MENTOR Florida President and CEO Bestowed Excellence in Volunteerism Award by Central Florida's Recognized Leader in Ethical and Effective Fundraising

PALM BEACH, Fla., November 13, 2024 (Newswire.com) - MENTOR Florida President and CEO Malika Harrison will be honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Central Florida Chapter (AFP Central Florida) at the National Philanthropy Day breakfast presented by FAIRWINDS Foundation on November 15, 2024. 

Malika, alongside Nekyna Bennett and Sherry Magee, will be awarded in the “Excellence in Volunteerism” category, sponsored by the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation.

“As a mission-driven solutions-oriented leader, my passion and commitment to helping others is deeply rooted by my upbringing in a family of educators. Having a meaningful impact in the community, especially among youth, is at the heart of my purpose. I am truly honored to be recognized for excellence in volunteerism among other extraordinary leaders serving Central Florida,” Harrison said.

Harrison serves as the first President and CEO of MENTOR’s newest statewide Affiliate, MENTOR Florida. She has over 20 years of experience in communications, philanthropy and community relations. Prior to MENTOR, Harrison was the President of MASH Consulting, leading public relations and communications for minority-owned businesses. She has also held leadership roles at Truist, Orlando Magic and S&P Global.

Harrison is dedicated to giving back to the community as a volunteer and mentor. She supports early learning and literacy by empowering youth to improve their vocabulary, reading, and comprehension. For five years, she has volunteered at Orange County Public Schools as a tutor with Read2Succeed, a reading enrichment program to support elementary school students who need assistance to develop their literacy skills. Each week during the school year, Harrison tutors first-graders in one-on-one sessions. They read books, review vocabulary words and spelling, and practice sight words.

Additionally, knowing first-hand that mentoring, empowerment, and exposure creates opportunities resulting in positive outcomes and bright futures, Harrison supports the next generation as a volunteer with the Trojan Mentoring Program sponsored by Children’s Home Society of Florida. During mentoring sessions they discuss academics, time management, college/career, conflict-resolution, and community service.

“We are thrilled for Malika and proud of all her efforts to support the Central Florida communities. Her selfless service and commitment to young people and their success are nothing short of inspiring. We are proud to have her as part of the MENTOR family and celebrate her achievement,” MENTOR CEO Jermaine Myrie said.

MENTOR Florida aims to further enhance the impact of mentoring across the state of Florida.

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About AFP Central Florida: A chapter of AFP International, whose mission is to empower individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research, and advocacy.

About MENTOR Florida: MENTOR’s newest Affiliate beginning operations in 2024, remaining committed to the mission and vision of MENTOR National, which is the unifying champion for quality youth mentoring in the United States. 

About MENTOR: MENTOR is the unifying champion for expanding the quality and quantity of mentoring relationships across the United States. For nearly 35 years, MENTOR has expanded opportunities for young people by building a youth mentoring field and movement. The result: a more than 10-fold increase in young people in structured mentoring relationships. Today, MENTOR is the primary resource and expert for the youth mentoring field, representing a movement that meets young people everywhere they are — from schools, to workplaces, and beyond. MENTOR operates in collaboration with 25 local Affiliates across the country.

For more information on MENTOR Florida, please visit their LinkedIn page @MENTORFlorida. 

Source: MENTOR Florida