100WS Grantee Update: Career Development Program Cohort Visit

June 6, 2024 | 100 Women Strong, Economic Stability, Grants, Systemic Solutions

100 Women Strong (100WS), Central Florida Foundation’s strategic giving circle, funded two cohorts of a new women’s career development pilot program that launched earlier this spring. This program, developed and led by local nonprofit Women on the Rise International, Inc. (WOTR), focuses on vulnerable women who are at risk of the fiscal benefits cliff. Read the full press release here.

Top left: 100 Women Strong Grant Celebration honoring its 2024 grantee | Bottom Left: Sandi Vidal, CFF’s VP of Community Strategies and Initiatives | Right: Arlene Blake, WOTR Founder & Executive Director

100 Women strong’s grantee update

women’s career development cohort visit

The WOTR Career Development Cohort offers participants:

expert-led workshops that focus on effective networking, personal branding, and mindset enhancement;
financial literacy integration which covers navigating salary negotiations, budgeting, and long-term financial planning;
a one-year mentorship, which matches each participant with a mentor to ensure sustained growth and support;
and community support from WOTR’s network of women who are seeking to not only elevate themselves but each other.

With the first cohort currently underway and wrapping up in just a few weeks, our 100WS Research and Grants Team visited a recent program meeting to learn more about how the giving circle’s grant is empowering Central Florida women. Here’s a recap from their visit.

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Last night, June 5, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the 100 Women Strong Research & Grant Team, represented by Dr. Patricia Burlaud (Chair) and Dr. Kathy Rovito (Lead), immersed themselves in the dynamic energy of a Women on the Rise Career Development cohort session. This event, held at the Kingdom Church on Pine Hills Rd, Orlando, was led by our inspiring 2024 Grantee and WOTR Executive Director, Arlene Blake.

career development cohort 100 women strong women on the rise international

The 19 committed students in the program not only delved into credit repair strategies but also presented their personal vision boards, a testament to their strong dedication to personal growth. The evening’s collaborative and studious environment was further enriched by the mentorship of select individuals, including Christina Hartfield (VP, J.P. Morgan), one of our most active and enthusiastic 100 Women Strong members.

A standout feature was the dedicated room where the students’ children were cared for, a thoughtful arrangement that allowed these dedicated women to focus intensely on their training. Adding to the supportive environment, Clarks Catering Concepts generously provided free dinners to all students and their kids during each session. This support not only provided a relief but also a peace of mind, making their learning experience truly invaluable!

Witnessing the success of our 2024 100WS grant in action was truly gratifying. This is why we proudly support 100 Women Strong, and it inspires us to continue our mission with renewed vigor!

What’s next?

Stay connected with 100 Women Strong and Women on the Rise as we share outcomes from this first cohort! The second cohort kicks off in September 2024.

Join 100 Women Strong’s monthly newsletter here.

About 100 Women Strong

100 Women Strong is a giving circle at Central Florida Foundation. As part of Central Florida Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy initiative, the giving circle provides an exciting opportunity for women to join together in an engaging and meaningful way to give back to the Central Florida community. Each member makes an annual tax-deductible gift of $1,100 to a pooled fund and together they research and identify where their grants will go in the community to make an impact. Since 2006, 100 Women Strong has invested more than $882,000 in local initiatives to improve the lives of women and children. For more information, please visit cffound.org/100womenstrong.

About Women on the Rise International, Inc.

Women on the Rise International, Inc. (WOTR), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed with the purpose of providing educational and motivational events for women, with a focus on our four pillars: women’s financial literacy, career development, entrepreneurship, and personal wellness. Featured speakers discuss real time issues affecting women in the community and share how they have overcome obstacles within their personal lives and/or careers to inspire other women to do the same. Learn more at wotrinc.org.

About Central Florida Foundation

As our region’s community foundation, Central Florida Foundation serves as a launchpad for high-impact philanthropy. Championing the collective power of head, heart and dollar, we coordinate the commitment and investment of philanthropists, nonprofits, and community partners to target today’s most critical challenges and those on the horizon to truly transform our community. The Foundation also offers expert giving advice, a personalized approach to managing charitable funds, and the capacity to convene collaboration across sectors. Learn more at cffound.org.

Tags: 100 women strong, career development, economic stability, giving circle, grant, women on the rise

This post was written by Laurie Crocker.