More than 700 prominent Central Florida female business and civic leaders joined keynote speaker and Emmy award-winning journalist Deborah Norville on Wednesday, Feb. 27, for the Sixth Annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon hosted by Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW). From juggling motherhood and her career to hosting Inside Edition for 18 years, Norville shared how she overcame obstacles on the rough road to success.
Active with several high-profile charities, Norville is the National Celebrity Spokesperson for the Mother’s March of Dimes, a director for Girl Scout Council of Greater New York, and a member of the Broadcasters Foundation, Women’s Committee of the Central Park and Steering Committee for the Rita Hayworth (Alzheimer’s) Gala.
“One of the main reasons we selected Deborah to speak to this influential group is because of her passion for women’s leadership issues and her emphasis on the importance of giving back time and talent, which aligns so closely with our own philosophy,” said Robert H. (Bob) Brown, President and CEO of HFUW. “Deborah stressed that respect and gratitude are key elements of success – and that they make a positive impact on people’s lives, both at home and at work. At HFUW, we believe that, too. It’s a fundamental tenet of how we do business.”
The luncheon was the latest in a series of United Way Women’s Leadership Council events intended to raise awareness, funds and volunteer support to address challenges that disproportionately affect women and children in Central Florida. Co-chaired by Karen Dee, Florida and Mid-South Regional President at Fifth Third Bank, and Helen Donegan, Vice President of Community Relations for the University of Central Florida, the Council is part of a national network of active community influencers that is 50,000 members strong. Locally, the Heart of Florida United Way Women’s Leadership Council comprises over 400 members who generously give more than $685,000 annually. Last year’s luncheon raised nearly $100,000.
