Business
Orlando Economic Partnership Celebrates the 2023 AWE Impact Forum
On Wednesday, the Orlando Economic Partnership’s celebrated the All Women Empowered (AWE) 2023 AWE Impact Forum, presented by Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.
Focusing on women’s economic empowerment, AWE brought together the business community and elected officials for a morning of connectivity and inspiration that was kicked off by City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
Local organizations showcased resources available to take women to the next level in their professional journey. The collaborative event also included an insightful panel discussion with female leaders from the private and public sectors.
Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership.
“Today we’re here to recognize the pivotal roles played by mentors, sponsors, and allies in shaping the success stories of women in our community. We also want to highlight many of the regional professional and community resources available specifically for women in the Orlando region,” said Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership.
All Women Empowered, or AWE for short, was created four years ago to empower women and grow their influence in our community. Convening both women and men from private, public and nonprofit partners, we work together to unify our region’s resources into a strategically coordinated campaign that equips women with the tools they need to build the future they envision for themselves.
“It is programs like this one that make us a more inclusive, welcoming region. Thanks to the commitment we have to our community and our amazing partners we can now celebrate that the Orlando Economic Partnership was recognized with the pinnacle award in our industry, the title of National Chamber of the Year,” Giuliani added.
Through programs like AWE, together, we are working to help build a more equitable and prosperous future for our all the women in our region.
By outlining strategies for equitable economic recovery and growth and amplifying resources that can help women grow their careers, women-owned businesses scale, and encourage women’s advancement and ownership, we advance Broad-based Prosperity and create a more resilient region.
Orlando City Mayor, Buddy Dyer kicked off the event stating that “it is an honor for me every day to serve as the Orlando Mayor… but I am especially proud when I get to attend events like this that help to make Orlando a more vibrant and welcoming place for everyone. I often say that what our community does best is collaboration. All Women Empowered provides a platform for each one of you to create, develop and grow partnerships that will play a role in strengthening our community. With your support and your leadership, I know that our community will continue to work together to foster an environment that advances opportunities for women to thrive in their careers and all endeavors. I truly believe that when women succeed, our entire community succeeds.”
Cari Coats, the co-founder and managing partner of Accendo Leadership Advisory Group.
The main panel at AWE Impact Forum was led by Cari Coats, the co-founder and managing partner of Accendo Leadership Advisory Group.
Coats has a long track record and decades as a corporate leader, most notably with the Orlando Magic and CNL Financial Group. Her community and civic leadership are long-standing and far-reaching, including numerous board positions. Today, leverages her extensive experience and thought leadership to help senior leaders and teams as a business and executive coach.
A particular focus and passion for Coats is accelerating the path for women leaders, which is why we have partnered with her to offer our LEADForward Roundtables, a transformative, year-long professional development program for high-potential women.
Coats led the panel discussing the challenges in a world where gender equality remains an uphill climb, and stated that “it is crucial that we come together to acknowledge the transformative power of mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship, three critical accelerators in empowering women to level up and reach new heights. These three pillars provide invaluable support, guidance, and opportunities, enabling women to successfully overcome challenges and fulfill their true potential.”
Coats described mentors as those who are wise and experienced guides who selflessly share their own lived experiences to help women navigate the written and unwritten rules of the workplace. They serve as a sounding board and provide a supportive environment where women can explore their strengths and develop crucial skills.
Sponsors, on the other hand, are advocates with power who recognize and believe in your potential and actively work to create opportunities for you. Sponsor’s use their political and social capital to move your career forward. They leverage their own reputation and credibility opening doors for you because they are banking on you.
“Think of it this way. Mentors help you skill up. Sponsors help you move up. Mentors talk with you. Sponsors talk about you. You can choose your mentors, but a sponsor chooses you,” Coats said.
Lastly, allies. “Allies speak up and step up. They are the individuals, regardless of gender, who stand shoulder to shoulder with women, amplifying their voices and advocating for equal rights and opportunities.
Allies challenge the status quo, combat gender bias, and work tirelessly to create inclusive environments where women can thrive. They understand that true progress is achieved when we all unite in the pursuit of gender equality.”
Coats was joined by a distinguished panel of speakers who embody these pillars. Their stories served as testaments to the transformative power of these roles in empowering women to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. Together, we will gain valuable insights, learn from their experiences, and discover practical ways to foster an environment where women can flourish.
The panelists shared personal anecdotes and success stories that highlight the impact of sponsors, mentors, or allies on women’s career progression and how those relationships contribute to their growth and success.
They discussed the ways in which sponsors, mentors and allies help address issues such as gender bias, unequal bias, unequal opportunities, and workplace discrimination, how can they advocate for women’s empowerment and create a more inclusive work culture, and pointed out strategies or approaches can women employ to identify and engage potential sponsors, mentors, or allies.
Haley Carter, General manager and vice president of soccer operations for Orlando Pride
General manager and vice president of soccer operations for Orlando Pride, Haley Carter talked about her career in a male dominated profession and how she has uplifted herself as a retired professional soccer player, business executive, coach, licensed attorney, and former U.S. Marine officer, making two combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Tiffany Moore Russell, Orange County Clerk of Courts
Orange County Clerk of Courts, Tiffany Moore Russell was opened discussing how she started her career and the importance of having mentors and allies like she did when she was “convinced to run for office the first time.”
A native of Orlando, Florida. she’s served two terms on the County Commission (2006-2014). Clerk Russell again made history in 2014 as the first African American female Clerk elected in Florida and the first African American Clerk in Orange County.
As Commissioner, and now as a Constitutional Officer, Clerk Russell has a strong commitment to her community.
Dr. Maria Vazquez, Orange County Public Schools Superintendent
Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez (vas kwez) talked about her commitment for more than three decades, dedicated to serving students needs.
She has served at every level of the education system and has extensive expertise in curriculum and instruction. After beginning her career as an elementary school classroom teacher and resource teacher in reading and language arts, Dr. Vazquez served as an assistant principal and principal in Orange County Public Schools (OCPS).
She served the district across multiple roles including area superintendent and chief academic officer before being promoted to deputy superintendent in 2018 and now Superintendent of the 8th largest school district in the country.
An active community member, Dr. Vazquez currently serves on several boards including the Orlando Economic Partnership, City Year of Orlando, CareerSource Central Florida and United Arts of Central Florida. She is also a member of the prestigious Chiefs for Change.
Suzanne Worthington, President of Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies
President of Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies Suzanne Worthington talked about the importance of following your dreams and working hard. She remembered how she started at the hospital with an entry level position and is now the President of Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies Worthington. She joined Orlando Health in 1995 and during her tenure, she has supported a variety of teams, including the OB/GYN and pediatric specialty practices within the Orlando Health Medical Group, patient financial services, allied health clinicians, support services and acute care operations. Through each of these opportunities, she has focused on helping teams work toward and maintain operational and service excellence.
Suzanne has served on the boards of the Orlando Science Center and the Orlando City Foundation and is proud to be an alum of Leadership Orlando Class 98.
The refrigerated lineup includes five single-serve dishes and two family-size meals.
BATAVIA, Ill. (FNN) — ALDI will begin rolling out seven ready-made meals in select stores in early October, with single-serve dishes priced under $8 and family-size options under $15. The grocer expects the full lineup to be available nationwide by January 2027.
The collection includes five single-serve meals: beef Bolognese spaghetti, beef brisket with white mac and cheese, butter chicken and rice, a chicken burrito bowl, and chicken fettuccine Alfredo. The two family-size dishes are chicken and bacon mac and cheese and a meat lovers pizza bake.
“Our shoppers are looking for meals that fit into busy lives,” said Joan Kavanaugh, vice president of national buying for ALDI U.S. She said the company developed the lineup with shoppers’ budgets and demand for convenient meals in mind.
Price and preparation
ALDI said the single-serve meals contain 30 to 46 grams of protein each. The family-size dishes contain 16 to 22 grams per serving. The company announced price limits for the two sizes but did not list a price for each individual meal.
“We tested hundreds of recipes as we developed this collection,” said Terry Jackson, head of food at Kitchen Food Company, ALDI’s supplier for the meals. Jackson said the team focused on flavor and ingredients while developing the dishes.
The meals are refrigerated, not frozen. ALDI says the single-serve dishes can be heated in a microwave, while the family-size meals are prepared in an oven. Shoppers should follow the directions on each package.
2026 Hispanic Chamber Hola at the Park. Uptown Altamonte Springs, Florida at beautiful Cranes Roost Park Saturday, October 3, 2026 (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM) (EDT)
When and where to find them
The meals will be stocked in the refrigerated meals section near the front of ALDI stores. Availability will vary during the rollout, which begins in select markets in early October and expands through the fall. ALDI also plans to offer additional meals through its limited-time ALDI Finds assortment each month over the following year. corporate.aldi.us
Business
Addition Financial, Rosen Preschools Partner to Expand Financial Literacy for Central Florida Children
Now in its fourth year, ADDing FUNdamentals introduces children as young as 4 to saving, needs versus wants and other basic money concepts through classroom activities and take-home resources.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Addition Financial Credit Union is expanding its ADDing FUNdamentals community impact program through a new partnership with Rosen Preschools, bringing financial literacy education to children as young as 4 while providing resources designed to extend those lessons into their homes.
Now in its fourth year, ADDing FUNdamentals introduces preschool-aged children to basic money-management concepts through interactive, age-appropriate learning experiences.
Developed through a partnership with Junior Achievement of Central Florida and the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, the program uses Junior Achievement’s JA Ourselves curriculum to teach children foundational concepts including making choices, distinguishing needs from wants and saving money.
Rosen Preschools is participating in the program for the first time, expanding the initiative’s reach to more children and families in Central Florida.
Addition Financial Credit Union, Rosen Preschools and community partners celebrate the expansion of the ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program, which introduces preschool-aged children to basic money-management concepts through hands-on learning and imaginative play.
Financial Lessons Extend Beyond the Classroom
As part of the initiative, volunteers from Addition Financial, Junior Achievement and Rosen Hotels & Resorts assembled backpacks filled with educational resources designed to help children follow along with classroom lessons and continue learning at home with their families.
A portion of the backpacks will be distributed to Rosen Tangelo Park Preschool and Rosen Preschool in Parramore.
Addition Financial is also providing playhouses modeled after miniature credit unions, giving students an opportunity to practice basic money-management concepts through imaginative play.
The combination of classroom instruction, hands-on activities and take-home materials is designed to reinforce financial concepts while encouraging families to continue conversations about money outside the classroom.
Rosen CEO: Financial Literacy Is a Critical Life Skill
Frank Santos, president and CEO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, said his professional background in finance has made financial literacy an issue he strongly supports.
“We are very proud to partner with Addition Financial to bring the ADDing FUNdamentals program to the Rosen Preschools,” Santos said. “Having spent a majority of my career in finance, I am a big advocate for financial literacy.”
Santos called financial literacy a critical life skill and said introducing foundational lessons early, while also sending educational materials home to families, can help prepare children for long-term success.
Addition Financial Focuses on Starting Financial Education Early
Kevin Dougherty, chief operations officer at Addition Financial Credit Union, said the partnership with Rosen expands the program’s ability to introduce financial concepts during children’s formative years.
“We are incredibly grateful to have an organization of Rosen’s caliber become a part of the ADDing FUNdamentals program,” Dougherty said. “The students at Rosen Preschools will now get a jump start on developing key skills many of us take for granted — understanding and managing money.”
Dougherty said the response to the program since its launch demonstrates interest in providing financial education at an early age.
“The positive response and success we’ve seen since launching the program speaks to the need of fostering financial education at an early age,” Dougherty said.
Building Financial Skills Through Community Partnerships
The collaboration brings together a credit union, hospitality organization and education-focused community partners around a shared effort to introduce financial concepts to children early in life.
Rather than limiting the experience to classroom instruction, ADDing FUNdamentals combines curriculum, interactive play and educational materials that children can take home and share with their families.
The addition of Rosen Preschools in the program’s fourth year further expands its presence in Central Florida and brings the financial literacy initiative into the Tangelo Park and Parramore communities.
Through lessons on saving, choices and needs versus wants, participating children receive an early introduction to concepts they will encounter throughout their lives.
Florida National News invites businesses and brands to explore partnership opportunities as FNN Sports Zone prepares special programming and on-location coverage
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News is expanding its national news and sports presence with plans for special event coverage from Los Angeles in 2027, Atlanta in 2028 and Las Vegas in 2029, creating new opportunities for businesses and organizations to connect with FNN audiences across multiple platforms.
The multiyear initiative will focus on coverage surrounding one of the biggest weeks in American sports, with FNN journalists and content teams covering stories beyond the field, including sports, entertainment, travel and tourism, business, culture and community impact.
The expansion is part of FNN’s broader strategy to grow from its Florida-based reporting operation into a digital news network with an increased presence at major events and media markets across the country.
FNN Sports Zone Goes National
A major component of the initiative will be the FNN Sports Zone Podcast Show Live, featuring special programming, interviews, analysis, digital content and planned on-location coverage.
FNN Sports Zone’s national event programming is designed to provide audiences with coverage throughout major sports weeks, including conversations with athletes, sports personalities, business leaders, community representatives and other newsmakers when available.
The programming will be distributed across FNN’s digital and social media platforms as the network continues expanding its sports audience and original video content.
Opportunities for Businesses and Brands
Florida National News is also inviting businesses, brands, organizations and community partners to explore opportunities to support FNN’s independent national news and sports coverage.
Potential opportunities include FNN program sponsorships, brand partnerships, digital and social media campaigns, content collaborations, community partnerships and authorized on-site activations.
The initiative is centered on a simple message:
“Your Brand. Three Cities. One National Platform.”
Rather than limiting coverage to what happens on the field, FNN plans to highlight the economic and cultural activity surrounding major sports events — from hospitality and tourism to entertainment, local businesses and community stories.
Three Major Markets
The national coverage initiative is scheduled to spotlight Los Angeles in 2027, Atlanta in 2028 and Las Vegas in 2029.
Each market provides FNN with opportunities to produce original reporting and programming while developing relationships with businesses, tourism organizations, community leaders, sports professionals and other potential news sources.
The initiative also supports FNN’s long-term expansion of its national reporting footprint while maintaining its Florida news operations.
Partner With FNN News
Businesses and organizations interested in learning more about FNN News national coverage and partnership opportunities can contact:
Social@FloridaNationalNews.com
FloridaNationalNews.com | FNNNews.com
REAL NEWS. REAL PEOPLE. REAL FLORIDA. REAL IMPACT.
Florida National News/FNN News is an independent news organization. FNN is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the National Football League, its member clubs or event venues. On-site activities and coverage are subject to applicable credentials, permissions and venue or event requirements.
