History

Women’s Executive Council (WEC) was formed in 1972 by the late Dot Estes Ellis, at the request of the Orlando Central Business District (OCBD), now Downtown Orlando Partnership, to involve women in executive and professional positions who work in the Downtown area.

WEC members joined various committees of OCBD and the City of Orlando including Transportation, Zoning, Historic Preservation, and Growth Management Committees, and worked with Catalyst, Inc. (a local architectural firm) on plans to update and beautify Downtown Orlando. As a result of this effort, WEC members orchestrated the construction of mini-parks in the Downtown area, planting trees along Orange Avenue and Jackson Street and painting the sidewalk trash cans. “Spring in Beardall Park” was an annually sponsored WEC event featuring a week’s activities, including concerts, art shows, singers, dancers and flower vendors. Subsequently, Beardall Park was demolished to make room for the Sun Trust Tower and complex. With the demand for new horizons came the successful “Happy Birthday Orlando” event (1984, 1985 and 1990) which was written, produced and directed by WEC, as well as Health Day, which was held from 1989 through 1993.

The organization’s first annual “Women’s Achievement Week” was held in 1972 and honored outstanding women in the categories of Arts & Science, Business, Community Service, Education, Government, Communications and Downtown Woman of the Year. The program was expanded in 1987 to include awarding of scholarships to students enrolled in local colleges.

WEC’s annual events now include the spring/summer Fashion Show; fall Wine and Dine Auction; and the Women’s Achievement Awards luncheon in October/November to honor women for their contributions in the areas of Arts, Business, Education, Community Service, Government and Professions. WEC members also work at several annual City festivals at Lake Eola Park. All WEC profits and direct donations fund our scholarship awards through our 501(c)(3) Women’s Executive Council Scholarship and Endowment Fund, Inc.

Our Objectives

We are committed to the physical and cultural improvements of Central Florida, accomplishing the goal through the recognition and development of women.

We believe in the opportunity for creative leadership through new challenges affording personal growth, self-improvement and professional development.

We are dedicated to the growth of Women’s Executive Council through the support of personal and professional goals of its members.

Meetings

WEC meets monthly for lunch to learn more about areas of service in the Central Florida area, to network, to support and encourage one another in our personal pursuits, and to mentor new business women in our community.

Luncheon Information/Reservation

Membership Information

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