(September 12, 2022) TAMPA – On Wednesday, September 14th, nearly 400 business leaders, community partners and education supporters will come together at Armature Works in Tampa for Hillsborough Education Foundation’s 2022 EmpowerED fundraising luncheon. The annual event will celebrate stories of success for students and teachers in Hillsborough County and share how, collectively, we can rewrite the narrative to help students, teachers and public schools now and in the next chapter.
“What our theme, Rewriting the Narrative, means to me and to HEF is that together, we can help accelerate academic success through our programs, so that every student can benefit from a high-quality public education and graduates ready for success,” said Hillsborough Education Foundation CEO Kim Jowell. “We all have the power to rewrite the present narrative for students that will change their future stories and transform lives.”
It was a record-setting year for HEF last year, raising $9.5 million to support the nonprofit’s programs including mentoring, free school supplies, scholarships, technology to close the digital divide, school and classroom enrichment, teacher support and recognition and more. At the event, HEF will celebrate two new initiatives that focus on the “bookends” of education from the youngest students to graduates: Early Learning and College and Career Readiness.
You are invited to join us for EmpowerED, Presented by Suncoast Credit Union
When: Wednesday, September 14, 2022—11:45 a.m. (program begins) to 1 p.m.
Where: Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa, FL 33602
The event will be emceed by Laura Diaz, host of the Mix Morning Show on Mix 100.7. Guest speakers include Superintendent Addison Davis, Brandon High School Teacher Sasha Fuller, former mentee and graduate Suraj Ramrakhyani, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation’s Cindy Helton, HEF CEO Kim Jowell, HEF Board Chair Drew Marshall and HEF Treasurer Mark Fernandez. Bloom Girls Club student Valeria Lizardo-Cedeno and mentee Julian Brito will share how HEF’s support has helped them to overcome obstacles and impacted their lives. Plus, Alonso High School Reading Teacher Michelle Cherney will be named HEF’s volunteer of the year.
ABOUT HILLSBOROUGH EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Established in 1987, Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) is a nonprofit focused on strengthening public education by supporting teachers and empowering students to achieve academic and personal success. HEF’s resources and financial support enrich K–12 educational experiences by providing opportunities for all students. Together with our community partners, HEF strategically invests in initiatives that impact teaching quality and increase graduation rates, bolstering a thriving workforce of tomorrow and the sustainable prosperity of Tampa Bay. Learn more at educationfoundation.com.
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