Jorge M. Pérez, his wife, Darlene, and their family have long-envisioned a vibrant South Florida for the millions who call this community home. As signatories of The Giving Pledge, Jorge and Darlene’s commitment to philanthropy has been central to their role in shaping Greater Miami and beyond. Jorge came to the United States in 1968 without a penny to his name. It was only through scholarships and charities that he was able to pursue higher education and eventually, launch one of the region’s largest real estate development companies, The Related Group.

 

Jorge and Darlene, who grew up in Miami and built a successful career as a registered nurse, have four children: Jon Paul, Nicholas (Nicky), Cristina and Felipe. The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation is the next evolutionary step in their philanthropy, taking a more intentional and strategic approach to their giving, while involving their children to build a legacy they can carry forward. Each family member brings their own passion to the work of the foundation, stepping up as champions for what they care about, and still sharing one, united vision for a thriving South Florida.

Meet the family

Jorge is a lover of art and avid collector, infusing his real estate developments with carefully curated pieces from master and emerging artists. He is deeply involved in supporting Miami’s ongoing cultural renaissance, sponsoring organizations such as Florida International University, the Arsht Center, Oolite Arts, Fountainhead Residency, The National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts) and, most notably, the Herzog & de Meuron-designed Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM).

 

Darlene has been a health practitioner for over 25 years and sits on the nursing advisory board of her alma mater, Florida International University (FIU). She founded the PAMM’s International Women’s Committee, which creates a platform to celebrate women’s contributions to arts and culture as well as a balanced representation of women through the industry. Darlene is also a member of the Miami Cancer Institute’s Art & Design Committee, spearheading the healing arts program aimed at improving the hospital’s environment and patients’ well-being. As a champion for health care and those with diverse abilities, she has been instrumental in shaping the family foundation’s Health and Well-being investments.

 

Jon Paul “JP” currently serves as president of The Related Group. Nurturing Miami’s growing arts and culture community, Jon Paul is closely aligned with PAMM and YoungArts, participating in their annual Miami YoungArts Week. He also sits on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, is an active United Way Young Leader and helps inform the Economic Development work of the foundation.

 

Nicholas “Nicky” currently serves as a vice president for The Related Group. He and his wife Kastyn believe that the quality of life for urban residents depends on access to open green spaces and making sure they protect natural environments through conservation and sustainable practices. He helps guide the foundation’s Environment investments.

 

Cristina is a Doctor of Social Work graduate from the University of Southern California. Before enrolling, she worked as a child welfare case manager at ChildNet in Ft. Lauderdale. She sits on the boards of Voices for Children and the Demonstration School Center for Excellence in Early Education at United Way of Miami-Dade, where she reads to pre-K students. She helps guide the foundation’s Education investments.

 

Felipe, an entrepreneur since 14 years old and an upperclassman at Gulliver Prep, has always actively volunteered and participated in school events and organizations. He is the founding President of Gulliver’s Generation S.O.S., a nonprofit empowering youth to help their peers make informed choices about substance abuse. He’s leading the effort to expand the program throughout Miami’s high schools.