Lynda S. Gordon
Lynda S. Gordon is the President of The Gordon Alliance, a philanthropic organization committed to community engagement, charitable giving, and honoring the legacy of her late husband, Dr. Michael S. Gordon—pioneer of medical simulation. Through her leadership, Lynda has developed innovative programs that blend storytelling with social impact, including the heartwarming “Coogie, the Dumpster Cat” children’s book series. The series not only entertains but also encourages charitable giving, with proceeds supporting animal welfare and various nonprofit organizations nationwide.
With a background in communications and a lifelong commitment to service, Lynda has transformed personal loss into purposeful action. She actively supports organizations like Friends of Miami Animals (FoMA), the Boys and Girls Club of Miami-Dade, the Selfless Love Foundation, Wings of Rescue, and many departments at the University of Miami, including her late husband's center, the Michael S. Gordon Center for Innovation and Simulation in Medical Education. Whether through board service, fundraising, or direct advocacy, her efforts consistently reflect the core values she and her husband shared: "Dream Big, Work Hard, and Help Others".
Lynda’s work is a powerful example of how passion, compassion, and creativity can intersect to create lasting community impact. Her approach to philanthropy—rooted in personal connection and storytelling—continues to inspire others to give back, uplift one another, and invest in causes that create a better future. She encourages everyone to reach out, to "pay it forward" to others less fortunate - and contrary to what many people think, it's not just giving back in funds, no, everyone has something valuable to give; their time, talents, yes, resources and most of all their hearts to those that need it.
• Memphis State University
• FOMA
• Wings of Rescue
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being open to the opportunities that came my way and capitalizing on them. Of course, I couldn't have achieved what I have without help. "If you want to go faster, go alone, if you want to go further, go together" was always my late husband's favorite quote and it is the best advice to achieving success. Together we are smarter, stronger and able to go the distance.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never give up. "Failure is not an option, you bounce off one wall, go another direction, you win because you cared enough to stay with the program."
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering any industry or becoming a wife and mother is to write your own story. A professional career is not the only option, raising a family is a rewarding and fulfilling full time job as well. "There is no greater joy in life than to have been instrumental in the life of a child" is a quote I often tell my audience. Having no children of my own, I have devoted my life to giving those around me, especially those in need, the time, patience and resources they need to grow up with love, encouragement and opportunities. Whatever you choose for your life's purpose, know that only you can make a difference in your own special way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is over-saturation, which makes it essential to find authentic, purpose-driven ways to stand out and make a meaningful impact. The Internet and social media fills our days and our heads with so much information that it's hard to know what to believe or to follow. By the same token it has given us countless opportunities to make a difference, take a stand and reach an audience far that we couldn't have prior to the technology explosion. However, being diligent and a bit wary, you can and will be able to decipher the context online and make your mark.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, being trustworthy, and perseverance—qualities that guide my decisions and relationships every day. My trust in God and my faith are also very important to me. And I don't judge or preach, there are many religions and opinions out there today, and everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and beliefs. What's important is to respect them, not judge them, and many times hear them out whether you agree or not.