From the FCSW Chair

FCSW Establishes New Task Force

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women

FCSW Recognizes Outstanding Women

Donations Support Girls in Science Programs

New Foundation to Support FCSW

Tampa to Host FCSW Meeting

"We are not what we know, but what we are willing to learn."
– Mary Catherine Bateson, author.

The FCSW is dedicated to empowering women in achieving their fullest potential, and we believe that the cornerstone of empowerment is education. This year, the Commission will focus our educational programs on women business ownership. Women have become a dominant force in Florida business, and our 2005 Annual Report, "Florida Women Mean Business! A Guide to Successful Business Ownership for Florida Women" profiles women who are living their dreams of owning a business. In addition to these inspirational and remarkable stories, the report offers numerous tips and resources to help women successfully launch and grow their businesses. The report is available through our website, www.fcsw.net or by contacting the Commission office.

FCSW Chair, Kathleen Passidomo, appointed Commissioner Marie Flore Lindor-Latortue to lead the newly created Public Outreach Task Force. The Task Force’s mission is to engage women’s commissions and organizations locally and nationally and to serve as a communication liaison between these groups. While continuing to strive to increase awareness of the work of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, the Task Force is planning numerous activities including outreach and media exposure, newsletters and publications, and encouraging joint community events with different commissions thereby expanding FCSW’s presence throughout the state.

The Task Force is also working to become a resource and information channel to guide youth by conducting community trainings. It is dedicated to building a team approach among commissions and members are excited about their vital function to the Commission and the women of Florida. The Task Force looks forward to what lies ahead. Members of the Task Force are FCSW Commissioners Blanca Bichara, Thelma Crump, Susanne Hebert, Allison Doliner Hockman, Esq., Mona Jain M.D, Ph.D., Juanita Scott and Debbie Sembler.

by Commissioner Thelma V. Crump

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women represents millions of Florida women. Since my appointment, I have been asked by many of you, what is the FCSW? What do we do? What type of services do we offer? I'd like to share with you a few facts and describe some of our activities.

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women honored Valeria Robinson-Baker, Ilene Silverman- Budd, Roniece Weaver, Judy Katrina Wilson, Deborah Markham, and Mary J. Hughes with a FCSW Florida Achievement Award for their work in improving the lives of women and families in their Central Florida communities. They received recognition in a luncheon ceremony during the second quarterly meeting of the Commission on Saturday, June 10, 2006 at Noon at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, Orlando, Florida.