Our Legacy

OUR MISSION:  Women's Executive Council unites professional women by creating opportunities to recognize and inspire women leaders and students to serve our Central Florida community. 

The Women's Executive Council (WEC) was formed in 1972 by the late Dot Estes Ellis in order to involve the executive and professional women working in the downtown Orlando area with the Downtown Orlando Partnership (formerly the Orlando Central Business District or OCBD).  

WEC members joined various committees of OCBD and along with the city of Orlando, they worked with a local architectural firm in updating and beautifying Downtown.  WEC members orchestrated the construction of mini-parks in the downtown Orlando, planted trees along Orange Avenue and Jackson Street and painting the trash cans lining the sidewalks of the Downtown area.  The demand for new involvement for the WEC women brought about the successful "Happy Birthday Orlando" event in the years of 1984, 1985 and 1990 as well as Health Day, which was held from 1989-1993. 

Our organization's first annual "Women's Achievement Awards" was held in 1972 and continues today as we honor outstanding women in Arts, Business, Community Service, Education, Government, Technology, Communications/Media and Emerging Achiever.  Our "Woman of the Year Award" is coveted by many outstanding women.  We expanded the program in 1987 to include the awarding of college scholarships to deserving women.

Proud of our 50-year history in Central Florida, the Women's Executive Council's fundraising/signature events include the Fashion Show, Wine & Dine, and the Women's Achievement Awards luncheon.  Our fundraising efforts now generate enough income to provide 30 scholarships annually.

Profits from our charitable efforts and direct donations fund our scholarship awards through our 501(c)(3) Women's Executive Council Scholarship & Endowment Fund, Inc., and provide scholarships for women attending Valencia College, University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Seminole State College of Florida, Herzing University and Florida Institute of Technology. Our scholarships have been the turning point in the many lives that we have embraced and encouraged for their personal growth, self-improvement and professional development.  

Since our inception, the Women's Executive Council has awarded over $951,380 to women and local non-profit organizations in Central Florida.  We are truly grateful for the support of our partners and sponsors for their faith and trust in the Women's Executive Council. 

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Women's Executive Council does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of activities or operations.  These activities include but are not limited to the selection of volunteers and vendors, provision of services, scholarship recipients, and acknowledging women in our community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our clients, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.