At South Dade Kia of Homestead, we are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Lucy Benedetti, our esteemed Chief Operating Officer, for being recognized as one of the “Top 50 Women Chief Operating Officers of 2024” by Women We Admire. This prestigious recognition highlights women’s exceptional contributions and leadership in the COO role, a testament to their ability to drive organizations forward with their unique skills and dedication.
The Chief Operating Officer’s role is vital, serving as the backbone of executive leadership teams. COOs are the ones who ensure that day-to-day operations align seamlessly with the organization’s mission and goals. They act as the pivotal second-in-command, standing right behind the CEO, and their importance in recent years has become increasingly evident. The critical skills required for this role—collaboration, engagement, and proactive management—are attributes that many women leaders, including Lucy Benedetti, exemplify with remarkable prowess.
Lucy Benedetti’s journey in the automotive industry is a testament to her resilience and determination. Hailing from Caracas, Venezuela, Lucy began her career at Toyota Motors in 1991, fully embracing the Toyota philosophy and delivering outstanding results. Her strategic investments and economic achievements reflect her vision and leadership. In 1992, Lucy’s path crossed with Mario JT Benedetti, a third-generation car dealer, and their personal and professional partnership led to significant milestones in the automotive industry.
After relocating to Miami in 2009, Lucy and Mario seized the opportunity to purchase a Toyota dealership in Homestead, FL, marking the beginning of South Dade Toyota. With unwavering dedication and a keen understanding of the industry, Lucy was crucial in establishing South Dade Kia of Homestead in September 2019 and South Dade Kia of Homestead in October 2022. Her leadership and vision have been instrumental in overseeing the operations of all three dealerships, driving their success and growth.
Lucy’s commitment to the community is a shining example of her character. In 2021, she launched the South Dade Education Fund, a foundation that supports education programs. Her initiative, ‘Her Drive Her Voice,’ reflects her unwavering commitment to promoting a more inclusive and empowering environment for women in the industry. These initiatives reflect her values and the values we hold dear at South Dade Kia of Homestead.
We welcome everyone to celebrate Lucy Benedetti’s remarkable achievements and this well-deserved recognition. Her leadership, dedication, and vision inspire us all at South Dade Kia of Homestead. Congratulations, Lucy, on this incredible honor. We are proud to have you as our COO and look forward to many more years of success under your exceptional guidance. Your support and participation in this celebration mean a lot to Lucy and us.
About South Dade Kia of Homestead:
South Dade Kia of Homestead is a premier automotive dealership that provides exceptional service and a wide range of quality vehicles. Led by COO Lucy Benedetti, the dealership prides itself on its commitment to customer satisfaction, community engagement, and innovative business practices.