Jamaican American physician and community leader Dr. Dahlia A. Blake has been re-elected for a second term as President of The Opera Society, continuing her leadership of an organization that has supported opera and arts education in South Florida for nearly five decades.
The announcement was made during The Opera Society’s Annual Spring Meeting and Installation Ceremony on May 18, 2026, held at Best Seller Wine Shop and Bar in Wilton Manors. The event brought together members, supporters, and guests to review the organization’s accomplishments and install its executive board for the coming year.
Dr. Blake will serve alongside a returning leadership team that includes Shannon Curran as Vice President of Ways and Means, Claire Crawford as Vice President of Membership, Bonnie Pearl as Vice President of Public Relations, Matthew Dreger as Treasurer, Pam Flaherty as Corresponding Secretary, and Rakesh Khilani as Recording Secretary.
Strong Year for Membership and Fundraising
The re-election follows a year of growth and fundraising success for The Opera Society, an affiliate of Florida Grand Opera.
According to information shared at the annual meeting, membership increased by 37 percent during the past year. The organization also hosted nine events, including an inaugural summer mixer, while expanding awareness through community outreach, publications, radio advertising, Eventbrite listings, and the Broward Arts Council calendar.
Fundraising remained a major focus. During the year, The Opera Society contributed $225,000 to Florida Grand Opera. The contribution was presented during the annual meeting and will help support the opera company’s artistic and educational programs.
The organization also recognized the role of board members and supporters who helped secure major donations that contributed to the fundraising total.
A Long History of Supporting the Arts
Founded in 1978, The Opera Society was established to raise funds for opera programs in South Florida. Over the years, it has developed a reputation for combining fundraising with community engagement through educational, cultural, and social events.
The organization continues to host activities throughout Broward County aimed at promoting appreciation for opera while creating opportunities for residents to connect through music and the arts.
Its mission extends beyond fundraising. The group also works to increase public access to cultural experiences and support programs that introduce new audiences to opera.
Leadership Beyond the Arts
While Dr. Blake is known for her work in the arts community, she is also widely recognized for her accomplishments in medicine and public service.
She is a board-certified physician specializing in critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, sleep medicine, and internal medicine. Her medical training includes earning a degree from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, followed by postgraduate training at Staten Island University Hospital and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
In South Florida, she serves as an attending physician and educator within the Memorial Healthcare System.
Dr. Blake has also maintained strong ties to Jamaica through healthcare and philanthropic initiatives. She serves in leadership roles within the Jamaican diaspora community and has participated in medical missions aimed at improving healthcare access on the island.
Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, Dr. Blake helped coordinate relief and medical support efforts that delivered supplies and assistance to affected communities. The mission included medical equipment, healthcare supplies, food, and other essential items destined for areas facing significant challenges after the storm.
Her contributions to healthcare and community service earned her the Governor General of Jamaica Achievement Award Recognizing Excellence in 2024.
Looking Ahead to a Second Term
With a second term now underway, Dr. Blake and the executive board will seek to build on the organization’s recent gains in membership, fundraising, and community engagement.
The Opera Society enters the new year with a stable leadership team, increased member participation, and continued support for Florida Grand Opera. The organization is expected to continue hosting events that bring together arts supporters while raising funds for cultural and educational programs across South Florida.
For supporters of both the arts and community service, Dr. Blake’s re-election represents continuity in leadership at a time when cultural organizations continue to rely on strong volunteer engagement and philanthropic support.
As The Opera Society approaches another year of programming, its focus remains on sustaining opera in South Florida while expanding opportunities for audiences to experience and support the performing arts.
