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MIKELANGE OLBEL TO BE HONORED AT MODCO’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISING GALA FOR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AND YOUTH ADVOCACY
Recognition will highlight dedication to youth development, social entrepreneurship, and community empowerment in South Florida
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 18, 2025) – Mikelange Olbel, Chief Executive Officer of Community Based Connections, Inc. (CBCI), will be honored at the Mount Olive Development Corporation (MODC) 30th Anniversary Fundraising Gala Celebration, an event recognizing individuals whose achievements uplift the community through healthcare innovation, business development, public service, philanthropy and social justice. The gala will celebrate ten extraordinary honorees whose work exemplifies MODC’s mission to promote economic development, health equity, youth empowerment and community advancement in underserved communities.
“I’m grateful to be recognized by MODC and proud to stand alongside others who are working to make a difference in our community,” said Mikelange Olbel, CEO of Community Based Connections, Inc. “This honor reflects the work of everyone at CBCI and our shared commitment to helping the communities we serve.”
Mike Olbel, a trailblazing social entrepreneur and youth development advocate, has dedicated his career to transforming the lives of young people and families across South Florida. Establishing innovative programs and lasting community partnerships plus serving as an Associate Minister at New Mount Olive Baptist Church, Olbel continues to create pathways of opportunity for thousands of children and families. Born to Haitian immigrant parents who instilled values of hard work and educational ambition, Olbel became the first in his family to earn a college degree. He graduated cum laude from the University of Dubuque with a degree in Sociology & Criminal Justice, and later obtained a graduate degree in Business Administration, Public Policy & Psychology from Iowa State University.
MODC’s 30th Anniversary Gala will highlight the transformative impact of community leaders like Olbel, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to uplift, empower and invest in communities often left behind. Mikelange Olbel is in good company alongside fellow honorees: Arlene Pecora, Tim Hogans, Shane Strum, Judge Michael Robinson, Dr. Steven Ronik and Samuel Williams.
For more information about MODC’s mission and their 30th Anniversary Gala Celebration, visit the Mount Olive Development Corporation’s website: www.modcocares.org.
About Community Based Connections, Inc.
Community Based Connections, Inc. (CBCI) is a nonprofit human services organization with more than 16 years of expertise in delivering youth development advocacy and family resilience strengthening plus health and community empowerment initiatives to underserved populations in Broward County. It is founded upon the belief that service providers who have natural ties to the communities they serve are in the best position to help improve the odds of youth and family success. Its mission is to expand the options available to children – from cradle to college – that promote their social and academic growth, equipping them with the skills they need to overcome challenges and thrive in adulthood. CBCI programs services that engage, encourage and motivate include the Young Believers Program, Family Strengthening Program, S.M.A.R.T. Team, New Day Diversion, and the Early Achievers Program. For more information, visit communitybasedconnections.com.
About Mount Olive Development Corporation (MODC)
The Mount Olive Development Corporation (MODCO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Established in 1994 as the community development arm of the Historic New Mount Olive Baptist Church, MODCO is dedicated to revitalizing urban communities by providing strategic programs that promote economic development, create jobs, and strengthen families through human services, affordable housing, and entrepreneurial ventures. For more information, visit www.modcocares.org.
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