Special to the Herald
Calling all Change Makers! For the 7th year, Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) will host the Change Maker Impact Awards on Feb. 27, 2025, an event that recognizes individuals and organizations making significant contributions to Central Florida (Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties).
In an effort to learn about all the meaningful impact happening throughout Central Florida, HFUW encourages the public to nominate Change Makers in the following categories:
• Unsung Hero: The Unsung Hero award lifts up a person or organization that is making significant contributions to our community when no one is looking. Be it someone who makes a career of service or someone who volunteers their time, the Unsung Hero is deeply committed to their cause and is making meaningful contributions to improve lives in Central Florida.
• Change Maker Junior: The Change Maker Junior award celebrates contributions by some of the region's youngest leaders. Specifically, to highlight Change Makers under 21 years old, we want to honor those who are using creativity, determination and passion for change to make a difference for their cause.
• Women United Impact Award: This recognition highlights a woman leading the charge and inspiring change in Central Florida. This individual leads with purpose and has a strong commitment to serving others, empowering her neighbors, and making a lasting impact in her community.
• Emerging Leader Impact Award: This recognition showcases an early- to mid-career professional passionate about improving lives in Central Florida. This individual stands up and speaks out as an advocate for the community. They lead by example, being well-informed, socially aware, and culturally competent to help solve critical issues facing our community.
The nomination form is available a www.HFUW.org/2025ChangeMaker. There is no cost to nominate an individual. All nominations will be reviewed, and one honoree for each category will be recognized at the Change Maker Impact Awards event on the evening of Feb. 27, 2025, with additional honorees selected by HFUW. Sponsorships are available and event registration will open soon. To learn more about previous Change Makers, please visit www.HFUW.org.
About Heart of Florida United Way
Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) stands up for the education, financial stability, health and basic needs of every person in Central Florida. For 85 years, HFUW has delivered programs, invested dollars, and convened community members around important issues impacting Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. As Central Florida’s most comprehensive health and human services nonprofit, HFUW created a $50 million impact in Central Florida last year. In 2022-23, HFUW served more than 755,000 people through its direct service and funded programs — that is one in every three Central Floridians. HFUW is home to notable community resources like the 211 Information & Referral Crisis Line; 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline; Mission United program for Veterans; TECHquity, an initiative bridging the digital divide; Destination Graduation at Seminole State College; the Ryan White Part B & General Revenue program, which administers nearly $2.3 million to provide HIV/AIDS services and referrals; the Planning Council Support program that facilitates community planning and priority setting for HIV services. United Way partners with individuals, local businesses, government, and other nonprofit agencies to open opportunities and close gaps in Central Florida. Visitwww.HFUW.org for more information, or call (407) 835-0900. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn at Heart of Florida United Way and on Twitter and Instagram @hfuw
