Creating a Healthy Community

100 Women Strong invites you to Elevate 2026, an engaging summit centered on “Creating a Healthy Community” for women and children.

This year’s experience features a fresh, fast-paced format with Lightning Talks and Spotlights. In addition to these dynamic talks, attendees will engage in interactive discussions, meaningful networking, and opportunities to deepen their connection to the 100 Women Strong mission.

Elevate is not only for women seeking to be empowered and to empower others; allies are welcome to join us for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration as we work together to elevate the lives of women and children across our region.

NONPROFIT SHOWCASE

Engage with local nonprofits making a difference for women and children.

LIGHTNING TALKS

Our TED-inspired Lightning Talks put powerful ideas and passionate voices front and center.

SPOTLIGHTS

Big ideas, bold visuals, zero filler—each PechaKucha-style spotlight packs expert insight into just 6 minutes and 40 seconds.

ROUNDTABLES

We heard you: more time to talk and connect! This year, we have two roundtable discussions to chat with your neighbors in meaningful ways.

woman in purple standing in tunnel

KAY RAWLINS, SUMMIT CHAIR & EMCEE

Founder, Orlando City/Orlando Pride Soccer
100 Women Strong member

 

I’m so glad you’re joining us for the 100 Women Strong Elevate Summit. This gathering brings together people who care deeply about creating a healthy environment for women, children, and our community. Through thoughtful conversations, Spotlights, and Lightning Talks, we’ll share ideas, learn from one another, and leave with a deeper sense of connection and purpose. I’m honored to serve as chair and emcee for the day, and I look forward to welcoming you.
-Kay Rawlins, Summit Chair and Emcee

Agenda

Please view our tentative schedule below.

8:30 AMDoors OpenCheck in, light breakfast and coffee, Nonprofit Showcase
9:15 AMWelcome and Program StartKay Rawlins
9:30 AMBlock A
Lightning Talk A Community of Strength: Nemours Children’s pathway to building resilience in our communityFelicia Santiago, Nemours Children's Health
Spotlight Topic coming soon!Erinn Timmons, Dignity Wellness Partners
Spotlight Access, Connections, Knowledge, Empowerment: Centering Ourselves and Each Other for Positive Social ChangeJennie Joseph, Commonsense Childbirth
Lightning Talk The Search for Serenity: The Story of Two Sisters and the Power of Self-AcceptanceLaurie Crocker, Central Florida Foundation
10-minute breakNonprofit Showcase is open!
10:35 AMBlock B
Roundtable DiscussionTopic announced at Summit!
100 Women Strong Overview and Leadership AnnouncementLed by Kim Nguyen Gray, 100WS Chair, and Melissa Farrell, 100WS Chair Elect
Lightning Talk Your Brain on News: How Local Journalism Fights Loneliness and ApathyJudith Smelser, Central Florida Public Media
Lightning Talk Topic and speaker coming soon!Orlando Health
Spotlight Community Building in the Age of AIMelissa Tony Stires, Fundamental Wellbeing Foundation
12:00 PMLunch and Nonprofit Showcase
Lunchtime Roundtable, beginning at 12:30 PMTopic announced at Summit! Feel free to continue your lunch during the discussion.
1:00 PMBlock C
Lightning Talk When the Doctor Becomes the Patient: 5 Things I Have Learned About Illness and How to HealDr. Monica Aggarwal, University of Florida | AdventHealth
Lightning Talk Topic coming soon!Dr. Omayra Mansfield, AdventHealth
Spotlight Aging Well: The Science and Power of ConnectionTracy Swanson, Foundation for a Healthier West Orange | 100 Women Strong Member
Spotlight Topic coming soon!Sandi Vidal, Central Florida Foundation
2:20 PMClosing RemarksKay Rawlins

SPONSOR ELEVATE SUMMIT

100 Women Strong and Central Florida Foundation invite you to partner with us as an Elevate Summit sponsor. Elevate is a powerful gathering dedicated to advancing opportunities, well-being, and support for women and children in our community. Your sponsorship is more than a contribution—it is a tangible, visible commitment to driving meaningful change and creating a lasting impact.

While our top sponsorship level is sold out, we have additional sponsorship opportunities available. We look forward to partnering with you!

Current Sponsorship Opportunities

Please email Laurie Crocker at lcrocker@cffound.org with any questions.

 

nonprofit SHOWCASE

We’re continuing our tradition of having nonprofit tables set up so you can get to know local organizations that support women and children. If you would like a table to share about your organization during Elevate 2026, please fill out this application. Space is limited.

THE NONPROFIT SHOWCASE IS FULL AT THIS TIME.

 

YOUR HOSTS

100 Women Strong

100 Women Strong is a strategic giving circle dedicated to improving the lives of women and children. As the area’s only philanthropic organization built on women-only leadership, collective giving and collaborative grant-making, 100 Women Strong harnesses its unique perspective and collective power to tackle the biggest challenges affecting women and children, identify their root causes and create innovative solutions in collaboration with community partners.

Visit our website here.

Sign up for our newsletter here.

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.

Visit our website here.

Sign up for our newsletter here.

QUESTIONS? LET’S TALK.

Sandi Vidal
VP of Community Strategies and Initiatives
svidal@cffound.org

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Central Florida Foundation

800 North Magnolia Avenue, Suite 1700
Orlando, FL 32803
p. 407.872.3050

© 2026 Central Florida Foundation

Central Florida Foundation does not intentionally solicit or accept donations from foreign sources of concern as defined by the State of Florida.