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.