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Honorees to be celebrated during Rise & Thrive event in Orlando on September 30

ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 22, 2026) – CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF) is proud to announce the 2026 Central Florida Workforce Champions. The awards recognize individuals, businesses and community partners whose contributions are helping strengthen Central Florida’s workforce. The honorees will be celebrated during Rise & Thrive, CSCF’s annual signature event celebrating workforce success and opportunity on September 30 at SeaWorld Orlando, Ports of Call.

As the regional leader in workforce development, CSCF connects Central Floridians to career opportunities while helping businesses find and develop the talent they need to succeed. Rise & Thrive, presented by Addition Financial Credit Union, brings together business and community leaders to recognize those making a meaningful difference across the region.

This year’s awards honor excellence and impact across several areas of workforce development, including:

• Distinguished Workforce Partner: HCA Healthcare
• Excellence in strategic partnership: 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

“Every day, we see how the right opportunity can change the trajectory of a life, a business and an entire community,” said Pamela Nabors, President & CEO of CareerSource Central Florida. “This year’s honorees reflect the heart of that work — people and organizations coming together to open doors, strengthen our workforce and help Central Florida thrive. We are honored to celebrate their achievements and the meaningful difference they are making across our region at Rise & Thrive on September 30.”

At this year’s Rise & Thrive, CSCF will celebrate 30 years of connecting Central Florida’s talent and businesses to opportunity while honoring the people and organizations whose leadership, collaboration and commitment continue to create pathways to employment, strengthen businesses and expand economic opportunity throughout the region.

Nancy Alvarez, award-winning WESH 2 News anchor, will serve as this year’s emcee, joining keynote speaker Jake Thompson to share stories of resilience, leadership and community impact. They will highlight the partnerships that continue to strengthen Central Florida’s workforce and economy.

Community leaders, employers, educators and workforce partners are invited to join CareerSource Central Florida in celebrating the 2026 Workforce Champions and its 30th anniversary. Rise & Thrive offers an opportunity to connect with leaders from across the region, gain insight into the evolving workforce landscape and recognize the individuals and organizations creating lasting change in Central Florida. Tickets are available now at Rise & Thrive: 30 Years of Career Opportunities – CareerSource Central Florida.

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About CareerSource Central Florida
CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF) is celebrating 30 years of connecting Central Florida’s talent and businesses to opportunity. For three decades, CSCF has served as the region’s leader in workforce solutions and innovation, delivering personalized career support and skill development to bridge success between people and business across the Central Florida region. 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
CSosa@CareerSourceCF.com