Celebrating partnerships that power Central Florida’s workforce
ORLANDO, Fla. (October 1, 2026) – More than 250 business and community leaders gathered at SeaWorld Ports of Call for the second annual Rise & Thrive, presented by Addition Financial Credit Union, where CareerSource Central Florida honored workforce champions and launched its 30th anniversary celebration. The signature event spotlighted employers, education partners, community leaders and career seekers working together to strengthen Central Florida’s talent pipeline and expand economic mobility across the region.
The program underscored the value of workforce partnerships in helping individuals build skills, supporting employers’ talent needs and keeping the region competitive in a changing economy, while raising nearly $100,000 to advance CSCF’s mission.
“Rise & Thrive reflects our community’s commitment to helping Central Florida succeed,” said Pamela Nabors, president and chief executive officer of CareerSource Central Florida. “It honors the businesses, civic leaders and workforce partners who help open doors, strengthen our talent pipeline and create lasting impact across the region.”
The event also served as the official kick-off of CSCF’s 30th anniversary, launching a yearlong campaign to recognize three decades of workforce innovation, regional collaboration and community impact.
Honorees recognized for excellence in workforce development included:
-
Distinguished Workforce Partner: HCA Healthcare
-
Excellence in Strategic Partnership (Presented by Duke Energy): Seminole State College of Florida & Orange County Public Schools
-
Community Impact Award: Lake County Government
-
Business Workforce Champions: JPMorgan Chase
-
Spirit of CareerSource Central Florida Award: Jelissa Franceschi
-
Aspire Award: Nina Rivera
-
Career Seeker of the Year: Tyler Lincoln
The event featured a keynote address from Jake Thompson, who encouraged leaders to “control the controllables” in an unpredictable market by focusing on what they can influence and investing in people. Nancy Alvarez, award-winning WESH 2 News anchor, served as emcee for the morning program focused on leadership, resilience and community impact.
###
About CareerSource Central Florida
CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF) is celebrating 30 years of expanding access to career pathways, strengthening the region’s talent pipeline and supporting business growth. For three decades, CSCF has served as the region’s leader in workforce solutions and innovation, delivering personalized career support and skill development to help people and employers succeed across Central Florida. State and federally funded, CSCF operates with an annual budget of approximately $30 million and serves Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Sumter Counties. In fiscal year 2025-2026, CSCF served more than 44,000 career seekers and 2,700 businesses, placed more than 3,200 individuals in jobs, and helped more than 3,000 career seekers advance their skills. For more information, visit www.CareerSourceCentralFlorida.com
Media Contact:
Carla Sosa (689) 222-4418
CareerSource Central Florida
-
Carla Sosa Senior Manager of Communications
- October 02, 2026
- (689) 222-4418
- Send Email
