BEACON
In 2006, a new event sought to spotlight community leaders whose beacons guide the way in diversity and inclusion. Founders included the Orlando Chapter of National Association of Women Business Owners, Walt Disney World Resort, the YaYa Network, and Orlando Business Journal’s Diversity Works initiative.
Today, the Beacon Awards Executive Committee consists of leaders who have united to continue this tradition to build an atmosphere of inclusion in Central Florida’s workforce:
- Diane Sears – 2008 chair, NAWBO Orlando and DiVerse Media
- Therese Smyntek – 2007 chair, NAWBO Orlando and Intelligent Office
- Betty Martinez Lowery - Walt Disney World
- Mary Ann Goloversic - Walt Disney World
- Henry Maldonado - WKMG-TV Local 6
- Pam Carman - the YaYa Network
- Al Sandoval - Office Depot
- Jim Hukill - Lift Disability Network
- Pastor Ted Freeman – Metro Orlando Urban League
- Peter Rothfuss - The Advertising Agency
- Lynne Voltaggio – Orlando Tech
- Claudette Stroble - NAWBO Orlando and Orlando Conference Management Group
- Holly Luisi - NAWBO Orlando and The Bene Group
- Linda Moore – NAWBO Orlando and Principal Financial Group
The annual Beacon Awards event recognizes organizations and individuals for celebrating the diversity of Greater Orlando's workforce by promoting inclusion in areas of race, ethnicity, gender, age, physical and mental ability, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and family status. Nominations are accepted from counties throughout Central Florida, including Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia.
For information, visit www.TheBeaconAwards.org or contact 2007-08 Beacon Awards Chair Diane Sears at 407-210-3951 or info@TheBeaconAwards.org.