Darlene Cerezo Swaffar
Small Business Owner | CEO of Sunshine Insurance Associates
10 Fairway Drive, Suite 118, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 | Broward County, Florida

Professional Summary

Darlene Cerezo Swaffar, a trailblazing entrepreneur and community leader, has dedicated over 35 years to business, economic development, and public service. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, she relocated to South Florida in 1993 and has since made a lasting impact on the region. She earned an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from St. John’s University and pursued further studies in Business Leadership at Florida International University. Holding a Florida 215 Insurance License, Darlene is the CEO and Owner of Sunshine Insurance Associates, a licensed Health Insurance agency specializing in Medicare and Annuities, headquartered in Deerfield Beach, FL. She leads a team of 15 agents dedicated to empowering Medicare beneficiaries with comprehensive plan options.

Entrepreneurial Excellence & Industry Innovation

As the visionary behind The Medicare Lady, a trademarked brand, Darlene revolutionized the Medicare insurance industry by establishing a full-service storefront agency. Unlike traditional Medicare agents representing only one or two carriers, her agency offers 99% of all available Medicare plans, providing clients with a seamless, informed decision-making experience. She also spear heads frequent educational seminars and interactive Tea Time Q&A sessions, ensuring seniors and new enrollees understand their Medicare options.

Darlene’s commitment to economic empowerment extends beyond her business. She founded the South Florida Business Corner, a thriving Facebook group with over 8000 members (and growing), designed to foster collaboration among local businesses, encourage networking, and strengthen the regional economy.

Community Leadership & Civic Engagement

Darlene was the first Hispanic woman to run for Congress in Florida’s District 23 in 2020. As a first-time candidate, she garnered the support of influential leaders such as General Michael Flynn, Roger Stone, Congressman Bob McEwen (Council for National Policy), Investigative Journalist Ann Vandersteel, and many other conservative figures. Although unsuccessful in her run for office, she has used her experience to mentor and support candidates within the local community.

With this experience Darlene became a passionate advocate for civic education, voter engagement, and leadership development. She actively participates in voter registration initiatives and volunteers for political campaigns across various levels of government, supporting candidates in municipal, state, and federal races.

As a Registered Coach with the Patriot Academy, she educates others on the U.S. Constitution and early American history, inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Her dedication to service is reflected in her leadership roles:

• South Florida Ambassador for the Republican National Hispanic Assembly
• Board Member of SmartFlorida.org (focused on Veteran support & environmental conservation efforts such as bee preservation)
• Elected Delegate to the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, WI
• Precinct Woman A004 for the Broward Republican Executive Committee

·         Leadership Broward Class Graduate 9/2025 with the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Darlene is also philanthropic and frequently attends fundraising events to support Veterans, Animal Rescue Centers, and organizations fighting sex trafficking.

Business Acumen & Expertise

Darlene’s extensive professional experience spans multiple industries, including insurance, economic development, corporate recruiting, and event planning. Her key strengths include:

• Medicare Insurance Expert | Founder & CEO of a thriving independent agency
• Business Strategy & Development | Mentoring agents in business planning and operations
• Economic Development Advocate | Former planning participant with The Beacon Council, shaping Miami-Dade’s business landscape
• Corporate Recruiting & Talent Acquisition | 8 years of experience developing hiring strategies & training managers
• Training & Development | Creator of proprietary training manuals for business professionals
• Event Planning & Community Engagement | Former Executive Director, Broward Chapter of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce; organized networking events, educational seminars, fundraising galas, and business workshops

Awards & Recognitions

Darlene’s contributions to business and community service have earned her numerous accolades, including:

• Patriot Award – Republican Federated Women of Palm Beach (2024)
• Business Growth Award – Small Business Administration TED Women’s Center (2019)
• Connector’s Award – Monarch Care (2019)
• Fort Lauderdale Finest Honoree – Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (2003)
• VISTA Award Winner – National Association of Women Business Owners (2001)
• Latin Business & Technology Award – In Focus Magazine (2000)
• Finalist – South Florida Business Journal ‘Up & Comers’ Awards (2000)
• Community Service Awards – Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of South Florida (1996–1999)
• Finalist – Puerto Rican Woman of the Year – Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (1999)

Professional Memberships

• Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce
• Women’s Prosperity Network
• National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) – Palm Beach Chapter
• Small Business Administration TED Women’s Center
• Elderly Service Resource Network (ESRN)
• Republican National Hispanic Assembly
• National Federation of Republican Women
• Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of South Florida
• St. George’s Society of the Palm Beaches
• Il Circulo Italian Heritage Club
• Royal Dames of Cancer Research

Darlene Cerezo Swaffar’s lifelong commitment to business excellence, community service, and civic engagement exemplifies the values of leadership, innovation, and resilience. Her impact continues to shape South Florida’s economic and political landscape, making her a truly Distinguished Hispanic Woman of Influence.