This could include philanthropic endeavors, artistic pursuits, or simply aspects of their personal life that bring them happiness.

Finally, the segment includes a Q&A session where the audience has the opportunity to ask questions, allowing for a dynamic and interactive experience. This fosters a deeper connection between the guests and the audience, as the guests offer wisdom, advice, or simply share more about their lives in response to audience curiosity.
Overall, this event segment of Cigars with Benefits events served as a unique platform for inspiration, storytelling, and insight from some of the most influential and interesting people in the world.

High-Level Networking

Cigars With Benefits goes beyond the ordinary, providing unparalleled opportunities for high-level networking that transcend traditional boundaries. Our events serve as a magnetic platform, seamlessly bringing together professionals and enthusiasts alike in an exquisite setting.

Surrounded by the rich tapestry of our meticulously curated experiences, individuals find themselves in the perfect environment for forging not only meaningful but also productive friendships and business relationships. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a passionate enthusiast, our events become the catalyst for connections that extend far beyond the moment, creating a community where every interaction is a step towards building lasting, impactful relationships.

Live Entertainment

At Cigars With Benefits, we are dedicated to elevating every event into a multisensory experience by seamlessly weaving the magic of live music and art. Our commitment is to craft a perfect ambiance, turning each gathering into an evening of unparalleled sophistication and unbridled enjoyment.

Through meticulous curation, we ensure that our live musical performances and artistic showcases resonate with the discerning tastes of our audience, creating an atmosphere where every note, every brushstroke, and every moment is a testament to the pursuit of refined pleasure. Join us on a journey where the synergy of live music and art transforms each event into a celebration of joy, leaving a lasting imprint on those who appreciate the harmonious fusion of creativity and elegance.

Premium Cigars

At every special event hosted by Cigars With Benefits, the epitome of indulgence is presented in the form of hand-crafted, premium quality cigars, graciously offered as a complimentary experience. We take pride in curating an atmosphere where the refined artistry of these cigars enhances the overall luxury of the occasion.

Additionally, recognizing the personal preferences of our esteemed guests, we extend a warm welcome for you to bring and savor your own selection of cigars. Whether delighting in our carefully chosen offerings or enjoying your personal favorites, our commitment to ensuring a truly bespoke and satisfying cigar experience remains at the forefront of every Cigars With Benefits gathering. Revel in the fusion of camaraderie, sophistication, and the rich aroma of exceptional cigars at our events.

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