OUR LEGACY

Over 50 years of leadership, impact, and community in Central Florida.

Since its founding in 1972, the Women’s Executive Council has united professional women through a shared commitment to leadership, service, and community impact. What began as a small group focused on downtown Orlando has grown into a powerful network dedicated to recognizing and empowering women across Central Florida.

Pink and red flowers on green leafy bushes against a blue sky.
Black and white photo of a smiling woman with styled hair, pearl earrings, and a string of pearls, wearing a blouse with a bow tie detail.

MISSION & LEGACY

A Foundation Built on Leadership and Service

Impact That Extends Beyond the Moment

Today, the Women’s Executive Council continues to build on this legacy through scholarships, community outreach, and recognition programs that uplift women across Central Florida.

Over $1,000,000 awarded to women and local nonprofits

Scholarships supporting students across Central Florida institutions

Ongoing programs that recognize leadership, innovation, and service

Commitment to Inclusion

The Women’s Executive Council is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of our activities or operations.

This commitment extends to all aspects of our organization, including the selection of volunteers and vendors, the provision of services, the awarding of scholarships, and the recognition of women in our community. We believe that diversity strengthens our mission and enhances the impact we can create together.

The Women’s Executive Council was established to create opportunities for professional women to engage in meaningful civic involvement and leadership. Early efforts included beautification projects throughout downtown Orlando, collaboration with local organizations, and community-driven initiatives that laid the groundwork for decades of impact.

Over time, WEC expanded its reach through signature programs like the Women’s Achievement Awards and scholarship initiatives, continuing to recognize and support women making a difference across industries and communities.

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

WOMEN’S ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

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 Awards Archive

Community Outreach

Supporting local organizations and strengthening our community through direct giving.

Over the years, the Women’s Executive Council has awarded thousands of dollars to local nonprofit organizations. These grants have supported initiatives across Central Florida, helping organizations expand their impact and better serve their communities.

  • $500 Grants Awarded:

    Hispanic Health Initiatives

    Outreach Love

  • $500 Grants Awarded:

    Boys & Girls Club

    Central Florida Community Arts

    Central Florida Council Boy Scouts of America

    Eti-Keys Training Group, Inc.

    Orlando Community & Youth Trust, Inc.

  • $500 Grants Awarded:

    HOPE Community Center

    Just 1 Book

    Nemours BrightStart!

    New Image Youth Center

    Summer of Dream

  • $500 Grants Awarded:

    Intervention Services, Inc

    Meals on Wheels

    Camp Boggy Creek

    A Gift for Teaching

    Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center

  • $500 Grants Awarded:

    A Gift for Teaching

    Adult Literacy League

    Beta Center

    Harbor House

    The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families

  • $250 Grants Awarded:

    Storehouse Assistance

    Eden Spa

    The Howard Phillips Center

    The Russell Home

    Orlando Breakfast Rotary Club

    Wildkats Aktion Club

    Orlando Day Nursery

    American Lung Association

    Adult Literacy League

    Retired Senior Volunteer Program

  • $250 Grants Awarded:

    Elizabeth House

    AMI Kids

    The Christian Service Center

    The Russell Home

    Orlando Breakfast Rotary Club

    Gater Aktion Club at Quest

    Orlando Day Nursery

    American Lung Association

    Beebs Mobile Pantry

Key milestones that have shaped the Women’s Executive Council
and its legacy of leadership in Central Florida.

A Timeline of Impact

1972–1989 | Foundation & First Impact

Founded in 1972 to engage professional women in downtown Orlando leadership

Early initiatives focused on city beautification and civic involvement

First Women’s Achievement Awards established

“Women’s Achievement Week” is recognized by the City of Orlando

“Woman of the Year” honor introduced

1990–2004 | Growth & Expansion

Scholarship program expanded to support women in higher education

Increased recognition across industries, including business, government, and community service

Continued city-wide recognition of Women’s Achievement Week

Launch of WEC’s first website and digital presence

2005–2015 | Community & Scholarship Impact

Scholarship funding significantly increased year over year

Community Outreach Grant program expanded

Growing partnerships with Central Florida nonprofits

Continued evolution of the Women’s Achievement Awards program

2016–2019 | Modernization & Momentum

Strategic Operations Manual introduced

New CRM and website launched

“Legacy Day” established

Scholarship program reached record growth

2020–Present | Resilience & Continued Growth

Continued scholarship expansion, reaching record numbers annually

Navigated the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining impact

Return to in-person events and programming

Ongoing growth in community engagement and recognition programs