Growing Smarter: Florida's Future Depends on It

As South Florida continues to grow, how do we ensure that nature doesn’t get left behind?

Join Conservation Florida and the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) Florida Young Leaders in Miami for a powerful community conversation about the future of growth and conservation in the region. This panel will focus on why it’s important to protect South Florida’s land, water, and wildlife - for nature, for people, and for the economy.

We’ll explore the critical role conservation plays in shaping resilient, livable communities and how we can make space for nature in the face of rapid urban expansion.

What to Expect:

🤝 A gathering of conservationists, advocates, planners, and community members committed to protecting Florida’s wild places

🌿 A panel discussion featuring voices from Everglades Law Center, Tropical Audubon Society, and more

🗣️ Moderated by representatives from Conservation Florida and CNU Florida Young Leaders

📍 13 Magic City Brewing, August 28 @6:30PM.

The panel will start at 7PM, and live music will start at 8:30PM.

About our panelists:

Elizabeth Fata Carpenter: Executive Director of Everglades Law

Elizabeth Fata Carpenter is the Executive Director of the Everglades Law Center. She focuses her legal practice on greater Everglades restoration, water quality, climate resiliency, and other environmental issues in Florida impacting communities and the environment.Elizabeth is a native Floridian and grew up along the Indian River Lagoon. Elizabeth obtained her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her law degree from the University of Miami, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif. While in law school, Elizabeth was the managing editor of the International and Comparative Law Review and a member of the Charles C. Papy Moot Court Board. Elizabeth also served as the William M. Hoeveler Fellow in the Environmental Justice Clinic.Before joining the Everglades Law Center, Elizabeth spent time providing environmental education at Oregon Caves National Monument, working with salmon aquaculture in Kodiak, Alaska, and implementing environmental justice efforts in Miami-Dade County. Elizabeth also spent three years litigating complex business and commercial matters as an Associate Attorney at Cozen O’Connor.

Lauren Jonaitis, Senior Conservation Director

Lauren Jonaitis joined Tropical Audubon Society in 2022 as Senior Conservation Director, bringing with her a wealth of environmental expertise and a strong track record of leadership in the conservation field. In this role, she drives the organization’s strategic policy initiatives and works to expand its influence across South Florida by deepening engagement with local, state, and federal agencies. Her mission is to elevate Tropical Audubon’s impact through stronger advocacy, coalition-building, and effective conservation policy.

In recognition of her leadership and dedication, Lauren was named a Local Legend by the Miami Dolphins in 2024 and was honored in Miami Today’s Best of Miami for Providing Environmental Stewardship in both 2024 and 2025.

Throughout her career, Lauren has tackled complex environmental challenges across multiple sectors. She helped reduce light pollution impacts on sea turtles with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, served as an Environmental and Coastal Scientist in the private sector, and holds prominent leadership roles—currently serving as the Vice President of Policy for the Society for Conservation Biology North America (SCBNA). She also serves as Co-Chair of both the Everglades Coalition and the Biscayne Bay Marine Health Coalition, where she leads collaborative efforts to protect and restore South Florida’s vital ecosystems.

Lauren earned her bachelors in Zoology from SUNY Oswego and her masters in Biology, with a focus in Conservation Biology, from Bowling Green State University.

Whether you work in planning, advocacy, or simply care about the future of South Florida, this event is a chance to connect, learn, and get inspired.

Host or Publisher Conservation Florida