ABCs of Governance (AI, Blockchain & Crypto)
Poolside Chat — Sat, Nov 29
ABCs of Governance Series: AI • Blockchain • Civic Tech**
Hosted by UES HQ at the iconic New Yorker Miami Hotel in MiMo
We continue our ABCs of Governance Series — AI, Blockchain & Crypto — with a poolside conversation at the historic New Yorker Miami, a 1950s classic on Biscayne Boulevard. This month’s session brings together military leadership, civic reform voices, tech and ethics experts, and the next generation of Miami’s innovation community.
Why Here?
The New Yorker’s mid-century design, palm-lined courtyard, and sparkling pool set the tone for a grounded, honest neighborhood dialogue. The property’s retro charm, free parking, and newly refreshed lobby/café make it a true MiMo secret gem perfect for a relaxed but serious community gathering focused on clean government, smarter tech, and protecting the character of the Upper East Side.
Featured Speakers
• Emilio T. González — Candidate for Mayor of Miami
Retired U.S. Army Colonel. Former City Manager. Former Director of USCIS. Led the lawsuit that restored this year’s election to the ballot. Running on accountability, transparency, and neighborhood-first governance.
• Commander Phil Ehr (Ret.) — Special Guest & Endorser
Former Navy Commander whose first mission was the Mariel Boatlift. Flew reconnaissance in the Cold War, combat support in Desert Storm, and oversaw U.S. air combat operations in NATO’s Allied Force. Has advised senior leaders from the Pentagon to NATO. Now running for Congress in FL-28.
Joining us for the first time — and endorsing Emilio.
• Natalia Martínez-Kalinina — Human-Centric Tech & Ethics Leader
Organizational psychologist, innovation strategist, and co-founder of Base. Former GM of CIC Miami, where she scaled one of the top innovation hubs in the U.S. Known for connecting civic, academic, and business leaders to build ethical, human-centered systems. Moderating the conversation on tech, ethics, AI, and community impact.
• Victoria González — Communications Strategist & Global Advisor
Has advised global leaders including HRH Princess Tatiana of Greece & Denmark and Goldie Hawn. Former Executive Director of the MindUP Foundation, reaching 7M+ children through SEL programs. Also a combat-sports promoter and community mental health advocate.
• Chris Marshall — Geopolitical & Strategic Intelligence Analyst
Expert on defense strategy, crypto/fintech, and diplomacy. Known for translating complex global dynamics into actionable insights for civic, business, and tech audiences.
• Bob Powers — Host, UES Advocate & Preservation Leader - Navy Veteran
Longtime UES resident. Founder of the Palm Grove Historic District. Champion of MiMo character protections, tree canopy, flooding solutions, and pragmatic neighborhood planning.
What We’ll Cover
Clean Government & Accountability
Real steps to restore trust, open the books, and stop insider deals.
AI for Permitting & Procurement
How ethical, human-centered AI can:
• Speed up approvals
• Flag conflicts of interest
• Reduce discretionary failures
• Cut red tape
without removing human judgment.
Protecting Neighborhood Character
MiMo/UES identity. Guardrails against overdevelopment. Smarter density.
Resilience: Water, Flooding & Biscayne Bay
Where the dollars go. What residents should expect. What’s broken now.
Affordability & Small Business Stability
Keeping families and legacy businesses in place — not forcing them out.