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WOMEN’S ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

On behalf of the Women's Executive Council, we would like to sincerely thank the Orlando community for its support of the 53rd Annual Women's Achievement Awards.

A special note of gratitude to the Women's Achievement Awards Steering Committee for their countless hours of work and dedication to our vision of Empowering and Embracing Women to Serve Central Florida. We had a wonderful evening full of memories that all present will remember forever. Thank you to all honorees who shared their testimonials and brightened our lives with great advice and their leadership perspectives.

We want to thank every person who donated to the 1972 Scholarship Fund.

Congratulations to all honorees for their achievements!

Save the Date

Women’s Achievement Awards

October 8, 2026

2025 Woman of the Year

ELIZABETH FORREST

Founder & President, Touched by Type 1

Chief Operating Officer, Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys

Elizabeth Forrest is a dynamic leader whose professional and philanthropic achievements have made a lasting impact across Central Florida and beyond. She serves as Chief Operating Officer of Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys, one of the nation's largest personal injury law firms, where she has been instrumental in shaping its operations, culture, and innovation over the past 14 years.

With a focus on excellence, strategy, and people, Elizabeth has helped the firm grow while ensuring clients remain at the heart of every decision.

Beyond her professional role, Elizabeth is the Founder and President of Touched by Type 1, a nonprofit she began at age 10 following her own diagnosis with type 1 diabetes. What started as a small dance fundraiser in her driveway has grown into a nationally recognized organization celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025. Today, Touched by Type 1 delivers year-round, no-cost programs, including its Annual Conference, which brings together hundreds of families, healthcare professionals, and experts from across the country; the D-Box Program, which provides vital tools and resources to those newly diagnosed; and the Type 1 at School Program, which equips educators and school staff with training and support to better serve students living with diabetes. Elizabeth's journey reflects an unwavering commitment to service, innovation, and uplifting others.

She is deeply honored to be recognized by the Women's Executive Council of Orlando as the 2025 Woman of the Year.

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2025 Non-Profit Honoree

DR. MARGARET NEWMAN THORNTON, BCBA, LMHC

Chief Operations Officer, Opportunity, Community, Ability, Inc.

Dr. Margaret Newman Thornton, BCBA, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor and board-certified behavior analyst dedicated to supporting neurodiverse individuals and their families. As the cofounder of a nonprofit organization serving neurodivergent communities, Dr. Thornton blends clinical expertise with a deep commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and access to care.

With a background in behavioral health and a passion for person-centered support, she has worked across various settings to empower individuals through evidence-based, compassionate approaches. Her work emphasizes the importance of neurodiversity-affirming care, trauma-informed practice, and community connection.

Originally from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Dr. Thornton brings warmth, authenticity, and a deep sense of purpose to everything she does—both professionally and personally. In addition to her clinical and nonprofit leadership roles, she is a proud mother and lifelong dog lover, often found exploring the outdoors or relaxing by the coast with her family and four-legged companions.

Dr. Thornton continues to inspire others through her work, blending professional excellence with heartfelt advocacy for a more inclusive world.

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2025 Generational Impact Honoree

JENNIFER WILCOX

Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Citrus Council

Jennifer Wilcox is a dynamic and visionary leader with a deep-rooted passion for empowering girls and strengthening communities. As the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Citrus Council, she brings a wealth of experience in strategic growth, leadership development, and organizational transformation.

Wilcox’s career is defined by her ability to drive impact and innovation. As CEO of Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont, she spearheaded major initiatives that led to membership growth, increased brand visibility, and a more positive experience for volunteers and staff. A recognized force within the Girl Scout Movement, she also served as Senior Director of National Events at Girl Scouts of the USA, where she shaped significant initiatives, such as the G.I.R.L. 2020 team, and orchestrated groundbreaking virtual events.

Beyond the Girl Scouts, Wilcox has a proven track record in nonprofit management, guiding organizations through strategic planning, fundraising, and operational growth. Her leadership is anchored in her expertise in operations, strategic planning, marketing, and public relations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French from the University of Evansville and a Master’s in Business Management from Webster University.

“For me, leading Girl Scouts of Citrus Council is not just a role—it’s a mission,” says Wilcox. “I'm honored to serve the girls, families, and communities that make up this incredible organization. Together, we will build on the Council’s rich legacy, expand opportunities for the next generation of female leaders, and ensure every Girl Scout has the tools to dream big and achieve even bigger.”

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2025 Heart of Service Honoree

SHERYL KURLAND

President and Founder, Find Your Fabulosity

From her gesture of compassion, Sheryl Kurland grew a powerful national movement that has donated over 100,000 new lipsticks to women healing from the atrocities of domestic violence.

It started with volunteerism and giving away lipsticks to the women who attended Sheryl’s workshops at SafeHouse, the women’s domestic violence shelter in San Francisco, and transformed into her creating the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Find Your Fabulosity. Sheryl is president. Find Your Fabulosity donates new lipsticks to over 300 women’s domestic violence shelters and domestic violence organizations throughout Central Florida, Florida, and the U.S. To a victim of domestic violence, a new lipstick is a beacon of hope and healing. With that beautiful glide of lip color, a victim begins to love the person she sees in the mirror. She develops self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth. Find Your Fabulosity is a 100% volunteer organization, and a core group of about 50 volunteers is the engine—“women with big hearts helping women with broken hearts.”

Sheryl and Find Your Fabulosity have received widespread media attention, including features in Costco’s members magazine, Women’s World magazine, and, most recently, a CBS-TV News spotlight on Sheryl and Find Your Fabulosity in a nationally broadcast news story.

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2025 Community Champion Honoree

ELLEN WINTER, PHD, CSPG

Executive Director, 4Roots Foundation

Dr. Ellen Winter is a visionary nonprofit leader with a distinguished career in philanthropy and organizational development. She most recently served as Executive Director of the 4Roots Foundation, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to building a healthier community by expanding access to nutritious food and educating the next generation on sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

Previously, Dr. Winter held senior leadership roles with major institutions, spearheading transformative campaigns that shaped communities. As Chief Philanthropy Officer of the East Coast Zoological Foundation, she directed a $100 million campaign to build a world-class aquarium on Florida’s east coast. She also led Lions Club International Foundation’s $300 million global campaign as Director of Global Strategic Giving and launched a successful endowment campaign for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.

Deeply engaged in her community, Dr. Winter serves on the boards of Family Promise of Brevard and Space Coast United Soccer Club, and is active with the Association of Fundraising Professionals, CHIEF, and local nonprofits, including Candlelighters.

Holding six degrees—including a Ph.D. in Organizational Development and an MBA—Dr. Winter is also a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving. Internationally recognized for her research and presentations, she is passionate about driving meaningful change that strengthens both organizations and communities.

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A poster displaying sponsors for the Women's Achievement Awards, 2025, including Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys, Don't Miss the Hs, Leva, Hanson Construction Inc., Carlisle, Main Law Firm, ABC Central Florida, and Don't Miss a Beat.

Women’s Achievement Awards

Celebrating the women who have shaped our community, year after year.

The Women’s Achievement Awards honor leaders, innovators, and change-makers whose impact extends far beyond their industries. Each year, we recognize a group of remarkable women whose dedication, vision, and leadership continue to move our community forward. Explore past honorees and celebrations to the right.