Diane Meiller and Associates, Inc., in partnership with Junior Achievement of Central Florida, recently hosted its 6th annual “Me and My CommUnity” event. The one-day mentoring program consisted of more than 40 female high school students who were selected by their school administrators based on academic achievement and leadership potential.
The young women were divided into teams that were each led by a local influential female executive. Each group worked to provide a creative solution to real-world issues facing Central Florida, including violent crime against youth, homelessness, the cost of higher education, drugs in school, transportation and bullying.
Team “Operation Transportation,” led by Maria Camacho, VP Program Management at Wyndham Vacation Ownership, was chosen as the winning group after they proposed a program that would address the safety and cost of the current public transportation system. They received $2,500 and collectively decided to donate half to charity. Team members included:
- Yannifer Castilla, Maynard Evans High School
- Malyssa Johnson, Oak Ridge High School
- Gabriella Lopez, Dr. Phillips High School
- Geraldin Siriany, Freedom High School
“Our program seeks to cultivate future female leaders through mentorship and a real-world exercise that challenges them to understand the steps needed to solve various community issues,” said Diane Meiller, founder and president of Diane Meiller and Associates. “They leave the program equipped with skills such as working collaboratively, brainstorming and public speaking.”
Other local executives who participated in the program included:
- Maria Camacho, VP Program Management at Wyndham Vacation Ownership
- Cassie Nielsen, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Florida Virtual School
- Annetta Wilson, President, Annetta Wilson Media Training & Success Coaching
- Susan Ledlow Ph. D, VP of Academic Affairs and Planning, Valencia College
- Andrea Eliscu, President, Medical Marketing Inc.
- Leslie Malfitano, Director of Human Resources, Diane Meiller and Associates
