U.S. Deputy Education Secretary Tony Miller will join several business, nonprofit and community leaders at the 2011 Poder-Americas Business Council (ABC) Business Awards on Friday, Nov. 18, near Miami. Miller along with World Fund Founder Luanne Zurlo; Miami Dade College President Eduardo Padron; Univision President Cesar Conde; and Aaron Brenner, founder of KIPP SHINE Prep and head of primary schools for KIPP Houston, will engage in a discussion on education. Former U.S. Ambassador to Belize Carolyn Curiel will moderate the panel, which begins at 4:20 p.m.

The annual awards ceremony celebrates excellence in leadership in the Americas by recognizing men and women who are engaging in social entrepreneurship, business innovation, sustainability, courageousness, vision and corporate responsibility that are producing systemic change in their communities. Poder Magazine focuses on U.S. Hispanic and Latin American policymaking and corporate strategy. ABC is an independent non-profit organization that was formed to bring U.S. Hispanic and Latin American leaders together to exchange ideas.

Earlier in the day, Miller will participate in a school tour and roundtable discussion on Fairlawn Elementary School’s modernization needs and modernization possibilities under the American Jobs Act. The state of Florida would receive about $1.3 billion under the American Jobs Act to repair and renovate schools, with Miami-Dade County Public Schools receiving about $267 million. In addition, Florida would receive almost $1.7 billion to save about 26,000 teachers’ jobs under the American Jobs Act.