NOVEMBER 2016 MIAMI for web

ANNA HOCHKAMMER
PINECREST'S CRUSADER
Keep Pinecrest Strong and Safe
Anna Hochkam was born to lead. Raised by a civicminded
mother, Anna understands what it is to be
a part of the community, but more importantly, she
knows that, by doing, she can change the lives of
those around her.
Having spent the better part of the last
two decades advocating for others,
Anna has dedicated her life to serving
children and families through her
varied roles as a teacher, a community
organizer, a non-profit board member,
and a PTSA President.
As the mother of three daughters,
she understands the importance of
being fully vested in the community
and the local public school system.
She learned a long time ago that, in
order to implement change where
needed, she had to become a part of
the process. That, coupled with her
drive and determination, prompted
her to become a staunch advocate for
the interests of children and families.
Soon, her advocacy became a passion.
Since then, she’s parlayed her passion
into action by implementing longlasting
change in communities like
Miami Palmetto Senior High PTSA, for
example. It was just named a National
PTA School of Excellence for 2016 –
2018, making it the first high school in
Miami-Dade County ever to be honored
as such. It was due to her efforts and
the efforts of those she worked sideby-side
with while leading the board
that this school received esteemed
accolades for its school-parentcommunity
partnership.
Through her work in Miami, she
discovered exactly what it takes to
push for much-needed expansion in
order to have the greatest outcome.
By documenting every aspect of their
mission, she and her team of volunteers
were able to do what some may have
deemed impossible or implausible,
and they ultimately had a huge impact
on community-school relations.
While Anna has amassed impressive
accolades and awards, the most
rewarding aspect of her life’s work has
been the positive impact her efforts
have had on the communities she’s
served and her ability to find likeminded
individuals who shared her
vision and were willing to work hard
to bring their ideas to fruition. From
leading thousands of volunteers to
public relations, hospitality, advocacy,
and fundraising, she has been in the
trenches fighting hard to improve the
lives of countless children and families.
She knows how important it is to have
a strong group of mentors who are
willing to take on challenging projects
and to do whatever is necessary to
foster change in their communities.
Her role in Pinecrest is no different. It is
Anna’s goal to improve communication
within the community, bring the
area into the modern age, and
bridge the gaps between community
organizations, government agencies,
religious communities, and all other
groups. Believing that problems can
only be solved if citizens work hand-inhand,
this village gem is eager to move
forward and enrich the lives of every
citizen of this wonderful community.
By Ava Mallory
HEALTHY MIAMI / 23